A/N: Bonjour readers! I welcome you to Chapter 2 of The Cursed Eye. In this chapter we introduce Maadi the main character. When you're done reading please review even if you don't have anything nice to say. Criticism is welcome!
BRING IT- *Grabs wild side by the collar.* No. *Glares at wild side.* Gulp, yes ma'am. *Wild side nods wildly.*
Well, I thank you for reading and hope you enjoy. Bye! *Waves while glaring down at wild side.*
Disclaimer: All Bleach characters and terms belong to Tite Kubo. I only own my characters and plot line!
'Dang Dong' Looking up I peered out of the rot iron window next to table I sat at. 'The announcement bell?' I thought in confusion. Watching as the large bronze bell swung back and forth in the arching marble tower. The late afternoon sun suddenly flickered over the bronze and I winced as it momentarily blinded me. "Maadi." Looking over my shoulder I blinked and smiled. "Mr. Leon." I nodded to the old librarian. "Maadi don't you think you ought to be heading to the meeting?" He asked, raising a thick grey eyebrow. "They haven't called for the guards." I answered, already gathering my things to go. "But just in case-" "But just in case I'll go. I know the drill Mr. Leon." I smiled at him as he laughed and nodded. "Well, get on then." He waved taking the books I held. "Goodbye." I called as I rushed out the large wooden doors. "Always in a rush!" He called back.
And I was, even though I should already know how to regulate my time to fit my schedule. But I guess it's genetic since I remembered my father always complaining about my mother being late for everything. Meetings, dates, and important dinners. I smiled sadly at the memory of my father reprimanding her every time she showed up thirty minutes late.
Coming out of my reminiscing I came to a skidding stop at the top of the stairs. Catching my breath I grabbed the railing and jumped every two steps. When I finally came to the base of the steps I whipped the door open and leaned out. Looking up and down the hall.
The main hall of the castle was like a ghost town. Completely absent of guards, servants, and the errand runners for the many secretary's. 'Alright!' I mentally rejoiced as I eased out the door. Knowing well how people popped out of nowhere around here. Tip toeing past the doors that lined the hall I slowly opened the massive golden doors that opened to the inner court yard.
From the very top of the steps I could see every single person that worked, served, or was simply visiting the castle standing in neat columns. In front of the huge crowd was the wooden podium set at the edge of the stone uprising that served as a stage for announcements and performances. Standing in a straight line at the right end of the stage were the four generals of the Royal Army. And standing just behind them was the leader of the Castles Guard and the Royal Guard. Swallowing hard I felt a cold sweat break out over my entire body.
This had to a be very important announcement if the Generals were here. And as if that didn't scream important meeting the golden bejeweled throne that sat smack dab in the middle of the stage did. The King's out door throne! 'I'm late for this important of a meeting?' I thought in a panic.
Taking a deep breath I eased out of the doorway and dashed down the stone steps. Running at top speed behind the large crowd and coming to a stop at the end of my row. "Thank God you're here!" Saaya waved her arms wildly at me. Leaning to the side I looked over at the stage. The Generals and Leaders of the Guard looked too preoccupied by their own ties to have noticed me. Sighing in relief I made my way to Saaya.
"Hey." I whispered, squeezing into my spot behind her. "Where have you been?" She asked in an urgent whisper. "Sorry. I was reading a book in the library." I told her. "Again? You're always in the library! Why don't you just check out a book and take it with you?" She asked, throwing up her hands. Tugging them down I put a finger to my lips. "You know how I lose things. And some of those books are centuries old." Rolling her eyes Saaya simply shook her head and turned back around. Ending our conversation just in time for the trumpets to sound. Our national anthem played through the air as the doors to the royal wing swung open.
The King's personal body guards came down the steps in their regular 'U' shaped fashion. Stopping at the base of the steps they surveyed the area. Then breaking apart allowing the King himself to strut down the steps. Dressed in pressed black trousers and an olive silk button down shirt the King came hopping down the steps. Quickly he pulled on his rich blue coat that had black cuffs and a golden collar. The coat ended at his knees and seemed stiff, as he walked up to the stage. Rays of sunlight shone on the few grey strands in the raven black hair that waved out from under his gold crown.
"Good evening everyone!" He cried, holding up his arms. "Good evening you're Highness!" The crowd shouted as one. Taking a deep breath I pressed a palm to my stomach hoping to ease the butterflies that fluttered aggressively in there. I always got the jitters when I got to see my adoptive Father even if he couldn't see me. I always felt as if every eye of the royal family was staring at me disapprovingly whenever I was near any royal, especially the King.
I was snapped out of my thoughts as the King tapped softly on the floating silver circle that served as what humans called a microphone. The only difference between the two was the fact this microphone made it seem as if the person talking was right next to you. Making sure everyone could hear word for word.
"I welcome you all to this important meeting." The King drew my attention back. "I know the past year has been a dream come true. What with the war being over. But I am saddened to say that a new threat has decided to make its self-known." He told us. He paused and as he did there were multiple whispers among the crowd.
Cocking his head the King continued. "But with that new threat has comes a new alliance. Almost." At that I raised an eyebrow. "I say almost because they, the shinigami, want something to insure that we will keep an alliance with them once this new enemy is no longer a threat. So they have proposed a marriage." The King stopped and looked around at the crowd.
Everyone was silent as a tension spread through us. Looking at Saaya I could see her looking back at me from the corner of her eye. Reassuringly I patted her shoulder. Usually marriages mostly involved nobles and sometimes even members of the royal family. "So instead of picking someone myself everyone from the lowest noble family to my own has to put their name in a bowl. That's how we will pick who marries the shinigami that is chosen from the other side." Swallowing hard I stared at the King in surprise.
Suddenly as the King took a deep breath there was an up roar. Voices increased in volume and then out of the mass of voices came a shout. "Who cares about that! Who's the new enemy?" There were nods among the crowd. The voices that had once before been shouting and arguing slowly came down to a soft murmur and then once again silence. I smiled at everyone mentally high fiving whoever had shouted out.
The King smiled at us. "I'm glad you asked." Taking a breath he continued. "The demons that we regularly fight have banded together along with a creature that we hardly ever have to fight. Hollows. We all know what they are and know that they usually aren't something we see as a real threat. But seeing as they have joined with the demons they have been given power they have never had before. The city Eldora has already been struck with this new enemy. They're city had a population of 13,786. There are now only 409 people who lived through the attack. Including the wounded." A collective gasp came from the crowd. A hand flew to my mouth guard as I heard the number. "Only 409?" I whispered disbelieving. How could the Hollows be that powerful?
The King nodded agreeing with our shock. "I was just as shocked. And the demons that usually stayed away from all the shinigami and the spirits of the dead have now been attacked. Many of the shinigami have been injured and killed. And I thank all of you who have fought before in our last war. I regret having to call upon you all again. But this time not only does your own species and country need you but so does the lives of the protectors of the afterlife." The King stood from his slouched leaning position against the podium.
"I thank you for your time. The bowl and pieces of paper will be place here tomorrow morning." Standing straight and tall the King made his way back to the Royal Family's wing. Jogging up the steps the royal body guards followed.
The trumpets played the notes that marked the end of a meeting as the doors closed. Swallowing hard everyone turned collectively towards the head of the Castle Guard. "Everyone go back to your stations. The rest of the evening will go as pre scheduled." He announced, and with the other men who had been standing on the stage headed ahead of the crowd to the main hall. Following accordingly the rows dispersed one by one.
A/N: Thank you for reading! *Smiles brightly at reader.* Now for something that needs to be addressed. I know that in Bleach the shinigami call themselves (and are called by others) Soul Reapers. I just, ya know, took a liberty. Don't kill me if it frustrates you, kay?
Now time for a song! I thank thank thank yooooouuuuuuu-! *Taps energetic side on the shoulder.* Yeeesss-? *Blinks innocently.* Get the fuck out. *Throws energetic side into the sunset.*
Well, thanks again for reading! Please read the third Chapter when it's up! Bye!