Konnichiwa, Minna-san!
And here we go, enjoy!
DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING BUT THE FANCONCEPT OF MY FANFICTIONS.
-x-X-x-
Reflections
Who are you waiting for in your labyrinth of Emotions, with no exit in sight?
-x-X-x-
I was engulfed in darkness.
In this darkness, was a girl in a glowing barrier, her legs pulled close to her and her hair flowing in the faint light. Her eyes were closed, never opening, even when I laid my gloved hand on the surface of the barrier.
´Miyuki...`
My whisper was unheard. Her face didn't show any reaction, no twitch, nothing. I narrowed my eyes.
Her soul was withdrawn, in a coma. She was rejecting reality and shutting herself from the real world.
You stupid girl... you fell right into their trap like a fool.
Now you're making me take over this body of yours.
--
I stirred and slowly opened my green eyes. After a few seconds, the foggy mask over my view faded, and I was able to make out my surroundings. I was in the tight embrace of the prodigy my other self was in love with, his black robes were soaked with blood and I also notice that he was out cold.
Cold...
The floor was freezing, which didn't make me wonder, since it was covered in a layer of ice. After giving myself some time to synchronize nerves, my hands gently prayed his arms off, and I freed myself from his grasp. A grunt of pain escaped my lips and I held my stomach. It was the wound that Miyuki had received from her... parents. A frown creased my face when that crossed my mind. I tilted my head to the side when steps from the stairs were heard. They were getting quieter and quieter, so whoever was walking on the staircase was walking downwards.
''S-Sousuke!? You...'' If my memory serves me correctly, then that was Nicole Flamel's voice. It was filled with shock and confusion, something that I also remember Miyuki never experiencing.
''Why, what a surprise it is to see you again.'' When I heard Aizen's voice I narrowed my eyes before pulling myself to the edge of the plateau and saw the audience. Unohana, Kotetsu, Flamel, Ichimaru and...
My face twisted in disgust.
...Aizen.
''How can it be that you're—...You were dead! What is the meaning of this?! What's going on!? What have you done to Miyuki and the chisan?! (dwarf, kid)'' Flamel asked.
''Why, I thought you would be more cheerful to see your son alive, Haha-ue.''
'Mother'? I see...that would explain why Flamel was so depressed over his 'death'. Though this was still very unexpected.
But now when I look at them like that... they both have the same shade of skin, the same jaw line, same lips.
''You betrayed the Soul Society...and you were the one responsible for the Philosopher's Stone's experimental activities?'' she asked, her voice held disappointment and sorrow. ''Explain yourself, Sousuke!'' Aizen sighed wearily, but looked up at his mother again with that smile still on his lips.
''The highest source of power there is for a Spirit to obtain are those of the Soul Reaper, an Alchemist. 'I want that power,' was what I thought first, but...'' He stopped on one of the steps mid-way of the staircase. Flamel's face showed suspicion. ''When I received the results from the tests, I realized that your body structure is a lot more malleable. So it would be possible to transmute a Philosopher's Stone into a Philosopher's Catalyst, am I not right?'' Flamel's expression showed horror when she heard the words 'Philosopher's Catalyst'. ''With that, I can gain the abilities of an alchemist and multiply it with my powers of a shinigami. By transmuting myself.''
After recovering from her shock, Flamel balled her hands to a fist and glared at Aizen. ''You're going this far... just because you want power? Just because you weren't born as a Soul Reaper!?'' I didn't know what they were really talking about, but I got the basic idea that it was a bad thing. I mentally scoffed, thinking that I sounded a lot like Miyuki just now.
''Of course.'' Flamel gritted her teeth at her son's answer.
''You're just as sickening as your father.'' She spat, her glare full of emotions. Hatred, disappointment, wrath... but there was another one which I didn't recognise.
''It's a shame that you think that, Haha-ue.'' Aizen said before Unohana stepped up next to Flamel with narrowed eyes.
''Aizen, I understand how you planned everything, but how come you could create such a flawless Gigai?'' The taichou asked.
I cringed in pain as my elbows gave in, and I fell to my side one the floor. The aching from the wounds blocked out all words that were exchanged between the three. After cursing under my breath, I clapped my hands and was about to lay them on those wounds when a voice in my head stopped me.
`Toushirou... first...´ I was surprised that Miyuki was still conscious... or at least somewhat.
´We probably won't make it much longer.` I answered. I didn't care, but I wanted to make sure that Miyuki knew what she was asking of me. She didn't give a response so I crawled over to the taichou and looked at his unconscious face. I frowned, not really understanding how Miyuki can love this kid. My palms made contact to the wound on his shoulder, and white sparks filled the air. When I removed my hands I saw that the wound had closed, but he needed proper medical attention soon. My vision became blurry and I smirked when I heard steps coming from the stairs. It was coming upwards and I heard Unohana's voice.
I guess that this is what you call 'a fortune in a series of misfortunes'.
After that thought went through my head everything went dark.
I only heard Miyuki's whispers.
``Gomen... gomen... gomen...
Oka-san... Oto-san...
Gomen ne... Toushirou...!´´
...That stupid girl.
But that was the last thing I heard from her.
-:-:-:-:-Frozen Passion-:-:-:-:-
''Where is she?! Where is Miyuki?!'' My voice was booming as I marched through the 4th Division. Matsumoto was next to me, trying to calm me down and hold me back.
''Please, Taichou! You need your rest! And it would be good for you not to see Miyuki-chan right now—'' I cut my fukutaichou off with a cold glare.
''I've damn well rested! But it seems as though I was put in a sleeping spell for three days!!!'' I yelled, furious and livid. Three days, days where I could've taken care of Miyuki. Even the ryoka group is staying here for now. Matsumoto flinched, but she didn't back down.
''It was because they needed you to rest...'' she said, but my pacing through the division didn't stop. I kept scanning through the doors and unconsciously glaring at everyone who was eyeing me. ''I'm really serious, Taichou! You really shouldn't see Miyuki-chan right now!'' she insisted. I eyed her again.
''And why is that?!'' I asked in a harsh tone. I could see her eyes showing pain before she looked away, as if the mere thought was too much itself. ''She isn't dead and all he wounds have healed, I don't understand why everyone's so worried!''
I really didn't understand; it made no sense! What happened to Miyuki? Was it that bastard Aizen? Ichimaru? Tousen? Or her... her 'parents'?!
We came up to a closed door and I reached to open it, but Matsumoto grabbed my wrist. I turned my head to face her again, only to see that she was frowning. This must be the room where Miyuki was.
''Please, I'm begging you, Taichou, you don't want to do this...''
''I have to, Matsumoto.'' I wasn't lying, I had to know what's wrong, I had to. She sighed and released my wrist, allowing me to open the door and reveal a girl with long, black hair sitting on the bed, talking with a woman with crimson hair in a raster ponytail.
Miyuki and Flamel.
I smiled and paced towards Miyuki. She seemed fine and healthy. Everything looked normal...
''Miyuki! Are you all right? Are you well enough to sit up?'' I asked, worried.
...That was until I saw that apologetic look on Flamel's face. I frowned in confusion at her before I turned to Miyuki.
But my eyes widened in horror when she turned around to face me. Those eyes weren't their usual colour of dark amethyst, but dark emerald. Those eyes were sharper; the eyebrows were trained to frown downwards as a sign of anger or confidence.
Surprise was apparent on her face before she smirked. My eyes only widened further—this smirk was confident and sadistic at the same time. One that enjoys the horror of others, especially the ones she was responsible for.
''Konnichiwa, Hitsugaya-taichou,'' she said in Miyuki's voice. The only contradiction was her rough pronunciation. I opened my mouth to speak, still in the state of shock.
''Who...?'' I asked shakily. Her smirk only widened, and I could see Matsumoto looking away, not being able to continue watching.
''You could say that I'm the other self in this body along with Miyuki; Natsume.''
It took me a while to process what she had just said.
Her smirk turned into a grin.
''Hajime mash'te.''
--
That was what happened two days ago. Unohana and Flamel told me that she woke up a few seconds after I fell unconscious. She was already in that state of mind. Flamel didn't think it was a multiple personality disorder—she was convinced that it is another soul within the same spirit shell as Miyuki.
Because this other Miyuki, Natsume as she calls herself, was able to perform alchemy perfectly without a circle, she was the one who caused Miyuki to transmute objects those two times.
She and Flamel were trying to find a way to wake Miyuki up, but haven't had any success. The tribunal member also told us the reason why Aizen Sousuke was so keen on the Philosopher's Stones- He was her son. Aizen became bitter that he wasn't born as a Soul Reaper even though his birthplace was England, because Soul Reapers have no limits, unlike us Shinigami, or that is at least his theory. Now he plans on creating a Philosopher's Catalyst, which is an alchemic amplifier. That is created by pulling the reiryoku out of a Soul Reaper, which would mean certain death. It strengthens by absorbing more and more reiryoku from other Soul Reapers.
To pull the reiryoku out in the ideal form to create the Catalyst, the Hogyoku is required. It has the ability to drain and preserve reiryoku- That was what he planned Kuchiki Rukia's execution for, so that he could get his hands on that sphere, which he did. The Commanders of the different branches of Soul Society were discussing about the information they received from either investigations or intelligent networks. So far there were no conclusions. I didn't know the details, and neither did any the other Taichou.
But that wasn't my concern at the moment. All I could think about was Miyuki. The 'other' said that her soul was resting, and until she was ready she would be taking her place. I found that arrogance of hers, to think that she was capable of replacing Miyuki, intolerable.
Natsume was identical to Miyuki. They looked like twins, like reflections. But they weren't the same. I couldn't stand this girl. I hated her.
Always haunting me with the fact that Miyuki's soul needed to recover because I couldn't protect her with that disgusted tone...
And... it's because of her I couldn't see Miyuki now.
--
''Oi!'' I yelled rudely as I stomped after Natsume. She was walking down the hall to meet Flamel again for her training and halted. Bored, hard emerald eyes glanced at me over her shoulder.
''Nani yo (what is it), Taichou-san?'' she asked. I glared at her.
''When are you finally going to disappear?!'' She sighed in annoyance at my yell and continued walking.
''I'll think 'bout it after her soul heals. Being stabbed by yer parents ain't exactly a joy-ride, especially not fer Miyuki with all she's been through,'' she said. I gritted my teeth.
''What do you mean 'think about it'?! Return her this instant, you—!'' I was cut off by her twirling around to face me. Those serious, sadistic eyes boring into my own.
''Hitsugaya-taichou, it's not that I don't want, it's that I can't. Miyuki isn't strong. She was forced into situations and was forced to get through them all. But there's only so much she can handle until she breaks down,'' she said. My eyes were wide - this was the first time she had ever told me anything in a serious manner. ''Since she is unable to become psychotic, the complications of sanity will make the process longer. And I won't leave her in your care until I'm certain...'' She didn't finish her sentence and turned around to walk out the hall. ''I've already said unnecessary things,'' she said under her breath. I reached an arm out.
''Matte! (wait) Until you're certain of what?!'' I wasn't trying to push down the frustration in my voice.
''That is what you need to find out.''
I gritted my teeth again and let my hand fall limb on my side and turned around, but didn't walk to leave yet. A battle was stirring within me to calm myself down.
''Chigau, (you're wrong)'' I said flatly. I could hear her steps halting and I crossed my arms in my sleeves. ''Miyuki's strong.'' After saying that, I walked ahead, leaving her in the hallway.
-:-:-:-:-Critical Commitment-:-:-:-:-
I was walking in darkness. Towards a faint light in the center. It didn't radiate brightly, it was a simple illumination, it's soft, white glow was like the shine of the moon. When I came closer to it I could see that it was a girl who was in this glowing barrier.
It was Miyuki, my other me.
She was unconscious and had her legs pulled to her. Her long, black hair flouting in this light. I laid a white-gloved hand on the barrier and frowned, she hasn't improved since the last time I checked on her. She was still blocking out everything and piecing her soul together on her own.
I could feel Miyuki's emotions flowing into me from touching the barrier. Guilt. Confusion. Fear. Sadness. Pain.
She didn't want to snap out of this because she didn't want to face reality anymore. She was sick of it, to the point where she could only drown herself in tragedies instead of remembering the cheerful aspect of life. I was angry. What a childish fool! Still clinging onto her parents, her past, when her present was mourning over her!
´´Don't you even understand what you're doing?! Are you willing to trade your happiness for mere, unexplainable guilt?! Fusaken 'na!!! (don't joke/fuck around with me)`` My outburst was left unanswered. I balled my hand on the barrier to a fist and had to resist the urge to bash it.
If this keeps on going, she may never wake up.
''Still no improvement on Miyuki?''
I opened my eyelids to reveal my dark emerald eyes. They stared into bright ones that belonged to the woman who asked me that question. I shook my head at the crimson haired woman, who sighed. I've been training with Flamel in hopes of improving my concentration to see Miyuki inside my mind, so that I could have a constant overview of her condition. I didn't need any training for Alchemy because I already mastered it - I had the knowledge to transmute ever since I could remember... But there wasn't much to remember. I just started having the capacity for judgement as Miyuki witnessed a transmutation for the first time- when Flamel transmuted that sword on the day she arrived.
Ever since that moment I was aware of being 'myself'. That I wasn't Miyuki. And from then on I had copied all of Flamel's abilities just by watching her training.
But I lost the ability to copy and store techniques when I 'took over' Miyuki's body. Flamel had performed other arts and I wasn't capable of mimicking them, which made the alchemist wonder if I only had this gift when watching from Miyuki's perspective instead of my own. However it was also possible that I've lost this talent altogether.
I was worried about that girl; the trauma of her parents really took a toll on her. When I woke up in the Taichou's arms, Aizen was telling us about his intentions and escaped to the execution grounds. But I was informed that he had escaped to Hueco Mundo along with Ichimaru and Tousen after this assault on Kuchiki Rukia. Miyuki's soul was now withdrawn - if it weren't for me controlling this body she would be in a coma.
Miyuki was the only presence that existed for me. She was the only person who meant something to me because of that. The feelings she has for all the people she interacts with are not mine, they're only hers and hers alone. I don't care for Matsumoto Rangiku, Hinamori Momo or anyone else.
Nor did I share the feeling of love Miyuki had for Hitsugaya Toushirou.
My whole being existed only for her, and I cared for no one more than her. One could say that my feelings for her were comparable to those of a sister.
But because of that I felt anger towards Hitsugaya Toushirou.
It was because of his foolishness that Miyuki was reduced to this state, but I knew that she wouldn't even dream of blaming the taichou. That was why I won't let her be with him again until I'm certain that he understands what it means to protect Miyuki. Not how to protect 'someone', or 'anyone', or 'everyone', but Miyuki.
I won't stop until I hear his resolve.
I closed my eyes and saw darkness around me again; Miyuki was still in her glowing barrier. I frowned when I looked at her face.
But he wasn't the only one at fault, though.
Miyuki...
This happened because you didn't open your heart enough as well.
I opened my eyes to gaze up the sky. ''You're not Miyuki-chan. It's not you who I need to show sadness to.'' That woman's words, Rangiku Matsumoto I think she was called, rang through my head. She was the only one who phrased that in such a way that I actually remembered it. I smirked. It's really interesting on how people vary. Toying with that prodigy was also quite entertaining.
''You should stop tormenting the chisan.''
I looked up again from my sitting position to see that Flamel had crossed her arms and was looking out to the horizon. We were on a high, open balcony that had a good view of Seireitei. After standing up I tilted my gaze to the sky.
''And why would you suggest that?'' I asked; she turned to look at me.
''He has a good control over his emotions, but that doesn't mean that he won't release them once in a while, especially when it comes to that girl,'' she said.
''So you think he's gonna try and kill me? In this body?'' I faced her, and had that all-knowing smirk on my lips.
''But don't you think that the kid's been through enough?'' I blinked at her words in shock.
''Did I just hear you proposing the idea of being merciful? What the hell happened to you?''
''My son's betrayed his comrades, deceived all his subordinates, killed many innocent people and is trying to turn the world to a living hell. What's your story?'' she asked casually. I scoffed and looked at the horizon.
''Warui na, but I'm afraid that I can't have any sympathy for you in that matter. It was your son who put Miyuki in this situation in the first place.''
''Aren't you a bit direct?''
''Just being practical.''
''Completely different from that sarcastic brat Miyuki, aren't you?''
''Sarcastic? You've never seen her being sarcastic!''
''She's been thinking sarcasm with me involved.''
''How the hell do you know that?!''
''The eyes reveal many things about people.''
''...You're scary,'' I said, and scoffed. She scratched her head, thinking.
''But to be honest, what interests me the most is why you're so willing to return Miyuki as soon as possible.'' She looked at the horizon again after asking that question. This woman really was nosy, wasn't she?
''Why do you find it so interesting?'' I wasn't eager to know, but I was curious at why she was wasting her thoughts on subjects like those.
''To be frank, if I were in your position, I'd just run off with that body.'' I snickered at her explanation, and she gave me a glare.
''Don't laugh in such an ironic way, it makes me mad,'' she said and crossed her arms. ''I can't let you go until sunset- you do want the Taichou to think that I'm training you hardcore, right? So tell.'' I sighed in annoyance, but there was nothing to hide, and there was nothing I could say against her statement.
''I don't know. I just want Miyuki to be happy, and I don't feel the desire to be the dominant one of this body, I'm perfectly content with just being a voice in the back of someone's head.''
''...Sad thing, aren't you?'' I twitched my eye at her comment.
''Shaddap, ya old hag.'' The next thing I knew punches and kicks came flying at me from the insane alchemist. After cursing and insulting, I threw my own attacks back at her.
Our sparring was interrupted by a meek voice.
''Mi-...Natsume-dono...Flamel-sama...'' The alchemist and I turned our heads to see the 5th division fukutaichou approaching us with hesitant steps. I raised my eyebrows when I saw her.
''Hinamori Momo-fukutaichou, what are you doing here?'' I asked, but she looked down, as if she didn't dare to look up. Flamel scratched her head and sighed.
''I'll be going now, I have... matters to attend to.'' she said before walking towards the 1st division grounds, but my stare never flickered from the brunette. I could see the black bags under her eyes, but they weren't nearly as bad as Hitsugaya Toushirou's.
''How's... How's Miyuki...?'' she asked in a shaking voice. This was the first time I've seen her since I was the one controlling this body, but it seems as though she was informed about the situation.
''...If it's a reassurance you want, then I can't give that to you. It's known that Miyuki's condition is uncertain.'' She flinched at my harsh answer. Tears starting forming in her eyes.
''I'm... I'm sorry...!'' She slumped to her knees and bowed down in a nearly pathetic position. ''...I'm sorry, I'm sorry...!'' Her sobs and hiccups were clearly heard. I felt a tug coming from Miyuki's soul and I frowned. She'd always do that when something significant to her is happening. The more powerful the emotion is, the more powerful the tug. And this one wasn't enough to make a connection with Miyuki. But I could tell that she wanted me to stop being so cruel, just like with Hitsugaya.
''Stop apologizing, you can do it later. Don't give up on Miyuki now.'' She looked up at me with wide, tear-filled eyes. ''You understand?'' I asked with narrowed eyes.
-:-:-:-:-Frozen Passion-:-:-:-:-
I sighed again when my hand ran through my hair and stopped at my forehead and rubbed it. My body was screaming for me to go to sleep, but I was so worried that Miyuki might wake up during my slumber. My mind was always wandering around her, to the point where it was frustrating. I was used to having Miyuki around me at all times, there wasn't a day for nearly four months where she wasn't. Until a week ago.
She left a massive gap in my life.
A scoff escaped my lips. I was happy when she was near me and I honestly thought, 'I could get used to being with her forever'.
But now, we weren't even sure if she'll ever wake up. Just merely thinking about it made my heart ache.
Her smile...
Her laughs...
Her presence...
Will all that... fade to white?
I slammed my fist on my desk, making some paperwork sweep away and creating a mess. My penholder fell over and so did my teacup. I watched the green liquid soaking the a few pages of paper; what I had written in black ink was smeared. But I didn't care.
I held my hand up to my face, covering my eyes as I gritted my teeth.
''Dammit... Miyuki...!''
--
''W-What the hell is this!?'' Was what I had to say when I saw Matsumoto, Kira and Hisagi on the floor, drunk and passed out. The two men were in underwear and I could see their legs... twitching? I leave Matsumoto alone for a few minutes and she single-handedly creates chaos! It was starting to get dark, and it was obvious that they've been drinking for a while now.
''S-Save us...'' Was all Kira said before he ceased all movements and was officially out cold. I jumped when I saw Matsumoto suddenly sitting up and gasping.
''Oh God! I thought I was gonna die!'' the slightly drunk Matsumoto said. I turned to face her with alertness in my eyes.
''What the matter, Matsumoto?'' I asked, she looked up at me with a surprised expression.
''Didn't you know, Taichou? When I sleep facing down, I can't breath.'' My face fell into obvious annoyance and looked away.
''I don't wanna know.'' She pouted as she looked down at her ridiculously large chest.
''But if I sleep on my back they pull left and right and it hurts...'' My eyes twitched and I could feel a distinct pulse in my head that only came when I got extremely pissed off.
''Damare!''
''Let the woman have her fun, you maniac.'' I felt a growl creeping up my throat when I heard her. I glanced to the side and saw that she was sitting on a chair with her arms crossed and one leg over the other. I glared at her.
''Don't you dare tell me what to do,'' I said with a snarl in my voice. She smirked.
''Yare yare, so angry,'' she said as she stood to walk out of Matsumoto's room and into the office. My leer never flickered when I followed her out.
''How is Miyuki?'' I asked and she plumped onto the couch.
''Same as before. And guess who's fault it is,'' she said and I grimaced. Even if I did hated her, even if I shouldn't take her words seriously because of that, I knew that she was right. ''Oh yeah, that's right! It's YOURS, Hitsugaya-taichou-san!'' she said with a sadistic grin on her face. She laughed ironically when she saw my fist shaking. ''If Miyuki dies, it's because of your incompetence, you fool. She trusted you; did you know that? She trusted that vow from the very bottom of her heart- and what did you do? You failed her.'' I flinched at that. She stood up and walked closer to me, and I only glared at her, but I was sure that she caught that miserable glint in my eyes.
''Shut your damn mouth,'' I said when I pushed down a growl in my throat. Her grin only stretched.
''Did I hit a nerve? Oh, wait! I always do,'' she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. ''It's right for you to feel miserable, because you couldn't even protect Miyuki. You couldn't do anything for her, not. A. Single. Thing.''
I knew what she said was right, everything, everything was true. But I... I can't take this anymore!
Before I knew it I had grabbed Natsume by the collar and looked at her in the eye with furious eyes. She raised her eyebrows in mild surprise at my reaction.
''I... I already know that!'' I said and tilted my head down, trying my best to suppress my trembling. ''...It was my fault that Miyuki...'' I could feel Natsume's eyes widen on me.
''It was naïve of me to think that I could protect always protect her...'' I said, my head still not looking up. ''It's not possible to protect someone from everything...'' Natsume didn't say anything, she didn't even make a sound. I saw Matsumoto coming into the office, but I couldn't afford to break my gaze to the ground.
''It's because of that unrealistic vision I wasn't able to protect Miyuki...'' My head tilted back up to face Natsume. ''BUT THAT IS FOR ME AND ME ALONE TO FEEL LIKE CRAP ABOUT! I DON'T NEED YOU TO REMIND ME THAT IT WAS MY FAULT! I KNOW THAT, GODDAMMIT!''
Natsume still didn't make a sound, she just looked at my glare with calm eyes.
''I know that...'' I repeated my statement. ''I can't protect Miyuki from everything...'' My eyes narrowed, ''But I'll get closer to that ideal, and I'll definitely protect her from the things I can! I don't need your lecturing; I can beat myself up fine on my own! You got that, wench?!''
My eyes were wide with surprise when I saw a smile on her face. Not a smirk, a smile. It was small, but it was there.
-:-:-:-:-Critical Commitment-:-:-:-:-
I was... I was impressed. He realised his mistake, and with that he can improve. Amusement lit in my eyes when I saw the surprised expression on his face. I must have been smiling.
Like this he was able to take good care of Miyuki. I guess that there was no reason to push this act any further, or to even bring it up anymore - he understood the reality of the matter and his resolve was made. To think that his answer was even better than mine...
''...Yeah, I got it, you loud captain.''
-Owari-
And this is a special feature, celebrating the 10th chapter of 'The Philosopher's Stone'! It's equivilant to one of those 'negative/minus' chapters from the manga; just a little side-story which happened earlier on but wasn't shown in the main story-line.
-x-X-x-
Only You, Miyuki
Until the day I die,
This smiling face will have to stay with me without fail.
-Hitsugaya Toushirou
-x-X-x-
''Happy Birthday, Miyuki!'' Flamel said in English, handing me a package.
It was a book, titled: 'Alchemy intoduction for the hopeless'. After sighing, I looked up at her with arched eyebrows, and we both laughed.
--
''Otanjou-bi omedetou, Higurashi-chan!'' Hinamori said with a bright smile as she handed me a box wrapped with pink paper and a red ribbon.
Hinamori gave me the cocking book I had been looking at when we walked past the book store in rukongai.
--
''Hn. Tanjou-bi omedetou, Higurashi.'' FonShaoLin threw me an orange packet before walking off, seemingly embarrassed.
''Arigato, FonShaoLin-taichou!''
''It's SoiFon! My name's SOIFON!!!''
From FonShaoLin I got a red, chinese cloth-belt; the ones you tie around the waist. She must have remembered when I mentioned that I found red, chinese clothing attractive.
--
''Otanjou-bi omedetou, Yuki-chan / Mi-chan!'' Ukitake and Kyouraku said in perfect canon (except for the name), and looked down at me with kind smiles as they each handed me a present.
Ukitake had given me a stuffed animal- a white lion. I had blushed furiously when he said that I should hold him close when I sleep, as if the stuffed toy were Toushirou. (The name 'Toushirou; literally means 'winter lion's son')
And Kyouraku had given me a bottle of 'weak & smooth' sake. There didn't seem to be a law which says that minors aren't allowed to drink. I sighed at this typically obvious present when I received it - but I was happy to have it nevertheless.
--
''Otanjou-bi omedetou gozaimasu, Miyuki-kun,'' Unohana said with a kind voice and a friendly smile as she gave me a bouquet of beautiful flowers. As expected of the legendary flower-arranger, Unohana Retsu-taichou.
--
Today was my birthday; right in the middle of summer. Though they really didn't need to, I was of course happy that I received these presents from the shinigami.
Rangiku bounced over to me with that bubbly smile of hers before giving me a bone-crushing hug. ''Happi Burthudai, Miyuki!'' she said in attempted English. An amused smile crossed my lips when I remembered that it wasn't as nicely pronounced as Flamel's phrase.
''And for your present you must come with me!''
--
I sighed. I sighed in dread. In exhaustion.
And groaned when I felt Rangiku grab me by the arms. ''Oh, this shop looks cute! Let's GOOOOO!!!'' And with that I was mad-handled like a toy as she dragged me over another goddamn clothes shop, her arms completely burried by shopping bags. Yes, that was how many bags she was holding.
''Rangiku, for crying out bloody loud! This is the 67th shop we've been into, and all you've been doing is buying me random stuff!'' I said, exasperated. She ignored me as she placed me on the spot and ran around the rails for clothes. The assistants greeted her with her name; she was obviously a popular costumer... just like with the other few hundred shops in Rukongai.
''So? Nothing wrong with a couple of pretty girls shopping for pretty clothes, right? It's your birthday!'' she said, continuing her search through the clothes. I sighed.
''But why are you buying so much? And we've been out for a long time now...'' I crossed my arms, but gulped when she turned around, showing me her immense collection of kimonos. I shook my head. ''No, no, no, no, Rangiku! You know that I can't stand Kimonos! I despise Kimonos! I spit on Kimonos!'' I unfolded a little drama as I tried to make a run for it, but was held back by the fukutaichou.
''I don't think so, Miyuki~'' I gulped as I listened to her sing-song voice and she pulled me over to a changing cabin, much to my chargin. I waved my arms about, in hopes of breaking free. Absolutely no way - that was what her grip said.
''Don't you dare, Jyuubantai fukutaichou Matsumoto Rangiku!'' I said with a warning finger, and she giggled as she pushed me into a cabin, closing the curtins behind her as she eyed me evilly.
''Feel the wrath of having Kimonos put on!''
Trust me, it's a lot more frightening than it sounds.
--
I narrowed my eyes in annoyance as I observed my purple sleeve - over-sized in my opinion but according to traditional Japanese clothes this was the standard. I was wearing a purple kimono with white, sakura-imprints on them. White obi, along with a black haori with the matching patterns. It was a set. And Rangiku topped it off, much to my dismay, with tying my hair up in a loose, but neat bun. Considering the length of my hair, she did an impressive job. Though I was distracted by the pattern of the white sakura of my new kimono. The pattern really reminded me of a cartoon I remember seeing when I was a little kid... hm, which one was it again?
''I'll go get taichou! He has to see this!'' Rangiku said excitedly as she ran into the 10th division building, towards the office, with those monster bags around her arms.
It was now nighttime, and yet she still wasn't knackered from a whole day of shopping frenzy. But I was too preoccupied with remembering that cartoon I was trying to remember - only the word 'taichou' registered in my mind. Because I had a photographic memory, I was used to being able to just retrieve a memory just like snapping my finger. Then now and again I need to ponder a bit before I do recall something; during that time I would refuse to interact with anyone, or to think of anything else before I remember what I wanted to remember. Yes, I know I'm stubborn. Yes, I know that I sometimes lack in common sense.
Without knowing it I had completely avoided walking into the division entrance, and was walking around the building instead. My arms were crossed, and my head tilted down as I observed the white flower with knitted eyebrows. Come on, come on, it's on the tip of my tongue! What was it...?!
I was in the 10th division garden. For some reason my legs always brought me here when I'm not paying attention. I gazed at the pond; more accurately at the reflection of the moon. It was fuller than the half-moon, but not quite a full moon. Nothing of special meaning. The stars were sparkling as well, but I've seen more stars in the sky than tonight.
As the hotaru (fireflies) gathered over the small pond, I allowed my mind to work again. I was not going to move or do anything before I remembered that freaking cartoon!
It was a cartoon from Disney pictures... but they made so many cartoons! Just which one was it!?
''...Is that you, Miyuki?''
I blinked when I registered the voice, a small smile curling my lips as I heard the steps over grass behind me coming closer.
''Obviously. Do you honestly think that you'd find another babe like me hanging around your division, Toushirou?''
''...Definitely Miyuki,'' the captain said, and I could practically hear his smirk. I blinked. Wait a minute. I just swore to myself that I wasn't going to do anything until I remembered that movie, and I unconsciously just threw that resolve away when Toushirou came along. Damn, I really needed to get my priorities set more firmly when that guy was around.
''Mind telling me what you're doing out here for?'' he asked.
''Remembering.''
''Remember what?''
''A cartoon.''
''...A cartoon?''
I smirked in amusement. ''Yes, a cartoon.''
Even though he was behind me, I could tell that he was shaking his head. His tone held a chuckle when he spoke. ''As weird as ever.''
''I'm just unique.''
''And un-cute.''
''That's because I have a character.''
This time he laughed for a moment. A genuine, merry laugh. My eyes were wide when my heart skipped a beat, and I blushed. I was grateful that my back was towards him. ''I'll give you that,'' he said, his voice still full of laughter.
I scoffed, and after I was certain that I had suppressed my blush, I turned to look at him over my shoulder with a cheeky smile. Now I was finally looking at his face and at those teal eyes I fell in love with. ''Aren't you going to say something along the lines of: 'that's is a nice kimono'?'' At first he blushed, and looked away, obviously embarrassed, even though he tried his best to hide that.
''Iie. Because it's not done yet.'' I furrowed my eyebrows at that as I tilted my head to the side. I was confused and I wasn't shy to express that. He pulled a black box out of his sleeve. My eyes widened at it. When he opened it to reveal a flower comb, which was set in the soft, velvet interior. The comb itself was a very dark, nearly black wooden color; the back had the form of a half-circle. A lone, white sakura blossom was attached to the back of the comb, the tips tainted with a golden color.
It was simple piece, but it was also beautiful.
My eyes were wide when his hand, trembling slightly, reached for the comb, and he looked back at me. Blushing and frowning slightly, he slowly and carefully slid the flower comb into the bun. I was surprised at how good he was at this, but before I could ask about it he tugged my shoulders to turn me around. His mouth was pressed in a thin line and his brows were furrowed as he blushed. He seemed to be having a debate with himself. After a few moments he just shook his head slightly gave me a weak smile.
I gasped when he brought one of his hands behind my back and pulled me close to him. He face was pressed against his chest and his other arm was around my shoulders.
''T-tanjou-bi omedetou... Miyuki.''
His voice was husky, and I found myself blushing deeper as I softened my eyes and returned the embrace. But soon something lit up in my head; that comb also seemed familiar... well, it did have the same design as the sakura pattern of the kimono... I barely felt him tightening his hold on me and burying his nose in my neck in my stage of thought. Then all of a sudden, it just clicked instantly; and I pulled back, realization finally dawning on me.
''Now I remember! It was 'Mulan'! The sakura reminded me of Mulan!''
After a few moments I realized the damage I had done. Toushirou just looked at me, flabbergasted and dumbfounded. His arms were still up, where he held me in his embrace; he was too shocked to let them fall to his side. I covered my mouth, trying my best to hide my muffled laugh at his expression. He blushed heavily and gave me a flustered glare.
''Quit laughing!''
''G-G-Gomen!''
He narrowed his eyes at me, pouting slightly as he crossed his arms. ''You do realize that you have horrible timing, right?'' he asked as he arched a brow. I smiled apologetically.
''Warui, warui...(my bad)''
He sighed. ''You completely ruined the moment.''
''Suman! (forgive me)''
''Bakayarou.''
''...I'm not apologizing for that.''
And amused smile crossed his lips before he scoffed. I raised my hand and allowed my hand to softly trail over the comb.
''Where did you get this?'' I asked, and he sighed as he walked over to the pond.
''Does it matter?'' he asked nonchalantly. I followed him over to the pond and looked down at our reflection. I smiled when I observed comb, and suppressed a blush when I looked at the two of us. I glanced at Toushirou's reflection, and his expression seemed rather... off. I sighed.
''When Rangiku got this,'' I said, lifting my arm up to show him my sleeve, implying on the kimono-set, ''She went over to the counter and said something along the lines of, 'the special order from the kid'.''
I could see him twitching before he turned to me with an outraged look on his face. '''Kid'!? She called me a kid?! Just who the hell does she think she is—'' He blinked when he realized that he just gave himself away in the most ridiculous manner imaginable. The corners of my mouth curled up, and I arched a suggestive brow at him, making him face me with wide eyes. Soon he started waving me off animatedly. ''No, no, no, it's not what you think! It's nothing like that!'' I crossed my arms and turned my body around to face him completely.
''Ou, souka? (Oh, is that so?)'' I asked, making it obvious that I was utter unconvinced as I smirked. He narrowed his eyes at me, blushing.
''Sou da! (Yes it is so!)''
I chuckled, and his mouth was pulled in a thin line again. ''Thank you for the kimono... it's beautiful.''
''I said I didn't get it for you!'' he said, fumbling.
''Lesson number one to a successful lie: Never sound so desperate to bullshit someone.''
''Well y—... Urusei!'' With that, he crossed his arms and looked away, thoroughly embarrassed. I smiled slightly at his typical behavior, admitting to myself that was the closest I would get to a confession from that stubborn prodigy.
''You know, I dislike Kimonos...'' I said, looking up at the moon, and I saw him glancing at me from the corner of my eye.
''That's because you've never worn one before.''
My eyes widened. But soon I scoffed and smiled.
''...I guess you know me better than myself at times.''
I earned a chuckle from the captain, and his gaze followed mine to look up at the star-filled sky. We just stayed like that for a moment, the two of us, standing next to each other, looking up at the moon.
''Oi...'' I turned to look at him with raised eyebrows when I heard him interrupting the silence.
''Hm?''
''...What the heck is a 'Mulan'?''
-Owari-
A/N: I will from now on be updating a lot more often than I usually do... so, some people will be happy, and some people will be very angry. XDD
28 Reviews! (And a PM!) Thank you so much!!! These are the people who made my day...
Dragon of Twilight , SapphireJKH , darkheart1992 , RubberduckyillaAndShuuhei , Orangesy , StardustQueen , waterlily777 (Kawaii-chan!) , EternalxOblivion , LadyAmazon , BeautifulXinXBlood , Mistress Meer , kibafangirl11 , NeverEndingDreamEnds , AngelTenshi-chan (Armony!) , rockbellrocksroll , IkuXYori , Iza-chan Amorim , Sweet Nightmare's Good Byes , The Infamous Salem-chan , Midnight Mel , Mitsuki Tsukiya , Cranberry .
And a very special thanks to my beta, Dragon of Twilight! And this would be the third time when I say, PLEASE READ HER STORY, 'REQUIEM OF A WANDERING SPIRIT'! Come now. If you like my story, then that means that you have my taste. So if I like that story, shouldn't you too? XD Please!! Pretty please!!
Should I do a side-story again? Tell me what you think! Not knowing is a confusing feeling. . . XDDD You people are the my reason for writing, and you are my inspiration. Every single one of you. There are no exceptions. Don't roll your eyes, thinking, 'Yeah, right.' I'm serious!!
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.Jibun no Omoi
One's
Memories.