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Post by Yumiko Ryouma on Apr 2, 2023 23:03:02 GMT -6
Bleach Unrated: REBOOTEDCurrent Arc: Deep RenewalEpisode 339 "Saving Another": (continued) Turning on the faucet, Yumiko cupped the cold water in her hands and splashed her face, using a clean towel to tap it clean after. Her eyes lifted, watching the clouds drift across the blue sky. They narrowed as she caught traces of the dark smoke in the peaceful scene and she looked away. It had only been a few days since their return. The Fourth Division healers and volunteers, her included, still had their hands full with the wounded from the war, and yet, just like the last war, the final battle hadn’t been the end. Even if the king had fallen, evil had to exist and wreck retribution. She knew this. A smirk filled her mind. No! Yumiko shook her head, banishing the dark memories, and the lessons embedded in them, from both her lovers. She didn’t want to think about that — any of it. Too many questions always threatened to drown her. Questions with either no true answers or ones that seemed to just hurt her. It was easier to volunteer as a healer — even if that meant disappearing into that oblivion that had developed inside her from her position in Las Noches — and then go back to the Ukitake mansion at night to rest, repeating that cycle until she regained control of herself. Her hands unwrapped from around her wrists as her zanpakuto chimed in her mind, soothing the fear that rose in her. Yumiko knew this wasn’t sustainable forever, but right now, she worried about what she would do if someone tried to help her in her tumultuous state. Chills ran up her arms as flashes of that night in Las Noches filled her mind — when she couldn’t stop attacking Ukitake. When she cut Soul Society off from mind to stop the pain bubbling up. When she lost her way in the dark. She couldn’t bear doing that again. The blackout level of violent pain on another. Or the harm to herself from giving in or giving up. Even if it left her cold, she needed to find the distance and poise her training had instilled in her long ago. She wasn’t sure what other method would save her from others. She closed her eyes as the shame and grief threatened to swamp her yet again, taking a breath. Forcing the tears back, she turned around, needing to return to work. Nearly falling into someone, she lowered her head further, beginning her apology. But a warm hand stopped her, settling on her shoulder, steadying her but keeping her close. She knew who it was before looking up, and though she tried to speak, to reassure him and put distance between them, she couldn’t form any coherent thought.
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Post by Captain Juushiro Ukitake on Apr 2, 2023 23:03:44 GMT -6
Juushiro lowered his hand as Yumiko stood before him, not speaking, keeping his expression composed despite worrying about the lack of response. It reminded him of the time she had been sealed — specifically when she’d withdrawn after the nightmares from losing her zanpakuto. She’d put up a shell around her emotions and retreat to responding with nothing but perfect decorum for an undetermined amount of time. Eventually, her shell would crack but it was always difficult to discern when that would occur.
Juushiro always felt hopeless when the situation regressed to that point — because there seemed little he could do but wait for her to reach out again. She would barely smile or even admire the scents around her. At the time, he had likened it to Rukia’s broken state, and yet, Yumiko hadn’t fallen into despair, only accepted her fate — and all the consequences and loss with it. When Yumiko broke down like that, he mourned the flaws in their society that had chained her down.
In a way, Sousuke was right, and anyone with a portion of power here knew it. Soul Society had failed her. And if he could rebel against the system for Rukia, by the same logic, he should have done the same for Yumiko. And yet, perhaps because he had done so for his lieutenant, he couldn’t again.
There was too much only he could do and each change brought its own consequences.
Only for men who were willing to burn everything was the world or choices in it so simple.
Sighing, he held up a small wrapped package of bamboo leaves. “It is time for the lunch break. You were in a daze and almost walked away from the portion left for you.”
She hadn’t spoken to him yet, so she hadn’t retreated to that cold place yet. Whether or not that was a conscious decision or she was struggling to resign herself to that state, Juushiro would fight now to find a way to counter it.
He wouldn’t let it end here.
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Post by Yumiko Ryouma on Apr 2, 2023 23:49:32 GMT -6
Yumiko blinked at the movement and then nodded, a small smile lifting her face as she accepted the bundle. It felt like onigiri again. The people here rarely spoke to her besides instructions for healing, after they realized who she was, so it wouldn’t be the first time she could have missed the meal packet. Usually, it was Izuru, Naomi, or Captain Kotetsu that made sure she ate something. And that’s when she’d ask after the captain in front of her. It was easy to accept the food her body needed, but she still couldn’t get herself to speak to him.
It shouldn’t be that hard. She never refused to express her gratitude to the others before. It was basic propriety, easy to follow through with.
Yumiko didn’t realize she was shaking until the captain set a hand over the packet. “It’s alright. For now, don’t say anything and please eat. You need the energy if you’re going to continue here.”
She closed her eyes, unable to stop a tear from escaping down her cheek and bowed her head in agreement.
She took a step backwards and opened the packet, lifting a piece of onigiri out and taking a bite, chewing slowly, before taking another. She finished half of the packet in the silence that settled around them, as her trembling slowly subsided.
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Post by Captain Juushiro Ukitake on Apr 3, 2023 4:03:04 GMT -6
Juushiro waited, taking a seat by the trees next to the fountain and watching his ward and surrogate daughter. His hope grew as her shaking began to slow and as she started to eat. She kept her head down but did not try to move away. The captain ached to embrace her and try to soothe her emotions as he had done before, but their final encounter in Las Noches still haunted him. He could not act on his emotions alone and pull her further under.
And yet, he couldn’t leave her to find the answer alone. He feared someone else interfering in her life again too much to let the silence continue too long. She had to know he kept appearing.
“Yumiko,” he whispered. Juushiro stayed where he was when she flinched, his throat closing up at the new piercing pain from the day, but he pushed past the throbbing weariness weighing on him. “Sweetheart, I forgive you. Please let it go. The reasons behind that day are not worth you suffering this level of pain by staying away from me. That’s worse than anything that happened that night."
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Post by Yumiko Ryouma on Apr 3, 2023 4:04:57 GMT -6
“But I can hurt you again,” Yumiko gasped in a hoarse voice. The urge to apologize had nearly burst from her with his entreaty and warm forgiveness. But fear still seized her throat, turning the words into more doubt. “I hurt everyone around me. I thought you were different. That I would never harm you. And I was different. But then, that night - And now-”
Now when I thought I had corrected my errors and chosen the right path, Vale’s taken from me.
Had he ever be hers, really? Had she accepted his crimes against Kita, Gin and little Sojiro? The family would have been safe if she hadn’t fallen to Aizen and set Vale’s darkness free on them…. and Vale would never have lost his son if she had stayed by Aizen’s side … surrendering more of herself each day to keep smiling. Yumiko covered her face as tears started to run down her face.
“I’m a disaster,” she whimpered, dropping the onigiri and covering her face. “I’m chaos and I harm everything around me. Unless I submit. Why? Why can’t it stop? I almost wish-”
To go back into the darkness, a part of her whispered, one that now smelled of roses, blood, and pale moonlight.
“No!”
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Post by Captain Juushiro Ukitake on Apr 3, 2023 4:07:41 GMT -6
Juushiro threw caution to the wind and shunpo’ed to Yumiko’s side at her scream, using kido to shield himself as he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against his chest. Sparks flew in the air around them as Juushiro called up a Kyokko barrier to shield them from prying eyes, but he kept his arms around her, his eyes shut to hide the rage burning inside him. Keeping his reaction in check.
But, unfortunately, the jolt sent a cough surging up and he hunched over to get his breath back.
“Ukitake! Juushiro!” Yumiko grabbed him by his arms and healing strength ran through his lungs. “I thought- Kita healed you!”
He placed a hand over hers on his chest. “I’m- I’m alright,” he murmured. “I’ve done too much now. That’s all.”
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Post by Yumiko Ryouma on Apr 3, 2023 4:25:00 GMT -6
Yumiko breathed out a sigh, her panic fading away at the sight of his warm green eyes. “I'm sorry," she whispered, still healing him, as they both sat on the bench. "I should never have attacked you that night. After the first time, I should have - I should have been able to stop myself. But- But I wouldn’t. I-I-” Her eyes lowered. She couldn’t finish her thought again, still worried that a part of her might have enjoyed it. And she wasn't ready to look deeper into that part of herself. She wasn't strong enough for that. "I'm glad you're unhurt now. Please, please don't do that again." The captain shook his head with a kind smile. "I can't make that promise. If I could, I wouldn't be here now." Somehow, that seemed like something he would say. Yumiko gave in and leaned against him, another apology slipping out of her lips. Everything still hurt, but maybe... this time, it would be alright. - END RP - "A Step in the Right Direction"
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Post by Yumichika Ayasegawa on Jun 13, 2024 19:16:15 GMT -6
Bleach Unrated: REBOOTEDCurrent Arc: RejectionEpisode 456 "White Knight's Resolution": When Kita and Yumichika returned to the center of the Fourth Division, it was a busy hub of healers moving around. Yumichika worried for a moment that she would blame herself for missing this the first time, but she surprised him by walking quickly over to one healer and making a request to see their captain. Perhaps they thought she would assist them again or the rumors were turning in their favor because she got a swift smile and answer. Kita, smiling a bit more now too, patted the healer’s hand, thanking him for his work and then beckoned her escort. Yumichika chuckled as the healer’s eyes followed her, wondering if she had slain another, and walked on with her. Moved
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Post by Yumiko Ryouma on Aug 4, 2024 22:29:29 GMT -6
Bleach Unrated: REBOOTEDCurrent Arc: RejectionEpisode 492 "Someone to Blame": “Lady Ryouma?” Yumiko blinked, waking from her trance at that address and closed her eyes a moment later, ending her healing. She wiped her hands on her kimono. “I’m ready for the next one,” she murmured, keeping her eyes averted, waiting for the crimson shadows that appeared in her eyesight to fade again. The healer at her shoulder shook her head. “Actually, Lady Ryouma, it’s time for lunch and our lieutenant says that you need to take a break afterwards. You’re losing focus.” She indicated the person currently asleep on their cot. “You finished repairing his leg a while ago. You don’t need to work on the smaller injuries.” Yumiko looked back to her patient and sighed. “Perhaps not,” she agreed, standing up. “I’ll go wash up then and come back for my food.” Yumiko didn’t wait for her to reply but moved on, hoping her response would end any discussion on that matter. She didn’t need them to notice or ask questions that got back to her friends about the trance she’d slipped into yet again. There was enough going on without drawing attention to that weakness. With Kita's disappearance, the quakes and now the the labs of the 12th division disappearing into a void with all of the people inside it. She set a hand against her forehead, watching the red sheen as her pulse throbbed against her temples. “Hey, she’s here again!” She looked up and then raised a hand to block something coming at her. She flinched at the impact of a rock but stayed silent, gazing at a group of people standing a few feet from her, led by a woman and two men. There were more today. “What’s your excuse, bitch?” Yumiko lowered her arm, mind still cold and detached from her emotions. “What do you mean?” she asked. “Why did you follow the traitor? What’s your sob story?” Another person joined in. “I don’t care what it is. There’s no way it can erase being the traitor’s lover, just standing there while we suffered. At least the goddess paid for her sins in blood! What did you do? Lie on your back and ask for more?” “Go tell Aizen that Soul Society is not going to fall to him again, no matter how many disasters he throws at us! We learned our lesson.” Yumiko closed her eyes as the rage around her darkened the red shadows in her vision, pushing the throbbing to the forefront of her mind. “Your opinion has nothing to do with me,” she stated, toneless. “I’m here to heal those caught in this mess, not talk about the past.” She took a step back as another rock headed her way, this time missing her. “Get out of here! You betrayed your people. You have no right to be here!” Yumiko’s violet rimmed eyes narrowed. “Is that your choice to make?” “What?” Yumiko turned around. “If you have time to attack me, use it for those you care about. Stop wasting it on me.” “You- you bitch! You heartless whore! You don’t even care!” Some started whispering. “You’re right. The goddess is better.” Another one shouted. “You’re just as bad as the traitor captains! None of your reasons matter!" Yumiko jolted as another rock hit her in the head, glancing over her shoulder. “Are you done?” One of the figures, Yumiko couldn’t discern the gender now, rolled up their sleeves. “I’ll show you if I’m done!” A blade rang out as it was drawn. “Traitors don’t belong here and should pay!" Yumiko’s eyes followed the threat, motionless, as the person charged, others egging him onwards. Worthless… a voice in her head echoed.
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Post by Yorusuke Nagano on Aug 4, 2024 23:43:56 GMT -6
Before the attacker could reach her, a sudden gust of wind rushed past Yumiko. In a blink, Yorusuke Nagano stood between her and the oncoming blade. His zanpakuto clashed with the attacker's, sparks flying from the impact.
"Lady Ryouma," Yorusuke's voice was steady, his gaze locked on the assailant, "get behind me."
The attacker, a young man with wild eyes and a snarl on his face, pushed harder against Yorusuke's blade. "Out of my way, Nagano! This traitor deserves to die!"
Yorusuke's eyes narrowed. "Yamato, this isn't the way. Stand down before you do something you'll regret."
But Yamato's anger was blinding. "She betrayed us, just like the captains!"
Yorusuke's grip tightened on his zanpakuto. "Enough!" With a swift motion, he disarmed Yamato, sending his blade skidding across the ground. "Your anger is misplaced. Blaming her won't change anything."
Yamato staggered back, eyes wide with shock and fury. "You... you’re protecting her? You’re just as guilty!"
Yorusuke sheathed his zanpakuto, his expression unyielding. "I protect all members of the Gotei 13, including you, Yamato. But this behavior is unacceptable. We are better than this."
Yumiko stepped forward, her hand gently touching Yorusuke's arm. "Thank you," she whispered, her eyes showing a mix of gratitude and sorrow.
Yorusuke nodded, his voice softer as he addressed her. "Let's get you out of here."
As they turned to leave, the crowd began to disperse, whispers still lingering in the air. But Yorusuke's presence had made a statement: unity and protection were paramount, even in times of turmoil.
Yumiko glanced back at Yamato, who stood frozen in his place, anger slowly giving way to uncertainty. She hoped that they could find common ground someday, but for now, she was grateful for Yorusuke's unwavering support.
"So where were you headed, Lady Ryouma," Yorusuke looked over at Yumiko as she walked beside him.
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Post by Yumiko Ryouma on Aug 5, 2024 0:07:59 GMT -6
“The healers asked me to take a break,” the noble murmured, “so I was going to wash up and take lunch under the trees. I thought I’d go back to healing afterwards, but there’s a larger crowd against me today.”
A nagging feeling at the back of her head that felt like Kita poking at her made her pause. She brushed a loose strand of hair back, stopping at a dampness. She looked at the vivid crimson drop that formed on her finger. She hadn't felt the sting from it.
“Now,” she said aloud, as she healed the cut, “it might be better for me to return to the Ukitake estate. I don’t want to cause trouble. For you or anyone else here. They're even more determined than usual in casting accusations at me."
At least, they seemed to question their feelings towards Kita. For some reason.
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Post by Yorusuke Nagano on Aug 5, 2024 0:33:55 GMT -6
Yorusuke pulled a handkerchief from the sleeve of his shihakusho and handed it to Yumiko. "Here, let me help." His voice was calm, but there was a hint of concern in his eyes. "The Ukitake estate might be a good idea for now. It’s safer there."
Yumiko took the handkerchief and gently dabbed at the cut.
"It’s unfortunate what is happening here, but they need time. The wounds from the betrayals are still fresh, and they’re looking for someone to blame. It doesn’t make it right, but it’s how they’re coping."
At least, they seemed to question their feelings towards Kita. For some reason, Yumiko thought.
"Don't let their words get to you, Yumiko," Yorusuke continued his tone firm. "You're doing what you can to help, and that’s more than many others are willing to do. People will come around eventually. They just need to see the truth for themselves."
Yumiko gave a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Yorusuke. Your words mean a lot. I just hope that someday, they’ll understand.”
"They will," Yorusuke assured her. "In the meantime, focus on what you do best. Healing and helping. Leave the rest to us."
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Post by Yumiko Ryouma on Aug 5, 2024 0:55:05 GMT -6
“Healing…” Yumiko repeated, lowering the cloth, turning it to hide the spot of blood a moment later. “I’m glad most see it as me helping. Sometimes… sometimes they see it as me cursing them.” She hadn’t meant to let that slip out, but it didn’t surprise her. She couldn’t push all of her emotions to the side during a healing and recently, she’d been trying to face the painful, ugly truths around her.
She changed the subject, unwilling to dwell on what she could remember of the horrendous healing in Las Noches.
“Kita-” She blinked at her slip of words and then decided to continue with it. “Kita wants to visit sometime. Do you know any good quiet places to go for a meal? I’ve rarely left the noble district.”
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Post by Yorusuke Nagano on Aug 5, 2024 1:16:32 GMT -6
Yorusuke fell silent as he thought about this morning's Seireitei Communication with hearing the Goddess' name. "If you're worried about the attention, Lady Ryouma maybe staying at the manor and having lunch would be best."
He looked around the area seeing passerby's looking their way. He made eye contact with a few and they moved quickly along. "Though," he looked back to Yumiko with a warm smile, "if you would feel more comfortable with an escort/bodyguard at your side, I am sure I could talk to Captain Kuchiki about assigning one for the two of you. That way you can enjoy her visit and your day together."
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Post by Yumiko Ryouma on Aug 5, 2024 1:29:43 GMT -6
Yumiko understood the warning and normally she would accept it, but with her friend's disappearance, it seemed even more wrong for her to retreat from preparing for a simple rendezvous. Even if they didn't know when it would happen, stepping forward seemed to be what her friend would want. Recalling her friend's warning about setting up a dare if she didn't do something interesting pushed more of the miasma away. She returned Nagano's smile with a small one of her own.
"With what has happened recently, it may be a while, but when we arrange a time for that visit, I’d like to take you up on that offer. If you still wish to." Yumiko offered her escort a small bow of her head.
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