Hello :D
Chapter VII is already out. I tried to post another one ASAP since it took forever for Chapter VI. So… this is a little present in advance :)
Usual disclaimer, reminder and warnings.
Friendly reminder: this story will be slightly AU and some characters might be OOC. For anyone who is not into YAOI, please do not go or read any further, this is not going to be your cup of tea :)
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of its characters, they all belong to Tite Kubo-Sensei etc., etc.
WARNINGS: Spoiler alert for anyone who is not up to date with the manga and only watched the anime! Somewhere along the way might contain but is not limited to include dark themes, suicidal thoughts, heavy sexual contest, yaoi (again xD) and some other themes not suitable for under-age reader. Read at your own risk and discretion! And if you don't like, please don't hate too much :3
This Chapter is dedicated to those who need an escape from the World Around Us.
Happy Holiday Season :)
Chapter VII
A sunny day, birds chirping around and the insufferable noise of vehicles passing by. Ossan and Masaki made their way to the downtown area. The downtown was busy with people passing by, some going to work, others just roaming around, while thirds were shopping. A soft sigh escaped Ossan's lips. Seeing Masaki's excitement, he reminded himself it was worth the trouble.
The little girl was cheerfully skipping around, moving from one spot to the other. It was her first time in a big city or shopping. She remembered stories her mother used to tell her about all different kinds of activities, foods to taste, things to see. None of the stories gave enough credit to all the brightness and colors surrounding her. They passed the public garden… What was it called again? Oh! A park. Whoever was in charge must be vey skilled. They soon crossed the main road and entered the pedestrian only zone. She was glad for that, cars were loud and smelled funny.
'Oh my gosh! So many stands, so many windows! Are they all stores? How can a person choose only one? How do we decide where to go first? Oh, what's that nice scents? Could it be the food stall mom mentioned?'
Her interior monologue was interrupted by Ossan who placed his hand on her shoulder.
"It's about time we enter one of the stores. We should start by taking a large suitcase where we can store some of the purchases. After that, we should concentrate on your wardrobe and any other supplies. Don't hesitate to let me know should anything catch your attention."
With a plan in mind and even more enthusiasm from Masaki, they entered the first store. Luggage and more luggage, this stop was fast. Enter, see one you like and out. Masaki chose a light blue suitcase with taffy pink flower patters.
Next was the undergarment store. Ossan wisely gave his credit card to Masaki and opted to wait for her outside. As was his custom, he expanded his senses to make sure there was no danger and waited. About an hour later a happy Masaki came out. No visible bags in hand, since she had her lovely suitcase. Clothes and shoes were a completely different scenario, one he had not predicted. It took nearly three hours to leave the first two shop. Masaki not fully satisfied.
A break was in order. It took some time to choose what to eat from the many different menus. In the end they took a delicacy from several different ones as well as drinks.
With their energy restored the second part of the spree was underway and four hours later they were done. Ossan exhausted beyond his wildest imagination. Who would have thought this could be such a hassle? Could it be Shirosaki had anticipated this kind of result? If he had, then he understood why he pulled out from this task and took two instead.
On the bright side, Masaki was joyful and silently singing a tune. Her suitcase full a long time ago and both still carrying bags, Ossan more than her being the gentleman he was. They made their way back to the inn. At the entrance they met the bubbly bellman who was overjoyed at seeing them. Noticing the many purchases, he insisted on helping. It did not take much time for everything to be settled. Masaki choosing the moment of the bellman's leave to change in something more comfortable. She did not take too much time and came out of the restroom dressed in a sherbet orange pleated dress with short sleeves and white stripes on the seams. White sandals on her feet and a cream blazer in hand.
Taking the car key, Ossan lead the young girl to the car. It was time to make an impromptu visit to the Ishida's. The car ride was quiet, too quiet for the bouncy teen. She broke the silence with non-specific chatter, jumping from one theme to another. No radio or music was needed, as she was able to make up for both with her liveliness.
They arrived in front of the closed metal fence. It was a minimalistic three-aisled residence. An odd sensation radiated from the house. Ossan immediately raising his guard up, he would not chance Masaki's wellbeing. He left the car, approached the fence and raised his reiatsu as though announcing themselves. Masaki, oblivious to the tense atmosphere, had dedicated all her attention to the gorgeous garden located at both sides of the entrance, veiled behind the walls unless you were to look from the fence from odd angles.
A butler, a young male in his early thirties with black hair, dressed in a black and white uniform, cautiously approached, assessing the intentions of the ones at the gate. One look at the Heika was all he needed to bow low respectfully and open the gates. Using a device, he notified the household of the visitors. Meanwhile, Ossan re-entered the car and drove to the drive-in parking lot. The butler at their side within seconds, panic written all over his youthful face.
"Heika, welcome to the Ishida manor. I apologize for the reiatsu display, we did not expect a visit from You, Your Majesty. Had we been aware, a more appropriate welcome would have been arranged in Your honor."
After so many centuries, Ossan was not a man of too many formalities. However, he knew he had to revert back to his former self. Not that many adjustments would be required. After all, he had kept his astute and cold front, his regal mannerism and strict posture. The only thing he had to tread carefully was the usage of titles.
"It is quite alright. I did come unannounced. You can relax, no harm done. Please do take us to the Family head, there are some matters I would like to discuss."
The butler nodded in agreement and escorted the two to the center of the house. Just like the outside, the interior was rather plain with minimalistic to no-décor. From the center they took a hallway to the right and entered a minor conference room. Except a large oak table, ten chairs and the few pieces of furniture, there was not much else to see in this room. The butler politely requested for the guests to take a seat at any of the available spots. He inquired if there was anything he might offer or serve.
Ossan, knowing the etiquette, requested for tea and some refreshments. Masaki at his side calm and tranquil. If one was to ask her, she would say she was bored out of her mind. Yet, she too was given lessons while being raised and she quickly adapted to her surroundings. The butler respectfully bowed and left the room.
Both sat down on the chairs at the center of the table and patiently waited. Shortly the door opened revealing a male in his late thirties with fair skin and silver hair. His dark gray eyes concealed behind thin square shaped glasses gleamed with intelligence and kindness. He was completely dressed in white. The only splash of color was his necktie, light blue with white crosses, a blue cross on the back of the suit he wore and black on white shoes.
Right behind him came a lady in early or even mid-thirties. She has short black hair and dark blue eyes. Eyes so cold and piercing they could cut steel. Dressed in a plain white shirt, a long straight navy-blue skirt and wearing white oxford shoes. Her presence demanded respect. Perhaps this was due to the slight limp she was relentlessly trying to hide.
A young man came after her. Even at the tender age of sixteen the boy gave off a pleasant yet serious vibe. Short white hair and sharp-edged glasses were trying to hide the blue of his eyes. He wore a light blue and white checkered shirt, pale blue jeans and black tennis shoes. All three members of the Ishida had rigid stances, as though they had to be alert for any surprise attacks. They took their seats on the opposite side of their uninvited guests.
Out of the three people, Masaki definitely liked the aura from the youngest member. Not in a romantic way, but there was this sense of security he was emitting without even trying. There was a pleasant sensation from the older member and she could feel even warmth and endless endurance from the lady of the house. This would be her first time meeting other Quincies outside of the comfort of her own mansion. The idea both painful and thrilling.
Ossan was the first to move and extended his hand in a non-threatening manner to greet the family heads. If you were to measure the temperature in the room, you'd notice it got much warmer just by that small gesture of friendliness.
Though visibly more relaxed the family head spoke with a hint of worry and suspicion in his voice.
"Heika? Are you truly the Heika? Pardon the doubt, however we were lead to believe you were sealed centuries ago. From our intel, the seal is yet to be broken. So, how could you possibly be the Kurosaki Heika?"
Stoic features had to quickly camouflage an amused smile.
'Soken, always the distrusting diplomat. Seems like he too was reincarnated this time around.'
"I can understand your caution and I do approve. Though, I am positive you can sense down to your very core the truth in front of your very own eyes. I both am and am not the Heika. Your information regarding the seal is most certainly correct."
Everyone, including Masaki stared at the man they all could feel to be their Heika. How could he say he was and wasn't the Emperor? How can one person be both at the same time?
He continued. "You all seem confused by my words." All present parties mentally cried a united. 'No kidding genius.'
"To put it simply, I am Kurosaki Juhabach the Quincy King. However, though, I am but a fragment. Most of my powers as well as my main body are still sealed away. The location of the seal remains unknown. Had I the knowledge, I would have already removed the seal one way or the other. Being just a fragment of my former self, I do retain my knowledge and skills. While separated from my main source, I can continue to acquire new education and insight. An essential ability judging by the way the world has changed in recent decades."
It would not be an exaggeration to conclude all present were speechless. For one, finding out that the person in front of you was but a meager portion of the one they've all been told so much about. For another that same piece was giving you a logical reasoning behind its' own attendance.
"But if you really are a fragment, how come you can be seen by regular humans?" The question, surprisingly, came from Masaki. She knew the bellman and all the staff at the inn had been capable of seeing Kurosaki-sama. If he truly was just a soul fragment, he should be invisible to all but those who were spiritually aware.
Ossan looked fondly at Masaki. 'Such a bright girl.'
"That would be a long story, one that would require a lot of time. But it is also a very personal and private matter, which I am not willing to share as of this moment either."
The words were said casually, though Masaki could have sworn she saw hurt and pain in Kurosaki-sama's eyes. Just what could have happened to warrant such a reaction at the bare thought?
They were all interrupted by a light knocking sound. The butler, accompanied by a young maid with long black hair tied in a ponytail entered the room with a tray full of refreshments. Tea and pastries were distributed to all those present. The servants left shortly, not wanting to invade the privacy of the meeting.
A calculating, yet cautious Lady Ishida was next to speak.
"Well, it seems we have reached a stand-still. How could we be certain of Your true identity? There are many a way to manipulate reishi and senses. Is there any way You could prove Your claim?"
"I would expect nothing less but the ever-direct approach from you, Else. Your personality is forevermore chained to your spirit in this or in your previous lives. But that is not where your interests are. You require proof. Auswählen is out of the equation. How about you feel it with your very flesh and blood?"
In an instant two swords manifested. A long blue reishi broadsword with a star formed guard, this sword was as tall as the Emperor himself and appeared to have come out of nowhere. The second was also a reishi sword. This one reminiscent of an ornate Dadao (big knife). The long handle and the cross-guard shaped like a bird were unmistakable. None of the Quincy had ever been able to create anything similar. The broadsword could have been considered a trick or a result of intense training. But the black one… Only the Heika had ever been able to create such a solid sword out of reiatsu and reishi. There were no more doubts. The person right in front of them was truly his Majesty, the Quincy King.
Realization struck the elder members of the Ishida household and were about to stand and bow down, but were stopped by a wave of Ossan's hand.
"As I mentioned before, it is only normal to be dubious. Now that everything has been settled we can proceed to more important matters. Before we do start, I would like to introduce to you the lovely young lady at my left. She is Kurosaki Masaki, the last living Kurosaki."
Masaki, who, up to that moment, had remained silent and unmoving, suddenly stood up and bowed while re-introducing herself. All nodded their heads in polite response and welcome. A pointed look was sent Soken's way. Brown eyes with a tint of red met dark gray and a silent conversation was held between the two male family leaders. The whole staring lasted just a few second, but were more than enough.
"Ryuken, why don't you show the young lady around the house? I am sure she would enjoy the company of someone her age. You may ask for Katagiri's presence. The more the merrier, yes?"
The now named Ryuken, stood from his spot and graciously invited the young girl to follow. Closing the door behind them, both were finally able to leave all the tension behind. They commenced a friendly talk which turned into an enjoyable chit-chat. They requested through one of the servants around the mansion for Katagiri to meet them in the gardens as both liked greenery and open spaces. Although neither wanted to comment on the fact they had been kicked out of the meeting, they did not mind much and trusted the adults could try and hide whatever made them happy. Teenagers would always find a way to figure things out their own ways.
Back in the conference room, the remaining three were as tense as they had been since the beginning.
Naturally, it was Ossan to take the lead in the conversation again.
"Thank you for allowing the children to get to know each other. I am sure it will be most beneficiary. Onto more serious subjects. I am not certain weather you are aware or not of the fact that the Kurosaki family branches have incurred several 'incidents' within a very short span of time. I came here for several reasons. One of them is to double check that the same is not happening to your families." At this he stopped and watched for any reaction.
The two Ishida's looked at each other and both negated either statement. Ossan internally sighed. He had anticipated as much, but it never hurt to be sure.
Soken spoke up next. "With all due respect. We believed that the decrease was caused due to lack of pure blooded Quincy. Our family has kept to traditions and never married Gemischt. As the head of the family, I can vouch the lore of old has been passed down from generation to generation. We were under the belief the Kurosaki were doing the same."
Ossan nodded in understanding. "Unfortunately, there are more reasons to the mortality of my family. Which brings forth my next question. Has anything out of the ordinary occurred in recent years?"
Soken was not inclined to answer that question. It was clear by the sudden stiffing of his shoulders. Ossan took the chance and fed a bit more information.
"I am inquiring for the sake of the future and our legacies. Prior to my arrival, I received letters from the branch head reporting suspicious activities, activities involving shadows. I landed in Japan a day ago to find a destroyed manor and a lucky girl. The residues indicating to an attack from our own kind. It is only reasonable I would want to investigate such events. I am merely assuring the rest of my children and future ones are safe."
Else abruptly stood from her seat, a stern look aimed at her husband. That was all it took for the man to cave in and speak up.
"Well, there is the regrouping of Quincies. Survivors from the war and minor families seem to have gathered around and are looking for followers. From what I've seen they are trying to find a way to break the seal placed upon You. In doing so, they are evolving their skills. They did make a request for us to join the cause, which we did. However, something felt odd. The person who initiated the whole gathering hides from view. There are probably only a handful of men he trusts or who know his face. The rest of us are mostly kept in the dark. Since they have been using new unorthodox powers, utterly contrary to the tradition of our kind I decided to leave. They live within the shadows of Soul Society. But at this point, I'm afraid I cannot return. The shadows are strongly protected and unless a specific medallion is used, none can enter."
The narration brought only more questions to poor Ossan.
'Figures, instead of getting a straight answer, we receive even more clues. Though one thing is finally certain, Quincies have been reunited, just as Shirosaki predicted and they are forming an army. Supposedly, they want to break the seal. But the attack was done by the same group. And this shy leader… I can pray it is not Soren, for there will be hell to pay.'
His musing was brought to an end by Else's concerned calls of Ossan's title.
"My apologies, I do tend to overthink when I receive new data. What you have just told me has fortified my previous hypothesis about gathered troops. I cannot fathom what could have triggered an order to attack my last remaining family. I do have an associate who believes they may have been looking for something or someone. This brings me to the last topic I wanted to discuss and it concerns Masaki."
A pause followed by words of doom. "Would you consider taking Kurosaki Masaki in your custody?"
I can't believe we've reached Chapter VII ^.^
Taffy, sherbet orange… Who knew there were so many different names for various shades of similar colors? It really surprised me.
*Else* = German girl name meaning 'Noble'.
Hehe, my last sentence was supposed to be "A pause followed by solemn words", but the one above sounded so cool and I simply had to use it. You can blame my muse for that x3 (ok you can blame me too for listening, BUT IT'S STILL COOL! XD)
Looking forward to any and all criticism, just please don't hate :3
Quick recap: English is not my mother language so if I made any mistakes or any errors, please let me know. I am the writer and the spellcheck person all in one. I'm getting the feeling this is getting old, but I love feeling safe xD
Wishing everyone a great day/night ahead :)