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The War of Four: Honor and Mercy[]
The First Date, Mountain Resort Getaway![]
"Aha! We've arrived!" Meikurai spoke aloud with a feeling of triumph. While currently bundled in his usual blue-white kimono along with his Shikhakushō, Meikurai had already arranged for fresh clothes for various occasions to be brought both for himself and Rukia. He was currently at the helm, insisting on driving the avian steed while Rukia would sit behind. He was only glad that the bird didn't take as long as he thought to bring them towards their destination, as the weather was both pleasant and crisp, a pleasant mixture of the oncoming mountains that bordered Aether's northern continent.
Rukia almost didn't hear him.
She had her back up against his, her head tilted upwards towards the sky. Her eyes were closed, and she seemed to be breathing in the crisp and fresh air blowing around them. She had grown to accept passage on the Dragonbirds whenever she had to do so, adjusting to what normally would have been rough turbulence for her. That was one of the few good things Kenta had taught her - how to maintain herself on an aerial flight without seatbelts.
Thankfully, she did manage to hear him. She turned her head so that her eyes were looking down the flight path. "I'm a bit surprised you had the experience to fly these birds." She commented. "That, and the fact that Avaron was so lenient as to lend us one for such a simple reason..."
"I'm the Overseer for the garrison of Sword Squad operatives in Yūrei Ōkoku," Meikurai spoke matter-of-factly, "Captain Setsuko saw fit to allow me use of one of her spare steeds. That, and I've had time to learn how to ride them during the restoration process both during the first and second Ahijados Invasions. Think I'm okay at handling her?"
"I wouldn't have wondered how you flew it if I didn't believe you were good at it." Rukia answered, shifting herself around so that her body was facing the side of the Dragonbird. One of her hands reached up to idly run fingers through her hair, and she observed her fleeting surroundings in wonder. "You weren't joking around when you said the weather would be excellent here, did you?" The last sentence was humored and jovial - or at least, as jovial she would allow herself to get.
"Supposed to be Aether's greatest times of year up north," Meikurai spoke with a smile, reveling the crisp feeling of the mountain scented air rushing past his scalp and face. He turned his head to look at Rukia's face, flashing a bright smile, "and I believe someone with your special affinity would be quite comfortable in this climate, wouldn't you agree?"
She caught this out of the corner of her eye, and she put on a small smile of her own. "You make the climate sound colder than it already is..." She commented. "Sure you won't catch anything?"
"Believe it or not, I have a love for the crisp winter air," He winked back at her, looking around at the ice particles lingering within the air as they headed towards the Hangar of the resort, "there's nothing more satisfying than seeing the beauty and majesty of this season while being able to wear something warm and comforting around your body at the same time."
Their landing was momentarily delayed by what appeared to be a dock officer. Hovering just up to the edge of the docks, Meikurai handed him their reservation pass, before it was handed back to Meikurai with an acknowledging nod. With a few more expert flaps of the Dragonbird, they flew up to the near top of the hangar itself, landing directly into a warm, climate controlled hub for the duration of their steed's stay.
When the bird's talons touched the ground and its wings folded, Rukia slowly got up from her sitting position. Carefully, she stepped down one of the wings to get to the ground, looking back up towards Meikurai. Putting one hand behind her back, she reached out with the other for him to take on the way down.
Sighing, Meikurai chuckled as he took Rukia's hand as he hopped off the Dragonbird, "I think we got that part inverted a bit...Rukia-chan."
"Your fault for not beating me to it, dear Meikurai." Rukia smiled smugly, her words only teasing. "So, how about lead me to this resort you so highly speak of...?"
"Follow me, Rukia, my dear," he chuckled with good cheer, wrapping an arm around one of Rukia's before walking out of the compound and towards a paved street along the top of the hangar. Leading to it, a climate controlled tube connected the hangar to the main resort, which lead directly into the mountain itself. As they walked past, they would see various people, couples like them, as well as some flamboyantly dressed, while others were dressed casually and nonchalant in their mannerisms.
All of which lead to a black suited greeter, once again asking for Meikurai's reservation pass, to which he was received before extending his greetings to the two. Letting them in, what was inside looked incredible. Carved ice sculptures enamored the lobby, and red carpet for all to walk along as many booths and stores lined up each side of the brightly lit, ice-reflected stores. Ice chandeliers sparked above their heads, and the walkways leading towards the dormitories were on the far side to their left, while the direct access to the outdoor amusements to their right.
Rukia took special note of the chandeliers above their heads and the sculptures made out of ice. She couldn't help but be impressed by the ones responsible for their creation, for sculpting ice was far different than simply molding clay or painting a drawing. Although the result was always dazzling, the crafting also put a heavier emphasis of micro-management and would fall apart if everything wasn't tended to properly. "This is quite the place, I must say..." She murmured, smiling in satisfaction.
"Glad you approve," Meikurai spoke with a satisfied tone, smiling as he nodded towards the direction of the dormitories to their left, "want to see our room and get dressed into something more appropiate? I'd like to take you dancing sometime tonight, if you'd like that..."
"That I would." Rukia agreed, giving a nod and a wink to him. "You can dance, right?"
"But of course," Meikurai chuckled, as he led her down the expansive hallway to their room, "I wouldn't have went through all the trouble to arrange this if I couldn't shake my legs to the beat, now would I?"
"Just making sure. I wouldn't want to embarrass you in any way..." Although there was teasing in Rukia's voice, there was also a bit of seriousness in it. The last thing Rukia wanted was for the man to embarrass himself or for her to do it when he was trying his best to create a good atmosphere for both of them.
Meikurai held his mouth down in mock shock, speaking in a dramatized voice as they walked down the glittering, expansive walkway, "Since when does the Noble raised Kuchiki find time to learn how to grace the dance floor with such elegance and poise?! Your duties didn't totally devour your proverbial schedule to allow such feats to be possible to you?!"
"You'll have to blame Chidori for that..."
Rukia rolled her eyes, but smiled nonetheless. "When I became more and more acquainted with working as one of His Majesty's right hands, Chidori was quite insistent on "modernizing" me in any way possible. At first, it was a little bit stressful. But she's a rather charismatic woman, and it wasn't too long before I could adjust."
"She did seem like the more capable one of Lord Igen's confidants," Meikurai nodded with a smile, stroking his chin as he tilted his head upwards in thought, "Shiro on the other hand seem to be more tendant to violent and verbal conflicts than diplomactically assertive ones."
"It didn't help," The Kuchiki gave him a pointed look. "That you verbally attacked the King as you did and provoked him in the first place. You didn't expect nothing to be done after that outburst, did you?"
"Yeah...sorry," Meikurai spoke with a sheepishly apologizing tone, scratching his head with shame, "I am just thoroughly against the work my superior has done and preformed in the name of both Science and Benefit for the Soul Society. Its actually not illegal per se, but more looked down upon in the Gotei 13 to create artificial beings...but it wasn't warranted excuse to dishonor you at your post as well as shame myself in front of a Patriarch. I hope you can forgive me..."
Rukia gave a somewhat exasperated sight. "Don't worry about it, all right? That was a minor issue long behind us. Everything's fine..."
"Yes well, your friend didn't need to threaten to throw me out of the castle over it then," Meikurai huffed, blowing his bangs up before rolling his eyes with a smile on his face, "you have good friends back there though. It must be nice to trust them and confide in them so much..."
"Yeah..."
That was when Rukia appeared to be a bit wistful, a slight frown coming over her face as she contemplated his words. "But sometimes," She said softly. "It can make you miss the things you leave behind. There are those you part with that you can never really let go of. Everything's good here, but I can't help but wonder what would've happened if I never left... if I had a chance to stay in the Soul Society. Maybe then..."
She trailed off, her eyes flashing briefly with regret.
"They wouldn't have died..."
Meikurai wrapped an arm around Rukia tenderly, speaking softly, "I'm sorry for bringing it up. I didn't mean to have you dredge up memories and regrets. After all, we are supposed to have a good time right?" Meikurai tried to smile with a charming grin, as they arrived in front of the elevator that would take them to their suite for the duration of their stay.
"Y-yes, right..." Rukia took in a deep breath to steady herself once more. She allowed herself to chuckle a little, comforted by his embrace. "Listen to me, scolding you for not making a big deal out of things when I'm doing the same." She put on a humored grin at the irony.
"We both have our moments, don't we?" Meikurai chuckled along with her, smiling as he locked eyes with her as he pressed the elevator button to send for them. What was brief moments before awaiting the chime of the doors opening allowing the couple to walk in the crystalline interior elevator with red carpeting. Leaning against the wall of the elevator with her, he spoke with an appreciative tone, "if it wasn't for the moments that we falter, we wouldn't be able to lecture others due to our own experience in them, wouldn't we?"
"No, we wouldn't..." Rukia agreed.
After which, she fell into a silence as she waited for the elevator to arrive. She took the time to regard Meikurai a bit curiously. "Say..." She said, her tone signaling that of a question ahead. "Just how is your experience in the Gotei 13 treating you? How long have you been in the ranks?"
"Hmmmm," Meikurai hummed, looking up towards the crystalline ceiling, clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth as he sincerely pondered the length of time he had been part of the Soul Society's main military force, "I think today would mark my one hundred and sixtieth year as a Soul Reaper. I have been a lieutenant for about, oh fifty or so years, which goes without saying as being the Deputy Direction of both the D.C.O. and the Department of Research and Development. Needless to say," he returned with an honest grin, "it keeps me very busy...but I manage."
"I've noticed..." Rukia commented, smiling briefly before turning her gaze forward. At her next thought, she frowned and huffed a little. "You ever meet up with Senna? She's part of the D.C.O., and she's grown to be a close friend of mine... but I know that after this, I'm never going to hear the end of it. She's sweet, but her hyperactivity can be a bit... overwhelming at times..."
"Ah yes, the Deputy Captain of the Sword Squad," Meikurai said with a knowing chuckle in his tone, looking over to Rukia's frowning expression with empathy, rubbing her arm to comfort her, "she's honestly not that bad when you get to know her quirks. She's quite talented in her duties and very sociable with her squadmates, as well as caring for her superior. She reminds me a little of what you are at times, in my opinion..."
"Wha--" Rukia immediately snapped her head towards him with a comically blank look. "Don't joke like that. I am not hyperactive and bubbly. Ever."
"Two words, Rukia-chan," Meikurai spoke with a knowing, comically mischievious tone, smiling ear-to-ear as he spoke, "stuffed animals."
Those two words were enough to destroy any defense Rukia might've had.
"I--" She attempted to start one, opening her mouth and raising her finger as if to say something. However, she found herself keeping that pose, staring at Meikurai dumbly. She had neglected to realize that sooner or later, someone was bound to tease her about her affection for the said "stuffed animals". Ichigo hadn't done it, and she had carelessly assumed Meikurai wouldn't, either. She should have known better...
Finally, she decided on hanging her head down in defeat. "Okay, maybe I can be that hyperactive sometimes. But," Promptly, she fell down and bowed to Meikurai, comically hitting her head on the elevator floor. "Please don't tell her about it! I don't think I can take the embarrassment I'd have to go through if she knew!!"
"Relax, Rukia, I won't tell a soul," Meikurai couldn't help but chuckle in an empathetic tone, kneeling down to place a hand on her shoulder and squeeze it reassuringly, "no need to beg. I know how overbearing her nature can be. Believe me, its taken awhile to adjust to her superhuman energy levels..."
"That's an understatement..." Rukia let out a relieved sigh, nodding fervently and standing back up on her feet. "Thank you very much, Meikurai. You don't know how many lives you've saved as of this moment..."
"Eh?!" Meikurai sweatdropped, not really understanding what Rukia meant of the keeping of Rukia's insane love for stuffed animals from Senna. But then again, she did tend to blab to a lot of people about things she found out or discovered, like a child finding out what was under the christmas tree before it was wrapped, "I'll...guess that I did the right thing then?"
"Very much so!" Rukia nodded fervently once more to assure her faith within that statement.
Meikurai couldn't help but contain his amusement, chuckling at the look on Rukia's face being so serious, "Okay, okay, I'll make sure not to accidentally slip it in my sleep where she or anyone can hear it...haha...~"
DING!
Just then, the elevator doors opened, stopping directly upon their floor where their suite would be. With a man dressed in a tuxedo awaiting their arrival, he merely waved an arm to his left, saying, "Your suite # is 19, to your right. If you require anything, there is an intercom near the door and I will do what I can to make your stay as comfortable as possible."
"Thanks, gent," Meikurai nodded with an approving grin, before turning to Rukia and looping his arm through hers, asking her, "you ready to see what room I reserved us?"
Rukia's expression had been quick to fade back to a calmer and tranquil one. She smiled, folding her free hand behind her back. "I'm hoping for a pretty good surprise..." She said. With what Meikurai had shown her so far, she was certain that what she would see would just have to top it.
"Oh trust me," Meikurai spoke in a beckoning tone, barely containing his own excitement as he walked her down the expansive hallway with their numbered door being on the farthest door facing them, "you will love it..."
After walking for only a minute, Meikurai then opened the door, pushing it open to reveal the wonder within. Upon walking onto the beginning entryway, they would notice that the floor had been layered with a smooth, non-slick ice below their feet to appear like stylized marble that stretched out into a lobby with two half moon shaped white leather couches, with a ice sculped into the image of remarkably appearing ice lily that was much larger than life, spewing warm water and creating a warm comforting mist that heated the room to a comfortable temperature.
Beyond the lobby laid a walkway to a glassed off balcony with a view of the mountains, as well as the Ski event resort and the ice-glass dome that was half exposed out of the mountain where the dance floor was located. The expansive view of the northern lands of Aether were breathtaking as well as with a slightly refridgerated cool air surrounding it, as if one was outside without the harsh sub-artic winds and storms passing the mountain resort on occasion.
Up above the lobby on either side were obsidian tubular handrails on halfwalls made of glass with smooth black, almost organic material that flowed and twisted in the solid steps up to the exposed bedroom. The same black material lied sleek and smooth all underneath the ice-carved furniture, including the spacious bathroom to the left and the spa hot-tub to the right, with a dark burgundy red heart shaped King sized bed shaped as a heart with white veiled curtains fastened up above, ready to be let down to provide anyone sleeping or relaxing the privacy they would desire.
Needless to say, Rukia was certainly surprised.
"T-this is..." She trailed off, unable to find the right words to say as she took it all in. She placed her free hand to her mouth, taking it all in with an expression of wonder and amazement.
"Is it too much?" Meikurai found himself holding his breath, wondering if he pushed a little too far with getting such a glamorous suite for the two of them. He'd have to let her find herself again once she was done looking at the place to let him know.
"This is incredible..."
Sliding her arm out of Meikurai's grip, Rukia walked deeper into the room. She approached the sculpture, her eyes searching the entire room until she walked close enough to the lily to be directly in front of it. She bent over a little, placing her hands on her knees as she inspected it. "I'd never thought this in particular would be used for keeping room temperature as well as mist of the saunas..." She commented. "This is absolutely perfect, Meikurai..."
Sighing with relief, Meikurai couldn't help but feel his heart beat in his chest, causing him to feel warm inside at seeing the awe-struck look on Rukia's face. Walking forward, he lowered a hand to her to come back up, "Do you want to see our living spaces and the dresses I picked out for you?"
As she turned her head towards him, Rukia smiled in approval and clasped his hand with her own. "Of course I would..."
"C'mon then," Meikurai said in the once again, barely contained, beckoning tone. After taking care to raise her to her feet gently, he lead her to the stairs to the entryway's right side, and began the casual ascent up the extensively curved staircase of ebony coloration. As they reached the top, the scene of the ice walled bathroom and the hot tub of either end would be seen, along with the black mineralized floor with an expansive closet space holding two spinng racks opposing each other, with one of noticeably masculine suits and wear with the other with a number of vaguley appropiate feminine dresses and attire. That, and the obvious king-sized dark red sheet and quilted heart shaped bed, with the snow-white drapes tucked into the frame above it....
Once again releasing Meikurai's hand, Rukia allowed herself to walk towards the closet spaces. "What time will it be when we leave for tonight?" She questioned, pulling the closet doors open in order to inspect the dresses.
"The main Ice ball will be within two and a half hours from now, so its plenty of time to get settled and pick out the right dress," Meikurai spoke with a knowing tone, having memorized the calender of plans and events before they even took off on the Dragonbird. Crossing his arms, he could only smile as he watched Rukia sift through the dress choices, wondering which one she'd pick out...
"Hmm..."
Rukia let out a thoughtful purr as she looked upon each of them. "I've... never really done this before..." She said, frowning. "Usually, it's just my Shikakushōuniform I'd worry about the most. Never thought I'd be picking dresses..." She looked over at Meikurai. "Say, considering you know so much more than me concerning this resort, how's about you help me pick, huh?"
"If you insist," Meikurai chuckled, walking over to the spinning rack of dressed, he sifted through several with his hand while leaning over her. He couldn't help but get lost in her scent while his hand moved thoughtfully from one dress to the other. He then saw one that he knew was his personal favorite of the bunch, reaching out with both arms and pushing the other dresses to the side to allow Rukia to see it, "go on and try it on..."
The dress itseld had a gorgeous flair to it, matching the theme that had been prevalent throughout the entrance of the resort. It had a white veil tucked into the collar of the jewel speckled blouse, with a beautiful hakama skirt that sparkled like snow and the trappings itself felt like silk. With optional sparkled sleeves and leggings to boot, this was the option Meikurai wanted Rukia to try on.
"All right..." After looking over the dress for a moment, Rukia willingly relented. She reached out to grab the dress. "Give me a moment..." Gently, she pulled herself away from Meikurai and headed in the direction of the bathroom.
"Go ahead," Meikurai nodded to the bathroom, stepping away from her and taking a seat on the heart-shaped bed, "take as much time as you need..."
Giving a grateful nod, Rukia moved out of the room and into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her.
As soon as she did, she turned around and leaned against it with a sigh. She lowered her head and closed her eyes, going into thought. It wasn't anything to do with the nature of the date. So far, she was enjoying herself and the company of Meikurai. With such a promising date ahead of both of them, how could she not have been? There was nothing wrong with that.
Her concern lay on the topic of a different story.
Lobo de Norte.
When he had said that he would return for her when the time was right, she did not take his declaration lightly. She could tell the resolve of a warrior when she saw, and she knew that sooner or later, he would come back. When he would do so was yet to be confirmed. For all she knew, he could have been listening in right now. That alone was enough to unnerve her a little.
"I'd really hate to keep my guard up and make it seem like I'm not having a good time..." She thought to herself. "But I'll have to keep an eye out. Who knows when he'll strike..." With that mental reminder in her head, she began to slide her clothing off.
"Besides, I wouldn't want to keep him waiting. After all, he did pick this dress for me..."
A small smile crossed her face.
As Meikurai tapped his feet and fingers respectively as he waited for Rukia to finish changing, he heard a particular phone ringing within the depths of his kimono. His eyes furrowing into a frown, he reached into the depths of his cloak, checking the signal and origin of the caller. Who and what was calling him, caused his blood to grow slightly cold, sending a shiver up and down his spine.
Looking over to Rukia's changing room, he knew he had a few minutes to take the call, he walked over to the far side of the bedroom, also making sure the phone was connected to his audio implant in his left ear so only he could hear the voice on the phone.
"I thought I made a notice for you not to call me, especially when I'm out," he spoke lowly in a slightly terse tone, as he held the phone up to is face to keep up the appearance of it being a phone conversation.
"Hehehe, am I disturbing you? That's really not nice to say to a fellow colleague you know..."
"I'm assuming playful banter wasn't the only reason you called, is it?"
"No...I just called because I thought to keep you informed of interesting...developments in Hueco Mundo..."
"Why me? Aren't you supposed to do that with them? That is our jobs after all..."
"Oh no, I'll tell them in due time, but I thought to let you in on it considering the interest of one particular Arrancar in your current...how shall I name her...your lover?"
"Stop beating around the bush," he sternly spoke on the phone, making sure to keep his voice down as he his glare focused onto the glass door leading to the hot tub, "what is this about?"
"Sōsuke Aizen made an assault on Hueco Mundo's current, or should I say, formerly predominant power, 'Empresa and its Espada Afilado. While it didn't go according to plan, most of Empresa is in sorry shape and the Espada Afilado are scattered and in disarray, as well as a missing Primera to boot. That means one particular Arrancar is free to do as he pleases..."
"Shit!" He snarled lowly to himself, realizing what this meant and what could be happening at any moment. He briefly extended his awareness as he listened to the call, trying to sift and search for the entity in question or any abnormality he would pick up as a potential lock. After releasing a held breath of relief, he returned to the call at hand, "if you have anymore intel, in the future, I'd appreciate you leaving a message instead of interrupting me-"
"So sorry. I just wanted to give you a head's up regardless, as for one comrade to another. I know you'll do the same for me when I need it. As for now, ta-ta! I hope you have a marvelous date!"
And like that, Meikurai hung up on the caller, briefly snarling, "Bastard," before pocketing, and silencing, his phone before he went back to sit at his earlier chosen seat.
"And I'm back!"
That was the moment when Rukia re-entered.
Due to the rather chipper mood, it was clear that she approved of the dress as well. She allowed herself to twirl around in order for him to see all of the dress. "So," She said. "Does this still seem like a good choice?"
Any ill thoughts from the phone conversation vanished completely when Rukia entered the room. Meikurai honestly felt star-struck, his mouth agape and his eyes wide at the beautiful sight she presented herself as. He felt his heart skip a couple, if not a dozen, beats just seeing how amazing she looked in his eyes.
"Absolutely beautiful," Meikurai managed to utter out. He followed up with a clearing of the throat before his face reddened slightly at how stupid he looked with his mouth hanging open, "of course! It fits you perfectly. You look like an angel, Rukia-chan..."
Rukia was both pleased and amused with the response. A faint blush and a smile fell across her face. "It's perfect, then." She said proudly. "I'll have it readied to wear for tonight." She turned around in a half twirl, once again walking away from him. "Will we be going anywhere in the meantime?"
"Well let's see," Meikurai looked up at the transparent, smooth ceiling as he clucked his tongue in thought, "there's a Casino in the lowermost section of the Resort, but I didn't exactly rent us a gambling card so that's out of the question. There's a small art collection in a make-shift museum of Aether's most wonderous discoveries up here in the North in the section above the casino. I believe there's also a food court on the same level as the main lobby that we could go to before getting dressed up, if you'd like to eat there?"
"Think we could go to the museum first?"
"Sure," Meikurai said with a smile, standing up to face her he grasped his pipe from within his cloak and put it within his mouth casually as he grabbed a lighter for it, "after all, this actually IS my first time here. I'd like to see the new additions and relics they've collected here..."
"Excellent!" Stopping at the doorway for a moment, Rukia looked over her shoulder. "I'll just get this laid out and we'll be on our way. Looking forward to how this turns out..." At the eve of this sentence, her grin became somewhat sly and devious, as if she had just thought of something coy. Her next word would confirm that suspicion.
"Mei-chan."
With that being said, she slipped out the doorway and once again disappeared out of his sight.
Meikurai felt a shudder of anticipation and revelling run up and down his spine. He couldn't help but be drawn at the sensual, lithe curves Rukia retained within the dress, and the beautiful, longing gait she projected around herself. Lighting his pipe, he huffed and blew out a small cloud of vapor from his pipe, knowing he was in for a treat later...
Care for a Dance? An Unexpected Development...[]
"You almost ready?" Meikurai asked Rukia, even though he knew she just got in the dressing room, he couldn't help but feel a little anxious. Dressed in an Aethian black-white tuxedo, he couldn't help but feel a little exposed without his arsenal of toys and his Zanpakutō within his Shikhakushō uniform he had laid in a special briefcase. That, and he was actually getting to have the honor of dancing with what he believed one of the most angelic figures that had graced the Soul Society...
"Just about..."
If there was any irritation at Meikurai's impatience, Rukia's voice wasn't showing it. To be truthful, she would have considered herself finished the moment she slipped on the dress. But considering this was supposed to be a special occasion, she had taken time to actually check herself for any imperfections on her. She had to make sure everything was just right. "You're not freaking out over there, are you? It's only been so long since I came in here."
"Yes well...I'm just a little nervous I guess," Meikurai spoke in a hesitantly admitting tone, breathing out a sigh, "I haven't ever gotten the chance to do something of this magnitute for someone special. And...I'm hoping I won't mess it up..."
"Come on..." Rukia encouraged. "You've been doing good so far, haven't you? I'm pretty sure that by now, there's no way you can mess anything up."
Meikurai could only chuckle sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck as he continued talking to Rukia through the dressing room door, "Don't jinx me, Rukia-chan. I'd rather not spoil the moment of the time we're spending together due to a little bad luck..."
"It's just the way that I see things..." Although Meikurai wouldn't see it, Rukia lightly shrugged her shoulders. "You shouldn't look down on yourself so much. If you just spend your mind thinking about the negatives, then they're more likely to happen."
"You're right, you're right," Meikurai made an unseen shrug of his own, before sitting himself on the edge of the bed before clasping his hands together while looking over the immaculate obsidian mineralized balcony towards the glassed off foyer. With a smirk, he commented, "I guess I need to relax a bit more than I have been, huh?"
"You don't say?" The sarcasm was clear within that mock incredulous voice.
"Alright! I DO need to relax!" Meikurai spoke back with a comically dry, wide-open mouthed expression towards the dressing room, twitching slightly in annoyance, "I'm a little controlling at times so I get nervous when I'm treading in waters I'm not familiar with..."
That was when the door to the dressing room opened up, once again revealing Rukia in all of her glory.
She closed the door behind her, folding her hands behind her back and giving a casually encouraging smile. "Could've fooled me. You seemed to know what you were doing so far..." She said lightly. "I was starting to think you had this planned out from start to finish. You're not trying to psyche me out, are you?"
"While a great deal of this has been planned out, the borrowing of the Dragonbird was a last minute thing and the dresses I ordered weeks before this idea," Meikurai said honestly, scratching the back of his head sheepishly while smiling, still ogling her dress and her accented figure, "but not every plan survives execution, so I am a bit nervous I might mess up or if your particular...ahem...gentleman caller with an honorbound vendetta against your life will plan to ruin things..."
Rukia closed her eyes in thought, contemplating both of the suggested possibilities. "Well, you won't have to worry about the likes of the Novena." She re-assured him. "In the event that he does show up, I'll be ready to finish what I started back in Yūrei. In the meantime, however, I'm more focused on enjoying myself. Now..."
She lent Meikurai one of her hands. "If you don't have anything else to do... I say it's time we got there before everything starts, hm?"
"That it is indeed," Meikurai responded promptly, with rejuvenated cheer in his tone as he took the beautiful woman's hand in his own, before leading her down the steps, "after all...this will be our first dance together. Let's treasure the moment of being in the spotlight, yes?"
______________________________________________________________________________________________
If anything could top the earlier views, it would be the Ballroom.
With a large dome carved with decorative carvings of ice that permeated the same kind of mist as the fountain-statue in Meikurai and Rukia's room, creating a warm and comfortable environment for everyone within, the appearance of the outlying walls almost looked almost like marble with the sleek details and effortless flow it created.
The ballroom floor was also carved ice, with special gloss finishing that made it slick to the sight but just right for dancing. Along with ice-like chandeliers hanging over the domed roof, a beautiful view of the outside mountains was just to the northside of the ballroom, where a collection of black garbed tables with refreshments and snacks awaited any who wished to take a break to star gaze and chat.
Within the west side of the ballroom was a raised auditorium where the orchestra played professional music for which ranged from classical, vocalist, and even some other genres by special request. Everything glittered and sparkled like fresh morning snow, just like Rukia's dress once exposed to the thousands of glittering crystalline lights produced in the magnificent arena.
"Everyone has a thing for ice all of a sudden..."
Despite the rather dry statement, it was clear that Rukia enjoyed being in such an atmosphere. For a moment, she allowed herself to become immersed within the music which was playing, closing her eyes and humming along softly with the beat. Everything seemed relatively perfect, from the people there to the musical pieces playing for their entertainment. All in all, it seemed like something straight from the King's palace. She could only wonder what he would think of it...
"It would like a crystal house carved in heaven," Meikurai spoke in an appreciating, and certainly enamored tone as he took in the sights around him. He then looked down to Rukia, who's hand he hand been holding appropiately, gazing at her with even greater awe, "and I'm walking with a Queen among Angels..."
This time, she couldn't help but look away in a vain attempt to keep him from seeing her blush. However, the smile was all too present. "Must you always grace me with such prestigious titles?" She asked.
"I can't help it when you're glowing brighter than the room," Meikurai teased, but spoke in a sincere tone. He truly believed Rukia looked fantastic, and the room only served to enhance her visual appeal. He hoped nothing would spoil this moment for the two of them.
As the music started, Meikurai could only hum with a grin. Looking thoughtfully to Rukia, he turned and bowed flamboyantly, extending a hand out to Rukia with a charming glint in his eyes, "Would you care to dance?"
In turn, the girl gave a pleased nod and lent him her own hand, allowing him to grasp it. "Would I ever..."
Meikurai took her hand into his, and began walking onto the ice-laced dance floor. With a smile on his face, he began to pivot on the heels of his feet as he guided his beautiful, elegant dance partner in a formal dance of poise and grace, depicted perfectly from their preferred styles of combat. It also helped Meikurai that he had plenty of time to learn how to dance...
He couldn't help but gaze into the marvelous pair of sparkling eyes, cast by the shining lights that were mirrored dynamically all around them, allowing her dress to further enhance her natural beauty. Truly, if Meikurai didn't know who she was, he'd almost mistaken her as a spirit of snow and beauty itself. To this thought, Meikurai allowed himself to draw close to her during their poetic-stepping dance, smiling as he spoke in a casual tone, "You're looking quite dazzling tonight, Rukia-chan. Had I known how beautiful you would be at this moment, I would've asked you to dance with me long ago..."
Rukia looked into his eyes with a serene and relaxed gaze as she moved in step with him, allowing both him and the music to move her in a slow and rhythmic pattern. "If I knew that this moment would happen at all..." She almost whispered the words. "You probably wouldn't have had to ask..." She followed this up with a small smile and chuckle as she was made to take another spin. As she regressed back to her normal pattern, she tilted her head to the side in the slightest manner. A glimmer of curiosity was in those indigo eyes of hers. "Not to be rude or nosy, but... were there any others before me that you were with?"
"Dance partners, or beautiful women that I took a fancying to?" Meikurai chuckled as he asked in mock coyness, raising his eyebrows in emphasis. He then looked up as he spun her around, thinking precisely how best to answer. By the time she came back to his proximity, he sighed as he spoke aloud, "I've had to do my share of dancing, due to me being part of public relations of the Soul Society on more than one occasion, diplomatically, as well as my various tasks and assignments that would require me to blend into party atmospheres. As for special women...well...there really hasn't been anyone that interested or caught my eye," Meikurai shrugged as he simply turned her around as he held her close to him, "I've never met anyone just as majestic and stunning, both in body and mind, that captured my attention so closely. You, Rukia-chan, are my heart's obsession, and that is the truth."
While she spoke, Rukia had looked him the eye just to make sure that his words were genuine. Back then, there had been a certain distrust of him that made her think that she wouldn't allow herself to get so close. But as she met his gaze, she could see that his words were indeed genuine. To know that she was someone else's... obsession... brought about a warmth that could've nullified any ice storm within her heart. A smile, composed but happy, crossed her face.
"Good... because I'm beginning to think that feeling's mutual..."
"Glad to hear that," Meikurai smiled, whispering as he felt drawn closer and closer to her immaculately framed face. The Soul Reaper felt his heart begin to slow down in tempo, beating so loudly he could hear it thump along his ear drums, as his lips drew closer and closer down, instinctively to meet her own...
Tap-Tap
"Ahem, excuse me," a low, somewhat familiar monotone came from a well dressed gentleman in a white suit, bordered with black lines and a white hankerchief tied in around his collar, along with a half-torso cape to drape over his left side. All in all, he looked classy, but was most intriguing was the silver dancing ball mask adorned over his visage, with only a crop of smoothly combed dark blue hair to tell a fraction of whom he really was. Taking a bow, the gentleman asked aloud to Rukia, "may I take a turn dancing with you, milady? I'd be most honored if you'd allow me the pleasure of doing so..."
In that moment, Rukia could've sworn she heard the screech of car brakes.
Startled slightly out of the moment, she turned her head so that she could look over the shoulder that had been tapped. Her eyes had shrunken to the size of comical dots as she looked over at the man. Had it not been for her being caught off guard, she would have notice the hint right away. But as of now, she was wondering how she was supposed to answer that. Inside of her head, a chibi Rukia was banging her head against the figurative floor and wailing, "Why didn't I remember what Nii-sama taught me about these things?! Think, you idiot!! You're disgracing the Kuchiki family with each and every second you remain silent!!"
She switched her gaze to Meikurai with those same comical dots - a nonverbal question of, "Is this okay?"
If I wasn't in such a good mood, I'd kill this man out of principle," Meikurai internally growled as he looked back to the man in question, finding a small peculiar appearance to the man, before dismissing it altogether. As he locked his eyes back to Rukia's, he could only sigh...
Meikurai smiled, cupping Rukia's face, shortly before leaning down to kiss her on the opposite cheek, taking a step back to give Rukia space, "Just one dance. I'd get jealous if you have too many callers asking for your hand around this ballroom," Meikurai winked at Rukia, nodding to her with approval, despite his internal protesting as his mind's eye shot daggers at the interloper.
"Of course..." After giving a wink back to him, Rukia allowed herself to pivot around to face the stranger. She gave him a curtsy to start off with, closing her eyes briefly as she did so out of politeness. Once she rose back up, she lent him her hand for him to take as she had started out with Meikurai. She had expected a simple dance before she returned back to her mutual interest, nothing more than that.
But as he would grasp her hand, she would feel a spark of spiritual energy through the fingers and palm.
For the briefest of moments, memories flashed through her head.
Her raising her sword up over her head in a vain attempt to attack.
Him impaling his hand through her stomach, expressing his disappointment at the duel's end.
Her collapsing onto the ground, slowly bleeding out as he walked away to retreat back to Hueco Mundo.
For a millisecond, her eyes flickered with shock, confusion, and apprehension as she regarded him. However, a millisecond was the maximum length before the composed and calm look crossed her face once more. She remained silent for the time being, allowing herself to be drawn into another dance pattern. But now, she knew that this man was no stranger.
"I see you have quite the gown for tonight's ball, milady," the mysterious gentleman spoke aloud, breaking the ice as it were, as they had been dancing for a good two minutes throughout the song. Strangely enough, the gentleman's movements felt a tad rigid and tense, almost as if he was restricting a natural grace he would've normally retained until recently, "I dare say you've caught nearly every eye within the resort's guests, tonight..."
Injuries.
The rather erratic rhythm of the spiritual energy within the man exhibited signs of injury, ranging from moderate to severe. Throughout those two minutes, she had allowed her senses to do the work and reach out to him. It explained the rigid and stiff posture he was holding himself in, trying to cover it up. She couldn't understand it. Why had he come to her in such a manner? Wasn't he here to fight her?
"Yes, well..." She answered him, passing a slight gaze over her shoulder. "I do hope they know I'm taken..."
While daggers could be seen within Meikurai's gaze, a relaxed smile and cool stare is all he projected as he waved on to Rukia. He did his best to make sure he approved of her being courteous, not wanting to appear possessive or not within the ability to be polite to others.
The gentleman, however, began to slow in his movements, as he spoke aloud in a slight humor, "Its quite unfortunate we didn't meet this way, then. We might've been quite formal and less...prone to violence...and...dire circumstances-"
FLUMP!
...and just like that, the gentleman finally fell over after making one misstep, passing out before his body would even hit the ground.
But fortunately for him, Rukia had long expected this.
With ready arms, she managed to catch him before he could even begin to fall to the ground. She kept her arms wrapped around his torso in order to support him for a moment before moving herself around. She kept one arm around his waist, moving so that she could drape one of his arms around her shoulders. A stern and serious gaze now made up her expression as she regarded him for a moment more.
Then, she turned her attention to Meikurai, walking slowly towards him and trying her best to keep the man's feet from dragging too much on the floor. "Meikurai, we might have to cut this short." She said firmly, grasping and removing the mask from the man's face just enough for his identity to be revealed.
"Sōsuke Aizen made an assault on Hueco Mundo's current, or should I say, formerly predominant power, Empresa and its Espada Afilado. While it didn't go according to plan, most of Empresa is in disarray and a great deal of the Espada Afilado were incapacitated and defeated. However, there was one particular Espada that made it out during the chaos..."
As the "gentleman" had his masked fully unveiled, Meikurai's eyes dialated to a comically dish-sized stare. He now just realized how close to a potential assassination Rukia had been. Feeling both shocked and confused beyond the point of rage, all Meikurai could do was stutter as he looked down at the unmistakeable face of the Arrancar and then back up at Rukia with an understanding, if not alarmed gaze.
"Let's get him back to the room. Hopefully we can get answers as to why he passed out while trying to flirt with you," Meikurai half-joked as he grasped Lobo de Norte's body and slung him over his shoulders, making sure to keep a pleasant smile. He intended on keeping the guise that the man he's carrying just had a little too much to drink and needed to be helped to his room.
"He's severely injured..." Rukia said, regressing to a calmer but more serious tone. However, she made sure to lower her voice to an inside volume. "The rhythm of his spiritual energy's erratic, and his body movements were far too rigid for natural movement. For whatever reason, he was trying to mask the extent of his wounds..."
"I know, it seemed almost unnatural for a man who prides himself on physical aptitude among his compatriots, as well as a prided swordsman and martial artist to have moved so rigidly and then pass out. He might be suffered from blood loss and exhaustion," Meikurai spoke in a calm, but serious tone as he walked off the dance floor and towards the exit, "we must hurry, I don't know the extent of the seriousness of his wounds, his life may be in danger!"
The Mask comes Down, Remembrance of Blood and Sand![]
As soon as they reached the hospital room, Meikurai made sure to set him down on one of the couches in the lounging room. As he undressed his suit, he could already see crimson-soaked bandages around his torso, arms and legs, with one fresh scraping wound near his neck, all of it radiating a foreign Spiritual Pressure from the wielder responsible.
Having worked quickly with Rukia to replace the bandages and mend his wounds properly, Meikurai was able to safely assume the worse had passed for the Arrancar, and his natural regenerative and healing abilities should allow him to recover quickly.
However, Meikurai had discovered an entirely different concern, as he had attempted to contact the Soul Society...
"Hello? This is Lieutenant Shiomaneki of the 12th Division, Vice President of the R&D Department, is there anyone there? Hello? Hello?! Dammit!" Meikurai swore aloud, as he had failed for the seventh time to get a hold of the Seireitei or the Gotei 13, not even his Department was active. Looking over from his seat on the heart shaped bed, Meikurai looked at Rukia with a serious look in his eyes, "the Seireitei may be compromised, I can't get a signal to be raised for some reason and all channels are down. Not even D.C.O. HQ is transmitting on open frequencies..."
"What?!"
Rukia's eyes widened at the revelation, alarm clear on her expression as she looked at Meikurai. "Are you sure?" She questioned, wanting to make sure that the worst was in progress. "Every line and access to communication has been shut off? No one can be reached?"
"If the Seireitei's communication's are being actively blocked or cut off it can mean only one of two things: Either the Soul Society is currently under siege and is currently at war, or all forms of communications have been forcefully cut and we cannot tell if anything or anyone is picking up," Meikurai hypothesized, crossing his arms as he looked to the far side of the room as he contemplated what might've occurred, "in any case, I think this might have something to do with our good Arrancar friend showing up. His timely arrival and our sudden loss of communication with the Soul Society...is too aligned to be mere coincidence."
Rukia's eyebrows knitted, and her teeth briefly clenched inside of her mouth. She spared a glance in the direction of the room where Lobo was laying. "The wounds he suffered were delivered by conventional weaponry. That's a clear indication that whatever attacked him might have been responsible for Empresa's fall. And if that's the case, then the Soul Society just might have suffered the same fate. Usually, there would be backup channels for off-area operatives to access in the event that the Soul Society's just under attack, but complete silence would mean that it's been taken over."
She sucked in a breath, closing her eyes and pinching the bridge of her nose as she tried to contemplate things with an unbiased mind. "There has to be someone to contact in case of an emergency like--!"
However, her expression brightened up immediately, and she snapped her fingers in realization. "Oh, that's right! I almost forgot!"
WOOSH!
With a Flash Step, she re-appeared in front of the closet, opened the doors, and began to rummage through her Shinigami attire. "Where is it, where is it..." She began to mutter, clearly trying to look for something.
"R-Rukia-chan?" Meikurai arched a brow as he saw Rukia's inner light click, clearly remembering something of importance. Getting up from the bed, he walked over to where the closet was, kneeling down to her level as he tried to comprehend her search, "something you lost...?"
"There was a channel that Captain Setsuko had set up for things like this..." Rukia muttered, continuing to rummage around. "She set it to private so only select individuals can access it. Last time we talked, she was doing an interdimension patrol in Soul Society. If I can find my comm-link, we may just have a chance at getting through to them and seeing what's going--" Her fingers brushed against the said comm-link, making her stop mid-sentence. "Ah! Here we go..."
She pulled it out, hooking it to her ear accordingly and turning it on. She moved over to sit on the bed, turning it to the appropriate channel. After a few moments of waiting, she would hear an automated voice respond back to her. "This is a private line. Access name and subject for connection required..."
"This is Icepick." Rukia said immediately, her eyebrows furrowing once again. "Give me a secure connection to subject Redwing..."
"Access name and subject registered. Connecting..."
Rukia closed her eyes, her expression tense. What was actually several seconds felt like an eternity. If this failed, there was no way she was aware of on how to connect to anyone. She mentally prayed for this to work, hoping that this wouldn't turn out to be a dead end...
Then...
"Connection established." The automaton voice spoke.
Rukia would've breathed a sigh of relief if it wasn't for the voice on the other end that spoke up immediately afterwards. Her tone was understandably wary. "Kuchiki? Is that really you?"
"Yeah..." Rukia confirmed, giving a slight nod in reflex despite the other woman being unable to see her. "Communication to the Research and Development labs as well as the rest of the Soul Society has gone dark. What's going on over there?"
Avaron gave a heavy sigh. "It's all gone to shit over here, Rukia..." She answered, solemnity and resignation clear. "The Soul Society's been attacked and overwhelmed. Inner Circle forces have killed and captured a good portion of the Gotei 13's personnel. A good portion of their Lieutenants and Captains are either on the run or generally M.I.A., and we haven't been able to establish any contact with the--"
"Wait a minute, Inner Circle?" Rukia repeated, slightly incredulous on hearing the term.
"An organization rumored to be a criminal world power within both the Material World and the Spiritual Realm. I'd give you details, but I'm not exactly in the most comfortable of positions as of this minute..."
Rukia would have to blame Chidori for this next statement. An amused smirk came across her face as she answered. "What, is Captain Hayate too much for you to handle?"
"Wha-" As expected, the sudden remark had caught Avaron completely off guard. There was a second's pause, but that was more than enough for the humor to sink it. "Sh-shut your face!!"
"What's going on? What's happened to the Gotei 13?" Meikurai asked with concern in his voice, as well as alarm within his eyes. He knew, within the back of his mind, that it was only a matter of time until the curtain was dropped, but to have it happen so soon? Now he felt glad he managed to get Rukia to such an isolated area, away from where most of the battles were to be transpiring. But he could only wonder what happened to those he knew and called comrades, "does this have anything to do with the organization that attacked Hueco Mundo?!"
"It was attacked..." Rukia confirmed, the humor being wiped away very quickly. She turned her gaze to Meikurai for a moment. "Several Gotei 13 personnel have been either captured or killed, with a good portion of the Captains and Lieutenants either on the run or captured by the "Inner Circle"." She turned her tone back to Avaron. "Where are the survivors as of this minute?"
"We're all holed up in a pocket dimension owned by the Deep Cover Ops - at least, Shinigami are." Avaron answered, quick to discard her own brief embarrassment for seriousness once again. "Survivors of the attack on Empresa are in an alternate dimension comparable to Hueco Mundo, based from what I'm being told. They were much more lucky - they managed to get all of their leadership out, with the exception of one Lobo de Norte. The Primera wanted a task force sent out to find him--"
"No need..." Rukia cut her off readily, her eyes drifting towards the room where the Arrancar lay. "He came to us personally. Lieutenant Shiomaneki and I just got done tending to his wounds before I called you."
"You're sure it's him?"
"Positive. I'm not one to forget the faces of a former enemy..."
A moment of silence, as Avaron took the time to ponder this new query. But it wasn't long before she spoke again. "Is there any way you can get him to this particular location? We're building up for a counter-attack, and we're going to need every hand on deck if we want the best chances at being successful..."
"Well, Lobo DID have something to say to you and a reason for infiltrating this place. Maybe we should at least talk to him and see what he wants before we join the frontlines? I'd hate to put him in the F.O.B. when he just got here," Meikurai sympathized, having deftly heard the communication between Avaron and Rukia, as he stood next to her with crossed arms over his chest.
A slight snort was heard from Avaron, as she could hear his voice in the background. "Yeah, because he really doesn't deserve it right now..." She drawled, her tone sarcastic. But she continued on, switching to a more stern tone before she could be question. "Whatever you have to do, do it quickly as possible. We might not have much time left. I'll send word that you've got the Novena in your custody."
"Understood, Avaron-san..." Rukia said calmly. "Icepick out."
With that, the connection was cut, and she gave a heavy sigh as she turned her attention back towards Meikurai. "Well, I guess there goes our plans..." She remarked, frowning out of slight sympathy. But it was clear she understood the gravity of the situation. "Sorry, Meikurai..."
Meikurai understood why she apologized, even if there wasn't anything to apologize for. This was war, and war would come whether they planned for it or not. The only unfortunate thing is that Meikurai had waited up until now to enjoy himself with this dazzling woman he had shared what few moments of romance and gentleman behavior. But he wasn't about to let this fall on a sad note...!
Meikurai smiled, as he leaned down to Rukia, and allowed himself to grasp her chin with his thumb and forefinger, as he looked into her eyes, "I wished this could've gone on forever, Rukia-chan, but as Soul Reapers, we have a duty to uphold. But I believe it is my duty, as your date, to give you a parting gift..." And with that said, Meikurai captured her lips with his own, allowing himself to transition into a tender, loving kiss.
Unlike the situation that had been the dance cut-in, Rukia was ready.
In response to Meikurai's move, Rukia closed her eyes and met his lips with her own in continuation to what they had began. But this time, there would be no interruption. It was something of assurance, to leave her satisfied that this would end on a light-hearted note. What they would step into would most likely jeopardize both of their lives. But at the very least, she wouldn't have to step into this with too much worry.
It wasn't long before she parted ways with him, sparing him a look within those eyes of his a moment more before she allowed herself to step back. "C'mon..." She said gently, a small smile on her face. "The longer we drag it out, the more likely Avaron's going to grill me..."
"What a shame," Meikurai spoke back with a smile of his own, allowing himself to sigh as he turned around to walk away from the bed and towards their houseguest down below, "I'll look forward when we can continue this date, Rukia-chan!"
"Yeah..."
Rukia's smile couldn't help but grow a bit wider as she heard the words. She folded her hands behind her back as she walked, making sure her back was turned to Meikurai as she led him. But he would probably hear that particular trait within the tone that she spoke with.
"Me, too..."
However, an unexpected occurance would delay their swift travel to their comrades...
BZZT-SHFT!
...as a recovered Lobo, with fresh bandages tucked away in the folds of his uniform, minus his hat, as he stared cooly at Rukia with an eery resolve and anticipation.
"Rukia Kuchiki...upon the rite of the promise I made, I will now fulfill our battle once again. I am of adequate condition to fight you at full strength and to see what you have to offer to me. Now," with a gesture to grasp his his Zanpakutō, he spoke seriously, "draw your sword..."
Meikurai could only turn on the back of his heel, knowing that it was now a bad call recovering such a capable fighter to full conditions. If they had only left him in his unconscious state, this wouldn't have happened, and Meikurai wouldn't have to pay the bill for the suite's damage.
"Just what kind of luck am I getting these days?"
A moment of silence passed.
Rukia stared down Lobo, her expression changing from surprise to seriousness within a few second. For a moment, she allowed himself to look him over. There was no consideration of what had happened to him that she could possibly see, no acknowledgement of what they had done for him. As she stared into his eyes, she could see nothing but resolve and determination. He really wanted to see a fitting end to this chapter, to solve what had been a terrible end for her in their previous duel.
So she answered him.
"No."
The look she was giving would've been comparable to the glare of her older brother. A faint aura filled with the cold of her emotions began to fill the room, but she seemed to take no notice of it. After giving that answer, she remained silent and continued to stare into his eyes. There seemed to be a subtle hint of reprimand, a nonverbal indication that this was not the appropriate time for their rematch.
"Y-You would deny me for a satisfying victory?" Lobo blinked a few times, his hand retracting away from his sword as he now glared back at the cold stare given to him by his mutual rival, "is your Pride not yearning for the chance to prove itself? Do you not have the Honor to take up the challenge and claim your victory what is rightfully yours? Answer me, Rukia Kuchiki, why you deny our battle?!"
"Because there is much more important things than this, Novena!" Rukia answered vehemently. "The wounds you suffered weren't part of just some duel that you received the short stick on, were they? They were inflicted during an attack on Empresa, Hueco Mundo's capital city! I just got word that it, as well as the Soul Society, has been attacked and destroyed! As we speak, there are friends, allies and comrades whose lives are in danger. That is why I'm not going to engage you. As a matter of fact..."
As she spoke, her hands slowly clenched into fists. "Why did you even come here, knowing that? I know that you have colleagues of your own that fought bravely against the ones who sought to destroy their society, even though they ultimately lost! I can't imagine why you would abandon them, abandon your very leader, to pursue something as meaningless as a simple duel! Isn't your loyalty to them stronger than that?!"
"I came to warn you of the very threat that had once nearly pulled all we know into oblivion and chaos!" Lobo spoke seriously, as raised his hand up near his own face before clenching it tightly, cracking the knuckles as he spoke with much hatred and disgust, "Aizen has returned the Hueco Mundo! He had called upon a legion of unknown entities, along with forces of which outmatched us at every turn! I had no way of knowing if my comrades lived or died...because I flung kilometers away from my kindred, by my own opponent. I was left battered and bloodied, almost assumed dead. I had no strength but to search for something I knew wouldn't have enemies would reside within. Unconsciously, I believed you'd hear me out before succumbing to my own weakness, but now...I just wished I could fulfill my heart's last desire before I am taken back to war. Call it what you will, but fighting you..." Lobo's tone softened, and his voice quieted, as locked his eyes with conviction with Rukia's, "fighting with you, brought warmth to my soul, for the first time in my life..."
"...what?"
Hearing the words caused Rukia's eyes to widen in shock. Her fists immediately unclenched, and she almost took a step back from him. To hear such words was nothing short of unnerving and somewhat chilling to her. Fighting her brought warmth to his soul? For the first time? She couldn't bring herself to understand that feeling, and she couldn't really empathize with Lobo on it. But she understood that this was at least something dear to him. She couldn't deny him that.
After all, the very reason she had trained was to beat him...
Slowly, her gaze softened as she regarded him. "Does seeing this through really mean so much to you...?" She asked him, her shoulders slumping slightly.
"You are one of the only Soul Reapers...no...one of the only people I've ever met who's respected me as well as given me the honor of fighting a respectful clash between two warriors, rather than a monster and a slayer at war for blood. You allowed me to feel...human...and I thank you for that, and it is for that reason, I wish to see which of us is stronger and to feel that once again. Not as Soul Reaper or Arrancar, nor as enemies, but as rivals and equals," bowing his head, Lobo relaxed his hands and his tone, "I know this isn't the best time, but it is simply a wish. If you were to reconvene this battle at another time, the only thing I ask is to never lose sight of yourself and to live through this war."
"That... is what I want to ask of you..."
By then, Rukia's gaze had become calm and relaxed once more. But this time, her eyes held a certain softness to them. "To never lose sight of yourself... to pull through for the sake of that purpose, if not for the sake of your comrades. Right now, there is an enemy far greater than just the two of us. If we allow ourselves to ignore it, it will come to destroy us both. For now, let's put this aside. I promise you..."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"...that if we're both alive at the end of this, I will seek to finish what we had started back in Yūrei."
Lobo could only smile, as he bowed his head in respect to Rukia, raising his gaze back to hers, "Very well then, I will contain my excitement for our duel for another day. Thus I will promise I will not perish, nor lose sight of myself. Upon my Honor, I shall return to you, Rukia Kuchiki."
"And I to you, Lobo de Norte..." Rukia said in return, pressing a fist to a palm and giving Lobo a respecting bow to match his. Inwardly, she couldn't help but chuckle at how this looked. On the outside, it would seem like this was some sort of vow concerning a lifelong commitment or marriage. Meikurai would probably be a little bit jealous over it. But of course, he would understand.
"If you two are done, let's get moving," Meikurai said aloud, clearing his throat for emphasis of his insistance of their conversation being done. Despite him understanding the situation, Meikurai felt that the Arrancar was a little too close for comfort. Considering that Lobo apparently felt joy in the idea of potentially killing Rukia in some form of Honor-bound ritualistic combat, he wasn't too keen on them having a moment, "I have a way to get to the D.C.O. dimension asap, so if you don't mind..."
"Of course," Lobo nodded in understanding, making sure to walk around Rukia to appear on Meikurai's flank a few meters away from him, "I am ready to return to my comrades and fight once again."
Inwardly, Rukia chuckled.
But outwardly, she allowed herself to shift to a more firm expression as she walked to stand by Meikurai's other side. Mentally, she took in a deep breath. Once again, she was reminded that once they stepped in, there was a possibility of them not stepping out - at least, not in the way they used to be. There was the chance that not everyone would come out alive. To the very end, she would make sure that everyone as well as herself would have a higher chance of not only surviving, but winning this fight against the new threat.
"Good luck... we're all going to need it."