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Post by Captain Juushiro Ukitake on Jun 11, 2016 13:52:41 GMT -6
Now Juushiro understood. Lady Saya, a stranger to his fellow captain, had empathized with the loss of Hisana in a way that had bypassed Kuchiki’s walls on the matter. He wondered how Hisana had been brought up, but he knew better than to push his fellow captain. He poured himself more tea, prompting his companion to lift his own.
“If she is attached to another household, especially one of your fellows, she might not reveal it until she deems it the right time.”
“And when would that be?” Kuchiki muttered. His eyes were getting stormy.
Juushiro chuckled quietly and rose. “Shall we walk? It might keep you calm and stop you from coming up with unusual scenarios.”
Byakuya rose silently but did not speak.
It seemed Lady Saya had made more of an impression than his fellow noble would admit to. Both as Saya and as Masunobu.
Juushiro led them toward a path away from the children so there would be less chances of them being overheard.
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Post by Captain Byakuya Kuchiki on Jun 11, 2016 16:37:10 GMT -6
The walkway had been restored since the takeover and where ancient trees had been killed, his fellow noble had carefully cultivated some climbing roses to disguise the loss. Though perhaps that would have been Ryouma since she lived here now and did enjoy gardening.
“How is Ryouma taking what happened at First Division?” he inquired.
Ukitake stopped by one of his roses and carefully lifted a drooping limb over a branch of the tree, twining them together. “She is focusing on the class I suggested.”
“I heard that the first session did not go well.”
“As well as could be expected.” Ukitake turned. “We need more teachers and I believe she will be given a chance.” He paused. “And Lady Saya will reveal herself in due time.”
Byakuya turned, regarding a creek running down some stones. “My family lost their retainers when our clan split in regards to our position in Seireitei, but I do remember from my teachings how that position was regarded by them to be the most important. Even their personal lives revolved around us." He looked back to the older noble. "Would she distance herself at this point?"
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Post by Captain Juushiro Ukitake on Jun 11, 2016 20:02:25 GMT -6
Juushiro smiled. Lady Saya Masunobu, you are quite troublesome to our fellow noble, aren't you, but I will value your wishes and remain silent as to your identity.
"I do not believe she would at this point, Byakuya-san," he murmured. "If she has approached you...."
"I approached her," Kuchiki turned to look out at the pond, "for my own purposes the second time."
"But you were talking with her, and it wasn't only the pleasantries. I believe that means there is a mutual interest in understanding more about each other." Byakuya frowned. "At least a curiosity, if you would prefer that."
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Post by Captain Byakuya Kuchiki on Jun 11, 2016 22:32:44 GMT -6
The high noble was silent for a few moments before nodding to himself. “If she won’t reveal herself, then the latter might be more beneficial to each of us. Unless she wishes to change that.” He turned around to face his host. “I apologize again for my sudden arrival.”
Juushiro waved away his apologies. “I don’t mind.”
“It eased my mind enough that I may focus on more pressing items.”
Such as the letter to go with the tea set….
He bowed. “I will use the time given me wisely. Thank you.”
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Post by Captain Juushiro Ukitake on Jun 11, 2016 22:53:02 GMT -6
As Byakuya turned to leave through the back, Juushiro’s smile faded as he considered on his fellow captain’s brief inquiry in regards to Yumiko and his words to use his time wisely before things became clear. He may not be able to discern how highly Kuchiki respected Saya Masunobu - and such may depend on her reason for remaining silent as to her heritage with him - but he knew the depth with which Yumiko had fallen for Vale. He closed his eyes. She could only wait for so long. "We can but wait and use the time together wisely." |
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Post by Yumiko Ryouma on Jun 24, 2016 22:18:36 GMT -6
"Lost":The estate was quiet, mostly empty as most who lived there went about their daily routine. For three years, she’d used the early afternoon - if she was around - to relax. There was an air of warmth that lingered in a house like it even without the happy people around. In a house like… Yumiko turned her head away from the garden, the roses, and cheerful sky, and buried her head in her arm again, choking back more tears as she rocked on the windowsill. She’d forced some food down earlier. She didn’t want Ukitake to worry. She had a class to teach later that week. But. But. Yumiko curled up tighter, trying to block out the light. But that would not stop the memories. Of finally seeing him again, touching him. And - She turned her head and breathed in, wincing as her floral scent washed over her. Rose. She pushed her hair out of her face, knowing that it wouldn’t help. She could still smell him. Then again, it’s not like another wave of pain mattered, either. He’d left. After saying he would be back - after years of watching him with her and saying she wouldn’t get in the way the family bond - he’d gone. With her. Her BEST friend. After years of comforting her. Of saying they would be back. That they both would be back. Protecting her from - from those that wanted revenge. Even that student. Not giving her a truth she needed…. because she couldn’t tell her. Because of her friendship. Her FIRST friendship. She’d tried to stop the fight. She’d tried to protect it all… and they had just thrown her aside. She’d been abandoned. Kita was her FIRST friend. Vale…. Vale had been a friend where NO ONE else would. And she had escaped the darkness because of him…. And now… now She didn’t even get an apology. Would it even be enough? Yumiko closed her eyes and whimpered.
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Post by Yumiko Ryouma on Jan 5, 2017 21:20:24 GMT -6
Echo from the Past:
As buzz spread across Soul Society from the invading energy, Yumiko sat up in her chair, her book falling to her lap. She knew that signature. “Sousuke…” she whispered. Lowering her eyes, she rubbed her swollen belly, soothing the agitated child inside. “I’m alright, little one.” She lifted her head, blue violet eyes sharp. “I’m alright.”
Rising slowly to her feet, she retrieved her zanpakuto from where it rested against the wall of her room. She hesitated and then drew the shimmering blade. She closed her eyes, reaching for the source of the energy she needed.
Swinging her blade, a crimson wave flew outwards before halting, seeming to fade into the walls of her room, woven with a Kido to become apparent. Opening her eyes, Yumiko looked on at the faintly gleaming walls.
Misao’s child kicked again.
Setting her free hand on her belly, she walked out of her room, pausing on the threshold as one of Ukitake’s sisters turned to her.
“Stay inside the house,” she ordered. The woman nodded
The light on the edge of Mizue no Kagami rippled down as if through the surface of a mountain lake.
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Post by Lt. Naomi Kato on Jan 6, 2017 0:33:58 GMT -6
Naomi stepped out next to Yumiko on the walkway as she looked out over the walls that surrounded the Ukitake manor. "I wonder what happened?" She looked to Yumiko and forced a smile across her lips.
"Do you think?" Yumiko looked to Naomi. "You don't think he came for Sojiro again, do you?" She shook her head. "Kita will not be pleased if he got his hands on him. Hell will be paid this time."
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Post by Yumiko Ryouma on Jan 6, 2017 1:07:14 GMT -6
Yumiko, mind too alert to flinch at Kita’s name, shook her head. “He’s being too obvious if he were here for an abduction of Soji. The whole family watches him, without an exception." She paused, and adjusted the bracelet on her arm. "No, his presence is either a distraction or he’s here to announce something. He could be provoking us, or he could.... be delivering a blow to weaken us. Either way, he wants an audience."
She lowered her head and rubbed her belly. “Perhaps Koga has told him of the Eva children, and he found a new weapon to combat them.” She closed her eyes, mind on what Misao had said before he had halted.
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Post by Lt. Naomi Kato on Jan 6, 2017 1:21:22 GMT -6
Naomi let her hand rest to Yumiko's arm as she rubbed it gently, she gave her a smile the best she could muster. "I am sure he did not find a way to counter the Eva. From what I heard that is not possible that's why the Gods blessed us with them."
She looked back out over the wall. "It did not sound like or feel like there was any fighting. So hopefully he was just here to get a rise and let us know he was back up to full force." She shuddered at the thought, but she knew that he was not the only one that was back on their feet. Three years of training and getting ready for the man was not wasted. Their troops were ready to face the man and losing was not on their agenda.
She looked back to Yumiko. "Don't worry. I am sure he is long gone by now."
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Post by Yumiko Ryouma on Jan 6, 2017 2:09:56 GMT -6
Yumiko gave a slight smile in return. “It would seem so,” she replied.
She hoped Naomi was correct on both accounts. She knew Ichimaru and Aizen had exchanged a few blows and then he had left the area. That was all she could ‘see’ from here. And she knew that there was something more beyond the Ayakashi coming. Even if she didn’t know when. Yumiko’s fingers ran over the hilt of Mizue no Kagami, holding Benihime’s reflection up for now.
“Want to try some banana bread before you go back to work? I just finished baking a couple loafs, but I will only eat one.”
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Post by Lt. Naomi Kato on Jan 6, 2017 2:14:17 GMT -6
Naomi hummed in delight as her eyes lit up. "You bet!" She replied joyfully. They both turned and walked toward the house. "So Yumiko." Naomi started trying to take their minds from what just happened.
"Have you figured out a name for the baby? Its a boy right?" The two sat down at the table across for one another.
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Post by Yumiko Ryouma on Jan 6, 2017 2:20:07 GMT -6
It worked. Yumiko lit up as she started cutting the banana bread into two slices. "Actually, I don't know what gender it is," she stated. "Something messes with the equipment when they try to find out." She set one slice of bread on a plate and pushed it to her friend. "I'm not worried. Misao's probably keeping it a secret for a reason."
She poured them both a glass of apple juice and sat down, taking a bite of her piece. "And I have a couple names in mind, but I think I want him to decide. I'll get to spend the most time with the child. The least I can do is let him name his child. He asks for so little."
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Post by Lt. Naomi Kato on Jan 6, 2017 2:29:34 GMT -6
"Aww, that's so sweet of you. I know everyone that was approached by one of the Gods said they were really sweet and very nice. I am glad to hear yours was too." She picked up the cup taking a sip of her juice. Then cut into her bread.
She took the first bite and hummed in delight once more. "Mmmm, this is so good, Yumiko. You did say you made this right?"
Yumiko nodded slowly at Naomi and smiled brightly at her.
"So do you have everything you need for the baby?" She looked at Yumiko's growing stomach. "You're due very soon, right? Like in the next week or so."
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Post by Yumiko Ryouma on Jan 6, 2017 2:47:43 GMT -6
Yumiko nodded again and continued to rub her belly. “The delivery date will be before or around the time of the festival, if Kotetsu’s readings are correct.” She looked down again. “I’ll be the first soul reaper female to give birth, so they’ll probably be watching closely, too.”
She turned back to her friend. “And yes, I think I do. And if I don’t, I should have enough after the baby shower.”
She reached underneath her kimono for a leaf pendant on a string. “I’m so nervous but excited, too. His child is such an angel. Kicking me when my mind wanders or when my emotions try to get the best of me. The warmth of its creation….” Yumiko’s throat caught, and she wiped a tear from her eye. “I can do without the hormones swinging though. I didn’t mean to cry. I’m really okay right now.”
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