In Shambles and Ruins (Lhin)

[Sakuya Tobiichi]

Though the dust had finally settled since the fighting ended, things just weren't the same. Everywhere the eye fell, tattered remains of buildings stood. Some buildings were nothing but rubble now while others were but broken shells of their former glory. Although there was an extensive amount of damage, there was a silver lining to this madness. Without the destruction they now faced, there would be no way to pick up the pieces and make this place better than their predecessors had left it. It was from within that mindset that the remaining members of Squad 10 were tasked in aiding the repair of the Seireitei. A handful of the shinigami chose to stay behind and aid their Captain in repairing the damage that had been done to their own barracks.

Compared to the rest of the Seireitei, they had gotten off easy. About a third of the building still stood even though it wasn't in the greatest condition. The foundation still stood, leaving at least something for them to build up from. Stone and wood lie in fragments all around, that was what had become of the rest of the building. Those who had chosen to stay behind started cleaning up the mess, at least clearing the foundation so that some type of construction could at least begin.

It had taken all night, but the young Captain had found the building plans that were used in construction last time. Each person that had stayed behind had a task to perform, whether it was picking up the rubble, cleaning off the foundation, or helping in the construction of the building's frame. Sakuya herself was even helping her Squad. After all, it was a shared responsibility and not just one that those who held no power should shoulder. This was everyone's burden to bear.

While the other members of her squad were busy with their assigned jobs, Sakuya stared working on the portion of the building that still stood. If they were to make this work, that portion would need to be mostly repaired as it's frame and supporting beams were damaged. As they worked, the dust around the area slowly started to rise again in tandem with their movement. Everyone's clothes soon covered in the grey dust from the stone, even the Captain's clothes were no exception. After working for the majority of the day, Sakuya gave her Squad a break, giving them the opportunity to relax for a little. It was no use working them tirelessly as it would put them in a dangerous situation should they be needed.

When the squad relaxed, she chose to look over the plans again to make sure there was nothing amiss. Her grey eyes scanned the document carefully, noting the measurements written down and comparing them with what had already been done. The black fabric of her clothes now a slight grey from the dust, matching the streak that had accidentally been added to her hair when Sakuya brushed her hair out of her face. A faint exhaled sigh escaped her lips as a single thought crossed her mind.

Things aren't ever going to be the same. Are they?

[Lhin Demizu]

This walk never got easier for the Captain of the Ichibantai. Seeing the devastation left by the constant warfare across the Seireitei and the first districts of the Rukon hurt her heart. While the other divisions had gone in hard and fought something fierce the tenth division had filled in the gaps. They had been a great boon during the last years of the war but even by the end even they had taken their fair share of casualties. Yet their appointed Captain had become a stalwart ally of Lhin’s. Growing close as two allies would during the time of war. So the Soitaicho had decided to head over and visit her.

Lhin had not been to the tenth divisional barracks since the battles had ended. The return of the Gotei was a blessing and yet a curse at the same time. They had returned to their previous holdings and where about to begin the long process of rebuilding everything. Her brother had started the rebuilding process of the Kuchiki grounds and the Sixth Divisional Headquarters. While her own duties of Soitaicho had to be placed back behind herself while she started to work on rebuilding the Ichibantai.

She approached the large building that was once the main headquarters of the 10th division. A few of the shinigami that where milling about noticed her and gave her an abbreviated salute. A lot of the shinigami that had been fighting alongside where naught but a few years older than Lhin at most. So here she was coming to see another of her comrades in arms. As she made it to the main building she knocked on the still standing solid doorframe.

“So this is where you have gotten yourself off to Sakuya.” Lhin’s voice echoed off the bare walls hopefully drawing the gaze of the dusty and dirty looking captain. She was smiling ear to ear as she slid down to the same level as Sakuya and she approached her friend. Reaching over she hugged her tightly for a moment out of joy. It felt great to know that another close personal friend had managed to survive. Stepping back after that she smiled widely the dust on her at the same time as Sakuya.

“I take it that you have found the old blueprints for your barracks?”

[Sakuya Tobiichi]

So far, things were going accordingly based on what Sakuya could see. But things weren't always as straightforward as she could hope. The sound of a knock on the door that somehow managed to stay standing was a shock, drawing the girl from her thoughts and pushing her back to reality. however, it wasn't until a familiar voice filled the air that the dusty Captain looked away from her papers and in the direction of the voice. A faintly surprised look crossed Sakuya's features when her gaze settled on Lhin. To be honest, part of her wasn't exactly sure how to take the surprise visit. Certainly it was nice seeing an old comrade in arms but at the same time it made her wonder if this visit was business or just because Lhin had decided to stop by for old times sake.

Before she'd had a chance to respond, Lhin had made her way over and embraced her in a hug. If anyone in her Squad so much as commented on this, she would need to have a word with them. When Lhin finally let her go, Sakuya could only chuckle at the sight of the now dusty Soitaicho. "I'm glad to see you made it. I've been meaning to stop by but as you can see, I've been a bit preoccupied." As she spoke Sakuya dusted herself off, offering her old friend a flicker of a half smile. It was nice knowing that the rumors she'd heard of Lhin's survival were in fact true considering the number of lives that had been lost. As Lhin posed a question, Sakuya's faint half smile shifted to one of mystery, carrying a slight knowing feel to it. "Did you really think I wouldn't find them?" Even her tone was mildly teasing when Sakuya answered the question with yet another question.

Moments like these were hard to come by since the war and it made those little things all the more precious. Though a lot had changed, it was still nice to see a friendly face that wasn't getting buried. "How are you holding up?" It was the only thing Sakuya could ask after everything that had happened. She knew very well that Lhin was one of the people effected the most out of those who had survived and though the question would be a difficult one to answer, it was an equally hard question to ask.

[Lhin Demizu]

Making note of the dust on herself Lhin did not even attempt to brush it off as she stood there before her friend and fellow captain. To her getting dirty like that was just a hazard of the job. For her it was just a sign of how she felt. To be one of the regular shinigami but for a day was a feeling she had really hoped for and really only got during the scant periods of time that the war had not consumed her and many others lives. A soft chuckle escaped her lips as Sakuya seemed a bit flustered by her arrival. For once it seemed she had gotten the better of her friend when it came to catching her off guard. As Sakuya tried to apologize for not visiting she waved her hand from side to side. “It is nothing Sakuya. We have all been busy trying to gather the pieces of what was left. All the infighting and warring damaged most of the Seireitei beyond any recognition of the older shinigami. If not for the old maps that you helped us find most of us would not even know where to begin looking for the old divisional headquarters. Well other than the Sixth which my brother is running now out of the old Kuchiki grounds for the time being it seems that each and every one of the divisions are set off just trying to start the process.”

As Sakuya answered her question with another question brought up a rather genuine laugh from her friend. She smiled at her as she looked at her. “Sakuya I think I know you pretty well. As for that I mean I know within that brain of yours is a great mind. So I had absolutely no doubt that you would find the plans… Honestly I am surprised you haven’t found the blueprint for the entire Seireitei yet with how you have a knack for finding things.”

Though for Lhin the rather jovial and pleasant mood shifted as Sakuya asked her how she was doing. Taking a few steps to the side she looked out through one of the nearby still standing windows. Motioning for Sakuya to follow her she turned to walk toward a nearby clearing away from the other members of the tenth division. As they walked she seemed quiet and in thought as if questioning herself how to answer Sakuya. Once within the clearing she moved to sit down upon the grass. “Physically I am doing alright Sakuya… Mentally not so much. I have had to take up the mantle that.. I will be honest I do not feel I am ready for. Sure I was able to lead people during the war and my mothers led the Gotei before the war began… It is just I feel their shadow looming over and around me no matter where I go. Even today I found reminders of them. As I was inside the basement of the Ichibantai main office. Inside of a chest in the farthest corner I found an old tea kettle and pair of cups. The design upon them where a design I remember hearing from Mama Kimiko that her and Xiaoyu had shared while they were alive… I do not know if it is a sign or what… That and I have been getting more and more reports of the Zanpaktous of the fallen being discovered. When we find them we are trying to discover who wielded them so that we may lay them to rest in the memorial. It is just hard when many have been dormant for centuries.”

She was wringing her hands together as she sat there. To Sakuya she would of seen her friend fret like this before in the past. As she really only ever let down her guard of bravado around a select few she trusted. Her family and Sakuya where honestly the only people she truly trusted to just relax and be herself around.

[Sakuya Tobiichi]

Sakuya listened quietly as Lhin spoke, her mind carefully picking apart the words uttered by her friend. She watched the Soitaicho's movements and expression, not quite sure how to respond, even averting her gaze for a moment when Lhin looked out one of the only remaining windows. To be honest it was saddening to see her friend in such a state, a state that she seemed to take the burden of the entire world on her shoulders and not fall apart. When Lhin motioned for her to follow, Sakuya obliged and followed as she was led to a small clearing not far away yet far enough from the others. The silence between them was heavy until it was broken by Lhin's response.

Just as expected, the answer was just as difficult as the question had been. Add the fact that there was a moment of reminiscing from Lhin and it made the answer far more difficult than intended. After having heard all of what was said, a part of Sakuya felt sorry for having put her friend through answering that question and yet it was necessary before anyone could begin healing. She glanced at Lhin sitting on the grass and walked a few steps in front of her before looking back over her shoulder. "Do you want my honest opinion? I think you'll be a fine leader. Sure you have the shadow of your family looming over you but you aren't them. You'll be great in your own way but you need to remember that you are your own person." Falling silent for a moment, Sakuya looked ahead trying to consider her next few words carefully. "Follow what you believe is right, Lhin. I highly doubt anyone would ever fault you for it."

She'd seen this level of fretting before from Lhin and it was one of the reasons that something comforting had to be said. Well...something aside from having to comment on the fact they were finding some of their comrades' weapons. There was nothing really comforting to be said about the fact that the weapons of the dead were being found amongst the ruins of the war. "Laying them to rest would be the most honorable thing to do for them. Have you...found any of the old Captains' Zanpakutos?" Though part of it was mild curiosity, a fragment of the inquiry came from the hope that maybe her old superior's blade had been found. She trusted Lhin enough to let her know that she did indeed care about their fallen friends but even so, she remained guarded. After everything that had happened, one thing did remain clear in Sakuya's mind. The entirety of the Gotei had been betrayed by those they trusted.

[Lhin Demizu]

“I wouldn’t ask for anything from you other than your honest opinion there Sakuya. It is one of the reasons. You are my closest friends. You tell me things bluntly whether or not I wish to hear it.” She spoke softly and yet with purpose. It was obvious that she was not holding herself back as she brought a hand to the grass at her side. She had responded just before her friend began speaking out her train of thought. The train however hit dead on to the Soitaicho. Always did she try and take too much onto herself without having anyone to assist her. Nodding at her Lhin listened to all of her words and let them settle in before she responded a few seconds later.

“Thank you for the words of confidence Sakuya. It means a lot to me to have friends who are colleagues that trust me as they do. We have such hard work ahead of us… I have barely allowed myself time to think these days. As of how busy we are with everything… But you are right. I will be doing whatever I believe is right. As it is all we can do. We do not have anyone to show us the way so if we make mistakes it is time for us to make some mistakes and learn from them.” Speaking to her as she looked at her the confidence that was once upon her face returned. It was something for her to talk so much. AS normally she always like to remain quiet but not when around someone like Sakuya. Though the next question came up and she felt a slight shiver down her spine. As she had indeed found several of the older captain zanpaktous. The issues where just where they had been found.

“I have found a couple of them. One was my step fathers and that was returned to the Kuchiki family vault with all the others from the Clan. Other than that we found former captain Zaraki’s, Captain Mayuri’s and his lab, and several of the older lieutenants blades. All of which I have brought personally to the war memorial where my mothers zan is on display as well. It seemed the only right thing to do as many of them perished fighting alongside her it seems in the initial outbreak of the war itself. We are the end result of that initial battle felling so many on both sides that it took them nearly a decade to rebuild and restart the war.” Speaking plainly as she looked forward and closed her eyes. Lhin was not one to mince words and she had not in this moment.

[Sakuya Tobiichi]

A small sigh escaped Sakuya's lips as Lhin's words reached her. So it seemed those who were found were able to rest in peace but something bothered the young Captain. She had yet to go visit the memorial that Lhin mentioned, not out of disrespect, but for reasons she would rather remain her own. When the time was right, she would go but for now it was best she stayed away until things were situated. Taking a deep breath, Sakuya closed her eyes as a gentle breeze danced along the grass and brushed her face.

"It's been a long time since things were this quiet." Her words were but a whisper, probably carried on the breeze. As she spoke, her thoughts flickered for a brief moment to everything that had occurred over the past few centuries. Trouble seemed to appear one thing after another. It was just the cycle of things and yet this last cycle had been on par with Aizen.

Turning back to face Lhin, Sakuya crossed her arms. "Are you feeling alright? You seem a bit more peaceful and a tad more talkative today." Though a touch of concern colored her initial question, the comment afterwards held a slight teasing tone. It wasn't often that Sakuya was able to talk to someone like this and so she treasured the few moments when they did come. Even if she seemed a little preoccupied while they talked, it was still nice.

[Lhin Demizu]

As the silence elongated around them Lhin sat there in silence. Enjoying the calm breeze that blew through the small clearing. The sheer fact that it was something that was the same no matter where they were brought a smile to her face. As it made her feel safe as if the winds where swirling and comforting the captain. To her it would always feel like someone was around her as the wind moved around her. Though the silence was broken by Sakuya speaking lightly but just loud enough for Lhin to hear. “That it has Sakuya… I think this is the first time since I was but a teenager that I can actually sit down and relax without fear of being stabbed inside the back. For the first time in a long time.. I feel at peace…”

As Lhin spoke she lowered her head and looked down at the Earth. Though she perked her head up with the question about her well being was brought up. A smile cracked her face. “I am alright… Just been drained the last few days and finally got a good nights rest last evening. No nightmares… no waking up in a cold sweat. For the first time in a long time.”

Sakuya would remember that back during the heaviest of days of the war her friend would constantly be unable to sleep and always would wake up with night terrors and nightmares. So she had always had a permanent state of perpetually tired up until recently.

[Sakuya Tobiichi]

Sakuya hadn't intended for Lhin to hear her comment on the peace. However, Lhin's response brought a flicker of a smile back to her lips. It was good to hear that the dreams weren't haunting the young Soitaicho and yet there was something in those words that slightly bothered her. Choosing her next words very carefully so as not to completely put Lhin back into war mode, Sakuya spoke calmly.

"You may feel at peace now, but can you really afford to completely let your guard down? Most people who intend to cause the most harm, do it when their target is at ease and their guard is down." Though Sakuya was just giving her friend a fair warning, that exact situation was what had weighed on the Captain's mind since the war had come to an end. No one could really afford to completely relax now.

There were too many variables. Too many possibilities. That and no one knew if there were still any radical supporters of the former Central 46. It would be now, while they were busy rebuilding their lives that radicals would find the most useful for another attack if there was such a plan and the people to carry it out. It was just a possibility, but it was still something to be prepared for regardless. To Sakuya, it was best to be prepared so that you don't wind up dead.

[Lhin Demizu]

“I know that Sakuya…. I know that all to well that I can never truly live in peace. All of the rest of you captains will eventually be able to live in peace. I will not. As I fear that the moment I show weakness like my mothers did by becoming involved with one another… I fear that I will be torn down just as they had.” She sighed softly as she stood up slowly. Brushing off some dirt from her lower robe she looked at Sakuya a little sadness evident in her eyes as she knew what she said to be true.

She was never going to allow herself to become exposed. Not until she was certain that this was over and she was able to possibly open up to the world. Looking around she once more took in the scope of the destruction around her. Her eyes showing just the sad tired feeling that she had. “I should let you get back to your duties… No reason to hold you up anymore than I already have.”

The wind picked up as she turned to leave. Buffering against her as she turned her head away from her friend and had to raise a hand to deflect the wind from her face.

[Sakuya Tobiichi]

The sadness in Lhin's eyes was enough to pull a sigh from Sakuya's lips. She hadn't intended to depress her friend any further and yet it seemed to be a bad habit. It was situations like this that made her wish people really knew what was going on in her mind since the words never seemed to come out properly. Instead, ninety percent of her words only comment on half of what she thought and were rather blunt. Walking up to Lhin, Sakuya reached out to rest a hand on her shoulder. "One of the many duties of a Captain is to stand beside the Soitaicho. So you needn't worry about that." With that said, Sakuya walked ahead debating on whether or not she should say anything else.

Pausing momentarily in her musings, she glanced back at Lhin. "Everyone has enemies, Lhin. You aren't alone or have you already forgotten your family and your friends? If you forget them, then it seems we are meant to repeat the mistakes of the past rather than learn from them and move forward." These words were not meant to be comforting, they were meant to give Lhin some insight seeing as how the person who spoke them had been present in during the reign of Captains Yamamoto and Xiaoyu as Soitaicho.

As silence once again filled the air between them, even if momentarily, time seemed to stop. Sakuya never was one for dressing up words to make reality less harsh. Reality was just that, reality. It was never going to be any easier unless you were able to face the challenges thrown at you. In this case, Sakuya was trying to see if Lhin would rise to the challenge or if she would help history repeat itself. The choice was Lhin's.

[Lhin Demizu]

“It is not that I am worried that you will not stand at my side… It is I am worried that you will and will be killed about it. Cause I am tired of seeing death. Seeing those I called friend cut down without any dreams being fulfilled by them…” She spoke softly as she brought her hand up and lightly touched Sakuya’s hand as if to reassure her. Yet the reassurance she hoped would not be misconstrued in any matter. As she pulled her hand back after a few seconds. Letting out a sigh she nodded at Sakuya.

“I remember that… My family has been a target for as long as I have known. From the Kuchiki adoptive family of my step dad to my mothers former Grand House… To just who my mothers are and what happened to them. I.. cannot forget what happened to them. That is why I am trying to shoulder all of this alone… In case things go awry only I will be in the damage path.” Turning slowly toward her friend. The fact her friend had not vanished in the moment made her a little happier and feel better.

The wind blew between the pair as Lhin took a step forward and brought her hand to her friends shoulder. Patting it and then squeezing it lightly. “Thank you for the words and wisdom… I know that I am not the best for this job as I am brash and young. I do things that many would consider… well stupid. I take on too much of a work onto myself even though I know that you all have my back and I can trust you… It is… just hard for me to not want to do everything on my own.”

Taking another step away from her friend after another pat upon her shoulder. Her hand lingering for a moment as she slipped away and to the new location a step or two away from Sakuya. Silence once more overtaking the pair as she placed a hand into her green hair and rubbed the side of her head lightly.

[Sakuya Tobiichi]

Crossing her arms at Lhin's response, Sakuya could only shake her head. It seemed Lhin was truly either stubborn or naive. The captains of the past had been stubborn but then again this was supposed to be a new beginning, however a certain Soitaicho was still resistant to adapting for the future. "There's something I need to tell you but honestly I don't think you'll quite understand without seeing for yourself." She motioned for Lhin to follow her before walking back towards where the squad had been working earlier.

As she led Lhin through a small path that was dug out of the rubble, Sakuya remained silent. She continued on until a small, partially built building came into view. Three of the four walls were standing, each of them slightly different as if the builders had been unable to decide on how to make the structure strong. "Consider this a word of wisdom from someone who watched the fall of two Soitaichos. You are the foundation of the Gotei. If you don't have the support of your fellow Shinigami then we'll be watching the fall of yet another Soitaicho." As she spoke thos last six words, Sakuya reached out and knocked on the wall nearest her, making it collapse due to a support issue.

Moving over to the second wall, she looked back at Lhin before continuing. "If you take on everything you're attempting to without relying on anyone for help, the weight will grow too much for you to bear and you'll break." As she spoke, her gaze shifted from Lhin to a large crack in the second wall. Brushing a strand of hair out of her face, she paused to let her last words sink in. Whether or not Lhin understood the comparison wasn't the problem. The problem was whether or not Lhin would actually take the advice.


"Lastly, if you allow others to help you share the weight of the burden you bear, help you protect that which you hold dear, then you'll stand strong. Don't make yourself a martyr, if you do then who will protect your family?" Throughout the entirety of her comment, she had been entirely serious. There was no room for laughter when the moment demanded them to take this seriously. Crossing her arms once again, Sakuya spoke one last time.

"Everyone is aware of the risk. Those who accept it and walk the line between life and death, are the people who are going to stand beside you. You're a leader now, Lhin. So start leading instead of throwing your life away."

[Lhin Demizu]

Lhin nodded as she stood up from her position. Patting down her uniform to force the dust to scatter down onto the ground before her. Though the cool wind that blew picked up the dust as she began to move with Sakuya . It swirled behind her obscuring the vision behind her as she listened to her friend. This was something she had admired about Sakuya was that she was truly honest with her. Never sugar coating anything she had told Lhin over the years. Especially because of her upbringing people where afraid to actually just be honest with her. So every time this was a breath of fresh air.

Walking the path she admired just how much that Sakuya’s division had seemingly gotten done in the short time since the Armistice. Her own squad had a much larger of a battle to do seeing as how most of their divisional area had been thoroughly demolished. Yet it seemed that Sakuya’s team would have her area springing back to life within a few months instead of about a year she figured her own would. Stopping as they got to the building she watched Sakuya move and speak slowly digesting everything that was being said to her. Taking in deep breaths she attempted to comfort herself as she realized just how foolish she was being and thinking. As her friend wrapped up the long speech and demonstration Lhin nodded without speaking for the moment. She was in heavy thought as she looked at Sakuya.

“How could I be so foolish as to think I would have to do everything and carry the entire burden myself. Why did I think I would have to… When I have loyal friends and family who are willing to help me. Help shoulder my burdens and help us become stronger as a collective unit. One weak link inside of the chain weakens the entire chain. Why did I assume such selfish responsibilities….” Trailing off she looked at her friends as she glanced back and forth around the partially destroyed room. It was a perfect metaphor for the Gotei at the moment. Broken and shattered and yet there was a chance that they could rebuild what was broken. What had been displaced could be found and repaired.

[Sakuya Tobiichi]

A small smile tugged at the corner of Sakuya's mouth when Lhin spoke. It seemed something after all had finally gotten through to the young Soitaicho. Sure this particular Soitaicho was young, but her actions and demeanor showed it more than anything. It was now that Sakuya could say her trust had been placed in the right person. Turning just a bit away from Lhin, the smile fell from Sakuya's visage.

It seemed one of her duties had been done without the Soitaicho even realizing it. In a way, it was a good thing and yet part of her knew that soon her friend would be leaving to continue her own duties.
"It is just because you are still so young and have yet to find your own path. You are still overshadowed by the paths of those who came before you instead of making your own way." Though the words that fell from Sakuya's lips were honest, something about them seemed far away. It as almost as if she'd been speaking words that had once been said to her and the memory was both happy yet sad.

Looking so serious and yet so thoughtful as she usually was, Sakuya glanced over at Lhin. "I should let you return to your duties. I believe I've kept you long enough." In a sense Sakuya was right, she had kept her friend for quite some time. Though that wasn't entirely what was running through the Captain's mind. Not long from now, night would fall and Sakuya would be amongst the handful who chose to patrol the barren ruins of the war. It was something the Soitaicho didn't need to concern herself with, at least in the eyes of some of the Shinigami, Sakuya included.