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Never Let Me Fall	By : shadoesong Category: Bleach > General Views: 1394 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach and its characters, nor do I profit from this story.

Chapter List
- 17
- 18
- 19
Chapter 18
Aika was working on a report in her office. She had been promoted to 3rd Seat on the day Rin, Daisuke, and their Captains had left for the World of the Living. Her own Captain had been working her tail off. Since both he and Rangiku were on standby to be sent to Karakura Town, she would have to take over. Thus, she needed training, and Toshiro hadn't let up for a second.
It was late on the fourth night since her two friends had gone. She was given a bit of a break, since Toshiro had been called to a meeting. It was well past normal work hours, and she was tempted to take a quick nap. She was about to do so when her Captain came back into the office, a grim expression on his face.
"Captain?" she said, making him look at her. "Did something happen?"
"Kawasuzu, you're still here. Kuchiki and his team have returned from the World of the Living," he replied, making his way over to her desk. She looked at him in surprise.
"They're supposed to be gone for a full week, though," she murmured. She realized that something had gone wrong. "Why did they return early?"
He hesitated, looking like he didn't want to talk. Finally, he sighed.
"Asaje was taken less then 24 hours ago. Esaki was with her, but he wasn't able to fight off the enemy. He was lucky enough to be knocked unconscious. We know the cause of the disturbances in the World of the Living, however. We are sure that Aizen has arrancar under his control."
Aika stared at him with wide eyes, processing all the information.
"What's the plan to get her back?" Whatever it was, she wanted in on it.
"There isn't one," he said. "The Head-Captain said that we won't risk any of our officers in a rescue attempt."
"No offense, Captain, but that's extremely shortsighted," Aika replied. "If Aizen went to all this trouble to get her-"
"It's already been decided," he cut her off. "The Head-Captain won't go back on his orders once he's issued them."
"Dammit!" The small woman stood, slamming her hands onto the desk. "May I be excused, Captain?"
"Don't do anything stupid, Kawasuzu," he told her in a hard tone. Toshiro sighed, his gaze softening. "I understand. Myself and Kuchiki spoke up against those orders. I'm sorry."
"I- Thank you, Captain. I just...want to see Daisuke," she murmured.
"You can go for the night. We'll continue in the morning. ...Kawasuzu?"
"Yes?"
"If you need to talk..." He trailed off.
"Maybe later," she told him. "I want to see Daisuke first."
She found her friend in his room at Division 2. She opened the door a little to peer inside. He was sitting in his favourite reading chair, pinching his temples with a finger and a thumb. She opened the door fully, making him look up. She walked across the room towards him.
"Daisuke..." she murmured.
"I was there, Aika," he said, interrupting anything she was about to say. "I was there, and I couldn't do a single thing..."
She hugged him, and he immediately drew her close, placing her in his lap.
"I'm so sorry," she whispered. "Were you at the meeting?"
"No... I've been here since we returned. Soi-Fon has all but confined me to my room. She said she would come by tomorrow. I'll make you some tea," he said, about to move her around so he could get up. She laid a hand on his arm.
"Sit, Daisuke. I'll make the tea," she said.
Without waiting for his reply, she stood and disappeared into the small kitchen. Daisuke only sighed and leaned back. Once the tea was made, she brought him a cup, as well as one for herself. She sat on the arm of the chair.
"Do you know when they're sending a team to get her?" he asked after taking a sip of his tea.
She hoped the drink would help calm him. He wouldn't sleep that night, not after hearing what she had to say.
"No. Captain Hitsugaya told me that the Head-Captain isn't sending anyone after her. He's decided that we won't make a rescue attempt. Both Byakuya-sama and my Captain spoke up against this decision, but he won't go back on his orders," she whispered, shaking her head.
"What?!" he said in disbelief, his eye widening. He turned and stared at her. "They can't just leave her there! What'll Aizen do to her?"
"I don't know. I do know someone who can get us to Hueco Mundo-"
"No," Daisuke immediately said. "Just the two of us would stand no chance against Aizen's army. Not only is it a wasted effort, but one that there's no coming out from alive. The Gotei 13 wouldn't come and help us. No one would. That wouldn't help Rin, it would only make what she's going through worse."
"Daisuke-" Aika began protesting.
"Stop and think for a second, Aika. I know you're just as desperate as I am, but that plan's a death sentence," he interrupted her. She did stop. Finally, she sighed and shook her head.
"I was going to say that, don't worry. I'm glad I don't have to talk you out of a suicide mission. I hate feeling useless, though, especially when it involves my friends," she said. "All I can do is sit here and wait for orders."
She knew he felt the same way.
"I shouldn't have let her go out that night," he said. "I was tired, I wasn't thinking straight... But that's no real excuse."
"This is Rin you're talking about, Daisuke. She would have gone out whether or not you went with her. I'm surprised that she went to get you at all. Why would she want to go out though? She doesn't go out at night unless she can't sleep, which means something's wrong," she said with a look of concern on her face. Daisuke shook his head.
"I don't know whether something happened or if she was just in a bad mood. She said she was tired of the beach, though..." He didn't want to talk anymore, so he just asked.
"How long will you stay?"
"Not long," she told him. "I need to be up in the morning."
"That's okay. You have work."
She let him pull her onto his lap, both of them placing their cups on the floor. He wrapped his arms around her and she rested her head on his shoulder. She didn't know when she closed her eyes, but they were soon both asleep.

105 Years Ago
"So she'll be alright, Yoruichi-dono?" Daisuke asked.
"I have no doubts" the woman told him. "Our greatest concern was the broken ribs and her still healing injuries, but she's powered through that easily. Just let her sleep and she'll be fine and pining for food come dawn."
She gave the man a smile. The two were standing outside the room Rin was currently sleeping in. Daisuke had gone to her side as soon as he had heard, but was swiftly banished from the room for getting in the way. Aika had stuck around for a little bit before asking Daisuke out for dinner if everything turned out alright. It was getting close to the time when he had promised to meet her, but he was reluctant to leave his friend. Still, he forced a smile.
"Thank you, Yoruichi-dono. We've been together for a while and I wouldn't want to be left alone again," he murmured.
"You wouldn't be left alone," she assured him. She gave him a teasing smirk. "And speaking of not being left alone, Aika-chan must be eager to see you by now. Stop moping here and go see her, already."
After a moment's hesitation, he nodded and went to go find her. It occurred to him that he had no idea where her room was and wouldn't have an easy time finding her. Fortunately, he didn't need to.
"Looking for me?" a voice purred from behind.
He glanced over his shoulder, smiling at the small woman as she sidled up beside him.
"Not anymore," he replied.
"How's Asaje-san?" she asked.
"Recovering. Yoruichi-dono said there was no need to be concerned."
"So you'll be staying longer while she heals?" Aika questioned. The man looked up in thought, shrugging.
"I'm not sure. In the end, it would be Asaje-san's decision whether or not we do. She might just up and leave now that she's obtained Bankai, but I'm pretty confidant she'll want to stay a little while longer." He gave her a knowing grin. "Personally, I wouldn't mind staying a little bit longer..."
"Mm, I like the way you think," she purred, grinning. "So where would you like to go for supper?"
He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.
"I wouldn't know any places. I've never been in the Sereitei before. Plus, I'm used to making my own meals, which isn't much usually. I think the dinner table last night had more food on it than I've eaten in my entire life!" he laughed. "So it's your decision."
"I have a place we can go." She was laughing as well. She grabbed his hand and led him down the hall. "I'm sure you will love their food!"
Though the restaurant Aika took him to was small, it had a cozy feeling. It reminded him of his own shop, which he hadn't seen in over a month now. He almost missed it, but he was relishing the time spent in Sereitei right then. And the time spent with Aika, as well.
"So how did you and Asaje-san meet?" Aika asked at one point. Daisuke hesitated.
"We... It's a bit...complicated. I helped her, and in return she's helping me by training me. Though, I suspect that she might enjoy having the company, else she would have left by now. I'm never sure; it's hard to tell with her." He made sure he didn't give too much away.
"And her name? She's a part of the Asaje clan, isn't she? Why is she in Rukongai?" Aika continued with a frown.
"She was expelled. She and her father were never on good terms. One day, it just went too far, I guess," Daisuke replied.
"Is it a good idea for her to be in Sereitei, then?"
"Yoruichi-dono won't let her leave, but she's also made a point of keeping Asaje-san and her father away from each other, so that makes it better. What about you? You're from the Kawasuzu family and a new soul from my understanding. Are you a noble?" he asked, quickly drawing the topic away from his teacher.
"A lower ranking one, yes." Aika nodded. "My grandfather is Ginrei-sama's head advisor and I'm Byakuya's bodyguard and, as you saw the other day, trainer. Our family has served the Kuchiki clan for generations."
"That's incredible. Is that how all nobles houses work?" he asked. She nodded.
"Yes. There are the 5 Great Clans. You know a few, the Shihouin, Asaje, and Kuchiki clan are three of the five. Then, there are also lower-ranking clans, like the Kawasuzu clan. Clans like mine serve the 5 Great Clans. Sometimes, if we are lucky, our status will be improved by marrying into a higher ranking clan or maybe one of the Great Clans themselves," she explained. He nodded in understanding.
"I see. Things must get competitive."
"They do. The elders arrange marriages for us while we're still young to ensure that we get the best husbands or wives from a higher ranking clan. It's all about status and getting higher up on the food chain."
"Wait... Does that... Arranged marriages? Does that mean you're married?" he asked, startled.
No matter what he thought about this woman, he wouldn't do anything if she were in another relationship with another man. Especially if she were married. But the young woman had gone quiet. She looked to the side and murmured.
"No."
Daisuke, sensing that he had said something bad, immediately began to apologize.
"I'm sorry, Aika, I didn't realize..."
"No, it's fine," she cut him off, forcing a smile. "My Ojii-san has been trying to find me a good suitor. But being a swordswoman hasn't made it easy."
"But wouldn't that be a desirable attribute?" Daisuke asked, bemused.
"Maybe for a man. Noble women aren't usually trained in the way of the sword, unless they're part of a warrior clan. I believe a good example would be the Asaje clan. They're known for their twin weapon style of combat, so if a woman from that clan had great skill with a sword she would be desirable. My Ojii-san never wanted me to be a warrior, and he still tries to convince me to hang up my sword."
"That can't be the only reason. There are plenty of clans that excel in combat and wouldn't care even if you aren't from a warrior clan, aren't there?" It was more of a statement than a question. Aika's eyes widened slightly. Finally, she sighed and nodded.
"You're right. My mother... She died moments after naming me. Most believe I am cursed because of that, and no one wants to marry their son off to a cursed woman. And it wasn't just them that held this belief. My own grandfather thought that I was responsible for his daughter's death. To top things off, I was a sickly child. I was nothing more than worthless to them."
Her purple eyes went downcast. Daisuke was shocked. He reached across the table, resting his hand on hers and making her look up.
"You are anything but worthless, Aika. Look at you now, surely they regret never choosing you." He gave her a warm smile, but it faltered and faded as he continued, "I can't believe nobles would be so cruel, though, especially to a child. It just doesn't seem worth it, having all that status, if that's what you have to deal with."
She placed her other hand over his, giving him a small smile, before letting him take it back.
"An opinion I share, sometimes."
Grateful beyond words that he was so accepting. She had thought her story might have scared him off, but he brushed past it like it meant nothing. It only strengthened her feelings towards the man.
"What's it like in Rukongai?" she asked. He shrugged.
"Depends on the district and the season. In summer, it's hot and hard to get water and food, especially when you're a soul that needs it. The winters aren't much different, except that it's cold," he replied.
"You have water, at least," she pointed out.
"In a sense. You need to warm it up, you can't just eat straight snow unless you want to freeze to death. Otherwise, there's bandits and thugs year round. Good to practice on, but annoying when you're not in the mood. Spring and Autumn are nice, minus the mud and all the rain."
"Sounds tough."
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure I'd die of boredom here, though, so I take what I can get," he replied, laughing. She laughed as well.
"I know what you mean," she agreed.
She could only imagine how different it was in Rukon compared to his home. She then asked.
"You're an old soul, right?" He nodded. "Does that mean you remember your life before?" He frowned, a thoughtful look on his face.
"It's gotten a bit fuzzy over time, but yes. I died as a teen, around 16, 17, leaving two younger brothers and a widowed mother behind. I can't remember exactly how I died, an accident most likely, though I remember I was a ghost for a couple of weeks after."
"A trauma best left forgotten, if you ask me," she interjected. Daisuke nodded in agreement, then continued with his story.
"I stuck around home, trying to comfort my family and convince them I wasn't dead. I was the one that had to take care of them when I was alive, since our father was killed. A shinigami came and explained everything to me, that I was dead and they couldn't see me. I finally understood, but he wouldn't let me stay and mourn. He explained that, if he didn't send me to Soul Society, I'd turn into a hollow and kill my own family. I couldn't refuse after hearing this. I got sent to Rukon, like every soul. That was maybe...24 years ago? I lost count some time ago, but that sounds about right."
"What did you do after that?" Aika asked, urging him to continue.
"That's when I met Ryu-san and her adopted son, Dakota-nii." He laughed at the memories. "Ryu-san was an old woman, and she had quite the sharp tongue. She took me in and cared for me, even gave me a name because I couldn't remember my old one. She taught me how to treat those around me, since I wasn't familiar with honorifics, among other things, like street smarts. Dakota-nii became like a third brother, and I watched out for him.
"Ryu-san passed from illness a couple of years after, though she insisted that it was her time. Dakota-nii and I then turned our home into a tea shop to support ourselves. Ryu-san was...well, you could say she worked with the black market. She had connections, but they cut off from us after she moved on, forcing us to find other ways of getting money to buy our basic needs.
"Dakota-nii doesn't have the reiryoka nor the will to fight that I have. When I started teaching myself hand-to-hand in order to keep away thieves who thought our shop was easy pickings, he would tell me that it wasn't a good idea. That I would just end up hurting someone. I told him I would stop, but I trained in secret anyways. There were a few times when I had to take care of those who got a little pushy.
"My brother moved out a little before Asaje-san showed up since there wasn't much room, but he still works the shop whenever we're out. He's probably there now, wondering why we're late..." His eyes widened with horror. "And he probably thinks we're dead! I got so caught up I forgot to tell him!" Aika couldn't help but giggle.
"He'll be fine!" she said reassuringly, though he continued to frown doubtfully. "You can have a message sent tomorrow."
"I sure hope so. He'll probably assume Asaje-san did something or another. We're to get an earful when we return."
"Why is that?" she asked with a frown. Though the woman was grumpy, there was nothing about her that made the short woman particularly wary.
"I'm not sure. The moment he laid eyes on her, he just didn't like her. I can't say that Asaje-san made any effort to be friends with him, though. She doesn't like him much, either." He chuckled. "But then, she doesn't like many people, so it's understandable. Few people are spared her sharp tongue."
Their conversation was cut short when the waiter came with their food. They ate and took the time to enjoy the meal, with Daisuke complimenting the taste. When they finished, Aika paid for the meal against the tall man's protests, saying that he had little kan as it was. Though reluctant, he did agree, in the end.
By the time they began walking back to the mansion, they were laughing and joking like old friends. The dark streets were void of life; most people, shinigami and noble alike, had gone home come nightfall. Rather than head directly back to the mansion, Daisuke and Aika climbed onto the roof of a tall building to admire the night sky. It was pitch black and blanketed with thousands of twinkling stars.
"Tell me, what's the World of the Living like?" Aika said.
Both were lying on their backs side by side, not quite touching but close. Daisuke had his arms crossed behind his head, while Aika had her hands nestled on her stomach.
"Not nearly as exciting as Rukongai," Daisuke admitted. "I remember that not a lot of people liked us, though I can't recall why. Maybe we were different in a way they didn't like, or something. I suspect they were responsible for my father's death, but it's long past the time where I'm able to do anything about it."
"I would think that's it's painful to talk about all this, though you don't seem to be sad," she commented.
She turned onto her stomach and propped herself up on her elbows to look into his eyes. He just shrugged.
"I try not to dwell on the past. There's nothing we can do about it, so why worry? I remember the good people I met and forget the bad. I do my best to think more present future, which I can do something about. What good can come of grieving over those who are gone? Honour them by remembering them every day, instead."
"You don't meet many people who see it like that," Aika murmured.
"It's just my own opinion. To each their own, I suppose. I'm not going to argue with your way of thinking unless I feel that someone might get hurt in the end," he replied. "It's not anything special. I just don't want anyone to get hurt, especially when I know that I could have done something to prevent it."
"Hm." Aika leaned her head on his chest. "What are you doing in Rukongai, Daisuke? You should be in Shino Academy, with your power. You could do so much more."
"Ah, the Shino Academy." He sat up, forcing Aika to, as well. "It's definitely an option, and one I want to take advantage of. There are things that are stopping me, though. Asaje-san is still avoiding her father, and she can't do that if she's logged into the academy records. I want to go in with her, but she's waiting until things between her and her family settle.
"I think it's a matter of freedom, as well. Not just for her, but for me, too. There aren't any rules in Rukongai that you have to follow except your own morals. Once we become shinigami, we won't have that. Life in Rukongai has its perks that way. I can't tell you how many times we've bypassed training to just lounge in the sun or swim a bit and lower our guard, even if only a little. It's a selfish reason, I know, but I'm sure you'd think the same if you knew what it was like. Maybe I can show you one of our favourite paths, sometime." She smiled.
"It sounds beautiful. I would love that." Her expression then turned grim. "But that can't be the only reason contributing to it. As a shinigami, you would have days off to do that. And you could go into the academy without Asaje-san, if you really wanted to."
He nodded, averting his gaze.
"The problem is Dakota-nii. He'd have a fit if I joined, and that type of strain on our relationship... He'd hate me for it." He nervously ran one hand through his dreadlocks. "He was my first close friend, I can't do that to him. If I wait until Asaje-san's ready, then I'd have time to ease him into the idea that I don't want to stay in Rukongai rather than just springing it on him. But, even then, I'm not sure if he..." He shook his head as he trailed off. "I don't know what to do about him, Aika." She surprised him by leaning into him before speaking.
"If he was a true friend, wouldn't he understand?" He thought carefully about what she said.
"I think he just wants me to be safe. He's lost Ryu-san already, and he didn't take it nearly so well as I did. I think he does understand, but he doesn't want to accept it. I'll work this out. Somehow." He sighed. He then looked up at the sky. "Maybe we should be heading back. It's getting pretty late now."
"You're worried about Asaje-san?" Aika guessed.
"N-no, I...I guess that's part of it..." he admitted sheepishly. "But it really is getting dark. We could do something at the mansion instead."
"I know exactly where to go for some privacy. And it's not the mansion, just so you know." Aika smiled coyly at him. He smiled as well, blushing slightly.
"Do you? Okay, show me."
She took him to a place in the forest beneath Soukyoku. Daisuke was spellbound as he followed her into a tiny clearing. A tiny stream bubbled up at the edge, its babbling a constant noise in the background. The trees closed them in, many the glade seem closed in and safe. Above, the canopy parted to allow for a perfect view of the night sky. As Aika walked through the knee high grass, glowing bugs were disturbed and flew into the air, lighting up of the area. It was serene and absolutely peaceful. Daisuke had never been in such an amazing place.
"Wow..." was all he could think of to say. She smiled at him over her shoulder.
"Beautiful, isn't it? It's filled with flowers at the right time of the year, and there's usually more fireflies, making it even better."
"I can't imagine. I see why you suggested it," he murmured, gazing around. "Much better than the places in Rukongai. How did you find this place?"
"Completely by accident," Aika admitted with a small smile. "I was escaping lessons and I wandered into the forest to hide. I found this place, and ended up staying here the whole day. Once I'd realized the time, it was almost dark. My Ojii-san was so mad when I got back. The whole mansion was in an uproar.
"But it never stopped me from coming here. I love this place. It reminds me a lot of my inner world. The only difference is that I can share it with other people."
He couldn't help but smile now, as well. They had both sat down, now.
"You must have a beautiful inner world, then. In fact, it would suit you perfectly," he replied.
"Flattery. And obvious flattery, at that."
"No, not flattery. That would imply that I'm using compliments to gain favour. From what I've seen, I already have that. I'm merely telling the truth. You're a beautiful woman, Aika. You're great to be around, as well. I'm glad we could meet." She smiled at him.
"I'm glad I met you, too. Both you and Asaje-san, in fact. I don't have many friends around here." Her eyes went downcast. "Is it selfish that I want you two to stay here in Sereitei? I've heard many wonderful things about the Rukon from you, and I wouldn't dare ask you to stay and keep you from that. I can't just leave my duties as a bodyguard and go with you, either. Not to mention, my Ojii-san would have a fit, as well. If only I could have it both ways..." she whispered. "I don't want to be alone again once you leave."
He pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her. She soon found herself in his lap, her face buried into his shoulder.
"Never think you're alone, Aika," he murmured.
He tilted her face up to meet his gaze. The dark skinned woman took a chance. She closed the distance between them, capturing his lips with hers. Daisuke widened his eyes in surprise, but he did not pull away. Instead he deepened the kiss, plunging his tongue into her mouth.
His hands tried to bury themselves in her hair. Her braid got in the way. He pulled out the ties, threading his fingers through her long hair. He murmured how silky it was against her lips. Aika marvelled at his gentle touch despite how large his hands were. She was lost in a haze of pleasure as she gently pushed him to the ground.

Present
Aika awoke the next morning still curled up in Daisuke's arms. The man was still asleep, his head resting on the back of the chair. She carefully disentangled herself from him and stood. After stretching her stiff muscles, she left. On her way to her Division, she pulled out her cell and dialled a number. She waited patiently for someone to pick up.
"Hello?" The voice on the other end was obscured by static and she could barely hear them.
"Tessai-san, it's Aika. Is Kisuke or Yoruichi in? I need to speak to one of them," she said.
"Yes...get Yoruichi-san...you, Aika-san," he replied, some of his words indiscernible because of the static. There was a brief pause before another voice came onto the phone.
"Aika-chan?"
"Yoruichi, I have bad news," Aika said. "Rin was taken by Aizen and his arrancar two nights ago. The Head-Captain won't send anyone to Hueco Mundo for her, either."
"Rina-chan...taken...Aizen? Did...say arrancar? How complete? ...power level?" she asked.
"Enough to catch them both by surprise and knock out Daisuke," Aika answered.
"Thank you. Kisuke...love...information. ...sorry...is cutting out. ...call later." The line went dead.
Aika closed the phone with an exhausted sigh, staring at the device. She was one of the few in Soul Society that had the means to contact Yoruichi and Kisuke. However, every call was filled with static like that, and calls were supposed to be brief. She was only supposed to call to relay important info.
Gauging the time, she figured she wouldn't even have enough time to splash some water on her face before she needed to be at the office. She took a deep breath, wishing for some very strong, very black coffee. She was going to gift the cafeteria a coffee maker and a supplier of the finest beans. She had developed a taste for it when she was in the Western part of the World of the Living.
"Good to see you're still with us, Kawasuzu," greeted the short Captain when she walked in.
Looking at her Captain, Aika was surprised by the famous Boob Hug from Rangiku.
"Oh, Aika-chan! I'm so sorry about Rin-san!"
"Thank you, Rangiku," came the muffled answer. Aika pushed the taller woman away. "We'll get her back...eventually."
That last part had a bitter edge to it.
"You look like hell," Toshiro stated, twirling his pen in his fingers.
"Careful, Captain. That silver tongue of yours will have me swooning at your feet," came Aika's wry reply as she made her way to her desk.
Rangiku giggled at the comment, her hand hiding her smile. The white haired Captain snorted and rolled his eyes.
"Whatever, as long as you get your work done down there," came his sarcastic response.
He hid a small smile by getting back to the report he was working on. Rangiku burst out laughing.
"I'll get everyone some tea," the busty blonde said, heading to the sideboard where the teapot and cups were.
Once everyone had their tea, they got back to work.
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Never Let Me Fall