InuYasha Fan Fiction / Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Death Is Only The Beginning ❯ Chapter Four ( Chapter 4 )

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.

=====

Death Is Only The Beginning

Chapter Four

Kagome leaned against the wall as she waited outside of the Captain-Commander's office. She had arrived several minutes ago and was now only waiting to be called inside. Allowing her mind to wander for the moment, her thoughts drifted back to the previous evening.

Upon returning to her home in the Rukongai, she had been so nervous about what the children would think. Would they be angry that she was leaving them? Would they feel abandoned and betrayed? So many questions had been running through her mind. She hadn't expected to open the door to find smiling eager faces awaiting her return. Each of her charges looked to be sitting on pins and needles waiting to hear what she had to say.

When she had informed them that she had been made a shinigami, there was all of one heartbeat's worth of silence before she was tackled by cheering children. They told her how proud they were and bombarded her with dozens of questions; everything from what division she would be in and what the test was like, to had she met any of the more famous and prestigious members. She had been so relieved at their excitement that she'd begun to laugh as a few tears formed in the corners of her eyes.

It had taken a while for all of the excitement to die down once the children had run to tell their neighbors the exciting news. It seemed as though all of the faces she'd come to know had come to congratulate her or wish her luck. But once the children were rounded back up and seated with their dinner, she explained how things were going to change. She would be living within her division, so that meant that Yui would be in charge since she was the oldest. Their faces had fallen some when they finally realized that she wouldn't be living with them anymore, but Kagome had quickly reassured them that she would come see them every chance she got. She also told them that she would be sending them money to live on and that they wouldn't have to worry about food, water, or clothing anymore.

Once everyone was tucked in and Kagome was sure that they were asleep, she quietly slipped from their home and walked down the moonlit street until she came to a large field that she liked to visit. The night air was cool and fresh as she took a deep breath to calm her rising nerves.

She took a seat before lying back in the tall grass to stare up at the bright moon. She knew that she was in another world from the living, but she liked to pretend that it was the same moon that her friends and family saw when they looked up at the night sky. It helped her feel like she was still connected to them in some way. The moon in her new homeland was always large and bright no matter the phase, and she always received a great sense of calm when she basked in its light.

The realization had hit her shortly after coming to Soul Society that her human friends from the past were likely there as well. But Soul Society was a vast place much too large to search for a small handful of people. She'd always kept her eyes open as she walked through the districts in hopes of catching sight of someone, but she'd so far been unsuccessful. But maybe that was for the best.

After talking with some of the Rukongai citizens that had been there for some time, she learned that many people didn't retain many memories from their former lives, if any at all. Some could remember vague details such as where or what year they were born, but most accounts were fuzzy at best. Kagome had only met one other soul who retained their living memories and that was the youngest girl now in her home, Aya. Kagome knew that even if her friends were still in Soul Society and remembered their lives, it was still five hundred years ago that they had known her. If she saw them again tomorrow they likely wouldn't even recognize her for who she was to them.

Kagome lay quiet in the grass for a few moments as she listened to the wind rustle through the tall blades. Slightly restless, she remained on her back as she tugged her sword from its place tucked at her side and unsheathed the blade. She held it up against the moon and watched as the soft light set the steel aglow with silver light. She'd been told that the more powerful shinigami all knew the names of their zanpakutou. While Kagome would occasionally feel a gentle tug in her chest, no introductions had been made yet.

“You'll tell me your name one day though, won't you?” She questioned. “I'm going straight into a division, you know? From what I understand, that's almost happened a few times.” She paused for any kind of answer before continuing. “Yeah, I'll be taking classes at the academy at the same time, but you heard them. I have potential…natural talent. That has to count for something, right?” Still no answer came and Kagome sighed as she turned the blade this way and that watching the moonlight dance and flicker across its surface.

Kagome stared at the sword with a scrutinizing gaze before trying a different tactic. “Hello, my name is Kagome. And you are…?” She huffed slightly as she sat up and stared at the blade that now rested across her lap. “Yeah, I didn't really expect that to work. It's still a little rude not to respond when someone introduces themselves, though. You could have humored me a little.” After the mild scolding, Kagome hefted herself off of the ground, sheathed her sword back at her hip, and turned to begin her trek home. She never noticed the pair of lavender eyes that watched her retreating back.

After several hours of sleep, she'd been awoken by several small sets of hands trying to tug her into a sitting position. Apparently Renji had been sent to collect her again. He'd also brought her new uniform that she would wear as a shinigami.

It had been a sad scene when she left that morning. She hugged each child and told them to behave. Many of her neighbors had exited their homes to see her off with the children. She'd had to blink back the tears as she watched them wave goodbye.

Renji hadn't waited for her before turning to walk back to the Court. “Why did you come get me again? I could have made the trip just fine on my own,” she said as she caught up with the much taller red-head.

“Orders,” he had replied curtly.

“Why do you always act like such a jerk?” She asked as she gave him a hard look.

“Why do you always act like such a shrew?” He questioned in return only to instantly regret it. He caught her glare from the corner of his eye and before he knew it he was nursing a knot on the back of his head. “I can't believe you hit me!” He yelled in mild shock. “I wouldn't have thought it at first, but you might just fit in over at the Eleventh Division,” he grumbled as he rubbed at the tender spot on his skull.

Kagome tried her best to ignore him. She didn't want to talk to her escort, but after a moment of silence her curiosity got the better of her. “And why is that?”

“Because they're all violent as hell!” He glared at her. “I used to be in that division before I was transferred, and trust me…it's a big group of sociopaths. It's the perfect place if you like to fight, but you might want to stay clear.”

“Someone like me? And what does that mean?” She questioned as they walked into the First Division offices.

Renji turned to face her as they stopped outside of the Captain-Commander's office. “It means that a little girl like you might get hurt,” he said mockingly before turning to walk away once his duty was done.

Kagome could only gape at his back for a moment before yelling down the hall after him. “I take it back; you're not just any jerk. You're a sexist jerk! I hope I'm in your squad so that I can beat some manners into that thick head of yours!”

Kagome glared up at the ceiling and could feel an angry flush take place on her cheeks. “Miss Higurashi?” She was startled out of her thoughts as she turned to see a young man smiling at her. “The Captain-Commander is ready for you now,” he spoke as he gestured towards the door he was holding open for her.

Kagome pushed herself off of the wall and gave a softly said, “Thank you.” When she entered the office, the young shinigami gently closed the door behind her.

Her eyes first went to the elderly shinigami sitting behind his large desk before glancing over to two others who she recognized as two of the captains from her evaluation. “Please have a seat, Miss Higurashi,” Yamamoto said as he gestured to a cushion in front of his desk.

When she was seated, Yamamoto looked her in the eyes as he said, “Are you ready for your assignments?”

“Yes, Captain-Commander Yamamoto,” she answered as her heart sped up a little.

The elderly man nodded as he looked down to the papers that were on the desk in front of him. “As for your placement within the academy, you'll be in the advanced classes and will be exempted from what classes you show great proficiency in.” Kagome nodded during his pause before he continued. “Now as for your division, I had thought to place you within the Sixth Division under Captain Kuchiki and Lieutenant Abarai.”

Yamamoto had to suppress a grin as he saw Kagome's eyes narrow marginally and her cheeks tinged a light red. “However,” he continued as he heard Kagome release a light breath, “I have been approached by both Captain Kyouraku and Captain Unohana, both of whom have requested that you be placed within their divisions. I've considered their requests and determined that you would do very well under either captain. That being said, I am giving you the opportunity to choose. You may choose the Fourth Division with Captain Unohana where you may further develop your healing techniques, or you may choose the Eighth Division with Captain Kyouraku where you would learn to refine your kidou and combat skills.”

Kagome turned to look at the two captains who were smiling happily at her. She thought about and weighed her options for a moment before turning back to speak to the Captain-Commander. “I feel like furthering my combat skills would help me better protect those that I care about and become a more rounded shinigami. Though I know that there is still a lot that I could learn about healing.” She paused again before turning to face her two potential commanding officers. “Captain Unohana, even if I'm not a member of the Fourth Division, would I be able to come learn more about healing during my free time?”

Unohana smiled softly as she answered, “I would be delighted to mentor someone with your natural talent. It is something to be nurtured, after all. My door will always be open to you, Miss Higurashi.”

Kagome nodded excitedly as she turned back to Yamamoto. “I would be honored to join the Eighth Division, Captain-Commander.”

“Then it's settled,” Yamamoto spoke. “While you will be permitted to practice within the Fourth Division, I will remind you that your duties to the Eighth Division and the Shinigami Academy come first.”

“Yes, sir. I'll do my best,” Kagome answered with a bright smile and a seated bow.

Yamamoto hummed softly before saying, “See that you do, child. This is an opportunity that very few are offered. You will now be left in the capable hands of Captain Kyouraku.” Yamamoto cut the flamboyant captain a sharp look before adding, “Figuratively speaking, of course, Shunsui.”

Shunsui laughed deeply as he dipped his head and agreed, “Of course.”

=====

Several minutes later found Kagome standing in the afternoon sun with her new commanding officer. The much taller man released a happy sigh before looking down at her. “Well then,” he started as he smiled broadly. “You surely wouldn't mind if I called you Kagome, would you Miss Higurashi?”

Kagome found that his smile was infections and despite her anxieties she found herself smiling back as she answered, “Not at all, Captain.”

“Wonderful!” He exclaimed as he clapped his hands together. “So how about I give you a tour of the Court and then we get something to eat?”

Kagome faltered for a moment before tentatively asking, “Um…shouldn't we be doing some kind of work? Or training?” She almost jumped out of her skin when a woman suddenly appeared in front of her new captain.

“Yes, as a matter of fact. You should be working, Captain,” the bespectacled woman ground out as she fixed a heated stare on the tall man.

“Ah, dear Nanao-chan, perfect timing as always; I would like to introduce you to the newest prodigy within the Court and member of our fine division, Miss Kagome Higurashi,” Shunsui introduced with a flourish.

“Prodigy?” Kagome choked. “No, no…I'm not…I don't—”

Nanao's glare at her captain hardened for a moment before she turned to the younger woman with a softer gaze. Effectively cutting off Kagome's ramble she stated, “It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Lieutenant Nanao Ise. Welcome to the division, Higurashi.”

Kagome reciprocated with a small bow. The Lieutenant seemed like a very serious and professional woman, but the kindness was evident in her voice. Glancing up at Captain Kyouraku, Kagome noticed him smiling down at his Lieutenant. His gaze was soft and warm and almost wistful. She knew that look. It was the same look Miroku used to give Sango when he thought nobody was watching. `Opposites attract,' she couldn't help thinking.

Breaking out of his small trance, Shunsui placed a large hand on each woman's back as he began to usher them away from the First Division's entrance. “Now that my girls have met, let's get something to eat. We can do the tour after that, I think.” He smiled as Nanao voiced her protests the entire way to lunch.

=====

That night Kagome sat on her bed in her new home. `Well…I don't know if I would call this a “home” yet,' she thought as she looked around. It was a small apartment within the Eighth Division that she was sure was identical to many others. Upon entering, the main room had a small kitchen area to the right and to the left it opened up into a small dining/lounging area with a low table already provided for her. Farther back was the small single bedroom with an attached bathroom. Necessities such as a bed, linens, towels, and soaps had been provided as well.

But it was essentially empty. There were no decorations or attempts made at aesthetics. She was sure that over time she would begin to accumulate her own possessions to make the space feel more welcoming, but she knew that it would probably remain very Spartan for a while. There was a silver lining though. Her apartment was on the corner of the second floor of the barracks. That meant that instead of only having one or two windows along the front wall, there were several along both exterior walls. And Kagome was grateful for the excess natural light.

Kagome tried to lie down and go to sleep, but she just wasn't used to the new environment yet. Sleep would come in time, but for the moment it wasn't an option. “I need some air,” she mumbled to herself.

Swinging her legs over the edge of the bed, Kagome stood to go dig through the few clothes that she had brought with her. Finally finding what she was searching for she pulled out an obi to secure the light green cotton yukata she'd worn to bed. She was putting on her sandals when she looked up and saw her zanpakutou where she'd laid it on the table. Thinking it better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it, Kagome also grabbed the sash that went with her shinigami uniform. She quickly tied it over the obi and tucked the sword away at her side.

She quietly put distance between herself and the barracks. It had been warm that afternoon, but the night held a chill to it that Kagome found refreshing as she wandered rather aimlessly. Before she knew it she'd left her division and was walking the white streets of the Court of Pure Souls. The streets were fairly deserted at night. It appeared that most of the shinigami stayed within their division at night.

Kagome silently admired the smooth stone of the walls and buildings as she ran her hand along different surfaces. She'd made several turns down streets and alleys as she continued with her silent sightseeing. It wasn't until almost twenty minutes later—when a shiver ran down her back—that she realized she had no idea where she was.

“Great,” she groaned. Glancing around for anything that seemed remotely similar, Kagome was at a loss when she was only met with tall white walls that all looked the same. “Maybe I can try to back-track…”

But several wrong turns and turnarounds later, Kagome knew that she was well and truly lost. She leaned against a nearby wall before sinking to the ground so that she could pull her knees to her chest. The chill that she'd found refreshing was starting to seep into her clothes and skin. She shivered once more before resting her head on her knees. She was trying to come up with a plan to find her way back, but she didn't have a clue. With her face still tucked into her knees she bemoaned, “How is anyone supposed to find their way around here when everything looks the same?”

“By having an experienced guide, of course,” answered a deep, amused voice. Kagome's head shot up to stare wide-eyed at Captain Kyouraku as he watched her with the same infectious smile he always seemed to wear.

Shunsui had just rounded a corner when he noticed his division's newest member seated on the ground complaining about the lack of diversity in their surroundings. “What are you doing out at this hour, Kagome?” He asked softly.

Kagome blushed feeling that maybe she'd done something wrong in taking a midnight stroll. “I couldn't sleep. And I'm just not used to my room yet; I don't have much to help make it feel like home. So I thought a walk and some fresh air would help.” She let out an exasperated sigh as she leaned her head back against the cool wall. “But then I guess I wandered too far and got lost.”

Biting back the urge to tease the small woman, Shunsui offered her a hand up as he said, “I was just on my way to take something to a friend and check up on him.” He held up a small book for her to see. “You're welcome to tag along and then I'll walk you back to the barracks when we head back,” he offered.

“That sounds great! Thank you so much. I don't want to make you go out of your way though,” she said as she was pulled to her feet.

“It's no trouble at all,” he waved off as he watched her straighten her clothes again. “You've actually managed to travel pretty far. We're outside of the Twelfth Division now. And just as a word of advice, I would avoid staying in one spot for too long around here.” At Kagome's questioning look, he leaned closer and whispered, “People tend to go missing around here.”

“What?” Kagome gasped startled.

Shunsui laughed as he explained, “They always show up again later, but usually not before our resident mad scientist has tinkered with them a little.”

Kagome's face went a little paler then as possible scenarios ran through her head. She was brought back to the present though when a breeze caused another shiver to wrack her body. Her hands had barely begun to rub her arms when a heavy warmth settled over her back and shoulders. She looked down to see a pink floral kimono wrapped around her. When she looked up at her captain he just smiled.

“There's a chill in the air tonight and you looked cold. That should keep you warm until we can get indoors.” Shunsui saw that Kagome was about to protest, but cut her off before she had the chance. “Now come along, we can't just stand in the street all night.” As he walked ahead of her he could hear her frustrated huff, but it was followed by a soft `thank you.'

Kagome tried to keep up with her captain, but she was having trouble with the kimono he'd draped over her. He was easily more than a foot taller than she was, so the kimono was much too large for her. But he had been right. It was warm with his body heat and kept the chill off of her.

She fumbled with the excess fabric for a few minutes before getting fed up and stopping. She could see that Captain Kyouraku had stopped up ahead as well to wait for her. She removed her zanpakutou from her waist and tucked it under her arm before untying her shinigami sash. Taking the edges of the pink kimono, Kagome wrapped it as tightly to her form as she could and secured it in place with the white sash. Tucking her zanpakutou back at her waist, she picked up the hem of the kimono as she would a long dress and hurried to catch up with the tall captain. She could hear him laughing at her, and she couldn't help but laugh as well.

When they reached their destination Shunsui knocked on the door as he watched Kagome drop the kimono's hem in favor of adjusting the collar where it had begun to slide off of her shoulders. But he turned around when, to his surprise, the door was opened by a much healthier-looking Juushiro. “I see you're getting some of your color back,” he observed happily. “I came to bring back your book!”

As Juushiro stepped aside to let his friend come inside, he took the book and read the title. “Shunsui, I let you borrow this book over a year ago. Surely you could come up with a better excuse to come check up on me,” he admonished. He was about to slide the door closed when he noticed another figure just outside his doorway.

Juushiro turned to look at his additional guest and was surprised to see that it was a young woman. She was about a foot shorter than he was. Add that to the fact that she was wearing—or more accurately, swimming in—what he recognized as Shunsui's kimono and she looked absolutely tiny.

Suddenly remembering his manners, Juushiro looked into her blue eyes as he apologized, “I'm sorry! I almost didn't see you there. Please, come in.” He ushered her inside before speaking again. “Please excuse the lack of manners of my friend and I. Apparently he forgot to introduce us,” he said with a pointed look at Shunsui.

“That's right, you two still haven't met,” Shunsui said as he walked back toward the two. “Kagome, this is Captain of the Thirteenth Division Juushiro Ukitake. He's a close friend of mine and I like to check on him from time to time.” He turned to his friend as he gestured towards the petite woman, “Juu, this is Kagome Higurashi. She's the newest addition to my division.”

Recognition sparked in Juushiro's eyes and he gave a small bow in greeting. “Yes, you recently had an evaluation. I've heard a lot about it from Captain Kyouraku. You're taking classes at the academy as well as working within a division. I'm very sorry that I wasn't able to make it to your evaluation; I heard that you were quite impressive. Please accept my congratulations and apologies,” he said with a charming smile.

`He's so polite…' Kagome thought before she smiled in kind and said, “Of course, Captain. I'm just sorry that you weren't feeling well. I've actually been helping the sick in the Rukongai for a while now. Is there anything that I can help with?”

When the fairer Captain's smile saddened some, she knew that she'd stuck her foot in her mouth. But Shunsui spoke up quickly, “I'm afraid it's not that simple, Kagome.” At her concerned look, he waved the topic off for the moment. “Let's sit down and visit for a while!”

The three proceeded to sit on comfortable cushions around a small table. Kagome mostly listened as the two men talk and joked with one another as old friends do, but soon her eyes began to grow heavy. In no time at all, her head had drifted down to her folded arms resting on the table. When the captain's noticed the soft breathing coming from the younger woman they decided to call it a night.

Shunsui gently picked up Kagome's sleeping form and easily cradled her to his chest. As they said their goodbyes, Shunsui gave his friend a rakish grin as he said, “I told you she had big, round eyes.”

Juushiro just rolled his eyes at his oldest friend and said, “Good night, Shunsui.”

But before the brunette opened the door to leave, his eyes caught something on a small table in the corner of the room. “Hey, Juu, are you using that?” He asked as he pointed towards the corner.

=====

When Kagome awoke the next morning she was half-way through her stretch when she realized that she was in her own bed. “Captain Kyouraku must have brought me home,” she said to the empty room. She looked around and spotted her zanpakutou lying on her dresser. And next to the sword was a delicate glass vase with several stems of white orchids.

Walking over to inspect the flowers, Kagome noticed a small note tucked underneath the vase.

To make the barracks feel more like home. Welcome to the Thirteen Court Guard Squads.
-Kyouraku and Ukitake

A brilliant smile spread across Kagome's face as she thought about the kind captains. `I'll have to think of a way to say thank you,' she thought.

Glancing over to the simple clock that hung on her bedroom wall, Kagome's eyes went wide as she began rushing to get dressed in the school uniform that had been provided for her. “Oh no! I'm going to be late!”

When she left her new home she at least had an idea of where she was going this time. But even running as quickly as she could through the streets of the Court, the halls were already empty by the time she arrived. Classes had started and even though Kagome knew where the academy was, she had never been shown what classrooms were where.

She quietly searched one hall after another looking for any sign that she was on the right track to her finding her classroom, but she had the feeling that it was going to be a rerun of the previous night. But when she rounded the next corner she was finally able to spot another person in the halls. Not too proud to ask for directions, Kagome hurried forward so that she wouldn't lose them.

Byakuya had been called to the academy for a meeting and was just leaving when he spotted a young woman in a student's uniform jogging towards him. But he was slightly taken aback when the petite woman came to a stop and they locked eyes.

Looking up at the dark-haired man, Kagome noticed his uniform. `A white haori…he must be a captain. Okay, best manners!' She thought as she smiled brightly. “Excuse me, Captain, but today is my first day of class and I'm a little turned around. Would you be able to tell me how to get to Kido Training Field Number Five?”

Byakuya looked into wide blue-grey eyes set into an open and welcoming face. For just a moment his heart cause his late wife's smiling face to flash before his eyes. He barely registered what she had said, but he was able to quickly compose himself again and stepped past her as he said, “This way, follow me.” He was silently grateful that the young woman trailed behind him instead of beside him; he had no desire for her to see sadness in his face as he relived memories from a happier time in his life.

=====

AN: Wow. Filling out some of these chapters are making them a little lengthy. The original chapter was 7 pages. This one is 10. It's also a little more than 1,500 words longer. I'm still liking how these chapters are coming out! With the progress this story has made, I'm really excited to work on my others! Well thanks for reading and be sure to tell me if you like this new version!