Chapter 1: Face from the Past
Hitsugaya Tōshirō, white haired Captain of the Tenth Division, barely refrained from sighing as he stood in his position, waiting for the Captains Meeting to commence. After what he presumed had been a horrible night – 'presumed' being because he couldn't recall much of what must have occurred – he wasn't in the mood to stand around and listen to what could potentially be hours and hours of the Head Captain talking non-stop about something that not many of the captains would probably care to hear. Although the old man hadn't been that talkative lately . . . anyhow, it was unfortunate that things like this occurred after he'd missed a night of sleep, because, as a supposedly still growing boy, he was meant to get at least ten hours of slumber per every twenty-four hours.
Thinking of sleeping and growing made him tired, but it wasn't like all of the resting had paid off. Then again, the fact that he was now around five foot tall wasn't necessarily due to afternoon naps and full nights' sleep . . .
'Attention everyone,' even when Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, the Head Captain of the Gotei 13, began to speak, none of the nine assembled shinigami bothered to bat an eyelid. Especially the ones who'd learned to take the time to rest with their eyes closed, and still remain aware of their surroundings, just in case they actually missed something important.
'This meeting will now commence,' just for the effect, or maybe it was because he'd become a little stiff standing there silently for quite some time and needed to stretch, the wizened old man banged his staff on the ground.
No one spoke, not that any response had been called for exactly, and the silence continued for more time than was comfortable, or necessary.
Standing in his place, Tōshirō thought he could hear Kurotsuchi Mayuri muttering something in what seemed to be a code under his breath, Komamura Sajin shifting slightly as if there was an itch somewhere on his furry body, and the soft tap of sandals on wooden floorboards somewhere outside of the Assembly Hall.
'As you would all know,' finally, as if after much contemplation, Yamamoto began speaking again, 'We, the captains of the Gotei 13, are missing three of the shinigami who should be part of this meeting today,' opening his eyes just a little, the man continued, 'That's not to say those three traitors should still be captains, I am simply stating the fact that, while we are not complete in our leadership, this creates opportunities for mishap and endangers the lives of both the souls in the Soul Society, and the World of the Living,'
Everyone was surprised at how much the Head Captain was saying, as recently, he seemed to have become a lot quieter, as if there were more important things than discussing the casualties of the latest Hollow attack.
'Consequently, in recent weeks, I had been closely considering a recent graduate from the Shino Academy,' that statement, unlike the others, caused some slight responses from everyone.
Mayuri stopped muttering, Unohana Retsu looked up, Kuchiki Byakuya opened his eyes, Kenpachi Zaraki grumbled . . . the list went on. But, whatever the reactions were, it was the actual words that the Head Captain had just said that caused them.
Tōshirō couldn't believe what he was hearing. Was Yamamoto about to say that he was considering a new graduate for the position of a captain? It seemed absurd that someone so fresh into the life of a proper shinigami would even be glanced at when talking about such things. Wondering things like this, the white haired captain blinked suddenly.
Is this shinigami even assigned to a Division yet? he could feel a headache coming on, and he almost raised his hands to rub his face in annoyance. After a night like the last one, he wasn't in the mood to deal with anything remotely like this.
'For the position of the Captain of the Third Division,' Yamamoto finished, half opened eyes watching everyone's reactions closely, slightly amused to see how strained a few of them looked, 'This is a very serious matter and I'd like you to listen closely. This shinigami has passed the captain proficiency test, overseen by three Captains, including myself,' there was another long pause, before he added, 'She's fully qualified and I have appointed her the position,'
'And?' Soifon, Captain of the Second Division and Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō, found she was so surprised that any form of politeness flew out of her mind, 'If this shinigami,' she didn't say 'she' because it seemed too strange, 'Can perform Bankai and has passed the test . . .' breaking off, she shook her head abruptly, 'If they've only just graduated, how can they be qualified at all to assume such a position?'
'Hnn,' the Head Captain had obviously already made his decision, and since he'd gone to the length to have this candidate do the captains test, then this wasn't a joke at all, 'You have all heard my words. There is a new captain in the Gotei 13, this should be cause for some relief,'
No one spoke or made any further comments, they all simply turned to the doors at the opposite end of the Hall, silently waiting to see this 'new captain' before they made their decision. Whether or not they'd be happy with what they saw . . . it was too hard to guess.
'Kuroiyami Likara, enter now,' once again, the loud echoing sound that the staff made when it hit the ground sounded out, breaking the tense quiet along with Yamamoto's booming voice.
The tall doors pulled open, allowing midday sunlight to stream into the room, illuminating all but the darkest of corners, showing a dark silhouette in that opening. The previously indistinguishable figure moved forwards, posture filled with calm independence, and finally everyone could gaze upon this new shinigami captain without having to squint.
Kuroiyami Likara was most certainly a girl, probably about five foot tall with a lithe and well trained figure. Her black hair was long, reaching past her waist, and it was perfectly straight, highlighted naturally with a pure silver and drawn back at either side of her head with turquoise ribbons. Her right eye was completely hidden by the thin veil of her side fringe and, if she was human, one would've suspected her to be in her mid-teens. Still, her turquoise gaze held something that suggested a much longer lifetime. She wore a standard sleeveless haori and, attached by a thin chain, her zanpakuto rested on her back, the black of the sheath a sharp contrast to the white of her uniform.
In a way that was perfectly polite, she bowed, hair sliding aside to reveal the kanji for three on her haori, inside of the symbol of the Gotei 13, 'Nice to meet you all,'
I used to loathe you with everything I had . . .
Straightening, she cast her steady gaze over each of the assembled captains, not pausing at all, and coming to rest with her stare directed at the Head Captain. She seemed to silently say something in a way of greeting, indicating that they had indeed met before that current day, and then she bowed slightly once again.
But this, I hope, will show me what is not so heartless about you lot . . .
'This captains meeting is now dismissed,' Yamamoto closed his eyes once more, and thoughtfully thumped his staff again, 'Thank you everyone, you may leave,'
With my own eyes, I'd like to see everything from a new perspective . . . from their side
The sounds of movement were the only things breaking the silence which had grown up once again after the Head Captain had ended the meeting. No one was sure what to do or say, except the friendlier, easy-going captains who could make any situation seem a little less awkward. Or make it more awkward in a friendly way . . .
'Hello, we're Ukitake Jūshirō and Kyoraku Shunsui,' both captains spoke at the same time, the former smiling brightly and the latter smiling . . . lopsidedly, 'Don't be afraid to ask us questions,' they seemed to be about to add something else when another voice interrupted them.
'Goodness me,' a smiling Unohana appeared beside Ukitake, 'You two shouldn't harass Captain Kuroiyami, you're making fools of yourselves. Captain Ukitake, you're due for a check-up, and Captain Kyoraku,' said captain glanced at her guiltily, 'Your Lieutenant is looking for you, I can hear her shouting from here,'
'Yes, now that I think about it, I can too,' Jūshirō smiled encouragingly at his old friend, 'You'd better hurry then! We wouldn't want you to be in trouble,'
As the three of them continued to 'talk', only Ukitake and Unohana noticed that Kuroiyami Likara turned and slipped away, but neither of them said anything. Kyoraku might have noticed too, but he wasn't exactly that interested in chasing after cool captains, he was more focused on thinking up ways to escape from his Lieutenant as he'd already decided that, if she was shouting for him, he was already in trouble.
Tōshirō, watching everything from a shadowed corner of the room, blinked twice and contemplated hitting himself, just to be sure he wasn't sprawled on the ground somewhere fast asleep and that this really was reality. Because no matter how hard he tried to convince himself otherwise, this wasn't a joke, lie, dream, or nightmare. What had just happened had happened, and there was nothing he could do about it. Not that he knew what he would've done if there'd been any chance to do so.
The shock of the whole event left his mind spinning around at a hundred miles per hour and, turning to walk out through the door, he wondered if it would be a good idea just to go back to the Division, pretend everything was normal, and continue on with his piles of paperwork.
No matter what, not even if the world will end or even if it means I'll die again . . . I will not ever become a shinigami . . . never
Shaking his head and shoving violently at the thought that surfaced in his mind, the words spoken in such a hate filled way, Tōshirō exited the Assembly Hall and, with a few powerful shunpo, he was outside of the Tenth Division.
Likara took a few moments to look around before deciding that delaying wasn't going to do anything for her, and then she turned to face the entrance to the Third Division. She'd been informed that all of the shinigami who would be part of her Division were gathered in the courtyard, waiting to see their new captain. It was a relatively smooth trip so far, albeit with a few odd occurrences, like the one with the three captains, but she was still a little ill at ease with everything. Giving up such a strong hatred hadn't been easy, but it wasn't like she hadn't had a strong motive to counter those dark emotions.
Looking up once again, the new captain walked forwards and into the courtyard, sharp eyes already noting details about the gathered shinigami, 'Everyone,'
The hum of voices died immediately, and everything was completely quiet, save for a few people who couldn't stop themselves from gaping and consequently made snapping noises with their teeth as they forcefully closed their mouths.
'Are you our new captain?' there was a faint amount of disbelief in the man's tone, despite the fact he was looking at someone wearing a haori, 'When we were informed by Lieutenant Ki-,'
Cutting the speaker off with a wave of her hand, Likara turned her steely gaze on the blonde man standing to one side of the group, 'Lieutenant Kira Izuru,' it wasn't a question.
'Yes? T-that's me,' he seemed like a pathetically nervous person, but she wasn't about to let her first impression get in the way of forming an easy to handle working relationship with this Lieutenant, 'So, ah, you're our new captain?'
'That's right,' standing back a little, she crossed her arms and gave them all a chilly look, 'Kuroiyami Likara, but don't forget to call me captain,'
No one moved at all, they just stared at her in a dumbfounded way, unsure of what to think about this person who'd just walked in and immediately shown just how much she wasn't going to be the type of person to let them have drinking parties and holidays as often as their previous Division leader had . . . before he turned traitor, of course. They didn't realise she actually expected some kind of reaction, whether positive or the opposite of positive, she didn't really mind.
But still, anything was better than this strange awkwardness in which they all stared and she just stood there, feeling a little like a sculpture or a well-cared for bonsai at a show.
'Well . . . er, Captain Kuroiyami,' someone had the courage to open their mouth and force a few words from their dry throat, 'Would you like a tour around the Division?'
Considering this for a moment, Likara eventually shook her head, 'Sorry,' she couldn't believe she was apologising, but that's just how it was, she did have to try a little at forming some sort of bond with those who were serving under her in the Third Division, after all, 'I think I'll just have Kira show me the offices. How much paperwork is incomplete?'
Having heard a little about the massive amount of filing work the captain of any of the Divisions had to do, she was easily able to imagine the stacks that would be positioned beside a desk that was apparently going to be hers.
'Uhm . . . that is to say, maybe half,' the blonde Lieutenant gave an almost sheepish smile before gesturing in the direction of the offices, 'If you'd like, I can show you to the captain's office,'
Holding back any sort of cold remark, Likara simply nodded politely before following the man away from the courtyard, leaving a still stunned and relatively motionless bunch of shinigami behind.
'Get back to work . . . please,' her voice, expressionless as ever, still caused chaos as they all scrambled into action, intent on staying on her good side . . . if she had one, that was.
'Yoo-hoo! Captain?' when the sound of the overly cheerful voice drifted towards him from outside of the office building, Tōshirō almost got up and ran, but, after some contemplation, he decided that he may as well let her have her moment of annoying him. At least then he'd be able to get back to work because she always shot off as soon as she'd finished saying whatever she'd bothered to return for.
'Yes, Matsumoto?' as Rangiku burst into the room, the white haired shinigami currently seated at his desk, glanced up, noting with some trepidation that she appeared to be slightly drunk, 'What is it?'
'I brought you that water you asked for,' she smiled charmingly, pushing back her strawberry blonde hair with one hand and extending her other towards him, a bottle dangling precariously from her fingers, 'It's super special and super good for you, trust me,'
Feeling incredibly hesitant now, Tōshirō reached out and took the bottle from her carefully, bringing it to his nose and sniffing cautiously.
Seconds later, Matsumoto was drenched in sake.
'What exactly is your problem?' the shouting of a certain young captain reverberated out through the walls of the office, 'I didn't even ask for water but you come in here saying I did and giving me sake! Why exactly do you find doing these things so satisfying? Or even necessary? And what have you been doing today? Slacking no doubt! I can't believe you can somehow retain your position as a Lieutenant! I mean really-,' feeling a sudden wave of dizziness washing over him, Tōshirō sat abruptly, slumping forwards so far that his forehead touched his desk, 'Urgh . . . just go away, I'm not in the mood to deal with you right now,'
Suddenly sober, no one knew how she could choose when to be drunk, Rangiku ignored her soaked shihakusho and instead she moved closer to the desk, concerned about her captain's health, 'Captain? Are you alright? Should I call for someone from the Fourth Division?'
'I'm fine,' straightening and ignoring the way his head span, Tōshirō pointed at the door, 'Matsumoto, that is the direction you will be going in. You have five seconds before I tie you to a chair and make you do all of the paperwork that's over there,' gesturing with his other hand to the huge stacks of pages, the captain glared at her, 'One, two, three, four, fi-,'
'Alright! I'm going!' giving up as it was obvious he wasn't going to admit what was wrong, the woman turned and left the room, stopping suddenly in the doorway to ask, 'So what happened at the meeting? Was it something to do with the Third Division? Because on the way here I looked into the courtyard there and everyone was running about like mad koi,'
She didn't seem to realise that koi were fish and, as such, couldn't physically 'run around'.
'Yes it was to do with the Third Division,' feeling slightly repentant, he decided to answer her, closing his eyes pensively . . . while actually trying to stop his vision from going black, 'They've got a new captain,'
Rangiku watched the expression on her captain's face shift slightly and she wondered how she was supposed to decipher the look that came over him, or describe the change in his reiatsu. It was clear enough that this new captain wasn't what anyone had expected, though, and she wondered why that would be.
'See ya later, cap'n,' deciding that being drunk at a time like this was way easier than being in her right mind, the Lieutenant drifted away from the Tenth Division and towards the Ninth instead, 'I'll be back,'
Tōshirō waited until he could no longer sense Matsumoto at all, and then he put down his brush, resting his head in his hands. He better get a good night's sleep tonight, or else everything really would collapse and bury him under a mountain of negativity. Since that didn't sound like a desirable outcome at all, he tried to focus once more on his work, but somehow the image of Kuroiyami as she walked into the Assembly Hall, so cold but not so filled with that emotion akin to disgust, kept taking his attention.
The main question, of course, was 'Why is she here?' but the other, which would chronologically be asked before that one, was 'Why is she even a shinigami?'
He'd heard her vowing to stay away from shinigami until the end of time, so what in the world was all of this about. Becoming a shinigami captain? It seemed outrageous and unrealistic, but that was exactly what had happened.
Tōshirō found he couldn't wrap his mind around the concept, no matter how hard he tried. The memory of her silent hatred when he'd seen her that last time before leaving for the Academy still burned his mind with icy cold fire.
There was nothing he could think of doing to resolve all of the confusion other than asking her directly, but he wasn't supposed to talk to her, or even appear in her line of sight. Or at least, that's what she'd soundlessly told him that day, all those years ago
Shaking his head and trying to ignore the pounding of the vicious headache that had appeared to plague him a very short time prior to Matsumoto's appearance, Tōshirō left his office and went straight to the barracks, slumping on his bed and curling up tightly, drowning in his indecision.
Author's Note:
Kuroiyami's official introduction, Yamamoto's stiff joints, Tōshirō's angst, and everything else that goes with the appointment of a new captain. Well, I'm not sure if all such promoted shinigami would cause the aforementioned white haired captain such trouble, but still . . .
Anyhow! Hope you enjoyed!
