Waterfall Eclipse

The Day Between

Chapter Eighty-Three:

The Day Between

Lieutenant Kotetsu released Rani the following morning after two Reiatsu checks. She carefully made her way through the Gotei 13 and went to her quarters. There was an envelope pinned to the doorframe addressed to her. She ripped it off and opened it.

"'Tómasu, tomorrow morning be in my office at nine o'clock sharp. You and I have some things to discuss. We are then requested to be at Squad One at eleven o'clock'. Of course. Right to business, but I wonder what the meeting at Squad One is about." She said out loud as someone grabbed her from behind. "Hi Toshiro." She said as she rested her hands on his and leaned into him.

"I didn't scare you?"

"No. Truthfully, I sensed you." She replied as she turned around. "Do you know what this meeting is about tomorrow at Squad One?"

He grinned.

"Yes, but I am not telling." He teased.

"You, sir, are evil."

"Actually, the few captains who do know have been sworn to secrecy. Captain Commander Kyouraku wants to surprise everyone who has been summoned."

"Oh."

"I'd be more concerned with your meeting with Captain Kuchiki."

"Why?" She said scared causing him to smile. "You are evil." She repeated jokingly trying to hit him, but he caught her and kissed her.

"I know the whole Gotei 13 knows that we are dating and all, but I would still prefer my privacy with you."

"Oh, right. Come on in." Rani said sheepishly as she opened the door. "But shouldn't you be at your barracks?"

"I just met with your captain, so they aren't really expecting me back right away. That, and I am a captain so I can do as I please."

"Until that thinking gets you into trouble. Would you like some tea?"

"Sure." He shrugged as he followed her to her personal kitchen. "How are you feeling?"

"Better than ever. I must have subconsciously stored all that Reiatsu they were giving me. When I woke up I was fine." She answered as she put the kettle on. "But, how are you? I know you were turned into a zombie by that one Sternritter."

"Ah, so the rumors got around."

"Actually, I saw you and then panicked. Luckily the girls were there to shut me up and calm me down." She confessed.

"Oh. Well, in any case, Captain Kurotsuchi was able to fix all zombie Shinigami after officially fixing me."

"Good. I don't know how I would deal with you still being part zombie." She joked.

The two chatted for a little while before he chose to head back to his squad. Rani opted to take a nap but was woken up by Chiharu accidentally.

"Hey!" She said groggily.

"Sorry! Was I making too much noise?"

"It's okay. I probably shouldn't have fallen asleep. Tomorrow's going to be bad if I need a nap."

"I am sure Captain Kuchiki will understand." Chiharu stated as she picked up the letter Rani left on the small table. "What's this?"

"I have a meeting at nine with the captain, and then I have to join him at eleven at Squad One. I have no idea why."

"I guess I am in the same meeting at nine with you. He just told me to come."

"Well, that's interesting. Although it may have to do with your Shikai."

Chiharu gasped.

"What?"

"You don't think I'm going to be give a seated position, do you?"

"Are you scared?"

"Kind of. I mean I just got my Shikai. You got the Third Seat when the other was transferred and Captain Kuchiki knew that you had yours already."

"Relax. It's not so bad. You and I can walk together in the morning."

"Thanks. Will you join me and the girls for dinner?"

"Sure. I haven't really eaten anything today."

"Okay. Let me freshen up and then we'll go. And you might want to brush your hair." Chiharu suggested.

"Yeah, it's a bit knotty." Rani said as she ran her fingers through the ponytail.

Rani went back to her room to find her brush and quickly brushed her hair before heading out with Chiharu to meet the girls.

"Wow. It's quiet here." Rani commented as she and Chiharu were seated.

"Why are we sitting with our backs turned?"

"Umeko needs to sit against the wall. She needs to be able to see who is near so she doesn't embarrass us or herself."

"Oh. Right." Chiharu said with a giggle as the other two arrived.

"Well, now that's not fair!" Umeko joked as she sat down.

The girls enjoyed their meal before calling it a night. On their way back, Chiharu and Rani ran into Lieutenants Abarai and Matsumoto.

"Good evening ladies." Lieutenant Abarai greeted.

"Rani, I am so glad to see that you are okay."

"Thanks. I am glad to see that you are too." She said with a smile.

"Will we be seeing you tomorrow in Squad One?"

"Yes. Although I have no idea why."

"It's good news, trust me." Lieutenant Abarai stated grinning.

"Well, that's a little unnerving." Chiharu stated.

"What is?" Her lieutenant asked confused.

"Your expression. Nothing good comes of it." She retorted causing Lieutenant Matsumoto to laugh.

"She has you pegged." She commented in between chuckles.

Rani smiled, but shook her head at the same time. Meanwhile the Squad Six lieutenant looked upset.

"In all serious, with all that has happened, what do you think this meeting will be about tomorrow?" He asked.

Rani thought about it.

"The only thing it could be would be the open officer positions." Rani stated realizing where he was going with it. He smiled at her. "Is that it?"

"Yes. There will be quite a number of promotions tomorrow."

"I somehow have the feeling you shouldn't have told us that." Rani said realizing what Toshiro had said.

Lieutenant Abarai just laughed realizing she was right.

"Shit! Uh...don't let on that I did. I am going to be in trouble." He responded causing the three girls to laugh at his expense.

Lieutenant Matsumoto returned to Squad Six while Lieutenant Abarai continued to talk with Rani and Chiharu as he walked them home.

"See you in the morning!" He said as he left them at their door.