A/N: So I've been watching Bleach nonstop for... like the past week and a half. :] I've always been very fond of Shuuhei, so this is the result. Reviews = cookies, Flames = No thanks.
I dont own anything about Bleach. I'd live a much happier, wealthier existance if I did hahaha :D
I hate this place.
Chains wound themselves around his torso, effectively pinning his arms to his sides, forearms pressed to his back. Smaller links expanded out to bind his fingers one by one making them immobile and completely straight. He was on his knees in that cold, damp room, light blue eyes glittered on their own, the only source of light in this demented, secluded world.
More than anything he wanted to fight. He wanted Shuuhei Hisagi to call his name, release him into the open so he could feel the heat of battle, taste the enemies blood – or that of whoever got in his way – and to smell victory. He flexed his hands, moving barely a fraction before a growl of frustration tore through his throat.
He was dangerous. His wielder knew it, and was very afraid of that fact.
As he should be. He grinned, lips curling back to reveal sharp, white teeth to nobody. Kazeshini threw back his head and laughed, a terrible, chilling noise that resonated off the walls.
Ever since Shuuhei had returned with the others to the Soul Society, things had been quiet. Everybody must have realized just how close to death they had all come… how beautiful their lives really were. The first few days after they returned, he refused to come out of his room. He needed time to breathe, to understand that he was okay and Kazeshini had not gotten the best of him. But the nightmares were worse. The dark circles beneath his eyes betrayed him when he told everybody else he was fine.
Captain Unohana suggested he go with her to be examined.
He politely refused.
Shuuhei requested a meeting with Captain Commander Yamamoto later that day.
"9th Division Vice Captain Shuuhei Hisagi."
The younger man bent at the waist, bowing to his Commander. "Sir."
"Why have you requested this meeting?" Yamamoto's voice suggested he already knew the reason.
"Captain Commander, I would like to ask for a leave of absence for two weeks. I feel… I could not perform my duties in my condition." Shuuhei's gaze never quite met the Captain's. A fist of guilt tightened around his stomach.
Yamamoto remained silent for several long moments. "This is because of your Zanpakuto, correct?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Your request is granted." Yamamoto now had Shuuhei's full, undivided attention. "What Kaname Tousen told you of fearing your blade was correct. However, your fear is rooted deep in your soul, Hisagi Shuuhei. Work on this when you are gone."
"Yes, Captain Commander."
"Dismissed."
The instant Shuuhei got back to his room he collapsed to his knees, taking Kazeshini from his belt to slide the sheathed blade across the floor. Shuuhei felt it. No. Shuuhei felt him. Shrieking with laughter, yet the blade remained unmoving, not transformed…
Panic shook him. He needed to get out, and quick.
He figured the cliché 'under-the-cover-of-darkness' situation would be best to leave. With few seated officers on duty, most of the Captains and their Vice Captains would not be up and around. Shrugging on the pack he filled with the essentials – clothes, some food, etc. – he took a hesitant step towards Kazeshini, heart thumping against his ribcage. He could feel the waves of power pulsing through the air, cutting through him as if he was nothing. Peculiar sounds drifted through his mind, like something he could hear, but the room was silent. With an annoyed growl he snatched up the sheathed blade from the floor, hooking it to his belt.
If anybody had seen him exit his room, it was only for a brief second before he masked his reiatsu and disappeared.