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Sakura Petals and Fairies	By : Zarakiswolf Category: Bleach > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 1518 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Tite Kubo owns Bleach and it's characters. I own my OCs. This story is written for entertainment purposes only. I do not get paid for writing it.

Chapter List
- 1-One
- 2-Two
- 3-Three
- 4-Four
- 5-Five
- 6-Six
- 7-Seven
- 8-Eight
- 9-Nine
- 10-Ten
- 11-Eleven
- 12-Twelve
- 13-Thirteen
- 14-Fourteen
- 15-Fifteen
- 16-Sixteen
- 17-Seventeen
- 18-Eighteen
- 19-Nineteen
- 20-Twenty
- 21-Twenty One
- 22-Twenty Two
- 23-Twenty Three
- 24-Twenty Four
- 25-Twenty Five
- 26-Twenty Six
- 27-Twenty Seven
- 28-Twenty Eight
- 29-Twenty Nine
- 30-Thirty
- 31-31
- 32-Thirty Two
- 20
- 21
- 22
"We have exhausted all leads, Head Captain. The city has no signs of Lady Kuchiki or lord Hayate. The Rukongai is the only other possible place for them to be but, as you are aware, there are so many places for them to be hidden. It will take time to search all districts." Captain Fon reports.
Captain Kyoraku sighs. "I was afraid of that. Any idea who might have taken them?"
"Rukia had an idea two nights ago and I have pushed it from my mind for the days they've been gone. What if Lord Hayate is the one behind the disappearance?" I reply.
The room goes silent for a moment before Captain Kyoraku clears his throat. "That would change things indeed. Captain Fon, has any thought been given to searching the Hayate Estate? I believe after the trial Lord Hayate was in the process of moving back in and reacquiring staff."
"The thought had crossed my mind. However, do you not think that it is far too obvious a place for them to be?"
"Perhaps it is so obvious that is why you're quick to dismiss it." Captain Fon says quietly. "It would be a good idea to look into it, though I am inclined to think that it is too obvious."
"Alright. Nanao, I want a majority of squad one and two working together in districts one through three. Squad four will send a healing unit with each search party just in case. Squad two needs to send at least one or two trackers. Squads three and five, work together on districts four through six. Squads six and ten will go to districts seven through nine. All other squads will work together to search ten through twenty as they are the smaller districts. If nothing is found today, we will go out tomorrow for twenty through forty. Dismissed." Captain Kyoraku orders. "Byakuya, stay behind for a moment."
I wait patiently as the other captains leave before turning to Shunsui. "What is it?"
"I know that you know my secret. I want you to work with her. Go to the Hayate Estate with her and let her sniff around." He says cryptically.
"Do you believe she is capable of such a task?"
"I know she is. She's been helping Akane track people down for a few months now...she remembers everything. I have tried to deny it for a long time but it is plain to see now."
"I would be grateful for the assistance, no matter that my pride wishes me to say no. The safety of my wife and child is more important than pride."
He nods. "Go to my home. I've sent a message to Akane already. She will be waiting when you get there."
***********************************
Akane is waiting when I enter the yard and a familiar, yet unfamiliar, child stands next to her. I had not truly believed Captain Kurotsuchi's rumors that she had returned to a child but the proof is right before my eyes. She grins at me and, to my surprise, darts forward and clamps her arms around my legs. "Hi, Pwincess!" she shouts, further proving she is indeed Harmona.
"You have not changed, wife of Zaraki." I sigh, patting her head gently.
"Captain Kuchiki, I trust you to take care of her. And she's a lot stronger than she should be at this age so I also trust her to protect them when you find them. Bring her home." Akane says softly before retreating into the house.
"I'll find them. You just point me in the direction." Harmona's voice has changed, becoming more adult-like as she lets go of my legs and walks away from me.
"Come. I will take you where my suspicions point me to."
****Nanami POV****
I cough several times, shivering as the fever grips me. My back is infected, according to Papa. He has sedated me twice a day to clean it but still, infection has set in. I am in severe pain. Feeding Sakurako has become nearly unbearable but I force myself for her sake. She seems to be growing weaker, as if my milk isn't filling her. That is possible, I suppose. I have noticed the amount of leaking is much less. We have been missing for roughly a week now, by my guess.
"Nanami, your fever is out of control." Papa says sadly. "I cannot bring you for treatment and I cannot heal you."
"She is going to starve if you don't do something, Papa. My milk is drying up."
He sighs. "I will return shortly. I will go into town and buy medicine."
I whimper as he ties my hands to the chair I'm seated in. "Why? I'm too weak to move hardly, Papa!"
"Because I do not trust you."
He leaves before I can say anything else. I hang my head in defeat. I am quickly losing hope that we will be found.
****Byakuya POV****
I am startled as we walk by a flicker of gold that stops in front of my face. Mizu yōsei giggles. "I found you!"
"Indeed." I say quietly.
"I've picked up her scent. I will go ahead while you speak to the fairy." Harmona says before shifting into her wolf form, which is barely more than a puppy, and running off.
"She is hurt very badly. Her father beat her. He is trying to separate you two."
"Why though!? I have done nothing to harm her!" I hiss.
"He claims how you two are intimate is disgusting. That you've turned her into a harlot. He's made her afraid of you a bit, I'm afraid. He's trying to brainwash her into associating your intimacy with pain."
I frown, anger instantly boiling in my veins. "And my daughter?"
"She grows weaker. Nanami's body is fevered and her milk is drying up. I'm afraid for your daughters survival if help doesn't arrive soon."
"Take me there." I order.
****Nanami POV****
I've knocked the chair over and have managed to free my hands from the broken wood, though the rope remains intact, unfortunately. I manage to get myself to my feet, stumbling a bit. Sakurako is crying in her crib. Her cries are pitiful. I collapse next to her crib, unable to move anymore. My vision darkens momentarily. What is that clicking noise?
"Noodle? Wake up." a familiar voice tells me, stroking my cheek with a child's hand.
My eye cracks open, the vision blurred. I see blue. "Harmona?"
"You're a mess, Noodle. Okami is healing what he can but you need medical treatment and fast. Your heart isn't beating correctly."
"Save her." I beg, gripping her small hand. "Take her....back to him."
"I see you've been lying, Nanami. You have learned nothing." Papa's voice hisses from behind me.
Harmona stands over me protectively. "You won't harm her anymore. I sensed something was wrong with you, all those years ago when I first met you."
"I do not know you, brat. But I will kill you easily."
I hear a scuffle and there's much growling and cursing. Harmona must've taken her wolf form. It seems to last for many hours though in reality it lasts only minutes. A familiar voice shouts a kido command I'm unfamiliar with and everything but Sakurako's cries go silent. I hear quick footsteps and my cheek is kissed swiftly before I'm lifted and carried to a nearby bed and laid on my side. "Nanami, you must stay awake for me." Byakuya orders.
"She needs more help than I do." I whisper.
"If I hold her, can you feed her even a little? I'm aware you're ill but she needs it."
I nod, groaning softly. "I can try."
"Byakuya, she doesn't have the strength for it. There are bottles in the kitchen. And goats outside." Harmona's voice says as my eyes close.
"They're dying. Whatever I must do, I will do it." his voice sounds strange, as if he is in the verge of tears.
"I'll be back in a minute. Your daughter needs warmth. She's very dehydrated and cold."
****Byakuya POV****
I watch the girl run, shocked that she's regained shunpo already. I lift Sakurako in my arms and my anger only rises. She is so pale and her cries are weak. I hold her and rock her in my arms. "I am here, my sweet." I whisper in her ear. Nanami has passed out, it seems. I walk to where she lays and try to wake her. Her shirt is stuck to her back and damp with sweat, her skin hot enough to fry an egg on. I see no injuries but her entire body is the color of snow. Her breathing is labored gasps.
Harmona appears with a bottle and hands it to me. "Goat milk is better than nothing. Try to get her to eat. You may want to turn. I'm going to see what I can do to help her. Okami has healing powers."
I focus on my daughter for a moment and, to my relief, she drinks greedily. My eyes turn back to my wife and disgust fills me. Harmona is gently lifting the shirt and it becomes apparent why it was sticking. I count thirty seven lash wounds, every single one red, swollen and draining pus. Red lines are coursing up her shoulder, indicating blood infection. The wounds are too wide for a whip. I look around and spot a wooden cane, still darkened by blood, behind the door.
"I can't save her but Okami can slow down the infection. She needs a healer." Harmona sighs.
"How long can you buy me, little wolf?"
She glances over her shoulder at me. "Two hours at the most."
I calculate in my head and nod. "Shunpo."
"That's the only chance you have. Can you carry both of them?"
"He won't have to." Captain Fon's voice reaches me. She glances at Harmona, her nose wrinkling in displeasure, before looking to me. "I will carry your daughter. You must get her. I had a gut feeling that I should check this area and I'm glad I did. I had no idea that Zaraki had another child out here."
"He doesn't. What you see is his wife. Captain Kyoraku is raising her. You cannot tell him or the consequences will be severe." I say, relieved that someone who is able to help has come along.
"I have said it all along. She is a monster, just like that brute. However, I will say nothing as it is not my business. I have a few men outside securing the area. I will have them collect her father."
I nod and watch Harmona shift again. I lift Nanami in my arms after handing my daughter to Soi Fon. "Lead the way, little wolf."
************************************************
I sit meditating as Captain Kotetsu does emergency treatment on Nanami. Harmona has sat beside me quietly, hidden under my haori. It would bother me but I feel I owe this child a lot at this point in time. I think she is asleep, as her head is resting against my ribs. I tense as I feel Zaraki's reiatsu drawing closer. He enters the waiting area, blocking the door with his body.
"Any word?" he asks.
"Not yet." I tersely reply.
"I wanted to tell her I didn't mean what I said. I spoke outta anger."
I feel Harmona twitch a bit as she wakes but she stays still thankfully.
"I am feeling the same anger at this moment. I am furious with her father. She did not deserve the beatings he gave her."
"No, she didn't. He's in the Nest. I wanna suggest somethin' to you and I think she deserves it, just like Harmona deserved to kill Mori."
"I am listening."
"I think she should be able to return the favor. I know she's weak and a daddy's girl but she needs to pay him back. From what I overheard a couple nurses sayin', he fucked her back up pretty bad. Orihime went to the world of the livin' earlier or I'da sent her here immediately."
"I appreciate the sentiment. I do not think Nanami will ever raise a hand, let alone her sword, against her father but I will suggest it. You are right. She needs revenge."
"If the scars don't fade...you take care of her, Byakuya, or I'll murder you myself. That girl loves you more than anythin' in the world."
"I do not care if she has scars. She will always be beautiful in my eyes." I say defensively.
He laughs softly before turning and heading back the way he came. "I'll visit her when she's feelin' better."
I feel trembling at my side and suddenly small arms are wrapped around my torso. A small wet patch grows on my side. I clear my throat. "What is it?"
"I miss him so much. Hearing his voice again is pleasure and pain." she says softly. She emerges from my haori and sighs. "I hate this. I want to go to him but Dad says not until I'm older."
"I believe it is best that you wait until you have grown. You can't expect your husband to love you the way he did before as you are now. That would be awkward."
"I know. I just miss him. It hurts, you know. Of course you know. You're hurting now, aren't you?"
"I will not answer that, as it is an obvious answer to an obvious question."
She laughs softly. "Stubborn as ever. I've missed you too, strangely enough."
"I cannot say the same. You are a threat to the Soul Society, therefore I hate you. However, I was saddened at your passing. Perhaps because I know the pain your husband feels. I am relieved that one day he will not suffer any longer."
Captain Kyoraku walks in and sits beside Harmona. "You weren't supposed to come here, kiddo."
"I sowwy, Daddy." she says, reverting back to speaking how a two year old might.
"Did anyone see you?"
"No. She snuck in after everyone left the room." I answer for her.
"You're too smart for your own good."
"Hungry!" she whimpers before throwing herself in his arms. He smiles indulgently and hides her in his haori.
"Byakuya, if you need anything, don't hesitate."
"Yes, head captain."
As I am left alone, I once again turn to meditation. I am growing impatient for news on my wife. Perhaps this will help.
****Nanami POV****
I wake up alone and, from the looks of things, I am in the infirmary. I must not have been dreaming and am rescued. My thoughts turn inward and tears begin to fall. What has happened to my father? Why would he have hurt me this way and, by extension, Sakurako? None of this makes sense to me. I am too weak to stay awake long and soon I drift to sleep again, knowing only pain and a terrible itching on my back.
****Byakuya POV****
Captain Kotetsu finally emerges from the room they've taken Nanami into for treatment. "She and your daughter are going to need to stay in the infirmary for a while. Your daughter is going to be fine, though we've had to place an IV in her head. She's so dehydrated we simply couldn't find another vein to put it in. She's eaten very well for us though so I'm confident she'll make a full recovery."
"Eaten?"
"We hooked Nanami to a breast pump and milked her to try to get milk flowing again. She's also severely dehydrated due to her fever so her milk is drying up. We've got her hooked to saline with electrolytes, high dose antibiotics and, in a different IV, we've got her on a good pain killer."
"What is her prognosis?"
"I am not confident. Sepsis, which is infection in the blood, is pretty bad. Her case is borderline severe. I'm not sure even with treatment that she can survive but time will tell. We're hitting her with the best antibiotics we have. In all honesty, we're just trying to keep her alive until Orihime comes back at least. I don't think our treatments will give her a very good survival rate."
"What percent of survival would you give her right now?" I brace myself for the answer.
"Twenty percent and that is probably a high guess."
"May I sit with her?"
"Of course. We've taken Sakurako to the nursery for monitoring so you can check in on her when you're ready too."
"Thank you."
I follow her to Nanami's room and again, the sight of her back makes me cringe inwardly. Captain Kotetsu notices. "They are very painful, I'm sure. That's why we've got her laying on her belly on a support mattress. It's best to let air get to the wounds but we'll have to clean them at least twice a day for now. She may or may not wake up with the amount of pain relief she's being given. She woke up once while we were hooking her IV's up and only long enough to demand we take care of the baby first."
"She is the type to care about everyone else but herself until it is too late."
"Stay as long as you like, Captain Kuchiki. Hopefully she will wake up for you. I can see her body is already beginning to relax so the pain relief must be working."
I seat myself next to her bed and seethe inwardly. Lord Hayate will be punished for this. I will ensure that. Nanami is such a sweet, caring woman, there could not have been any reason for such a beating.
"She is stronger than she lets on." Mizu yōsei says, appearing on my shoulder and sitting. "Nanami kept defending your love for her as long as she could before figuring out she had to lie to avoid getting beaten again. However...she is now afraid that you will hate her for the damage to her back. She is afraid you will take the baby and leave her."
"Is she awake?"
"Not entirely. She is half way between waking and sleep. The pain relief is doing a bit too good, if you understand my meaning. Her brain is a bit fuzzy but she's not in pain anymore."
"Can she hear me?"
"Yes. I don't think she can respond though."
I take her hand between my own and kiss her knuckles softly. "Nanami, you must wake for me. Do not give into this illness. Our daughter needs her mother. I need you too. My life has gotten much better since meeting you. You've helped my heart grow warm again and I will not relinquish this warmth. Please."
****Nanami POV****
I hear Byakuya's voice, though I cannot make sense of what he's saying. I haven't even got the strength to open my eyelids. My head seems so foggy that I'm not even sure what day it is. But hearing his voice comforts me. I have been wandering in the dark looking for him to no avail. I listen as his voice continues speaking, slowly sinking into sleep again while being comforted by his presence.
****Byakuya POV****
Sakurako holds my finger as she sleeps in my arms. I had left Nanami for the first time in the past twenty four hours in order to give myself a break. Her back looks a tiny bit better, though not enough to be of much consequence. My daughter, however, is improving greatly. I am bothered by the IV line in the top of her head a bit, as it looks uncomfortable, but I understand it is a necessary evil. She coos in her sleep softly and a smile breaks upon her lips, causing me to smile a bit. I am glad she is dreaming of good things instead of terrible ones. Her color has returned and, according to Captain Kotetsu, she has gained a few ounces back. I am pleased by this progress. Her grey eyes no longer look black either, yet another good thing.
"Captain Kuchiki?" I hear none other than the co-third seat say behind me. Hanataro has always struck me as a bit of a coward and not very useful.
"Yes?"
"Sir, your wife has woken. She is asking for you."
I nod and gently hand my daughter over to him. He smiles fondly at her and gets her nestled back into the crib she stays in here. I head back to Nanami's room and see her violet eyes open. They do not look violet at this time, more like a watery purple. She is still far too pale for my liking. Her reiatsu flutters unstabily.
"Captain?" she says softly as I sit next to her.
"I am here, Nanami." I answer her, kissing her hand.
"I'm sorry."
I frown. "Sorry for what?"
"I couldn't protect her. You promise me to be a good father. I shall haunt you if you aren't."
"Nanami, there will be no need for haunting. You will not be dying. I will not allow that."
Her lips take on a lopsided grin, something I associate with Zaraki. Such a terrible influence. "Master...I don't know if I will survive this. I feel as if both of my feet are in a grave already."
"You will. You must hold on for a few days at least. Your back is already looking better."
"It is ugly, isn't it? I never knew how much damage a cane could do. I would not wish this on anyone."
"It will heal. You are not ugly."
"I was so afraid. He said you'd turned me into a harlot. I'm still afraid. When I close my eyes the pain is worse. My back hurts as if he were beating me again. I'm afraid this is all a dream and we are still in his-"
I caress her cheek gently, wiping a stray tear with my thumb. "I am here, Nanami. You and Sakurako are safe now. Your father is in the cells awaiting trial."
Her tears continue to fall. I fear for her mental state.
"Tell him." she whispers suddenly, her eyes focused on the door.
I turn and there is nobody there. "What to you mean?"
"Tell him. He's suffering. You must tell him. Tell my Nii-sama that she survived. I don't want to take this to my grave. Promise me!"
"Shhh, Nanami. You're not going to-"
"Promise me!" she shouts before breaking into sobs.
A nurse rushes in and presses a button on the IV. "Shh, Lady Kuchiki. It's alright. You're safe and your husband is right here with you. Your daughter is in the nursery and she is recovering nicely. Is there anything I can get for you?"
"Nii-sama!"
The nurse turns to me in confusion and I sigh. "She has taken to calling Captain Zaraki her brother, though there is no relation there."
"Should I send for him?"
I hesitate only a moment before nodding. "I think it would bring her comfort. They had a falling out the day she was taken. She thinks she's dying and I believe it's weighing on her heavily."
"Oh, I see. I can say with some confidence that I don't think she's going to die. She's showing much improvement in just twenty four hours. I'm sure she is miserable though. I've just given her another dose of the pain reliever. She may fall asleep before Captain Zaraki gets here but I will send word that she's asked for him."
"Thank you."
As the nurse leaves I sigh. Why is it that so many females find some sort of comfort from that creature? I can understand Harmona, as she is much like him. Nanami though...well, perhaps she is using him to replace her brothers. He does seem to look after her a bit though I can tell by their interactions that he has no interest in any sort of relationship other than a sibling sort. Nanami doesn't seem to want that either. I find I am jealous of her attention though. Perhaps it will get better but I want all of her attention.
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Sakura Petals and Fairies