Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ The story of 4 ❯ Suspisions,and a little surprise ( Chapter 2 )

Kei heard the news that Suzume's charges were lifted. She was happy, “Renji,” she called. “Renji how's about a nice sparring match eh?” she said. Kei had always enjoyed sparring with the broad shouldered man next to her. She admired him to say the least; soon they got to their usual training grounds where they drew their Zanpactou, Renji came at her first and she dodged with no trouble. Then, she countered with an attack of her own. He was barely able to dodge but he did.

“Lieutenant-sama are you giving up already?” Kei said. She teased him and loved to. It always seemed to get to him whenever she teased him. Renji looked at her and laughed

“No I'm far from giving up” he ran at her again still his Zanpactou un-activated. She parried and kicked him in the abdomen which sent him flying backwards against a tree.

“And you call yourself a lieutenant Renji Abarai?” Kei laughed. Renji got up and activated his Zanpactou. “Howl, Zabimaru!” He said as his Zanpactou morphed. Kei was to smart for his sword. She knew all of the weak points and how to exploit them. He slashed watching his blade stretch toward Kei. She ducked under it and slashed through a set of cables that hooked the separate blade sections together. Suddenly half of Zabimaru was and the ground and Kei stood up with an amused look.

“Not so high and mighty now are we Abarai-kun” she said as she picked up the half of Zabimaru. “Don't worry I'll pay for Zabimaru's repair” she said. She chuckled at Renji's startled face. “Give me the other half of your sword stupid” Kei said as Renji walked over to her, they finally got Renji's sword repaired when Renji said “Why did you pay to get my sword fixed?” Kei started to laugh.

“Well if you can't spar with me then who else would I have to pick on?” Renji chuckled. Kei walked next to him until Kenpachi and Yachiru barreled past them at a break neck pace. They knocked Kei into Renji's arms and they both sat there for a moment, trying to rationalize what just happened. When, they noticed that they were practically embracing each other. Kei and Renji backed away from each other; Kei's face was as red as Renji's hair. While Renji was a slight shade of pink, he was trying not to show his embarrassment. With that they walked back to the 6th Division barracks in an awkward silence, until Kei said

“The trees are in full bloom, isn't it beautiful?” Renji nodded his agreement. They were right though. Sunrise was just starting to wane away. It dyed the sky different shades of pink and red. The cherry trees were in full bloom and the blossoms silently fell onto the ground around them. It was a marvelous sight; Kei's long brown hair and bright green eyes were the biggest color contrast to the scenery around them. Kei loved the sight and picked up a fallen blossom and put in her pocket. Then they finished their walk talking about random things of their time of being Shinigami. What they wanted in the future but it stopped as Renji asked “Kei, who would you marry out of all the people in the soul society?” all Kei did was laugh and say,

“Renji, you really are and idiot” then Kei walked away; to her side of the barracks. How could he not understand? She thought. She sat on the rooftop alone until she heard footsteps.

“Hey, Kei” Said Amaya. Amaya Ame, she was the third seat of the 10th Division and great friends with their crazy Lieutenant. Kei looked over and smiled as she saw one of her close friends walk over. “Hey is there anything new with your division?” Kei asked. Amaya started to laugh, “Not really unless you consider Matsumoto's antics to be any new news” at that they both started to laugh. When they heard a crashing noise coming from a field not to far from where they were. They got up curious as to what could make that large amount of noise. When they got there, they gasped. The field was torn up and boulders were shattered. They looked down and saw Suzume laying there not able to move.

“Suzume, what did you do?” Amaya asked. Suzume turned to look at her friend but couldn't. So all she said was “Training” Amaya looked confused. “Training for what?” Amaya said. Suzume tried to laugh. “Oh, it's nothing you should concern yourself with.” Suzume replied.

“Amaya,” Kei called. “Amaya, would you go and fetch my captain?” she called again.

“No, no, don't let your captain trouble himself over a 3rd Officer like me, it's not worth his time and effort.” Kei looked at her friend who tried to stand up but couldn't without putting her weight on the tree beside her. “See I can stand” Suzume said.

“But can you walk?” Kei replied. She watched Suzume take a shaky step forward. Then fall back into a sitting position. “See, I told you, and if it hadn't been for me and Amaya you probably would've died.” She looked over to see her captain had arrived.

“Kuchiki-Taichou I am deeply sorry about troubling you” Suzume said. She stood up again and watched the captain approach. She wanted to step back and use shunpo but she couldn't. She had exhausted her muscles.

“Stop, don't move any more. I can already tell that you have torn up a lot of muscle in your legs and right arm.” Byakuya said stoically, approaching closer to Suzume. He picked her up and was gone in a flash. It was t far at that moment to move her long distances so he brought her to his office and called Unohana.

“Why would you waste time on a person like me?” Suzume asked just before the captain walked back to his desk. He remained silent as he walked away. Byakuya was always cold, but why? Suzume thought. She sat up as Unohana arrived, with Isane.

“Lay back down you still have some abdominal wounds from your attack and they've reopened.” Byakuya said. His face cold as stone as he said that, Unohana could see that Suzume had suffered a lot of muscle tears. Suzume watches as she saw Unohana heal the torn muscle. Often she would wince at the pain when Unohana got to a really sore spot. Isane bandaged Suzume's abdomen and with that they left. Suzume sat up against Byakuya's orders.

“Well I can't just lie down for hours on end” Suzume said to him. Suddenly Matsumoto and Amaya came crashing in.

“Wow so it is true, Byakuya does have a caring side” Matsumoto said. Suzume laughed at not just the comment but the captain's reaction. He sat there for a moment and then picked Matsumoto and Amaya up set them in chairs then used a binding spell to locked them to their seats.

“So nice of you guys help me with this load of paperwork.” Byakuya said. Renji walked in with Kei and laughed at Amaya and Matsumoto who were screaming protests. Suzume just gave them an amused look and lay back down.

“Taichou we can bring Suzume back to her barracks now if you want.” Renji said offering to get rid of at least one of the people. Byakuya looked up at his Lieutenant and said

“Don't worry, these two are being punished and the other one is recovering from severe muscle injury” Byakuya replied. Suzume looked up at the chance to get away from this captain; it wasn't that she didn't like him as a captain. It was mostly at how if he talked he would end a conversation in an awkward silence. He walked over to Renji and said to tell Hitsugaya-Taichou that his lieutenant and third officer were over here helping him with paperwork. Suzume reached over to the nearby table and grabbed her Zanpactou.

“I'm fine” Suzume grumbled as she stood up. Byakuya watched as she started to walk stiffly around the room. His gaze bore into Suzume's mind. She turned and said “What're you doing staring like that!” Byakuya blinked for a moment coming out of a trance. Renji and Kei started to laugh hysterically as Suzume used shunpo and her sword stopped at his neck. She had a dangerous glint in her eyes. She stepped back and sheathed her sword, as she saw a small crowd form around them. Suzume smiled slyly and sat down. There were whispers coming from other members of the 6th Division. Byakuya looked at her surprised at what she did and how he didn't react in time.

“You surprised Kuchiki-sama?” Suzume said. She was ticked off and everyone knew it. Suzume got up and left as the crowd dispersed. Byakuya just sat at his desk trying to rationalize what had just happened. He didn't know if he should leave her or go and apologize. Soon after he finished the last of his work and got up. It was just reaching sunset. He walked out and jumped on the rooftops looking around until he saw a lone figure sitting down watching the sky turn from the bright blue like her eyes to the deep reds, pinks, yellows, oranges, and purples the sunset dyed it with. The captain saw her asleep there. She must've been tired after her little attack. He set his captain's robe on her and let her be. He went into his private quarter and fell asleep well aware that Suzume was sleeping on the roof above him.

The next day came bright and early for Suzume as she awoke “W-what's this?” she asked herself groggily. Then she noticed it was Byakuya's captain robe. Why was he up here? She thought. She jumped into Byakuya's room without noticing it until she saw his sleeping form. He looks peaceful for once, she thought. Suzume folded the robe and placed it on the edge of his bed and jumped out to watch the sunrise. But clouds obstructed her view. Something's going to happen, and it doesn't seem good. She thought. Down below Byakuya woke with a startled jump. “Hisana” he whispered. His head turned to see his robe returned and neatly folded at the edge of his bed. How could she get in here? He asked himself and he found the two possible reasons. The window, or his door which he never locked. He looked out his window to see Suzume holding a small cherry blossom in her hand. Suzume looked down,

“Hey Kuchiki-Taichou!” she called cheerily. He looked at her smiling face and said,

“I didn't think you would come into my room without any hesitation, let alone linger there long enough so that I could sense that it was your reiatsu inside.” Suzume laughed. “Well I had a bit of trouble folding that robe of yours, It was really wrinkly” she replied. Then she jumped down so that she was crouched on his window-sill. Byakuya took a giant step back out of surprise. But, soon he regained his composure. “Come to my office later” he said before she jumped of to go training again. “Okay” he heard her call. Suzume went to a spot where she could meditate until Ganju came crashing through she opened one eye to see the man staring at her. She got up and punched him in the head.

“Go away!” Suzume yelled. With that Ganju backed up not wanting to make her any angrier. Suzume sat back down and started to meditate. It strengthened the bond she had between herself and the spirit of her Zanpactou. Soon after she started meditation, she was in its world with a dense emerald green rainforest that surrounded her. She wandered until she came to a cave. She entered it without fear. Suzume wound her way through the intricate system of tunnels and traps that lead to Kenshiko. Finally she wound up in the central chamber where a huge white sabre was laying own anticipating her arrival. His features were amazing. A huge sapphire blue mane ran down the length of his spine as well as a set of tribal tattoos that were all over its body.

“You are doing well young one” its voice boomed and echoed throughout the caverns that surrounded them. “You are learning how to harness my power well” Suzume smiled,

“But of course, we've been together for five years haven't we?...”

 

Meanwhile, in the outside world...

 

“Renji you are such a weakling” Kei said as she walked with her close friend as he limped to a tree where he could sit. Kei wrapped Renji's muscular arm in a bandage before they went back to sparring. Renji had invited some other vice captains like Momo Hinamori and Kira Izuru. They were in an all out brawl until Renji's arm was sliced open by Hinamori on accident.

“Oh my gosh I'm so sorry” the young girl said worriedly, Renji grasped his arm in a failing effort to stop the bleeding. Kei looked from her opponent and saw blood gushing from his arm. That's when she wrapped his arm up and he stood. Back and ready for battle. Hinamori couldn't help but giggle at the two. Because no matter how much they fought, Kei would be by his side to help heal his wounds no matter how small. Kei got up and saw Hinamori giggling at them. Renji's face turned a slight shade of pink. While Kei got into a fighting stance and grinned. She almost never had to activate her Zanpactou. That gave her the upper hand because it would show her opponents that she was strong... really strong. She was battling three on one. She first let Renji attack then he kicked him in the head and sent him flying into the air. Then she slashed Renji just enough to cut him slightly. But, Kira came from behind and hit her hard in the back. She was sent flying head first into a boulder when Renji caught her and set her down on the grass. The wind had been knocked out of her and it was getting harder for her to breathe, Renji soon went for help. He grabbed the nearest 4th Division which was Hanatarou. Hanatarou examined Kei's breathing patterns.

“She'll be fine, just give her a few minutes” the young healer said. He turned to leave as he saw Captain Zaraki looking for Suzume.

 

Back with Suzume

 

Suzume stroked the cat's mane softly. Her eyes were closed until he said.

“You're thinking about someone... Black hair... Captain Rank” Suzume smiled “You are correct Kenshiko-sama” Suzume wanted to tell him everything but as usual Kenshiko read her mind. “You seem to be somewhat fond of this person.”

“Fond no, more like thankful. He saved my life three times” Kenshiko's ice blue eyes looked at her with amusement. His tail flicking back and forth, “Suzume-chan you should be getting back to your world now...” with that Suzume flicked open her eyes and smiled as she walked around silently unnoticed by anyone. Until, Zaraki found her.

“Finally” he said with a tone of annoyance. Suzume looked up at her captain and lieutenant. Both were semi-annoyed. “Where have you been?” Kenpachi asked her.

“Training” she said and then walked off. She heard Kenpachi growl some un-audible insults. But she didn't care. Once again she walked quietly around. Slowly heading towards the office of the Captain of the 6th Division. She finally made it to the building and knocked on his office door.

“Come in” she heard him say in a stoic tone. She entered to see Byakuya and Yama-jii as she had been taught to call him by Shinsui.

“W-what's this all about?” she asked. Yama-jii looked at her. He could see a faint glimpse of apprehension. “Come in” Byakuya said again, this time slightly gentler. Suzume entered and sat where she was told to.

“You have been assigned to a vice captain rank in squad 7 do you except?” Yama-jii said. Suzume looked surprised. “No thank you” Suzume replied “I don't want more power, Im fin with what I have got now” Yammamato got up and left. She soon started to follow when Byakuya said “Wait” Suzume looked over.

“What is it?” she asked. She was quite curious and intrigued that the Captain didn't shoo her away like most would.

“Stay, I have a different matter to talk to you about.” Suzume was startled as the Captain approached. “You're trustworthy right?” he asked. Suzume blushed slightly as he came closer to her.

“If it comes to a secret then yes, I would take it to my grave and not tell anyone” Suzume looked for a way to escape but it was no use. Byakuya's calloused hands grabbed her wrist and pulled her to a smaller room where there was a few floor mats neatly placed and a table with two mugs of green tea. “What is it?” she asked a little worried. He sat on a floor mat and waited for her to sit. Suzume was nervous and it was apparent in her voice and appearance.

“Ummm K-Kuchiki-T-Taichou w-what do you want?” Suzume said averting her eyes from his steady gaze at all costs. He looked up and saw a slight hint of alarm registered in her features.

“Do not worry there is nothing to be afraid of.” He said at least trying to lift the tension. Suzume sat down and waited for the captain to start the conversation. “Do you have any idea of where my sister is?” Suzume was startled knowing that he could've asked her any where else,

“In the living world, Karakura town... why?” Byakuya looked at her. She was confused and startled. Byakuya told her how it was illegal for Shinigami to go into the world of the living without special permission. Suzume bit her lower lip. “But maybe she did, I mean are you sure she went without any permission?” Suzume was trying her hardest not to aggravate the already stressed captain. He looked at her.

“I am sure, Yammamato would've told me” Suzume looked for an exit. She wanted to leave and she wanted to leave now. She rolled her shoulders uneasily as she watched the captain look for something.

“Do you need any help?” Suzume asked. She was really scared. She didn't like to be alone with captains at all. Byakuya looked down and frowned. Suzume backed up and inched toward the door. Her heart was rushing.

“My, my look at what you're doin' to poor Suzume” Matsumoto said through a window. “Hey are you okay in there? Did he try to do anything to you?” Matsumoto asked. Suzume looked up relieved.

“Rangiku-chan thank god. May I leave Kuchiki-Taichou?” Byakuya looked over.

“Not yet” was his reply. Then he went back to searching.

“What're ya lookin' for?” Rangiku asked. The captain ignored her question until he pulled out something that looked like a notebook. “Suzume you're going to the real world with Renji and I to search for Rukia” Suzume sighed. “Is this all you wanted me for?” Byakuya looked at her. The tension seemed to drift away.

“Yes” he said simply. Then he opened the book to an empty page. “Sign your name here” he said. Suzume waited for Byakuya to return with a brush and ink. Once he did she signed her name in the finest calligraphy she could. Byakuya looked amused. “You don't have to sign something like this so formally” He commented. Suzume laughed. “So what” She had forgotten all about the brush with ink in her hand and watched in horror as ink spattered onto Rangiku's face and Kuchiki-Taichou's robe.

“Gomen-nasai” Suzume apologized. Byakuya frowned and his brow furrowed.

“I do not appreciate clumsy mistakes like those.” Suzume looked down.

“Gomen” she apologized. She used shunpo to get away as soon as she left. I am an idiot Suzume thought. She got as far as she could away from that place. She went to a secluded lake far away from the soul society. Suzume sat in a nearby tree horrified as to what she did... Byakuya sat at his desk after an hour of trying to remove the ink stain. Why was she so scared earlier? What possessed her to run? Am I that scary? Questions ran through the captain's head as Hikaru and Ukitake entered the doorway.

“Byakuya-Taichou have you seen Amaya or Suzume?” Hikaru asked. There was a look of worry on her face.

“Suzume went east and Amaya, I haven't seen her at all” he replied. After that Hikaru and Ukitake went in the direction of Suzume's little hideout. “Suzume!” Hikaru called. “Suzume where are you?” she called again. Suzume dropped out of a nearby tree.

“What is it Hikaru?” Suzume said. Hikaru turned and was about to say something until they heard a shout. “I've found the Cure!!!!” It was definitely Hanatarou shouting. Suzume and Hikaru's eyes widened. Ukitake had a grin on his face. The three sprinted back to the 4th Division barracks where Hanatarou waited. They ran weaving past the boulders and trees in the way and finally they slowed down as they approached Hanatarou.

“Hanatarou-kun did you really find the cure for my sickness?” Ukitake asked a bit unsure. Hanatarou grinned.

“Four all nighters lead up to this, so please follow me.” Hanatarou led them into a small room where many Shinigami were gathered including Captain Kuchiki. Suzume looked down to the ground as she passed him. A look of guilt plastered on her features. She heard whispers like “What's wrong with her?” “Is she sick?” and other similar comments. Byakuya looked down the ink stain was gone. So why did she look so guilty. Suzume turned and stared at the room in front of her. It was enough to fit only three people so she waited outside. A few minutes later Ukitake emerged and was never happier. But before anybody could ask him any questions he was gone. Suzume let a small smile creep onto her features. Then she too disappeared with no words. Kei and Renji were both grinning.

“What about another sparring match one on one for lets say... position of Lieutenant” Kei said. Renji looked at his captain then Kei.

“Umm I don't know, I'd have to have Captain Kuchiki watching and we'd have to fight formally” He replied uneasily. Byakuya looked at his two officers then walked out. Suzume sat on a nearby roof. Ukitake and Hikaru were next to her.

“Suzume he's really better.” Hikaru said. “But, his hair will stay white.” Suzume looked at her friend and the captain and smiled. “It's not that it's just... I feel as if something bad is going to happen.” Hikaru sat down, and then looked to the Captain above her. “Suzume what do you mean bad.” Suzume didn't answer seeing the 6th Divisions Captain waiting for her. She jumped down and stood in front of him

“Is it time to go?” she asked in a monotone. Byakuya looked down at Suzume who had no hint of expression on her face. “Yes it is, Renji, Kei come with me.” The officers walked over to their captain and Kei asked,

“Why is Suzume coming with us?” Suzume turned and gave them the icy look she gave their captain. When they approached the Senkei gate Renji opened it. Suzume, Kei and Byakuya stood back then they all walked in. Once they entered the world of they walked around trying to find Rukia. A few blocks away sat a girl with Raven black hair, on a bed next to a boy with fiery orange hair.

“Rukia go to sleep” the boy said as he guided her to the closet, the girl turned

“But Ichigo” she protested “I'm not tired” she sat at the edge of his closet. Ichigo sighed. Then he went to sleep. Rukia jumped out into the roof of the Kurosaki home until she sensed His reiatsu. “Nii-sama” she gasped. She jumped down off of the roof and saw Kon watching her pack her belongings.

“Nee-san where are you going?” he asked in a whisper. Rukia looked down.

“If I told you, you would regret it.” That was her reply as she silently stepped over to the window. “Nee-san please tell me” Kon pleaded. Rukia gave the small lion plushie a kind look.

“Fine I will tell you, my bother is here coming to find me and bring me back to the soul society.” Kon was wide eyed. As Rukia picked him up and... Taped him to the toilet in the nearby bathroom, then she silently left the Kurosaki house with only one regret. Not thanking Ichigo for all he'd done for her. She ran down the streets tracking their Reiatsu. But meanwhile Suzume and Byakuya stayed silent as Kei and Renji broke out into another argument over who was stronger until Suzume smashed both their heads together.

“Be quiet” she hissed. Byakuya looked at the other two Shinigami who were fuming and had sore heads. Kei and Renji then retaliated by hitting Suzume in the head with the butts of their Zanpactous. Suzume didn't flinch. Instead she laughed as she said,

“Renji let me remind you of something, I'm from the eleventh division. If you hit me I assume you want to fight me. You don't want to fight me now do you?” Renji blinked and backed up a few steps. Kei laughed at her partner. “That goes for you to” Suzume said turning around. Byakuya stayed quiet as he watched the three Shinigami settle their dispute. Suzume was the first to get over the incident, and walked beside her superior. Until they stopped as Rukia Kuchiki approached. Byakuya gave her a cold stare. Meanwhile Ichigo found Kon on the toilet and the toy explained what happened to Rukia.

“Shit” the teen cursed. Then he threw Kon onto the floor and was a Shinigami in an instant, he ran as fast as he could following Rukia's fading reiatsu. The buildings were nothing as he ran to find her. He stopped at a small area where four other Shinigami were standing with Rukia.

“Rukia what's going on” Ichigo said. Suzume walked up to him. Her Zanpactou was just about to be draw when she said,

“So you're the wretch that Rukia gave her power to? Well you look like a Shinigami but do you fight like one?” Suzume drew her sword and grinned. Her grin contained a bloodlust that everyone could sense. Byakuya grabbed her shoulder.

“Do not kill him” Suzume rolled her eyes. Then shrugged him off she watched him draw his sword. Her grin widened as he ran at her and she blocked with no trouble. She grabbed his arm and kicked him in the chest.

“You're not worth the time and effort if I can strike you that easily.” Suzume walked away. “Renji you or Kei can take care of him.” Renji laughed as walked over to Ichigo, and then drew his sword. They were locked in close range sword combat. Until Ichigo had sliced Renji's shoulder open. The red haired man grimaced at the pain.

“Hoero Zabimaru!” Renji yelled. His sword morphed at the call of its name.

“Wow and I thought I was pathetic, one cut and he activates Shikai?” Suzume said. Byakuya looked back at Kei and Suzume. They were laughing at the comment.

“He wants to end this quickly.” Byakuya said. Suzume stopped laughing and watched the fight.

“Ichigo!” Rukia yelled as she tried to run to her friend's side. Renji turned around and grabbed Rukia by the throat and pinned her to a nearby lightpost. Rukia gasped for air as he held her by her throat. Her breaths were getting shorter and she was getting lightheaded. He then put her down as Ichigo ran at Renji with amazing speed. Renji spun and his sword ripped Ichigo's shoulder open. Rukia watched in horror as blood poured out of the wound inflicted by Zabimaru. Ichigo held his arm and grimaced. Renji ran at him again and Ichigo dodged and all of a sudden his reiatsu increased.

“What is going on?” Renji asked. Ichigo looked at the confused Shinigami with a look of triumph.

“I don't know but my wounds don't hurt and I feel stronger” Ichigo ran at Renji again this time striking harder and faster. Renji fell back as his captain used shunpo and broke the two most vital areas of Ichigo's soul. The Soul Sleep and Soul Chain were shattered. Ichigo fell to the ground. Not able to move not able to speak.

“I didn't need you help finishing this runt off” Renji said. Suzume stood there amazed at the captain's power. Her eyes showed admiration but respect toward the superior Shinigami. Kei noticed this.

“Hurry you better fix that expression before he” Hikaru was cut of by her captain walking over. “Too late” she said exasperatedly. Suzume was amazed at the captain's power. Byakuya looked down to the other Shinigami and his sister. He watched as Renji pinned her up to the same post and yelled

“He's dead. That attack killed him. If you even go near him or touch him you know your sentence will increase by twenty years!” Rukia looked to the orange haired boy.

“I understand he has an uncanny resemblance to him” Byakuya said. Then Ichigo all of a sudden grabbed onto the ankle of the Kuchiki head.

“Don't talk as if I'm not here” the orange haired boy said weakly. Suzume used shunpo and put her sword to his neck

“Let go or I will kill you now” Suzume's eyes were like ice, colder than Byakuya's usual stare. Then Rukia walked over and pulled his hand off her brother's ankle.

“You are just a human a lowly human! Do not ever touch my brother! Learn your place boy!” she said tears were filling her eyes. She looked at him then her brother and the Shinigami around her. “I'm ready to leave after seeing the actions of this whelp of a Shinigami”

“Rukia!!!” yelled Ichigo “Turn around and look at me” he reached out to grab onto her.

“Don't move, don't speak! You will eventually die so why not stay still and silent so that you could just maybe a few more seconds!” Ichigo was shocked at the way she acted. He tried to get up and heard the black haired man say.

“He will die in about an hour, so I will not inflict the final blow” Suzume and Kei looked around until Renji opened the Senkei gate and they all went back to the soul society where Rukia's fate was to be decided.

“Rukia” came the soft whisper of the orange haired boy before everything went black. Then out of no where came a blonde haired man with an umbrella the rain was coming down hard now.

“My, what's this?” the man said before picking Ichigo and another boy behind Ichigo that was already collapsed. Meanwhile back at the soul society Suzume was heading back to her barracks when she heard Kenpachi say,

“I heard you ran into a little trouble you fought but didn't finish it is that true?” Suzume looked back at her Captain and laughed.

“That whelp was so weak I bet he wouldn't be able to kill a fly” Kenpachi walked over,

“He was that weak?” Suzume nodded and walked to her barracks. Unfortunately her bed was between Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika. She hated Yumichika with every fiber of her soul. She finally left and fell asleep against a tree outside her barracks, when she heard a voice.

“I thought I'd find you here” she cracked her eye to see Amaya with a drunken Matsumoto. Matsumoto sat next to Suzume.

“I leefed a supmtin ere wonder whers et bees” the orange haired Lieutenant said drunkenly. Suzume sighed and got up,

“You two can go look at your own risk” Then Suzume disappeared. She walked through the soul society stopping periodically. Until she grew tired and decided to go back to her barracks to sleep. She finally got back to her tree when Amaya and Matsumoto exited the barracks.

“I founds teh stuffs I needed et was en your captaims office” Suzume jumped into the tree and fell asleep. Meanwhile Hikaru helped her captain to his bedroom. Her captain was exhausted from the day's events. Ukitake was practically sleeping as she set him down gently onto his bed Hikaru then went to her room next door when she heard a faint whisper.

“Please stay here” Hikaru turned and saw her captain sitting up and she stood beside him. “Pull up a chair so we can talk for a little while” Hikaru did as she was told. Then sat down in a beautifully hand carved chair. There was a dim light in the room, it was just enough to illuminate the room so that they could just see each other. Hikaru's hazel eyes appeared a beautiful shade of deep emerald green as her captain sat up to face her. He smiled and Hikaru looked down to hide the slight change of color coming onto her cheeks. “You've seemed troubled Hikaru, what's wrong?”

“I just really don't know, I feel this menacing presence as if something bad is happening” Hikaru was right. Two of the most trusted captains at that moment set a plan that would destroy the Soul Society in motion.

“Gin, you know what you have to do right?” said a man behind the silver haired captain. Gin turned and smiled and looked over his shoulder.

“Kill the central 46 then pose as them. I know Aizen” Aizen was a broad shouldered man with short semi curly hair, and glasses. Gin entered the building and for a while all you could hear was the screams of the terrified elders. Gin cornered the last of them and slit one of the elder's throats. The blood spurted out then it just flowed like a small river soon Gin finished the rest and signaled for Aizen to enter. Suzume gasped as she woke from a startling dream. Where... where am I? Was her first thought as she looked around in the inky blackness. She got up and tried to walk around but something was holding her down. A binding spell... Damn it I can't break this one... Suzume cursed herself for being so stupid. Suzume lay there helpless... Helpless was the one thing she hated to be. She heard a faint shuffle of footsteps and suddenly a bright light came on. Suzume gasped at the sudden change of lighting, soon after she started to struggle against the spell holding her.

“I wouldn't suggest you do that” said a voice in the doorway. Suzume turned her head to see Tousen. She started to struggle even more as he approached. He grabbed her hand. “I don't mean any harm please stay still so I can remove the spell” Suzume stopped her struggle long enough for the blind captain to remove the spell that restricted all movement of her limbs.

“Tousen-Taichou why am I here?” Suzume asked starting to stand up. Tousen looked up at the third seat, he could sense her fear. Suzume was pale white and her eyes were wide. Tousen looked to the scared third seat,

“I found you hanging halfway out of a tree, you were upside down.” Suzume laughed at the image that was depicted in her mind, the two long thick strands of raven black hair all done up in beads hanging upside down her usually bight blue eyes hidden by her eyelids. Then she turned to Tousen,

“I was sleeping there because sleeping in between Ikkaku and Yumichika isn't a very pleasant experience.” Then she used Shunpo and found her way to the barracks of the 13th Division. She knocked on the door quietly as it was silent in the captain's room. But there was a small flickering light. Hikaru blushed madly as she just rationalized that her captain was embracing her as she let out small sobs.

“I don't know what it is but I know that at leas two of my friends are going to be hurt severely. It scares me because they don't know what's going to happen to them” Hikaru was sobbing uncontrollably.

“Hikaru it's alright” Ukitake said trying his best to comfort the panicked female Shinigami in his arms. Hikaru's sobs faded as she fell asleep in his arms, “Do not worry we all will make it through this impending threat you speak of.” That was the last thing the white haired Captain said before he heard Suzume's voice.

“Ukitake-Taichou are you here?” she called. Suzume tentatively stepped into the small house. Ukitake set his vice Captain down gently onto the soft sheets of his bed and walked out. Tearstains all over his robe and entered the foyer of his home. Suzume yawned.

“Sorry to be bothering you at this hour of the night but you don't think you have a couch or something I can sleep on?” Ukitake laughed and led her into a small spare room where Suzume could sleep for the night. The raven haired Shinigami laid down and thanked Ukitake. The white haired captain smiled and went back to his room.

Byakuya slept but fitfully that night. His dreams were cluttered images of his past. He saw him as a child and all of the fond and not so fond memories, from that time. He remembered his days as a trainee Shinigami, all of the people he looked down upon just because of their social class. All of the people who looked up to him because he was the next heir to his clan, then he remembered the death of his father one of the most painful moments of his life. Although his father was cold and heartless to the people outside his clan, he was actually a wise and kind father. He taught Byakuya everything he knew about fighting as an honorable Shinigami. He also was one of the very few people that allowed him to marry Hisana. He remembered the day he married the woman that haunted his dreams. The smile on his face was of true happiness and the look of amazement when Hisana walked down the isle adorning a beautiful pure white kimono. Within the beautiful white fabric cherry blossoms, the look of pure shock on her face was apparent as she walked to the love of her life. He remembered the words spoken by the priest. “You may kiss the bride.” He remembered the small but loving kiss he gave her that day. He remembered the five amazing years he had spent with her. He remembered the pure joy and happiness it brought him. The there was the time when it all caved in, Hisana's death. The pain, sorrow, and grief it brought him, the promise that he made and intended to keep to save Rukia. He awoke with a jump, and then went outside to clear his head. There was a full moon that night. He walked around and left the barracks silently. The cool night air felt good on his face.

Hikaru let out a blood curdling screech that woke up everyone in the 13th division. Suzume ran out of her room and into the captain's room and there was Hikaru who had woken to find herself in Ukitake's room in his bed. Her face was as red as red could get at that point.

“Wha-what am I doing in here?!” said the startled Vice-Captain screeched. Suzume laughed at the sight. When Ukitake awoke he was startled when a hand collided with the side of his face. Suzume left at that moment and looked outside. It was still dark and there was a full moon. She stepped outside into the cool night air and smiled. I'll go and sit on that roof right there. Suzume thought. She wove her way through the mess of buildings and other structures and finally found the building. Silently she jumped up to watch the moon. Suzume soon after became engulfed in her thoughts of certain people...