Chapter 9: Bitterness, Disobedience and Who knows What else

"Hitsugaya Kyokki, I have heard your captain's request for you to travel to the human world for experience,

The Captain-Commander was a broad old man who spoke slowly. The hall in which the meeting took place was colossal. There was a wonder that Kyokki had to contain; this was where all the captains would gather if there ever was an emergency meeting. The old man was sitting in his chair at the end of the hall. His eyes were closed (she had never seen them open) and in his hand was his walking stick.

Kyokki did not enjoy being in the Captain-Commander's presence, even if he was the leader of Gotei's 13 squads - he reminded her too much of her own father those many years ago: that detestable tone in his voice, the sharp points in his face, the way he looked at her like she wasn't worthy... Nevertheless, she kept her face passive and listened quietly as he continued.

"I have considered your request, and it is my concern that while you did graduate from the Academy early, you are not a ranked officer, and my sending a shinigami to such a different place would only raise concerns," Kyokki's blood chilled. She knew what was coming, "Therefore, my decision is no, I will not allow you an assignment in the mortal world."

Words slipped from her mouth before she knew it, "But-"

Clunk! The hollow sound of wood on wood resounded throughout the hallway. "Do not test my patience! I have wasted more than enough time on your request. My decision is FINAL!"

Fuming, Kyokki kept her mouth shut and bowed. She could feel his eyes on her as she walked from the room. The day was still young, and as Kyokki stepped out into the sunlight, she could hear the birds singing their morning song. She tightened her jaw. Sending an unranked officer into the mortal world would raise concerns ... pfft. I am so much more than what everyone thinks I am. But whose fault was that?

"Kyokki-chan!" Hinamori's voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Hinamori...!" The girl turned towards the vice-captain, "What're you doing here?" It was difficult to keep her tone pleasant. Kira and Renji often spoke highly of Hinamori, especially of her kidou skills and the many fights they had experienced with each other. Kyokki envied that. Even though Hinamori was several decades older than her, it was hard to interact with her without feeling bitter or jealous, knowing that Toushirou's heart was split between the both of them.

Hinamori smiled, holding up a letter. "Aizen-taichou wants me to give his report to the Captain-Commander," she studied the girl's guarded face for a bit before, "Were you just in there? How come you're here, Kyokki-chan?"

The girl shrugged. "Just taking a morning walk."

"You look troubled. Is something wrong between you and Shirou-chan?"

Hinamori would be able to tell if there's tension in Toushi-nii's face... did she meet him on the way here? "No, nothing's wrong." She met Hinamori's gaze steadily.

The lieutenant flushed and smiled nervously at the confidence she spoke with. "Oh. I just wanted to make sure. I mean, sorry if I asked too much. Um, I'll see you around, okay? Bye!"

Kyokki nodded a farewell and turned back towards the porch. There was too much to think about here; too many people to avoid, too many people not trip over ... she wanted out. And if it wasn't going to happen with the permission of the authority, she was going to make it happen without their permission. The sooner, the better.


It was half an hour after Toushirou's breathing changed that Kyokki entered the Senkei gate, a hell butterfly leading. She had hijacked the system, creating an illusion that the Senkei gate had never been breached, allowing her to walk through it without setting off the alarm.

As she neared the light at the end of the tunnel, her heart beat faster; she could taste the familiar air, air she hadn't breathed in fifty plus years. This was the closest to freedom she had ever been in years.

Her eyes narrowed. It was time.