BLEAK

Chapter 17: Practicing

"Are you ready, Hisana?" Byakuya stood ready, holding Senbonzakura gently in his hands. I pulled out Akuma No Tsubasa, and stood ready. "Yes." 

"Let's begin." Byakuya flash stepped and I couldn't see him anymore. 

Think, Hisana! Where did he go?

I stood, not moving a muscle, but I knew he was nearby. He was.. coming at me from behind! 

Behind you! 

I turned around, and Byakuya and I instantly clashed swords. "Quick thinking, Hisana. I like it! You've grown much stronger... perhaps. I shouldn't go so easy on you, now should I?"

"Scatter, Senbonzakura." 

Release your shikai! 

"Spread your wings and fly! Akuma No Tsubasa!" 

My zanpoktou became a large scythe, and it was pitch black. Almost as if it was the color of death. Byakuya sent his petals of blades towards me. I deflected them, and flash stepped, hoping I would have a chance to attack. However, Byakuya's zanpoktou is strong. It is rather difficult to even approach let alone defeat. I moved to his side, then behind. Byakuya knew I was there. I moved faster, trying to conceal my spirtual pressure, hoping I'll have a chance to win. 

Then, I saw it! There was a open gap where I could see Byakuya's head and neck completely. I swerved around and had the scythe of my Akuma No Tsubasa inches away from puncturing it. 

He looked over at me, with widened eyes. "Impressive. But. You left yourself wide open. Bakudo 61: Six Bars of Light. " I was suspended into a impressive amount of reishi. "Impressive, as always, Byakuya." I giggled, looking down at the light that was surrounding my waist. 

He walked over and gently placed a hand on my cheek. "I am really proud of you. You really have gotten strong." He leaned forward towards me, kissing me passionately on the lips. "I love you, Hisana." 

"Byakuya.." A lone tear went down my cheek. "I.. I love you!" 

The spell came undone and I fell onto the ground on my knees. Byakuya extended his hand to help me up, smiling. "Now, why don't we go check on Renji and Momo?"

We went off to the opposing training ground that was on the grounds of the Kuchiki Manor. There I saw Lieutenant Abarai and Hinamori fighting with their shikais at least. "Captain Kuchiki! Captain Kusonarii!" They both said, stopping the fight. 

"You two are doing great! However, why don't the two of you take a break? Go get some food. " I smiled, patting Momo's head gently. 

"Right! Do you two need anything?" 

"No, Captain Kuchiki and I are going to relax ourselves. Perhaps later some of girls can go out for sake. How about it Momo?" 

"T-That would be wonderful ma'm!" 

They both bowed and flash stepped away. Giving Byakuya and I complete isolation and alone time.

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We were sitting on the back porch at the Kuchiki Manor, watching the plum blossoms bloom. 

"Hisana and I used to do this." Byakuya looked out at the tree in the middle of the back courtyard. "They bloomed right before she died. She never even got to meet or find Rukia again." 

"She's watching over you two, I'm sure." I smiled softly, gently placing my hand on Byakuya's. 

"It's so odd.. that your name is the same as hers, but.. I know she would have wanted me to move on to someone new after she was gone. And that, is you. I've known you for so long, and you're so kind. Not only that, but you're beautiful. You respect others, even if they don't respect you. You have pride, but not too much that it consumes you. You're... "