Waterfall Eclipse

The Masterpiece

Chapter Forty-Four:

The Masterpiece

In the morning, Rani was summoned to Captain Kuchiki's office, much to her displeasure. Sure, normally, she would not have dreaded it so much. However, with the events of the previous night, and her friend constantly embarrassing her while drunk, this was going to be an interesting meeting to say the least.

She took a deep breath and let it out before knocking on the frame of the door.

"Come in." The lieutenant said.

Rani walked in to find the two lead officers diligently working.

"Good morning Lieutenant Abarai, Captain Kuchiki." She greeted. "You wished to see me?"

"Ah, yes, Miss Tómasu, we have news for you." Captain Kuchiki said as he stood up. "Please have a seat."

Rani's attention was piqued, in a good way. She waited until he sat down and then followed sitting next to the lieutenant.

"Due to recent events," The captain started, "I have come to inform you of an opening in our third seat."

"Third Seat? What?" She thought to herself. "I'm confused. I thought that seat was filled?"

"It was. Our previous Third Seat has been moved to Squad Seven, at the request of Captain Komamura." The lieutenant answered.

"The meeting you saw myself and Lieutenant Kuchiki go to, along with the Captain Commander was in reference to the request." Captain Kuchiki stated. "He knew I had to find a new officer, and in talks, your name came up."

"So, you're promoting me?" She asked slightly confused, but more for confirmation.

"Only if you accept. So, Miss Tómasu Rani, would you like to be Squad Six's Third Seat officer?" Lieutenant Abarai inquired grinning.

Rani couldn't help but smile in return.

"Yes, I would love the honor." She calmly replied secretly rejoicing inside.

"Good, I am glad." The captain said then paused. "Before I tell you the second part of the reason why I asked you here, I have a question for you."

"Yes, captain?"

"Does your friend secretly hate me?"

"If you're referring to Umeko, she's not a very good drunk. She likes to embarrass me more. I should probably have her sit against the wall from now on." Rani realized. "But last night we were just talking about how much leave we had acquired. She wants to go away again for four days."

"When?"

"Oh, I am not sure." She replied shocked.

"Find out. Let me know. If there are no conflicts with anyone else, you may go as well." He replied causing even Lieutenant Abarai to be shocked. "Now, the second the reason why is, since you accepted, there will be a party at the Kuchiki Manor in honor of your promotion in a week's time. Formal dress is required. At some point during the day, please stop by and see the family tailor."

"Yes, sir." She replied.

"And your friends may also get fitted." He added after standing up. "I may regret allowing them there, but your friends should be present."

"Thank you sir. May I go let them know now?"

Captain Kuchiki nodded and she then left and found Chiharu.

"Why were you summoned?"

"I'll tell all three of you at the same time. There are a couple of reasons, but first I'll get Kiyomi and you can get Umeko."

"Because you can't stand Squad Ten?"

"No, because I need to talk to Lieutenant Hinamori first. Meet me outside our barracks."

"Okay."

Rani dashed to Squad Five and walked right into the barracks, bypassing the guards. She practically ran to Lieutenant Hinamori's office smiling the entire way.

"Hi Lieutenant Hinamori! Got a minute?"

"Rani! Hi! Sure! Come on in. Why are you so happy?"

"Didn't you hear?"

"No, I don't think so." She said puzzled.

"Oh, well, I just got promoted to Third Seat."

"Really? Wow! That's great news!" She replied. "But what about the now previous Third Seat?"

"Moved to Squad Seven at Captain Komamura's request. I just was talking to Captain Kuchiki and Lieutenant Abarai about it."

"You are giddy as all hell." The lieutenant teased as Lieutenant Matsumoto came in. "Hi Rangiku."

"Hello Momo." She greeted. "And, hello Miss Tómasu. It's been a while since I've seen you. How are you? And why are you smiling so much?"

"Oh, I am good...great in fact. I just got some awesome news. You'll find out soon enough."

"Rani, I'll keep my lips sealed. Did you have another reason to come here?"

"Yes, oh, I have to find Kiyomi. He said I could invite my friends and we need to get fitted for, I am guessing kimonos."

"She should be in the office downstairs." Lieutenant Hinamori stated. "Go have fun!"

Rani then left and found Kiyomi. They then met up with Chiharu and Umeko and headed to the Kuchiki manor.

"Okay, so who are we asking for exactly? Captain Kuchiki is at the barracks still." Chiharu asked.

Rani shrugged her shoulders and then knocked on the door. When they opened, Lieutenant Kuchiki was there to greet them.

"Hello, ladies. Come on in. I'll show you to our tailor." She stated.

The girls followed her through the manor.

"Wow, lieutenant, this place is beautiful."

"Thank you. You'll see it lit up at night in a few days for the event." She replied with a smile.

A few moments later they arrived at the tailor's room.

"Ah, welcome. I have been told I'd be fitting four ladies. Which one of you is Miss Tómasu?"

Rani stepped forward.

"Ah, beautiful." He said as he turned around. "Follow me Miss Tómasu. As far as you other ladies, my assistants will be fitting you. Feel free to choose from any of the colors you see."

He continued to walk on and Rani followed.

"Uh, sir, where am I going?"

"Lord Kuchiki has already picked out what color he wanted you in for your special event. A beautiful purple, and I know why now." He said as he revealed the already created kimono hanging up. It was the same purple as that bikini, but with white a hand-embroidered white cherry blossom pattern and a darker purple obi with an equally intricate design. "Isn't it beautiful! I worked especially hard on that."

"That's for me?" She managed to ask in awe, as her fingers gently touched the thread. He nodded. "I am not worthy of such a masterpiece, sir."

"Please, call me Hiroshi. And you are worthy. Do not think less of yourself. You are a beautiful woman, who will now be wearing one of my masterpieces come next week."

A/N: I will be going away for about six days starting today in about four hours. I might be able to update on Friday depending on what the day has in store. My mom and I are doing the Maryland Lighthouse Challenge (visiting 10 lighthouses and 3 bonus sites in two days), but tomorrow is an additional lighthouse boat tour/cruise. Yes, I like lighthouses. I volunteer at one too. Anyway, Friday is our 'off' day and I have no clue what she has in store, but if it's to relax I can putter on my laptop, which I am bringing. I might end up posting two chapters instead of one.