Hello Kiddies! It's friday once again, so I have a brand new chapter for all of you to read. I'm excited!
We've reached 2 digits people *does happy dance*, and we haven't reached the meat of the story so far. I can't wait for you to read what's coming up, but first you have to read chapter 10.
This chapter might not be as exciting as the last one (no slapping!), but some heavy things happen. And I'm stopping here before I ruin it for you.
Disclaimer: All Bleach characters are Kubo-san's property. If they were mine some wicked things would happen.... I was looking at some Urahara pics the other day, and it occurred to me that he could really make a living as a rapper. He's got the possy, the style, and the hot chick by his side. So I'd make him do a raunchy hip-hop video, just for kicks :D. But I own nothing, so no Urahara-MC :(
---------------X-------------
I could see the horror. The horror in my actions.
It played on my face. It played on my clothes.
It stained my honor, and it was all too evident.
Her blood dripped slightly on my cheeks, clotting, making the mark more visible and harder to look at.
Droplets left my face and fell on my scarf. My symbol of honor and nobility, tainted.
It was all too evident.
Honor and nobility, traits that as she pointed out so effortlessly, were lost on me.
I removed my scarf and hung it on its stand in the bathroom as the feel of it burned through my skin.
I held my hands together and gathered water between them, splashing it on my face, the mark slowly disappearing.
I held my head upright, looking at my reflection in the mirror.
How could I fool myself so blatantly? Fool myself into thinking she doesn't matter is idiotic.
I respect her, but I wouldn't show it. I thought that would keep her apart, if only for holding contempt against me. And now that I've succeeded, I wish I had not.
My hands returned to the water, collecting more and throwing it at my face.
I was no man in those grounds. Not to her or to anybody.
All the symbols that I flaunt so lightly were rendered void by my actions. Even the sword that gained me respect had turned on me. Senbonzakura was screaming at me before slashing her skin, in an attempt to control my stubborn reaction.
I had no honor, and my concept of nobility had turned into that of the elders; one in which I am to hold no interest in the matters of the lesser souls.
But I care. I simply couldn't afford to let her know. I lied to her, and to myself.
You're a coward. The voice in my head kept repeating.
But it was done. I got what I had asked for. Now she hates me. She won't look for me. She won't show concern. She won't even show contempt as the sight of me is sure to sicken her.
I got what I wanted, but now I know I was wrong, because it's not what I needed. And it is done. No use in wallowing.
However, if this is true, why am I?
---------------X-------------
"Kuchiki-taicho."
I glanced up from the stack of paperwork on my desk to find Renji in the office. I was surprised to see him there but my face was emotionless as usual, regardless of this morning's happenings.
"Abarai-fukutaicho, why aren't you in the human world?" I asked.
"Kuchiki-taicho, I have very important news about the mission, so I thought it was best I come personally and give them to you, instead of sending the usual report."
There is a protocol to missions and Renji had neglected to follow it. I wasn't particularly surprised by this, but over the years my subordinate's judgment had improved greatly, proving I could trust his reasons to act in such manner. That he chose to disregard protocols spoke of the gravity of the situation.
"What happened, Renji?"
Renji began to relate what happened last night in Karakura. He relayed information on the hollows he'd come across and their intentions. I was startled by this recent turn of events, albeit it didn't play on my face.
Renji has grown into more than a capable shinigami, and his opinion has become important to me in times when decisions have to be made. Also, I believe it's important to give him the opportunity to learn from situations like this.
"What do you suggest we do, Abarai-fukutaicho?"
He paused for a moment, searching his brain for the best option possible.
"Given the situation, Kuchiki-taicho, it's necessary that Seireitei sends more shinigami, preferably some with previous experience in the human world. Also, considering the level of the enemies we face, those selected for this task can't be your ordinary shinigami."
"So where would you start, Renji?"
"Taicho, are you leaving this to me?" He asked, surprised.
"No, Renji. You're better versed on the human world than I am so I'm considering your opinion before acting." I replied coldly.
"Well," he scratched his head as he considered his options, "I would talk to Hitsugaya-taicho. He's been in the human world before so he has knowledge of how things work over there. Plus, you might need support on the matter once you present this to Yamamoto-sotaicho."
I stood from the chair and looked out the window, turning my back on Renji. Everything he said made sense. So much so that I felt a hint of pride at the evolution of my fukutaicho as a shinigami. Not that I would express this to him, it would be detrimental to his progress.
The young taicho would be of great help in this matter as Renji pointed out, but something stopped me from making the decision.
How could I show my face in the tenth division after what happened this morning? I can't face her, let alone be in the same room as her.
Stop being a coward!.
Maybe if I went with Renji she'd refrain from making a scene.
Or from slapping your other cheek like you deserve.
"Shut up." I slurred through my teeth.
"Taicho?" Renji asked, confused.
I must be going mad. Why? I don't know. Maybe is the sleep deprivation, or —the safest assumption I could venture— this damned season.
Clearly the waters were stirred once again. Or perhaps I failed to see the motions in them. But it had to be this nagging sensation that overcomes me every year.
"Let's go, Renji" I spoke. It's possible that work throws these feelings to the back of my mind, which is where they belong.
"Where are we going, Taicho?"
"The Tenth Division quarters. We must speak to Hitsugaya-taicho"
"Do you need me to go with…"
"Renji, don't question me." I responded before he could finish.
"Sorry, Taicho."
I approached the door and walked out. Renji trailed behind me.
I may have been harsh on him considering he'd found an appropriate solution to this predicament, and he was right, it was not necessary that he accompanied me to the tenth division.
But it is necessary. I can't face her on my own, even when it is not her I'm seeking.
---------------X-------------
"Kuchiki-taicho, Abarai-fukutaicho," the man said, nodding in respect.
Funny word it is. Respect.
"We are here to speak to Hitsugaya-taicho." Renji notified the officer who attends the young man's office.
"I must announce you first."
The man got up from his seat and approached the door.
"Hitsugaya-taicho, Kuchiki-taicho and Abarai-fukutaicho are here to see you"
"They may come in."
The officer slid the door open and allowed us to enter the office. That was the moment I dreaded.
Prior to entering the tenth division's quarters I had planned everything that I would say and do.
I wouldn't turn to her desk to see if she was there. I would ignore her.
If I found myself looking at her desk, I wouldn't stare at her as she would surely neglect to acknowledge me.
And if all else failed, Renji and Hitsugaya-taicho would be in the office, oblivious to what happened this morning. She couldn't try anything rash with them in the room, and if she did she would be reprimanded. No one, even a woman like her, would act so loosely in such scenario.
I entered the room, followed by Renji.
Once we were inside, I realized my plan was indeed necessary, since I stared at her desk, and then I looked around the room. But she wasn't there, rendering my plan useless.
"Kuchiki-taicho, Abarai-fukutaicho, please have a seat" The young man said.
We sat in front of his desk. He sat as well, having stood up to greet us.
"What brings you here?"
"Abarai." I said softly, motioning Renji to begin.
"Hitsugaya-taicho, Kuchiki-taicho and I are here to discuss something very important that is taking place in the human world."
"What's going on, Abarai-fukutaicho?"
"As you know, a few weeks ago I was assigned to Karakura to investigate abnormal hollow activity. Yesterday, while I was patrolling, I came across a small group of hollows. I fought against them and was able to eliminate them. After that, an arrancar confronted me. We fought and I was able to gain information on their intentions on earth."
"Are you sure it was an arrancar?"
This piece of information was particularly surprising to the Tenth division's taicho. I understood the feeling as I was startled upon hearing it the first time. During the war, the arrancar were eliminated after Aizen's defeat. Apparently, this job was incomplete.
"Yes, Hitsugaya-taicho. Not only did he physically look like one, but he was insistent on this fact."
"Did you dispose of him, Fukutaicho?"
"No sir, he escaped before I could finish the job."
"He was alone?"
"Not quite. It appears to me the hollows I encountered were led by him, but once I disposed of them he was alone."
"So what did he say to you?"
"He said that he had escaped Las Noches after Aizen was defeated. He hid in the Menos Forest and regrouped with other arrancar. Since then they have gained control of Gillians and other hollows. Their plan is to consume high-energy souls to further their capacities as arrancar, and Karakura fits into their plans as is very spiritually active."
"Did he imply anything on how they would use these powers?"
"No."
Renji's answer wasn't unexpected to me as I had asked the same questions during our conversation in the office. I noticed Hitsugaya-taicho's concern over the matter, so I decided to step in.
"I don't believe their plans are particularly threatening to Soul Society, but it's best if we control this before they become dangerous to humans."
"If I may ask, Kuchiki-taicho, why did you decide to inform me of this?"
"I plan to speak of this with the Sotaicho, and I would like your support in controlling this matter early before it worsens. You have managed operations in the living world before, so your experience would be of great help."
Hitsugaya remained silent for a moment, considering the implications of all that was occurring. It gave me the opportunity to indulge in curiosity.
Where could she be? If not in her office, she would be training. But she already did that, so to speak.
I wasn't wallowing. I don't do that, so I was not. Or at least I tried to convince myself of that.
"We should speak to the Sotaicho then, Kuchiki-taicho."
"Perhaps you should bring your fukutaicho with you." I suggested, hoping he could shed some light on her whereabouts.
You care.
I blinked, annoyed at the voice that'd been screaming in my ear since this morning.
"I'm afraid I don't know where she is. I suppose she found out that Abarai had arrived and decided on a break."
A frown slipped out of my mask and made its way to my face. I knew she wasn't in fact sleeping, but if she hadn't come to the office, where could she be?
"It may seem strange to you, Taicho, but Rangiku doesn't leave her bed before ten in the morning the earliest." Renji added.
Ignorant.
"I would dare suggest she gets up earlier than you do, Renji." I thought to myself.
You're defending her. See? You care.
I must rid myself from this hindrance before it becomes crippling.
I inhaled before resuming.
"Then I suggest we leave for the Sotaicho's office," I spoke.
"I agree," said the young man.
"We'll follow you, Hitsugaya-taicho."
With that we stepped out in the direction of Yamamoto-sotaicho's office.
---------------X-------------
Wheels are in motion people! There's not much I can say without ruining the story for you, so I'll shut up. Plus, I'm pumped full of endorphins after swimming 44 Olympic size pools (that's over 7200ft... in an hour!), so I'm chatty and jittery and... and... I'll shut up now.
A couple announcements I want to make. First, I want to thank one more time everyone who's left reviews. I think I replied to all of you, but if I didn't I apologize.
Second: as you know, I always add a little disclaimer at the beginning of each chapter, and I seem to be running out of wicked things to add to my disclaimer (honestly, Urahara's rap video I pulled out of nowhere, that's why it was so random). This is where you come in. Send me your ideas for the disclaimer if you like, and I might just post them. I'm sure your ideas will be far more funny than mine :D. And who knows, maybe if they're really funny, I might just turn them into a fic :)
Ok, so I've saved the worst for last. Next week is test week, which means I'll be buried deep into school work and I'll have to temporarily abandon my hobbies :(. That includes chapter 11. However, I will do my best to post before the end of next week, but I can't assure you there will be an update. Please hate the message and not the messenger. Please. I hate having to do this as much as you hate it. I'll do my best to make it up to you I promise.
That said, I wish you all a nice week. Please leave your reviews as usual. They make me happy and I need it. Bye kiddies!