Nacht der Stille -Night of Silence

Disclaimer: I don't own neither Naruto or Bleach

A/N: I apologize to all my readers for the long and horrible wait. Unfortunately, my computer has decided to go into early retirement and so until I get a new computer updates will be slow (even more than usual) for all of my stories. No, I haven't stopped writing or anything of the sort. In fact, I'm fill with a bunch of new ideas. Sadly, though, my computer doesn't give a shit.

Chapter 12

"We are alike

Yet we are not.

We share the same dreams

But not the same nightmares

We share the same goals

But we achieve them on our own

We were born on the same day

But in the end we die alone."

She was called Nacht der Stille as a joke, because she was a wolf demon that did not howl. Not at night or the day. The name stuck because she had no other; she had refused to tell anyone the name she had been given at birth, allowing for it to become forgotten. It was later that among the Shinigami and the lesser demons, they knew her as Nacht no Lupo, or the Sea Wolf or the Night Wolf. The creature whose tails manipulate the mighty oceans, stilled the rivers and could bring even match the mighty Susanoo, Demon God of Storm.

Nacht was sought for her white coat. White wolves were rare and often a symbol of power. She had been born during an eclipse of the moon, and those of her pack had believed she was the moon incarnate, sent as a blessing to their tribe.

What a disappointment she gave them when Nacht instead grew the affinity for water and not Tsukiyomi's realm of night and light.

But the pack was not discouraged. When Susanoo put out the call of need to fill the Suikune spot in his court, the elders sent her, hope and greed mixing together in their eyes horribly.

Many were sent that day, all of the tribes using this opportunity to strengthen their power. Suikune, the River Count, is the advisor of Susanoo and one of the highest positions within the court of storm. Everyone desired it.

Among the many who came, we found each other. I, a bubbling water demon with no sense, and she, the quiet wolf demon who didn't know how to smile.

We were different from one another. From the start, she intimidated me with that impassive expression, that royal look that made me feel like the dirt beneath her soles. And yet I suppose I scared as well, seeing how I was the only one to greet her and wouldn't stop running my mouth from the nerves.

From the start, we were told to be the other's enemies - there could only be one Suikune after all. She and I split from each other to fight others. I'd like to say we had a deep understand of each other, one that established a connection where we could speak to one another without saying a word. We fought cocky and more self assured individuals from different and royal tribes, defeating them one by one with the power of water. Out of all who came, only she and I showed true progress on the use of water.

Finally came the last battle, I versus her. I was so nervous that I could barely stand, though thinking of it now I could say it was the open wounds that I had suffered. I had been pleased to see that she was marked as well. We were on our last ounce of strength, when the great one Susanoo himself stopped our match.

It would seem that the small tournament had just been to ferry out those able to use the water smoothly. Now came the true training of Suikune. The Storm Demon trained us himself and though I became strong, I knew Nacht was stronger. It was one of those simple facts that I could see plain as day. We trained hard night and day and only on Sunday were we allowed a full day of rest. Suikune was a hard job despite its perks and I was about ready to give up.

But Nacht beat me.

I became Suikune, while Nacht left for harsher training to gain her tails. The fierce training that turned an elemental affinity demon into an animalistic Biju. I, on the other hand, completed my training and became the water count.

But the victory was bittersweet, for this title was mine only by default. Had she stayed, Nacht would have been the Suikune and perhaps her fate might have been different. She probably would have never went mad that night and attacked Sereitei when she found her people massacred in cold blood.

Now, here she is, trapped in the body of an infant, a puny creature striving to be the Shinigami Nacht hated. If only I knew what happened that night…

---

Suikune opened her eyes and she let out of sigh. Recollections were always tiring and this one had been about her best friend and worst rival.

After fleeing the skirmish between her and Nacht, she had stayed in this deserted place close by the Seireitei, nursing the minor wounds the wolf had given her. Just a few cuts and bruises but the demon knew better than to think it was part of her skill that kept her from getting more.

Nacht had been holding back.

She wasn't sure how to think about that. Shocked that she had? Relieved that she had changed? or insulted at being seen inferior? Nacht has always been a conservative person, allowing a battle to prolong itself for the sake of studying her opponent, so she could finish them with one final strike. This fight had been quick and more about driving Suikune away than fighting.

That caught Suikune's interest. The Nacht she knew made it a point to distant herself from people. Her life wasn't one suited for nakama. After all, the Bijus led the most dangerous lives than all of the demons in the Court. They maintain the borders between the Seireitei and the Distortion World, the land demons claimed as their own. They also kept the balance between the positive and negative energies of the worlds. It was a harsh job and one needed to be a true animal in order accomplish it.

The affection Nacht obviously showed towards her jinchuurki said differently. The girl, Taya, showed some distinct similarities between the two. So much that, in another circumstance, Suikune would have mistaken the child of that of Nacht's kin, perhaps even Nacht's own child.

But that was ridiculous. Out of all the Bijus, Nacht was the most celibate. She never participated in the mating rituals, nor saw any potential mate in any of the males of her kind. That much she had confessed to Suikune, whenever the count visited her and asked about her love life.

She sighed. Things were more complicated than they had first seemed. Now came the question if she should continue interfering. Would the results be worth it in the end? Or would it cause more trouble?

"What is your intake on this matter, Jengar?" Suikune asked the shadow demon, who revealed herself from the shadows. She had a mirth expression on her face, as though she were angry about something. "What is it?"

"You said you were going to gather information. You never said nothing about open battle," Jengar scolded. "Not only were you using full power, you neglected to put up a barrier."

"But I did put one up," Suikune protested.

"A proper barrier. The weak one you used no more could contain the spells than a regular piece of paper. You were lucky I was here to stop any stray blasts."

The River Count smiled and looked out to the distance. "Maybe, but I was in a hurry. Nacht did not appear stable enough to listen to reason. And," her eyes narrowed as they took in the approaching figures, "to answer your accusations, I did gather information."

Jengar had noticed the approaching people too, and tried to maintain her calm, though it was difficult. "What did you learn?" she asked, readying herself perhaps for a battle.

Suikune stood. "She let it happen!" she yelled out, startling everyone. "Nacht allowed for it to happen. My dear wolf wanted to die. Now isn't that tragic? What about you, Shukaku? Kyuubi? What was your reason for allowing yourself to be sealed?"

The two boys came to a standstill, obviously shocked at being recognized. Jengar gave a gasp of horror, unbelieving at what her superior had said. Was she deliberating baiting these boys? If she were to be believed, then who came before them were the jinchuurki of both the Shukaku and the Kyuubi, the bloodthirsty and the beautiful.

Suikune took a step forward. "My name is Suikune. I hold the title of River Count." She looked towards Jengar, who jumped as she realized what she had to do.

"My name is Jengar. My title is meaningless. I watch over this jurisdiction."

The count looked a little irked by her lack of introduction and turned to face the boys. "Would you say your names, jinchuurki of Nacht's brethren?"

The red haired boy, with eyes as cold as glacial ice with the distinct black features of a raccoon, stepped forward first. "I am Gaara," he said.

"Jinchuurki of Shukaku," Suikune nodded. "And you?"

The blonde boy bristled. "Naruto."

"Jinchuurki of Kyuubi. You have his eyes. They, too, wanted to kill me," the river count praised. "Well, now, what is it that you came to learn. I'm mean, this is hardly a social visit, as we just introduced ourselves. Ask me what is it you want to learn."

Jengar blocked the force of power sent her superior's way. "She is willingly giving you information," she said. "Why are you attacking!"

"Stand down, Jengar. It's understandable that they want to rip my throat out. I am, after all, the one who attacked their precious sister."

Naruto growled and fire flared towards the river count. Suikune flashed away, to be met up with a barrage of sand. They became spears that impaled her body, that gave away into puddles of water.

"Not bad, not bad at all. You used the elements quite swiftly without the incantations. It took quite a while for either of the demons to do that," Suikune said, landing on a space of ground several meters away. "With the proper training, you might even surpass them."

"Suikune! What are you-" Jengar stopped talking at the hand lifted towards her.

"What about it? I can train you if you want. That is, if you can handle it."

"Tch," Naruto scoffed. "We didn't come here for lessons! We came here for answers. Why did you attacked Taya?"

"Be careful, demon," Gaara warned. "For your answer is your life."

Suikune smirked. Water exploded from the ground and wrapped around the two boys like snakes. She walked their way and for a moment watched them struggle to get free.

"You're lucky I'm not like other demons, that I'm willing to help you. Otherwise, I would be feasting on you right about now. Each one of your rudeness deserves a nibble or two. However, I doubt Nacht will see the humor. She's always been so levelheaded.

"Now let me ask you again, little gakis," Suikune said. "Do you want me to train you on how to control your demonic powers?"

----

"I'm sure, Rukia-san. I'm fine," Taya assured her friend. "It was just anxiety for my exams. And about Renji-san and Gaara-niikun. They are due to go to the Living World in a few days."

"That's right but…" Rukia couldn't let the matter go. It had been more than the slip of the honorific to her name. The way the girl had been acting, the sad look to her eyes, those times when her eyes gleamed a fierce gold. It could be anxiety about her tests in the Living World, but then there had been the spike to her reaistu a few days ago, becoming an oppressive force that weighed on her being.

It was a terrifying feeling, as though she were going to be crushed at any moment. But then, it disappeared.

Renji had felt it too, as did Naruto and Gaara. The two boys had taken off at the first sign of it, but wouldn't say anything about what they had found. Rukia had been so sure that they would talk about it, about how Taya possessed such power. But all they did was escort their sister and Momo back to the dorms. They hadn't done anything and they hadn't pry Taya for answers.

What was going on? It was so strange to see the boys treat a matter involving their little sister so carelessly.

The raven haired girl sighed in defeat, letting the subject drop. "Okay," she said. "If you say so." Perhaps she was putting too much thought into it. But still, Rukia couldn't simply forget how that reaistu made her feel. Desolate, despair, and yet a feeling of hope brought deep into her heart. It was like the ocean, who could both be gentle and destructive at once.

It was both a pleasing and horrifying feeling.

Taya watched the gloomy expression lessened a bit on the older girl's face with disdain. She hated lying to her. Even if it has been a few days since the incident, it still hurt her to see Rukia so worried. But it was for the best. She wouldn't understand the situation, how it was impossible for her to stop being possessed by her demon.

Taya couldn't remember much about that time, when she was the suppressed subconscious. It was like sleeping, only that she didn't dream. But she was horribly aware of all the wolf was feeling. She couldn't exactly see what she was doing, but all Taya knew that in that short time, Nacht was hurting more than she ever did.

It made her wonder what happened to make the wolf hate her own life like this.

But it was a terrifying ordeal. One moment, she was trying to find a padding for her period, the next waking up Momo from a faint. It was only the assurance she received from the wolf that made her act so calmly, but otherwise, she had been terrified and sad. If this was how Nacht spent the days in her mind, then she was more than happy to let her use her body.

You say that now, Nacht remarked, hearing her thoughts, but later on I'll do something you'll regret. You cant forget my little visitor, the one that cause your friend to faint in the first place. Knowing that, can you still let me use your body?

Taya swallowed, hearing the truth in her words. Yes, she replied softly. I understand what you are trying to say. But still… How can I see you as a horrible person, as a despicable demon, when you feel so much sadness? A demon is suppose to be a disgusting creature. I see you as the opposite; an honorable person.

The wolf blinked. My dear, she sighed, you are simply to naïve for your own good.

-----

"So what do you think we should do, Suikune? They clearly have refused your offer. Now, they might expose our presence, particularly yours," Jengar warned.

"Humph." The count smiled. She didn't look too worried, was looking terribly amused by the whole thing. After all, it wasn't everyday that two jinchuurkis of the Bijus refuse a higher demon's help to achieve higher power.

"I guess not all people are like her, Ryu-kun of the twelve tails," she grinned.

"Nani?" The Shadow Earl looked taken back. She had always known Suikune to be so laid back; however, this was bordering on ridiculous. No wonder those of her court complained about her tactics.

"I know what you're thinking, Jengar, and I appreciate you worry8ing about me. However, despite what they say, when the desperate time comes, they will be seeking me out."

"Train us? Fuck off!" The blonde boy, Naruto snarled. "We are not going to take the help of a demon that just attacked over sister!"

Gaara, from what she had determined to be the most quiet one, flared his reiastu in response.

"What you call an attack I call a test," Suikune replied. " I needed to know how far the influence of Nacht had affected the girl. That was all. Don't get your panties in a bunch."

"WHAT?!"

Suikune chuckled. She could tell that the blonde one is going to be fun.

----

Three days later

Today was the day, the day of the exam to go to the Living World.

Taya woke up with the feeling of dread in her stomach. It was so strong she had to resist the urge to throw up, rolling over in the bed to her side as she clutched her stomach. Such a horrible feeling filled her, a horrible sense of dark premonition.

She got up and checked the clock by the side, blanching at how late it was. A look to the side showed her Rukia had already left for class. Taya got the feeling that the older girl had allowed her to sleep in, to skip the class for today. She smiled; it was something Rukia would do, allowing her to do something that she would usually frown on, such as skipping class.

The girl tried to get up, but the feeling turned into a physical ache of pain. It struck her suddenly, then stopped, and struck again. It was quickly becoming an annoyance.

"Nacht, w-what's wrong with me?" she asked out loud.

Her words acted like a beacon, sending her into the world within her mind. The ocean trembled as she fell to her knees, moaning in distress.

This has naught to do with me, Nacht replied, walking to the bars of her cage and held them, but with your bloodline. This is not my power affecting you. My guess this is something within your ancestry. I must confess though. This is the first time I'm seeing this in a human.

What? Taya tried to say, but couldn't be sure if she was even talking right through the haze of pain she was in.

There is a position within the court of demons that suffer these inflictions, the wolf continued. One underneath the Mui, leader of the void demons. They call that position the Youkai no Miko, for it is similar to a human priestess. The Youkai no Miko is similar to a Delphi or a prophetess; however, the difference is of course that it is a demon holding the title. That and the negative energy they wield with their magic, as to oppose the human's positive energy.

Then what are you saying? Taya demanded. Am I a de-?

No, you're human, Nacht interrupted. I'm only explaining that I've seen this happen before. You're about to receive a vision. A word of advice, Taya. The worse you feel, the worse your vision will be.

And then, the horror started.

White walls; powerful numbers; a bright haired boy rushing through a dark maze…

The images began to rewind and showed unfamiliar places, people whom she vaguely recognized as the top student, Shuhei Hisagi, and those of his team.

A faint scream, one that resounded the creature's arrival too late. Gaara, turning, saved from the fatal strike by the protection of his sand. Others were not so lucky.

There was blood everywhere.

Taya gasped as she fought to stay still, to not meet the eyes that were smiling gently, sinisterly, down at her. Pain flared in her abdomen, as the blood seeped down her legs, the signs of miscarriage piling down on the floor. She gave a hollow scream, felt the man behind her revel in her agony, even though that smile was soft and gentle in sympathy.

Never mind that he knew that this would happen, he who killed her child…

TAYA!

The visions came to a stop as the silver haired girl gave a shuddering breath, in response to the tight squeeze the wolf's tails had her in. It took her a moment to remember where she was, who she was with.

Nacht watched her with unreadable golden eyes, her tails releasing their hold and placed the jinchurki down onto the surface of the now stable water. There was still some trembling but not enough to cause worry.

Another reason for the Youkai no Miko being a demon, the wolf said quietly, is that they can withstand the psychological trauma of the visions. I could ask you if you're all right, but I can see for myself that you are not.

Taya could not reply as she struggled to breathe. She could feel her bronchial tubes constrict and her airways felt like sandpaper. Her asthma was acting up as a result of the vision and she could feel herself go quickly into an attack.

Nacht sighed and gave a low moan. The ocean moved until a wave threatened to consume the young gasping girl. It swallowed her but Taya did not feel herself drown. Instead, she felt the coolness be absorbed until her lungs settled and the asthma diminish.

Th-thank you, Taya said with heartfelt gratitude.

That's the second time you've heard my voice. Of course you should be grateful, the wolf said dryly. But no matter. Tell me, what did you see?

I cant! I have to warn them!

Wait-

Taya removed herself from her inner world, jumping off the bed. She threw on her wrinkled Academy uniform and rushed out the door.

Nacht tried to stop her, telling her to calm down and listen to reason; people will not believe her without proof. But the young girl ignore the demon, kept running until she reached he office she believed to be charge of the squad of students in the Living World.

She had just thrown the door when she started coughing violently. The stress of her visions, the sudden running she did, the anxiety and forgetting to take her meds, she tried not to cough up a lung as she tried to control her breathing.

"Oi! What's wrong?"

"Shouldn't you be in class?"

Arms grabbed her in an attempt to steady her shaking body. Taya tried to remove them, trying to explain why she came.

"Trouble…!" she gasped. "Squad in… Living World… trouble!… attacked!"

"What? What are you talking about?" and instructor asked, the one who was overseeing he exam groups.

Taya was relieved to see him and tried to explain again. "Trouble… in Living World! H-Hollow attack-"

"Sir, we have received word of a disturbance by Hisagi's team," one of the men reported.

"What!" the instructor abandoned Taya on the floor to investigate and let out a curse. All around the room, whispers were exchanged about t the failure of sensing the Hollows.

"Sent out a back up team immediately. Get word to Hisagi to-"

"No need. I'm on my way."

Taya froze at the sound of that voice. A visual was given as the Shinigami went through the gate way. There were two men, one slim and white haired, the other tall wearing the signifying white coat of a captain. She watched them as they disappeared through a gaping hole.

Not before she got a look of the captain's face.

He had been smiling, a gentle smile meant to reassure the others that all would be alright. The man had been very handsome and the glare of his glasses had hid his eyes. His entire outlook was soft, like a scholar and not a warrior.

Idly, Taya heard the sounds of praise, of relief. The captain was very well liked and known, it seemed. She also heard amazement that a captain of his caliber had answered so quickly to a call of distress.

"I get it. Aizen-taichou must have realized that something was wrong in the Living World, so he sent you to tell us. Good job." Someone patted her on the back roughly but she took no notice.

No, she was too frozen with fear to hear anything else.

A/N: Next chapter will be an interlude. We'll finally learn about what Nacht's role was in the Soul Society and the demons' connection with the King. Afterwards, the real story will begin!