InuYasha Fan Fiction / Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Death Is Only The Beginning ❯ Chapter Three ( Chapter 3 )

Disclaimer: I own neither Inuyasha nor Bleach nor any of their characters. Those belong to Rumiko Takahashi and Tite Kubo, respectively. I only own any original characters that may appear.

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Death Is Only The Beginning

Chapter Three

“No,” Kagome said in a firm voice as she worked on supper for her and the children.

Izuru let out a soft sigh. He had been in Kagome's home for the better part of an hour trying to convince the woman to leave with him willingly, but he was horribly conflicted. While he had his orders and was very loyal to his post—and was known to occasionally be merciless in battle—he was also a gentleman. After hearing why he had come, Kagome had been nothing but kind, if not a little stubborn, and he couldn't bring himself to use physical force on her. Not to mention all the small faces looking up at him as they inspected him. He had lost his parents at a very young age and the thought of taking Kagome away from these children by force made him very uncomfortable. “Miss Higurashi, I don't think you understand—”

“No, Lieutenant Kira, I don't think you understand,” Kagome interrupted as she turned away from her cooking to face him. “I can't just leave. There are children here and it's supper time and then story time and then bed time. I know that you have your orders, but I also have my own responsibilities. And I don't just care for these children; there are many other people in the districts that need help,” Kagome said with a sad smile. But she pushed it away before her charges could notice. “I don't know what your Captain-Commander would want to see me for anyway!” She said with a light laugh. “But either way, I'm too busy at the moment. And now that we've settled that, I have to say that you look tired, Lieutenant.”

When Izuru gave her a questioning look Kagome smiled brightly before asking, “When was the last time you ate?”

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Several soft knocks were heard before the large doors to the Captain-Commander's office opened slightly to reveal one of the younger members of the First Division. “Captain-Commander, Lieutenant Kira has returned from the Rukongai. He's come to report in, sir.”

“Send him in,” Yamamoto called in response. It had taken Izuru much longer to return than he had anticipated. The Lieutenant was usually very efficient in completing his orders. So to say that he was surprised when the blond man entered the office alone was an understatement. “Where is the girl that you were sent to retrieve, Lieutenant Kira?”

When Izuru came to a stop in front of the older shinigami he bowed deeply and spoke without lifting his head. “My deepest apologies, Captain-Commander Yamamoto. I have failed in my mission to bring one Kagome Higurashi to the Court of Pure Souls for an audience with you. She refused to leave with me willingly and I could not bring myself to use physical force against her.”

“Stand up, boy,” Yamamoto said with a wave of his hand. “Am I to understand that you were trying to persuade her into coming with you this entire time?”

A blush quickly spread across Izuru's nose and cheeks. “Well…not exactly, Captain-Commander…”

Tired of being in the dark, Yamamoto pressed, “Then out with it. What was your delay?”

Izuru swallowed thickly before answering, “She…well, sir, she refused to let me leave until I had supper with the children and herself.” Seeing the look that his Commander was giving him, he quickly continued, “She's not a woman of large stature by any means, but she has a way of being quite forceful.”

For just a moment, the older man was struck speechless. What kind of woman was this to get Izuru to leave a mission unfinished? “Very well then, you are relieved of this mission Lieutenant Kira. You are now to inform Lieutenant Abarai that he is taking over for you. I will meet this girl. He is authorized to use any means necessary to retrieve her. Dismissed.”

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The next morning found Renji walking down the dusty streets of the Rukongai towards the address that he'd been given. He'd been told he was to bring in a woman by any means necessary so that the Captain-Commander could speak with her.

`Damn it. Why in the hell couldn't Kira handle this?' He thought as he drug his feet. Byakuya had been running him ragged lately. He understood why, of course. His captain always began to push people away when the anniversary of Lady Hisana's death approached. But just because he understood didn't mean that he liked it. So now not only was he tired, but he'd been sent to play fetch.

He rounded another corner before stopping outside of the humble home he'd been directed to. Deciding to try a more civil approach first, Renji knocked on the thin door and listened to a series of tiny footsteps and small voices. After another moment a woman opened the door but was facing the other occupants of the house as she scolded, “Shinji, stop teasing Aya and eat your own breakfast!” Renji waited for her to turn around, but when she did he could swear she seemed familiar.

Kagome turned her attention to their early morning guest with a bright smile. But when she caught a glimpse of crimson hair and dark tattoos, her eyes immediately narrowed. “You,” she ground out.

Renji tensed at the swift change in the woman's demeanor and the confirmation of his suspicion. “You're the one who sent me away before I could say goodbye to my family!” She yelled at him.

`Ah…she's one of the people I sent here,' he thought.

“What gives you the right to send people into the afterlife if they aren't ready? What about those that have unfinished business and all that?” She continued to rant. He could hear some of the children inside the home giggling because he was being scolded.

“It's my job to send people to the afterlife,” Renji answered with a scowl. “And this?” He said as he pointed to the Lieutenant's badge on his arm. “This is what gives me that right.” Renji leaned down so that he was closer to eye-level with petite woman. “I don't know what you said to Kira to get him to leave yesterday, but you're not getting rid of me that easy. One way or another, you're going back to the Court with me.” Renji smirked as he watched Kagome's face take on an angry flush. He could tell that she was going to be stubborn and he was perfectly fine with doing things the hard way.

“Oh yeah?” She asked crossing her arms over her chest. “And what if I still say no?” Kagome's bravado wavered as Renji straightened to his full height before giving her a wicked grin.

A few minutes and a minor scuffle later had Renji with Kagome tossed over his shoulder as she punched his back and thrashed around while yelling for him to put her down. Renji turned to look at the children gathered at the door. “Which one of you is the oldest?” He asked.

A girl with short, dark hair stepped forward saying, “I am.”

Renji looked her over before nodding. “Okay then. You're in charge until she comes back,” he said as he jostled Kagome on his shoulder to readjust her and make her calm down. “Now somebody pass me her zanpakutou; she's gonna need it.” When one of the young boys passed him the sword, he tucked it into the sash at his waist next to his own zanpakutou. Once he was sure that both swords and his mission objective were secure he began his walk back to the Court of Pure Souls.

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The trip back to the office of the Captain-Commander took much longer than the trip into the Rukongai. But Renji was going to blame that on the fact that while he was avoiding being kicked in the face and trying to pin down two flailing legs, the woman on his shoulder was trying to beat his back black and blue. He couldn't remember ever being more grateful than when she finally tired herself out and rode out the rest of their trip in fuming silence. When he was shown into the office of the First Division's Captain, he strode in and happily dropped Kagome on her rear end.

Kagome landed roughly on a cushion position in front of a large desk. She turned to glare at her red-headed captor only to have her attention pulled to the elder man sitting behind the desk when he began to speak.

“Lieutenant Abarai,” Yamamoto began, “what do you have to report?” He suppressed a small grin at the way the woman before him crossed her arms and fumed.

“Other than the fact that this vicious little thing is almost feral, not much,” Renji answered as he rolled his neck and shoulders to work out the tension that had knotted his muscles. “She is caring for a bunch of kids in her home. I think I counted eight while I was there.”

Kagome's head snapped to the side to gape at Renji when he had the nerve to call her feral. “Feral?” She repeated in a tight voice that cracked as she tried not to yell. “Well…you're a…you're a stupid…pineapple-headed…jerk!” She stuck her tongue out at him for good measure. Living with so many children had made her arguing skills less than mature.

Yamamoto couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped him as he watched the fiery young woman. It was no wonder she had given Izuru and Renji a hard time. He had a feeling that he was going to like her. “Miss Higurashi,” he stated to get her attention focused on him. “I would like to say that I appreciate you being here, and I apologize for the manner of which you were brought here. I've heard several interesting things about you and wanted to meet you myself.”

Kagome took a deep breath to calm herself. This man was obviously an important figurehead and she didn't want to offend him no matter how upset she was. “Not to sound rude, sir, but you obviously know who I am while I have no idea who you are.”

“Yes, I was told that you hadn't been in Soul Society for very long,” Yamamoto acknowledged with a polite smile. “I am Captain-Commander Genryusai Yamamoto of the First Division of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. If the reports given to me are accurate, I believe that you have much potential with proper training and guidance.” He watched her carefully to gauge her reaction and so far she seemed curious but wary. “I would like to give you a shinigami placement test. Depending on how well you do, you would likely be enrolled in my academy and possibly placed on a squad.”

Kagome waited all of one heartbeat before she flatly answered, “No, thank you.”

Yamamoto had anticipated her reluctance and gently continued, “And may I ask why not?”

“Because, Captain-Commander Yamamoto, as I have already told your men, I have other responsibilities within the districts. I took in those children so that I could take care of them, not abandon them. Without someone to care for them they'll be back out on the streets, and it's a dangerous world for ones so small,” Kagome explained.

“Ah yes, the orphans that you've taken into your home,” Yamamoto mused. He was confident that he would be able to sway her with his next argument. “You work many menial jobs just to be able to feed them, correct?”

Kagome hesitated for a moment before answering with a tentative, “Yes.”

“Well being a shinigami isn't charity work, Miss Higurashi. It is a job, and like any other job, you will receive compensation for the work that you do. I can also guarantee that you'll make more than enough to support the children that you care for. After some time you may even be able to find a larger home for them in a safer district. What do you think now?

Kagome sat quietly and weighed her options. More money would definitely help take care of the children, and a nicer home would be even better. But she knew that she would be kept very busy if she was going to be training her powers and working at the same time. “Would I still be able to see the children?”

Yamamoto nodded. “Of course. You'll be assigned a new home within the Court so that you are on hand in case of an emergency, but you will have some days off. You're welcome to spend your personal time however and wherever you wish.”

Kagome chewed her lip. She wouldn't see the children as often, but she would be able to give them more and take better care of them. It was a large trade-off, but the pro's seemed to outweigh the con's. “Captain-Commander, I will accept your offer. But I want a portion of my pay sent to the children.”

“I'm sure that can be arranged, Miss Higurashi,” Yamamoto said with a slight nod. “I would like for your evaluation to be done today. Do you have any objections?”

Kagome gave a slight shrug as she answered, “We might as well get it done and out of the way. I don't mind doing it today, but I'll need to be home before supper. I'll need to talk to the children and explain the changes that are going to happen.”

“Good to hear,” Yamamoto agreed before turning back to Renji who had remained off to the side since he had not been dismissed. “Lieutenant, escort Miss Higurashi to one of the testing fields at the academy. I will contact three captains to oversee the testing and join you shortly.”

“Yes, Captain-Commander,” Renji responded with a short bow before pulling Kagome to her feet and leading out the door and away from the office.

Yamamoto chuckled lightly as they immediately began taking shots at one another again.

“Feral demon woman.”

“Pineapple-headed jerk.”

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Kagome took a moment to take in her surroundings as she and Renji waited for the Captains to arrive. He'd taken her to a large outdoor area that was walled in on three sides and open to the halls of the academy on the fourth. She turned to look at the far wall and noticed square targets set up at varying heights and distances. She was about to ask Renji when the others would arrive, but was startled as three individuals appeared next to the wall on her right.

With a hand over her heart in an attempt to calm its pounding, Kagome gave the trio a nervous smile and a small wave. A tall man with wavy brown hair happily waved back and the only woman among them smiled warmly and returned a small nod. Kagome noticed that the third member of the group was a young boy with white hair. He appeared to be very serious, and even though he didn't smile, he acknowledged her greeting with a small nod.

“This is where your basic strengths and skills will be evaluated, Miss Higurashi,” Yamamoto said as he entered the area from the academy hall. “The three that have joined us are all captains and will be the ones who ultimately give your assessment,” he motioned towards the trio with his staff. “What you demonstrate for us today will determine at what level and which class you will take at the academy. All three captains must unanimously agree for you to be placed within a division. If none think that you are up to par with your peers, you will be given the choice of entering the academy as a first year or returning to your previous life in the Rukongai. Do you have any questions before we begin?”

Kagome shook her head. “No, sir.”

“Very well, then. We will…Shunsui, what are you doing here? I called for Juushiro,” Yamamoto questioned as his brows creased together.

The tall man tipped his straw hat up and further out of his face. “He's having another one of his bad days. I happened to be visiting when your order came in, so I told him to stay and that I would take his place. Hope you don't mind.”

The Captain-Commander made an acknowledging yet annoyed sound in the back of his throat before saying, “That will be fine. Captain Unohana, you will go check on him after this?”

“Of course, sir,” answered the woman with the warm smile.

“Then let's begin,” announced Yamamoto. He turned to look at Kagome. “Do you know any forms of kidou?”

“Demon magic?” Kagome shook her head. “No, I don't know any formal spells.”

“But you are able to launch long-range attacks without use of a weapon?” The elderly man pressed further.

“When I have to, yes,” Kagome answered honestly.

“Then show us what you can do. Stay where you are and hit the farthest target that you're able,” Yamamoto instructed.

Kagome nodded and faced the targets at the end of the range. As she took a few calming breaths she took in the distances of each target. Settling her target on the second farthest, she raised her right hand with her palm facing outwards toward the targets. Her left hand came up to brace and stabilize her right arm at the wrist, knowing that the release of power would emit a fair amount of opposite force. Concentrating on calling her power to her palm, she waited until enough had gathered before releasing a bright flash of pink energy. When her vision cleared from the intense light, Kagome could see that all but a small portion of the targets bottom corner had been blown away.

Yamamoto raised his eyebrows slightly before saying, “Well done. The next portion of your evaluation will test your swordsmanship. Lieutenant, please return Miss Higurashi's zanpakutou.”

Renji pulled the sword from its place tucked in his sash before making eye contact with Kagome to make sure she was paying attention. When they locked eyes, he tossed it her way without a word.

Kagome sent Renji a small glare as Yamamoto commanded, “Now both of you take your places. The Lieutenant here is going to be your opponent. I have confidence that he will keep the spar on a basic level.” The Captain-Commander leveled Renji with a knowing look.

But even with the older man's level stare Renji couldn't help his outburst. “You have to be kidding! Even with just basics, she wouldn't stand a chance—”

“What's wrong, Lieutenant?” Kagome interrupted. “You've never even seen me fight. I can keep up. Try me,” Kagome said with a grin that was bordering on too happy.

Renji cast one last questioning look at Yamamoto, but his shoulders slumped slightly at the man's nod. Once he and Kagome were in position, he made the first move. He wasn't very surprised when she easily blocked him; it had been obvious that the attack was coming. They continued through a few basic moves with him on the offensive each time. But after a few minutes, Kagome changed the direction of the match and made him go on the defensive. He furrowed his tattooed brow in frustration and began to quicken his movements and put more force behind his blade. He was surprised this time, though, when Kagome continued to match him blow for blow.

He noticed that her technique was sloppy and rough, but her attacks were solid enough. Renji began to aim for openings in her stance, and Kagome did well blocking his advances for several moves. But she wasn't quick enough with one block and let out a sharp gasp as Renji's blade bit deeply into her arm. Reflex caused her to drop her sword and cover the wound with her hand.

Kagome dropped to sit on her knees as blood seeped out from between her fingers. The female captain who had come to observe was quickly by her side and pulling her hand away to observe the cut. The woman cast a concerned look up to the Captain-Commander, silently questioning what he wished for her to do.

“Kagome, try to heal yourself as you do with those from the districts. If you're unable to, Captain Unohana will assist you. I suggest you hurry, though,” Yamamoto instructed.

Kagome concentrated on her breathing and shook away the fog of pain that had been clouding her senses. Moving her free hand over the wound, Kagome pulled her healing energy forth and her hand began to emit a soft pink glow. She watched as the gash slowly stopped bleeding and finally began to stitch itself back together. When it closed completely and she stopped, only a fine line of new pink skin remained.

Wiping away some of the remaining blood to inspect her handiwork, Kagome smiled at her job well done. It wasn't often that she used her powers on herself, so she had much less practice in that area. She noticed that the captain kneeled at her side watched her arm as she stretched it out and flexed her wrist to work out any stiffness in her muscles.

“That was very well done for someone who hasn't had any formal training,” the older woman complimented causing a light blush to settle over Kagome's cheeks.

Kagome nodded as she said “Thank you.” She then turned her gaze up to the Captain-Commander who in turn looked at the three captains as Unohana rejoined them.

“She's got my vote,” Shunsui said as he smiled broadly down at the young woman. He could already tell that she was going to be capable of great things one day.

Unohana nodded as she said, “I have to agree. She has a lot of natural talent. She will do wonderfully with proper guidance.”

Despite being against the idea at first, Kagome couldn't stop her heart from pounding in her chest as she waited to hear what the last captain had to say. His sharp turquoise eyes landed on her as he addressed the Captain-Commander. “Her techniques are unrefined and she needs a lot of practice in some areas. Much of her power is either untapped or she is unable to fully control it…but she does have high potential.” Kagome let out the breath that she'd been holding when his looked at the Captain-Commander and nodded his head once.

Kagome smiled brightly as she stood and looked at the elderly man who'd had her abducted early that morning. “It's official then, Miss Higurashi. You will be placed within a division and assigned to your new classes; report to my office tomorrow morning for your assignments regarding both. You may return home for the day, but remember that tomorrow you will be given new residence within the Court. You are all dismissed.” But Yamamoto paused as he passed by Renji. “I trust you'll see that your newest comrade makes it home safely, Lieutenant Abarai.” He let a small grin grace his features as he walked away. Sometimes it was fun to tease the youngsters.

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Shunsui made his way back to his best friend and sat quietly as Unohana checked over the white-haired man. She told him that she would send some medicine later and ordered him to rest in the meantime. Once the kindly healer left, he moved closer and took up his usual seat near the bedside.

“How did the evaluation go?” Asked the tired voice of Juushiro Ukitake.

“It went well,” he answered as he removed his hat and smiled. “She didn't have any formal training to speak of, but she was still very impressive. She was even able to give Abarai a run for his money during their spar.” He paused for a moment to watch the much paler man's chest move with shallow breaths. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine,” Ukitake answered. But at the other captain's doubtful look he chuckled softly before being more truthful. “Not fantastic, but better than earlier. Finish telling me what the captain's decided.”

Shunsui nodded before starting again. “She got passing marks across the board. We won't know what division she'll be assigned to until tomorrow, though. So until then, you relax while I make up a scandalous and wholly untrue piece of gossip to tell you.” The sickly man laughed softly once again as he shook his head and turned to look out the window. Things were quiet for a moment before Shunsui spoke again. “I think you'd like her, though. We didn't speak much, but she had a nice smile. She also had the biggest, roundest—”

“Shunsui,” reprimanded the more proper man from his place in bed.

“What?” The more mischievous captain defended. “I was going to say “eyes.” I can't even begin to think what else you thought I might mean,” he teased.

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AN: Another chapter down! Two pages and over 1,000 words longer than the original chapter. I'm very happy with how these are turning out. Hope you're enjoying them as much as I am! Thanks for reading!