Waterfall Eclipse

Needs

Chapter Seventy-Seven:

Needs

Lily smiled as she took the present from Rani and opened it. No words came out of her mouth right away, but she did side tackle Rani in a hug.

"I don't even think they do anything for birthdays around here. Usually I can get something out of my attendant, but she's not saying a darn thing."

"Oh, Lily, I am sure they'll do something for you."

"I am not going to get my hopes up. Daddy is busy and great-grandfather has his own things to deal with. I wonder sometimes why I was even adopted, even though I agreed with it."

"Lily, you are part of a great family now. Yes, there are things you have to get used to, but isn't it better than living in the Rukongai?"

"Except for not seeing my friends."

"I know. It can be hard getting used to, but you have to make the most of it."

"Was it hard for you when you entered the Shin'o Academy?"

"Yes. I had nightmares the first few nights. I thought my roommate was going to kill me in my sleep."

"What did you dream about?"

"Yasuo, you, my parents. Never good things."

"Oh, like our deaths?"

"Yes. But I eventually stopped and started to think about the positive things. I would have a job when I got out of the academy. I would serve a purpose."

"But what's my purpose?"

"Maybe you'll get into the academy as well, but being part of this family, you get privileges most only dream of." Rani said and then changed the subject. "Your dad had me help Chiharu get her Shikai today."

"Really? What does it do?"

"It's almost like Senbonzakura, but instead of petals, hers unleashes shards of ivory. It's just as dangerous as your dad's."

"That is so cool! What is it called?"

"Aiborikiba. It translates to 'ivory fang'."

"Wow! That's awesome!"

"I thought so when I saw it do some heavy damage to the tree." Rani said as she took the present from Lily's hand. She then put it in her hair. "And it matches this kimono."

"Thank you Rani. I love it!" Lily said then paused. "Oh! You need to get fitted for a new kimono too!"

"What?"

"I forgot. Daddy mentioned it. He wants you to choose this time. Let's go see Mister Hiroshi!" She said excitedly as she stood up.

"If that's what you want to do, then okay." Rani said confused.

The two walked on the compound to Hiroshi's building.

"Ah, Lady Lily! Miss Tómasu! What a nice surprise!"

"Hey Hiroshi! Lily says that Captain Kuchiki wanted me to come for a new kimono?"

"Oh, yes, but it didn't have to be today. I do have fabrics you can choose from. Completely customized in all aspects. Just follow me."

Rani looked down at Lily who was also looking up at her. They both smiled at each other as they followed him.

"Lady Lily, your new kimono is ready. Would you like to try it on?"

"Yes please!" She said and then followed one of Hiroshi's employees to the back room. "I'll be right out."

Rani shook her head as she made her way with Hiroshi.

"Wow. That's a lot of fabric."

"Pick a base color and we can add any design to it."

"How...about...a...teal?"

"Teal it is. What shade?"

Rani looked at the five different shades Hiroshi had and chose the one she thought best matched her newest hair comb. After getting all the necessary pieces together, he put them aside. Lily came out a few moments after.

"Wow Lily! That's beautiful! Great job Hiroshi!"

"It's for Lady Lily's –" He quietly started, and then cut himself off. "Oops!"

Luckily for him, Lily didn't catch it. Rani did and gave him a puzzled expression before rolling her eyes.

"Mister Hiroshi, my new hairclip Rani gave me matches this perfectly!"

"New?"

"I bought it for her in the Living World. I put it in her hair before we came here." Rani answered as Hiroshi went around Lily to see.

"Ah, so it does. It actually matches quite a few of her kimonos." He realized. "The kimono fits perfectly. This one should fit you for a few years."

"Good. Daddy will be pleased, but until he tells you to make a new kimono for me, please refrain from doing so."

"I will do as you wish."

Lily nodded with a smile and then turned to look at Rani.

"Of course, you'll have your hands busy with making Rani a new one."

Rani rolled her eyes at the statement.

"Well, speaking of, you ladies can go have fun. I am going to start working on Miss Rani's new kimono."

"I'll quickly change, Rani. Then we can go for a walk."

Rani waited a few moments for Lily to change into her other kimono before headed out. They took a leisurely stroll around the Kuchiki Manor compound. They had been walking for about an hour before Captains Kuchiki and Hitsugaya found them and approached them.

"Captains." Rani worriedly greeted them.

"Lily, come with me. I need to speak with you and Captain Hitsugaya needs to speak with Rani."

Rani jolted when her captain used her first name. He never slipped up like that, no matter who he was talking to.

"Okay daddy. Rani, I'll see you later." Lily chimed giving Rani a hug.

Captain Kuchiki and Lily made their way away from the couple.

"Is everything all right?" Rani asked him turning her attention to her boyfriend who had grabbed her hand.

"Rani, I need you to do something for me." He said and then paused. "Well, a few things."

"Toshiro?" She questioned looking intently at him, with her eyes darting left to right.

"I need you to kiss me. Right now."

Rani kissed him without any hesitation. When they released, he kept her forehead against his as he looked down and held onto her by her waist. She moved her arms around his neck as a reflex.

"Are you all right? What is going on?"

"I need you to trust me. I love you. I always have, and I always will." He started. "I don't know who this enemy is or what their powers are, but it could be anything. I need you to be prepared. Anything could happen to me and everyone else. You need to be strong, and fight. Don't be scared. Can you do that for me?"

"Of course." She answered and then kissed him again. "I love you too." She said and then embraced him in a tight hug.