Soi Fon/ Shuuhei - A Rendezvous With Loss
Title: A Rendezvous With Loss
Fandom: Bleach
Pairing: Shuuhei/Soi Fon
Rating: PG-ish
Notes: This is a belated art exchange fic for my dear levyrasputin for whom I would write ANYTHING. Unfortunately, just because the will is there to write it, doesn't always mean the skill is ^_^* I wasn't as used to writing things set in Soul Society, and also Soi Fon never really appealed to me. However, writing this made me gain a whole new appreciation for her, and for this couple. I just wish I could have done something more interesting...I'm sorry if this is boring, but know that I did try very hard. Hopefully the other gift fic I am doing will come out better.
Also, please note that I took some liberties as far as the Soul Society academy goes. I don't think my idea conflicts the canon,but if they do, please excuse me and consider this AU.
It was late April. The night was rather cool, but not unpleasantly so. Soi Fon was patrolling the area around the second division’s head quarters, but for some reason she felt extremely ill at ease. It had been quiet lately, despite the disturbances of a few months ago. However, as she had learned at a young age, quiet and peace were not the same thing, and she had to be careful not to let her guard down. Nothing was ever truly at peace, there was always something festering beneath the surface.
Still, the area around the barracks was frustratingly quiet. It was dull, wandering the night with nothing to do except think and reminisce. Reminiscing was the last thing she wanted to do at the moment Reminiscing meant feeling, and feeling meant vulnerability. She was determined to not let anyone make her vulnerable again.
Fortunately for her, she would not have to wallow in her thoughts long before something took her mind off the past. Her ears pricked with a faint sound in the distance. At first, she thought it might be a broken siren, but soon she realized the high pitched sound was a scream. Quickly, she started to dash in the direction of the cries, and soon found herself outside the 9th division barracks. As she drew closer, she saw the silhouette of two figures - one small, one large. It was difficult to make them out in the dark, but she was certain the smaller figure was a young girl.
“C’mon, kiddo, stop your crying.” a familiar male voice said through the darkness. She knew immediately that it was the lieutenant of the 9th division, Shuuhei Hisagi. She knew much of his accomplishments at the academy, and had even had the pleasure of fighting at his side in battle a few times. He fought like the devil himself, and showed very little mercy, something that Soi Fon could greatly admire. But she had not spoken to him off the battle front, and it was quite strange hearing his voice in such a gentle tone. She grew closer still, until she could see both figures clear.
The small, raven haired girl was on her knees, a single hand on Shuuhei’s hakama, as if she were begging him desperately. Shuuhei had an arm around her shoulder, trying his best to sooth her, although he did not seem to be having much luck. She couldn’t have been more than eight or nine years old, and she couldn’t have been more distraught.
“What is going on here?” Soi Fon asked as she approached the two. The young girl’s eyes seemed to light up at the sight of her long, white captain’s jacket.
“A captain! Perhaps my prayers have been answered after all!” she managed to cry out between sobs. Shuuhei turned to look at Soi Fon, giving her an exasperated look.
“Listen, hon, I don’t think there is anything a captain can do for you either. Rules are rules.” he tried to explain, but the girl wouldn’t have any of it. She made her way up to Soi Fon, tears still streaming down her face, and fell to her knees before her.
“M-m-my sister….sh-she’s in the academy…she’s only been there for three weeks, but I really need to see her! I was never really able to say g-g-goodbye!” She burst into tears again, and the captain could only stare at her, stunned and unsure of how to react to this emotional outburst. Shuuhei sighed and put a hand on the girl’s arm, trying to rouse her up and away from Soi Fon.
“Your sister is not allowed to leave until her sixth week. It is a very important rule, and it is in place for a reason. But what is your name, and your sister’s name?” she asked. Her voice was firm and unyielding, however, at the same time it had a calm and non threatening tone to it.
“My name is Yuri Shino. My sister is Mirai Yamato.” Yuri’s voice sounded as if she were trying to be strong, but was still on the brink of tears.
“So, you’re not sisters by blood?”
“N-no…” Her voice wavered at first, but became stronger as she spoke. “ …but I promise you, Mistress, on my honor and even my sister’s honor, that she is truly my sister at heart.” Yuri nodded solemnly, and Soi Fon couldn’t help but break into a very small smile.
“I know how it is to have family who is not truly your family. Yuri Shino, I cannot bring you into the academy to see her. It would be breaking your sister’s training, and may disrupt her emotional state, which in turn will disrupt her ability to harness chakkra.” Yuri looked as if she may speak again, but Soi Fon held up her hand. “However, as a captain, I am allowed to pass along messages to students. I promise you, on my own honor as a captain, that I will get your message to her. It is the best I can do, and the three weeks that your sister has left before you can visit will go by quicker than you think.” Yuri looked up at Soi Fon, considering her words carefully before speaking.
“You’ll really tell her for me? Tell her everything?”
“Indeed.”
“And she is really allowed to visit in another three weeks? I thought she wouldn’t be home for years…”
“You were misinformed. The academy is tough, but not that tough.”
While all of this was being said, Shuuhei stood to the side, observing with a finger resting curiously on his chin. This was certainly not what he had expected from the notorious Soi Fon. Seeing her so calm and almost gentle was not something he had expected, but was also not necessarily a bad thing.
“Captain Soi Fon,” he started. “I am going to see about getting a replacement guard for myself, so that I can escort this young lady home. She lives four villages over, and it’s a wonder she made it here alone in the first place. It’s a long and not the safest of journeys for a young girl.’
“Ask for one for the second division as well. The time on the road will give me a chance to learn more about what I should be putting in this message.” Soi Fon smiled her small smile once again, and Shuuhei couldn’t help but to grin as well.
~~~
The trip back to her village took nearly three hours, longer than their actual watch shifts. The way was mostly filled with Yuri’s chatter about her sister. Apparently she had rescued Yuri from bandits when she was really small, and they had rarely been apart since. One thing was clear - her sister was a complete role model for her, someone she looked up to more than anyone in the universe. Shuuhei spoke occasionally and Soi Fon spoke even less. However, it was obvious that despite her lack off words, she was listening intently.
When they left Yuri at her village, she was a much happier girl than she had been when Shuuhei found her. She saw them off, waving furiously behind them and calling out her farewells. The story seemed like it would have a happy ending after all, which was much more than Shuuhei had expected. However, there night still had a few hours left to it, and their journey back was long.
It was Shuuhei who had suggested they stop to rest while they were in the safe part of the woods nearest to the friendliest village on the four village tour back home. Much to his surprise, she had no objections, and even offered to let him catch a small nap first. But it was when he was on watch and she was resting that surprised him most of all.
It started as something light as a whisper, he almost thought he might be imagining it. But it soon grew louder and louder, evolving from a murmur, to a normal voice, to a cry, and then to a shout.
“Don’t leave me…Don’t leave me…Don’t leave me…DON’T LEAVE ME!!!”
Shuuhei immediately started to shake her, and when she opened her eyes, she saw his concerned gaze on hers. She was breathing as if she had been running a marathon, and had a few tears streaking lines down her face.
“Captain Soi Fon…are you all right?” Now Shuuhei thought he had seen it all. She was the last woman on earth he thought he would see batting an eyelash, and now he had seen her show compassion for a distraught child and shed tears herself, all in one night.
“I’m fine, Lieutenant…I apologize that you witnessed that.” She shook her head softly, burying her face in her hands.
“I don’t mean to pry, but you sounded like you were in real trouble…I wish I could help. You almost sounded like Yuri.”
“That’s because I was Yuri, once…a long time ago.” Her voice was hesitant, but her words steady all the same. Shuuhei raised an eyebrow.
“It is difficult to imagine one as strong as you as a lonely child.”
“Yet I was. But my Mirai forgot me. She left me behind and it was all I could do to try to make myself like her, become her so that I could pretend perhaps she had never really left.” Shuuhei could see several more droplets fall onto the balled up fist in her lap. But as quick as a whip they were wiped away, along with her eyes. It was as if she had never shed them in the first place.
“I’m sorry. That was an obscene emotional display-” Shuuhei pressed a finger to her lips.
“Then I’m just as obscene as you, I suppose.” He said with a somber smirk on his face. “Because when Captain Tousen left, I felt much as you and Yuri were tonight. Their eyes met, and they were faced with the odd realization that they each shared a similar burden on their hearts.
“I live and fight, but sometimes, I just can’t help but remember. And when I remember, my dreams are usually haunted.” She started to look away, but he tilted her chin back to look up at him.
“There’s no shame in feeling. If anything, our emotions make us better fighters. So don’t hide it next time.” He smirked, and she couldn’t help but to continue to gaze into his tatoo’d face.
“I wouldn’t want to burden anyone with my pain-”
“Then burden me. I’d rather you let it out than have it surprise you in battle.” He didn’t say anything more on that thought, but she suspected that he could put two and two together about her recent battle with Yoruichi. “But of course, at the same time you’re helping me out. It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who felt abandoned at the worse possible time…” Once again, there was silence between them. Soi Fon stood up slowly and brushed herself off.
“Your offer is appreciated. I think I may take you up on it, as we both know from experience that letting an old wound fester isn’t healthy.” She folded her arms over her chest and looked at him. “However, there is one thing you should know. While words are occasionally necessary, I much prefer letting my emotions show through my sword. In battle. That is the ultimate release for me.”
“What a coincidence…For me as well.” Shuuhei replied with a smirk. “Any time you want to let your feelings out, through words or through your sword, find me. I always welcome a sparring partner. Just know that I am no push over opponent.”
“I think…” Soi Fon began, as they made their way through the forest, light beginning to trickle down between the branches. She walked along cheerfully despite her exhaustion, already planning to ask him to spar later that day. “…this may be the start of a very beneficial partnership.”
Fandom: Bleach
Pairing: Shuuhei/Soi Fon
Rating: PG-ish
Notes: This is a belated art exchange fic for my dear levyrasputin for whom I would write ANYTHING. Unfortunately, just because the will is there to write it, doesn't always mean the skill is ^_^* I wasn't as used to writing things set in Soul Society, and also Soi Fon never really appealed to me. However, writing this made me gain a whole new appreciation for her, and for this couple. I just wish I could have done something more interesting...I'm sorry if this is boring, but know that I did try very hard. Hopefully the other gift fic I am doing will come out better.
Also, please note that I took some liberties as far as the Soul Society academy goes. I don't think my idea conflicts the canon,but if they do, please excuse me and consider this AU.
It was late April. The night was rather cool, but not unpleasantly so. Soi Fon was patrolling the area around the second division’s head quarters, but for some reason she felt extremely ill at ease. It had been quiet lately, despite the disturbances of a few months ago. However, as she had learned at a young age, quiet and peace were not the same thing, and she had to be careful not to let her guard down. Nothing was ever truly at peace, there was always something festering beneath the surface.
Still, the area around the barracks was frustratingly quiet. It was dull, wandering the night with nothing to do except think and reminisce. Reminiscing was the last thing she wanted to do at the moment Reminiscing meant feeling, and feeling meant vulnerability. She was determined to not let anyone make her vulnerable again.
Fortunately for her, she would not have to wallow in her thoughts long before something took her mind off the past. Her ears pricked with a faint sound in the distance. At first, she thought it might be a broken siren, but soon she realized the high pitched sound was a scream. Quickly, she started to dash in the direction of the cries, and soon found herself outside the 9th division barracks. As she drew closer, she saw the silhouette of two figures - one small, one large. It was difficult to make them out in the dark, but she was certain the smaller figure was a young girl.
“C’mon, kiddo, stop your crying.” a familiar male voice said through the darkness. She knew immediately that it was the lieutenant of the 9th division, Shuuhei Hisagi. She knew much of his accomplishments at the academy, and had even had the pleasure of fighting at his side in battle a few times. He fought like the devil himself, and showed very little mercy, something that Soi Fon could greatly admire. But she had not spoken to him off the battle front, and it was quite strange hearing his voice in such a gentle tone. She grew closer still, until she could see both figures clear.
The small, raven haired girl was on her knees, a single hand on Shuuhei’s hakama, as if she were begging him desperately. Shuuhei had an arm around her shoulder, trying his best to sooth her, although he did not seem to be having much luck. She couldn’t have been more than eight or nine years old, and she couldn’t have been more distraught.
“What is going on here?” Soi Fon asked as she approached the two. The young girl’s eyes seemed to light up at the sight of her long, white captain’s jacket.
“A captain! Perhaps my prayers have been answered after all!” she managed to cry out between sobs. Shuuhei turned to look at Soi Fon, giving her an exasperated look.
“Listen, hon, I don’t think there is anything a captain can do for you either. Rules are rules.” he tried to explain, but the girl wouldn’t have any of it. She made her way up to Soi Fon, tears still streaming down her face, and fell to her knees before her.
“M-m-my sister….sh-she’s in the academy…she’s only been there for three weeks, but I really need to see her! I was never really able to say g-g-goodbye!” She burst into tears again, and the captain could only stare at her, stunned and unsure of how to react to this emotional outburst. Shuuhei sighed and put a hand on the girl’s arm, trying to rouse her up and away from Soi Fon.
“Your sister is not allowed to leave until her sixth week. It is a very important rule, and it is in place for a reason. But what is your name, and your sister’s name?” she asked. Her voice was firm and unyielding, however, at the same time it had a calm and non threatening tone to it.
“My name is Yuri Shino. My sister is Mirai Yamato.” Yuri’s voice sounded as if she were trying to be strong, but was still on the brink of tears.
“So, you’re not sisters by blood?”
“N-no…” Her voice wavered at first, but became stronger as she spoke. “ …but I promise you, Mistress, on my honor and even my sister’s honor, that she is truly my sister at heart.” Yuri nodded solemnly, and Soi Fon couldn’t help but break into a very small smile.
“I know how it is to have family who is not truly your family. Yuri Shino, I cannot bring you into the academy to see her. It would be breaking your sister’s training, and may disrupt her emotional state, which in turn will disrupt her ability to harness chakkra.” Yuri looked as if she may speak again, but Soi Fon held up her hand. “However, as a captain, I am allowed to pass along messages to students. I promise you, on my own honor as a captain, that I will get your message to her. It is the best I can do, and the three weeks that your sister has left before you can visit will go by quicker than you think.” Yuri looked up at Soi Fon, considering her words carefully before speaking.
“You’ll really tell her for me? Tell her everything?”
“Indeed.”
“And she is really allowed to visit in another three weeks? I thought she wouldn’t be home for years…”
“You were misinformed. The academy is tough, but not that tough.”
While all of this was being said, Shuuhei stood to the side, observing with a finger resting curiously on his chin. This was certainly not what he had expected from the notorious Soi Fon. Seeing her so calm and almost gentle was not something he had expected, but was also not necessarily a bad thing.
“Captain Soi Fon,” he started. “I am going to see about getting a replacement guard for myself, so that I can escort this young lady home. She lives four villages over, and it’s a wonder she made it here alone in the first place. It’s a long and not the safest of journeys for a young girl.’
“Ask for one for the second division as well. The time on the road will give me a chance to learn more about what I should be putting in this message.” Soi Fon smiled her small smile once again, and Shuuhei couldn’t help but to grin as well.
~~~
The trip back to her village took nearly three hours, longer than their actual watch shifts. The way was mostly filled with Yuri’s chatter about her sister. Apparently she had rescued Yuri from bandits when she was really small, and they had rarely been apart since. One thing was clear - her sister was a complete role model for her, someone she looked up to more than anyone in the universe. Shuuhei spoke occasionally and Soi Fon spoke even less. However, it was obvious that despite her lack off words, she was listening intently.
When they left Yuri at her village, she was a much happier girl than she had been when Shuuhei found her. She saw them off, waving furiously behind them and calling out her farewells. The story seemed like it would have a happy ending after all, which was much more than Shuuhei had expected. However, there night still had a few hours left to it, and their journey back was long.
It was Shuuhei who had suggested they stop to rest while they were in the safe part of the woods nearest to the friendliest village on the four village tour back home. Much to his surprise, she had no objections, and even offered to let him catch a small nap first. But it was when he was on watch and she was resting that surprised him most of all.
It started as something light as a whisper, he almost thought he might be imagining it. But it soon grew louder and louder, evolving from a murmur, to a normal voice, to a cry, and then to a shout.
“Don’t leave me…Don’t leave me…Don’t leave me…DON’T LEAVE ME!!!”
Shuuhei immediately started to shake her, and when she opened her eyes, she saw his concerned gaze on hers. She was breathing as if she had been running a marathon, and had a few tears streaking lines down her face.
“Captain Soi Fon…are you all right?” Now Shuuhei thought he had seen it all. She was the last woman on earth he thought he would see batting an eyelash, and now he had seen her show compassion for a distraught child and shed tears herself, all in one night.
“I’m fine, Lieutenant…I apologize that you witnessed that.” She shook her head softly, burying her face in her hands.
“I don’t mean to pry, but you sounded like you were in real trouble…I wish I could help. You almost sounded like Yuri.”
“That’s because I was Yuri, once…a long time ago.” Her voice was hesitant, but her words steady all the same. Shuuhei raised an eyebrow.
“It is difficult to imagine one as strong as you as a lonely child.”
“Yet I was. But my Mirai forgot me. She left me behind and it was all I could do to try to make myself like her, become her so that I could pretend perhaps she had never really left.” Shuuhei could see several more droplets fall onto the balled up fist in her lap. But as quick as a whip they were wiped away, along with her eyes. It was as if she had never shed them in the first place.
“I’m sorry. That was an obscene emotional display-” Shuuhei pressed a finger to her lips.
“Then I’m just as obscene as you, I suppose.” He said with a somber smirk on his face. “Because when Captain Tousen left, I felt much as you and Yuri were tonight. Their eyes met, and they were faced with the odd realization that they each shared a similar burden on their hearts.
“I live and fight, but sometimes, I just can’t help but remember. And when I remember, my dreams are usually haunted.” She started to look away, but he tilted her chin back to look up at him.
“There’s no shame in feeling. If anything, our emotions make us better fighters. So don’t hide it next time.” He smirked, and she couldn’t help but to continue to gaze into his tatoo’d face.
“I wouldn’t want to burden anyone with my pain-”
“Then burden me. I’d rather you let it out than have it surprise you in battle.” He didn’t say anything more on that thought, but she suspected that he could put two and two together about her recent battle with Yoruichi. “But of course, at the same time you’re helping me out. It’s nice to know that I’m not the only one who felt abandoned at the worse possible time…” Once again, there was silence between them. Soi Fon stood up slowly and brushed herself off.
“Your offer is appreciated. I think I may take you up on it, as we both know from experience that letting an old wound fester isn’t healthy.” She folded her arms over her chest and looked at him. “However, there is one thing you should know. While words are occasionally necessary, I much prefer letting my emotions show through my sword. In battle. That is the ultimate release for me.”
“What a coincidence…For me as well.” Shuuhei replied with a smirk. “Any time you want to let your feelings out, through words or through your sword, find me. I always welcome a sparring partner. Just know that I am no push over opponent.”
“I think…” Soi Fon began, as they made their way through the forest, light beginning to trickle down between the branches. She walked along cheerfully despite her exhaustion, already planning to ask him to spar later that day. “…this may be the start of a very beneficial partnership.”