InuYasha Fan Fiction / Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Death Is Only The Beginning ❯ Chapter Five ( Chapter 5 )

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 Five

Kagome shuffled through the academy hallways. She'd just left her kidou class's lecture hall and was coming to realize that, much like her days in high school, there were some subjects that she was just destined to struggle with. “There are so many incantations,” she lamented. “How in the world am I supposed to remember all of them?”

She was several weeks into her classes and had come to realize where her strengths and weaknesses lay. She had been placed in one of the beginning kendo classes, but she'd been assured that once her forms were more practiced and polished she would likely be moved to one of the more advanced combat classes. Kidou had turned out to be two very different battles. She had no problem calling forth the amount of energy needed for even some of the higher level spells. But on the other hand, she also usually had to scribble the incantation words on her arm so that she would get them right. They were often very poetic and beautiful, but their length often tripped her up.

But one class that she greatly enjoyed was her history class. It was all about the history of Soul Society and the Thirteen Court Guard Squad. Kagome was always riveted by whatever the teacher said. The history was extensive and she'd been a little awestruck when she'd heard the names of several people she'd already met. It should have been expected, really, but hearing about some of the people that she worked with in her textbooks was a little surreal. She often found herself reading more about them before she went to bed at night.

Kagome had been a little surprised when she discovered that it was the Kuchiki family that was charged with recording and keeping the history of Soul Society. Upon learning this fact, her mind had wandered to the quiet captain that had helped her on her first day of classes.

Captain Kuchiki had wordlessly led her to the proper training field and she'd thanked him before joining her classmates. But whenever she would glance over her shoulder he would still be there observing her. It had made her more than a little nervous. But she'd been surprised when he asked to speak with her once the class was dismissed. He'd asked her several questions pertaining to why she had been admitted in the middle of a term and she'd learned exactly who he was.

She had often heard talk of the handsome head of the Kuchiki Family. His name caused many of the Rukongai women to swoon. And when she had visited the children in the Rukongai that evening her oldest, Yui, had done just that. The teenage girl had had begged for all of the details of their encounter, but she had been a little disappointed when she'd found out that nothing romantic or even gossip-worthy had happened between her guardian and the handsome captain.

Kagome laughed lightly at the memory as she left the academy for the day. She'd already changed into her shinigami uniform and was now on her way to the Fourth Division where she would work for the day.

Kagome immensely enjoyed her work within the Fourth Division and she'd already learned a lot about proper medical procedures and treatments. It always gave her a sense of accomplishment when she was able to help the sick and injured. But one day, after seeing Captain Ukitake leaving from one of his periodic check-ups, Kagome had approached the calm Captain Unohana.

Chewing her lip and debating the question nagging at her, Kagome finally asked, “Captain, why does Captain Ukitake need to be checked on so often?” It hadn't escaped Kagome's notice that her own captain often left their division to check on his friend.

Unohana turned towards Kagome and smiled sadly before answering, “You're sure to find out one day.” She paused a moment to close her eyes and sigh softly. “Captain Ukitake has had a severe illness since he was very young. It greatly weakens him and he often undergoes treatments to stave off the worst of the symptoms. He's very lucky though,” she added when she saw Kagome's sad, stricken expression. “He has an incredibly strong will to live and many good friends. He's never lost hope.”

Kagome was a little saddened by the memory as she entered the pristine halls of the Fourth Division. But she couldn't stop a bright smile from taking over her features when she spotted a familiar form, just slightly shorter than herself, trying to balance a stack of linens that were blocking is field of vision. Hurrying over to the struggling young man, Kagome stilled him long enough to take half of his burden.

“Hello Hanatarou! Busy as usual, I see.” Kagome had immediately taken a liking the petite male who was often her assigned mentor as he was well versed in the healing arts. He was small and nervous, but incredibly kind and always eager to help others. A warm, happy feeling filled her when he was near, similar to how she would feel when she would spend time with her younger brother.

“H-hello Kagome,” Hanatarou greeted softly as a light blush colored his nose and cheeks. When he had first been assigned to teach Kagome more about medicine, he had noticed a change within himself. Whenever she spoke to him or smiled or laughed or…anything really, his cheeks would feel feverish just before his stomach tied up in knots and his mouth went dry. He'd asked his captain about it, worried that he had caught a cold, but Captain Unohana had only smiled knowingly and assured him that he would be fine.

They carried the fresh linens to the supply closet in a companionable silence, and once their stacks were neatly placed on the designated shelf, Hanatarou finally found his, “Um…Captain Unohana asked that when I-I saw you that I tell you that sh-she wants to see you.”

Kagome smiled at him before nodding. “Thanks, Hanatarou. I'll go find her now. Hopefully it won't take too long though—I'm looking forward to your next lesson!” She didn't notice Hanatarou's breath become shorter as she turned and waved before walking away.

Knowing that Captain Unohana dealt with a lot of paperwork, Kagome first went to the woman's office and knocked gently on the door. She entered happily when she was acknowledged. “Hello Captain Unohana,” Kagome greeted. “Hanatarou said that you wanted to see me?”

Unohana looked up from her work before smiling warmly at Kagome. The young woman had already made great strides in her abilities after only a few weeks. As she had originally thought, it had only been a matter of Kagome learning how to apply the large amounts of energy that she had within her. And she was flourishing under Hanatarou's gentle teachings. Though Unohana had to quietly admit to herself that she had hoped Kagome would help her seventh officer become surer of himself when dealing with people. “Kagome, I know that you don't volunteer your time here to run errands for me, but I have a small favor to ask.”

Kagome nodded as she said, “Of course. What can I help you with?”

“I'm still covered in paperwork after that incident with the Eleventh Division a few days ago. I would greatly appreciate it if you would take some flowers to Captain Kuchiki at his family's estate. He should be there all day.”

Glancing to a small vase of flowers on the corner of Captain Unohana's desk, Kagome's eyebrows scrunched together in confusion. She'd learned the uses of many herbs from Kaede, but it was Miroku who had taught her the meanings that many flowers hold. “White Hyacinth?” She questioned.

“Yes…” Unohana said softly as she too looked at the small flowers. “He needs to be reminded that others are thinking of him today of all days. And please extend my deepest apologies for not being able to come see him myself.”

“Okay,” Kagome said softly as she picked up the small floral arrangement. She knew that it was probably rude, but she couldn't stop herself from asking, “Did something happen?”

Unohana looked up from her work again. With as easily as Kagome had fallen into their ranks, it was easy to forget that she hadn't been with them for very long. “Captain Kuchiki was married once, but many years ago Lady Hisana fell ill and passed away. He tends to become very withdrawn around the anniversary of her death, so the other captains always try to pay their respects and let him know that he's not the only one who still misses her. She was a very kind woman.”

Kagome suddenly felt terrible for asking. “Oh…okay,” she faltered a little. “I'll be sure to tell him you send your condolences and apologies.” With that she turned and quietly left the office.

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Kagome had been taking in the sweet fragrance of the flowers she carried when she reached the gates of the Kuchiki estate. When she explained her reasons for coming, she was reluctantly allowed entrance and given directions to where she needed to go.

When she quietly entered the designated room, Kagome hesitated in her steps. The quiet captain that she'd only met once was seated in front of a memorial shrine as incense smoke scented the room. For a moment Kagome thought on how odd it was to see Captain Kuchiki out of uniform, but she quickly shook that thought away as she stepped farther into the room.

He remained motionless as she spoke softly, “Pardon my intrusion, Captain Kuchiki. Captain Unohana requested that I bring these flowers with the apology that she isn't able to be here herself.” When Byakuya still said nothing, Kagome turned to place the vase of flowers near the shrine before taking a step back. Briefly wondering if he would be offended, Kagome sat next to the silent captain as she began to offer a silent prayer for his deceased wife.

Byakuya glanced from the corner of his eye to look at the young woman seated beside him. After their first encounter he had returned to the academy many times to observe her. If he were to be honest, he had been genuinely curious about her. Her name had been on the lips of many people for the past several weeks; his Lieutenant included. There were many rumors of her talent and some hailed her as their most recent prodigy. Renji had many more colorful things to call her.

And so he had watched her to see what was true and what had been exaggerated. There was no doubt that she had talent, and he had been mildly impressed by the amount of power she demonstrated for one so small. She often unconsciously let her power leak out when she became carried away with her open emotions. But she always seemed to wear a smile and have a kind word for anyone who spoke with her.

He had thought that his Lieutenant had greatly exaggerated his claims until one particular day when Renji had come to deliver a message to him. When the he and the young woman spotted each other in the hallway, sparks had immediately begun to fly. It had been rather amusing to watch Renji, with his rough exterior and harsh temper, argue with a much smaller woman who seemed to argue more like a child. For all of Renji's crass words, Kagome had never uttered an obscenity and often stuck her tongue out after calling him a name. Though she had kicked him in the shin after one particular comment about her weight.

But as Byakuya watched her now, praying for his late wife, he came to accept something he had known since they had met. Finishing her prayer, Kagome lifted her head and turned to look at him. Byakuya directed his gaze back to his love's picture before speaking. “You have similar eyes and the same kindness in your smile, but that is where the similarities end. Forgive me if I acted improperly towards you in the past. I suppose I wished for her return so badly that my eyes only saw what they wished to see.”

Kagome was puzzled for a moment as she turned to look at Lady Hisana's picture, but her eyes widened when the realization of what he said hit her. `Déjà vu,' she thought with a small shake of her head. But she bowed her head in quiet acknowledgement of his apology and stood to leave him in peace.

Thoughts about past lessons learned caused her to stop after only a few steps, however. Turning back to face the still seated captain, Kagome took a breath before speaking softly, “Pardon me again, Captain Kuchiki, but may I have permission to speak freely on an observation?”

Byakuya's back stiffened a little, but he turned his head to the side slightly before giving her a single nod to continue.

Getting her thoughts straight, Kagome spoke again. “I can understand where you're coming from. But I can also tell you from experience that it's not a pleasant road to travel down. You miss Lady Hisana—you always will. And if you find love again one day, I'm sure that she would be very happy for you. But you can't try to replace her. You may find someone who looks similar or acts similar, but no other woman will ever be the woman you loved.” Kagome paused, afraid that if she offended the powerful man there would be serious repercussions. But taking a breath to steady her nerves she continued, “And I feel that I have to tell you that looking for a copy of her is not only unfair to the women you consider, but also to the memory of Lady Hisana.” When Byakuya didn't move or speak, Kagome bowed deeply with one final statement before taking her leave. “I apologize if I was out of line. I hope you find peace with her passing soon.”

For several minutes after Kagome left, Byakuya sat and considered her words. He looked to the ever-smiling image of his beloved wife and could feel something within his chest tighten painfully upon realizing the truth in the words spoken to him. Closing his eyes and bowing his head, Byakuya spoke softly, “I am sorry, Hisana.”

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As Kagome approached the Fourth Division once more, she could see Hanatarou waiting at the gates for her. His hands fiddled nervously with the edges of a clipboard, but he smiled when he saw her approaching. When she was in front of him, he said, “Are you r-ready for today's rounds, Kagome?”

Kagome pushed away her more melancholy feelings as she put on a smile and bobbed her head in affirmation. Linking arms with her petite mentor before heading towards the medical ward, she never noticed the deep red that flared to Hanatarou's cheeks. “So who's on our chart for today?” She asked as they walked the halls together.

Hanatarou made a small noise in the back of his throat before he answered, “It's…it's a member of the Eleventh Division who's still recovering from the Hollow attack a few days ago.”

Kagome caught onto the reluctance in his voice. “What's wrong with that?”

“Well,” he began as his head ducked down a little. “Eleventh Division patients can be hard to work with. They don't like our division at all and tend to push us around…”

Kagome's protective instincts flared to life. She'd always disliked bullies and made a point to stand up for those who couldn't do so for themselves. And to see sweet Hanatarou so nervous about this particular patient made it that much worse. Even within his own division he was picked on a lot. “Well then we'll just have to show him that he needs to respect the people who save lives,” she said with a bright smile.

But Kagome's smile did nothing but increase his anxiety. “Kagome?”

“Don't worry, Hanatarou,” she reassured. “I have lots of experience in dealing with hard-headed men.”

They arrived at their patient's room and Kagome could already see the man on the bed glaring at them. He was well muscled and had red decorating the outer corners of his eyes. She had to admit that he would have been intimidating if it weren't for the fact that both of his arms were wrapped in bandages and placed in elevated slings. “I don't need any,” he growled as they entered the room.

Kagome noticed Hanatarou step behind her a little and knew that she would have to be the one to hand out an attitude adjustment. Turning to smile gently at Hanatarou, she held out her hand for the clipboard that had the patient's chart attached and nodded once before turning back around. She walked to the patient's bedside and gave him a stern look as she crossed her arms over her chest.

“Is that so? Then why are you here?” Kagome asked as she reached out one hand to gently press on the man's arm. She noticed his eye twitch slightly as he tried not to wince, but he held his tongue otherwise. “If you're fine and dandy then all I see you doing is taking up a bed that someone else may need. Go on then—get back to your division so you can get back to work,” she said as she took a step back and waved towards the door with the clipboard she held in her hand.

For a moment both men in the room looked at her like she was crazy before the man in the bed took on an indignant look and said, “What the hell? Are you nuts? You know I can't move my arms yet!”

Kagome looked over the information on the chart and feigned surprise. “Oh, would you look at that! You're absolutely right; you can't move your arms yet. And should I tell you why?” When all she got in answer was a nasty glare, she continued. “It's because you charged into battle with no plan resulting in one of your arms being broken and the bones in the other one practically being shattered.”

Kagome listened as the man finally shouted, “And they'll heal just fine on their own without you pansies touching them all the time!”

Checking the chart once more, Kagome lifted a brow when the name rang a bell. “You know that for a fact, do you? Well I've heard about the way you fight, Ikkaku Madarame, and I can tell you right now that you're going to be hard pressed to keep that up with only one arm,” she said with an indifferent shrug of her shoulders.

Ikkaku seemed to sober considerably at that statement and asked, “What?”

“Well,” Kagome started in a calm voice, “without us “pansies” touching your arms all the time to make sure that the bones are setting correctly as they heal, your shattered arm would never heal correctly. It would be lame for the rest of your life.” When she saw the worry flicker across his eyes, Kagome knew that she had him. He just needed one more little push. “I wish you the best of luck in keeping that third seat of yours. Come on, Hanatarou, we have more patients to see.”

Hanatarou and Ikkaku both sputtered a little when Kagome turned away with a wave and walked to the door. “Hey! Hold up!” Ikkaku finally managed to call out. “Aren't you going to do something about my arm?”

Kagome spun on one foot to look at him with a surprised expression as she brought one hand up to her cheek. “Oh, so you want our help now?” She took a few steps back into the room before she dropped the act and put on a real smile. “I think you know what I want to hear…”

Ikkaku was silent for a moment as he simply scowled at the girl. She wasn't like any of the other Fourth Division members who usually cowered away from his temper. But finally he relented and lolled his head back onto his pillows with an aggravated groan. “Fine!” He bit out. “I need your help. Will you fix my arm now?”

“I'd be happy to!” Kagome chirped as she made her way back to his side. “And be sure to tell all of your division buddies to be more respectful to the staff around here. They only want to help you,” she chastised as she held up glowing hands to examine his arm's progress. She pushed her energy into his arm to boost the regeneration and aid in making sure that the bones did in fact heal correctly.

“I won't mind if you help me again,” Ikkaku said as a predatory grin spread across his face. He almost laughed when he saw Hanatarou in the background with a small scowl at hearing his statement.

“Well that's too bad, because I won't be here to check on you tomorrow,” Kagome said as she completely ignored his flirting. “But you will be nice when Hanatarou comes to check on you, right?” She asked as she gave Ikkaku a hard look.

“Sure, sure,” he answered as he rolled his eyes. “What's your name, anyway?”

“Kagome Higurashi,” she answered as she moved to check the break in his other arm. But she looked up at the injured man when he chuckled. “What's so funny?”

Ikkaku smirked as he said, “Our Lieutenant has been talking about you.” At Kagome's puzzled look, he supplied, “Little girl, pink hair, can't shut up.”

Kagome instantly remember when a group called the Shinigami Women's Association came to visit her. They had brought her a beautiful gift basket to help her settle into her new home and feel more welcome. When Ikkaku saw the recognition spark in her eyes he continued, “Well I was just thinking no wonder she likes you so much.”

It was Kagome's turn to roll her eyes. “Flattery will get you nowhere,” she said as she finished up the examination. “You're all done for today. Try not to move that arm too much and you might be able to leave in another week.” She was about to leave when she turned back to Ikkaku and lightly tapped him on his shiny head with her open palm before she said, “And don't forget to be nicer to the division members here.”

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When Kagome arrived home that evening she was almost dragging herself through the door. “I'm exhausted!” She said to the empty room as she fell face first onto her bed. After a full day of classes and work at the Fourth Division, she'd gone into the Rukongai to check on the children and make sure that they were doing okay. Of course she had also helped any of the sick or injured that she came across which had drained her of even more energy. Deciding to relax, she pushed herself off of her bed to run a hot bath for herself.

It was almost an hour later when Kagome emerged from the steamy bathroom feeling much more refreshed even if she was still tired. She towel dried her hair before picking out the new yukata that the Women's Association had given her with her gift basket. She had just turned to go run a brush through her damp hair when there was a knock at her door. `Who in the world could that be this late at night?' She thought as she crossed her small dining room to open the door.

She was met with the smiling faces of Rangiku Matsumoto and Yachiru Kusajishi. “Kagome!” The blonde greeted. “A bunch of us are going drinking! You should come with us,” the much taller woman said as she reached to wrap an arm around Kagome's shoulders and guide her out of the apartment. “We each take our own bottles of sake and tonight we're going to sit by a lake!”

“I don't know, Rangiku,” Kagome hesitated as she tried to plan her heels more firmly to the floor. “I'm already dressed for bed and—”

“Oh, that's no problem,” Rangiku waved off with a laugh. “These little parties are always spontaneous, so most of us are dressed for bed, too. You should really come along. It's nice; we get to sit under the stars and the moon and everyone talks and laughs and has a good time!”

“But…” Kagome tried to come up with another excuse. “I don't really drink and even if I did, I don't have my own sake.”

Rangiku leveled Kagome with a look as she said, “If that's the best you can come up with, then you can just share with someone else. I'm sure somebody brought extra! Now come on, let's get going.” With that the voluptuous Lieutenant used her leverage around Kagome's shoulders to give her a firm tug. Once Kagome stumbled forward and out of the apartment, Yachiru cheered and shut the door behind them.

On their walk towards whichever lake they'd chosen, most of the conversation was about who Kagome could share with, but Kagome mostly kept to the back of the group. The group was made up of a few captains, several lieutenants, and some highly seated officers. And while her unusual assignment to a division had garnered her a small bit of fame allowing her to meet most of the people she was with, she was still an unseated officer. It was all very intimidating.

Noticing the young woman's nervous glances, Juushiro slowed his pace and dropped to the back of the group. Once he fell into step with Kagome he looked down at her and said, “I heard you tell Matsumoto that you don't drink.”

“Not really…” Kagome admitted with a faint blush. She didn't care to admit to being a light-weight. “I tried sake once before and…well, let's just say that it wasn't my finest moment.”

Juushiro let out a soft laugh as he nodded in understanding. “That's okay. I'm not supposed to drink in my condition, but I enjoy spending time with everyone like this and come with them when I'm able. I put tea in my sake bottle tonight though, so you're welcome to share with me and everyone would be none the wiser.”

Kagome looked into the smiling face of the tall captain and smiled brightly. “Are you sure? I wouldn't want you to run out early or anything,” she hedged.

“Don't worry; I actually ended up bringing more than I usually would,” he reassured.

“Thank you, Captain!” Kagome said happily.

Juushiro's smile broadened as he watched Kagome relax and smile a little easier. “Please, Miss Higurashi, we're all on friendly terms here. Outside of work, feel free to call me Juushiro,” he offered.

Kagome tried to hide her blush as she smiled and said, “Then I have to ask that you please call me Kagome.”

The rest of their walk continued in companionable silence, and once they reached the lake Kagome was glad that Rangiku had dragged her along. The surrounding area had lush grass and a few scattered trees while the lake reflected the light of the stars and moon. It was a beautiful night.

Everyone found their seats around the lake's edge and Kagome trailed after Juushiro as he found a spot just a little farther away to put gain some distance from his rowdier friends.

As the two sat they continued to talk about various topics. Kagome told him about the children she looked after, Juushiro regaled her with stories from his and Shunsui's youth. When she mentioned that she'd been invited to join the Shinigami Women's Association, he informed her that they were the more successful rivals of the Shinigami Men's Association to which he belonged. They went back and forth for most of the evening and were content to drink their tea and watch the stars during the lulls in conversations.

During one such lull, Juushiro ventured a glance at the small woman seated beside him. `She certainly has people talking,' he thought. But his eyes lingered longer than he meant for them to as he took a moment to really examine her. Dark and glossy hair fell over her back and shoulders in soft, slightly tousled waves while the soft moonlight made her lightly tanned skin glow. As her wide eyes looked up at the sky he could make out faint grey lines woven inside the blue of her iris. The soft curves of her small body were wrapped in a heather grey yukata with soft pink petals dancing across the hems and a matching pink obi secured around her waist.

He startled slightly when Kagome turned to look at him, and he rubbed the back of his neck as a small blush tinted his paled cheeks at being caught. Kagome just smiled and picked up their conversation again, seeming not to have noticed his stare.

And completely unnoticed by the pair, Shunsui sat watching both of them with the corners of his mouth tipped upwards in a knowing smile.

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AN: Another one down! This story is longer than I thought it was. Though maybe that has something to do with me purposely adding more to it…Anyway, this chapter is two pages and just over 1,300 words longer than the original. Thanks for reading and don't forget to let me know what you think of the new version!
Fun Fact: Since it's relative to this chapter and the next, one of the meanings to White Hyacinth flowers is “I'll pray for you.”