Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Different Circumstances ❯ The Awakening ( Chapter 14 )

Tite Kubo owns Bleach and the characters depicted therein. The characters in this story are not mine.

 

The Awakening

 

I was waking up. As shards of memory returned, I knew I did not want to wake up because I would have a hangover from the drugs and alcohol, and there was no good reason to be conscious. I was isolated from Zaraki; I was no longer in the Seireitei. I could not feel Zaraki's presence anymore, something I had unconsciously been aware of only recently. Even that contact was denied me and for a moment I wondered if I could I bear that loss? I had to bear the loss because I was determined to return to my husband. This was only temporary; I would make sure of it.

 

Despite my brave thoughts, tears began to form in my closed eyes. Zaraki; Gin had taken me away from Zaraki. Would I ever see him again? What about Yachiru? Was she alive? Gin had stabbed her and then taken me from my life. I rubbed my eyes, feeling the moisture of my tears, knowing I was crying for Yachiru, for Zaraki, for myself.

 

“Matsumoto, are you awake?” The soft hesitant voice shocked me as I expected to be alone or with Gin. I knew the voice; I recognised the breathy quality and the gentle tones.

 

The voice encouraged me to open my eyes. A golden haze surrounded me which gradually began to fade as I watched. “Orihime? Orihime? Is that you?” I looked around the room and was thankful to see the only other person present there was my friend. Relief flooded me; I didn't want to see Gin and I didn't wish to know why he had brought me here. I hugged Orihime, glad to see she was alive and unharmed and she hugged me in return. Maybe I could find out why she was here.

 

`I was told to heal you and I have. All the bruises are gone and the bite. Where did you get the bite?” Orihime's face looked at me curiously, her eyes glancing at my neck and then away, as if embarrassed at having seen the evidence of assault.

 

“The bite? You healed the bite? I wanted to keep it.” The words erupted from my mouth before I could prevent them. Reaching my hand up to my neck, I discovered the absence of the cloth band and my searching fingers could discern no break in the skin. I didn't have a headache from the drugs and alcohol because Orihime had healed me, but she had taken the only memento I had of Zaraki. I'd hoped to keep the bite or the cloth band to remind me of my husband. It was stupid of me to hope that Gin would leave me any reminder.

 

Looking at Orihime I saw she was confused and a little upset at my reaction. “Mr Ichimaru took the thing from round your neck. He muttered something about taking the collar off his pet and he would provide you with a new collar. I don't know what he meant, but it worries me and he seemed angry even though he was smiling.”

 

“He does that sometimes. Sorry, I don't blame you. I know it seems odd, but a lot of things have happened recently. Don't worry about Gin, I can take care of myself,” I began, wishing to reassure the girl. She seemed so unhappy.

 

“Yes. We've both been brought to this place and are now trapped with the Arrancar. There're making me heal all of the injured ones. I don't want to, but they threaten me with horrible consequences if I don't. They threatened to hurt everyone: you, Rukia, Renji…Ichigo if I didn't come here. I didn't want to, but I couldn't let them hurt Ich…. everyone. Who gave you the bite, Matsumoto? I didn't think you'd let anyone hurt you like that.” Orihime blushed as she changed to subject.

 

“My husband gave me the bite.” Truth, nothing more. Why should I lie, the bite was gone and mentioning I was married made me feel a little better. Oh, Zaraki!

 

Orihime uttered the expected startled gasp. “Your husband? I didn't know you were married, or even engaged. Who did you marry? Was it Ikkaku? Or did you marry your Captain?”

 

I laughed at the absurdity of the suggestions. Marry Ikkaku or my Captain? Both suggestions were ludicrous. “No, I married Captain Zaraki; I think it was two days after you disappeared.”

 

I watched as Orihime's eyes grew very wide. “You married that Captain? I don't believe it. I mean he was very nice to me, but he scared Ichigo and well…. He doesn't seem like a person who would ever marry. Oh, listen to me. Have you known him long? Of course you have, you must have known him for years. You never said anything about him while you were with me so that's why I'm so surprised. But that means you've only be married two or three days. Why are you here?”

 

Orihime seemed to want to have every question answered at once. She hadn't changed in the short time we had been apart and I was so pleased to talk to her and to see she was well. “I only got to know him after Rukia was saved. I hardly knew him before then.” As I spoke I marvelled at how quickly my life had changed since the ryoka had invaded the Seireitei.

 

“That's hardly anytime at all and you're married already? How did that happen? Did he sweep you off your feet?” Orihime was very keen to know.

 

I felt my skin redden. How could I explain it to this innocent girl? “We noticed each other after I, um, relayed an important message.” I was not going to mention the bathhouse or the constant sex. “When I returned home after you were kidnapped, we, er, met again, um, fell in love and married very soon afterward, that would be three days ago now. I was on my honeymoon when Gin snatched me.” Three days and we had been wrenched apart against our will. I wanted Zaraki so badly I felt like howling. My highly edited version of events made me remember everything so clearly. Looking at Orihime's sweet face I didn't want to explain about Yachiru as I knew she would be upset to hear of her possible death.

 

“Wow. That's so romantic. Your honeymoon; I expect that's why..,” she stopped and blushed. She'd probably noticed the problem that had caused Captain Unohana to ban sex. I wasn't going to talk about it, but I noticed that any pain there had gone and realised she'd probably healed that as well. “So why did the former captain bring you here? He brought you in, deposited you on the ground, took off the collar, demanded I heal you completely and left. I'm sorry. I'm glad you're here for my sake, I can talk to you. I've been so lonely. The Arrancar only want me to heal them, they won't talk to me; I don't think they like me very much.” Orihime's mind flitted from one topic to another. Hugging her, I hoped they would at least let me have the comfort of the company of my friend.

 

“Gin Ichimaru was once my lover and he decided he wanted me here for some reason. He hates the fact that I married Captain Zaraki. Is there any way out of here?” I decided to answer her question as honestly as possible but ignored some of the explanation. The story about my long relationship with Gin was not one I wanted to discuss ever again.

 

Orihime's mouth opened in astonishment at the disclosed relationship. “The doors locked. There's no way I've found to escape.”

 

As she spoke I felt a tremor hit the building. We clutched each other for support as the building juddered underneath us. I was scared, wondering if it was an earthquake. The windows shook and I noticed they were barred to prevent escape. A cup fell off the table and smashed to the floor, scattering the shards everywhere, the sudden noise scaring both of us. Orihime was shaking as the earthquake continued, whimpering like the child she almost was.

 

“What was that? What the heck was that?” This place was making me more uncomfortable by the moment. Gin was here and the Arrancar who had tried to kill me, and Aizen.

 

“I don't know. For a moment I thought I could feel Ichigo. Maybe he has come to save us.” Orihime became noticeably animated at her suggestion. Her eyes sparkled as she mentioned Ichigo's name and her total belief that he was ready to invade this stronghold to rescue her, almost made me judge she was correct.

 

“That would be nice. I hope it's true.”

 

Our conversation was interrupted by the door opening. The green eyed Arrancar I had seen once before strode into the room, his face showing no emotion. “You, come with me,” he said indicating me. “I thought you were told not to talk to the woman,” he said curtly to Orihime. “Aizen sama will not be happy to hear you have disobeyed a direct instruction.”

 

He held the door open impatiently. Rising to my feet I looked at Orihime who now appeared miserable and anxious at my removal. “Poor girl. She must hate it here,” I thought. Instinctively my hand went to my zanpaku-to only to find it had gone. How could I fight without it?

 

“Of course your weapon was removed. You are a pet and pets do not need weapons. Stop dawdling and get moving or I will hurt you.” His voice was cold and emotionless as he eyes regarded me dispassionately. The word `pet' disturbed me as Orihime had used it before. I did not want to think what it meant.

 

“Can't she stay with me, please Ulquiorra? We're friends,” Orihime did not sound hopeful as she made her request, her eyes looking bleakly at the Arrancar.

 

“It is precisely that you are friends that you are being separated. That disturbance you felt was the arrival of some fools who think they can save you. Come now, Ichimaru's pet. He's waiting for you.”

 

I felt cold and ill. Gin was waiting for me and the Arrancar was calling me a pet. I couldn't use my blade to protect myself; I would have to rely on kido. Following Ulquiorra as slowly as I could, I thought hard to find a method of escape. Nothing I thought of seemed to help. All my ideas were confounded by grief and fear; fear of Gin, fear of Aizen and profound grief for all my friends, even Yachiru. I wouldn't allow my mind to stray to thoughts of Zaraki.

 

As we approached a door a further, stronger tremor shook the building and I fell onto my knees at the impact. The shock waves seemed to last longer this time. Ulquiorra clutched at the wall and managed to remain upright while the floor undulated underneath. Once everything was still again, I thought I felt a brief touch of Zaraki's reiatsu, but immediately dismissed the hope. He wouldn't have followed me here; the Captain-General would not allow it and I was sure that Captain Kurotsuchi would immediately play on the fact I had left with Gin; crowing that he was right and I was in league with the traitors. I didn't know if it was possible that anyone had seen the blade at my throat. If Yachiru was dead they might think I had killed her. If she was alive she may be too badly wounded to talk, or too traumatised, or possibly told Zaraki I had left willingly. I hoped she was still alive, no matter what. But I forced myself to believe Zaraki would not come.

 

“More fools to the slaughter,” remarked the Arrancar impassively as he knocked on the door. “It doesn't matter how many Shinigami, humans or creatures are sent here. There is no possibility you will leave unless Ichimaru permits it.”

 

I heard Gin's voice call out the demand to enter and Ulquiorra opened the door. I hung back, unwilling to go into the room, averse to be alone with the man I once loved. My `guide' noticed and grabbing me by the arm, hauled me into the room, only letting go once I was in the middle of the room. He bowed briefly to Gin and left, closing the door quietly behind him.

 

I was left standing in the room, longing to be elsewhere. My heart was beating very fast and I felt a lump form in my throat. The room was plainly furnished but did contain a large bed at which I tried not to look. Gin was seated comfortably on a chair, smiling at me.

 

“Ran, so good to see you well, my pet. You were in considerable disarray when I finally retrieved you. What had you been doing?” Gin said. He waited, obviously expecting a reply, but I kept my lips tightly shut. “Ran, don't be irritable that I didn't take you with me originally. I was tempted when you were holding me close, your blade at my throat, and your body touching mine. You wanted the contact, you were so eager to seize me that no one else had a chance to try. For that brief time, it was pleasant to be your prisoner and now you are mine. I couldn't bring you with me then. There was a lot we had to work out. It doesn't matter, you're here now. We're back together as you always wanted. Come, kiss me.”

 

I did not move. Kissing Gin was not going to happen, not unless I was forced. When I looked at him I clearly remembered how he'd stabbed Yachuri when she'd tried to protect me. The swell of hate I felt for this man staggered me. From love to hate in such a short time; but had I loved him or accepted the semblance of love?

 

“Could you control your enthusiasm at seeing me, please? It's likely to overwhelm me, the excitement you're displaying at being with me again,” he said sarcastically and continued with a bitterness I had not expected. “After all the trouble I went to so you wouldn't feel my loss and this is the thanks? You're not even talking to me. There's no need for pretence, the thug is not here. I'll permit you to admit you missed me and your relief at being alone with me again. Perhaps that's the problem; you can't believe it. It's true. Don't doubt it. You never have to see that freak again,” Gin smiled at me complacently as he rose to his feet. “Kiss me, Ran, my pet.”

 

My mouth stretched into a grimace of disgust but I remained silent. He'd called me his pet twice. I did not like how that sounded.

 

Laconically Gin locked the door and came close, preparing to embrace me. I pushed my hands out, holding him away from me, not wanting to touch him, but not wishing for his arms to hold me. He seemed incredulous at my reaction and stepped back. “Careful of that enthusiasm, Ran. I'll kiss you soon. Stop being so keen.” He paused for a beat and then as I continued to resist he asked, “What's going on? I told you there's no need to pretend. You're free of that meaningless marriage and you never have to see the animal again.”

 

“I'm not pretending, and stop insulting my husband. I told you before; I love him, more than I ever loved you. Let me leave, let me go back to him and I'll try to persuade him not to kill you.” `But I won't try very hard', I thought.

 

Gin laughed, cruelly. “You'll try to persuade that kind and gentle being, Kenpachi, to spare my life. You're so generous, kind and intelligent. I considered having my hearing checked earlier when you told me you loved that thing. I didn't believe it then and I don't believe it now. You've always loved me, always went out of your way to do anything to please me. This attitude, your words do not please me,” he grabbed me and in spite of my struggles, pressed his mouth against mine. I jerked my head away, kicking him hard, desperate to be free of his touch. He reacted unexpectedly; removing his mouth from mine and slapping me twice across the face with the flat of his hand.

 

Astounded I put my hands on my cheeks and backed away from him. Even when Zaraki had been angry with me, he'd bitten me, but never slapped me, not even the first time when I had bitten, kicked and tried to hurt him. I missed him so much.

 

“That's what you want, isn't it Ran? Are you used to the violence now, because of your `husband'? Does it make you excited when he hits you? Is that his idea of foreplay? I'm happy to oblige. Might add something that was missing before when we fucked,” Gin was moving nearer his hand curving into a fist.

 

“Zaraki doesn't slap me,” I protested backing further away. Was Gin planning to beat me?

 

“Zaraki doesn't slap me,” he mimicked my voice. “When I brought you here your body was so unmarked, it looked like he'd barely touched you. Yeah, I undressed you and looked before I got the girl to heal you. I considered fucking you then, but decided to wait until you were conscious. What about the thing you were hiding under that collar? Hmn? That bite? It didn't look like a love bite. Love bites don't normally have teeth marks. Who gave you that? Could it have been your loving spouse?” Gin demanded. He was very close now and my back was against the wall.

 

I hesitated. Quietly I began to utter a binding spell as Gin's hands moved toward my sash obviously preparing to undress me. I grabbed at them, wishing I had my zanpaku-to.

 

As I uttered the last word, Gin used the counter and laughed as his hands continued to undo my sash. “You haven't changed. Did I expect more? Don't be more stupid than normal, Ran. I knew you would try to do that; you're so predictable when you fight. I didn't hear you deny that Kenpachi gave you the bite. Violent bastard, you must be desolate to be free of him. Now, you are going to remove your clothes, lie on the bed and bring me pleasure? Or even better you can suck my cock. That's why you're here, after all. To do whatever I command.” He pinched a nipple viciously and I flinched at the pain.

 

“No.” I wanted to throw up. Sex with Gin? His touch revolted me. I pushed him away again.

 

“Ran, you don't understand, you don't have a choice.” He stood close to me, his arms folded over his chest. “I'm not making a request. Why do you think you're here? For your scintillating conversation? Because I couldn't bear to be parted from you? Yeah, of course, being away from you broke my heart. Now, strip and lie on the bed, or I'll force you.”

 

“So, you'll rape me. That's what forced sex is, Gin; rape. I don't want to have sex with you ever or kiss you or let you touch me. The thought of sex with you makes me want to vomit. I will not remove my clothes or bring you pleasure. It's over between us.”

 

“No it isn't. You really don't get it, do you? What was I thinking? How could I expect you to understand something so very complex? I'll try and dumb it down for you, Ran. You are going to suck me and fuck me. You have to do as I say,” he said, his hands moving again to my breasts pulling on my nipples.

 

My knee shot out and I felt a moment of triumph as it connected with him. I watched him bend over, cradling the area I had injured. Damn, I'd missed his groin and got him in the stomach. “Don't touch me again. I don't want you, I don't love you and I will not have sex with you. Physical contact with you disgusts me and I feel ill when you kiss me. Do you understand now, or should I dumb it down for you? I love Zaraki and hate you. Do you know before you abducted me, Captain Unohana banned us from having sex because we couldn't stop fucking each other. We've had constant sex since we married and we were going to have more, once the party was over. Looking at him makes me hot, kissing him drives me wild and he makes me come over and over again. The very first time we screwed, I came, screaming his name. His penis is huge, and he knows how to use it. You can't even compete, Gin; you were never that good in bed; I know that now I have someone to compare you with. Renji's a better lover than you.”

 

“Slut! The animal has a big dick, so what? You'll never feel it inside you again. It's like he was never your lover. I was going to keep you just for my use, but now I think I will share you with Aizen. You've been spreading those legs for everyone since I dumped you, but I fixed that. Aizen was right. You're nothing but a whore, but now you're here, you can whore yourself for me,” Gin was recovering and the anger in his voice and body made me feel a little scared. I raised my arm to fend off the anticipated blow, but he pushed it aside and slapped me hard. I fell against the wall, dazed and hurt.

 

“Not Aizen,” I said in a whisper. The thought of that man raping me again, almost made me agree to have sex with Gin, but I immediately dismissed the thought. I would not willingly screw anyone, except Zaraki.

 

“Are you getting turned on yet, Ran. How many more times do I have to hit you to make you strip? I've never considered this as foreplay, but seeing you're enjoying it so much, I'll continue,” Gin's breath was harsh and I wondered if he liked this. He thrust his hand between my legs, grabbing at me as I struggled.

 

“I'm not going to strip for you or have sex with you. Slapping does not excite me, but it seems to be making you hard. I always wondered if there was something a little twisted about you, all the weird things you wanted to try…” I began and stopped when Gin punched me in the stomach, twice. I fell to the floor, clutching the area he had struck, feeling the pain explode in my mind as well as my body.

 

“There's nothing wrong with my preferences. How could I expect you to understand? I'll explain this once more. All you have to do is strip, and bring me pleasure and I'll stop hurting you. You have no other choice.” Gin grabbed me by the hair and pulled me to my feet. I tried to resist, but he slapped me again. Dragging me over to the bed he pushed me onto it, pulling at my hakama, sliding them over my hips.

 

“No,” I protested receiving more hard slaps in answer to my denial and a further punch, this time to my chest. My head was hurting and I was feeling dizzy from the pain. Weak tears were spilling down my cheeks.

 

I was now nude from the waist down and I tried to rise from the bed only to be pushed down again. Gin had removed his hakama and I could see evidence of his arousal. Seeing his penis again, I realised how much smaller he was than my two chosen lovers. I caught myself, amazed I was even thinking this way. It was immaterial how large he was; he still intended to rape me and I didn't want him inside me knowing he would make it hurt. Pulling my legs apart with one hand, he knelt between my thighs. “I'm looking forward to this,” he said as if to himself. “I've always wanted to fuck another man's wife without him being able to stop me and because you're resisting, I can just take my pleasure as I will. I think I'll enjoy this. You call it rape; I call it amusing.”

 

I tried to twist away and bring my legs together as Gin readied himself. Quietly, knowing he was distracted as he tried to keep me still, I began to utter a binding spell. Just when he was about to thrust into me, I uttered the final word. His face a mask of astonishment, Gin fell to his side. I struggled up from the bed and replaced my clothes, feeling sick from the beating he'd administered. Gingerly, I looked around the room for something to tie him up and found some bonds. Wondering why they were there I quickly tied Gin's hands and legs together before he recovered. Searching through the pockets of his discarded trousers I found my cloth band and the key to the room. I put the cloth band, the reminder of my husband, around my neck.

 

“Are you going to leave me like this, Ran? It doesn't seem fair after all I've done for you. All the care I've shown you,” Gin said petulantly. He didn't seem too worried at the change in supremacy.

 

“No, I'll gag you before I leave, but I have some questions to ask. You answer them or I'll think of a way of hurting you. Maybe you would like me to treat you the way you treated me, or maybe I could tie something tight around that pitiful erection you have.” Gin gulped slightly as I smiled at him humourlessly. The pain was receding, slightly, but that didn't mean I would forgive him. “Explain how you got into the Seireitei?'

 

“But I want to get inside you. Won't you let me…No you won't, you heartless bitch. You've finally bagged a Captain and now you have no more use for me, do you? I didn't return here with the others after your `husband' turned up. I stole some clothes and pretended to be an ordinary soul. We'd planned for that. It was so simple. Yesterday an announcement was made that money could be earned by serving the Shinigami at some party or other. I guessed it was something to do with you. I bribed the Shinigami who made the announcement and was one of the lucky ones chosen. He promised not to do any checks on me because of the dosh I paid him. What a fool. As soon as I made my way past the barriers, I lured him down a street and killed him. Hiding the body took more time than killing him and no one noticed, not with all the disorder. I had the foresight to take some drugs with me that easily dissolve in liquid. Unfortunately, it doesn't kill; otherwise this coming war would be unnecessary. I'd thought there would be more security. The 2nd Division idiots who were supposed to be guarding you didn't even see me slip my zanpaku-to in their backs. Is that what you needed to know, you piece of fucking meat,” Gin was smug as he related the information. He didn't seem scared, even though he was tied up, though I could see him trying to release his hands.

 

How many people had died while he was `retrieving' me? I felt a massive surge of guilt overwhelm me and I sank to the floor, feeling the pain from the beating and the guilt swamp me. I didn't have time for this. I had to escape.

 

“Why did you kill Yachiru? You could have left her, you didn't have to stab her like that,” I wanted to know.

 

Gin made a pfft noise. “Why worry about that annoying little twerp? She said she didn't like you and you're worried about her? You're such a fool, Ran. Wanting to protect people who dislike you, falling in love with a guy I wouldn't trust and then marrying him. Kenpachi Zaraki must be such a loving husband. He bit you and you're still defending him. Why did he bite you? Was it because he was jealous of me? Jealous that I was first?” His continued struggle to free his hands was more obvious and I felt relief that I had managed to tie him so well. I didn't want him to get loose and attack me again.

 

“Shut up, Gin. Do you know how ridiculous you look tied up, half naked with a semi flaccid penis? Not even slightly erotic; more sad than sexy.” Getting to my feet, I decided to mock him.

 

“So, it was because of me. You always change the subject when you don't want to answer the question. Your loving husband bit you on the neck like the animal he is. And you're complaining about a few slaps from me. Fool,” his grin was wide but not too convincing as he was frowning while vigorously trying to release his hands.

 

That bite. I placed my hand on my neck where it had been. “He bit me. Then he showed me what you and Tosen did to him. I know you helped Tosen; it's the type of sordid thing you would think of, trying to hang a new Captain so you could take his place. That mark around his neck won't fade like mine would have. Yeah, Zaraki bit me and then tried to heal me and then he told me he would never let you have me and you can guess what we did next. You're the fool Gin.”

 

“Um, Ran. Where did you get the things you tied me up with?” He didn't seem to be listening to me.

 

Why was he asking that? I'd just used some cord I'd found near the chair he'd been sitting in. “Why?”

 

“Just curious,” I noticed a sheen of sweat of Gin's forehead as he struggled harder.

 

“They were near the chair,” the words were hardly out of my mouth before Gin started yelling at me.

 

“Bitch. You used the stuff I was going to tie you up with and then let Aizen in here. It makes using kido impossible and is a bugger to get out of unless someone helps you.” He paused for a moment and smiled at me unconvincingly. “Untie me, please Ran,” the last words were said imploringly in the tone he had always used when he wanted me to do something. I'd always complied.

 

“Keeping me for yourself? That was another lie. Why would I untie you? Why do you even think I would? I'm leaving. Don't worry, I won't kill you; I'll leave that entertainment for my husband. Thanks for helping me realise what a loser you are.” I grabbed his hakama, began gagging him and then thought of a question. “Where's my zanpaku-to?” He shook his head, so I just shrugged and gagged him.

 

I checked my appearance before I left. Both cheeks were red from the slaps he'd inflicted and bruises were forming on them and my chest. It didn't matter. I was trying to escape, nothing more, but I was sure I could faintly feel Zaraki's reiatsu.

 

“Bye, bye ex-Captain Ichimaru. I'll tell my husband all the details of how well you treated me. Did I mention that compared to Renji and Zaraki, you have a really tiny penis? I hope I never have to see you, or it, again. This time I'm the one to walk away,” I cooed as I opened the door. Once outside I locked the door and left, taking the key with me. Walking down the long hallway, I retraced my way to where Orihime was being held. Maybe I could free her and we could escape together.

 

Rounding the corner, I stopped, shocked. The tall strong figure facing in the other direction was wearing a Captain's coat: Number 11. I could see the bells. My heart leapt and I could hardly keep my knees from giving way. How had Zaraki managed to find me so quickly?

 

A.N:

 

Yeah, no lemon. I did warn you.

 

Gin is portrayed in this manner because of plot development.

 

Thanks to the people who review. Review please and I'll update.