Chapter Sixteen: "The Man of Vuaruhara" By: Midorigrove
The path to Vuaruhara through the Landhluta was very strange to Midori. The oddity of it was because the top of the path was swirling blue and white clouds and the bottom of the path was a barrage of different greens. She walked cautiously down the path to a white light. "Seigi, I am scared." He did not appear but spoke from her Zanpakuto, "Midori, just keep your mind and sights ahead of you, and you will come to the land of Vuaruhara. Don't be scared. Carry yourself well and trust that your mind and heart know the way." Midori stood straight and pushed forward. When she reached the end of the path of the Landhluta, her eyes could not believe the beauty before her.
The sound of a waterfall fell on her ears and the push of fresh, unpolluted air filled her lungs. She closed her eyes taking a deep breath. When she opened her eyes, a whirlwind of plum blossoms flew by her. She looked around her in amazement. She ran toward the lake that the waterfall flowed into and crouched down, placing her hand in the water. She heard footsteps from behind her. She turned to see a very tall man with a muscular physique. He had brown spiky hair and blue eyes. He wore a black kimono with the sleeves ripped off of it. On his back was a thick, broad sword. He did not look any older than thirty. "Seems you made it here all in one piece, Midori Kyoraku." She tilted her head to the side at his statement, "It is my pleasure to meet you, Mr. Danr." She bowed to him. He smiled, "Just call me, Danr." He turned and walked away from the lake and she followed.
The world of Vuaruhara was different from the Soul Society. There was no one around. 'If this was a place for warriors to rest, where were they?' She noticed a lot of different animals. There were large rabbits with long ears and furry bodies, stags whose antlers were in abundance on their heads, and birds that were red with long feathers like a peacock coming from their tails. She watched as a bird flew over them, "That is a legendary bird known as the phoenix. You must be careful with those birds; they can burst into flame right in front of you." She watched his back as he walked on.
She wondered why he chose to live by himself after all these years. What was so good about living alone? "Mr. Danr? Are you the only person here in Vuaruhara?" He stopped but did not look at her. He looked at the sky, "Remember Midori, it is Danr, not Mr. Danr." A playful smile crept on his face, "We are the only ones here at this time. The land of Vuaruhara is a very unique space. You see the land is a holy place for those who wish to live their ending days alone. The space in Vuaruhara changes to meet the needs and happiness of the one who is visiting here. It is a gift from the Allfather for a warrior to pass on with their hearts fulfilled when their time comes. This is what you could call, my utopia and it will become my grave. It is a rare thing that you have been allowed to come here. The Allfather must show you much favor." Midori was surprised. She had never heard of such a place. She had only heard about the Soul Society and the World of the Living. She had so many questions to ask him but did not know how she could ask them. In her mind, she believed prying too much into this world was like asking Danr to give her a piece of himself and to her, that was private. He started walking again and they came upon a small cabin. He motioned for her to come inside.
In the cabin, Midori noticed that there were two rooms and a living area connected to a kitchen. "When I was deep in thought about you coming here to train, this room appeared here without my wishes. I knew it was because fate meant it to be so. That is why I agreed to Commander Yamamoto's hell butterfly to have you come here. You should thank the Allfather for guiding you here since you and I have never met, since it would have been hard for anyone to find someone with the lykill they have never met. Which by the way, may I have my lykill back?" Midori produced the lykill and immediately gave it to him. He placed the lykill in a pouch on his hip and proceeded to show Midori the extra room that had appeared. They walked in and to her surprise it was just like her room back home in the 8th division, "A mirror image." He watched her as her face glowed at the things in her room. He left her to her thoughts as he went into the kitchen area and pulled out some food for them to eat.
Midori was mesmerized at everything she saw in this place. The fact that this bedroom was a mirror image of her own at her uncle's brought her great happiness. The bookcase with all her magazines were here. She picked one up and like hers at home, it was bookmarked to Jushiro's stories. She pressed the magazine to her face and kissed it. She missed him already. She walked over to her desk and there was the two fish kissing. She held it in her hands, 'I love you, Jushiro.'
She walked over to her bed and took a seat on her knees. She closed her eyes and clasped her hands together in a gentle balled fist, "Allfather, thank you. I do not know you religiously, but Seigi has high hopes in you, so I too will have those same hopes. Please continue to guide us until the end. I hope one day you will grant me my own Vuaruhara." She wanted to pay respects to the entity her new teacher praised so much and that Seigi talked about with such honor.
Midori exited her room and walked into the living room and kitchen area to see Danr eating. He offered her some food. She took it and they sat there in silence for a while, enjoying their food. Danr broke the silence, "Midori? Tell me about yourself. Why have you come here?" She thought for a moment about what to tell him. 'Should I tell him everything or just the abridged version?' He could see her thinking about what to tell him, so he simplified it for her, "Tell me what you need me to do? How can I help you and train you?" She looked up at him as her thoughts stopped, "I need your to help me control the Hollow inside of me. I almost killed four people who are precious to me, and I cannot allow for it to get out of hand again."
Danr propped his chin up on the table looking toward the window. He already knew that much about her from what Commander Yamamoto sent to him in the hell butterfly. He wanted to know her reason. "I see. Well, I really hate to break the bad news to you since you have travelled here, but I cannot help you in that aspect. I have never had to control a Hollow inside of myself before or help others in this way, but I can help you learn how to control the full powers of your Zanpakuto, Kido, Kaido, and anything else dealing with your spiritual pressure." Midori sat worried about her acceptance to come here and meet a man who did not know how to help her control the monster inside of her. She could see in his face that he felt bad for deceiving her. She smiled, "I would like for Master Danr to train me even if it is not how to control my Hollow. I just need to be stronger so that I can keep it at bay." She pulled the strings on the left side of her uniform to let the sleeve fall. She showed him her seal.
He reached forward and touched it, "Forbidden, huh? I suppose having this warning on your body is not very attractive to the men in the Soul Society either." Midori blushed. Jushiro never said anything to her about it. She did not even get any comments from Ikkaku, Yumichika, or Kenny about it either. They all knew what it did for her and did not dare judge her or make light of her feelings about it. "There have been no complaints." She pulled the string from the other sleeve, letting it fall off of her. Danr thought she had another seal on her right arm, but when she was folding her sleeves up, he noticed that was not the case. "That is a clever thing to have on a uniform. I never thought about that or I wouldn't have ripped the sleeves off of my kimono."
He laughed a hearty laugh. Midori just watched him. His smile caused wrinkles to appear on both sides of his mouth and around his eyes showed deep laughing wrinkles, 'He has quite the humor going for himself.' She smiled at him. He looked over at her. It had been a century since he had seen a woman smile like her. It seemed that even with the monster inside of her that she still had the heart to smile like nothing was going on. 'She must have been through so much because of that Hollow, there must be someone responsible for her being able to smile like that.' He rested his chin on his hand and stared at her. He reminded her of Shunsui when he stared at her with his chin propped up. She let her guard down and decided that Danr was a man she could trust.
"You probably think that I am a silly girl. Everyone does, honestly, but to be honest, I have someone I want to hurt like they have hurt me. Master Danr, I was betrayed many years ago, and I lost the first love of my life because of him. He was the cause for me to hurt my friends, and I will do anything to take his life even if that means letting this monster inside of me devour my soul." He kept his chin propped on his hand but looked at her in surprise.
He had never even noticed it, but there was a darkness in Midori's eyes. It was clearly visible now, and he could see that she had a dark resolve about her. 'This man who she wants dead must be the reason she is tormented by that Hollow. There is still more I have to teach her besides just the things with her spiritual pressure.' He took his free hand and placed it over hers that were resting on the table. She looked up at him and the darkness seemed to fade instantly. 'She doesn't know how to let go.' He smiled at her, and she smirked at him. Her heart was still beating. She had never told anyone about her plans for the future. She hated Aizen. She hated that he was still living a solemn life in the Soul Society. She wanted him to suffer like she had, like the captain and lieutenants they lost had, like Kisuke had.
She turned her head away from Danr. She did not want him to see the darkness in her eyes, but it was too late. Danr pulled his hand away from hers and picked up her plate. He went to the sink and washed it, "Oh, I could do that." He smiled as he washed her plate, "Do not take an old man's joy away from him." Midori did not know what he meant because she hated the idea of washing dishes, but to be honest she only called to him out of respect. She stood and walked toward the window in the living room. She noticed it led out into the backyard. She walked to the back door and exited it. He watched her from the corner of his eye. He smiled as she left his sight.
In the backyard, it was as beautiful as anything else in Danr's world, but what amazed her the most was the large tree in his backyard. It was a gorgeous tree that had large branches and small pale purple flowers on it. Midori instantly recognized it as a plum tree. Danr had finished with the dishes and now stood at the door frame watching her. He noticed how happy she was as the plum blossom floated down and rested at her feet.
She heard the cracking of a tree branch near her and Danr saw it before her, two large wolves. Danr bowed, but Midori stood there. Her eyes were mesmerized at how beautiful they were. They were both like yin and yang standing there staring at her. They did not grit their teeth or growl at her but stood there staring back at her. One was black with golden eyes. It had to have been the exact height of Midori because hits head came to her shoulder. The other was the same height, but it was white with blue eyes. They began to encircle Midori. She just stood there watching them. Her Zanpakuto glowed and appeared within her hands without her call. The black wolf stood on the side of her white ax and the white wolf stood on the side with her black ax.
Midori was surprised that her axes had appeared without her calling and then she heard the voice of the black wolf, deep and gruffy, "You are a master of our lords creation." He came forward and bowed low to Midori. The white wolf did the same, "We are Geri and Freki. We are the Allfather's faithful animal spirits, and by his will we have come to meet the wielder of his creation." The white wolf's voice was calm and smooth.
Even though Midori was trembling inside at how big these wolves were, she was captivated by how beautiful they were. Their manes were flaked with gold and their faces were painted with battle paint. They were truly the animal spirits of the Allfather. Midori tried to stop herself, but she called her Zanpakuto back to its sheath and placed her hand on the black wolf. He was not expecting it, but as soon as she touched him, he pulled his head closer to her, "Do you not fear we will eat you?" She hesitated, but resumed petting him, "No, if you wanted to eat me, you would have already." He chuckled and the white wolf too began to laugh.
Danr stood in surprise. He had never seen the Allfather's animal spirits before, and the fact they had appeared for Midori meant that it was true and her Zanpakuto was created by his god. All he could do was watch their exchange in amazement. "So, which is which? Are you Freki?" She asked the black wolf. He closed his eyes and looked back up at her, "You are very observant. I am Freki and my brother is Geri." Geri nudge his brother away to get petted. Midori thought it was funny. She started to laugh at how just like pets they were wanting attention. At the sound of Midori's laughter, her Zanpakuto glowed and Seigi appeared, "Midori?" He noticed the oversized wolves and came to stand behind Midori only looking over her shoulder, "How are you petting those two? Is the Allfather here?" "No, Seigi no Nai Seitoshi. Our Lord is not here, but he has given us permission to meet the one who wields you. You must have told her how much of an honor it was." Geri was now staring at Seigi who had crept from Midori's shoulder and was now standing next to her. "Not exactly." Seigi placed his hand on the back of his head and rubbed it. Midori watched him from the corner of her eye. She did not know much about Seigi, but that he was abandoned. He never told her about himself much, but that he was loyal to the Allfather.
Geri and Freki stood up from their crouched positions and began to glow. They suddenly appeared like the size of normal wolves. Their golden specks in their fur aligned closer creating a golden handprint on their sides. Midori remembered that her axes had the same handprint. 'Are my Zanpakuto linked to those two in some way?' "Geri, Freki, why do my axes have those same handprints on them?" They looked around to their sides where Midori was point. Geri explained, "Midori, all of the Allfather's creations have this symbol on them as well as the one on the hilt of your Zanpakuto. It is a symbol that says he is always near and present and the horns are a symbol of his never-ending fight and prosperity."
Midori pulled her Zanpakuto from her sheath and ran her finger over the three encircling horns. She was always curious what they meant, but all Seigi ever told her was that it was the symbol of the Allfather. A loud chime echoed through the backyard and two large ravens appeared in the tree, "We have been sent to bring you two back." "The Allfather expresses your continued protection of his creation, Midori Kyoraku." Midori stared at the red eyed raven who spoke her name. She wanted to know more about the world Seigi came from but knew that her time with them had become shortened. She bowed to all four of the animal spirits, "I, Midori Kyoraku, will always protect Seigi no Nai Seitoshi. This I give my promise and my life to."
Geri and Freki nudged against Midori's legs. They looked up at her and howled, "It was a pleasure meeting you, Midori." "Yes, we hope to meet you again." They began to run off into the woods, but then vanished in a swirl of white smoke. When Midori looked up in the tree, the two raven had also disappeared, and a necklace fell down from the branches. A distant voice appeared, "From the Allfather for eternal protection." It was one of the raven who had extended their Lord's final wish before leaving. Midori caught the necklace, holding it in her hands. It was a small blood red round marble, but the inside of it swirled like it was alive.
Seigi looked down in Midori's hand while Danr came beside of her. He too was curious about the necklace, "It is the blood of the Allfather." Midori did not understand, "Blood?!" Danr and Seigi shook their heads, "It is a high honor to be bestowed upon the blood of a god. Midori, you must take care of this. It will become of use to you in the future." Danr took it and placed it around Midori's neck. "It surely is an honor to even meet those four without being at the end of their assault." Danr walked to the tree. He placed his hand on the tree and closed his eyes. Midori noticed that he was praying, "Allfather, thank you for gracing our presence today in the form of your spirit animals. I will do as you wish and guide Midori to the path that you have made for her." He opened his eyes and noticed that Midori was talking to Seigi. He was curious how a Zanpakuto could just appear since their duty was to protect the world that connected and linked their soul to their master's soul.
"Seigi, when are you going to tell me about your history? That was a surprise to me to meet them. I thought they were going to eat me." He laughed at her, "Geri and Freki do not act on their own. If the Allfather wanted you dead, he would have been here to do it himself. Don't worry about such frivolous things." "FRIVOLOUS! My heart was beating miles a minute and here you just show up and hide behind me like you are scared of them, too."
Danr began to laugh at their exchange. He walked to Midori and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Calm down, Midori. He is correct. If the Allfather wanted you dead, he would have come here himself. It is an honor though you have bestowed your own honor on them. I bet it will take the Allfather many years to get their fur from smelling like you." "Huh? What do you mean?" "The only things that are allowed to touch a spirit animal are those they serve and the products of war. If another should touch them, their bodies would embody the smell of that person or thing. Since you were not battling them, Geri and Freki will have your smell on them for a decade at least. It is kind of funny when you think about it." He laughed. Midori was still confused. She did not know much about their world or the Allfather, but she was curious about it all.
She looked over at Seigi, "Will you please tell me about you?" Seigi felt her hand as it rested on his arm. He stared down at her with his piercing blue eyes. He wanted Midori to know everything about him, "I will tell you what I can, my lady." He sat down under the tree and patted the ground. She walked past Danr who was also now sitting with them. He was just as curious as Midori. Seigi looked over at him, "Is it necessary that you be here?" Midori grabbed Seigi by the ear, "He is my master now, and besides, what would it hurt?" She let go. Seigi rubbed his ear, "Fine, but I'm not telling you anything personal."
Midori did not care. She just wanted to learn something new about Seigi. He had been her Zanpakuto for so many years and only knew what people had told her and some of his personality. He was possessive and protective, but yet she couldn't help but wonder about his other master, and why he had abandoned him. She quietly sat there waiting for him to start his story. He closed his eyes, and it was like a movie playing in his mind. "I was created a long time ago by the Allfather. He is a benevolent ruler who protects his people. One day, my old master begged the Allfather to create him the most powerful blade. When the Allfather considered his request, he did not know what kind of man my old master was. He sought power, so much power. The Allfather, seeing that my old master had a warrior spirit agreed to his request. He made me and presented me to him through the Temple of Uppsala. The Allfather never really brought me to him. I appeared in the temple on the day that my old master would come to collect me. My old master was a spiteful man, and in trying to use me, he found that I was a failure. He thought that the Allfather had tricked him and vowed that he would make trouble for such a false ruler. My old master never received a Vuaruhara like Danr. He actual never died," Midori gasped at his words. She knew that it had to have been years since Seigi had saw his old master. She felt sympathy for him.
Seigi saw the look in her eyes and began again, "When my old master went up against the Soul Society, Yamamoto had him imprisoned in the Muken of the underground prison. He is still there to this day. He carried me with him everywhere he went, but never used me. He said that since I was made by a god that no one else would have a right to own me. When they caught him and placed him in Muken, Yamamoto took me from him and sealed me in his office. I was placed under two seals, chains, and protection talisman. Since my old master was a threat to the Soul Society, I was too," Midori had tears in her eyes at this point. She felt bad for Seigi. She laid her head on his shoulder and let the tears falls. "You were so alone for so long."
Danr noticed how much Midori cared about her Zanpakuto spirit. It was something he had never seen. Normally, a Zanpakuto never comes out of their Zanpakuto unless provoked because their job was to protect the world of their souls, but here he was. Seigi placed his head on top of Midori's, 'Does this Zanpakuto love his master like a man loves a woman?' He watched him for a while. "Seigi?" He spoke softly to Midori, "Yes, my lady." "How long were you sealed before you came to me?" He lifted his head and thought for a while. Midori lifted her head and began to rub her eyes, but Seigi grabbed her face and wiped them with his thumb. That was when Danr knew it, Seigi was in love with Midori. "I was sealed for eight hundred years before I was able to find you." She was shocked to hear about how long he was by himself. That was one thing that she feared, being alone.
She grabbed his hands and stared up at him, "Seigi, I will never leave you alone. This I make a promise to you." He smiled at her thoughtfulness, but he knew that he would out live her. It was only a matter of how long. Zanpakuto were like that, they only existed to serve their master, and if their blade and soul are not destroyed, they will just continue to live and serve the next master who wishes to use their powers. Danr was surprised by Midori's words. There had never been anyone who has wielded a Zanpakuto promised their Zanpakuto spirit anything, but here she was promising him her life, 'I see, that is not love, but devotion he has for her. Midori is surely a special woman to have that type of kindness in her heart but carries such on her shoulders.' Danr smiled.
The sun had begun to set, and he felt it was time to retire to his room. He wanted to leave them alone, "We will begin in the morning, Midori. Do not stay up too late." "Yes, sir." She nodded as Seigi was pushing hair out of her face. He watched Danr shut the door to the backyard and he felt relieved. He knew that Midori trusted him, but he was on edge about this man. He was like Seigi. He believed in the Allfather, and he had a general concern about Midori, but he also knew that there was something that Danr was hiding. He looked over at Midori who was back to laying her head on his shoulder. He heard her yawn, so he patted her head. "Midori, I want to tell you the truth about my story I just told." She did not move, "I knew something was up with your story." He knew she was not dumb, and she would figure it out, "So, which part was a lie." His face scrunched up, and he rubbed the back of his head, "My story was all true, but there were some details I left out." She raised her head to look him in the eye, "Why would you leave out details?"
He met her gaze and held it. Midori was someone he had become devoted to. He knew everything about her, and he felt everything she felt. He let his long lash gently touch his cheek before explaining to her, "I was the reason my old master did not want me," Midori was shocked at his confession. "What?!" Seigi watched her shocked face. It made him giggle. She was confused about him laughing, 'What is so funny?' She scrunched her face up in disapproval, "I did not want him to wield me. I knew that my old master was not my true master. I made him abandon me and went against the Allfather's wishes; however, the Allfather did tell me that I had the right to choose my master. He just could not connect with me, and he never learned my name." Midori could not believe that Seigi was that picky. She had felt horrible for him, but she still did. 'If he did not feel right within his old master's grip, how did he feel in my grip?' Midori's thoughts materialized in Seigi's next words, "When I was sealed in Yamamoto's office, I never thought I would find my master, but when you pushed out your spiritual pressure for the first time, it called to me. I was released from those seals by you that was how I was able to come to you." "Me?" Midori looked at him confused.
Seigi pulled Midori into his arms and leaned her head on his chest. He wanted her to feel how connect they truly were, "When a Zanpakuto is created, it is by the power of its wielder. There are very few exceptions to this rule. A Zanpakuto's master can be killed before the sword is, therefore, those powers can be given to another. When I was created by the Allfather, I had no master except for myself. The Allfather expressed this to me while he made me. Midori, I can only have one true master in my whole existence. All the others who wield me are given my power by my choice. When I came to you and my Zanpakuto spirit appeared before you, it was because I recognized you as my true master. I felt your soul was the same as mine and that is why you only called out to me. This is why I vowed everything to you because I owe you everything for tearing me away from that lonely solitude of having no one. You are my reason to protect you. If you were to perish, I would be alone again and there would be no other who would treat me like you do. I cannot explain it, but your love for me is why I am so devoted to you." Midori's face at this moment glowed red. She had never had anyone say such romantic words to her. She hugged Seigi not allowing him to see her face. She could hear how much Seigi loved her in how fast his heart was beating and then it was like magic, their heartbeats found the same wavelength.
Seigi placed his hand on her head and looked up at the sky. He was blushing too, "I told you it was personal, so don't tell anyone." She smiled at his protest, "They will stay safely in my heart." Midori knew that Seigi's devotion was real. He had always been there for her. He looked after her like a brother would. She felt loved in his embrace. She had never been alone like Seigi had. She hoped that over the last few decades with him by her side that she had helped erase some of the loneliness in his heart and mind.
She felt kind of sleepy. She rose from her position and Seigi followed after her. She hugged him again, "I will always honor my promise to you, Seigi. I will never allow you to be lonely ever again." He hugged her back, and then disappeared back into her Zanpakuto causing her to stumble. She was confused as to why he just disappeared, "Why did you leave?" She heard his voice from her Zanpakuto, "You need rest, so off to bed. We have training in the morning." His words made Midori feel strange. He was all of a sudden being business-like and it did not fly well with her.
She took his words and went off to her room. She placed her Zanpakuto next to her bed and took off her first layer of her uniform. She climbed in bed and fell asleep. Seigi appeared next to her, "There will come a time when we will become one, Midori," he pushed her hair from her face, "When that time comes, I will never be alone because we will always be together." He kissed her forehead and disappeared back into her Zanpakuto.
Midori dreamed about Seigi's old master. She could see everything except for his face. She saw how he berated Seigi, and how he had abandoned him to a life against his left hip. She saw the day that he betrayed the Soul Society, and like a video playing in front of her, she saw how Yamamoto took Seigi and sealed him in a box that was placed in his office. She stood there staring at Seigi in his sheath in that old wooden box. Her fingers touched the edge like she was really there, and then it was like time speed up and she felt her own spiritual pressure push over Yamamoto's office.
She then saw it, a little girl that was the color of her orange aura. It was her. The girl opened the box and ripped the talismans and chains from Seigi. She chanted words that Midori had never said before, but here this little girl that looked just like her was saying. The words then lifted from the case and Seigi flew by her. Midori ran from Yamamoto's office, leaving the little girl who looked like her behind her.
She followed Seigi until she saw herself standing next to Uncle Shunsui and an orange glow appeared in front of her young six-year-old self. She noticed the little girl there again. It was like she had freed Seigi and brought her to herself, but how? Midori watched as Seigi bowed to her younger self, and how she had said his name for the first time, but it wasn't her mind that told her, the double of her younger self had whispered it in her ear. Midori was confused. She had never learned Seigi's name because she heard him calling to her, but it was her double, her Soul Image that told her.
Midori clasped her hand over her mouth. 'How could this be? Am I a fraud?' Midori's Soul Image noticed her and changed into her older version. It walked to her, "I only helped him escape from his misery, you are the one who gave him a home, Midori." The voice talking to her was not her own. It was that of a man. She saw the words appear from her mirrored self, but it was not her. She got scared at what was going on. She had never wanted to see any of this. She felt horrible that Seigi's dream was a lie and that she was not his true master.
Midori woke from her dream in a sweat. She placed her hands on her forehead. The dream felt real to her. She couldn't understand any of it. 'Was what that dream showed me, true? Am I really not Seigi's true master? Has it all been a lie?' Midori's mind kept wondering about what was going on. She couldn't believe that her mind had conjured up Seigi's past like it was real in her dream.
She rose from her bed and went to the kitchen sink. She cupped water from the faucet and threw it on her face. The cold tingling on her face from the water did not help clear her mind. She walked out the back door into the dark backyard. She stood there across the large plum blossom tree and stared at the sky. The moon was being hidden by some clouds in the sky. "Midori, are you okay?" Midori turned behind her and there stood Danr. He was looking concerned at her while rubbing his left eye. She tried to hide the apprehension to her dream, but the clouds parted like a curtain and it showed on her face.
Danr walked out to her, "Is it that bad to put on a face like that?" She looked away from him. She did not know Danr that well, but his concern for her felt sincere. "I fear that Seigi thinking I am his true master is a lie. Master Danr, what if I am not Seigi's true master? What if he finds his true master? I will have to let him go, won't I?" Her questions struck him as odd. Midori was holding onto Seigi not because of her devotion to him but because her need to be a part of his life. Danr could see the misery on the side of Midori's face. He did not have the answers she wanted, but her Zanpakuto was not like his. He had conjured his Zanpakuto when he was starting out as a Soul Reaper. Her Zanpakuto sought her and found her.
Danr was shocked by the rumbling of footprints that came from behind him. He turned and there was Seigi. He was rushing to Midori, "What is wrong? Why are you out here in the middle of the night? I felt your spiritual pressure change, are you okay?" He placed her in a hug and Midori melted in his arms. She cried as they both fell to the ground on their knees. Danr saw how much Midori needed Seigi, and how much Seigi needed her. He did not see how her assumptions could possibly be true. 'There is no Zanpakuto that has that sort of relationship with their master, and no master, for that fact, to have that kind of relationship with their Zanpakuto. It's almost like they are siblings needing the comfort of each other to survive.'
Danr watched as Seigi patted Midori's back, and her tears finally dried up. She looked at Seigi and like her mind was overflowing with her doubts, her mouth spilled all of it on the ground, "Seigi, I am scared that I am not your true master. I had a dream and it was so real. I was watching my Soul Image open your box that you were sealed inside. I saw my Soul Image tell me your name. My Soul Image told me that they freed you, and I gave you a home. I don't know what any of that means." She was shaking her head back and forth, fearful that her dream was real. Seigi grabbed her face to stop her from shaking her head. He stared at her, "Midori, it was a dream. You are my true master. I can feel it, and no matter what, I will never leave you. I told you that I am devoted to only you and you alone." He hugged her tightly.
Danr watched them in amazement. There was something special about Midori that people had a hard time of letting go. He did not know if it was her smile, her eyes, or the way she had about herself to draw you in and stop you from letting go. He had felt it too the first time she smiled at him. Her smile alone made him want to help her and that was why he promised the Allfather he would do all he could to help her. It wasn't the fact that the Allfather's spirit animals had appeared, though that did make him accept her more. It was the fact that she reminded him of someone he knew years ago and lost. His own daughter had been killed by a Hollow and even though Midori did not look like her, she smiled just like his daughter. It was a smile that could tear the rain clouds out of the sky and make the sun shine again. He left them sitting there and returned to his room. He laid down on his bed and stared at the ceiling. 'I want to know more about Midori before I pass. I feel that this will be the last time I get that close to the sun again, dottir.' He closed his eyes and fell back asleep.
Seigi had to carry Midori back to her bed. He placed her under the covers and smoothed her hair. He did not understand why she was questioning him about his true master. 'It was like she did not listen to me. You silly girl, the Allfather said I got to choose. I don't care if someone else told you my name, I chose you. There is not another reason besides the fact that I love you.' He kissed her head and disappeared back into her Zanpakuto.
Inside of the Soul World of Midori and Seigi, an orange glow appeared before Seigi. It was the Soul Image of Midori. He could tell because her eyes were brown. "What do you want?" Seigi was not pleased. "I was just checking on you," a voice that was not Midori's came from her copy. It was a deep, manly voice. Seigi stared at it, "I don't need you filling her head with garbage, seeding doubt in her mind. Our connection will not fall apart because of your meddling." He grabbed the collar of Midori's double. It smiled at him, "She has a right to know how your devotion for her goes beyond than that of a simple Zanpakuto. It is strange how much you protect her and dote all over her. It is almost like you…" Before it could finish it's sentence, Seigi clasped his hand over its mouth, "You will not assume something like that about me. My devotion to Midori is that purely of a Zanpakuto and its master. That is all."
The Soul Image began laughing and Seigi distanced himself from it. "Just remember that you are the Zanpakuto and she is your master. Also, if it was not for me, you would not even be able to hold her like you just did, so show some respect to me." Seigi's face flushed with anger, but as he turned toward the Soul Image, it had disappeared, and he stood there alone. Then a howl came from the deep dark depths of the checked floored room. Seigi turned his face to the large black bars that were holding the Hollow in. It began to speak to him, "You will lose her, eventually. She will become mine soon." The shrilling sound of its voice caused Seigi to walk away. He always hated that thing ever since the first day it showed up. It was always a bother to him and now it was acting like it ruled this world. 'What will happen if I am left in here with that thing, alone?' His thoughts caused him to shiver as he distanced himself from the Hollow.