Pale Fire: A Bleach Fanfiction

Chapter thirty-eight: Accepted and charges dismissed

Chapter thirty-eight: Accepted and charges dismissed

There was a person now I wanted to see, before I reunite with everyone else. It wasn’t Byakuya, Renji, my own brother, Rukia, the soul I created or Yoruichi, who was like a sister to me but Kyoraku Shunsui, my old sensei.

I jumped on the roof and flash-stepped, from roof to roof. I somehow sensed that he was somewhere in the 13th Division grounds, most likely with Ukitake. I stopped and jumped off the roof, landing with a loud thud. Kyoraku like I guessed was sitting cross-legged across Ukitake with a cup of sake in his hand. We were in that garden I remembered as kid, with a large cherry blossom tree in the corner. The tree wasn’t blooming now.

Sensei stopped drinking and eyed me. For a second I thought he was going to be mad but instead he smiled and looked down. The usual flowered kimono was draped across his shoulder and he wore a straw hat. He looked at me, smiling and tapping the tip of his straw hat. I knew Ukitake wasn’t going to stick to formalities and he rushed towards me, wrapping me in a tight bear hug.

“Oh Reina-san! How we have all missed you very much,” he exclaimed.

“Careful now taichou, I’m a grown woman,” I smiled as he let go.

“Indeed.” Kyoraku stood up and approached us. “I am honoured to be in a presence of such a beautiful lady. Do I have permission to approach you?” I didn’t answer but instead I dashed to him, wrapping my arms around his large figure. “Do you see that Juushiro? She came to me,” Kyoraku boasted. Ukitake didn’t say anything but grinned widly.

“Thank you for everything Sensei,” I told him as I unwrapped my arms around him. “Without all your teachings I would be dead now. I am forever in your debt.”

“Maybe you can repay me for joining us for a drink?” Sensei asked.

“No, thank you,” I shook my head. “I have never drunk in my life and I’m not going to start now. I thought you were a supposed to be a good influence,” I teased.

“I was,” he nodded. “But then again, like you said you are a grown woman now. And a stunning one too,” he added.

“Sensei, I am your student. Don’t attempt anything,” I scowled. “Maybe you should aim for her?” I gestured to a woman coming towards us. Her black hair was pinned back, and wore glasses. She held a book tightly, pinned against her chest.

“Ahh, Nanao,” Shunsui exclaimed. “Reina, please meet my lieutenant, Ise Nanao.”

“It’s a pleasure,” she said, bowing.

I nodded and bowed. She turned to Kyoraku. “Taichou, the captain commander requests your appearance immediately. He would like to see you too Reina-san.”

“Oh dear,” he shrugged. “I wonder what’s up.”

“YOU DAMN YOUNGSTERS!” Yamamoto Genryuusai screamed at us. I looked around me. Zaraki Kenpachi stood next to me. He shrugged absentmindedly as he looked as if he was going to die of boredom. Byakuya stood by my other side, with his eyes closed, facing down. He shifted slightly as he felt my presence. Sensei stood next to him grinning distractedly.