Ascension
Chapter 11: Drunk
Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or Bleach
The walk felt ages long.
Rei kept her eyes ahead, plastered on an unmoving imaginary dot that ended up reinstating some long forgotten proper poise. The congregation that flanked them on either side stared with such an unparalleled interest and distrust that Rei's immediate internal reaction was to stick her nose in the air.
The thump of her own heart was the drum that marked her rhythmic steps. It was the beat that had her feeling like some captive being lead to the gallows. The four of them walked slowly in a line towards their destination: a man with a snowy beard hunched heavily over a wooden staff. But Rei was not fooled by his elderly appearance; the shape of his shoulders, so stocked with muscle that they pressed against his droopy robes, evinced the antithesis of weakness.
They'd been ordered by the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13 to attend a hearing in Soul Society. Rei assumed that one of the Shinigami who'd come to help combat the Arrancar had issued some sort of report on their recently won battle. She could remember the look on Renji's face when he told them that they'd be coming with the Shinigami whether they liked it or not…but that he'd really rather they cooperate. It was an apologetic face though not timid or bashful and she had to commend him for his steadfastness. They'd gone willingly.
The gathering of Captains that lined their walkway was an interesting smattering of differences. Most held cold looks of growing nonchalance coupled with sharp and beautiful features while others, particularly a man made up in a devilish headdress and clownish makeup, stared with a curious hunger that set Rei on edge. She happened to meet one kind pair of eyes on her way down the row that peeked out from beneath a straw hat and at least Hitsugaya was a known face (no matter how icy he may have remained).
Four pairs of feet stopped at the end of the column and stood tall in front of the figure before them. His small eyes opened to regard them through slits of brown, weighed down by lengthy, white brows.
"Travelers from a Different Dimension," he bellowed, his powerful and weathered voice reverberating throughout the main hall. "It has come to our attention that our greatest foe seeks something from your home."
Rei eyed the row of her friends briefly, noting how no movement to acknowledge his statement was made. There was an unbelievable sense of authority that emanated from him and a wave of inferiority washed over them that was hard to combat. Their responses were frozen.
The Captain-Commander continued. "Because of this we have welcomed you to a Captain's Council in an effort to understand your place here and your forthwith usefulness."
Usually obstreperous to orders, Rei made the wise decision to keep her mouth shut despite how his words had irritated her. No matter how she fought it a disgusted frown marred her lips and she noticed Makoto cross her arms with a look of annoyance as well.
"Reports of your abilities have been sporadic and unclear. The mystery of your untraceable power has intrigued our convocation and its weight is now measured in your immediate presence." His look became grim. "It is true that you have no reiatsu. Please give us a brief demonstration as to what our reports call your 'transformation'."
As if the synchronization had been planned, the four Senshi pressed power into their activators. Given their close proximity, a swirling wind took up with the girls at its epicenter, spiraling throughout the entirety of the First Division Headquarters' main hall. The human walls that flanked them became a flutter of white haori as the Captains watched them curiously. A wild mixture of chromatic tresses waved violently in the wind and concocted a brief potpourri of color before settling regally upon their shoulders.
Their instruments, three swords and one bow, sat celestially on their bodies, intricately marked with whatever supernatural assemblage they originated. Rei saw no shock and awe in their eyes but a heightened curiosity surged forth.
The Captain-Commander's façade did not shift. "And yet your level is still indiscernible." It was a quiet utterance that seemed meant only for his own ears. "How did you get here?"
The question was so fully unexpected that the answer he desired was met with silence. They shifted uncomfortably, making a small bout of frenzied eye contact before Ami took an unassertive step forward.
"Our home houses a Guardian of Time that possesses the ability of Dimensional Travel," was her brisk and astute response. "She sent us here with the mission to eradicate the man seeking the Ginzuishou at any cost." Her body remained slightly bowed, cautious blue eyes never remaining on the Captain-Commander for too long.
"And why would Sosuke Aizen, a betrayer in the possession of the Hogyoku, desire your crystal?"
At this Ami looked up fully. "The seasoning of your main adversary is unbeknownst to us. His history, his nature, and his plans are vague at best. However, it is known that he has and continues to harm our Princess in an effort to reach the Ginzuishou." Ami fiddled slightly with her hands before mentioning one last thing. "The Ginzuishou is a great source of energy within which is stored immeasurable and unlimited power. Why anyone wouldn't want it or how it could not be of use is unknown to me."
Yamamoto watched her carefully, the nodachi strung at her side briefly earning his attention. The slickly iced blade looked formidable. "They say these are not your true powers."
Ami's trepidation was lessening. They'd been asked all of these questions before, the repeated queries garnering no different answers. "This is your dimension's manifestation of our raw power."
"And what do you wish to do here?"
Ami's eyes flashed a cold blue, sending a chilly shiver into the air. For the first time she made direct and elongated eye contact, letting him know that their sincerity was not only true but also marked with a glowing steadfastness. Little did she know her comrades had looked up in the same fashion.
"We wish to get stronger," she said decisively.
"And to kill Aizen," Rei added, paying no mind to the flicker of multiple eyes on her form.
"We want to save Usagi," Minako said earnestly.
Makoto's glare was ruthlessly determined. "And go home."
Yamamoto's small eyes regarded them with ease as he measured their persistent resolve. After a moment of ample silence his eyes shifted to gaze upon his Captains. They watched him carefully between exchanging glances among one another. "And what do you ask of us?"
At this Ami smiled softly, a gentleness yet unseen emerging as she bowed in front of him. "All we ask is to be among your ranks, to be trained so that we may be of the productive service we know we can be, and to assist in the total annihilation of Sosuke Aizen."
Yamamoto made an appreciative noise, watching carefully as Ami folded her hands behind her back and stood straight. She disbanded the once fierce resolve that pierced her eyes but there was no doubt it still swam within her. Yamamoto lifted his staff and struck the marble floor assuredly.
"All of those in favor?" His question was moot, seeing as how the Captain-Commander had already decided which direction the formal proceeding would take. His eyes did not shift to acknowledge the line of bodies that stood in front of him. His chocolate brown orbs remained solidly on the women before him, his periphery catching slight movement among the robes behind them.
The clamor of his staff on marble rang throughout the hall once more. "Then it is settled," he announced. "Each of you will be assigned a Division under which to grow and serve for your remaining time in Soul Society. Step forward and state your name."
Ami, already ahead of the pack, took another small step forward. Pressing a hand to her chest she smiled. "Ami Mizuno."
Given the reports that Yamamoto had received he could already capably assess their power and who would assist in their growth. "You will be placed in the Sixth Division below Kuchiki-taichou."
Byakuya took a small step forward and Ami looked over her shoulder. He watched her with sharp grey eyes, shrouded in a cold, aloof demeanor that complemented his slate orbs and chiseled profile. Ami, blushing slightly at his superiority, bowed gently to him. He made no other movement than to step back.
Minako stepped forward and gave a quick, chaste bow. "Minako Aino."
Yamamoto looked far down the line of Captains. "Ukitake-taichou," he said, "and the Thirteenth Division."
Minako looked back and saw a charmingly attractive man with long white locks wave softly to her with a gentle smile. Minako smiled, relieved, and waved back. For a moment she was worried the old dude was going to stick her with the giant wolf man that loomed frighteningly over them.
Rei made no move to step forward. "Rei Hino," she said flatly, watching as the Captain-Commander analyzed her. It was an uncomfortable gaze, as if he was someone she'd admired for years looking down on her stubborn behavior. Rei swallowed roughly, praying that she would not be placed under the man with the hungry eyes.
"Hitsugaya-taichou should be the perfect adversary given your abilities," Yamamoto explained. "Tenth Division."
Rei let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding at the sound of a familiar name. She did not turn around to acknowledge Hitsugaya, already knowing whom the small, powerful Captain was.
Makoto stayed in her position as well, arms still crossed protectively over her chest. A faint glimmer of hope snowballed within her at the prospect of training. She'd been hated for and warned about her wild power. Internally she begged for one of the Captains to have the capabilities to calm it. "Makoto Kino."
Yamamoto knew of Ichigo Kurosaki's despise for her and where it stemmed from. Knowing that perhaps this Captain would not be the best choice to help hone her peculiarity, he figured he would be one that could help her understand and express it. The Captain-Commander began to speak, "Zara…" but froze when he met a particularly earnest pair of warm grey eyes.
Makoto's once intense glower lightened as she saw the old man pause. Innocently curious she followed his eyes to a flowery pink kimono that was draped over the shoulders of an attractively scruffy man. Young, girly Makoto sprung forth as she blushed when he turned from Yamamoto and gave her a comforting smile.
"I think perhaps I would be better suited to help develop our new allies," the mysterious man said and Makoto's skin prickled as the once soft look he'd relayed became inexplicably serious. He and Yamamoto shared a knowing look and Makoto followed their eyes from one to the other, back and forth. What did they know that she didn't?
A slight tinkling of bells rang lightly through the air and Makoto watched as the most menacing man she'd ever laid eyes upon, equipped with a wild aura, crossed his arms with a frown. "Good," he barked roughly with a cragged voice that matched his rough exterior perfectly. "I don't have time for that."
Makoto's heart began to sink and her eyes revealed her disappointment. She'd almost been placed under that man? He looked so strong; a towering, aggressive Captain with a sinister eye patch and visible scars. Clearly he must have been one of the most powerful in the room…but instead she was getting stuck with a nice guy in a pink kimono with a ponytail?
"Then you will be placed under Kyoraku-taichou in the Eighth Division."
A swirling pit of anger bubbled in Makoto's stomach at the lost prospect of this Zara-whoever guy. She swallowed to disrupt the swelling dejection in her throat and nodded to her new mentor. His smile never ceased but he said nothing and stepped back.
Yamamoto turned his calculating eyes back to the women in front of him. "Group training will commence beneath Kuchiki-taichou tomorrow afternoon. You will house together in the Thirteenth Division Barracks seeing as how Karakura Town is under their jurisdiction." His eyes swept the room, brushing swiftly along the parallel lines of Captains and the row of women before him. "This Council is adjourned."
"Despite how intimidating it might seem, I think you guys will find yourself rather comfortable in Soul Society," Rukia explained, leading the troupe of women to the Thirteenth Division barracks.
Minako watched as every man clad in black hakama stared directly at them. The blatant inquisitive nature of their glances led her to believe that perhaps Rukia was wrong. Whispers of intrigue succeeded every look and eyes followed them like the sight of a walking woman was a feat undiscovered.
"I feel like a circus animal," Makoto murmured sourly, eyeing their onlookers with minute disdain. She got enough obtrusive attention back home for her height and her violence…it was frustrating that it seemed to be an inescapable disgrace even without doing anything wrong.
"Ditto," Minako mumbled back, giving a smirk and a wink to two men who had been obviously staring. They froze, turning away with blushes and twiddling their thumbs. The blonde's fake jocularity fell as she rolled her eyes. The one with the weird facial tattoos had been cute but despite his seemingly attractive demeanor, the manner with which he and his blonde companion muttered indiscriminate words to one another caused Minako's irritation to simmer. "It's like they think we can't see them."
Rukia smiled sheepishly as she rounded a corner. "I'm sure they're all just curious about your story," she admitted. "You have to admit, your presence here is actually quite exciting."
Ami turned a blind eye to their onlookers as she watched the blue sky. "Rukia?" she asked inquiringly. The small Shinigami peered at her expectantly. "What is Soul Society? Something feels different here," she said lightly, placing her hands behind her back.
Rukia looked slightly troubled before a small smile took her lips. "It's slightly like Earth…" she tried to explain, "but everything here is made out of Reishi—spirit particles." Ami nodded in understanding as Rukia continued. "Right now we're in Seireitei, a giant, protected central compound that houses the Gotei 13 and high ranking families. Outside of the walls is Rukongai, an expansive area surrounding Seireitei made up of numerous ordinal districts. I am actually from Rukongai. As you can imagine, the farther you get from Seireitei…"
"…the worse the conditions," Rei murmured in response, crossing her arms as they came across an open courtyard with a vast endowment of both housing and foliage alike. Rei looked up in appreciation and took in the extensive infrastructure of the Thirteenth Division grounds. "What district are you from?"
"After I died resided in district 78," Rukia said with little hesitation.
Makoto glanced at her out of the corner of her eye. She didn't miss the small amount of acidity in her crisp response. But there was also a succinct pride that emanated from her brief words. "How far out do the districts go?" she asked.
"Eighty," Rukia responded brusquely, not daring to turn around and face their shocked expressions. "These are the barracks," she followed up quickly, laying rest to their previous line of discussion. "Follow me and I'll show you around a bit."
The girls made gentle eye contact before following the short Shinigami, who'd already begun walking ahead of them.
Three faces peered beyond the scraggly bark of a tree. They watched as the mysterious women followed Rukia farther and farther into the Thirteenth Division barracks.
"They claim that they're princesses," Renji said, his companions giving him wide eyes. "Get this…" the redhead continued, "they say they're princesses of different planets."
"There's no way."
"That's just ridiculous."
Renji gave a small chuckle. "You should have seen Ikkaku react," he responded with a grin. "It was in typical fashion, of course."
"I wonder what Aizen wants with them," Shuhei Hisagi questioned, earning a sound of agreement from the blonde next to him.
"You say it's a crystal?" Izuru Kira asked Renji as the redhead nodded.
"It's like some special, all-mighty, powerful, healing crystal or something."
"It sounds like something out of a children's book," Kira mentioned, crossing his arms. "Are you sure of their ability? I know you say their power is basically unable to be sensed…but they look frail."
Hisagi's eyes narrowed as he kept them trained on the disappearing women. "I wouldn't be so swayed by appearances," he said gently. Sure they may have looked dainty but Rukia looked dainty as well.
Kira rolled his eyes. "You just want them to stick around because the blonde one winked at you."
"US," Hisagi chirped, coughing gently into his hand with a blush. "She winked at us," he corrected as Renji laughed.
Kira gave him an impassive look as three more people came walking down the path. "Yeah but I'm the only one who didn't find it flirtatious."
"It was a wink!"
Their (completely obvious) position behind the tree was spotted by the newcomers. Orihime gave a gentle wave that they returned abashedly, knowing that their pathetic position had been compromised.
"Yo," Ichigo said with a single wave as Ishida gave a nod of acknowledgement. "Why are you guys behind that tree?"
The three sweatdropped and stepped out from their hiding place, putting bashful hands behind their heads.
"Just scoping out the new allies!" Hisagi said with a strained laugh.
Kira rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. "More like checking out," he muttered under his breath. Hisagi, with a painful smile still plastered to his face, abruptly stiff armed Kira into a bush.
"You guys know them well, right?" he said a little too loudly as Kira emerged from the bush with twigs in his hair and a ferocious growl on his face. He grumbled incoherent curses towards the Ninth Division Lieutenant.
"Yeah…" Ichigo said as he raised an eyebrow at Kira's compromising position. He watched the blonde stand in a bout of confusion. "However well you can get to know someone in a couple of weeks."
"Are they…nice?"
"Yes!" Orihime cried kindly just as Ishida mumbled, "mostly." Orihime's large grin faltered a little as she eyed the Quincy. "Well…" she admitted softly, "two of them are a little rough around the edges, but that doesn't mean they're not nice."
Renji crossed his arms. "And we still can't sense a damn thing from them," he said, filling in the growing silence.
"Urahara seemed extremely confident in their ability," Ishida mentioned.
Ichigo nodded. "I witnessed some of it," he said as the Shinigami's eyes turned to him expectantly. "For having just woken their powers in a completely different format it was impressive to see their control."
Hisagi didn't quite understand. "Different format?" he asked, looking to Kira who merely shrugged.
Ishida squinted. "They had said something about uniforms and…wands in their own dimension."
"Own dimension…" Kira mumbled, crossing his arms and looking past the newcomers to the now empty entrance to the Thirteenth Division barracks. It was strange to hear the words said. It was a notion hard to fathom…that there were worlds beyond the multitude that existed in his own. He tried to let it slide. "So they're going to be training with us in preparation for the winter battle?"
Ichigo nodded again. "Apparently the old man put each of them under a Captain."
Renji's eyes swam with determination. "So we have a few months…" he trailed off, an excitement lingering in his bones at the prospect of growing stronger.
Orihime sighed, pressing her fingers together as a curiously downtrodden look seeped into her eyes. "I'm worried about Sado," she said softly, looking to her toes. The gentle giant had been so thoroughly injured by their initial confrontation with the completed Arrancar that he'd been forced to stay in Karakura Town. Suddenly a hand was on her shoulder and she was jolted from her worry.
Ichigo stared down at her with a small smile. "Don't worry," he said with such unequivocal certainty that Orihime felt a weight lift from her shoulders. "Sado is in good hands with Urahara and Yoruichi. We just need to pick up the slack left in his vacancy." He looked up to Ishida and the Quincy nodded back swiftly.
A small blush captured Orihime's cheeks as Ichigo took his hand away and a small grin blossomed on her lips. "Right," she said, raising a sure fist. Hisagi and Kira smiled at her innocent positivity.
Hisagi stepped fully onto the road and began to make his way back to the heart of Seireitei. "In any case I should get back to work," he said. He looked pointedly at Kira and Renji, who both looked back to him with half lidded, lackluster gazes. Hisagi's eyes narrowed. "And so should you two."
Renji watched the dark haired man sternly. Shuhei Hisagi had always be a man about duty. And although he knew the Lieutenant was generally conflicted and hurt by the abandonment and betrayal of his Captain, the man needed to lighten up. He was sure the confusion and ire must have run deep, Renji himself couldn't imagine how he'd feel if Rukia or Byakuya had suddenly turned on everything they seemed to stand for. But the pressure Hisagi was putting on himself to be the acting Captain of the Ninth Division was probably a little too much.
Kira, on the other hand, understood Hisagi's inner torment. Given how he'd turned on his own comrades and lost his Captain, he too was in a constant state of inner confliction. He knew Rangiku forgave him but he wasn't sure he'd ever be rid of the sweltering guilt that festered within him… not until Aizen, Tousen, and Gin most of all were dead.
Hisagi saw both of their reactions to his gentle suggestion and was immediately relieved when Renji placed his hands behind his head and walked into the road.
"You're probably right," the redhead muttered as Kira followed him out silently. The blonde looked deeply lost in thought as muted shame and anger glazed his eyes in memory of his recent debauchery. "Anyway," Renji said, turning to the visitors from Karakura, "I think Rangiku is trying to rally some drinking buddies so maybe we can all meet up later."
Ishida pointed to himself, his eyes as narrow as slits. "We're not old enough to drink," he voiced as his two companions nodded in synchronization.
Renji gagged at their prudish refusal. "Whatever," he said with a wave over his shoulder. His two companions followed. "Meet us or don't."
Orihime held her balled fists to her lips. She looked right and then left at her leftover comrades. "I'm kind of scared to drink with Rangiku…" she admitted quietly from behind her knuckles.
Ichigo placed a hand behind his head with a small chuckle and a sweatdrop. "I'll admit, socially she intimidates me a little."
Ishida's face remained stone-like with concentration. "On second thought, while abetting minors is a serious transgression…" he pushed his glasses farther up his nose, the glint in the afternoon sunlight making it impossible to see his eyes, "I welcome the challenge."
His two companions sweatdropped.
But that was how, hours later, Uryu Ishida ended up red faced and wobbly with a righteous Rangiku whooping in front of him.
"Your effort was valiant, young Quincy," she taunted, flopping her arm over his shoulder and pulling him in like an old chum. Ishida's face drowned in the valley of her breasts. "But your age is showing!"
Ishida pulled away harshly with a gasp of air, righting his crooked glasses. "Yes, well," he began, trying to maintain some composure, "at least I have bested those two." He pointed to his fellow Karakura natives who were silently drowning in inebriation.
Hisagi poked Orihime's head gently. Said girl pulled her heavy dome from the nest of her arms with a shaky grin and a large flush.
Kira, less drunk than all those at the table, squinted at her curiously. "Are you alright?" the blonde asked as Orihime's loopy expression changed drastically.
"Yes!" she cried suddenly, her finger pointing to the air. "I was just thinking of the most terrific snack; white rice with mustard, okra, and perhaps a Spanish aioli…"
Kira's cheeks turned green as Hisagi blanched.
Rangiku swallowed. "Sounds…delicious, Orihime-chan!" she said, laughing obnoxiously and trying to save the girl from humiliation.
"That sounds horrible," Ichigo admitted. He'd been relatively quiet the majority of the night with his arm crossed tightly over his chest, but the pinkness to his cheeks evinced that even he, perhaps, drank a little too much.
Renji punched his shoulder boisterously. "Way to be supportive of your friend!" he chastised, leaning forward and giving Orihime a thumbs up as sparkles swarmed around him. She responded in kind enthusiastically, almost knocking over a glass that Hisagi caught with a strained expression.
Rangiku watched the interaction with a smirk budding on her lips. It was nice to see them all interacting, even the Quincy looked mildly comfortable given his known and likely detest for all things Shinigami. She was about to strike up another game with him when she caught a glimpse of a familiar shock of dark hair and scrambled towards the window.
"Rukia!" she called as the woman and the four who trailed her halted like they'd been criminals caught in the act. "Rukia, yoo-hoo!"
Slowly Rukia turned with a strained smile. "Rangiku!" she acknowledged, giving a small wave. "Hello!"
"Come have a drink with us!" Rangiku yelled with a jolly grin.
If Rangiku had been anywhere near the group of women she would have been able to smell the sake that emanated from their breath or seen the pinkness that sullied all of their cheeks.
After settling in, Ami had mentioned how stressed she was and Minako had made a joke about needed a drink. When Rukia had actually suggested they get one the girls had been mildly surprised but enthusiastically willing all the same. It had been a time for complaining and joking amongst themselves but Rukia hadn't minded, she rather enjoyed their company and their banter. But perhaps they'd gotten a little carried away with the pots of sake and had forthwith decided that maybe it was time to retire.
Minako held a hand to her mouth as Rangiku hung out of the window, still beaming. "Do we tell her?" came her garbled whisper as she stared at the redhead's breasts in amazement. How they managed to stay within her robes, the blonde would never know.
"Shh," Ami said, putting a finger to her lips. "Let Rukia handle this."
The Shinigami seemed to mull it over in her head. Rangiku sensed her imminent refusal and tried to give more incentive.
"Even Hisagi is here!" she quipped as the Lieutenant's head popped up behind her with a small, intoxicated wave.
"Guilty!" he muttered, embarrassedly.
Minako's eyes widened as she pulled on Makoto's sleeve. She gave an obvious point in the direction of the tattooed man. "That's the cute one that was staring at me," she whispered as Makoto's half lidded expression perked up.
"Uhh…which one?" the brunette asked, trying to focus on the annoyingly blurring images in front of her.
Minako's point became more dramatic. "Scars," she said, running three fingers over her right eye. "He has a 69 tattooed on his face."
Minako watched with a sweatdrop as a lecherous grin grew on Makoto's lips. "Heh," she said with a childish chuckle. "I wonder if it's his favorite—"
Minako slapped a hand over Makoto's mouth before she could finish. Then, after a second thought, she pulled her hand away and leaned in to whisper, "That was my first thought too." The two giggled sinisterly together as Rei rolled her eyes.
"Well?" Rangiku called out to them.
"Okay!" Rukia said excitedly, throwing her hands in the air and making her way towards the other Shinigami. Minako and Makoto whooped and followed. Ami sighed, dragging her feet as she slowly made her way after the others while Rei sighed angrily and cursed.
"Dammit…"
And then she cursed more heavily when she found she was stuck at the end of the table with a drunken Quincy. He pushed his glasses up on his nose and cleared his throat, trying to gather himself.
"Rei," he said with a nod.
She nodded back, trying to remain somewhat cordial as Minako passed her a small cup of sake. Figuring she'd need much more to remain comfortable in Ishida's presence, she quickly gulped it down and passed it back to the blonde.
Minako stared wide-eyed, looking into the small cup as if it had been some feat of magic. She looked to Rei and then to the cup, and then to Rei again and then back at the cup. Then she grinned broadly and gave the miko a thumbs up. "Nice!" she commended as Rei dramatically rolled her eyes.
When Minako had refilled her cup and passed it back, Rei found that she was left only to converse with the man across from her. Minako had already struck up a friendly conversation with Rangiku, Makoto and Renji seemed poised for competitive drinking, and Ami was speaking politely with the blonde and Ichigo.
She watched Ishida gently as he stared down the length of the table, a conspicuously calculating look in his eyes as he fiddled mindlessly with the small cup in his long fingers. Her eyes fell to his hands and she was suddenly struck with how strong they seemed. Ishida was not a particularly bulky man—he boasted a lithe and agile form rather than an outwardly robust frame—but his hands, now that she'd taken the time to actually observe him, seemed respectfully protective.
Something clouded his eyes as he watched the two groups meld in drunken camaraderie. Rei squinted as she took a small sip of her alcohol, hating the bitter taste. She'd never been a huge proponent for the fermented drink, but she was a politician's daughter—Rei was surprised that at her ripe teenage age she wasn't a drunk. The look did not leave his eyes.
"You look uncomfortable."
Perhaps it was the drink that made her confident enough to expunge the trepidation that came with calling out something that seemed so personal, but at that moment Rei didn't care.
He did not turn his head to acknowledge her but his eyes shifted in her direction. He stared at her for a moment and Rei felt as if he was discreetly sizing her up, monitoring her worthiness. Finally his eyes turned back down table as if he had finished assessing her.
"It's because I am."
Rei raised an eyebrow at the low tone of his voice. "Why?" Clearly the alcohol was erasing her buffers.
Ishida's mouth became a thin line as he turned fully to face her, taking a small sip from the cup in his hands. "It's none of your concern."
Rei glared. "You look like you hate them."
"Well maybe a part of me does."
Rei relented for a moment, shocked at his inference. She watched as his fingers clamped tightly around the beverage, a vicious glare encapsulating his eyes that he made sure to aim down to his cup and only to his cup.
"Why?"
Her question had been much softer than she intended, more inquiring than demanding, and it caused the Quincy to look up in mild surprise. Rei blushed and crossed her arms, trying to hide her embarrassment in a glare.
He smirked at her as if he knew and Rei's blush grew. Something softened in his eyes as if a barrier had fallen and Rei felt the heat double on her cheeks. She didn't like being on the end of a look like that, something so genuine and nice. She didn't like the girly twinge that cascaded down her spine or the friendly vibe that began to emanate from him, which is why she'd never been more thankful for Minako's obnoxious behavior when the blonde threw an arm around her shoulder and jumped in on their conversation.
"You guys look boring," she said with a slight slur. "Stop talking about serious things and join the fun!"
Rei shrugged her arm off of her shoulder. "I'm here aren't I?" she muttered crossly.
Minako gave her finger guns before turning back to her own conversation. "Point taken." The blonde went to wrap her arm around Ami's shoulders to pull the mousy girl in. But even in her drunken haze Minako knew that Ami was not very tall nor did she have extremely strong, broad shoulders…
"Eh?"
They both turned to face each other with confused expressions, his imploring and hers befuddled. A large flush grew on his cheeks as he stared down at her but in all of Minako's bewilderment she did not remove her arm.
"You're not Ami," she said obviously, squinting at him.
"Um, no," he responded, pointing off in the distance. "She went to use the restroom."
"Mmhmm," Minako said skeptically, not believing him. "She told you to tell me that, didn't she."
Hisagi's blush became redder as he placed a hand behind his head. As cute as he may have thought the newcomers were he really didn't want to get caught up in something. "Yeah, she headed back to the barracks already."
Minako gave a disappointed sigh and patted his shoulder. "She never was one for boisterous good times."
Hisagi shrugged, still slightly uncomfortable with her soft arm around him. "I don't know, she and Kira seemed to be having a pleasant conversation."
Rei, who'd overheard him, immediately smacked a hand to her forehead as a mischievous smile dominated Minako's lips.
"What's happening?" Ishida whispered to her as Minako began to cackle lowly.
Rei shook her head in such disappointment. "He's just opened a can of worms."
Hisagi looked frightened as he bent forward to acknowledge the raven-haired woman. "What did I do?" he whispered. All he did was mention that perhaps her friend had been having a good time.
Minako grabbed his chin and turned his face back to hers. Perhaps it was the drink, but Hisagi didn't want to admit he liked to feeling of her hand on his face. His blush returned.
"This Kira male…" she began, raising an eyebrow to the Lieutenant whose face was still captured in her dainty fingers, "does he have a girlfriend by any chance?"
Hisagi's confusion doubled. "Um, no?" he answered.
Minako's sinister smile grew as she let go of Hisagi's face and unwound her arm from his shoulders. She rubbed her hands together like a mad scientist and uttered a laugh that fit the image. Then suddenly she broke character, pointing to Hisagi.
"We'll be partners in crime," she declared confidently as he pointed to himself.
"Me?" he questioned and she nodded fervently. "Partners in crime for what?" He wasn't quite sure what task they had to complete seeing as how he'd just met her. The look that Minako gave him made Hisagi very, very happy that he was not this poor Ami girl.
"We're going to be matchmakers!"
Hisagi gave an awkward laugh. "And why does this include me?" he asked.
Minako pouted cutely and he was suddenly reminded of her gentler attributes. "I need someone to push from the other side," she whispered, touching his arm.
A warmth radiated from her hand that made Hisagi feel very calm. She gave him a very beautiful, very sane smile that he couldn't refuse to return. But Hisagi was no fool…she knew exactly what she was doing by touching him, smiling at him, and batting her dazzlingly blue eyes at him…
"Ok."
The dejected words had been out of his mouth before his rational side could mute them. Her charm was undeniable; it had caused him to push aside thoughts about the mountain of paperwork he was buried under, the fact that he had no idea whether or not Kira was interested in this girl or vice versa, or the fact that he had no idea who this beautifully insane woman next to him was.
Minako squealed and wrapped her arms delicately around his neck, pulling the Lieutenant down into a hug that he awkwardly and gently returned. Perhaps this could be good for Kira, Hisagi tried to justify. The morose cloud that hung over the blonde's head didn't necessarily make him miserable company but it didn't make him a ray of sunshine either.
Despite his being duped into turning on his friends, Kira was a good guy. If helping him find some comfort in anyone, more specifically an outsider completely unaware of his ill wrought past, meant lifting that shadow then Hisagi would gladly help.
Makoto looked on the scene with a soft glare, shaking her head.
Renji watched curiously as her face melted into a sad disappointment. "It's just in good fun," he said softly, not understanding her disapproval.
Makoto turned to him in slight surprise, quite unaware that her feelings had been so obviously displayed. Her surprise fell slowly as his puzzled gaze remained fixed on her. "It is in good fun," she responded, not breaking their eye contact. "But it won't be good fun if something does happen."
Renji wasn't getting it. "Why not?" he asked. Perhaps she was overprotective of her friends. If that was her issue he could…somewhat vouch for Kira (who'd luckily been so caught up in a game with Orihime, Rukia, Rangiku, and a reluctant Ichigo that he did not hear a word of the extended conversation about him).
Makoto shrugged, taking a sip of her alcohol. "There's only two outcomes in this scenario," she said confidently. "Either we go home, or we die. In either case, having someone that cares about you will only make either situation worse."
"Or better," Renji was quick to combat. Makoto raised an eyebrow. Renji crossed his arms and leaned back a little bit. "There's something in any sort of relationship that makes a person stronger." He looked down towards the gaming five.
Makoto's interest was piqued as her cup froze halfway to her lips. She followed his gaze, which had landed on a particularly short Shinigami with a gentle reverence, and her regard snapped back to him with a devilish smirk.
Renji sighed, not noticing her knowing look as she quickly erased it. "I wouldn't be afraid to build a friendship just because you're scared to lose it—that's a half-assed way to live a life," he said bluntly.
Makoto snorted, setting the cup back on the table and staring into its liquefied depths. Particular personal experiences told her otherwise but she knew that there was some truth to his words. Still she couldn't get one thing off her mind.
"But aren't you…dead?" she joked with a smirk, and then a gentle laughter as he rolled his eyes. "I'm sorry, but you set me up for that one."
Though he seemed thoroughly not amused by what she thought was a clever catch, Renji's eyes did soften slightly. "But seriously," he began, his orbs shifting down the table once more. "I can see that both Rukia and Orihime are starting to care for your friendship." He turned towards her with compellingly serious eyes. "I wouldn't rebuff that out of fear."
Makoto didn't respond but Renji didn't miss the small bout of melancholy that seeped from her. Fearful he'd struck something personal Renji gave a hearty laugh that was a bit too loud, causing Makoto to raise an eyebrow.
"But I mean friendships grow fast once you've seen someone naked, right?!" He continued to laugh, not noticing the growing look of alarm widening Makoto's eyes. When his chuckles died down Renji finally saw her face and all jollity faded quickly. He placed his hands under the table like a child who'd done something wrong.
Makoto pressed the flat of her palms to the table, leaning forward and hovering dangerously close to the Sixth Division Lieutenant. "I'm sorry…but what does that mean?" she asked threateningly.
Renji finally got the gist that perhaps that hadn't been widespread information. "Umm…" was all he could think of to say, looking down the table desperately for some help. Then his hand darted out, grabbing Ichigo's sleeve and pulling the startled boy from his game. Renji pointed to his face and blabbered rapidly, "I mean I wasn't even there. He was there! They all were, you know, so…I don't even know what happened or what you looked—I mean I'm sure you're—I'm sure you're all…what I'm trying to say is it's his fault."
Ichigo turned to him, appalled. "What did I do?!" But then he felt the maelstrom, the churning disaster that emanated from her and suddenly he didn't feel so drunk anymore. Ichigo watched as she simmered with rage and felt a palpable tingle in the air. His hand gripped the table fiercely in anger but her ire was aimed directly at Renji.
By this time a majority of the table had tuned in to their conversation, Rei wearing a mask of distaste similar to Makoto but aimed it at a sheepish and defensive Ishida.
Minako, however, looked calm. "But I mean, did I look good?" she asked, breaking the tension.
"MINAKO!"
Somewhere, in a pit of darkness, Hotaru Tomoe awoke.
Okaaaay, so sorry that took so long. I'm finally getting back on track with this story. I hope you guys liked this chapter. Now I can stop focusing on everyone asking what's happening and what's going on and how are they there and blah blah blah. I'll be honest, I just kind of tossed Sado away because I didn't really have a place for him in this story so don't expect him to return. Also start expecting some pairing action—but don't be fooled! There will be friendships too. Muwahaha, you guys are never going to be able to guess. Read and review, I'd love any feedback! Also, feel free to check out my new story And She Was Good!
Wanderingsilverrose: Oh wow, thank you so much! That's one of the best compliments you can receive as an author, seriously, and I really appreciate you saying that. I'm glad you like my characterizations—it's hard with Bleach seeing as how there are just so many gosh-darn people but I think I'm getting the hang of it. About Hotaru: that was actually a revelation! I hadn't said anything about it and only mentioned it through the Outers because I wanted the fact that she was missing to be a surprise. But now everybody knows and now she is awake! And honestly this story is going to be so freaking long. I spend way too much time on descriptions and trying to make everything plausible that I feel like I just end up droning lol. But I'm glad you're staying tuned in, it means a lot! Thank you so much for the review!
Arrankor: Thank you so much!
SaturnWolf3: Thanks! I try to make things exciting with things that people don't expect…like Hotaru missing 0_0! Hope you liked this chapter and thank you so much for the review!
JPandS: I'm glad you liked Minako's scene! I was a little nervous writing it seeing as how it was their first real battle but I think it turned out alright. Plus I'm super excited about the tension she has brewing with Grimmjow—that'll definitely pop up again later. Thank you so much for all of your compliments :DDD really, they mean so much. I've been so worried writing chapters for this story because I don't know Bleach as well as I do Gundam Wing or anything. It's hard to really get the characters down because there's just SO FREAKING MANY of them. Plus both Sailor Moon and Gundam Wing are relatively short so it's easy to deeply understand their plotlines…Bleach is soooo effing long and there are so many details…it's killing me. That's why I kind of "killed off" characters like Sado haha T_T;;
I really like Minako and Ichigo as a friend pair. I feel like she has a little bit of both Orihime and Rukia in her so they would make a great team. Minako's ribbon will definitely come back as an issue hahaha. I feel like that's something she would definitely fret about. I think Aizen is an amazing adversary—he's definitely someone who's really, really difficult/fun to write. Don't worry, we'll be seeing him and the Espada soon! Honestly, I am having so much fun writing Ami (she does some badass stuff in my new story). I love putting her in these more grown up situations where she kind of has to take the lead.
Urahara is definitely one of my favorite Bleach characters. I feel like he just has so many tricks up his sleeve with a skewed moral compass and that makes his moves and his plans so exciting and dramatic. Ami definitely sees that side of him and that's what makes their interactions tick. Usagi and Mamoru are so tragic right now lol. And I'll be honest…that's probably not going to lighten up haha. In fact, it'll probably only get worse XD I'm sorry hahaha. And finally Hotaru! I was so giddy putting that out because I can finally start to let things unravel. I literally just want to lay everything out there and reveal it all but I have to hold it in! But now she's awake and we can finally start to learn more hehehe.
Thank you so, so, so much for your amazing, kind, thought out review. I look forward to them every update! Also, P.S. update something please T_T I'm begging you!
