Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ For The Love of a Friend ❯ Forget Love, Mourn Friend ( Chapter 11 )

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

 

Forget Love, Mourn Friend

 

“I will help, but it would look artificial if we both try to distract Captain Yamamoto at the same time. We should take it in turn,” was the speedy response from Soi, who appeared unconcerned at the request.

 

Until now, he had not experienced feeling relief and disappointment at the same time. It was a strange combination of emotions. He glanced at Soi who was staring at Captain Unohana with decision written clear on her face. The 4th Division lieutenant was in attendance of her captain and he noticed she seemed tired, yawning and rubbing her eyes as she swayed on her feet.

 

“I see. I imagine Zaraki will wish to leave soon. He was griping about how long it took me to develop the antidote to the drug that was in all the drinks supplied by the anonymous benefactor. It was complex and required much analysis. Fortunately I noticed it was very similar to one that had been developed by 12th Division many years ago to counteract a problem they were having with the Quincy's. If I hadn't I would still be working on it. Still 10 hours is a long time to work on an antidote. I believe that both of you should invent ways to distract the Captain General,” Captain Unohana said worriedly.

 

It was not until then that Toshiro noticed that it was morning. He had been too preoccupied by his headache and the fast moving events. Grabbing a drink from the table he lifted it to his lips, but paused.

 

“Don't worry, Captain. All the remaining contaminated drinks have been destroyed,” Isane said and yawned once more. “We still don't know who donated them.”

 

He gulped at the drink, feeling the bad taste in his mouth get washed away by the cold liquid but his headache remained. Then he recalled clearly that his lieutenant, his friend, had been taken to a place where she had no friends. Did Ichimaru really come for her because he loved her, or was there another reason? He felt the cold space within him grow as he realised Matsumoto might never return. He might never hear her laugh again. It wasn't that he didn't think Zaraki would try to rescue her, but the chances she was alive. and the man would succeed, were not great.

 

The two men were returning from where the passageway was located. Zaraki was no longer yelling but his face wore a determined look and he was ignoring the advice that Yamamoto was trying to give him.

 

“If you go now you will be risking your life. I'll get extra people to work the passage and it might be ready in two days, less if I manage to enlist those who are talented at kido. Just wait, Captain. Don't allow this minor event to affect the mission,” Yamamoto voice was teetering on the edge of anger and he was containing himself with only great effort.

 

“Yeah, whatever,” Zaraki said dismissively, obviously not accepting the advice of his superior. He went to a nearby table and lifting it up, threw it against a wall. The noise of the impact hurt Toshiro's head and he watched as it splintered into pieces which showered onto the ground.

 

“Because you're angry, you're going to break furniture?” the disbelief in Yamamoto's voice was manifest but he sidled back from the 11th Division Captain, surreptitiously.

 

Zaraki spun around. “You can fight me if you want,” he issued the challenge quickly.

 

Yamamoto raised an eyebrow and shook his head. “It would not be fair to fight a man so mired within an emotional maelstrom. Later, perhaps when you are rational.”

 

The scowl that covered Zaraki's face was unpleasant. “First you tell me my wife's abduction is a minor event; second you won't fight me because I'm not rational and third you don't want me to break furniture? Right!” He strode forward and his fist met the wall of the building at which he had thrown the table. Toshiro and the other Shinigami watched in disbelief as it collapsed under the force of the blow. The building fell with a roar, releasing a cloud of dust that seemed to envelope the man who had caused the destruction. Zaraki was either a monster or too angry to feel pain. He walked across to the bathhouse and tapped the door heavily with his forefinger. “I'll leave this standing because it was where we first fucked; where I first really noticed her,” he stated before moving to the next building and drawing his zanpaku-to, reduced it to rubble in a matter of minutes as they all stood, unwilling to interfere.

 

Toshiro reeled slightly at the blunt statement. The man was glowing with fury and he did not want to be the one who was trying to make him see sense.

 

“Captain Zaraki, you're upset, but losing your temper and destroying furniture and buildings will not benefit anyone,” Captain Yamamoto said quickly.

 

“It distracts me. If she dies I will reduce the whole of the Seireitei into piles of ash and debris,” the intensity of the promise made Toshiro feel empty. Zaraki turned and smiled thinly at his superior officer, the expression on his face transforming it momentarily into the facsimile of a fleshless skull. “Not only the buildings. Get it through your bloody thick cranium: she is my wife, I love her and I am getting her back.”

 

“In front of these witnesses I expressly forbid you to use the passageway and travel to Hueco Mundo until I give you permission. I can see there is little chance in making you see sense at the moment. I will return when I am informed you have made progress in controlling your unnecessary emotions.” These words were uttered as the Captain General left the area rapidly, accompanied by his lieutenant. Other people, notably Kurotsuchi, Nemu and Captain Komamaura, used the opportunity to quickly steal away, not wishing to be the object of the Captain of the 11th Division's attention.

 

Toshiro dismissed his division with a quick nod of his head and then asked Captain Unohana, “Why didn't he get someone to use a binding spell? Then they could have locked Captain Zaraki up.”

 

“I don't think there'd be a place strong enough to hold him while he's like this. Still the Captain General could have used a binding spell, but it may not have lasted long,” Soi answered not paying any attention to who asked the question. Her eyes were on the cloud of dust that had been created by the buildings' collapse. “I do not believe it was an idle threat about destroying the Seireitei and we better help him fast. I didn't think he really cared about her. I was mistaken.”

 

Zaraki was watching people leave, his eye narrowed and his glance raked over those who remained. “Hitsugaya, Ukitake, Retsu, Fong, you're good at that kido stuff aren't you?” The question sounded more like a demand.

 

“So am I,” volunteered Kira in a nervous voice.

 

“If Captain Unohana is helping I will too,” Isane stated strongly as she rubbed her eyes again. Briefly Toshiro wondered why she seemed so tired.

 

“I, too, will help,” Captain Kyouraku proposed firmly, a sleepy smile on his face.

 

The announcement made most people look at him in shock, as it was unlike his normal lazy nature to volunteer to help, but he offered no explanation of his offer.

 

Zaraki did not seem to notice. “Come with me. Help me stabilise this passageway and then I'll go. The old man can do what he freaking likes.”

 

“We'll come with you Captain, to rescue Ran. Can't let you have all the fun,” Yumichika said.

 

The furious, tortured look that Zaraki cast on him made him pale. “Fun? My wife had been abducted by her former lover and you think I'm going to have fun? I'm going to get her back and frigging destroy the cock suckers who took her. You can come, but if you get in my fucking way, don't expect to live.”

 

Yumichika nodded, his throat working convulsively as he swallowed.

 

“He didn't mean it like that, Captain,” Ikkaku explained. He was keeping his voice calm and he body very still as he spoke. Toshiro had read once you never made sudden movements around angry predators and realised Ikkaku was treating his captain with the same wariness.

 

“So? Why are we standing around here yabbering? Time's passing. She's already been gone too long.” Zaraki led the way to the place that the Captain General had shown him.

 

“It may take a few hours to get this useable,” Captain Unohana said as they explored the framework already in place. Isane was beside her looking very sleepy but trying to assist, stumbling slightly.

 

Soi nodded in agreement. “I can think of a few techniques that will cut down the time considerably, but we will need to be completely undisturbed by anyone.”

 

It struck Toshiro as curious that Hisagi had somehow joined the group and was standing near Captain Unohana. If anyone else intercepted the look he was bending on her, the rumours would be all over the Seireitei by nightfall and there were already rumours and gossip. He would try to prevent this, if he could. Sidling up beside him, he tapped him on the shoulder and jerked his head to the side. The lieutenant followed him, concern in his eyes. “Don't make it so obvious unless you want everyone to know,” Toshiro said as soon as they were out of earshot.

 

Hisagi gaped at him, obviously not understanding.

 

Pulling him further away from the crowd he tried to explain more clearly, “If you keep looking at Captain Unohana like that and stand so close to her, or sit next to her, it will be hard to keep your liaison secret.”

 

The lieutenant of the 9th Division started coughing, his body doubled over with the force of his coughs. Pounding him on the back, Toshiro wondered if he was succumbing to the same illness as Jushiro. Eventually, Hisagi stood, wiping the tears from his eyes caused by his cough.

 

“Your comment startled me and I swallowed the wrong way,” he explained, then dropping his voice he asked, “How do you know?”

 

Biting back his first response, Toshiro thought quickly. “I saw you kissing Captain Unohana in a 4th Division hallway one night when I was visiting Momo,” he improvised. “I heard something and looked out the door. I didn't watch.”

 

“Heck! Retsu doesn't want anyone to know, though I think Isane suspects. Captain, I ask as a man, keep it to yourself.” His face was expressionless as he made the request, his hair hanging over his eyes, partially concealing them as he turned his face sideways to look at his lover.

 

“I've known for days and I haven't told anyone! If you want to keep it secret, be more discreet,” Toshiro advised feeling as if he had been unjustly accused of spreading rumours.

 

“I don't want it to be a secret, but Retsu's embarrassed by the age gap and a few other things. After Kenpachi's sudden marriage she became even more anxious,” Hisagi said.

 

“This is not really the time or place to have this discussion,” Toshiro reminded him.

 

Hisagi grinned at him, his face creasing in a rueful smile. “I know, but it's such a relief that someone else knows. Originally she didn't want Kenpachi to find out, but now I don't know what's going on. After the marriage I sort of said that now we could be open about our relationship. I've even said I wanted to be moved to her division to be close to her. Now she is too busy when I want to talk to her.”

 

The attitude and the words horrified Toshiro. Not another secret love affair in the Seireitei? 9th Division needed Hisagi more than 4th, didn't he realise that? Maybe Captain Unohana did and that was why she was acting the way she was. Hisagi had almost confessed his love for the 4th Division Captain and his gaze in Retsu's direction contained more passion than Toshiro would have guessed. “You're in love with the Captain!” he hissed as quietly as was possible. He didn't want to know, but it seemed that Hisagi was desperate to tell someone.

 

“Of course I am. When I heard Kenpachi had married, I went to see Ran immediately to make sure it was true. Oh, and to give her my congratulation because it meant Zaraki didn't want Retsu. I didn't want him to try to take her away from me; I wouldn't win a fight against the man. But as I said, Retsu is avoiding me now. I hardly get to see her anymore.” Hisagi seemed prepared to continue, but Zaraki turned and barked at them.

 

“Either help or leave. This is no time to have a deep and meaningful Hisagi, and I don't think Hitsugaya's your type anyway,” he said with intense significance.

 

The brief burst of laughter was quickly quelled when Zaraki glared at those who had dared to find his remark amusing.

 

Toshiro found he was walking over to assist with the efforts, weaving his kido with others until the passageway was more a form than just the framework. Working without break began to tire each of them, but they worked solidly on. After two hours Retsu took Soi and Toshiro aside. “The Captain-General will soon expect to hear from Captain Zaraki and I think it is time you start your attempts to keep him busy. Your efforts have really helped in getting this to progress as fast as it has. Stay clear from this area and send your more able people to assist. We need at least two more Shinigami who have talent with kido. Also, please send food and drink. Soi, could you ask your squad to observe this area, make certain no one is coming close or watching? I know I am requesting a great deal from you and I am not your senior officer but I'm asking because I feel this is important, mainly because the abduction is a slur on the honour of the Gotei 13,” she smiled sadly. “I also don't want to have to try to heal the people whom Zaraki will injure if we don't do this.”

 

Soi nodded. “The people I assigned to guard Lieutenant Matsumoto were murdered by a cowardly stab in the backs. I assume it was Ichimaru who killed them and he has disgraced my division by his attacks. My decision to assist was made as soon as the Lieutenant was taken as I felt that my squad had failed and made my promise of protection worthless. I cannot allow that insult to stand. Earlier, I slighted the woman when I should have realised that I was making a judgement founded on appearance and rumour only.”

 

Amazed Toshiro turned to look at Soi with wonder. She had admitted she was wrong about Matsumoto and that was difficult to believe. What had happened to her? Who had talked to her? Only a few days ago she had seemingly hated Matsumoto, and now it sounded like she may care, a little, about her survival.

 

“Thank you, both of you. I will leave you two to discuss your strategy,” Retsu said and returned to work on the passageway.

 

Soi turned to Toshiro but refused to look at him. “Captain Hitsugaya, have you thought of any plan to draw attention away from this area?” her voice evinced no trace of emotion and he wished she would look at him, just once more.

 

“No.” His voice was as devoid of emotion as hers.

 

“You could ask him for permission to marry Momo,” she spat out. “That would provide the Captain General with something to think about.”

 

Toshiro recoiled from the venom in her voice. “But that would mean another Captain's meeting and we don't want that,” he told her as soon as he managed reason out an answer. He knew now he didn't want to marry Momo, but his sense of friendship bound him to make the offer.

 

“Oh.”

 

Toshiro began to walk toward his Division intent on sending food and drink as requested and deciding which person would be able to assist with the work being done. Soi walked beside him and he wondered why she wasn't returning to her Division. A quick hand movement and a form blurred in front of them bowing low.

 

“Commander, you will instruct me?” the figure said with great solemnity and deference.

 

As Soi conveyed her instructions Toshiro remained beside her. Her commands were terse and she did not waste words. Within a few minutes one of her seated officers was hurrying to help while another appeared bearing food and drink.

 

“Do you wish to summon one of your people to assist?” Soi asked with disinterest.

 

That would be more efficient than walking all the way back so he nodded and designated the person who should help.

 

“I think we need some privacy to discuss this; a place we will not be disturbed,” was the decisive pronouncement of Soi. “I think you know where I mean?”

 

She was still refusing to look at him, but her suggestion made him wonder what she had planned. Walking there quickly they avoided the main thoroughfares and the observation of other Shinigami. Once inside Toshiro sat at the table. Though his body ached with need for her, it would be stupid to attempt intimacy. Without comment Soi sat opposite him and looked at the table while he stared at her.

 

Waiting for her to speak he analysed her features, trying to work out what attracted him. Was it her unusual haircut? He thought it was cute, the short hair with the long braids that had flopped over her shoulders, teasing her nipples and sweeping against his thighs when she rode him until his hands had brushed them away. How intensely she had watched him every time they had sex. The bed was in the room and without meaning to, he looked at it with a touch of longing and then his eyes returned to Soi.

 

“Damn it. I mustn't think about that or I'll get up, walk over and kiss her, not caring about the consequences. I'd be willing to give it another try, even after the last time because...” he cleared his throat and shut down his thoughts. Thinking did not help.

 

“Stop looking at me like that. We have to think of a variety of methods to prevent the Captain General from interfering. We're not here to fight about the past,” Soi said heatedly.

 

“It was only two days ago, Captain Fong. I don't want…” he stopped the words that were on his tongue, in his mind. “How can we distract Yamamoto?”

 

“I don't know.”

 

They sat there, avoiding each other's glance, as they tried to think of a plan.

 

Toshiro remembered something he had been thinking about earlier, something that many people had discussed, but no one had acted upon. “I can think of one thing that might work, but it will require co-operation.”

 

“Does that mean I have to work with you, spend more time with you?” Soi demanded her voice as hard as the expression on her face.

 

He could tell from her tone that she would reject anything that might force them to spend any more time together. “Forget it.” He wanted to forget her but clung to the memories of the time they had spent in this room as though it was a lifeline.

 

“I know. Let's fight; a real fight, to the death. If Yamamoto hears we are fighting he might intervene and then try to,” she stopped suddenly. “No. That would be too obvious.”

 

Toshiro let out the breath he didn't know he was holding. One thing he knew that the next time he fought Soi, she would intend to kill him. The hatred on her face confirmed his thoughts. “I had thought of trying to persuade him that it would be sensible to appoint new Captain's to fill the traitor's places,” his voice was more confident than he felt.

 

“That means we either have to get all the Captains' to approve, and that would take people away from the task we are trying to distract him from. Or are you hoping someone is going to challenge you to take 10th Division?” Soi dismissed his suggestion without allowing him to fully outline his idea.

 

“I hadn't finished. What I was going to say was we could go and see him independently to present cases for different candidates. We plan it so we `accidentally' arrive at the same time and then argue with each other, trying to get him involved. But it does mean we have to spend time together,” he pointed out. That was the flaw in the plan.

 

Soi looked at him and then her hands and then scanned his face again. “It's not the worst idea I've heard. Close, but not the worst. Who were you planning on suggesting? Momo?” The last was said in disgust.

 

“No, definitely not. I don't think she'd be suited for the role,” he began. Momo was not a leader; she was better suited to following a strong commander.

 

“Damn right she wouldn't. I don't know how she became a lieutenant; she's a fucking useless fighter...”

 

Toshiro expected the tirade to continue but Soi stopped abruptly.

 

“I won't mention Momo again,” she said her voice small and frigid.

 

“Neither will I. I think Hisagi should take over as Captain of the 9th, but you'll have to propose a different candidate so we can argue about it.”

 

Soi wrinkled her nose. “Hisagi is the logical choice. I think I'll nominate Nemu Kurotsuchi. That will annoy her father and it may even work. I'd like to see her get away from that piece of crap.” There was amusement in the suggestion.

 

Toshiro laughed, startling himself and Soi. “Nemu? I don't believe it. She's almost as unused to command as M…. I mean she would be as ineffective a Captain as Hanatoro would. She has no influence.”

 

“Nonetheless, I can make a case for her. I think, given enough authority, she could lead. Her father bullies her and that should be stopped. If you get Hisagi, I get to choose the next easy one. Ikkaku Madarame becomes captain of 3rd Division. He's a seasoned fighter, has a sense of humour and will provide stability. Plus he'd have the support of his Captain. We'll have to be careful with this. We don't want the old man to request an interview with anyone we recommend.”

 

Toshiro nodded. “I'll recommend Kira, but I don't think he's up to it. I don't know what Ichimaru did to him, or maybe he was always like that. Maybe Renji could be another suggestion.”

 

This time Soi smiled at the recommendation. “Renji Abarai as a Captain? Why not? We'll keep him in reserve. Maybe we should choose two candidates for each position.”

 

There was one flaw that Toshiro recognised. “What if the Captain-General takes this seriously?”

 

“Is than an issue? Those divisions need Captains; soon. The situation, as it is now, makes the Divisions weak and leaderless. Let's see. I don't think it's a good idea to suggest Yachiru Kusajishi,” she looked at Toshiro meaningfully.

 

He found he was nodding in agreement. “People would treat her even more like a kid than they do me. Also, I know Captain Zaraki would not be happy. What about your lieutenant?”

 

“Too selfish, too lazy, too self centred, too dumb, too greedy and too flatulent. He is not really suited to the demands of being second in command,” she frowned. “I keep him because he would not accept another Commander.”

 

“That leaves the lieutenants from 1st Division, 4th Division, 7th Division and 8th Division,” Toshiro said musingly. “I wonder which would be the best candidates.” He rubbed his head thoughtfully. As he did so he realised that he was conversing with Soi as if she were another intelligent human being instead of a former lover who had admitted her hatred of him. His heart lightened slightly. If they could become friends, maybe….

 

“You have omitted your lieutenant from that list,” Soi reminded him sharply.

 

The reminder made him swallow hard. He had been blocking out his fears for Matsumoto and had deliberately not included her in the list of people to be considered for the position of captain. “One of the problems is very few of the possible candidates have achieved bankai. Renji Abarai has, as has Ikkaku Madarame, though he tries to hide it.”

 

“My lieutenant has not, nor I believe ever will, achieve bankai. What about Rangiku Matsumoto?” Her voice was unrelenting in her pursuit of the truth.

 

“Do we have to keep talking about her? If we do, then can you tell me why you changed your mind about her?” He asked harshly only to see her look guilty.

 

“After that meeting Captain Kyoraku came to see me and clearly explained the situation. Then Captain Ukitake came to see me and very gently and persuasively pointed out that I was incorrect on a number of counts. Finally Captain Unohana had a serious talk with me and, without providing any proof or reason, convinced me that I was incorrect in my assumptions. I had not realised how forceful and persuasive she could be. It was one of the reasons I agreed so readily with her suggestion to work with you. In the face of this support, I was unwillingly forced to revise my opinion.”

 

Silently he sat and waited for her to finish what she obviously wanted to say, but was having trouble admitting but the silence lengthened, and the longer it persisted the more unwilling Soi appeared to say anything further.

 

“Matsumoto has not reached bankai, yet. When we last spoke of the matter I believe she was close but was having trouble finding that point which would permit her to make the final step,” Toshiro said, at last.

 

“That makes it difficult,” Soi said slowly. “A Captain really needs to be able to bankai, except for Kenpachi. I think I heard a rumour that Choujirou Sasakibe worked with Ikkaku Madarame and has also perfected his bankai, but it is still unstable. I don't know if it's true.”

 

Thinking about it, Toshiro realised that if they suggested promoting Yamamoto's lieutenant that might provide enough controversy to prevent him thinking about what might possibly be happening at the passageway. “Are you certain about that?”

 

“I told you, it's a rumour,” she reminded him stiffly. “The last time I quoted a rumour was an unpleasant experience. I didn't like Kenpachi picking me up like a doll and then having 3 different captain's attempting to convince me I was wrong. My ears hurt from all the words. But has Hisagi reached bankai? If he hasn't that makes him unsuitable as well.”

 

Toshiro suddenly saw the absurdity of their discussion and laughed. “We're just doing this to distract him. Captain Yamamoto will probably ignore what we say. I think we go in demanding that he make Renji Abarai a captain and take it from there. Actually, where is he? I haven't seen him, or Rukia. Were they there last night?”

 

Soi lifted her shoulders indifferently. “I can't say I'm that interested in their whereabouts.” She stood swiftly, almost knocking the chair over. Toshiro allowed the foolish hope; that she would drag him over to the bed for a quick screw, swamp him for a moment.

 

“I think we've spent enough time planning this. Let's go talk to the Captain-General. You have to be convincing when you argue with me. At least we don't have to pretend we like each other.”

 

That last sentence did not console Toshiro as they quickly made their way to 1st Division.

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A.N.

 

One reviewer, Bastion, requested a soundtrack. Here it is.

 

Soundtrack:

`Gonna Leave You' Queens of the Stone Age

`It Wasn't Enough' Good Charlotte

`Thinking About the Good Times' Reno

`Little Things' Lamb

 

That sob Toshiro heard in the previous chapter was a red herring, maybe. I know many of you were hoping for a chapter from Soi's POV. Next time, maybe, probably.

 

Okay, catching up with Different Circumstances is taking longer than anticipated and because there's too much happening in both stories I don't want to skimp on either one.

 

Review. I like reviews.

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