Waterfall Eclipse

Hectic Day

Chapter Eighty-Six:

Hectic Day

Rani dove into her new duties as a lieutenant with gusto within the first week. She made sure the new Third Seat wasn't overwhelmed with filing the paperwork.

"We'll be having that party that's been on hold in three days, Tómasu." Captain Kuchiki stated when he walked into the office one morning.

"Oh, right. I almost forgot about that."

"However, it will be a massive combination party."

Rani looked at him puzzled.

"To celebrate what exactly?"

"Lily's birthday and all of the promotions." He answered. "When was the last time you saw her?"

Rani thought about it and bit her lip.

"Since I woke up I believe." She admitted embarrassed. "She's not mad, is she?"

"No. She knows about your promotion and how hectic it has been. When you see the ladies later, have them go see Hiroshi at their convenience. He can make new kimonos for them."

"Captain?"

"Yes?"

"Please forgive me if this is wrong to ask, but why are you letting Mister Hiroshi make my friends kimonos?" She asked concerned. "Although he is a great kimono maker, they can afford to buy themselves one while in the Living World."

Captain Kuchiki didn't immediately give her a reply.

"I realize that." He eventually stated. "Lily asked for Miss Sasaki and Miss Kiyomi to be there. I would have had them there anyway, but she asked for the girls to get new kimonos." Rani grinned and he noticed it. "What?"

"I am sorry captain," She started with a laugh, "But Lily has you wrapped around her finger, doesn't she?"

"Yes, I do believe she does." He said defeated. "But don't tell anyone. Not even your friends or Rukia."

"I won't. I can't promise you that they won't see it, but I won't tell them." She said and then went back to filling out the paper she was working on. "I am due to help train Nakano in an hour, don't forget."

"Thank you for reminding me."

Rani got up, handed him the document she was working on, and then excused herself.

"Would you like another refill?"

"You know that's the Third Seat's job, right?"

"Yes, but he's in the dojo right now." She retorted as she stuck out her hand for his cup. He handed it to her and she went to refill his cup before she headed out to Squad Eight.

"Hey Rani!" Chiharu greeted as Rani came into their office.

"Hello. Hi Captain Abarai." She greeted with a smile.

"How are things in Squad Six?"

"Same stuff, different day." She joked as she sat down. "What about here?"

"The same." He answered. "But, I did have an interesting conversation with Rangiku about two hours ago." He stated causing Chiharu to smile.

"What about?"

"You." He answered and then grinned. "And Captain Hitsugaya." He added.

"Why does she feel the need to discuss us with everyone?"

"You might be surprised, Rani. I was here too." Chiharu stated causing Rani to raise her eyebrow.

"How so?"

"Let's just say he was just approved for a leave starting in three days."

"Three days?" Rani asked and then remembered the party. "He'll be disappointed if he thinks he's taking me anywhere in three days."

"Why's that?" Captain Abarai asked.

"Captain Kuchiki is having a party in three days at Kuchiki Manor for Lily and all of the recently promoted officers." She explained. "I kind of have to be there. And I think he does too."

"Uh oh. I don't think Captain Hitsugaya knows that." Chiharu commented.

"Oh, right, speaking of the party, Chiharu, you have been requested to go see Mister Hiroshi for another kimono. I have to tell Umeko and Kiyomi too."

"We can go later after Shikai Training, right captain?"

"That's fine. Will Captain Kuchiki mind?"

"No. It was his idea. I'll have to send word to Umeko and Kiyomi though." Rani replied.

"I have to go to Squads Five and Ten anyway to talk with the captains. I'll let them know."

"Thank you Captain Abarai." Rani said with a smile as she stood up. "Ready Chiharu?"

"Yes. Let's head to the practice field." She agreed.

They headed to the practice field and got right to business.

"Has he trained with you yet?"

"Yes. Last week. It was quite frightening to go up against Zabimaru."

"I know. The first time is the worst. My Shikai isn't as scary, but it can do damage, which I'll make sure I won't do to you. I don't want you out of commission. He'd probably kill me." Rani replied joking causing Chiharu to also laugh.

After two hours the girls called it a day. Chiharu headed to her quarters to freshen up, while Rani stopped by the office.

"Hey Captain Abarai, we've finished. Chiharu is getting a better handle on her Shikai."

"Where is my lieutenant?" He inquired realizing she didn't walk in.

"She's freshening up and then she's heading over to the Kuchiki Manor. Did you tell the girls?"

"Yes. Just swing by and get them. Their captains said they'd inform them."

"Thank you. Have a great day!" She said and then left.

Rani made her way to Squad Six and stopped by the office.

"Hey captain." She greeted as she walked in.

"Ah, so how did it go?"

"Surprisingly well. She may not need intense training with it, but some help along the way is good."

"Good. I am happy I agreed to let her go to Squad Eight." He said and then stood up. "I don't have any need for you this afternoon, so feel free to join your friends. Besides, I do believe you have a kimono waiting for you for a final fitting."

"I almost forgot. Thank you captain. I'll see you in the morning, if not later at Kuchiki Manor." She said and then excused herself.

Rani made her way to her quarters and also chose to freshen up. She stayed in her tub longer than she had planned to and came out fifteen minutes later and quickly got changed before heading to the Kuchiki Manor.

She was the last to arrive, but Hiroshi had one of his assistants help her get into the teal kimono before showing the other girls. After thirty minutes of being there, they headed back to grab an early dinner and then called it a night.

Rani slowly walked through the Squad Six barracks to her quarters and found Toshiro waiting for her on her roof. She shook her head as she smiled at the site of him lying down on the roof looking at the stars.