Chapter Two: The Illuminating Night

"I can't look at the stars
They make me wonder where you are
Stars, up on heaven's boulevard
And if I know you at all, I know you've gone too far
So I, I can't look at the stars."

"Stars" by Grace Potter & The Nocturnals


'Why? Why is he here?'

She had to leave; she couldn't abide by the courtyard. The tears she wept were not for the public to see, for Hirako Shinji to see. Putting on a mask was much harder than she expected. Her facade was to protect her, secure her from this pain, but instead it began to impair once she locked eyes with him. As she departed from the scene, her mask began to crumble.

'I need to escape. Anywhere...anywhere but here.'

A wave of emotion rushed towards her. Kotori believed she was ready to face Shinji, but once she saw him she froze. Luckily for her, she mustered up enough energy to keep an emotionless gaze. To break down right in front of him would not prove beneficial.

'Why the hell am I crying?! I told myself years ago to stop crying...to move on. Just stop! Damn it, stop crying!'

Tears continued to cascade down her face as she hugged herself tightly behind a pillar.

'Breathe,' she thought, 'Just breathe.'

Kotori knew she had to face him one day, whether it was a hundred years from now or tomorrow. It was kismet, but she didn't know if she was ready to talk to Shinji. Slowly, she released herself and rose. As she stood, a beaten green colored book dropped from her grasp.

'Kidō and You,' she read, turning to the first page, 'That's right, today's my last day. I can't forget to renew you. Hopefully no one's at the library.'

By the time she entered the book filled room, her tears had dried. No one was inside; everyone was outside greeting and socializing with the division captains, and Kotori was thankful for that. She headed straight towards the main desk to renew her book but when she reached it, the librarian was not present. Instead there stood a small sign that read "Out at lunch. Be back in an hour". Kotori decided to wait; she did not have anywhere else to go, no other plans. After placing the book on top of a nearby table, she sat down. Her eyes roamed around and spotted paper. She did what she found most relieving and that was to write.

November 3rd

To be honest, I don't even know the purpose as to why I'm writing. Maybe it's because I need a scapegoat from reality...or maybe because I don't have anyone to share my thoughts with. Nothing now seems right but then again when was anything right? I thought attending the academy would help me forget him. Instead, I'm now faced with the fact he's a Captain. Should I pack up my belongings and leave just as he did? I don't know...what I do know for certain is that I miss my mother. I miss her very presence next to me and her kind words. Ha, I even miss her food! Mom, I hope you're alright. Without you, I wouldn't be here. So this...all of my hard effort and training...this will be for you, Mom.

She paused for a moment. What else should she write? Kotori decided to continue writing as if she were talking to her mother.

Is today real? Or am I dreaming? He fell without warning and I can't help but feel hurt...this feeling inside me still lurks ever since he left us. He was able to live his dream: to become a Shinigami. I was able to live a nightmare- a nightmare which I can't escape. Selfish as this may seem but why were we the ones hurt? He didn't even dare to stop once to think how would we feel? Leaving in the middle of the night...what good is that!? Ha...look at me mother, I sound exactly like a bickering wife. I am no wife but a hurt friend. If you were here, you would make jokes about this and tell me everything will be alright...but who will tell me everything will be better now?

"I do enjoy a good book about kidō myself."

Quickly, Kotori shoved the paper inside her pocket. This was not done in a surreptitious manner but as long as the paper was out of sight. Slowly, she turned her stiff body towards the voice.

"I'm sorry, did I startle you?" He confessed, "I'm quite surprised actually. I have never met another person here interested in Kidō and You as well."

Aizen Souske smiled kindly at Kotori as he pulled out the chair in front of her.

"You are reading this, correct?" He asked, pointing at the book.

"Oh, yes! I started reading a couple weeks ago. You read Kidō and You?"

"I have read it several times," He smiled, "Not a difficult read but nonetheless enjoyable. Have you reached the Hadō section of the book?"

"I'm...still on the Bakudō section."

"There is nothing wrong with that," Aizen chuckled, "You're still a first year, Sachi-san. There are several fourth year students that still cannot perform a proper Shakkahō."

His serene voice relaxed her but that didn't prevent Kotori from being cautious. She did not feel his presence enter the library; he came like a silent ghost. Something about him scared her, but she was curious to learn more.

"Are you proficient in any of these spells, Aizen-san?"

"Proficient, yes. Other than that, I'm not as advanced as the captains," he answered modestly, "How are you with Kidō, Sachi-san?"

"Wait...if you don't mind me asking but how do you know my name? I don't remember ever talking to you before."

"I know the name of all of my students. What type of teacher would I be?" He smiled, picking up Kidō and You.

"Suppose not a very good one."

"Correct, a teacher is one who teaches for the benefit of their students. We have to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, and then improve upon them. Every student differs," he described, flipping to the first chapter of the book, "For example, Sachi-san, your weakness currently is with the fourth spell, Hainawa."

"And how do you know this?"

"Simple," he revealed the indent on the page Kotori left, "You keep referring back to this page either because you are extremely interested in rope or because you are having difficulties with this spell. In my opinion, I believe it is the latter."

He set the book back down on the table with the very same smile he had on a moment ago. Kotori did not know what to think of him: a genius detective or creepy. She couldn't help but wonder if all skilled Shinigami were like this. Aizen did not only have everything correct, but he conducted all this information by just looking at the book. Still, whether Aizen knew it or not, there were flaws to his statement.

"Though you are correct, Aizen-san, but..." she challenged, "why did you ask me how I was with Kidō when you knew the answer all along?"

She trapped him.

"It was to see if you knew you are having difficulties."

Or so she thought. She blinked several times at his answer.

"If you need help with Kidō, I will be willing to teach you some techniques," he offered.

"Oh no, I'm fine. Why ask a proficient when there are advanced Shinigamis around?" she joked to herself.

"You are correct, Sachi-san," he laughed, "The same as to why I am asking to help you when there are students more willing to learn."

Before Kotori had the time to come back with something, Aizen stood up from his chair.

"I'm sorry to cut this conversation short, Sachi-san, but I have to return to paperwork."

"Oh it's alright, Aizen-san. Work is work done."

"I shall be seeing you in class Tuesday then. Enjoy the rest of your day," He smiled, exiting the library main door.

Kotori waved her teacher goodbye and sighed in relief. The conversation ended and the library returned to its nature state: silence. She silently thanked Aizen for distracting her from Shinji. The doleful expression she had on earlier did not suit her. She attended the academy to strive away from sadness, to strive away from Shinji.

'No, I have to stay here to become stronger. I will no longer hide away. I...have to make amends with Shinji.'

Her resolve. She found her resolve. Kotroi cannot eschew him for the rest of her life; he is apart of her life that cannot be erased. A small smile found its way to her lips.

"Miss! Did you need any help?"

The librarian returned from her lunch and from the smell that escaped her, she had miso soup.

"Yes! Just let me grab my book-"

Kotori stopped mid sentence because the book no longer was on the table. She pulled out the chair she sat on and searched underneath the table, but the book could not be found.

'Did Aizen take it by mistake?'

She continued to ask herself because he was the last one to hold the book.

"Miss?" the librarian impatiently asked, "Did you have to renew a book?"

"Never mind. I seem to have misplaced the book."

"Then you do know that for every day you do not return it there is a fine, correct?"

"Yes, I know."

"Then hurry and find the book, please."

Kotori stepped outside of the library and hurried back to her dorm.

'If only someone didn't take my book, I wouldn't have to pay the fine. Oh well, I'm sure he'll return it soon.'

A loud sigh escaped from her as she laid on her bed. Hearing the sound of paper in her pocket, she reached inside and unraveled it. At least no one had the paper. Kotori looked outside her window. The sky had darkened to a navy blue while the stars twinkled and danced. She loved the night sky. Each star represented something new; there was a story to all of them. She smiled as the stars glistened, reminding her of times when she was younger. A cold breeze suddenly swept in causing Kotori to shiver. Closing her window shut, she returned to palliating the issue of the missing book. She quickly wrote down one last sentence on her paper and turned off the lights. Darkness quickly filled her room as she covered herself in blankets. Her last words read:

Aizen Sōsuke has to pay for my overdue book.


"It's about time you guys return back to yer dorms. The moon's already out!"

"But Hirako-san! You were going to tell us another story!" A student cried, "Perhaps the one of how you became a Captain?"

"Nice try, but it's gettin' late. You guys return back. You have class tomorrow."

"Fine," they all mumbled, "Good night, Hirako-san! Come visit us at the academy soon!"

The group of seven students quickly left to return to their dorms. They spend the entire evening talking to various captains and asking them questions about themselves. Fun as it may sound, Shinji found it a bit tiresome. Student after student would ask the same question, and he grew bored being redundant of his answers. He waved the students goodbye and once they could not be seen anymore, he turned towards the Fifth Division Barracks. After stretching his arms, he returned them back to his pockets and raised his head at the starry sky.

'The sky's filled with stars...Kotori-chan would be happy to see them.'

A doleful expression crept its way to Shinji's face. He knew Kotori would one day come to the academy and he was ready to answer any question she threw at him. However, she asked no questions. She did not cry. She did not yell. She simply acknowledge him as if he were vermin. When he looked into her eyes, he noticed the light disappeared from them. Her eyes were emotionless and hollow. He felt a tug at his heart.

'If I had known...'

He reached his office, but did not open the door.

'If I had known you would hold so much sadness now, I wouldn't have left.'

Frustration hit him faster than lightning. He wanted to find Kotori and apologize for his wrongs. Leaving her kindled her current state. She didn't deserve this; she deserved a reason, an explanation. The office door creaked opened and Shinji quickly garnered these feelings away.

"Returning so late, Captain Hirako?"

Aizen stood inside the office holding the door open for his captain.

"I've been busy," Shinji responded casually, as he entered the office, "Besides where have you been?"

"Unlike you, I have been here finishing paperwork which you have neglected to do Captain."

Shinji arrived at his desk and noticed his mountain of papers disappeared. His lieutenant told the truth; Aizen finished all of his captain's paperwork along with his. Turning his attention away from his barren desk, he watched as Aizen pulled out a chair to read a book that was on the table. Aizen analyzed the book intently as if there was a cryptic message inside.

"What's that yer reading, Sōsuke?"

His lieutenant looked at him, confused.

"Ya look so interested in that book."

"It's simply a book I borrowed from a student in one of my classes," he smiled to himself, "Kidō and You."


Bang, bang.

Bang, bang.

"Kotori! Kotori! Open this door now! C'mon! We're going to be late for class!"

Cacophonous knocks greeted Kotori early the next morning. Groaning at the harsh awakening, she grabbed her pillow and covered her ears. She wanted the noise to disappear. Tokimi, however, did not stand by her wishes.

"You better not still be asleep! Kotori, hurry up!"

The door swung open swiftly. Kotori used it to prop her up as if she were in need of support from a materialistic object.

"Sorry, Tokimi-san. I'm not feeling well. Do you mind heading to class by yourself?" She lied.

"Wow, you really aren't doing so well. I mean you look bad...well a bit worse than your usual self." Tokimi confessed as she felt Kotori's forehead, "Do you need any medicine?"

"No, I'm fine. I'm sure I'll be better later today."

"C'mon, I feel bad for leaving a friend in a state like this," she whined, "Are you sure there's nothing I can get for you?"

"Yes, I'm sure. If anything, you can come over later today and tell me what we learned in Kidō class."

"Will do! And if I may say something..."

"What is it, Tokimi-san?"

"You have to let me do something to your hair one day!" She exploded, pointing at Kotori's hair, "It doesn't even look like you've combed it today!"

"Maybe that's because someone here didn't give me an opportunity to comb my hair with her constant banging on my door."

"Oops..." Tokimi spoke, as she slowly walked away from the door, "Didn't want us to be late to class but since you're not going, I'll see you later!"

She ran down the elongated hallway, pushing several students away. Time was running out and she had to hurry to attend class. Tokimi Mae never had any manners. She spoke what ever was on her mind, which usually were rude comments about one's clothing and hair. But no one dared to say anything to her or at least in front of her face. Power was what she had; she had the power and money of a noble. She's also friends with other noble students which in turn, created a gap between her and the student majority who, like Kotori, came from Rukongai.

"Finally, some peace and quiet."

Kotori closed the door and crawled back into her bed. Inconsiderate as this may sound, but she did not really care for Tokimi. In her opinion, Tokimi Mae will drift away from her once they graduate. She's not one to abide by one's side due to her selfish ways. She only cares about herself. Kotori groaned at the fact for missing another day of class. This will be her second time absent from Kidō class and she already owed time for the last one. Then there was her issue dealing with Shinji; she had to face him.

'Where can he be?! Soul Society is huge!'

She shook her head in annoyance.

'I need some fresh. Thinking about this makes me want to bulge my eyes out.'

She quickly brushed her raven colored hair and tied it in a side pony tail. Wearing her academy shihakushō would cause unwanted attention, so Kotori took the liberty to change into a casual loose-fitting yukata. After she locked her door, Kotori headed towards the market.

The afternoon sun grazed the market in Rukongai but that did not affect anyone. Everyone who has lived in Rukongai adjusted themselves to the roaring sun. Consumers far and wide traveled from their homes to buy the freshest ingredients. The aroma of bread filled Kotori's nose as she entered the market. Walking down the earthy terrain, she saw bountiful shops but one stand in particular stole her attention: the flower stand.

'This stand hasn't changed a bit...I can still smell the roses from outside.'

Kneeling in front of a bucket of freshly cut wild roses, she inhaled their aroma. Only on the very day the roses are cut, these deep velvet beauties excreted the loveliest smell. Kotori smiled brightly as she smelled the roses, but she instantly left once she caught a glimpse of her favorite flowers. She pulled a single white calla lily and touched its soft spathe.

"Would the pretty lady like to buy one?" The elderly merchant asked, "Or how about the roses?"

"Oh no, no thank you. Just looking at one is enough for me."

"There are no lilies where you come from?"

"Sadly no, not many flowers of any kind," Kotori responded, standing up, "There are more trees and grass where I come from."

"How sad indeed. Is pretty lady sure she doesn't want to buy any?"

"Yes, yes. I am very sure. Thank you."

Kotori left the stand and continued walking around the market. The market offered everything one can imagine from food, jewelry, and even weapons. But Kotori came to the market place to buy one thing and she will leave with that one thing.

"Buy some bread! They're good for yer for health!"

"Fresh water! Fresh from the mountain top! This will help rejuvenate the body and soul!"

"Weapons! Come and get your weapons! The finest swords in Soul Society!"

The raven haired girl stopped at a particular stand. There were boxes stacked to the very top of the fabric, but Kotori did not need any yarn. She found an old worn out box and searched through the copious neglected journals. At the very bottom of the box, she found a leather journal much to her liking.

"Excuse me, sir! How much for this?" She yelled, waving the worn out journal high.

"That old thing? You can keep it, but why don't you look at these one's instead?" He persuaded, "They're much prettier...and look! A pink one that suits you."

"No, thank you. I'm fine with this one." She defended, thanking the man.

"Well if you end up not liking that old journal, you know where to fine me!"

Kotori left the stand with a cringe on her mouth.

'I'm sure no one wants a bright pink journal...'

The bright sun slowly died down, retreating back to the horizon. Noticing the time of day, Kotori believed it was time to return back to her room. As she neared the entrance of the market, the sound of hurried footsteps came her way.

"Pretty lady! Pretty lady!"

Kotori turned around to face the flower merchant she talked to a while ago. From the looks of him, he ran all the way from his stand to find her. Once he caught his breath, he handed her a bouquet of freshly picked white calla lilies.

"I'm sorry. I think you have the wrong person," She stated trying to return the lilies back.

"No, no. These are for you," he confirmed, "Someone paid for these after you left and told me to give them to you."

"Someone? Who was it?"

"I cannot say but it was a man of high power."

"High power? Who- hey! Wait! Don't leave!"

It was too late, the merchant not only escaped her but her question as well.

'Who could this be? Someone of high power? I'm not familiar with anyone of high power. Wait...Shinji.'

She looked at the bouquet in her hands. Why on earth would Shinji buy her flowers? A small smile escaped from her as she held the lilies close. She'll ask him when she finds him. Kotori returned home from her day at the market. After placing the white lilies in a vase, she heard someone knock on her door. It was none other than Tokimi Mae.

"Oh thank goodness! You're home!" Tokimi cried, "I came an hour ago trying tell you what we learned!"

"Sorry, I was out this afternoon."

"No duh, Kotori! You should've left a note. I was worried someone kidnapped you or something. Oh hey! What's that?" She granted herself permission into Kotori's room and walked over to the bouquet on her desk. "These are pretty. Well not as pretty as the roses I have in my room, but what are they?"

"They're calla lilies."

"Pretty, pretty, pretty," she exaggerated, "Oh! Who gave them to you?! Is it a secret boyfriend I don't know about? Kotori, you have to tell me!"

"Look, I don't know and you can't barge into someone's room like that."

"Well sorry, I thought I was your friend. How rude of you, but since I'm nice I'll forgive ya!" Tokimi chirped, sitting on Kotori's bed. "Hopefully whoever got these for ya will ask you to the Winter Festival."

"The Winter Festival?"

"You don't know?!" She gasped loudly, "It's an annual event that happens at the academy. There will be food, games, and lights. Oh, everything is so beautiful there! The colorful lights and lanterns illuminate the night sky! Everyone's dressed out of their uniforms and into formal attire. So hopefully everyone will look nice for a change. The guys will groom themselves up, while we girls wear cute kimonos! You'll love it, Kotori!"

'I highly doubt it.'

"Do I have to go with someone?"

"You'll look awkward without a date, Kotori."

"I'm not promising anything," she stated, "Besides, who are you going with?"

"Is that even a question?! Of course with Aizen-sama! Ah, I can imagine us now...him asking me with that gentle voice of his and me saying yes!"

"He hasn't even asked you yet, Tokimi-san."

"So?! That doesn't mean he won't! He still has a little over a month!"

Kotori sighed, "When is the Winter Festival anyway?"

"On December 15th!"

"Then he better ask you soon before the girls in our class ask him first."

"You're right! I can't let them have him!"

"Why won't you ask him instead?"

"But I'll sound desperate...if I do ask him, I can't too soon or too late. Patience Kotori, it's all about patience."

"Yes...patience. I never would have know you had it in you."

"Then you don't know me at all!"

"Sure, now get out of my room please," Kotori demanded, "I'm tired and it's time for bed."

"Oh fine, fine! Only if you let me do your hair for the festival!"

"If I go to the festival."

"No! You have to attend!"

"Alright, alright fine. Do my hair if that means getting you out of my room."

"Yes! I'll see you at Aizen-sama's class tomorrow!"

'That's right. Every Tuesday and Thursday, I have calligraphy. Guess missing class today messed I'll my train of thought.'

The animated diva left the room surprisingly without a bang. Kotori thanked the world that Tokimi finally left her room and in one piece. Taking one last look at the lilies, she smiled and thought of Shinji. She still is upset at him but there much be a reason and he was going to explain. His departure did leave a gap in her heart but she hoped for the best. She hoped for things to return as they were, for her to overcome this sadness he left. Kotori turned off the lights and glanced at the starry sky and waited for tomorrow.


And now, we take a peek at the past.

"Shinji! Slow down! I can't keep up!"

"That's yer fault, Kotori-chan! Catch me if ya can!" the young energetic boy hollered.

Nearly three weeks passed after Kotori's first encounter with Shinji. After spending much time with the blonde boy, she learned one important thing about him; he was adventurous. Just three days ago, he taught Kotori how to steal water surreptitiously without being caught. Her first attempt proved disastrous but after her third try, she was able to steal water like a professional. However, stealing water from a grumpy merchant is not their task today; it's climbing a large hill.

The grassy terrain tickled Kotori's feet. There was a slow flowing river to her right, but the river was not where the two were going. She hurried over to Shinji but whenever she reached him, he ran away further. This was a game of cat and mouse.

"Shinji! Stop running away! I'm getting tired!" the young girl cried, "Where are we even going!?"

"I told ya already, it's a surprise!"

"Can't you just tell me already?"

"Then it wouldn't be a surprise now would it?" He smirked, "Besides, we're almost there."

"That's what you said an hour ago!"

"Patience, Kotori-chan! Patience!"

She mumbled something underneath her breath and hoped Shinji did not hear. Growing tired of walking, Kotori paused for a quick break. Shinji appeared to not have noticed as he continued walking up the grassy hill. The young hazel eyed girl spotted something near the river. She knew what they were and hurried over.

The sun may have descended and darkened the sky, but Kotori noticed these flowers right away. Their pure white form and pollen filled middle are recognizable to her in any time of day. She touched the large flower spathe with his finger and trailed the spiral form.

"Oi, Kotori-chan. Whatcha lookin' at down there?"

His sudden presence made her lose balance and fall behind, but luckily Shinji caught her.

"You have to stop falling for me, Kotori-chan," he smirked, pulling her back up to her feet, "I'm flattered and all, but we just met."

"You liar," softy punching his shoulder, "Stop scaring me like that! You know I can't tell when you're behind me!"

"Then ya better start learning from the pro," he stated proudly, pointing at himself.

"Some pro you are...scaring people senselessly."

"Nah, I don't scare just anyone. It's just scaring you," he confessed casually, "Besides, what's that there? Weird lookin' flowers."

"These right here are calla lilies and they're not weird looking, they're pretty."

Shinji looked at the white lilies from all angles possible, analyzing the details of each one. After a moment, he plucked one by the stem. He strangely looked at the stem because he accidentally pulled out the root along with it. The stem was too long for him so he broke the stem so that only two inches were left.

"What are you doing!?" Kotori protested, "Don't pick the flower!"

But Shinji didn't listen and merely tucked the white lily behind Kotori's left ear.

"It looks prettier on you than on the ground."

"What-"

"Hurry up!" He yelled, grabbing Kotori's hand, "We're almost here and the sun's already down!"

The two quickly ran to the top of the hill. By the time they both reached the apex, they were short of breath. Kotori wanted to yell at Shinji for making her travel so far.

"No time to take a breath, Kotori-chan! Look at the sky!"

"What are you-"

The urge of wanting to yell disappeared. She couldn't yell at him because the scene bestowed upon her was breath taking. There, in the cloudless night, shined millions of stars. Colors varying from the lightest cream to an emerald green laid across the night sky. Kotori stood there flabbergasted and smiled ever so brightly. Never had she witnessed such a beautiful scene in her life.

While Kotori stared at the sky, Shinji was staring at her. He mused at the fact her eyes were so bright, perhaps even brighter than the stars in his opinion. She never looked so happy like she is now. Her radiant awestruck smile made him laugh; she looked like a confused fool. But even her flabbergasted look did not pry away from her beauty. Kotori was the true star that night and he smiled proudly at this accomplishment.

"Hey, Kotori-chan, lay down will ya? It won't strain your neck."

"Hm? Oh, okay."

She laid down next to Shinji on the grassy floor. She didn't know what to think; the sky was absolutely beautiful in every way possible. Two hours of walking was worth this and she was willing to experience it again.

"Hey, Shinji?"

"Hm?"

"Thank you."

"Wow," he turned his head facing her, "I didn't know you know how to thank someone."

"I do!" She laughed, "I just don't like thanking you so don't get used to it!"

"I won't, I won't."

"So how did you come across this place?"

"Like I said, it's a secret, Kotori-chan."

She asked no further questions; she didn't want to ruin the mood. The stars danced in the moonlight and across the night sky, twinkling brighter than the moon itself. Kotori smiled, but this time not for the stars; it was for Shinji. The thought of him planning out the evening and taking her on top of this grassy hilltop changed her opinion of him. He wasn't just adventurous, he was compassionate.

He understood what Kotori needed and he was willing to make her happy. She needed to escape from an uneventful morning that day. Shinji came to her aid like a superhero. Not only did her give her company, he gave her more than just that. He gave her the stars. Stars that will forever bond them together. These stars will forever remind her of this day, but the true star will always be Shinji. He's the star that will forever burn brightly in Kotori's mind.

And for the rest of the night, the two stars laid next to each other illuminating together as one.