Waterfall Eclipse

In Danger

Chapter Thirty-Nine:

In Danger

Lieutenant Hinamori listened to the girls talk about their vacation before adding in information on her end.

"So, did Shiro see you in this bikini?"

"I hope not. Captain Kuchiki did though, and boy did I feel naked. It was embarrassing."

The lieutenant tried to suppress a laugh, but was unsuccessful.

"He didn't mention anything to me about a bikini, but I don't know if he would. He did say you saved him, Rani, and that you weren't present long enough immediately after for him to thank you. He found where your captain pulled you away to and waited to thank you."

"He was civil. Was it then his head was turning about the roses?"

"Roses?"

"Didn't he get that idea from Lieutenant Matsumoto, Rani?"

"Oh, right." Rani replied then looked at Lieutenant Hinamori. "When Chiharu and I got back we were welcomed by the overflowing amount of roses in our room."

The lieutenant went bug-eyed.

"Overflowing? Like, he filled your room with roses?"

"Yes. I immediately left and headed to Squad Ten, leaving poor Chiharu to deal with them. Anyway, I was pissed when I went over there, but for some reason couldn't stay mad at him. I wanted to hit him, but I would have been in big trouble for that."

Rani then explained to the lieutenant about the conversation she had with Captain Hitsugaya.

"You realize that you gave him hope again."

"Did I?"

"I'm not entirely sure, but he and I will definitely be having a conversation tomorrow at one point. During the week you were away, he was so upset. He kept asking me what he should do, and I told him to give you space. He obviously thought that wasn't good enough if he asked Rangiku for advice."

"We were civil when we talked earlier. I am hoping he now understands where I am coming from."

"I'll find out and report it to you."

The girls continued to talk while they ate. The next morning Rani got ready and made her way to the practice grounds with her zanpakuto about an hour before she was due for her Shikai training.

"Rani, it's been a while again, since we chatted."

"Sorry again Taki Nisshoku."

"No worries. I had fun helping Captain Hitsugaya and Captain Kuchiki while on the beach."

"I'm glad. You know I was ordered not to help."

"Yes. I am glad you went against orders."

Rani shook her head.

"Anyway, you're going up against Senbonzakura again today. And Captain Hitsugaya is coming to watch."

"Oh, so we'll have an audience? Will Captain Kuchiki repeat what he did last time to his Shinigami?"

"I hope not, but I did warn Captain Hitsugaya to be on the lookout in case he does."

"Rani, wake up. You're in danger."

Rani disturbed by her zanpakuto's statement, came out of meditation to see three Shinigami surrounding her.

"See guys, I told you it was our generation's prodigy." The first one stated.

"Think she knows the 90 level Hado spells now?"

Rani realized who they were – the same three who attacked her on the Shin'o Academy grounds when Lieutenant Hisagi saved her.

"I don't know guys, she may not be a threat to us. She doesn't have that pain in the ass lieutenant to save her."

"I don't need Lieutenant Hisagi's help to defend myself." She boldly stated.

"Oh?" The first one started as he pulled out his Asauchi. "Let's see if you can take on three of us. At once."

Rani stood up and held her katana with one hand. She looked up to see Captain Kuchiki and Captain Hitsugaya arrive.

"I don't need to take you on at all."

"Says the little weak Shinigami."

"What squad are you guys in anyway? I know you're not in Squad Six. Or Ten. And I've never seen you in the barracks of Squad Four or Five."

"We're in Squad Eleven, with Captain Zaraki." The second one proudly stated.

"And would Captain Zaraki be proud to know you came onto the Squad Six grounds trying to find another Shinigami you tried to attack back in the academy?" She asked, as the captains got closer, biding her time until they could hear the conversation.

"What Captain Zaraki thinks is none of your concern. You're a pathetic Shinigami. You're weak!" The first one replied.

"I think she's all talk and no action boys." The third one said.

"Finally! They're close enough!" Rani thought to herself. "You know, I was wondering something."

"Oh?"

"What the hell did I ever do to you?"

"Simple. You're the one labeled as the prodigy of our generation. It should have been someone else, like one of us."

"You know your reasoning makes no sense." Rani retorted. "So what?"

"I'll show you 'so what'!" The first one yelled and then went at her.

She quickly moved and was able to block it and counter his moves.

"You do realize the word prodigy just means I am really good at all of the subjects studied in the academy, right?"

"Yes, but you won't beat us." The second one said and then stepped towards her with his sword raised.

The third followed and Rani quickly used Utsusemi to try and trick them, gaining the upper hand by ended up on the other side. She ended up standing in the middle of the captains and the attackers.

The shock on their faces was enough for Rani to realize they noticed how much trouble they were in.

"Miss Tómasu, which one of us would you like to take care of them?"

"If you mean getting them into trouble with not only Captain Zaraki, but Captain Commander Yamamoto, I think you should Captain Kuchiki." She answered.

"Why you little!" The first one charged again.

"Use it. I give permission." Captain Kuchiki ordered.

Rani didn't hesitate.

"Rush – Taki Nisshoku!" She called. Her katana changed and she used the whip to wrap the Shinigami and disable him. As soon as she felt safe, she disengaged it from him.

"You have a Shikai?" The other two questioned as Captain Kuchiki approached them.

"I was trying not to use it. If you just left well enough alone, and went with Captain Kuchiki no questions asked, I would not have had to." Rani stated as Captain Hitsugaya moved closer behind her. Captain Kuchiki took them away leaving Rani and Captain Hitsugaya there. "Should I be feeling this bad for doing that? For using it on him? She questioned.