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n3on-graveston3s-calling · 1 year ago

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Jaws of the Snake: Chapter I

Enter the snake den.

Rating: T Word Count: 4, 368 Characters: Fujihara Kiyomi, Fujihara Kiyoko, Fujihara Junpei, Fujihara Mizuki, Fujihara Daisuke, Fujihara Daiyu, Hirako Shinji, Aizen Sousuke, Orotibashi Rose Author's Notes: And here we have the beginning of Kiyomi's story! A bit of a background: Kiyomi is an original character I've had for a few years that I hold near & dear to my heart. This is her essential story- along with her siblings and her family. This first chapter, you'll get a glimpse into the Fujihara- the Third Noble Family of the Soul Society, as well as some lore building and history for Bleach itself. TW: there is a scene of mild abuse towards the middle of the piece. Nothing graphic is present, but it is- sadly- necessary for this story to unfold. Now, one hundred and thirteen years ago...

113 years ago, Fujihara Compound East of the Shihōin Compound; North of the Kuchiki Compound.

The Fujihara compound was always a sight for sore eyes, even more so as the years have passed. Nothing could ever surpass the Shihōin Compound in terms of royal stature, but the Fujihara compound was just as remarkable. Often referred to as the Royal Serpent Den, the compound itself was built in a circle. Servants would reside within the outermost ring of housing, followed by guards hired by the family (more often than not, extended family), then the branches, and finally, the main house within the very center. What made this compound confusing was that the “circle” was set in the way of a maze. Walls bled into hedge gardens that stood taller than most men, which bled into open plots before the walls would come back together, over and over again.

To an outsider, it would mean being lost for hours before someone would take pity upon you and lead you further in. From an aerial view, it would often be compared to a pit of vipers coiled together, the pattern nonsensical and made to create confusion within enemies, should any attempt to enter. As children, they were taught how to find their way around by being guided by their nannies at first, before getting dropped off in a random section and being told to find their way to the center garden. Normally, the trial would take only a month to master. After the first success, one would then be blindfolded, left outside of the compound, and then directed to enter and find their way to the large willow tree in the garden. If failed, they would repeat the process again, and again, not allowed to stop or sleep within their quarters until they could find their way in without problem.

The patriarch and matriarch of the Fujihara, Daisuke and Daiyu, had made sure that this tradition continued on. Daisuke- along with his younger brother, Yusuke, and younger sister, Ayame, had been brought up to follow this tradition. To Asahi Fujihara, their father, this was the only way to guarantee that his children would succeed as Shinigami. And succeed, they did: Daisuke had joined the Eighth Division after graduating from the Academy, being granted the Fifth seat (though not out of talent, but rather, name; Daisuke was a rather unremarkable Shinigami); Yusuke joined the Eleventh, gaining the moniker of Constrictor due to his particular method of merely crushing his enemies to death between his arms or legs; Ayame settled within the Twelfth, following her grandmother’s footsteps in the path of scientific advancement. She was offered the sixth seat, of which she took after proving herself in a fight against her captain, Hikifune Kirio.

Daisuke had retired from his life as a Shinigami after being a member of the Eighth for nearly thirty years before his father, Asahi, had passed on. Thus, the mantle of patriarch was passed down to him. He wed Shutara Daiyu, the cousin of the Weaver herself, Senjumaru. Though unlike Senjumaru, Daiyu’s reiatsu never peaked high enough for her to be considered worthy of attending the Academy. She, instead, was placed within the Fujihara house as a maid- a gift of gratitude towards the Fujihara for offering the Shutara aid and protection. The Shutara family, much like the Feng, were indebted to the Fujihara; a bond having been created nearly six hundred years prior, yet to be broken. Together, Daisuke and Daiyu would have five children: twin girls as their first borns, a son, and two more daughters. Daisuke would take on the mantle of patriarch after his father, Asahi, had passed away due to an old wound. He retired from being a Shinigami of the Gotei 13 after thirty years, much to Daiyu’s disdain.

Kiyomi and Kiyoko mastered the maze of the compound in fourteen days, seven hours, twenty-nine minutes when they were still children. They had started at opposite ends of the maze, they both found their way in simultaneously, without running into one another. Perhaps that was the first inclination that the children born into this new generation were certainly different compared to those of previous generations. Having grown comfortable, too soft in their lifestyles of retirement or seated positions within Central 46.

There had been an offer made upon the twins by a prolific okā-san of an Okiya within the Second District of the Rukongai. The “higher-class entertainment district” that catered more to the wants and needs of the noble houses, seated officers, and members of Central 46. The okā-san had commented on the girls’ beauty- such distinct features between the rosiness of their cheeks, the inklike color of their hair, the jade tone of their eyes. Daiyu pitched an argument that they only needed one daughter, really; two would be difficult to raise. Daisuke relented, and sold Kiyomi to the Okiya known as the Sakura House. There, Kiyomi began her training as a maiko- and would remain for three years before an altercation changed her life.

For the better, in Kiyomi’s humble opinion.

“Surprised you showed up,” Kiyoko teased her twin as Kiyomi entered the courtyard of the main house, hopping down from the top of the wall. “I didn’t expect to see you this time!”

“And miss a joyous family meeting? Never!” Kiyomi retorted with a roll of her eyes, reaching out to take her sister’s hands in her own. “I’m sorry I haven’t been by recently. It’s been busy, you know? The old woman’s finally talking of retirement. I think the Lieutenant will be taking over.”

“The one you have a crush on?” Kiyoko snickered as Kiyomi yelled, smacking her arm gently before taking hold of it, looping her own through. Unlike her twin, Kiyoko wore no shihakusho, for her own abilities never came to light. She liked to joke that Kiyomi took them all in the womb for herself in a greedy manner. Instead, she wore an emerald kimono with a silver snake coiling along its length, the head settling between her shoulder blades. Informal, perfect for the summer months. “Oh, Rojurou!”

“Shut UP!” Kiyomi hissed, shaking her head fiercely. “You’re awful!”

“Omi!” Junpei called as the doors opened, revealing her younger siblings. “You’re here!”

“There’s my boy!” Kiyomi grinned as her brother jogged over, followed by Mizuki toddling along on her chubby little legs.

Kiyoko stooped down, picking up the child.

“Oh, look at you!” Kiyomi sighed, running her hands through Junpei’s shaggy hair. “I’m surprised they haven’t made you cut it short in the Academy, yet!”

“You and me, both.” He pulled her into a hug, a kiss pressed to the top of her head. Even now, he was taller than she was. “Mother’s in a mood,” he warned softly, offering another squeeze. “She’s upset.”

“Why?” Kiyomi whispered back, arms wrapped around his middle, swaying side to side. “Who pissed her off?”

“You.” Kiyoko answered as she stepped closer. Mizuki hummed a soft lullaby to herself, working on creating a braid in Kiyoko’s hair. “She’s still angry that you gained a seated position higher than father ever achieved.”

“That’s his fault! Not mine. If he has such an issue with it, take it up with Captain Yamomoto,” Kiyomi grumbled, pulling back from her brother. She stiffened, prompting her siblings to move quickly as their parents stepped out onto the porch. Kiyomi stepped forward, her role as eldest daughter settling upon her shoulders once more. “Mother, Father. I am pleased to see you both,” she greeted, bowing low at the waist.

“Daughter,” Daisuke cooed as he stepped down, his smile saccharine sweet yet never meeting his eyes. “It is a delight to have you home once more!” His arms wrapped around her in an embrace too tight; she hid the wince that threatened by burying her face in his chest, her own arms wrapping around him loosely. “We’ve missed you.”

“I apologize for not coming home sooner,” pulling back, she stepped to the side to be able to address both of her parents simultaneously. “My captain is retiring within the year, so my Division has been busy making sure that the transfer of her position to our lieutenant is smooth.”

“No missions?” Daiyu sniffed, settling down on her knees in a proper seiza position, hands folded atop one another as Kiyoko hurried back to pour tea- though Kiyomi beat her to it, shunpo aiding her as she settled beside her mother suddenly, already reaching for the tea.

She was the guest, here. It was her job to pour the tea for the family, and then herself. Not Kiyoko. “Missions, yes. Though, the World of the Living is quite… Interesting. Things are changing rapidly.” Her gaze flickered to Kiyoko; a hidden wink promising gifts, later. “They keep me busy.”

“Good.” Daisuke nodded as he eased himself down with a grunt. It was like walking on broken glass, here. “Have you seen your uncle and aunt?”

“Occasionally. Due to where the Third is, I don’t get to see either often unless our Divisions are sent out together. But I do get to see them during our down time,” three glasses poured; she poured Junpei his own, followed by Mizuki, and at last- herself. “This is the first time I’ve had an actual, full day of a break in months!”

“Shame.” Daiyu muttered, gaze full of ire and scrutiny as she surveyed the manner of which her daughter dressed. “I do wish they wouldn’t make you wear those garbs.”

“Uniforms, mother,” Kiyomi sighed, shaking her head. “I’ve customized my own as much as I am allowed.”

“It makes you look fat.”

“Daiyu,” Daisuke hissed, a look of hidden anger flashing across his face. “Cease.”

Silence settled across the family as they sipped their tea. This was how it always was. Mother would make rude comments and sniff; father would pour sake into his tea. It would last all of ten minutes before Daiyu would make some excuse to leave. Daisuke would fall asleep on the porch. Jaw clenching, Kiyomi set her teacup down. “I’ve been told that Ayame and Sho are trying for another child.”

“They are!” Daisuke grinned at his daughter, nodding enthusiastically. His baby sister, her aunt. “Mai will be entering the Academy in a year. They believe Jun’Ichi will show his strength soon, as well.”

Clapping her hands together, Kiyomi grinned. “How exciting!” That would put at least three more Fujihara into the ranks of the Gotei, as long as they survived their years in the Academy.

“I think Mizuki will be entering early.” Daiyu’s lips curved into a cold smile as she glanced towards her eldest, gaze dark. After the kidnapping a year prior, Mizuki’s reiatsu had spiked to an almost dangerous degree. The force alone had killed the men who’d taken her. The incident had been swept under the rug, though rumors still surrounded the family even now. That it had been a ploy to get Mizuki to show her strength sooner, that the family was attempting to overthrow the Kuchiki… What nonsense.

Clearing her throat, Kiyomi glanced towards her youngest sibling. “Is that a good idea? She’s still a child-”

“You were her age when I sent you to the Okiya.”

“When you sold me, you mean.” She snapped, head tilting; a brow raised as she studied her mother, watching the way she stiffened beneath her gaze like a field mouse trapped by a rat snake. “Or is your mind failing you?”

“Kiyomi!” Daisuke snapped, hand slamming down upon the wood of the porch. Silence fell immediately as Daisuke reached over, grabbing her by the back of her neck, forcing her head down into a bow. Kiyomi yelped, hands pressing into the floor to keep from smashing her face against it. “Apologize to your mother!”

“I’m sorry!” She yelled from between gritted teeth.

Daiyu laughed, the sound loud and annoying, like those cheap wind chimes they sell in the lower Rukongai districts. Rising to her feet, she took her cup of tea and poured it off the side of the porch before dropping the cup. Quickly, Junpei reached out, grasping it before it could hit the ground.

“I’m going to my rooms.” With that, the Matriarch left, the sound of her tabi sliding against the floor the only sound. Only when she left did Daisuke release his daughter.

His lip curved into a sneer; Kiyomi remained bowed, her shoulders shaking. “Disgraceful.” He spat, turning to follow his wife.

“... He’s gone.” Kiyoko whispered, watching as her twin sat back up. Tears glinted within her gaze before she blinked them away. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.” Kiyomi shook her head, ignoring the flare of pain that traveled with the movement. She reached into her shihakusho, pulling free the small gifts she’d brought with her for her siblings. “I need to leave soon, but I want to give you three these before.”

“Oh!” Kiyoko gasped, a hand covering her mouth as she took the smooth black box from her. “Oh, Omi, you shouldn’t have!” Gushing, she quickly opened it to find a pair of emerald earrings. “You really shouldn’t have!”

“You deserve nice things,” a shrug as Kiyomi turned her attention to Junpei, handing over a sack of candy. “From the world of the living. They call it salt-water taffy. It’s good!”

“You feed my sweet tooth too much,” he mumbled, cheeks flushed but grin wide as he leaned over, giving her a brief hug. “Thank you.”

“And for you,” Mizuki scooted closer on her knees, eyes bright, grin small but growing by the minute. Eager, as children often were. “I was in Tokyo recently- and I passed by a shop with the cutest dolls! I saw this one, and I thought- I know a girl who would love her!” Kiyomi held up the porcelain doll for Mizuki to see. “She’s fragile, not meant to be taken outside, okay? She stays in your room.”

Nodding quickly, Mizuki took the porcelain Geisha doll between her hands carefully, eyes wide. She held her to her chest like one would hold a kitten- with all the tender care in her little form. She leaned up to press a kiss to Kiyomi’s cheek in lieu of speaking.

“Now- I need to go. I’ve overstayed my welcome.”

“Let me walk you out?” Kiyoko rose, dusting off her yukata. “Junpei, can you put the tea away?”

“Got it.”

“Thanks.” Turning, the twins began to walk out of the garden, arm in arm. “They’re talking about another child.”

“Again?” A grimace; there were four of them, already… “Will it be their last?”

“I think so. They want another boy. Daiyu wants another boy.”

“Of course she does,” a grand roll of the eyes as Kiyomi turned them. The maze was ingrained within her mind; where hidden doors were, where false exits lay. “I think Ayame intends to retire soon- or, at least, attempt to step down from her position to a non-seated position.”

“She should, it’s dangerous work for her to continue while trying for another child,” Kiyoko sighed, leaning into her twin. “I miss you.”

“I miss you. I don’t miss our parents.” Kiyomi paused their steps, turning to face her sister with an oddly serious expression. “One day, you will become the Matriarch. I know it.”

“If they don’t marry me off first.”

“They won’t.”

“You sound so sure!” A laugh pulled free as Kiyoko pulled away, walking ahead of Kiyomi. “Being a Shinigami’s made you so serious!”

“No, it hasn’t!” Arguing, she jogged ahead to catch up with her sister, the pair dissolving into a fit of laughter. The exit loomed ahead, the carved snakes twisting along the archway. “I’ll write more. Have it sent by one of the other members of the Division.”

“Please. I need someone who understands this nonsense. Junpei’s not here often, and Mizuki is-”

“A child.”

“A child…”

Turning, she pulled Kiyoko into a hug, offering a squeeze of reassurance. “Things will change. I don’t know when or how, but they will.”

“If you say so…” Pulling back, Kiyoko sighed as Kiyomi backed away. “Go spy on your crush!”

“Fuck off!” Kiyomi laughed, turning away to begin her trek back into the Gotei 13. Even with the usage of Shunpo, it would take over an hour to get back beyond the gate. It gave her time to think, for her mind to wander. It seemed that Daiyu and Daisuke were getting worse each year, growing gradually more insufferable and mean spirited. She worried for her siblings.

Her lips pressed together tightly as she passed through the gate, the subtle thrum of distant reiatsu from Captains settling across her skin. The Gotei was made up of Thirteen Court Guard Squads, as well as the Kidō Corps and Onmitsukidō. The Onmitsukidō was created by the Shihōin Family and overseen by its ruling head- which was Lady Yoruichi, currently. But the members of the family weren’t in the Onmitsukidō- but rather, the members of the Feng family, as well as any shinigami who was able to test into the Onmitsukidō. Like Urahara Kisuke; he wasn’t an official member of the Shihōin family, but he had been raised alongside Lady Yoruichi and was a member of the Omnitsukidō. How, she wasn’t sure. She’d only known them when they were all growing up, before she became the figurehead of the family. The Kidō Corps were overseen by Tsukabishi Tessai- an incredibly talented and strong Kidō user.

Each of the thirteen divisions hold over two hundred members and twenty seated officers. The lower the number, the higher the rank. Herself, for example: she was the Fourth Seat of the Third Division. Above her was the Third Seat, Togakushi Riku, and above him, their Lieutenant (who would soon become their Captain), Rōjūrō Ōtoribashi. Some Divisions were specialized in what they did; the Second with the Omnitsukidō, the Fourth was their medical ward and specialists, the Ninth handled communications, but was also the essential security for the Seireitei. They were on standby at all times. The Twelfth was for research; what kind, she wasn’t entirely privy to, but she did know that her aunt, Ayame, was a researcher for different types of toxins that could be used in battle against Hollows.

A huff escaped Kiyomi as she leapt onto the roof of a Thirteenth Division barracks, taking a moment to catch her breath. The sun was beginning to set at last, no longer beating down upon the polished white stone that had been used to create the Gotei 13’s Divisions. Her gaze tracked across the horizon, landing upon the tower that served as the First Division’s barracks. The First Division was where the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 resided- Captain Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, and his Lieutenant, Chōjirō Sasakibe. Two of the strongest members of the Soul Society- as well as the oldest. Though, she was certain that Captain Unohana Retsu was older than Lieutenant Sasakibe. She had an odd air about her, one that she’d not been able to place in the time that she’s known her.

Like death.

Perhaps that was due to her being a medic. Shaking her head, she continued on her journey, using shunpo to traverse across the rooftops a touch faster. The thing with the Gotei was that none of the divisions were in order; it was nonsensical, truthfully. The sound of yelling to the left; the Eleventh was celebrating something. A laugh spilled free as she turned, foot landing on the roof of the Fifth Division barracks.

“Stop runnin’ on my roof.” Captain Hirako Shinji ordered, giving Kiyomi a startle.

Nearly slipping, she turned on her toes and regained her balance. “Sorry, Captain!”

“No, ya ain’t.” His lips curved into a smile as he motioned for her to follow. “C’mon down. Did you visit yer family?”

“Yes,” carefully, she clambered down off the roof, hanging on the edge for a moment before releasing to fall into a crouch with a soft oof. “Is there something you needed, Captain?” Curiosity piqued, her gaze flickered about the mostly-empty courtyard, though her gaze caught sight of mousy brown hair turning the corner.

Lieutenant Sosuke Aizen. “Ah, Fourth Seat Fujihara! What a surprise!” He greeted, smiling as he approached. “Is everything alright?”

“Yes, sir. Everything’s fine! Just getting scolded for taking a shortcut by Captain Hirako.”

“Hey, now,” Shinji grumbled as he retreated into his quarters for a moment before returning with a parcel. “Give this t’ Rose.”

“... Why can’t you give it to him yourself?” The attitude slipped into her voice before she caught herself. Though, she didn’t gasp- didn’t apologize. “If it’s something from you-”

“It’s not a gift. Something he needed from the World of the Living.” Shinji placed the package into her hands, snickering at the way her lips pursed. “Thank ya, Kiyomi.”

“Of course, Captain,” she muttered through gritted teeth, turning on her heel.

“I’ll walk with you? I need to bring some documents to the Seventh.” Aizen offered, watching as Kiyomi brightened a touch. “If that’s alright with you, Captain?” A glance over the shoulder, watching the way Shinji’s gaze narrowed slightly.

“... ‘s fine. Dismissed.” Turning on his heel, Shinji retreated into his quarters, though he paused just out of Aizen’s line of sight to listen to their steps retreat. His new lieutenant… Something was there. Under the surface, lingering like a parasite.

Kiyomi hummed as she walked, package tucked under her arm. The contents felt soft, like a shirt of some sort. Or perhaps a new formal yukata for the upcoming celebrations? “Are you settling in well?” She asked her companion, breaking the silence. He startled beside her, eyes widening before resettling.

“I- yes, I am. Thank you.” He smiled, head dipping a touch. “How long have you been part of the Third?”

“Ah, lemme think… A little over a year? Yeah- I was part of the Eighth for a few months before transferring over.” Having two of the four noble houses of the Seireitei in the same Division? Oh, that had ruffled some feathers. “I like the Third more. Suits me better, I think.”

“Does it? That’s nice.” Aizen’s gaze studied her back curiously; her hair was long, reaching her waist, and cut in a way so that the longest strands were in the center, ending in a ‘V’, much like her bangs. She didn’t wear the traditional sandals, either, but rather, a pair of Geisha geta. How peculiar. “Is it hard to walk in your shoes?”

“These?” A laugh- surprisingly loud- escaped. “Nah. They’ve got better balance and grip than the sandals they try to make us wear. Blame Lady Senjumaru for that.”

“Senjumaru?”

“The Great Weaver- she’s the one who created our uniforms! Didn’t they teach you all this in the Academy?” She asked, tilting her head back to watch the confusion dance across Aizen’s face. “Huh. Well- Senjumaru Shuutara created our shihakusho. She’s the one who makes all the uniforms for us- or, at least, she laid the groundwork.”

“You speak as if you know her,” curiosity entered his voice as they turned, the gate for the Third coming into view. “Do you?”

“Distant relative on my mother’s side. I’ve met her once. She works with the Twelfth.” Evening had fallen across the Seireitei; lanterns began to ignite one after another, flames spluttering to life. Kido work. “Have fun visiting the Seventh, Lieutenant!”

“Thank you. Have a nice night, Lady Kiyomi.” Aizen bowed low at the waist before turning.

Kiyomi watched him walk, her smile vanishing, mask dropping for a moment. Something was strange about Aizen; perhaps the way he spoke so formally? She wasn’t quite sure, not really. Shrugging, she retreated into her division. The package… Fingers drummed against it. If he was in his office, then she’d talk to him. If he wasn’t, then she’d leave it on his desk and leave. Yeah!

Nodding, she wandered through the garden that led away from the training field. The garden had been planted when the Third was first brought to life, nearly a thousand years ago. It had flourished, tended to carefully; while no fruit nor vegetable was present, hundreds of flowers were. Roses, dahlias, chrysanthemums; this garden was nothing like the trimmed, orderly rose and hedge gardens of the Fujihara compound. Within the center lay a koi pond- a more recent inclusion. Lily of the valley had been planted around the pond, the Division’s signature flower.

Captain Iba’s quarters were dark; she’d already retired for the night. A glance across the way revealed that her lieutenant’s office was also dark; he must have gone out for the night. Quiet steps drew her to the edge of the porch. A jump up landed her on the ledge of the railing. Stepping off, she glanced about before quietly slipping into the office space. Her heart was a drum in her chest as she quietly tip-toed further in. The space was so distinctly Rose, from the elegant paintings hung on the walls to the sheet music scattered to the side. A small, girlish smile curved her lips as she set the package down atop his desk before turning. One last lingering look- before she quickly, quietly slipped out, closing the door behind her before walking towards her own quarters across the courtyard.

Turning the corner, Rose paused; head tilting as he watched the back of the Fourth Seat cross the courtyard, the light of the moon shining upon her hair, casting silver highlights through onyx tresses. His mouth opened, making to call out to her- only for it to shut. She looked to be in a rush, and it was rather late; she’d been outside of the Gotei for the majority of her day, visiting family. Well, no matter. He returned to his office, pausing at the lingering scent of… Amber, vanilla musk, and cinnamon. Had she been at his office? Had she been looking for him? Opening the door, he paused as the lights lit themselves, answering to his reiatsu. A package sat on his desk; even from here, he could recognize Shinji’s handwriting. Good! His clothing.

Humming to himself, he closed the door for a touch more privacy so that he could eat his dinner in peace. Tomorrow, he would meet with the other seated officers to talk of his transition.

#bleach fanfiction #shinji hirako #aizen sousuke #rose otoribashi #oc tag: fujihara kiyomi #oc tag: fujihara family #oc tag: fujihara junpei #oc tag: fujihara kiyoko #oc tag: fujihara daiyu #oc tag: fujihara daisuke #content: fanfiction #tw: child abuse #fandom: bleach #jaws of the snake (series)

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