Girl-of-Action: I did promise to finish posting the remaining chapters I've already written, so here is chapter 15. I have half a chapter left after this. I will probably post that as well after I proof read it. I'm not satisfied with their quality by any means, but I am doing the best I can to clean it all up without rewriting the entire thing.
It's crazy to think that I started this back in 2015. So much has changed since then, both in the world and in my personal life. I'd like to also think that my writing has improved since then too. This is in large part thanks to the reviewers of this story. Both the criticisms and encouragement have helped me move forward. I see now that this story has countless run-on sentences. The pacing is rather wonky too, and parts of this story are needlessly confusing. I guess I was trying to build anticipation, but I definitely could have done it better.
I also see what I've done right too, and I will try to replicate some of it in future stories. I definitely want to finish Not the Villain. Besides that story I have several others under way that I've held off on posting. I'm tired of leaving multi-chapter fics half-finished, and so I am being more selective on what I put out here.
Lastly, thank you to all of you for sticking with me this long. Over 100k words! Reading through it all takes real time and patience. I truly appreciate it and will not forget it.
-DIVIDER-
Ichigo's POV…
I scowl deeply, but no matter how hard I scrub the soap against my skin, the marks just won't go away. Scars for sure, I think, staring at the streaks of pale white that start at my wrist and cover the backs of my hands. The skin there looks really… new, in comparison to the rest of my tanned skin surrounding it. I wonder how I got them, I remark internally. At this rate though, I'll never find out. Not with my only link to the past, my sword, missing. I turn off the running water in the private bathroom, just standing in front of the oval shaped mirror. The black circles underneath my eyes become immediately apparent this close up to the reflective glass. Pretty sure I've done a good job hiding it this morning with Toshiro and that one old guy, Kiichi. But truthfully, I've barely had two hours of sleep.
My sword… I think mournfully. The sleek blade, the black hilt characterized by red diamond designs. The weapon has been at the constant forefront of my mind since it was stolen. The woman I apparently saved before my memory left me, Shiba-san's wife... She promised me she would do everything in her power to find it. I've decided to leave it up to them, then. They have the resources and the authority to start an investigation for me. I wouldn't even know where to start. My only clue is some chick with a liking for black clothing and fighting dirty. I run a hand roughly through my orange locks in intense agitation. I just got here and I'm already going stir crazy. I think incredulously.
With one last sigh I turn away from the mirror and move towards the door. When a bright flash of white catches my eye however, I turn back around. The only thing there is my mirror reflection, staring forlornly back at me. Like I said, stir crazy. I push open the simple, well crafted shoji door and step out. What do I do now then? I wonder, massaging my neck idly. What can I do? Giggling sounds from down the hallway interrupts my thoughts. I hear loud thumpings toward my right and squint my eyes in that direction. "Huh? What's that?" My question is soon answered. I'm forced to duck as a blue ball sails over head, hitting the wall to one side and continuing along it's way. "Hey!" I snap a bit as a pair of kids shove me aside in an effort to get to the ball before the other, running at an insane speed that their little legs shouldn't be able to accomplish. They screech in excitement as they dart forward.
"Oh no you don't!" Boisterous laughter follows the exclamation as before my eyes a fully grown man charges down the hallway with no reservations.
"Stop, don't-" To avoid being stampeded over by a beserkley laughing man, I throw myself backwards- and crash into the door I'd forgotten I'd closed.
"Ugh…"
"I got it!" It's the man's voice, shouting uproariously.
"Aw, come on!" A child whines.
"We were so close, Ganju! It should be against the rules for you to shove us aside like that, you jerk," says one of the kids who looks to be about eight, or maybe a bit older. The one who spoke is a girl with long black hair in a light green kimono. A dragonfly hairclip holds her half her bangs to one side, while the other half hangs limply over her left eye.
"Hey now, why are you throwing around mean names like that? If you weren't fast enough this time you'll just have to get faster, right shrimps?"
I dizzily pull myself out the rubble of the shoji door and rub the dust out of my eyes to properly see what's going on. A man dressed in green and white with a cheeky grin holds a blue ball underneath one arm and stands in front of two kids. The second child, the one who didn't speak, has short, choppy bangs with the rest of her long black hair in a high ponytail. She wears a baggy white shirt and a tight green shirt, and she looks pretty annoyed.
"Whatever. At the rate we've been training, we'll be faster than you in no time," the girl taunts, waving a hand at the man dismissively.
He doesn't take offense, just chuckles heartily. "That's the spirit!"
"Hey!' I bark to get their attention, a tick mark probably forming on my forehead. They turn to face me. Neither appear concerned by the destruction of the door behind me nor upset at the interruption.
"Yes?" Questions the child in the green kimono calmly.
I take a deep breath before starting my rant, "Haven't your parents ever told you not to play ball in the house?" I direct the question at the kids, who only blink up at me curiously.
"Yes." She replies with a nod, dragonfly hairclip lighting up at the bobbing motion. She says nothing more.
I squint down at them and grit my teeth. "So why'd you do it? And why did you shove me?!"
Rocking back and forth, as if already bored with staying still for barely half a minute, she answers promptly, "It's fun. And you were in the way." Her voice doesn't vary in pitch or tone. She could be commenting about the freakin' weather or any other polite, idle chatter by the way she's talking.
"What's the big deal, anyways?" The girl with the high ponytail asks. She rolls her light green eyes. "It was this chump that almost ran you over." She points a thumb at the man behind her. He is a tall man with an annoyingly large nose and out-of-proportion chin. "We barely nudged you a little." I have to admit, she has a point.
"Yeah, don't blame the kids! They were just having fun!" The man proclaims with a toothy grin.
I stare at the man in a moment of disbelief. Is he an idiot or what? I grind my teeth and spat through them. "You know… You guys are right." I stride up to the man. I grab him by collar and attempt to shake some sense into him. "You're supposed to be the freakin' adult here! What are you thinking?! Aren't you the least bit concerned about the crushed door over there?"
"Hm?" Is all the man says, squinting his eyes at me and seemingly in deep thought. His gaze goes from my eyes, to my hair, and then back again. Honestly, I'm starting to get weirded out. He hasn't even glanced over once toward the door, completely unconcerned. What's wrong with this guy?
"To be fair, Ganju didn't even get a chance to touch you," comments the dragonfly girl in a soft voice. She looks up at me with one large green eye, the other eye still hidden by her bangs. "You are the one who decided to jump through the door."
I pause in my shaking of 'Ganju' to gape at the girl's nerve. "You make it sound like I had a choice!"
She tilts her head to the side, as if confused. "You did," is her 'innocent' return. Ponytail girl snorts in disbelief at her friend. My sentiments exactly, I mutter internally, appreciative that at least one of these people seem to have some sense.
"I know now!" Ganju shouts before I have a chance to retort. My attention snaps back to him.
"What?" I snap.
"You're the kid who saved Miyako! Aw, man! Do we owe you one or what!"
The sudden abundance of gratitude takes me off guard. I let go of his collar and step back. Quickly gathering my thoughts though, I shake my head. "You can't thank me for something I don't even remember doing."
Ganju only seems amused. "Heh! And whatdja know? You're a modest one too!"
I open my mouth to retort, but then close it. Whatever energy my earlier frustration gave me is gone. I don't want to deal with this guy anymore. "Whatever. Forget it." My scowl deepens and I pivot on my heel.
There is muttering behind me, and I get the distinct feeling they're talking about me. "Gloomy kid."
I feel a twinge of annoyance, but I let it go. I don't have the energy to deal with three hyperactive kids, one in an adult's body. I decide instead that it's about time to check in on Toshiro and figure out a solid plan for our futures. Unfortunately, when I get to the kitchen he is nowhere to be seen. Frowning, I try for our guest bedrooms. I'm almost there when I see a flash of white down one of the side hallways. "Toshiro?" I call out, pausing. There is no answer, but just the same I decide to check it out. All I find is a row of closed shojo doors with a mirror and a few other decorative pieces on the side. I run a hand through my orange locks in irritation, a bad habit of mine that I've quickly discovered about myself over these last few days. "I could've sworn I saw something…"
Another flash of white, but this time it doesn't disappear. In the square, a decorative mirror half my height is my reflection. My reflection with stark white hair, pale skin and golden eyes in pitch black sclera. My reflection seems amused, most likely at whatever shocked expression I must be making. He cheerfully waves at me. I stare at it for a long moment, mind struggling to process what I am undeniably seeing. Hesitatingly, I raise one hand and give my reflection a little wave back. The grin my doppelganger wears grows exponentially at the little gesture. I see him chuckling, although there is no sound accompanying it. With a simple motion of his hand, he points further down the hallway. I glance in the direction with my usual scowl. Nothing interesting. I look back, half expecting the doppelganger to be gone. Sure enough though he is still there, with that unnerving grin still adorning his bleached face. He motions me down the hallway again, this time a bit more urgently.
I'm thoroughly creeped out, there's no doubt about that. Yet at the same time, I'm also kinda… I dunno. Intrigued? Curious? It's clear my cheerful doppelganger wants me to go that way, but why? And shouldn't I be panicking? I'm seeing what could very well be my evil twin in a mirror! Just the same, all I feel is a sense of unnerving calm and purpose. My twin knocks on the glass of the mirror that seems to be separating us. Again, there is no sound, but the somewhat impatient gesture doesn't evade my notice. He has a white brow raised, as if disappointed in me. I shoot him an intense look, trying to determine his motives. "What are you?" I mutter. When he only tilts his head to one side and doesn't immediately respond, I ask, "Can't speak?" Instead of answering in any discernible way, he brings a finger up to his mouth and actually shushes me. My scowl intensifies.
"Er, Ichigo?" I whirl around. There stands Toshiro. Naturally, he looks confused and somewhat worried. "Are you… feeling alright? You don't look well." And you were talking to your reflection in the mirror? I can almost hear the accusation that is now barely being held back. By his demeanor, I can tell he doesn't see what I see in that reflective surface. Concern for my own sanity rises. Toshiro continues to regard me expectantly. I don't want to lie to him, but what can I say truthfully that wouldn't make me seem crazy? At best, I'll be deemed sleep deprived. At worst…
"I'm fine, Toshiro. Just getting a bit stir crazy, is all." I laugh it all off with a quiet chuckle. "It's about time I get some fresh air. I'm going to go for a walk."
"I'll come with you," he offers, stepping forward.
"No." My adamant, sudden denial stops him short. "I kinda just want to be alone for awhile, 'Shiro. Sorry."
He nods slowly, a little unsure. "I understand," he nonetheless says. Yet, I can't help but notice the hurt in his expression. A wave of guilt assaults me. Acting on instinct, I step forward and embrace him. He stiffens under my touch. After a brief moment though, he relaxes and gingerly returns the embrace.
"Next time we'll go together, okay? For sure. Only this time…" I can still see the bleached reflection out of my peripheral vision. He's slowly but surely losing patience, and is actually scowling himself now. "I have a lot on my mind, and need some time to work through it on my own."
"I understand," he repeats, this time with more assurance. He pulls back. His brows are creased in a look of worry. "Be careful though. You did say you were attacked only last night…"
"I will. I'll stay in populated areas to stay safe." I offer him a small smile. Unlike the one I tried to offer Aizen, this one comes naturally. Still, he doesn't look entirely convinced. I toss his hair playfully, much to the shortie's indignation. "I'll be back before you know it," I promise.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-DIVIDER-
Shiba Miyako's POV…
I rub comforting circles on my husband's back. All is silent, Unohana having left some minutes ago and fortunately taking that oppressing reiatsu with her. "Sh, everything worked out. You can relax, Kaien," I murmur, sending warm pulses of my spiritual power to him through my hand. It had been a stressful conversation- very stressful, and even more so for Kaien it would appear. Or perhaps I am just dealing with it better. I've had a sort of break from everything with my time at the Fourth Division, but for Kaien this all must seem like an unending nightmare. He's barely had time to breathe.
We both are hyper aware of what would have happened if Retsu refused. As we suspected the moment we felt her reiatsu at our doorstep- the fourth division captain knew. She knew about the connection between Ichigo and the Shiba clan. Apparently she had known the moment she saw Ichigo. She programmed her hand-held data processor to notify her the moment Ichigo's reiryoku strand results were uploaded, in order to have confirmation with solid evidence.
She downloaded it to her personal processor. She was about to delete it from the main system when, much to her surprise, she noticed Isane had already done so. It was hard to tell how she felt about her division member acting on her own like that. A shinigami's loyalty is unquestionably to their captain, first and foremost. I naturally spoke up on the girl's behalf. Besides smiling politely at me however, Retsu had no further reaction to my plea for Isane. I hope the girl won't be punished, or worse, and make a mental note to check on her later.
We held nothing back when filling in the captain on the situation. We answered honestly to all the questions she had, no matter how invasive. Fortunately for us, Ichigo, Isshin, and the entirety of the clan, it paid off. Retsu commended us for our candor with her. She informed us that since we entrusted her so completely, she would in turn keep our secret without fail. In fact, she had already taken the liberty of erasing Ichigo's file from the emergency memory banks, something that few know about and even fewer have access to. We profusely thanked her. After subtly hinting that we do indeed owe her a great deal, she 'gracefully' accepted our gratitude and left.
"Why do I feel like we just sold our collective souls to a demon in disguise?" Kaien mutters. He leans over himself heavily, looking like he wants to bury his face in his hands. I grimace, though I can't help but feel the same. I respect Retsu, yet… There is something, I know. Something dark, sly and violent under the surface of a motherly, graceful healer.
"Don't think that way," I whisper comfortingly instead. I lean forward to pepper the back of his neck with kisses. "Retsu is wise. She knows our clan's purpose in the grand scheme of things and doesn't wish to disrupt the balance of the Soul Society, is all…" I run a hand through his short, spiky black hair. Although my main focus is comforting my husband for the moment, I believe what I say. Retsu would do what she believes is best for the stability of the Soul Society.
"Yes, and having a noble clan in her pocket isn't too shabby either, isn't that right?" He says with heavy sarcasm, although I am aware he doesn't mean anything hostile or rude by it. He is only expressing his frustration.
"There's that," I concur. "But Shibas repay their debts, she knows this, and I can't imagine her demanding anything terribly unreasonable."
"True. There are far worse people to owe debts to."
I nod solemnly, thinking of what horrid things Kurotsuchi would demand in return if he ever knew. I'm fortunately pulled from these disturbing thoughts when Kaien straightens his posture and turns to smile at me. It's a radiant smile that puts my heart at ease, one that I readily return. "Thank you, Miyako." He says with a kiss. A few seconds later the tender moment is over and Kaien stands. "I'll go get the boys."
I look up at him with a raised eyebrow. "I'll go with you," I respond immediately. I stand as well and am careful to maintain my composure, despite all the excitement and a slight dizzy spell.
However, he instantly notices my dizziness. "You're not yet fully recovered, Miyako," he reminds me. He gently pushes me back onto the couch by the shoulders. "Don't worry, they'll understand."
As soon as the words are past his lips, a frantic Shiba clan guardsman bursts into the room. "The boy is gone!" he blurts out, and I immediately guess which one he means. Although only a handful know of Ichigo's heritage, the entirety of the clan has taken a liking to the orange-haired boy who's done so much for us, memories or not. "He left the premises without explanation. Only said he would be back." I let out a breath. For a moment I feared he'd been abducted by whoever attacked him last night, although this is hardly better.
I hear Kaien chuckle humorously. "I should have expected this," he says, lips pressed into a thin line. "Ichigo is too hotheaded and stubborn to stay cooped up, even for this long."
Remind you of someone? In other circumstances I would jokingly tease, reminding him of his own youth, but now is not the time. "Kaien…" My voice is laced with worry and urgency.
"Don't worry," he repeats confidently. "I'll find him, just like before. I won't let anything happen to him." Determination set in his eyes, he quickly leaves the room. He talks rapidly to the guardsman as he goes. Sighing, I watch leave. I make my way to the door after him.
"Miyako?" It's one of the girls that sometimes volunteers to be my handmaiden in time of ceremony. She most likely came to check on me after overhearing all the commotion.
"Do you know where Hitsugaya Toshiro is?" I ask.
She blinks at me and nods. "Yes, right this way."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
-DIVIDER-
Ichigo's POV… A couple of minutes back.
"Listen, I just want to go for a walk. I shouldn't be long. I'll be fine." The gatemen again share dubious looks that make my blood boil.
"Did you ask Clan Head Kaien or Lady Miyako?" The one to the right asks, seeming uncomfortable. He wears a white and black uniform similar to the shinigami, although it is apparent by the weird weapon carried that he is not one.
"Yeah," I reply easily enough, but they don't seem convinced. Why the hell do I even need their permission to leave anyways? Coming in, ok, but leaving?
"Right…" One drawls out. He shoots his buddy a really weird look.
The other seems to understand whatever the first is trying to communicate. He flashes me a large smile and begins talking adamantly, "Before you go, I just want to profusely thank you for all you've done. Not many would risk their life as you did, staying in a hollow infested forest to fight 'em off without any backup. That takes some serious courage."
I sweatdrop. "You do realize I don't remember any of that, right?" I point out dryly, not amused. It hurts every time I am reminded of my memory loss.
"You still did it though…" The man sheepishly points out. "You really don't remember anything though, huh? That must be rough."
"It is. So why do you keep bringing it up?" I ask. My patience is seriously starting to wear thin.
"Sorry… So what is the first thing you remember?" I swear, I can feel a vein on my forehead pulsing now. When I am about to snap, it occurs to me that gatemen number two has disappeared. I realize instantly what they are playing at, and my mood darkens all the more. "What? Is something on my face?" The Shiba asks good-naturedly when I don't respond. He rubs his stubbly chin.
I stare at him dully and just shake my head. My initial anger at my realization drains quickly. "I get it, you guys are only trying to protect me, and I'm sorry." At this he reaches out quickly to grab me. I continue before he can. "But I can take care of myself and I won't be locked away." He's not quick enough. I swiftly shunpo to one side before swiping his feet from underneath him.
"What the fu-" He hits the ground hard and I sympathetically wince. The hit was hard enough to render him unconscious. I then curse under my breath when it occurs to me that the giant gate has no visible way of opening, no handles or anything. Furthermore, seeing my display, those in the area plead with me to calm down while running in my direction. Thankfully, none of them seem to possess the ability to shunpo.
Even so… Not good, not good, not good. My eyes stray to the oddly shaped weapon in the unconscious gateman's grip. Maybe there's more to it than being a weapon… I think. A crazy idea comes to mind. I grab the object shaped like a, uh… How could something so simple be so hard to describe? It's like the letter U connected to a straight line. Like a trident without the middle piece, if that makes any sense? It's made out of a slim metal of some kind. I can feel a power vibrating within. Despite the simplicity of it and general harmless appearance, I can tell this object, whatever exactly it is, is no laughing matter. I smack the U part against one side of the thirty foot tall gate. I can feel it stick. With a feeling of triumph and satisfaction, as well as a lot of elbow grease, I pull the gate open just enough for me to slip through. I yell over my shoulder, "Sorry about this! I'll be back later!" And with another shunpo, I'm gone from the compound grounds.
A few minutes later and I am convinced I've indeed given the Shibas the slip. I feel kinda bad, honestly. Not only did I knock one of them out, accidentally or otherside, I basically spit on everything they've done for me… and for what? The urging of some warped mirror reflection? Yeah, that's smart, I tell myself snarkily. It doesn't help with the guilt. Still… They have no right to keep me there. I'm not helpless! I don't remember a lot, but I know that much!
I sigh and resist the urge to kick a rock like a petulant kid. I know that won't help solidify the image of 'responsible and self-sufficient young man' that I desire. The sound of water reaches my ears as I walk, and I automatically turn my head towards it. There is a decorative water fountain. I move closer toward it and out of the way of the people bustling around me, shinigami, nobles and the common citizen alike. I've made this a regular habit, pausing every time there is a reflective surface present. Sure enough, there is my doppleganger. He grins at me eerily and motions for me to turn right a little ways ahead, eagerly coaxing me onwards. Against my better judgement, I comply.
As I continue along like this, I slowly come to an understanding. It's not some bizarre sense of curiosity egging me on, but an actual sense of raw desire that keeps me moving. For what or why, I'm not sure. All I know is there is something powerful is drawing me to it. I steel my nerves and force myself to slow my pace. It's getting harder and harder not to break out into a dead run to wherever I'm headed. I promise myself here and now that if this little quest takes me to somewhere that appears even remotely dangerous, I'm turning back and apologizing to the Shibas, especially the guy I knocked out. I'm better than this. I think. I'm not gonna fall to the whims of whatever entity has decided to screw with my life.
I shoot a suspicious glare towards my mirror image the next time I see him, this time in a fancy array of handcrafted glass that a shop is displaying. His grin dims, and he makes an irritated expression, as if to ask why I'm glaring at him like that. When I do nothing but tap one foot in agitation, he makes an exaggerated sigh. Once again offers my next direction. Still straight ahead, apparently. His grin is back just before I turn away from the glass and continue along the path. That grin is really starting to get on my nerves. It just looks so… wrong on a face nearly exactly like mine.
The shops and ordinary houses disappear, replaced instead by buildings that all look the same. This place really is a maze. I see nobles and citizens less and less, and begin to see shinigami more instead. I continue to act like I know exactly where I'm going, but in actuality, I'm sweating nervously. The decorations have all but disappeared. I'm beginning to panic. Without any reflective surfaces, how will I figure out which way I need to go? Maybe this is for the best. I should turn back. But the moment I think about turning back, the panic and sense of utter loss only intensifies. Shit. What is this driving me? What am I gonna do?
Then I stumble across what I've been searching for. I'm not sure how I know it's here, I just do. This is the place my mirror image wants me to go to so badly. In front of me is a gate, not near as imposing as the Shibas', but imposing nonetheless. It is yellow, white and brown- sturdy looking. The words on a sign above it read… I squint my eyes. Twelfth Division…? I stare at it for a few minutes. I shift from foot to foot. My trepidation at entering a place I'm obviously not supposed to be at battles with my instinctual desire to get to the bottom of all this insanity. The latter is winning out, growing stronger by the moment. I can now almost physically feel this pull. It tugs insistently at me.
Suddenly, the gate opens. Much to my disbelief, out strides a figure that could be straight from a horror movie. He looks like a demented clown in a white haori with the number twelve on it. He's making what he seems to think is a welcoming smile. Suffice to say, it doesn't feel very welcoming. "Ah, well, well. Look who it is, Nemu! A guest!" He screeches in what might be joy to a young teenage girl following quietly behind him. "Please- come in, come in." He waves at me eagerly.
That insistent, innate urge to enter the division abruptly vanishes, like it was never there. Hell no. I think with conviction. I shunpo away without a single word of explanation to the creep. I feel as though I've just avoided what could have potentially been the most horrifying experience of my (after)life. When I decide I'm far enough away, I pause to gather my bearings. It doesn't help. I can't even begin to retrace my steps. I have no idea where I am. I shift from foot to foot uncertainty. I accidently step in a puddle of muddy water. Hope rises up within me and I eagerly remove my foot and wait for the rippling to stop.
My heart sinks. Staring back at me is only me, and not my grinning lookalike that led me here, wherever here is. On top of everything, no one is around, so I can't ask for directions. Why'd I even come all the way out here? Now that the pulling in my gut is gone, I feel like I am thinking clearly again, like a heavy fog has been lifted. I come to the swift realization of just how much I've screwed up. "Ah man, how could I be so stupid…?" I groan and yank harshly at my own hair. I lean against an off-white wall behind me. I slowly slide down the side with a sullen frown. While it would be embarrassing, I can't help but silently wish that any second Kaien-san will round the corner and help me back to the Shiba compound. Stir crazy or not, at least I felt safe with the Shibas. Now I'm lost, and that clown face might be after me. It looked like he wanted to eat me alive or something.
"Ichigo-kun?"
Hope rises up in me. I whip my head up. "It's you," I blurt, quickly standing. I immediately recognize how inane that sounds and scramble to recover myself. "Hey. I never got the chance to thank you properly for helping me out back there, so, well- thank you." I offer an awkward bow. Smooth, I berate myself internally.
The captain waves away my thanks. His eyebrows are knitted in concern behind his wire framed glasses. "Are you lost, Ichigo-kun? Or feeling ill, perhaps? You appear rather pale."
"I am lost, actually," I sheepishly reply. I rub the back of my neck. He's not Kaien-san, but at least I know Aizen, and know he doesn't want to eat me alive. The silent humor lightens my mood somewhat.
Fingers snap in front of me. Startled, I look back up. "Sorry," I swiftly apologize. "Could you help me find my way to…" My voice trails off again, though this time not because I'm distracted. Will the Shibas even want me around anymore? I did knock out one of their people- I can't imagine anyone being happy about that.
Aizen hums, noticing my depression. "Perhaps you would like to accompany me back to my division for a while? I can make you some tea to calm your nerves? You don't have to tell me anything, if you do not wish to."
Relief courses through me, even knowing I'm only delaying the inevitable. Sooner or later I know I'll have to face the music, but for now I will take the distraction. "Sure, that sounds good," I say to Aizen's proposal.
He nods pleasantly. "Follow me then." I follow the captain all the way to the Fifth Division. It's a pretty long way away, although I don't ask why he was so far from his workplace. I'm just grateful that he found me when he did.
"Aizen-taicho!" greets a young-appearing lady with dark hair in a bun and a friendly disposition.
"Ah, Hinamori-kun." I blink at the odd use of the kun suffix for a girl, but shrug it off. I figure it's none of my business. "You are looking better today."
She bites her lip in a self-conscious embarrassment. "Yes, it seems you were right. I really was exhausted. Thank you for giving me yesterday off, taicho."
Aizen smiles indulgently and I begin to feel uncomfortable in the background of this exchange. "You're welcome."
"Oh! But who's this, Aizen-taicho? A new recruit?" The girl inquires. She regards me with curiosity and a serene smile. Hinamori appears around my age. Where have I heard her name before?
"No, no. This is Ichigo-kun. You may have heard of him?"
The cute girl's smile significantly brightens. She trains her attention completely on me once more. "I have! It's a real pleasure to meet you. What you did was so brave!"
I give a small smile. It's hard not to react positively when someone looks at me so earnestly. Not to mention, she's kinda cute. "Especially for someone your age, I can't even imagine-" she continues to gush, but I've lost interest.
Aaaaand the good feeling is gone. I deadpan. Someone my age, huh?
Aizen chuckles warmly and sets a hand lightly on my shoulder. "Hinamori-kun, don't you have some errands to run?" he gently points out. He nods toward the papers in her hand. She has the decency to look embarrassed.
"Of course. I'm sorry for taking up your t-"
"Wait," I interrupt, scowling in thought. "Hinimaori? Like Hinamori Momo?" The name clicks into place. I know where I've heard it from, now. You think I wouldn't forget with only a few days worth of memories to recall!
The short shinigami blinks wide eyed, tilting her head somewhat. "That's right. You know me?" she asks quizzically.
I grunt in confirmation. "Yeah, actually. Your brother told me about you."
"My brother? You mean lil Toshiro?" She shamelessly gaps at me.
I force myself not to snicker at the lil added on to his name. "That's him. I came here with him, along with Kaien-san." I refer to him by his first name, now that I know his wife as well. It'd get confusing if I called them both 'Shiba-san'. Not to mention all the other Shibas I am likely to meet. If they ever want to talk to me again, that is.
"Toshiro is in the Seireitei!" Hinamori all but screeches. I wince at the terrible sound. She steps forward, and I almost step back at the crazy glint in her eyes. Not cute. Not cute. Definitely not cute-
I shove my thoughts aside and grit my teeth. "That's what I just said! Geez, you don't have to go screaming your head off at m-."
"Where?!" she cuts me off.
I huff angrily, but nonetheless answer. "The Shiba compound. He has the potential to become a shinigami; that's why he's here. And stop yelling at me!" I snap.
Hinamori quickly recovers from her episode. She shrinks back into herself. "I apologize. I'm just shocked, is all. I've missed him so much." Her bottom lip quivers, and I become flustered.
Oh no, please tell me she's not about to cry, dang it. "Well, he's missed you a lot as well. You should probably go see him," I respond, this time softer. I desperately hope that she won't break out into tears.
"You're right," she instantly responds. "But…" Her gaze mournfully lowers to the mounds of paper in hand. She gnaws on her bottom lip regretfully. I look expectantly at Aizen. I catch his eye and he gives me a reassuring look.
"Hinamori-kun, I wouldn't have you miss this moment for the world. This young man is correct, you should see your brother without any delay." He extends his hands and motions for her to hand over the paper.
Her expression changes to one of intense gratitude. "Thank you so much! Both of you." After quickly handing it all over, the girl gives both of us a low bow and disappears with a burst of shunpo.
"Imagine that," Aizen muses. He looks at me with what seems like curiosity, one brow raised. I return the look with one slight puzzlement. "You are remarkably good at making friends, Ichigo-kun. Do you realize that?"
"I guess?" I scratch the back of my head. I am not sure what else to exactly say. "All I did was tell her that her brother is here. I would hope that she'd want to see him."
He says nothing to this. He only smiles that soft smile of his. He motions for me to continue walking with him. Not long after, I find myself seated in the Fifth Division's gardens. True to Aizen's word, it is very soothing and beautiful. The servants come with tea. A steady stream of steam rises up from it. Aizen dismisses the servants without a word. "Take a sip," he encourages, motioning to the tea. I do.
"It's really good." And I'm not lying. This is probably the best thing I've ever tasted- or, well, I think so? Not like I'd exactly know one way or another. Ah well, still nice. I sip eagerly at it. I take in the aroma and feeling my body unwind from all the stress I've been under. Ouch- burns! I've taken too much too quickly, and some of the hot tea accidently sloshes out onto my fingers. A hand quickly darts forward to hold my wrist and steady my grip before I can spill my drink further.
"I'm glad, but try not to inhale it all at once, hm? Something this good should be savored."
I cough inconspicuously. "Right," I mutter, going back to small sips. He lets go of my wrist. I take a moment to lay back against an ancient tree behind me. I take in the bright blue sky and clouds drifting lazily across. Minutes pass.
I almost doze off, but a tugging sensation in my gut jolts me back to awareness. It's the same feeling that led me to the 12th earlier. Breath catches in my throat. What do you want with me? I hiss mentally at what I assume to be my evil-looking doppelganger. Of course, there is no response. The sense of utter loss wells up within me and I find myself jolting into a sitting position. Unfortunately, there are no reflective surfaces around so I can glare at the bastard.
I feel a slight shaking on my knee. It is Aizen, trying to get my attention. "Forgive me, but you've been staring daggers at my poor tulips for the past minute or so. I was beginning to get concerned." I look up, startled. I'd almost forgotten that Aizen is still here.
I've really lost it, haven't I? I hoarsely chuckle, even though I've barely said a few words since I sat down. "Was I really? Sorry," I apologize half-heartedly. "The flowers look nice."
He stares at me thoughtfully over the rim of his tea cup. I shift some in my spot, not appreciating being stared at. He sets his cup down on the tray in front of him. "Ichigo-kun… Are you seeing things?"
I tense up. "What, no! That's crazy!" I laugh louder than intended.
My laughter tampers off. The older man continues to regard me calmly. He delicately pushes his messy bangs to one side of his face. "I'm more open-minded than you might think. Speak with me- please? I do not and will not think any less of you." I say nothing for a long moment. I only purse my lips into a tight frown and tug idly at the grass.
Eventually though, I do speak up. "I've been seeing a bleached, grinning version of myself," I admit when that tugging feeling in my gut doesn't quit. In fact, it has almost become painful. Fortunately, Aizen doesn't seem shocked or disturbed by my rash words.
"What exactly does he look like?" he asks. He is completely serious, and I'm grateful for it.
"It's hard to explain. Exactly like me, I guess, except… different in a few notable ways."
He raises an eyebrow. "How so?"
"Er… He's all white, and is almost always grinning from ear to ear. It's not exactly what I'd consider a nice smile, more predatorial, like a cat that catches the canary kind of smile. He has golden eyes. All around, he seems generally a more sinister version of myself." Before he can respond, I quickly add, "One last thing. He seems in a hurry for me to go somewhere, although I have no idea why." I peer nervously up at the captain. I leave out the little tidbit that that 'somewhere' is the twelfth division.
He doesn't seem upset, only thoughtful. He sips more at his tea as I anxiously await his verbal response. "Remarkable," he finally says.
"Okay…" I slowly drawl out. "Not exactly the response I was expecting."
He smiles at me. "Ichigo-kun, that being you can see?"
"Yeah?" I prompt, leaning forward.
His smile brightens. "He is your zanpakuto."