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Post by Captain Juushiro Ukitake on Jan 21, 2023 19:03:00 GMT -6
Bleach Unrated: REBOOTEDCurrent Arc: Deep RenewalEpisode 317 "Hope Returns" : When the chaos of the assault around them faded into a familiar quiet oblivion, one that never lingered around him but always returned from time to time, Juushiro closed his eyes and let time steal over him. The stillness didn’t last however as more thick acidic phlegm caught in the back of his throat. Hunching over, Juushiro coughed blood into his hand, inhaling quickly after. His lungs burned and he wiped his hand, turning to the present. He could collapse afterwards. He needed to see what the gods had done this time. Sighing as another wave of weariness swept through him, he stood from the chair he sat in — his own seat by his captain’s desk. He set a hand on Sogyo no Kotowari to calm the worry of his twin spirits and walked forwards. He didn’t have to go far yet halted at the sound of footsteps beyond headed his way. Waiting. For a moment, the moonlight from behind the screen door shone over the petite figure, wavering into a handsome male officer with a worried smile. Kaien Shiba, brought back to the forefront of his mind with the start of another attack here. Juushiro smiled in quiet greeting and the image of his current lieutenant took his place. Rukia Kuchiki in a tattered kimono, one hand on her zanpakuto. He closed his eyes again. “It’s alright, Rukia. You can do what you want with me to prove it to yourself, but the nightmare is ending and we’re back.” |
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Post by Lt. Rukia Kuchiki on Jan 23, 2023 18:04:56 GMT -6
Rukia stood in the doorway, zanpakuto shaking in her grip as she angled it at the form of her precious captain. At what appeared to be him but couldn’t be. She should still be in the Maze, no longer Koga’s unwanted toy, but trapped in a gladiators ring doing her best not to kill others like her, those who had managed to crawl out and survive. Curling up with Renji or another friend when they were separated at night to keep the nightmares at bay.
But if this were a dream, where were Kiyone and Sentaro? Where were the other officers piling in behind her when they all heard that their captain hacking?
“How-how can you be sure?” she snapped hoarsely.
Her captain sat down again. “If this were one of their illusions, I’m sure I’d be on the ground, coughing up blood and powerless. Just as it were all those years ago.” Those warm green eyes lifted to her again even as she flinched at the memory, keeping her calm. “We both have worse to fear than seeing each other like this. I won’t die from this and you’re back. Safe.”
A part of her wanted nothing more than to call on her zanpakuto powers and stop him from speaking, seal the moment up in the white oblivion of her Bankai. She had ignored that call ever since she’d been captured, having been stripped of most of her strength but the will to end it all, especially in the horror of the gladiators ring. But hearing those gentle words burned. They seemed an even worse fate than that ring. Once again reminded of his understanding and acceptance. The weakness between them both. She yearned to accept it and feared what lay behind it if it were false.
An explosion of familiar energy shocked her from her mounting horror as her brother’s signature expanded from the noble’s district. Her zanpakuto shook in her grip and she inhaled. Slowly, it faded to normal levels but remained in the back of her mind.
Her captain coughed thickly.
Dropping her zanpakuto with a clatter, sending Shirayuki an apology, she ran over to him before he could fall from his chair. She couldn’t speak yet but supported him. The clamor of many feet filled her ears.
“Captain! Lieutenant! How are you here? Aahhhh! Blood!”
Finally, Rukia snapped out of her funk and whipped her arm out. “We need a stretcher and a blanket. He’s having an attack.”
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Post by Captain Juushiro Ukitake on Jan 23, 2023 18:26:20 GMT -6
“Thank you, Rukia.” Juushiro closed his eyes again as orders rang out around him, smiling despite the fire growing in his lungs. He’d convinced her, and that was enough for him. He leaned against her as yet another cough shook his body, trying to conserve his energy. He didn’t want to collapse yet. There were still things he could accomplish with the time granted him by Kita’s healing. “This isn’t the worst it’s been.”
Taking in a breath of air, he looked out at his worried division, of those that remained. So many had piled into his small office. But he did not see all of them. Still, his smile grew, relieved and grieved in equal measure. “I’m sorry I was gone for so long, but I’m back now. We’re all ho-”
He lurched forward when more bloody phlegm caught in his throat and then dribbled down his throat, waving a hand as his vision wavered and his people started screaming again.
A moment of silence passed over him before a familiar figure strode in, looking him over as his lieutenant took Rukia aside. “Hello, old friend.”
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Post by Commander Shunsui Kyoraku on Jan 23, 2023 18:42:11 GMT -6
Shunsui chuckled as he beheld his brother at arms covered in his own blood but wearing a weak smile. “Hello, Juu-chan,” he murmured. He turned to the group behind him. Some were holding each others’ hands and others were hugging each other. All were focused on the smiling man that led them. He almost felt bad taking him away, but then again, Juushiro had already accomplished what was needed here. They all believed again. He tipped his hat towards the Thirteenth Division. “I’m cutting this reunion short guys. Why don’t you work together and put our home together until I bring news?” He didn’t wait for a reply, trusting the lieutenants behind him to sort it out. He leaned down and carefully picked his best friend up in his arms, ignoring the wave of blood that escaped at the movement. “Of course we’d return home only for you to get sick, Juu-chan.” “Sorry, Shuns-“ “Save your energy. You don’t have to be a hero in front of me. Let’s get you to Isane, and hopefully Kita will be around soon.” “She’ll be nee- needed elsewhere,” the weak voice of his friend murmured, going limp in his arms. “This isn’t- isn’t too much.” Shunsui chuckled again. “I’ll let her choose, but it’s good to know that you’re not discouraged.” He wondered how long his inner strength would last, but for now, it was enough for those around him, the commander included. - END RP - "Reaching Out" |
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Post by Captain Juushiro Ukitake on Mar 16, 2023 2:03:40 GMT -6
Bleach Unrated: REBOOTEDCurrent Arc: Deep RenewalEpisode 340 "Saving Another": Juushiro stood in the doorway of the captain's room long after Kita had left the area, his mind full of worry for the people around him, recalling Kenji and Kita's break downs, the accusations shot around the first captains meeting, and now, the mind-numbing chaos in the market square. Another scream, one that had haunted him for over a year, flashed in his mind, and he sighed, closing his eyes and sending a prayer upward. Aizen had ripped them apart and it would take a lot of work to restore the strength in their realm. He could only hope that all the wounded and broken people around him didn't fall to the darkness still whispering to them in the shadows. He knew he couldn't reach all of them. Even if the Soul King had granted him immortality, he was no god. His advice wouldn't be enough for each person. Some wounds and darkness ran too deep, even in his hands. Long ago, he had failed Seto Tetsuya, and another time, his weakness had nearly cost him Rukia's smile. However, she had been spared and freed of her darkness, without his help. "Captain?" a voice called out behind him. He turned and offered a smile to Rukia, standing nearby. "I'm sorry, Rukia. I didn't mean to worry you." |
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Post by Lt. Rukia Kuchiki on Mar 16, 2023 2:05:59 GMT -6
Rukia didn't reply immediately, looking around the room and feeling the reiatsu that remained. A heaviness remained in the air, even with her captain's smile, a testament to the weariness they were all trying to hide, even her kind, believing leader. She squared her shoulders. "I met briefly with Captain Kotetsu when I was escorting the wounded. She wishes you to report for a checkup at your earliest convenience."
Her captain nodded. "That makes sense. I'll make my way there soon."
"Tomorrow at the latest, to be precise." He chuckled again with that same smile, and she frowned. She wished she had time to make some cookies. She missed Kiyone and Sentaro arguing in the background. The noise always made this part of life easier to react to. She was a fighter. Not a comforter.
"Were you able to help Miyamoto?" she finally blurted out.
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Post by Captain Juushiro Ukitake on Mar 16, 2023 2:22:22 GMT -6
Juushiro chuckled and walked away from his doorway, setting a hand on her head. "I did what I could. I hope it's enough."
She flushed a bit but allowed the attention for a few moments. "I heard Aizen showed up and some other we don't know."
Juushiro's eyes narrowed slightly, not surprised that the news from the market had spread but anxious at the details that could run rampant in their current environment. "What did you hear?"
His lieutenant scowled. "Aizen walked away free after sicking one of his creatures on the captains. They were powerless to stop him." She crossed her arms. "And the vessel nearly snapped but was held back by you."
Juushiro shook his head, wishing the rumor could be better, knowing it would grow worse by the hour. "Speak this truth instead where you can. Kita stopped herself, and although Aizen walked free from this confrontation, we were able to harm the creation, a new weapon created by Szayel."
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Post by Lt. Rukia Kuchiki on Mar 16, 2023 2:30:28 GMT -6
Rukia nodded. "Renji swears that he's going to kill that scientist freak for real one of these days. That he created another monster that mauled Nii-san will only put him further up his list." She paused. "I wasn't blaming Miyamoto either. I wanted to let you know before you heard another exaggeration."
Her captain lowered his hand. "Thank you. Tell him to be careful out there, you as well. If this new creation is targeting those with a captains' strength, you two may be next."
A frigid light entered her eyes and she straightened her spine. "I'm not a fool enough to dare him to try, and I'll warn Renji. But neither of us will run if he does."
Her captain eyes were solemn as they met hers. "I know. And I won't stop you. I know your strength and your willpower. Honor yourself but don't be a hero. Please."
Rukia's bravado cooled, recognizing the memories in that warning. Remembering her first 'death.'
"I won't die." It was as simple as she could get. For him. For herself.
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Post by Captain Juushiro Ukitake on Apr 2, 2023 22:53:05 GMT -6
“And that’s enough for me,” Juushiro replied. That was the truth. Despite the hell she’d suffered in Las Noches, Juushiro could still see Rukia’s eyes shine with the Kuchiki strength she’d taken upon herself. The strength for which he had originally promoted her still burned in her soul. Supporting her as captain seemed to be all he needed to do for her at this point. It relieved him, especially when circumstances had set her completely beyond his reach during their time of captivity. His eyes narrowed as he came to another decision, after facing Rukia’s strength and stepping in to stop Kita’s despair. The chaos around them wouldn’t stop any time soon and Aizen’s taunting presence would only add more fuel to the fires of distrust and pandemonium. He wouldn’t wait any longer. For another’s sake and his own selfish peace, he needed to take one more step today. “Rukia, I’ll visit Fourth Division now. If I don’t return soon, I’m returning home to settle another matter.” She nodded. “I’ll handle things here.” His smile returned at her understanding. Letting her confidence steady his heart and lingering doubts on the matter, he left the area. Hoping to end one more nightmare. Moved |
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Post by Kita Miyamoto on Apr 3, 2024 23:36:31 GMT -6
Bleach Unrated: REBOOTEDCurrent Arc: RejectionEpisode 401 “Without a Shadow of a Doubt”: (continued) Kita passed through the threshold of the home, stopped after a few more steps, turned, and looked at Juushiro. "I just want my mind to feel at peace again. My emotions to stop yo-yo-ing and to be able to lock down the anger that boils inside. I want to forgive the ones that caused all this, but on the flip side," her head shook as she looked down at her hands that were folded in front of her.
"I don't. I want them to pay for what they did to me, my family, my friends, and anyone else that may have suffered from their actions." She looked up and over at Juushiro her eyes angry and filled with pain. Her hands at her side clenched tightly into fists.
She hissed, "I want to be the one that makes them suffer and pay for what they did." |
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Post by Captain Juushiro Ukitake on Apr 3, 2024 23:45:04 GMT -6
“Kita…” Juushiro closed the door again before walking over and taking her nearest hand. Looking deep into her eyes, he sighed and laid his free hand over her eyes. “Please, take a breath and listen to me. In many ways, you were still a child when this war took you. It has shaped you, just as much as any teachings from your parents or Urahara. You will and have changed from who you were before Loki assaulted you before Sousuke dragged you deeper into his war because of your connection to Sumi and your compassion towards Ichimaru. Don’t deny this, but don’t deny the choice of growing stronger from it—of finding that silver lining. You built a family, a love that many will envy if it were understood, and you are stronger for all you’ve suffered.”
Slowly, he removed his hand, still gazing at her. “Your friends will help you in any way we can, but the only way to start is at the beginning, with the grief and pain. Don’t fight it. It’s a natural part of this process, and if you still desire to fight or seek vengeance at the end, that is your choice. It does not change you into someone wicked or devoid of kinder emotions. It means that you’re a survivor and you have your pride.”
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Post by Kita Miyamoto on Apr 3, 2024 23:46:49 GMT -6
She took a deep breath and exhaled as a tear escaped her and trickled down her cheek. "I am trying to be strong. Not just for me but the others, the kids, for Gin. And there are days I just want to disappear into the training grounds and scream and rip the place apart."
She could not help a giggle after a brief pause as she wiped away a tear. "Kisuke would kick me so hard I would end up on the moon if I destroyed the training ground, and it's not very ladylike to act out in such a way."
Her head nodded. "I can do this. I know I can make it over this and have some kind of normalcy in my life with the man I love and our children. I will do this."
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Post by Captain Juushiro Ukitake on Apr 4, 2024 0:00:33 GMT -6
"Yes, you will," Juushiro agreed, "but give yourself the time you need." He handed Kita a handkerchief and took off his shoes, moving deeper into the room.
"And I believe Urahara would be more relieved that you destroyed his training grounds than if you were to ignore a need to unleash all that hurt and anger out. He does not want you to end up like his other child. Besides," he chuckled at her, "it wouldn't be the first time he's had to reconstruct his basement because someone was angry, him included. You should ask him about the state of the place when he took Ichimaru down or for a milder but still dangerous scenario, after the true training with Kurosaki. There's a reason that place gets stronger each time it's used. It puts up with quite a bit of energy surges."
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Post by Kita Miyamoto on Apr 4, 2024 0:01:45 GMT -6
Kita giggled softly as she removed her shoes as well, then turned and followed Juushiro to another room. Entering the room Kita had noticed all the hard work Juushiro's squad or servants had put into the food and refreshment. They had made the room very serene and comfortable for their meeting there.
As Juushiro offered a seat for Kita and she took it a young lady entered the room.
"Would you like some tea?"
Kita nodded as she watched the young girl move around the room getting them refreshments and snacks. As she served them Kita looked to Juushiro. "Ayumu should be here soon, right?"
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Post by Captain Juushiro Ukitake on Apr 4, 2024 0:09:19 GMT -6
Juushiro nodded as he took a seat by her and lifted his own teacup. "Yes, I doubt she will be long. Is there anything you want to ask before Mai lets her in?"
"No," Kita shook her head taking a sip of her tea. She looked up at Juushiro and gave him a warm smile. "Though I am curious as to why she wants to do this. Kisuke told me nothing."
Juushiro chuckled. "I'm not surprised, but I'll have to disappoint you on that matter. If Kisuke didn't reveal anything, he decided to let Ayumu explain herself to you as she did to him." He lowered his cup.
"I will say, however, that her cause is noble, though that shouldn't be too difficult to believe if Kurosaki as well as Ichimaru also agreed to this."
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