A/N: LJ prompt, really.... I was having writers block...
___________________________________________________________________
Zaraki Kenpachi would never admit it, but the only thing he was ever afraid of was losing his cheerful, headstrong 4th Seat, Kamaitachi Ryorin. He had met her in Rukongai after stopping her from stealing Ikkaku's money bag, and was surprised to have her retalliate with a zanpakutoh, managing to scratch his arm as well too.
Needless to say, he found Kamaitachi Ryorin to be a very intriguing female.
Ryorin was not your usual girl-on-the-Division-block. She cussed and swore as loudly as Renji and Ikkaku, drank as much as Shunsui and Matsumoto, and enjoyed fighting just as much as Zaraki did. Yet, she seemed to mantain some level of feminity about herself, caring about her hair as much as Yumichika cared about his beauty, and mantained a slightly muscled, if not slim body.
True, she wasn't as well-endowned as Matsumoto was, but she had a filled figure. Not like Kuchiki Rukia, who was ridiculously skinny, in Zaraki's opinion.
Heck, she even wore a shikakusho belt with an unusally long material, tied into a bow at her back, the ends almost reaching her ankles.
Yumichikia often teased him about it, about being overprotective of Ryorin, but he was simply afraid of losing her. Not many girls could make it in the 11th Division, what with it being bloodthirsty and filled with leering men, but she had made a place for herself there, earning the respect of said leering men with her abilities.
Renji had once stated to Byakuya; "Kamaitachi has a mean kick..."
She walked the walk, talked the talk and wasn't afraid to roll in the dust with the others. But still, Zaraki noticed, she wasn't like those modern-days Yakuza "Onee-san"s, still keeping a sense of dignity and self-consiousness.
Ryorin bathed in the early hours of the morning before everyone got up, late at night after everyone was asleep, or made the trip to the local bath-house if she wasn't in the mood to wake up early. She never exposed her body when she fought, and took great offence if anyone ogled her. She tried not to give any ideas to the many men that were in the Division, watching her words and her behavior, trying not to go overboard with her rough and crude actions.
Yes, Kamaitachi Ryorin was a very intriguing female indeed.
___________________________________________________________________
"Ne, taichou."
"What?" Zaraki grunted, looking back at her out of the corner of his eye as she helped him attach the last bell on the highest spike of his hair.
"Why dontcha let Yumi do this fer ya?" Ryorin grinned as the bell went into place and slid down his back, landing with a little thump. "I mean, he seems eager enough t' help."
"Che, I ain't lettin' that fruity bastard anywhere near my hair," Zaraki growled, checking his reflection in the mirror for one last time before turning. "And ya better stay put, or I'll get Yachiru t' watch ya."
Ryorin pouted, clad in a white yukata with bandages all over. She had sparred with Kuchiki-taichou yesterday, and had pressured him into releasing his shikai. If Yachiru hadn't cheerfully and casually stated that "Rin-chan was really gonna get it from Byakushi now", Zaraki would'nt have rushed there in time to save her ass. She had been holding out pretty fine, until Senbonsakura's petals sliced into her. It took Zaraki everything to not gut that pompous captain that watched and walked away without a word of apology.
"We were just sparrin', taichou." Ryorin sounded irritated. "Kuchiki-taichou wouldn't have killed me. He would've alerted Unohana-taichou, 'neways."
"Still, I ain't lettin' ya leave till yer wounds heal," Zaraki said, using the stern tone he usually reserved for Yachiru when he was sleeping and he wanted her to shut the hell up. Ryorin caught the warning glare in his eyes and settled for sulking, knowing that whatever punishment he was thinking of if she didn't listen to him wasn't that bad and actually benifited her. But still, he was Captain and she had to obey him.
Even if the punishment was getting to sleep the whole day in the 11th Division's cell with sake hidden for her under the bed.
"Whatever."
"Hn." With a final warning look, Zaraki turned and walked out of her room, leaving her to sit on the edge of her bed, legs dangling.
Yeah, she wouldn't leave for now. Not till her wounds were completely healed. Because said and done, Zaraki Kenpachi cared for her as much as he cared for Yachiru. And he was afraid of losing her.
It was his only phobia, anyone might say.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Random RO Love Story
A/N: >< RAGNAROKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAARGGGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!! I WANNA PLAY RO!!!!! *Punches the poor unsuspecting wall* Dammit.. it's been so long since I last played RO, and I played it for a bit yesterday using my friends' computer... Anyway, because I now have RO firmly stored in my head.. it made me think of the times I had three years ago, when I was a mere Swordswoman falling in love with a certain Magician, striving to be a Crusader...
Sigh.... I miss Densuke sometimes. That reminds me, I gotta finish up my Ragnarok story...
___________________________________________________________________
The shuffling sound of feet and the heavy breathing of a woman was heard within the dimness of the dungeon. Amenthyst eyes flashed, a fire burning within them as she twisted, searching for her unseen foe, her long blonde hair swishing behind her. "Dammit... this isn't good, Ichigo."
The red-haired Priestess turned to look at the Crusadress out of the corner of her eye. "It was a mistake to come to Glast Heim. The whole place is teeming with monsters. I wouldn't be surprised to find a Baphomet come charging out at us the next minute."
"I'll protect you, Ichi." A Knight said. "I'll kill that Baphomet single handedly if it tries to do anything to you."
"Says you, Chaos." The blonde Crusader shot at him. "If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't be facing this Kinght of Abyss now."
"Excuse me?" Chaos glared. "If it wasn't for your overbearingly loud voice, Ririn, the Knight of Abyss wouldn't have found us when I told us to hide!"
"Yeah, right! Who came running back to us in the first place, giving away our location?!"
"Oh, shut up, you guys..." A brown haired Wizard muttered. "Let's not fight when we have a situation at hand, shall we?"
Ririn was about to counter, but her sharp hearing picked up a faint ghostly whinny. "He's coming back for another round at us. Get ready." Her Grand Peco tossed it's head nervously and she reined it in to control her mount. Next to her, Chaos's Peco Peco backed up, causing the Knight to grumble. "Our mounts aren't as calm as us, Rin. We have to fight on foot."
"Dammit." Ririn let loose another curse, but didn't think twice as she swung her leg over her mount, landing with a soft thump. Her Grand Peco, immensely relieved at being free, bolted out, followed by Chaos's Peco Peco. "If anything happens, you'll answer to the Prontera Chilvary for this, Chaos."
"Fine by me."
"Here he comes!" Ichigo suddenly said, hearing the sound of galloping hooves. As one, they immedieately tensed and clutched their weapons. "Kyrie Eleison!" A shimmering barrier appeared around them, deflecting a black spear that had appeared out of nowhere.
"Brandish Spear..." Chaos murmured as he shifted his grip on his sword, ready to attack. "Back me up!"
"Here goes!" Ririn crowed. Both Crusader and Knight leapt at the Knight of Abyss, ready to take it down.
"Pierce!" Chaos's blade moved in a series of repeated attacks, dealing damage after damage to the monster.
"Holy Cross!" A huge glowing cross appeared in front of Ririn, and the Holy Elemental attack dealt a huge damage to the Dark Elemental creature that had attacked them. An unearthly scream came from the monster, it's horse reeling on it's hooves. A black mist began surrounding them, and Ichigo regconized the attack.
"Guys, it's going for a Darkness Attack!"
"I'm on it." Densuke, who had been silent all this while, was standing in a glowing circle of light, eyes closed and a look of pure concentration on his face. Now he opened them and lifted a hand, shouting out a command. "Meteor Storm!"
Red meteors appeared around him, glowing menacingly as they hurled themselves at the Kinght of Abyss, Ririn and Chaos leaping clear just in time. Ririn turned her head slightly. "Ichigo! I need a bit of help for my casting!"
Ichigo closed her eyes, a soft light infusing around her as she lifted her palms, pointing them at Ririn as she landed. "Suffragium!"
Instantly, the Crusadress felt the strengthening effects of the Spell, and as the Knight of Abyss flailed among the Meteors, she rammed her Holy Guard down on the ground and dropped to a knee. "GRAND CROSS!"
A glowing cross appeared around her with Ririn in the center and the Knight of Abyss at the longest point of the cross. The monster roared in pain as the air around it began to sizzle with electricity, but Ririn didn't go unaffected as well. Her health was draining from her at a alarming rate as she used herself to deal a heavy attack to the creature.
"Ririn!" Densuke shouted. "Ichigo, I-"
"She can make it on her own." Ichigo assured him. "Her dexterity is high. But if you insist. Suffragium!"
Densuke smiled his thanks as he turned to cast a spell without chanting. "Lord of Vermillion!"
The area around the Knight of Abyss exploded, finally killing the monster. Ririn crouched behind her shield to protect herself from the debris while Ichigo cast a safety wall around herself and Densuke. Chaos however, got blown back.
"That was.... amazing." Ririn chuckled weakly as she got up and fished around in her pouch for a Blue Potion to replenish her health. Chaos groaned at the opposite side of the room. Densuke helped his fiance up and hugged her. "You know I don't like it when you use yourself to deal the attack."
"I'm a Crusadress, Den," Ririn replied simply. "We exist to protect. And I'd give my life just for you, just to see you safe.
"I know... but it pains me to see you hurt." Densuke's smile grew.
Ririn laughed softly, and placed a hand over his chest. "Heal." A light appeared around them for an instant and vanished, healing him of any injuries. "Come on. Let's get out of here. After facing that monster, I don't think I want to return to Glast Heim for a long, long time. I'd so much prefer to go to Payon... or Umbala... or Amatsu.. yeah, Amatasu sounds nice. We could use a break."
Still rambling to herself, Ririn turned and joined Ichigo, who was tending to a grumbling Chaos. Densuke gazed at her amored form, knowing that beneath all those layers of metal and cloth was a woman slim and fragile, with soft skin and a rosary nestled between her breasts, but with an Iron will and a Fiery spirit.
This was the woman he loved, from the first time they met in the Zombie Caves as a Magician and Swordswoman in Payon, till now. Form the first time he had met her, he knew she was the one.
Yes, she was the one.
And he didn't have to choose another.
Sigh.... I miss Densuke sometimes. That reminds me, I gotta finish up my Ragnarok story...
___________________________________________________________________
The shuffling sound of feet and the heavy breathing of a woman was heard within the dimness of the dungeon. Amenthyst eyes flashed, a fire burning within them as she twisted, searching for her unseen foe, her long blonde hair swishing behind her. "Dammit... this isn't good, Ichigo."
The red-haired Priestess turned to look at the Crusadress out of the corner of her eye. "It was a mistake to come to Glast Heim. The whole place is teeming with monsters. I wouldn't be surprised to find a Baphomet come charging out at us the next minute."
"I'll protect you, Ichi." A Knight said. "I'll kill that Baphomet single handedly if it tries to do anything to you."
"Says you, Chaos." The blonde Crusader shot at him. "If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't be facing this Kinght of Abyss now."
"Excuse me?" Chaos glared. "If it wasn't for your overbearingly loud voice, Ririn, the Knight of Abyss wouldn't have found us when I told us to hide!"
"Yeah, right! Who came running back to us in the first place, giving away our location?!"
"Oh, shut up, you guys..." A brown haired Wizard muttered. "Let's not fight when we have a situation at hand, shall we?"
Ririn was about to counter, but her sharp hearing picked up a faint ghostly whinny. "He's coming back for another round at us. Get ready." Her Grand Peco tossed it's head nervously and she reined it in to control her mount. Next to her, Chaos's Peco Peco backed up, causing the Knight to grumble. "Our mounts aren't as calm as us, Rin. We have to fight on foot."
"Dammit." Ririn let loose another curse, but didn't think twice as she swung her leg over her mount, landing with a soft thump. Her Grand Peco, immensely relieved at being free, bolted out, followed by Chaos's Peco Peco. "If anything happens, you'll answer to the Prontera Chilvary for this, Chaos."
"Fine by me."
"Here he comes!" Ichigo suddenly said, hearing the sound of galloping hooves. As one, they immedieately tensed and clutched their weapons. "Kyrie Eleison!" A shimmering barrier appeared around them, deflecting a black spear that had appeared out of nowhere.
"Brandish Spear..." Chaos murmured as he shifted his grip on his sword, ready to attack. "Back me up!"
"Here goes!" Ririn crowed. Both Crusader and Knight leapt at the Knight of Abyss, ready to take it down.
"Pierce!" Chaos's blade moved in a series of repeated attacks, dealing damage after damage to the monster.
"Holy Cross!" A huge glowing cross appeared in front of Ririn, and the Holy Elemental attack dealt a huge damage to the Dark Elemental creature that had attacked them. An unearthly scream came from the monster, it's horse reeling on it's hooves. A black mist began surrounding them, and Ichigo regconized the attack.
"Guys, it's going for a Darkness Attack!"
"I'm on it." Densuke, who had been silent all this while, was standing in a glowing circle of light, eyes closed and a look of pure concentration on his face. Now he opened them and lifted a hand, shouting out a command. "Meteor Storm!"
Red meteors appeared around him, glowing menacingly as they hurled themselves at the Kinght of Abyss, Ririn and Chaos leaping clear just in time. Ririn turned her head slightly. "Ichigo! I need a bit of help for my casting!"
Ichigo closed her eyes, a soft light infusing around her as she lifted her palms, pointing them at Ririn as she landed. "Suffragium!"
Instantly, the Crusadress felt the strengthening effects of the Spell, and as the Knight of Abyss flailed among the Meteors, she rammed her Holy Guard down on the ground and dropped to a knee. "GRAND CROSS!"
A glowing cross appeared around her with Ririn in the center and the Knight of Abyss at the longest point of the cross. The monster roared in pain as the air around it began to sizzle with electricity, but Ririn didn't go unaffected as well. Her health was draining from her at a alarming rate as she used herself to deal a heavy attack to the creature.
"Ririn!" Densuke shouted. "Ichigo, I-"
"She can make it on her own." Ichigo assured him. "Her dexterity is high. But if you insist. Suffragium!"
Densuke smiled his thanks as he turned to cast a spell without chanting. "Lord of Vermillion!"
The area around the Knight of Abyss exploded, finally killing the monster. Ririn crouched behind her shield to protect herself from the debris while Ichigo cast a safety wall around herself and Densuke. Chaos however, got blown back.
"That was.... amazing." Ririn chuckled weakly as she got up and fished around in her pouch for a Blue Potion to replenish her health. Chaos groaned at the opposite side of the room. Densuke helped his fiance up and hugged her. "You know I don't like it when you use yourself to deal the attack."
"I'm a Crusadress, Den," Ririn replied simply. "We exist to protect. And I'd give my life just for you, just to see you safe.
"I know... but it pains me to see you hurt." Densuke's smile grew.
Ririn laughed softly, and placed a hand over his chest. "Heal." A light appeared around them for an instant and vanished, healing him of any injuries. "Come on. Let's get out of here. After facing that monster, I don't think I want to return to Glast Heim for a long, long time. I'd so much prefer to go to Payon... or Umbala... or Amatsu.. yeah, Amatasu sounds nice. We could use a break."
Still rambling to herself, Ririn turned and joined Ichigo, who was tending to a grumbling Chaos. Densuke gazed at her amored form, knowing that beneath all those layers of metal and cloth was a woman slim and fragile, with soft skin and a rosary nestled between her breasts, but with an Iron will and a Fiery spirit.
This was the woman he loved, from the first time they met in the Zombie Caves as a Magician and Swordswoman in Payon, till now. Form the first time he had met her, he knew she was the one.
Yes, she was the one.
And he didn't have to choose another.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
A Bleach AU
A/N: I dunno... I think I've been listening too much to Avril Lavigne and playing too many musical instruments, lol. Hey, guess what? Just two days ago, I printed out the piano score for Ayumi Hamasaki's "Moments", and now I'm just too crazy over their songs... >.<
1) Yeah, Umi! Gin is SO HOT!! Totally agreed!!
2) Umm... Khayma? Ichigo, for a fact, belongs to me and Umi not to you... (again)
Disclaimer: I do not own Avril Lavigne nor Ayumi Hamasaki's songs. Right, Dante dear?
Dante: You own me, babe. Heart, body and soul. ^///^
Me: Awww.... I wuv you too.... *glomps*
Vergil: Seriously, you guys.. get a room...
___________________________________________________________________
Byakuya parked his black Mercedes under a Sakura tree and walked slowly up to the large mansion situated right in the middle of the estate. Risa was his fiance after all... why shouldn't he pay her a visit and find out more about her? After all... this was an arranged marrige. But anyone who knew him would've noticed the slight crease between his brows, the quick darting of his pupils... The great Kuchiki Byakuya was nervous.
As he lifted a hand to knock on the door, it swung open and he found himself face to face with an elderly man. "Ah, Byakuya-sama. Welcome to the Akamatsu estate. We've been expecting you."
Byakuya nodded. "Aa. And you must be Jirou, the butler. Is Arisa-dono around?" He stepped into the large hall, looking around. It wasn't as big nor as lavish as the Kuchiki mansion, but it still potrayed wealth and nobility.
"Yes, Arisa-sama is upstairs in her room." Jirou looked slightly apprehensive under his long eyebrows and beard. "I tried to tell her that you wers coming, but she just laughed and told me to bring you up."
"I see." Byakuya restrained himself from frowning disapprovingly. Risa lacked the manners but had the grace of a noble. But still, this wasn't the way to treat your future husband. Wives were taught to be submissive, no matter how firey their spirit may be. Rebellion was quelled and proud necks were bent. Unfortunately, Risa was not an easy one to tame. "Show me to her room and leave us."
"At once, Byakuya-sama. This way, please." Jirou began to lead him up the large palace-like stairs. They passed the libary and the music room before stopping by two mahogany doors. "Arisa-sama..." He knocked on the door, but didn't get a reply. "Arisa-sama! Please open the doors. Byakuya-sama is here to see you."
When there was still no reply, Jirou simply pushed the doors open himself. Risa was sitting Indian style on her bed, a guitar splayed out across her legs, face rapt with concentration and intently listening to her I-Pod. A music junkie... Byakuya thought with a little groan. I got engaged to... a music junkie...
Jirou opened his mouth to speak, but Risa held a up a hand and waved him out, motioning that Byakuya stay and the doors be closed behind them. Jirou sighed and obeyed her silent order, before Byakuya started to address her sternly. "Arisa. As my-"
"Shhhhh!" To his shock, Risa silenced him and tossed her head, flipping her hair over her shoulder before removing an earplug. "Listen.... music must be played in total silence. Only then will you feel the lyrics bond and connect with your soul, bringing what you feel to life." She bent over her guitar and began singing.
"Are you aware of what you made me feel, baby
Right now I feel invisible to you like I'm not real
Didn't you feel me lock my arms around you
Why'd you turn away?
Here's what I have to say
I was left to cry there
Waiting outside there
Grinning with a lost stare
That's when I decided
Why should I care?
Cuz you weren't there when I was scared, I was so alone
You, you need to listen
I'm starting to trip
I'm losing my grip
And I'm in this thing alone..."
Risa's voice fell and rose in a haunting tone, bitterness and anger clearly in it, making Byakuya wonder just who was she so angry at, and he shivered at her sudden change in personality. Pain clouded her eyes, the lines on her face set in a grim, disappointed look. He waited till she finished the song, and Risa closed her eyes briefly to catch her breath, and in that instant, the bitterness he had seen vanished, replaced with the carefree, smiling Risa he knew.
"Music. It brings out what's hidden in your soul. And when you sharpen the talent, you'll be able to sing as if you've never sung before. " She smiled vaugely at him and placed a hand on her chest. "Feel the song, understand the lyrics, and sing with your heart. I don't know how to explain it, but it's a magical feeling to bring a song to life." Risa slid her legs off the bed and looked sideways at him. "What brings you over, Byakuya? I heard you wanted to see me."
"Iie. I merely wanted to spend time with my fiance." Having recieved no invitation to sit, Byakuya seated himself in a small armchair by the side of her bed. "I... just wanted to get to know you, to know what kind of person you are, as this is an arranged marrige."
"Hmph..." Risa smiled and snorted lightly. "Then know one thing about me. I'm a singer and music is my soul. I don't care if I'm a Noble. It's merely a title. I make friends easily with everyone anywhere, and I just like to have fun." She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. "I hate being restricted. So don't try locking me up in a house. Believe me, I know of ways that I can get out."
Byakuya leaned back, absorbing the information with intrest. "But you are a Noble, are you not? As Nobles, we should set good examples to commoners, not indulging ourselves in activities that will bring shame to the-"
"Oh, please. I've heard that a thousand times before." Risa waved a hand impatiently. "As a Noble, you should do this, do that, etc. etc. etc., blah blah blah, yadda yadda yadda... I've heard all that, but I choose not to follow it." She pushed her face close to his, eyes narrowing. "Tell me, Byakuya-bo... When was the last time YOU had fun?"
Byakuya-bo... A flicker of annoyance appeared in Byakuya's eyes. Shihouin Yoruichi had indeed left an impression on her. "Please don't refer to me with that term. I'm older than you by three years. And fun is merely a waste of time. I don't have... fun."
Risa rocked back on her bed, clearly appalled. "Damn... you're just like what Kaien, Urahara and Yoruichi said." A grin appeared on her features. "A stick in the mud."
Byakuya's cheeks heated up and he stiffened. "I beg your pardon?!"
"A stick in the mud," Risa carried on, undaunted. "Though that term belonged to Kaien, not me. I'd refer to you as.... a boring block of ice."
Byakuya rose. He didn't need to waste his time with this.... impudent girl. He would leave, and he would tell the Kuchiki Elders that the marriage was a mistake, and that Akamatsu Arisa was a rude, uncivillized person, unfitting to hold the title of 'Noble'. But he had barely taken two steps towards the door when the lively strumming of a guitar filled the air, and Risa's voice soared, sounding cheerful and alive.
"Everything's changing when I turn around all out of my control I'm a mobile
Everything's changing out of what I know everywhere I go I'm a mobile
I'm a mobile..."
Byakuya turned around, glaring, but stopped when he saw the look on her face. Risa was rocking to the beat, a light shining from her eyes, a playful and naughty smile or grin on her face, playing her guitar with a lively tune, but what caught his attenttion was the fact that she looked so alive.
"Everything's changing everywhere I go
All out of my control
Everything's changing everywhere I go out of what I know..."
Suddenly, the atmosphere in her room changed. Byakuya noticed the way the bed was so strategically placed so the soft sunlight streamed in through the window, lighting up the figure on the bed, the way leaves drifted outside the window, swirling in the breeze, and the fresh air that came in, making the room brighter and easier to breathe. Everything seemed to have changed at that instant of realization, and even his reflection in the mirror seemed to have became more alive. Risa laughed gaily, and he thought he had never heard a sound so sweet before.
"La la la la la la
La la la la la la
La la la la la la
La la la la la la
Everything's changing when I turn around all out of my control I'm a mobile
Everything's changing when I turn around all out of my control I'm a mobile..."
Risa finished the song and smiled at him wordlessly, amused at his dazed expression. Finally, Byakuya managed to shake himself out of his stupor. "How... What happened?"
"I told you. Music is the food of the soul." Risa leaned her arms on her guitar. "A bitter song makes you bitter. A sad song makes you cry. A happy song makes you laugh. And a cheerful, lively song.... makes you feel alive. Tell me, Byakuya... did you feel alive? Did you actually stop for once and notice the life that goes on around you?"
"..."
"Learn to live, Byakuya-sama." A sad look came into her eyes. "If I am to marry you, then I will make sure I teach you how to live you life to the fullest. Because... I don't want to live or sleep next to someone who hasn't experienced the fun-filled life like I've had...." She looked away and strummed a few sad notes on her instrument absently. "I'm sorry for my words earlier, Byakuya-sama. Forgive my impudence."
There was silence for a while, then Risa felt strong arms wind about her slender frame, and she almost squeaked in surprise as the smell of cologne assulted her senses. "Teach me how to live, then.. Akamatsu Arisa," Byakuya murmured into her ear. "Teach me how to live through your voice, your songs, your music. Teach me."
A smile graced Risa's lips and she leaned back in his arms, singing softly,
"I don't know who you are...
But I...
I'm with you..."
~Owari~
1) Yeah, Umi! Gin is SO HOT!! Totally agreed!!
2) Umm... Khayma? Ichigo, for a fact, belongs to me and Umi not to you... (again)
Disclaimer: I do not own Avril Lavigne nor Ayumi Hamasaki's songs. Right, Dante dear?
Dante: You own me, babe. Heart, body and soul. ^///^
Me: Awww.... I wuv you too.... *glomps*
Vergil: Seriously, you guys.. get a room...
___________________________________________________________________
Byakuya parked his black Mercedes under a Sakura tree and walked slowly up to the large mansion situated right in the middle of the estate. Risa was his fiance after all... why shouldn't he pay her a visit and find out more about her? After all... this was an arranged marrige. But anyone who knew him would've noticed the slight crease between his brows, the quick darting of his pupils... The great Kuchiki Byakuya was nervous.
As he lifted a hand to knock on the door, it swung open and he found himself face to face with an elderly man. "Ah, Byakuya-sama. Welcome to the Akamatsu estate. We've been expecting you."
Byakuya nodded. "Aa. And you must be Jirou, the butler. Is Arisa-dono around?" He stepped into the large hall, looking around. It wasn't as big nor as lavish as the Kuchiki mansion, but it still potrayed wealth and nobility.
"Yes, Arisa-sama is upstairs in her room." Jirou looked slightly apprehensive under his long eyebrows and beard. "I tried to tell her that you wers coming, but she just laughed and told me to bring you up."
"I see." Byakuya restrained himself from frowning disapprovingly. Risa lacked the manners but had the grace of a noble. But still, this wasn't the way to treat your future husband. Wives were taught to be submissive, no matter how firey their spirit may be. Rebellion was quelled and proud necks were bent. Unfortunately, Risa was not an easy one to tame. "Show me to her room and leave us."
"At once, Byakuya-sama. This way, please." Jirou began to lead him up the large palace-like stairs. They passed the libary and the music room before stopping by two mahogany doors. "Arisa-sama..." He knocked on the door, but didn't get a reply. "Arisa-sama! Please open the doors. Byakuya-sama is here to see you."
When there was still no reply, Jirou simply pushed the doors open himself. Risa was sitting Indian style on her bed, a guitar splayed out across her legs, face rapt with concentration and intently listening to her I-Pod. A music junkie... Byakuya thought with a little groan. I got engaged to... a music junkie...
Jirou opened his mouth to speak, but Risa held a up a hand and waved him out, motioning that Byakuya stay and the doors be closed behind them. Jirou sighed and obeyed her silent order, before Byakuya started to address her sternly. "Arisa. As my-"
"Shhhhh!" To his shock, Risa silenced him and tossed her head, flipping her hair over her shoulder before removing an earplug. "Listen.... music must be played in total silence. Only then will you feel the lyrics bond and connect with your soul, bringing what you feel to life." She bent over her guitar and began singing.
"Are you aware of what you made me feel, baby
Right now I feel invisible to you like I'm not real
Didn't you feel me lock my arms around you
Why'd you turn away?
Here's what I have to say
I was left to cry there
Waiting outside there
Grinning with a lost stare
That's when I decided
Why should I care?
Cuz you weren't there when I was scared, I was so alone
You, you need to listen
I'm starting to trip
I'm losing my grip
And I'm in this thing alone..."
Risa's voice fell and rose in a haunting tone, bitterness and anger clearly in it, making Byakuya wonder just who was she so angry at, and he shivered at her sudden change in personality. Pain clouded her eyes, the lines on her face set in a grim, disappointed look. He waited till she finished the song, and Risa closed her eyes briefly to catch her breath, and in that instant, the bitterness he had seen vanished, replaced with the carefree, smiling Risa he knew.
"Music. It brings out what's hidden in your soul. And when you sharpen the talent, you'll be able to sing as if you've never sung before. " She smiled vaugely at him and placed a hand on her chest. "Feel the song, understand the lyrics, and sing with your heart. I don't know how to explain it, but it's a magical feeling to bring a song to life." Risa slid her legs off the bed and looked sideways at him. "What brings you over, Byakuya? I heard you wanted to see me."
"Iie. I merely wanted to spend time with my fiance." Having recieved no invitation to sit, Byakuya seated himself in a small armchair by the side of her bed. "I... just wanted to get to know you, to know what kind of person you are, as this is an arranged marrige."
"Hmph..." Risa smiled and snorted lightly. "Then know one thing about me. I'm a singer and music is my soul. I don't care if I'm a Noble. It's merely a title. I make friends easily with everyone anywhere, and I just like to have fun." She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. "I hate being restricted. So don't try locking me up in a house. Believe me, I know of ways that I can get out."
Byakuya leaned back, absorbing the information with intrest. "But you are a Noble, are you not? As Nobles, we should set good examples to commoners, not indulging ourselves in activities that will bring shame to the-"
"Oh, please. I've heard that a thousand times before." Risa waved a hand impatiently. "As a Noble, you should do this, do that, etc. etc. etc., blah blah blah, yadda yadda yadda... I've heard all that, but I choose not to follow it." She pushed her face close to his, eyes narrowing. "Tell me, Byakuya-bo... When was the last time YOU had fun?"
Byakuya-bo... A flicker of annoyance appeared in Byakuya's eyes. Shihouin Yoruichi had indeed left an impression on her. "Please don't refer to me with that term. I'm older than you by three years. And fun is merely a waste of time. I don't have... fun."
Risa rocked back on her bed, clearly appalled. "Damn... you're just like what Kaien, Urahara and Yoruichi said." A grin appeared on her features. "A stick in the mud."
Byakuya's cheeks heated up and he stiffened. "I beg your pardon?!"
"A stick in the mud," Risa carried on, undaunted. "Though that term belonged to Kaien, not me. I'd refer to you as.... a boring block of ice."
Byakuya rose. He didn't need to waste his time with this.... impudent girl. He would leave, and he would tell the Kuchiki Elders that the marriage was a mistake, and that Akamatsu Arisa was a rude, uncivillized person, unfitting to hold the title of 'Noble'. But he had barely taken two steps towards the door when the lively strumming of a guitar filled the air, and Risa's voice soared, sounding cheerful and alive.
"Everything's changing when I turn around all out of my control I'm a mobile
Everything's changing out of what I know everywhere I go I'm a mobile
I'm a mobile..."
Byakuya turned around, glaring, but stopped when he saw the look on her face. Risa was rocking to the beat, a light shining from her eyes, a playful and naughty smile or grin on her face, playing her guitar with a lively tune, but what caught his attenttion was the fact that she looked so alive.
"Everything's changing everywhere I go
All out of my control
Everything's changing everywhere I go out of what I know..."
Suddenly, the atmosphere in her room changed. Byakuya noticed the way the bed was so strategically placed so the soft sunlight streamed in through the window, lighting up the figure on the bed, the way leaves drifted outside the window, swirling in the breeze, and the fresh air that came in, making the room brighter and easier to breathe. Everything seemed to have changed at that instant of realization, and even his reflection in the mirror seemed to have became more alive. Risa laughed gaily, and he thought he had never heard a sound so sweet before.
"La la la la la la
La la la la la la
La la la la la la
La la la la la la
Everything's changing when I turn around all out of my control I'm a mobile
Everything's changing when I turn around all out of my control I'm a mobile..."
Risa finished the song and smiled at him wordlessly, amused at his dazed expression. Finally, Byakuya managed to shake himself out of his stupor. "How... What happened?"
"I told you. Music is the food of the soul." Risa leaned her arms on her guitar. "A bitter song makes you bitter. A sad song makes you cry. A happy song makes you laugh. And a cheerful, lively song.... makes you feel alive. Tell me, Byakuya... did you feel alive? Did you actually stop for once and notice the life that goes on around you?"
"..."
"Learn to live, Byakuya-sama." A sad look came into her eyes. "If I am to marry you, then I will make sure I teach you how to live you life to the fullest. Because... I don't want to live or sleep next to someone who hasn't experienced the fun-filled life like I've had...." She looked away and strummed a few sad notes on her instrument absently. "I'm sorry for my words earlier, Byakuya-sama. Forgive my impudence."
There was silence for a while, then Risa felt strong arms wind about her slender frame, and she almost squeaked in surprise as the smell of cologne assulted her senses. "Teach me how to live, then.. Akamatsu Arisa," Byakuya murmured into her ear. "Teach me how to live through your voice, your songs, your music. Teach me."
A smile graced Risa's lips and she leaned back in his arms, singing softly,
"I don't know who you are...
But I...
I'm with you..."
~Owari~
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)