Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Different Circumstances ❯ The Package ( Chapter 23 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

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

The Package

I had nearly left 4th Division when I become conscious of one important thing. Dashing back inside, I quickly dressed in my uniform and brushed my hair. The 4th Division garments were not appropriate for meeting with a Captain and tended to be slightly uncomfortable and tended to let in too much air. With all the events happening after I woke, I could understand why I hadn't even thought of dressing, but I knew if I was to meet with Captain Fong, she would insist that I was dressed correctly. In view of this I placed the 10th Division insignia on my sash.

As soon as I left the building I was blocked by two people from the Special Forces. One explained that as10th Division was under lockdown any person assigned to the Division had to be escorted within the Seireitei, except for the Captain. I nodded and then explained I needed to visit their commander.

“She wishes to see you. Come this way,” I was told gruffly.

As I followed them I thought about the person I had asked to see. Captain Fong was a strange woman, one I could not begin to understand. Most people believed that she had been Yoruichi's lover but it was mainly rumour and I knew, from experience, that rumours were not always true. On the surface she had appeared unaffected by Yoruichi's departure but she had expressed her admiration of her former captain on many occasions. The one time she had made a pass at me I'd felt sorry for her. Her face had been filled with longing for the closeness I denied her, but I could not change my nature. She'd done nothing to harm me for the rejection, never showed that she remembered the incident. When she had made the offer of protection on the day of my marriage I had wondered why she was trying to help. Earlier that day, her reaction had indicated her strong opposition to my union with Zaraki, and the change of mind confused me.

I looked at the small package that Toshiro had given me. It was well sealed and felt strangely heavy and lumpy. Why would he send anything to her? I didn't think they knew each other well. Why had he asked me to take it? I knew our Division was under lockdown but he could have asked anyone to be a messenger.

Walking through the streets I noticed they were much quieter than normal, but that was to be expected. Three Divisions were now confined, because of me, because of Momo, because of all the events that had been set in train by Aizen. I didn't care what happened to 12th Division but I was concerned about my Division and Zaraki's. Without Zaraki, Yachiru, Ikkaku or Yumichika there to watch over the 11th, there might well be anarchy and it seemed wrong that all these problems were happening at once. I didn't worry too much about my Division because Toshiro would keep a firm hold on the situation and his other adjuncts were well trained and capable. It was quiet as my escorts moved silently and they did not speak to each other or to me. Noticing my surroundings I became aware that I was being led towards 11th Division and Zaraki's quarters. It made me wonder: if the Division was under lockdown would I still be allowed to sleep there? Or would I be confined to 10th Division?

“Come with me,” the peremptory command shocked me and I turned to see the Captain I was seeking staring at me. She made a motion to her people and they vanished soundlessly.

“I have this for you from my Captain.” I proffered the package to her and she unwillingly took it from me. For a moment I thought she would slip it into her pocket for later, but she undid one end and the hard object within slipped into her palm. I gave an exclamation. The object within her hand was a work of art. The subject of the sculpture was a hornet carved from fine white jade with its sting poised ready to strike. The sting was edged with gold and while I found it menacing, the detail was perfect. Even though it was a statue, it seemed that the hornet's wings would begin to move any moment and it would strike whoever was near. It was larger than a normal hornet, but still quite small and faultlessly proportioned. I looked at Captain Fong. Why would Toshiro send her something so obviously valuable? Why was there a flush of colour in the Captain's cheeks? I knew there had to be a letter accompanying the package and wished I could read it.

Her eyes were wide and she couldn't seem to draw her gaze from the gift. Noticing my observation she slipped the figure back into the packet and carefully placed it in her pocket. “I will read the letter later. You may need to carry a reply to your Captain,” her dignity encompassed her again. “You need to show yourself to 10th and 11th Divisions so they can be assured that you are still living. Captain Hitsugaya has reassured 10th Division but verbal assurance is not working on the 11th so well.” She turned and strode toward 11th Division and I followed as we went past the guards posted at the gate. She walked to the outside of my husband's quarters where a large, rowdy group of the Division were gathered. They quietened when they saw us.

“Here is your Captain's wife, alive and unharmed,” she announced once we were within earshot. “Will you stop acting like fools? How will your Captain feel if he hears of this?” The disdain in her tone made my back stiffen. 11th Division would not take kindly to be addressed in this manner.

“He'll probably tell us we should have gone and executed the tart who tried to kill his wife,” one of them muttered. “And we should have slaughtered 12th Division while we had the chance. They caused this.”

“Yeah, less scum to crowd this place. But at least the woman's alive and looking good. I've always liked looking at her,” one of them mumbled and was promptly swatted by the men standing around him.

“Good thing the Captain didn't hear you say that, idiot,” one told him. “You can look, if he doesn't catch you, but don't talk and definitely don't touch.”

“She's the captain wife, not just a woman. What about the bint that tried to kill you?” one man I knew slightly by sight asked. “Is she still alive? Will she try to murder you again?”

What was his name? Tite? Tintin? Then I remembered. “Lieutenant Hinamori has been suffering from a serious disorder, Tuan” how could I tell them that she had been crazy and then gotten better? That would be ludicrous. “4th Division have worked out a cure and she is now in her right mind. Please don't send anyone else to kill her. She won't hurt anyone and she is under my protection.” I thought I should add the last part to prove that I didn't want her hurt.

“You keep away from that nut job,” Tuan instructed me. “Don't give her a second chance.”

The rumble of agreement was very loud and I tried to smile at them, though all I felt was grief for Momo. I couldn't desert her, not after all our shared experiences, but now she had Iemura. Maybe Momo would be better for his proximity and he seemed to have a calming effect on her. His love for her was obvious and I wondered if she would grow to love him as she had assured me she would. I quietly thanked the graces that Toshiro had not proposed to her then unwillingly dragged my attention back to the people in front of me. They had to be distracted from any further thoughts of revenge. Tuan did not have the right to instruct me, but to keep the peace I said nothing of that.

“And stay away from 12th Division, too. Next time the attack may be from them, not some stupid girl,” an older man told me. I wondered who he was as he spoke with authority and seemed to have the respect of the men surrounding him. I could not recall seeing him, or I may have seen him, but not noticed him particularly.

I cleared my throat and hoped they would listen to me. “Your Captain will be informed of your care for me and I'm sure he will reward you, but for now we have to keep the peace. We shouldn't be fighting amongst ourselves.”

“We didn't start the fight with the 12th. They shouldn't have tried to get you killed. They only tried because our Captain isn't here,” the older man said and the others nodded agreement. A flash of complacency crossed his features at the quick agreement.

I began to see that this man might cause trouble. I wanted to force the Division to question his comments and tried the most important, but also painful appeal. “Protecting the Seireitei against our real enemy is more important than worrying about 12th Division,” I said, knowing that my comments would immediately remind them of my failed relationship with Gin, but Captain Fong spoke over me.

“You, what is your name? What is your role in this Division?” Her voice was hard and she did not seem conciliatory. Her sharp eyes were fixed on the man and I was glad I had not aroused her ire.

The man reacted by standing very straight and answered her with the respect that should be accorded a Captain. He obviously was well aware of Captain Fong's reputation. “I am the 10th seat of 11th Division. My name is Moto Yano.”

I had never heard the name before, but he was 10th seat and should be showing more responsibility rather than trying to cause trouble. I really should ask Zaraki about him and them my heart thudded as it was again impressed on me it how long it would be before I could ask Zaraki anything.

“As 10th seat you should be calming matters, not causing further dissension,” Captain Fong told him, her eyes seeming to burn within their sockets.

The man tried to look composed, but it was obvious he was flustered by her words and glare. “I'm just saying what everyone is thinking,” he floundered trying to sound assured. “What's wrong with the truth?”

A few of his supporters drew slightly away from him. In doing so, the man who had offered to show Zaraki how to kiss me was revealed. He saw my glance and bowed deeply.

“It's partial truth at best. Shut up Yano. You've been spouting off all day about how we should get the 12th. I tried to tell you before but you kept babbling on like the loud mouthed prat you are,” the 10th seat looked embarrassed and the man who spoke addressed me. “I'm pleased to see you well, Lieutenant,” he said gruffly. “I did not mean anything by what I said in front of your husband. You are a very beautiful woman and I was drunk; alcohol causes me to lose my inhibitions. As 9th seat I should have displayed more respect. I've always admired you and I applaud my Captain's taste in his bride. I am here to obey your orders, as my Captain commanded me in punishment for my disrespect.”

“I wished I had that punishment, I'd make the most of it,” Moto said with an edge to his voice, only to be punched in the stomach by the 9th seat. He folded up quietly and fell to the ground.

“I told you to shut up. The Lieutenant does not deserve your vulgar comments,” he said very firmly. “Captain Zaraki will not be pleased.”

I almost laughed at the gravity of his manner, but that would have hurt him. His sincerity was obvious and I smiled at him. “I'm sure my husband has relieved you of your responsibility…”

But he shook his head before I could finish. “There has not been the time. I am here to follow your instructions until my Captain returns and orders me otherwise. Instruct me.”

Thinking for a moment I realised that I could do something worthwhile. “Could you organise some drills, exercise, weapon making, and physical activity? Give your people something constructive to do. We'll need everyone to be at their best if the Arrancar attack again and everyone relies on the 11th for their strength.”

“We've tried to do that but our 10th seat did not seem pleased with the suggestion. Funny how important he thought he was with a bit of backing from like minded idiots. He tried contradicting every order or saying we didn't have the authority,” another man said. “I'm 8th seat, Kye Ishi. I have an idea Moto. Seeing you have so many ideas, why don't you work out a way of repairing those weapons that have been broken recently? It's a messy, hard job, but you keep saying it would take a lot of imagination to fix them. What do you think Hisao?”

A broad grin crossed the features of the 9th seat. “Couldn't have thought of a better idea, Kye. Get to it Moto. Do any of your supporters want to help? Funny, they all seem to have faded away,” he said as the erstwhile supporters shuffled away as quickly as they could.

Scowling heavily, Moto huffily moved out of the square, escorted by a silent man who seemed intent on making certain that he followed orders, and I was pleased to see him go. There were already enough trouble makers and 11th Division didn't need another one.

“He's so quiet and obedient when the Captain's here. I thought he was hiding his nature and I was right. We've got a lot of nasty tasks for him to do that should keep him busy. He kept contradicting me and reminding everyone how I disgraced myself,” Hisao continued. “With Ikkaku and Yumichika absent, he was beginning to disrupt everything. I wonder if he'll be stupid enough to challenge the Captain for his position when he returns, like he said he would,” a smile full of malice crossed his face. “I think I'll mention it to the Captain. There's no way he could win.”

“By the way, Captain, I hope that the Lieutenant will still spend each night in the Captain's house. He'll be pissed if he came back and found she'd gone back to the 10th,” the 9th seat pointed out.

Captain Fong frowned. “I will arrange it so that she may sleep here. She will need to be guarded at all times.”

“Good. We'll get these lazy buggers working hard. If they're busy they'll talk less. Let's hope the lockdown is up soon. Trying to keep this bunch occupied won't be easy,” another Shinigami said. From his attitude I guessed he was another seated officer.

“Make certain they are not allowed an idle moment,” Captain Fong told him. “I, or another Captain will check in later. Lieutenant, come with me.”

Following the Captain again I wondered if we were now going to 10th Division but noticed that she was leading me toward 1st Division. She jumped onto the roof and I followed, easily. It was quieter and less crowded than the streets. Ignoring my impulse to remain silent I uttered some ideas I had to the Captain.

“I think it's a bad idea to keep the 11th under lockdown, especially with that trouble maker. They'd be more useful maintaining the borders of Soul Society and the Seireitei. They could watch for incursions from the Hollows or Arrancar and they'd be on full alert, not thinking about revenge.” I had no idea where the words came from, but I remembered that 11th Division were kept active by Zaraki, not locked up where all they could do was fight, drink and build on their grievances. They'd had experience the last time the Arrancar had invaded and that would stand them in good stead.

Captain Fong looked at me and I bit my lip. Damnation, I was speaking above my rank, but it seemed obvious to me that if the Division felt they had important responsibilities they would follow them carefully, seeking approval from their Captain. Keeping them confined was a waste.

“I will inform the Captain-General of your suggestion. I agree that the borders need to be carefully patrolled at this time. Normally, Divisions are kept here, but if we can at least entrust the 11th Division with manning the walls and especially providing support for the gate guards of the Seireitei our security will be increased.” She kept her course and we were nearing 1st Division.

Her acceptance of my plan was unexpected. I could see many problems with my suggestion. “Did your Captain look well?” she asked hesitantly.

“Actually the last time I saw him he looked relieved. Iemura had just asked Momo to marry him,” I said absentmindedly, gazing at the Captain, wondering why she had asked the question.

She stopped and stared at me, astonished. “Iemura? From 4th Division? He is going to marry Momo Hinamori?” Her tone held a touch of hope and I wondered what was going on.

Shrugging I replied “They haven't asked for permission, yet. He's promised to take care of her and the child.”

A mixture of emotions crossed her face and I couldn't understand any of them. I thought I saw joy, sadness and hope. Why my news made her feel any of those I couldn't understand, but I smiled at her tentatively. “My Captain is relieved. He'd asked me if he should offer to marry Momo and I told him it was a bad idea. A marriage based on pity is a bad idea.”

At my words another dark frown clouded her face and it dawned on me that I might have said something wrong. But what was it?

“Pity? Not love?” the small woman's voice was curious.

“He loves her as a friend, but he was only thinking about marrying her because he felt sorry for her. He's always been overprotective of Momo.” I said reflectively.

“As have many people,” she said dryly. “And you forgave her even though she tried to kill you?” the rising note of her voice alerted me that she didn't believe me.

“She'd lost everything. She adores Captain Aizen and can't accept he deserted her, or what he did to me. When she heard that he'd ordered Gin to come after me and not her, I think that hurt the most. It's almost like Aizen discovered all her little dreams and has set out to crush them, one by one. Toshiro told me not to trust pity, but I feel so sorry for Momo and guilty.”

That we were conversing like this on a rooftop did not strike me as odd. I watched as she stared at the horizon, her face carefully controlled while she considered my words. “Why do you feel guilty?”

I hadn't expected that question. “Because when Zaraki returns I'll have everything I want,” I said quietly, feeling the longing flow through me once again.

A small sneer crossed Captain Fong's face. “The return of a man will make you happy?”

“Not just him,” I protested. “I have my friends, my Division, Captain Hitsugaya and everything that's ahead of me. But I miss my husband.”

“Don't you aspire to bankai, to become a captain of your own Division?”

The speed of the question startled me as well as their content. “And have to do all the paperwork?” was my unthinking answer. I chuckled at the shocked look on her face. “There's so much responsibility in being a captain. You've got to think of your Division and monitor what's going on. There are so many rules, people watch you all the time and there's all the politics.”

“But you naturally slipped into the command role when we visited 11th Division,” she commented, “and your comments about keeping them busy show's a Captain's knowledge and responsibility.”

This was not good. I had acted that way, because I was worried about the stability of the Division while its strongest leaders were absent. It was a fluke, an aberration. Shrugging I replied, “I've watched Captain Hitsugaya and other captains. I tried to think what they would do and what Zaraki would want. It wasn't anything.”

“But bankai?” she prompted.

“My Captain tried to help. It didn't. I'm no closer to bankai than I was a year ago,” was my short response.

Toshiro knew I was working toward bankai. He'd tried to help, but the nature of his zanpaku-to was so different from mine that I ended up more confused and infuriated with the spirit than before. All that communing with the spirit of the blade became boring after a while and I sometimes found I was drifting off to sleep instead of concentrating. I'd given up sitting with the blade across my knees, and now lay down with it resting lengthways on me. At least it was more comfortable. I thought I got a better response and it made drifting into a doze much easier. My recent attempts had seemed enhanced once I was near the depths of slumber and I had talked closely with the spirit, but it wasn't enough. We were both too lazy to try very hard.

Since my marriage to Zaraki there hadn't been time. If I had to choose between sex and bankai, I'd choose sex with my husband every time.

“I was working on it,” I admitted, feeling slightly shy.

“I think I could help you,” Captain Fong offered, her voice low.

I'm sure I did not hide my reaction to her suggestion because I could not believe what I was hearing.

“My zanpaku-to is closer in spirit to yours than your Captain's. You need to understand your potential. After we visit the Old Man, we'll work together for a time,” she sighed, her eyes becoming clouded with memories. “I recall working with Yoruichi and how she helped me.” Shaking herself she seemed to return to reality, “but that was long ago.”

We began to walk toward 1st Division again. As they normally did, my thoughts turned to Zaraki, wondering how he was, if he was thinking about me, when we could have sex again. I hoped that trying to reach bankai would suppress some of the craving I felt.

The meeting with Captain Yamamoto was brief. Captain Fong outlined my suggestion and explained that she would monitor the 11th Division with her select group and make certain that they did not get close to 12th Division.

An argument followed, bitter, angry and brief. Captain Yamamoto accepted my suggestion which surprised me, but logically it made sense. Kept confined, revolt would be almost certain.

“I would also like 10th Division to work with mine, providing information about how to fight the Arrancar,” she requested, in a tone that would not accept rejection. “I am certain that if we train together we will increase our abilities and as Captain Hitsugaya and the lieutenant have experience with the Arrancar in both the human world and here, their input will be invaluable, Sir.” As she spoke, I noticed an undercurrent in her words that I could not work out. It seemed like she was deferring to the Captain-General in manner, but not in spirit.

“You will also release Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika Ayasegawa. I will take the lieutenant to see them so they can be assured she is well and she can reassure them. They were, after all, only carrying out their Captain's orders to protect his wife. You can punish them after this is over, if you must, but the 11th need them.” Captain Fong again impressed me with her understanding.

“Request denied!”

“You must listen. Discipline is declining rapidly in the Division and there are a few troublemakers who are already causing more dissension. If the 3rd and 5th seat are there they will keep the rabble-rousers busy.”

“I would remind you, Captain Fong, that yesterday they tried to kill a senior officer. They would have succeeded if Captain Hitsugaya, Lieutenant Izuru and Captain Kyoraku weren't there, guarding both lieutenants, without my permission or knowledge. If Captain Hitsugaya had been with his Division they may not now be under lockdown,” the Captain-General said firmly.

I heard Captain Fong make a small derisive noise in her throat. “And Momo might be dead. Release both men or expect consequences, worse than those I have threatened previously. Put some of your own men to watch them if you must, but they're needed. I warn you, Captain Yamamoto.”

“Sir, please. Their Captain has given them orders to be with me at all times if I'm not with another Captain. I'll make them promise not to hurt Momo.” I added my support to Captain Fong.

“You are not the first two to make these demands,” said the Old Man grumpily. He rubbed his chin, thoughtfully and then looked at Captain Fong, a meaningful expression on his features. “I'll agree to release these men on a number of conditions to which they must agree. Captain Fong, you will have your people monitoring them at all times and there will be a cost to you which we will discuss now. Lieutenant, leave us. Wait outside.”

“No. She remains. I make no deals. You need to do this for the good of the Seireitei and the Gotei 13 which you created,” she leant forward. “Think on this. I can reverse Captain Shihoin's decision regarding my Division.” A small, but malevolent smile crossed her face and her eyes gleamed.

The Captain-General sat back in his chair as he contemplated the 2nd Division commander. Waiting for him to react I expected him to become furious and challenge her, but instead he emitted a sharp bark of laughter and nodded. “I have no doubt that you would do that, Commander. We will have our reckoning after this crisis is over.”

She nodded curtly, turned on her heel and said over her shoulder, “Issue the command to release the 3rd and 5th seat. We will explain matters to them and escort them to their Division.”

“You can wait. I will speak to them first and explain the conditions for their release then you may escort them.” His posture indicated that he would accept no argument this time.

“Very well. We'll go and reassure the 10th Division of their lieutenant's survival and then we will return,” she said brusquely. I bowed slightly to the Captain-General before tagged along wondering all the while what had happened between Captain Fong and the Captain-General.

A.N.

Zaraki's reappearance? Soon.

Those of you who have read For the Love of a Friend may have expected the statue to be that of a black cat, but how predictable is that?

Review. I like reviews.

No soundtrack this time. Just my discordant thoughts.