Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Different Circumstances ❯ The Conditions ( Chapter 24 )

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

 

The Conditions

 

Despite my reluctance, I had to ask. This woman had threatened the Captain-General with something I didn't understand. I knew she was brave and held a great amount of power, but I had never expected to see her directly challenge Captain Yamamoto. While I knew there were problems between my husband and the 1st Division Captain I didn't know any other person would dare answer back. The confrontation had shocked me, but it pleased me that Captain Fong seemed to be interested in the welfare of the whole of the Seireitei. I ran to catch up with her as she was walking very fast, her shoulders straight and her back as inflexible as ever I had seen it. Maybe this was the wrong time to broach the subject, but I was curious. “Captain, I won't ask why you are angry with Captain Yamamoto,” I began tentatively, knowing that I might receive a negative reaction.

 

“Good, because I will not answer that question. I can't,” she said curtly, fury evident in her voice. Instinctively I moved apart while keeping pace with her while fearing her anger and possible consequences.

 

“But what did you mean about 2nd Division?” I persisted, hoping she would answer.

 

Captain Fong's shoulders slumped slightly. “I should have said the Special Forces under my command, not the whole Division,” she sighed angrily. She ran a hand over her hair in a distracted manner. “I was too angry to think the threat through correctly. Like most men he can be so stubborn and it infuriates me that he…” She stopped, swallowed and took a deep breath. “I can't really carry out the threat unless I receive the full backing of the Shihoin clan. The Special Forces, which include the Punishment Division, the Executive Militia and the Patrol Corps, traditionally answer to the head of the Shihoin clan, not the Captain of the 2nd Division. I was merely reminding Captain Yamamoto of this. The control of these elite forces should have reverted back to the family when Yoruichi left, but it was considered an imposition on the people already shamed by her defection.”

 

It was now becoming clear to me. If the Special Forces split from 2nd Division, that would make the Gotei 13 weaker as they would not answer directly to a Captain or the Captain-General. That Soi Fong was prepared to surrender this command, at this time, amazed me and I wondered if she was serious. If she was, then she had serious problems with Captain Yamamoto. My recent interaction with the man had made me question many of his actions, but I sensed there were deeper reasons for Captain Fong's antipathy. Though I didn't know the Captain very well I was very sure that her motives were sound but it frustrated me that I couldn't find out. Maybe Zaraki would know…. Zaraki!

 

“I am very serious, so think before you question me. It would be wise to leave the matter there, Lieutenant,” she said. Her voice was serious and the determination in her voice was mirrored in her face.

 

Deciding that to question her further might be dangerous; I changed the subject to something else I wanted to know. “Why are you escorting me?” It seemed strange that she was doing so. I wondered if she had an ulterior motive and fervently hoped she didn't.

 

Her eyes blazing, she strode onward. “You were abducted when you were meant to be under my protection and I feel responsible. I hate it when any of my people fail. I am accountable.”

 

Shaking my head I couldn't see how she could be blamed for what happened. Gin was a manipulative person; I knew that only too well. She had tried to protect me, but the plan to seize me had been concocted by the minds of three devious men who had fooled all of us for years. How could any of us guess what would happen? I tried to explain this, but my protests were ignored as she continued reciting her reasons, as if it was important that they all be voiced. “Captain Hitsugaya is staying at 4th Division in case another attempt is made on Lieutenant Hinamori's life, or so I have been informed,” her voice dropped slightly. “The news about Hinamori's engagement changes nothing. People may still wish to see her die, especially as the identity of the father of her child is now widespread. I promised Kenpachi that I would protect you if Tos… Captain Hitsugaya was unavailable, or if anything happened to Madarame or Ayasegawa. It seemed unlikely at the time, but he was in earnest,” she paused and I wondered what she was preparing to say. “Also you never mentioned my mistake, to anyone. Captain Unohana approves of you and as I value her judgement I have decided to overlook our history.”

 

As we walked toward my Division I began to feel that perhaps Captain Fong was not the heartless virago everyone gossiped about. She felt the deeds of Gin very deeply and considered the murder of her subordinates to be her direct responsibility. For a person who was normally so confident, it must be irritating to admit to any fault. “I decided to forget about it,” I said quietly. “I've made so many mistakes that I'd forgotten other people make then too. You could have used your position to make my life difficult, but you didn't. Anyway, Zaraki distracted me.” Just as mentioning his name distracted me. For a few seconds I longed for him with hopeless despair.

 

She nodded.

 

“Captain, I promise that that incident will never be mentioned to anyone,” was my sincere assurance. It reflected badly on both of us and would serve no purpose. No harm was done to either of us.

 

“I will kill you if you do,” was her reply and then I noticed that her lips were stretched into a smile. I hoped she didn't mean the threat.

 

“Zaraki won't like it if you kill me,” I said as lightly as I could.

 

“No. He won't like it if he can see any sign of harm. It's good for all of us that Toshiro acted so quickly and no damage is perceivable. Hanatoro, for all he acts like a fool, can repair most physical damage,” she said looking at me carefully almost as if she was assessing if any visible signs were apparent.

 

“She called my Captain Toshiro. That's strange. Until now she's been very careful to call him Captain Hitsugaya. Is it possible they became friends? That would be nice for Toshiro. I think he wanted to make friends as he feels isolated,” were my quickly moving thoughts. “Most of the captains seem isolated, except Captain Ukitake, Retsu and Shunsui and, of course, Zaraki.”

 

As we walked through the sunny streets, nearing 10th Division I again felt an overwhelming longing for Zaraki. The sunlight reminded me of him, the streets, the scent of jasmine in the air, the birds swooping through the air. Subconsciously I acknowledged that none of these things directly reminded me of my absent husband, but breathing, simply existing made me feel his lack. I cursed him for forcing me to remain behind.

 

“This shouldn't take long,” Captain Fong said. “I don't think you'll be required to make sushi or ramen. You are her to provide reassurance that you are alive and without any visible damage.”

 

I noticed that, distracted by my thoughts of Zaraki, we had entered the 10th Division compound, being waved inside by the guards who were enforcing lockdown. Why had she mentioned sushi? Searching through my memories I had a vague recollection that Toshiro had made sushi for the ill fated party. As she had mentioned ramen, maybe that was the food she had provided.

 

“Lockdown is a real pain in the craw. Three divisions locked down at the same time are almost beyond our resources to maintain,” she muttered, almost to herself. “If the Old Man doesn't listen to me, things will get dangerous.”

 

“But I thought 10th wasn't under lockdown any more because they will be training with your Division,” I said, confused at the information she had provided.

 

“You weren't listening, or maybe you don't understand the bargain. 10th Division will be allowed to leave, but only in the company of members of my Division. In other words, they are guarded at all times, but allowed more freedom of movement. Toshiro should be here, not skulking around Lieutenant Hinamori. He takes loyalty too far,” Captain Fong did not seem very happy.

 

“Without his loyalty I'd be either dead or badly injured. If you ever take the time to get to know him, Captain Fong, I'm sure you'll like him. You have a lot in common,” I said, voicing a thought that I'd had pass through my mind on more than one occasion. “He can relax sometimes and even make jokes.”

 

She stopped walking and turned from me. I saw her shoulders shake and I wondered if she was crying, or suffering a surge of anger at my forward behaviour. Moving to face her I wondered if she was suffering a fit, but then I recognised what was happening. Captain Fong was laughing at my suggestion.

 

“He can be fun,” I insisted, startled that this stern woman could find amusement in my comment.

 

“I'm no doubting you Lieutenant; it's just I've never heard you speak about your Captain like that. I haven't heard anyone tell me he has a sense of humour,” her eyes crinkled at the corners with laughter as she looked at me. There was an undertone in her voice that I didn't understand.

 

“Captain Hitsugaya works very hard and most people treat him like an infant. I don't think that's fair,” I protested, wondering if my mind was playing tricks on me. My recent interactions with people made me wonder if I knew anyone, or only the mask they wished to present to the world. This was not the Captain Fong I had spoken to previously.

 

“I don't treat him like an infant,” the 2nd Division Captain purred, a peculiar smile curving her mouth.

 

Again that subtle double meaning lay behind her words. It made me wonder. As soon as I returned from the human world I had been totally occupied with Zaraki and I had been unaware of what was happening in the Seireitei. When I returned after the abduction I had been focused on Momo and my all consuming longing for Zaraki so I hadn't really noticed what was going on around me. Shuhei had become friends with Toshiro, which I didn't understand, and it seemed that this Captain had become close to Retsu. What other things had I missed out on? I couldn't ask Toshiro because he had provided as much gossip as he was likely to and he would only talk about things that were common knowledge; but maybe Captain Fong would provide me with some information.

 

“Can you tell me if there's anything I should know about? New relationships? Why Rukia delayed her wedding to Renji?”

 

The Captain looked over my shoulder and a small frown furrowing her forehead. She seemed to be considering my question and I waited impatiently for her to reply. From her expression she was unwilling to say much.

 

“Many things have happened but most of them I cannot discuss. You will find out; depending on how matters progress,” the formality of her answer indicated that she did not wish to be questioned further.

 

Now my mind was alive with possibilities. I knew that Shuhei had decided to distract Nanao after talking about it for so long. It seemed odd that after hundreds of years he had tired of her constant interference in his life. Suddenly it struck me why he wished to do that. He had finally fallen for someone and wanted there to be no obstacles in his courtship. How had that happened in such a short time? Something twitched in the back of my mind but I dismissed the idle thought immediately. It was a stupid idea and obviously one that was produced by my overactive imagination.

 

“Let's get this over with,” Captain Fong said and ushered me into the largest open area in 10th Division. As soon as I was seen I heard people calling out to me. The noise was so great that I had difficulty making out what each person was saying, so instead I bowed and smiled feeling rather embarrassed to be the centre of attention again. “Get used to it,” I reminded myself. “Being married to Zaraki won't make people pay less attention.”

 

Captain Fong raised her hand and the noise began to ebb until only a few murmurs could be heard. “Your Lieutenant is here and well, as you can see. Her injuries were minor and she is fully recovered and able to resume duty.”

 

A hubbub of voices greeted her announcement.

 

“Where's our Captain? Has he been injured too?”

 

“Is that little bitch dead? If not she should be.”

 

“Does this mean lockdown is over?”

 

I was shocked at the anger in the voice of my friend who asked if Momo was dead. I gulped, realising how many people had been affected by the events in the past few days. It didn't seem right that the actions of a few people could affect many others so profoundly.

 

“Lieutenant Hinamori is recovering and Captain Hitsugaya is on guard to prevent any further attacks,” Captain Fong had crossed her arms over her chest and I was rather scared when I noticed the anger radiating from her. “Your attitude does you no service.”

 

“Sorry,” was the muttered reply.

 

“Once I clear it with your Captain you will be working with my Division to prepare for battle with the Arrancar, Hollows and traitors.”

 

This announcement brought even more comment and the Captain waited impatiently until the noise faded.

 

“You are still under lockdown and your actions will be monitored, but it will give you more freedom of movement. If merely one of you acts in a manner that causes complaint, the whole division will be returned to full lockdown, without privileges.”

 

This time silence greeted the announcement as each person thought about the situation.

 

“Will you be staying here with us, Lieutenant?” asked the soft voice of Mai, the fourth seat and my best female friend in the Division. I'd always admired how her calm, sweet surface hid steely determination and the ability to persuade some of the more unwilling members of our division to perform to their best. It had been too long since we talked and I realised she would be able to clue me in on some of the more interesting events in the Seireitei.

 

“No. I have something I have to do,” I replied, mindful that I had to return to the Captain-General but wishing I had time to stay and chat. “I'll be back later, but please don't try to hurt Lieutenant Hinamori. She is Captain Hitsugaya's friend and he would be annoyed if she was injured.”

 

“You'd think he'd be more upset that his lieutenant was attacked and nearly killed,” a disguised voice said loudly.

 

“He is upset and he's the one who saved me,” I said, irritated that anyone was questioning our Captain. Toshiro was not at fault, nor was Momo. Damn Aizen and Gin and Tosen! Damn the 12th Division and its creepy captain.

 

“Remember, comments like that will keep us under lockdown,” Mai said reasonably as her eyes scanned the Division, searching for the person. I had faith that she would find out who had spoken and an appropriate punishment would be provided.

 

“I will return your lieutenant in a while,” Captain Fong abruptly said and motioned for me to follow her.

 

We did not talk for most of the walk back to the Captain-Generals' office. I was worried about the situation in 10th Division. I knew that the seated officers would manage but the ill feeling that was being expressed toward Momo made me worry.

 

“Captain, do you think it might be an idea to send Momo to the human world for a little while? Until this dies down? I feel that she might be safer there,” I said uttering the thoughts that had crossed my mind.

 

She made a face. “That girl has put nearly all the Seireitei into an uproar.”

 

“I'm responsible, too,” I said quietly, acknowledging that I had caused my share of chaos, but not through my actions.

 

“I haven't noticed you attempting to kill a friend recently or falling pregnant to a traitor. It is true that you have been the focus of many of the disturbances since the day before the mission went to the human world. However, there have been other unsettling incidents,” even as she spoke her face became hard and she shut her mouth tightly signalling that no questions would be answered.

 

As we entered the 1st Division office I noticed that both Yumichika and Ikkaku were there. They were staring at the Captain-General in disbelief and I could see they were not happy about something. I wondered what he'd said.

 

“Fuck that for a joke,” Ikkaku said loudly as he shook his head. “Not happening. Not in this afterlife time or the next.”

 

Yumichika's face was blank as if he was trying to hide his feelings but he was biting his lip, so hard that the skin had turned white. “I can't,” was all he said.

 

“If I release you, you will both have to abstain from alcohol and sexual relations until I am assured that your behaviour will not be repeated,” Captain Yamamoto said, his voice hard with anger.

 

“Why does it have to be both? Can't it just be one?” Yumichika said nervously, glancing sideways. I could see a small sheen of perspiration on his brow and wondered why. I had never seen him look this uncomfortable.

 

Refraining from sex and alcohol were the conditions? I could understand the ban on drinking, but why was the Captain-General concerned with Ikkaku and Yumichika's sex life? From my understanding they were discreet and I knew that Ikkaku had an interest in the Seireitei and who she was. The reason he was being so quiet about the relationship was something he'd disclosed to me in the human world, but soon the romance would be common knowledge.

 

“Are you unwilling to give up sex?” Captain Fong asked with interest. I looked at her, thinking it was an odd question for her to ask. I knew that if Zaraki were in the Seireitei there would be no incentive strong enough for me to agree to give up sex.

 

“Alcohol,” Yumichika admitted shamefacedly.

 

“You must abstain from both,” Captain Yamamoto insisted. “We need to have clear heads and as you will be directing 11th Division with 3rd seat Madarame, I expect you to provide an example. From now until the end of lockdown, the whole of the Seireitei will be dry.”

 

Captain Fong laughed shortly as soon as he'd finished speaking. “Hmmm. I remember how well that worked in the human world, in America,” she commented dryly. “People became obsessed with obtaining any form of spirit and crime flourished as a result. The experiment was a failure.”

 

I watched as Captain Yamamoto's face turned an interesting shade of red and I wondered if he had problems with his blood pressure. “You go too far, Captain Fong.”

 

“I don't go far enough,” she shot back. “You don't consult, you don't listen and you keep secrets. Now you make unreasonable demands.”

 

I looked at Ikkaku and Yumichika to see if they were going to intercede but they seemed to wish for the conflict to continue. I could see Ikkaku's eyes gleaming with interest but Yumichika seemed withdrawn and unhappy. He licked his lips nervously as he glanced around the room, seemingly ignoring the argument, and then he slipped his hand into his sleeve. After a fleeting look at the two Captains he withdrew his hand, empty. Looking closer I noticed he didn't look perfectly attired, but I put that down to being in the cells. There was a small bruise on his cheek, both of which were slightly flushed and the feathers on his eyelids drooped slightly. One sleeve on his uniform was torn but he didn't seem concerned. Ikkaku, aside from a few cuts looked as normal.

 

Shaking my head I decided to try to intervene in the fight that was brewing between Captain Fong and Captain Yamamoto. “I think the Captain has been working too hard and is tired from today's events. Maybe we could discuss this later,” I said quickly thinking up any excuse I could and knowing the distraction was weak. This was not going well and I was worried about what might happen if the situation continued.

 

“I'm not tired. I'm furious,” Soi snarled at the Captain-General and ignored my attempt to calm the situation. My suggestion had provoked her further.

 

“We will not converse about this now,” he replied a stern look on his face which I knew meant he would not change his mind. I didn't like the way this was going.

 

“I'll go without alcohol if Yumichika goes without sex. That do you?” Ikkaku offered, frowning, as he cast a worried glance at his friend.

 

Captain Yamamoto's lips thinned as he looked at the 11th Division 3rd seat. “No.”

 

“Release us from lockdown and I'll abstain from both,” Ikkaku said his face grave. “But only `til the Captain comes back. I can't see you telling him to refrain from anything again, or if you try he won't listen to you, like last time.”

 

The colour of the Captain's face deepened in a telling fashion. It was enough to make me wonder if Captain Yamamoto had tried to restrict Zaraki and then remembered my conversation with Toshiro and the reaction of Captain Yamamoto to Zaraki in 4th Division. My husband had disobeyed some very strict direction from the Captain-General in rescuing me and I felt there were other matters I was not yet aware of.

 

“I do not make bargains with underlings,” the words were hissed between clenched teeth. “In view of your inability to comply I will return you to the cells and place further restrictions on 11th Division.”

 

“I don't care what you do.”

 

I looked at Yumichika, astonished that he would say that. His voice contained so much melancholy that it made me concerned for his state of mind.

 

“Lock me up; deprive me of my only solace. It doesn't matter. My Captain won't come back, none of them will, and you'll appoint some wanker to replace him who has no balls or sense of humour. And all the other Captains will marry; all of them, and I won't have anyone. No one will be left for me,” he muttered unhappily.

 

The breath gushed out of my lungs. He didn't think Zaraki would return and that thought was not to be endured. Despite any restrictions, any promises, I would follow Zaraki today, to be with him. I would obliterate anyone who stood in my way because life without him was intolerable. Once in Las Noches I could think of a few ways to persuade him to let me remain or I could just ignore his words and stay any way. For all he liked to tell me what to do, I didn't have to listen, or obey.

 

“Oh, stop being such a doom merchant, Yumichika. You were acting like this in the cells and I told you to get over it. Can you imagine anyone defeating our Captain? Why would all the Captain's get married now? Is there a bonus or something?” Ikkaku cuffed him on the back of the head.

 

“It's happened once. Ichigo defeated him,” was the surly reply. Yumichika was rubbing were the blow had fallen and looking at his friend with marked bitterness. “Our Captain married. Others might follow.”

 

“But our Captain got stronger, remember? The last time I fought him he was so freaking dangerous, I almost went b… begging him to stop,” Ikkaku said, covering up his near admission about his ability to bankai. “So what if everyone gets married?”

 

“Shut up, both of you,” Captain Fong commanded. “Of the people who went on the mission, I have the most confidence that Captain Zaraki will return. He has more compelling reasons to be victorious and return than ever before.” She glanced at me and I saw Yumichika and Ikkaku stare in my direction and, slowly, Yumichika nodded.

 

“You're right. He does and I should never underestimate my Captain. It's just being in a cell makes me brood and I think about stupid things. I agree to your conditions Captain Yamamoto. I'll do what you ask until Captain Zaraki returns. I hope it's soon.”

 

“It won't be soon enough for me,” I said.

 

“Yeah. I got that impression,” Ikkaku smirked. Then looking at me, he coloured and looked away.

 

It didn't take long for me to work out what he was thinking. The blood on the sheets must have confused him. One night, when this was all over, I might tell him, but only if Zaraki was with me. Shaking my head I refused to think of him now. It was no fun living with the memory; I wanted to experience the reality once more.

 

“Okay, Captain-General, both of them have agreed to those terms. Are there any others?” Captain Fong was noticeably impatient.

 

“They agreed to the other terms earlier. This was the only sticking point. In this case your word binds you to the agreement. If either of you fail, you will both be returned to your cells and the 11th will revert to full lockdown. Make certain the troublemakers are not patrolling the walls, but kept within your Division doing any menial task you can invent. I expect you both to check in once per day.”

 

“Don't push it. We've agreed. Can we go now?” Ikkaku was exhibiting every sign of impatience.

 

“You may go. I will send further instructions later,” Captain Yamamoto said and we all moved to the door eager to be on our way. “One more thing. Captain Fong, you will go to 4th Division and bring Captain Hitsugaya here. He needs to be reminded that his duty is to his Division, the Gotei 13 and me, not his friend.”

 

Captain Fong had not turned around and I saw her roll her eyes at the command, but she responded politely enough. “You could send a Hell Butterfly.”

 

“He has ignored the Hell Butterflies I've sent and the other messengers. Bring him here,” was the cold response.

 

She nodded and we left.

 

 

A.N.

The soundtrack this time is a list of the songs I listened to when I was writing this chapter. It's more that this is a sound scape rather than a soundtrack.

 

Sound Scape

`Superman (The Perfect Crime)' Juno Reactor

`Lust for Life' Iggy Pop

`Miss Sarajevo' from `Miss Sarajevo' by Bill Carter as on `Passengers Soundtrack 1' Brian Eno

`Where's Your Head At?' Basement Jaxx

 

Review. I like reviews.

 

Thanks to froglily13, Bastion (look forward to the next chapter of `Terrible Things to Waste') and cancerchick16 for your support. Damn, now it sounds like I've gone soft.

 

Zaraki should reappear in the next chapter, maybe.