Does Man Make The Monster?
Chapter 22
The Fool
(A/N Wow, what? Another chapter already? Yeah, I'm in a good mood so let's get his started. Also just as a side note. The interaction scene between Touka and Akane I added a little more after I posted the previous chapter a second time. I just sort of slipped in few lines that change the tone a little. It also give a brief bit of history why Akane got into CCG. Please enjoy this chapter and let's see how things go from here.)
SOUNDS/sounds
Thoughts
(Last Time)
"I'm serious, Ryoko, I'll be fine. That's why I'm training to get stronger so I can protect those I care for. This isn't just for me," he stated, reaching up and rubbed the side of her face with a gentle finger. "Why don't you head on back to Anteiku? I think we're start work on each other's nerves right now. Please tell Touka hey for me."
She sighed and gave a small nod before opening her wings and took off. There really was no changing his mind and he was right. It was best to just leave each other alone for a little while. There was no need to start argument. He took off higher and headed right back to Anteiku. She was told to go around back and tap on the window to be let in. With Akane there their usual meeting area was occupied. She could only pray for the best because the sick feeling in her stomach wasn't leaving.
(Present)
It was early morning when Uryu walked into the tailor shop with a paper in his hand. He had made his choice. It took him longer than he would have liked but he knew what he wanted to do this. He was going to Tokyo, whether his father liked it or not. He was handing in his resignation to his boss. The man wasn't going to like hearing the news that his apprentice was leaving. Honestly, his boss had a big crush on him so there was no telling how this was going to go over. Higuchi was very professional and never made any passes at him.
He walked into the office and saw Higuchi working on inventory and making orders on the computer. Uryu walked up to the desk as the middle aged man turned to look at him.
"You're here early this morning," Higuchi said, going back to the computer.
"I wanted to let know I'm resigning," Uryu set the paper on the desk.
Higuchi stopped and looked at the offered note before him. His dark violent eyes then turned to look up at Uryu. He was rather shocked to be discovering this about this. When did Uryu decide to leave and why? He made a pouty face and opened the letter and looked it over.
"You're going back to school… In Tokyo?" Higuchi asked as he finished reading it. "I see you already have another job there, too…"
"When I was there for my friend's memorial I looked into one of the colleges there. They offered some really good medical courses and I was highly impressed," Uryu lied.
"You had been talking about it but I never thought you'd go all the way to Tokyo," Higuchi moaned and slumped in his seat. "There are colleges closer to Karakura, you know?"
"Yes, I know. I just think this Kamii College sounds like it has a well-rounded medical program. I thought on it this last week and this is what I really want to do."
Higuchi ran his fingers through his sandy blond hair and pouted more. He really didn't want to see Uryu go. He knew it was for good reasons. The young man was going back to school to become a doctor and there was no shame in that. None at all. It's just that Higuchi was going to lose a damn good apprentice and his eye candy. He was sucker for anyone with blue eyes and Uryu had one pair of handsome blue eyes.
He hadn't told Uryu yet but he had planned on make him a full time employee next week. Well, that wasn't going to happen. He let out a long sigh and rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Higuchi," Uryu said as his boss shook his head.
"Well, it's what you want to do and I can't stop you. I was going to make you a full employee next week but it looks like it's just going me and Mitsi again. Oh, boo…"
"Her name is Mitsu Miku and she hates it when you call her Mitsi…" Uryu said giving his employer an awkward grin.
"She knows I'm just joshing her. I'm sure she's use to it by now," he waved Uryu off. "Goodness knows she's been with me 4 years now. If she really hated it so much I'm sure she would have been long gone by now."
"I guess so… I hope this doesn't cause too much of an inconvenience for you."
"I'll just have to find someone else and you were so damn good. You're leaving in two weeks, right?"
"Yeah, I've already got an apartment, too."
"Wow, oh, wow you move fast. A new job and an apartment. Look at you go," Higuchi leaned over his desk. "So, tell me about this new boss of yours. What's he like? Is he cute?"
"Uuuhhh… I can't really answer that last part but he seems like a decent guy. He makes custom leather masks and…"
"Leather masks? Good lord, what kind of place does he run?" Higuchi choked out.
"Just an artisan mask shop. He makes all different kinds and some are actually quite beautiful and delicate looking."
"I hope you know what you're getting into. He sounds like something else. He's not into anything kinky is he?"
"I'm nooot really… What he does is in his alone time is his own. I'm not making any assumptions," Uryu was hit a little hard by the question. "I just know that he's different from any other employer I've had. He's goth I know that."
Higuchi gave him the most peculiar look and Uryu suddenly felt a little uneasy.
"Well, shit. He's into something. You know he has to be."
"That's profiling."
"And?"
"It's wrong."
"And?"
Uryu rubbed the sides of head in aggravation. Higuchi liked to give him a hard time every so often. He really loved picking on Mitsu most of all. If he really knew what Uta was like he might shit a brick. He wasn't going to tell anyone he was going to be employed by a ghoul. The only one that knew was Chad. The large man didn't seem too keen on the idea either. He knew Uryu could handle himself but he just wasn't comfortable with it.
"So, have you met him face to face or did you meet him through a video chat?"
"I've met him in person when I was up in Tokyo. We met each other under odd circumstances and we got to talking. I showed him some of my work and he liked it quite a bit. He offered me a job then but I wasn't even sure about going to school yet so I didn't take it."
"But now you're going back to school and you took him up on his offer?"
"Why wouldn't I? It's a job and I'll need one moving to Tokyo and going to school. I was just lucky to have one for when I moved."
"This is true. That'll help out a lot. Well, I've got to get back to inventory. Go ahead and do your usual routine. Mitsi will be here in like 5 minutes or so."
Uryu sighed. He turned to start getting the store ready to open after he hung up his coat. He went to the closet and pulled out the vacuum to clean the carpet in the front. Higuchi took it better than Uryu thought he would. However, the awkward questions about what Uta was like really threw him off. Uta at face value seemed okay but that was still to be determined once he actually started work. He never once thought he'd be working for a ghoul.
Uryu just plugged in the vacuum when he heard the front door unlock and Mitsu walk in. She was in an oversized wool coat and her long greenish black hair was held in a tight bun. She looked dead tired as she walked in. She was not a morning person. There was a large cup of coffee in one hand and her purse in the other.
"Rough night?" Uryu asked.
"Rough morning. Power in my building was cut around 3 this morning. Someone hit a power pole and I got dressed in the dark and in the cold," she grumbled, taking a large swig of coffee. "It came on the moment I walked out the door. Oh, I was so mad."
"That is quite obvious," Uryu said, grabbing the vacuum handled and turned on the machine.
He started cleaning the carpet as Mitsu made her way into the office to hang up her coat and purse.
"You're resigning?!" she yelled out over the vacuum.
Uryu turned it off and faced her. She looked just as shocked as Higuchi did.
"I'm going to medical school up in Tokyo," Uryu answered as she groaned and ran a hand down her face.
"You're going to leave me here alone—with him?" she pointed back into the office.
"Mitsi, you make it sound like it's a bad thing," Higuchi called out from the office.
"It's Mitsu. It's a 'u' not an 'i,' Higuchi," she snapped at him. "I've worked with you for years now and you still can't get it right!"
"Mitsi sounds much cuter," he answered.
She groaned and rubbed her hands down her face. She walked over to Uryu and gave him a hug.
"I'm glad you're going back to school, Ishida, but why in Tokyo?" she questioned. "It's so far and so expensive."
"I liked the courses they were offering," he replied, pushing up his glasses. "They sounded like what I wanted."
"He's also a traitor! He got himself a new boss already. The man's into kinky shit. He makes leather masks and Lord knows what else."
Uryu face met his opened palm and he shook his head. Mitsu patted his shoulder, sympathetically.
"I can't say I blame you for leaving. I've thought about doing the same several times but then I remember I have bills," she huffed. "A lot of bills and I have to pay them."
"Technically I pay them," Higuchi piped up.
"You don't exist right now! Everything you say henceforth is silence," she hissed back at the office door and faced Uryu again. "I hope everything goes well for you in Tokyo. You're the only bit of sanity I have here. I am going to miss you."
"I've still got two weeks," he smiled. "I'm not leaving just yet."
"I know but seriously you are my only slice of sanity here," she sighed and her right eye twitched. "Oh, well… I'll clean the front windows and you finish vacuuming."
He nodded as she grabbed the window clear from the storage closet. He quickly got back to vacuuming. He wasn't going to lie he was going to miss the odd duo he was working with. He wondered how much of a challenge working with Uta would be Given that most of his clients were ghouls as well. This was really going be dangerous so he really had to be on his toes. Mitsu turned the sign from closed to open just as Uryu finished vacuuming. He put the machine up and closed the door. Two more weeks and he felt like they were going to fly by.
Chad sat on the floor and helped Uryu pack up his dishes. It was going to be weird having everyone so divided. Chad was staying in Karakura and Uryu was going to Tokyo. Orihime, Ichigo, and the others were currently living in Soul Society, a literal whole world away. It didn't feel right. Chad wrapped up a cup in old newspaper and grabbed another.
What Uryu didn't take with him he was bringing back to his father's house. His new apartment from what he understood was a good bit smaller than his current. He really had to downsize and take what he needed most.
"I need more paper," Chad said, wrapping the last cup.
Uryu reached over and handed him another stack of old papers.
"Thank you for helping. Ryuken wasn't going to lift a hand," Uryu said, wiping out the dust from a bowl before wrapping it. "Not that he would in the first place…"
"He is against you moving," Chad stated bluntly. "I am against this, too, Uryu."
"It seems everyone is," Uryu sighed, picking up another piece of paper. "I'm going to set some things straight when I get there. I'm not going to let Uta walk all over me."
"Still something could go wrong. Ichigo is our friend and he is wanted by the CCG. Going to Tokyo might set off some red flags if you get noticed," Chad pointed out, putting the cups into a box. "That's what has me worried and you're going to be watching them as well. They aren't stupid."
"I know that. I'm going to be discreet about everything," Uryu assured, wiping out another bowl.
"That still doesn't mean that I agree," Chad stated again starting to wrap up a plate. "The others have already had to go into hiding. I don't want you do the same or drag me with you."
"I'm not. Can we change subjects?" Uryu asked, wrapping up his last bowl. "I don't want to keep arguing over this."
"What else do you wish to talk about?"
"I don't know, pick something."
"I still don't like it."
Uryu ran a hand over his face and shook his head. Everyone was against this decision it seemed. Hopefully it would work out as planned and put everyone at ease.
Ichigo sat in his room playing a game of checkers with Karin. So far he had the lead with 5 to 3. Karin was starting to get aggravated. Ichigo was already about to win again. She only had two kings and Ichigo had 4. She almost felt like just forfeiting because he had her blocked in.
"Your move," he grinned.
"You're just loving this," she huffed and went on ahead a scarified a king. "Don't know why I'm still playing. You have me beat."
"What can I say? I'm good at this," Ichigo shrugged.
"Too good…" she sacrificed her last king. "Well, I'm finished."
"Want to play again?"
"And get slaughtered again? No way! I'm done."
"Suit yourself. You did win a few so that's not too bad," he said, picking up the red and black pieces and put back in a plastic bag and folded up the board.
"It's nice to have all those restrictions taken off you."
"I still have some, but yeah, not nearly as many," he reached up and touched his sheathed horn. "Still feels uncomfortable."
He pulled the half mask that covered the left side of his face. There was an eye hole that he could see out of. It was looked like an old style goggle from like the turn of century and the material looked something akin to brown leather.
"Don't pull on it," Karin said, knocking his hand away from it. "Just talk to Unohana-taichou and see if she can adjust it again."
"She can't. Central 46 wants it to stay on good and tight but it's rubbing my face raw," he groaned. "She already released as much as permitted."
"Then see if they can get it refitted. It's clearly bothering you," Karin said and Ichigo shook his head. "And why not?"
"Again Central 46 already approved this design and I'm sure asking for something else will not go over well," Ichigo grumbled. "I'll just have to put up with it."
"This Central 46 bull-crap is ridiculous. They dictate everything you do," Karin snapped. "It's not right! Not right at all!"
"Trust me I had no idea it was going to be this bad," Ichigo sighed and pulled on the mask again. "This is really bothering me. This band around my neck can be tight at times, too."
The mask extended down his jaw and wrapped around the circumference of his neck, fastening in the back with a lock. It held the bottom of the mask in place. Another band ran over his nose and circled his head before reconnecting to the mask again up under his left ear with a buckle. The top of his mask was secured by the sheath that covered his horn completely. The whole thing was one piece and was made out of the same stiff leather like material. The tip and every bend of his horn had gold metal plates so the sharp edges wouldn't tear the sheath. The band that wrapped around his nose and neck had metal studs that were square shaped and ran completely around. He also had to wear specially made gold caps on the tips of his fingers to keep him from extending his talons.
Upon seeing it for the first time put on him he was a little surprised by the design. It was a cool steampunk-ish design. The esthetic part wasn't bad and he actually liked it. It was just the fit that drove him nuts. Unohana could only adjust it so much before C46 put a cap on how loose it could be. Unohana did make it known that the fit was damaging to Ichigo but they could care less. Ichigo was now subdued and that's all they cared about.
Its designed of course was to prevent him for forming his mask and producing a cero. The caps on his fingers not only restricted his talons but blocked his ability to produce balas as well. It also took several notches out of his strength. He was only a little stronger than the average human. All this made him "manageable" according C46. He hated it but it was his bright idea in the first place so he had to deal with it.
"I wish I knew how to help," Karin sighed and pulled Ichigo's hand from the mask again. "If they see you messing with it they will have a hissy fit. Just leave it alone. You already got scolded once for it."
"But it hurts!"
"Picking at can't be helping either."
"I wish I could just have it loosened a little more but they want it to make sure it works properly or so they say."
"This was all your idea, brother."
"Trust me I know but I didn't want to be so confined. I consider this mask a necessary evil."
Karin rubbed the back of her neck. Maybe it really was a necessary evil but she still hated to see her older brother suffering for something has no control over. Ichigo did them a great favor but they still feared him. Rather it was only Central 46 that feared him. Everyone else saw a person not a monster. The animosity towards him was clear. It was all because he was a hollow and they couldn't look beyond that.
"It's about lunch time. Want to head on over?" she asked, hooking a thumbed toward the door.
"Might as well," he said, getting to his feet as did Karin.
Ichigo followed behind Karin and headed toward the little mess hall. As they made the short trip Ichigo thoughts drifted to Akane. They had freed her as promised but they never got her to the house. They had to distracted the CCG and police away from her. They left her to her own devices. He could only pray that she was somewhere safe and not back in their hands. That was the only favor he could ask for. The field agents had to do their jobs and not follow one human around the city.
They arrived to the eating area and a found Orihime, Jinta, and Ururu already seated. The others would be along shortly. Karin sat down next to Jinta and Ichigo took his seat next to Orihime. Karin and Ichigo joined the conversation about their best childhood memories. All of them were funny candid moments of stupid things said or done. Jinta had some of the best ones and were told by Ururu against his wishes.
Isshin and Yuzu soon showed up and not long after so did Urahara, Tessai, and Yoruichi. Everyone took a seat and talked about different things before lunch was brought in and set out in front of them. Isshin and Urahara fought over who got the last dumpling. To remedy this Tessai snatched it and ate it quickly. Both former captains were highly unhappy but it did stop the squabbling.
After a while they started trading stories again to break up the awkward tension. Orihime started it off followed by Yuzu. The story telling worked its way around the table a couple of times. It was finally Ichigo turn to tell something else. He couldn't think of anything this go around. He pondered on the idea.
"I can't think of anything," he said, scratching the back of his head.
"What about that story with you and your friend fighting over the couch," Yuzu piped in. "I haven't heard that one in a long time. I forgot most of it."
"Oh, that story. It wasn't on of my more shining moments," Ichigo said giving an awkward grin. "That one is a little embarrassing…"
"It involved alcohol that's why," Karin smirked.
"Oh-ho! So someone got shitfaced, huh?" Urahara hummed with great sarcasm. "I never pegged you as a drinking man."
"After that night I cut myself off," Ichigo snapped back. "I learned my lesson, trust me."
"So, just what did happen?" Tessai inquired, leaning forward a bit. "I like to hear this tale."
"I remember this one," Isshin snickered. "It got you in a lot of trouble with the academy."
"Thanks for putting me on the spot, Yuzu…" Ichigo growled at his younger sister.
She only shrugged. It was too late now. Ichigo had better tell it or he was going to be badgered if he didn't. He let out a defeated sigh and shook his head.
"At the time Amon Koutaro and I really hated each other. Our personality just didn't click but we shared a lot of our classes so we never really had a break from each other," Ichigo explained. "It didn't help that I had bad rep when I go there. Taking out the ghoul when I still an officer didn't set well with quite a few people and the news had arrived well before I did."
"I didn't know about that. Why would they think bad of you?" Orihime asked, looking rather concerned. "You saved those men that night, right?"
"Well, yeah, as they suggested I go to academy but the truth got twisted with rumors and misinformation. When I arrived, for about a week things were okay but as more people learned my name the connection was quickly made. By the end of my second week people had already made assumptions of me. They either thought I was liar, a showoff, or a glory hog. A few did believe what did was true and treated like a person but they were few and in between. Even some of my instructors took swings at me about my reputation."
"That must have been on hard you," Yoruichi said. "You hadn't even done anything yet."
"Yet, huh? Yeah, well, back to the story. A few of us went bar hopping one night. I was invited by a couple of people in the group. Amon was invited, too, of course and by that point we really didn't like each other. There were like 7 of us in all. Even though I was invited I felt like the unwanted wheel. By about the second bar there was enough alcohol that things started to turn ugly. Amon filled in this part for me. By the third we challenged each other to a drinking game and then went to fists. We were quickly told to leave before the cops arrived. We ended up at someone's apartment, handed more drinks, and then we started the fight all over again—"
Ichigo was cut short as the door to the room was slid open. They were expecting Toshiro, Rangiku, or one of Ichigo's former escorts that still patrolled the area. What they found were a few guards and the woman handing Ichigo's case from Central 46. The group was stunned to see her standing in the door. Toshiro and Rangiku stood not far behind them. Unohana was also there just barely visible. What was going on now? Ichigo hadn't done anything as far as anyone knew. That included Ichigo. He thought he was being model citizen?
"Your honor Oshima," Ichigo gasped.
"Kurosaki, step out for me," she ordered as Ichigo got to his feet.
She and the guards moved out of the door as Ichigo walked out. He noticed Captain Kurotsuchi was there as well. Ichigo looked rather puzzled at this. The door to the small mess hall was shut. Ichigo knew everyone was now huddled against the door trying to hear what was going to be said.
"Captain Unohana has informed me that the binds are damaging you," Oshima said, looking Ichigo in the eyes. "That they are rubbing your face raw."
"Uh, yeah. It really hurts. With my powers so confided my regeneration ability is totally nulled," Ichigo answered right away.
"Let me have a look. Undo his binds," she ordered.
"Of course, your honor," Kurotsuchi said, walking over with the small key in hand. "Tilt your head down. Hurry up."
Ichigo bent his head down as the creepy captain undid the lock behind his neck. He even undid the buckle that wrapped the band around Ichigo's face. He lifted the mask up so the woman could see the damage done. There was some swelling and there were several small sores. She reached out and turned his head to face the light a little better.
"I've been treating them but without the cause being removed it does no good," Unohana spoke up. "He either needs the binds loosened or we need to refit him with another."
"I see. Have you not loosened them?" Oshima asked, looking at the captain of squad 4.
"I've loosed them as far as I am permitted by your peers," she answered.
"How far do the binds need to be loosened to remedy this?"
"I'm only guessing but at least two to three notches. That will leave give a good fit without rubbing."
"Loosen it by two for now. If issues still arise then release by one more. No more than that."
"Understood, your honor," both Unohana and Kurotsuchi answered.
Kurotsuchi quickly fastened the binds back and not at all gently. Ichigo let a tiny yelp and squirmed under the rough handling of his face. Kurotsuchi wrapped the band back around Ichigo's face and brought it down two more notches. When reattaching the neck band he lightly choked Ichigo a little. Ichigo had to adjust the band to make it easier to breath. He gave the scientist a dirty glare.
"Don't give me that nasty look," Kurotsuchi bit out.
Ichigo held his tongue given his current company. He turned back to woman and bowed. I knew he had to thank her for coming out and trying to fix his problem.
"Thank you, your honor, Oshima, for coming here," he said, making sure he kept his head down. "I greatly appreciate what you've done for me."
"You should also thank Unohana-taichou and Hitsugaya-taichou as well. They lobbied to protect your health," she replied, glancing at both captains.
Ichigo quickly turned to face them and bowed to them as well. This was very awkward to him but he had to act proper in front of Oshima. She was the most lenient on him but he dare not risk anything.
"Thank you, Unohana-taichou, Hitsuagaya-taichou," keeping his head down and then briefly turned to look at Kurotsuchi. He'd get a scolding from the creepy bastard if he didn't do the same. "Thank you as well, Kurotsuchi-taichou."
The man gave Ichigo a smug smirk. Of course he deserved the boy's gratitude. Why wouldn't he? Ichigo finally stood up straight and fixed his black haori jacket to sit right his light blue kosode.
"I believe I'm done here. I will head back now," Oshima told her guards before addressing Ichigo once more. "Do take care. I hope this fixes your problem."
She turned before he could answer and quickly walked off with Hitsugaya and Rangiku. That left Unohana and Kurotsuchi with him. He turned to face them as Unohana came up and had a look at the new adjustments.
"Open your mouth," she ordered and Ichigo did. "Can you move your jaw better?"
"Yes, I can," he responded with a bit of happiness. "I'm not going to cramp anymore."
"How does it feel on your cheek when you talk? Does it rub now?"
"It's still sore of course but I don't feel it digging in like it was."
She carefully put a finger between the mask and his raw skin. He flinched back.
"Sorry, but you do have more room. I can now get my finger under it, which is good. Getting better air flow will help with the healing."
"I really hope so," he put a careful hand to his cheek. "I thought you couldn't get them to loosen my mask."
"It took some convincing, I can assure you," Unohana answered "Without Hitsugaya also backing me up and I don't think it would have happened. Between us both explaining things, they agreed to have someone come look at you."
"Much appreciated," Ichigo smiled.
"Huh. I knew there wasn't a flaw in my design, Unohana," Kurotsuchi clicked in his tongue. "I believe you owe me an apology."
"I never said there was a flaw," he answered, turning to face him. "I just mentioned making modifications should the need arise."
"That is still stating you believe that something was wrong," Kurotsuchi hissed.
"You're not good a taking criticism, are you?" Unohana questioned.
Ichigo slowly started to back up, not wanting to get in the middle of the ensuing argument. He worked his way back to the door where the others were. He slid open the door as a group of fully grown men and women spilled out of the room. The crawled all over each other sit up and get off each other.
"Really?" Ichigo asked as everyone moved back into the room.
The group gave him sheepish grins and nervous laugher. They were a little more than caught. Ichigo walked into the room now that the doorway was clear of nosey bodies.
"Before you ask, and I know you will, nothing's wrong. It was just got approval to have my binds adjusted," Ichigo snorted and took his seat again. "And, yes, they were adjusted."
"Good, now you'll stop pulling on them," Karin sighed, crossing her arms. "You were going nuts earlier."
"Wouldn't you if half your face was being rubbed raw?" Ichigo asked with a small snort. "There's enough slack now to get a finger under the mask."
"I'm just glad you're not in trouble. For a moment I thought I was going to have to visit you in prison or something," Isshin breathed.
"Are you serious? Thanks a lot, Goat Face, for your undying confidence in me," Ichigo snapped at his father. "That just makes me feel great!"
"He is right though, Ichigo," Orihime spoke up. "Given everything that's happened lately, the threat is real. The smallest infraction could put in you their custody and there is no telling what they would do to you."
"I know, I know… That's why I've been kissing so much ass lately," Ichigo snorted.
"So that's what brown stuff is on your nose," Yoruichi muttered just loud enough for everyone to hear.
There was a small awkward pause before Urahara started laughing so hard that he fell over. The others soon followed. Tessai was doubled over and Isshin was crying as where Yuzu and Karin. Jinta was laughing the loudest with Ururu laughing into her hands. Orihime was the on only trying not to laugh but her face was as red an apple from stifling it. Ichigo glared hot daggers at the smiling assassin as she gave a playful shrug.
"Did you really have to go there?!" Ichigo growled at her from across the table.
"Hmhm! You set yourself up for it," she grinned wide, trying to stifle her own laughter. "The opportunity was just too good!"
"I can't believe you just said that," Ichigo snapped, getting to his feet. "I'm going to leave you hyenas alone until you can get this out of your system. Thanks a lot, Yoruichi."
"Anytime," she snorted with a chuckle and waved him off.
Ichigo walked the short distance to the door and slid it open with a hard swing of his arm. He only got one step out the door when he just stopped dead out of shock. His eye twitched in annoyance and horror was painted all over his face. Captain Kurotsuchi was bent over lightly shaking his butt at Ichigo. Unohana had a firm hand clamped over her mouth.
"Pucker up, buttercup," Kurotsuchi mocked, patting a butt cheek.
Ichigo's flushed as much as his snow white skin would allow. They had been out there this entire time, listening? The laughter in the room quickly roared louder than previously. His eye twitched more as did the corner of his mouth. This was more than just embarrassing now. Kurotsuchi's mocking was pretty much the last straw.
It took everything in him not to kick the captain square in the ass. He also bit his tongue the best he could. He clinched his teeth and balled up his fingers. Everyone was finding humor in this but he didn't see any. None whatsoever.
He made a hard turn and stomped toward his quarters. He never should have opened his mouth and let out that comment. He never expected it to be turned against him the way it did. Any other time he might have just taken it and then let it roll off him but not now. They just didn't get it.
He opened the door to his room and placed the wood board in the track to lock it. He didn't feel like talking to anyone anytime soon. He sat down on his cushy futon and wrapped his blankets over his shoulders. Yeah, okay, this was a temper tantrum but he didn't care.
He really was having to kiss ass just to keep from being in trouble. There was no give to anything that was ordered on him. If he sassed the wrong person, tried to bend the rules, or act out it could mean his freedom or even possibly his head. They didn't understand that. Everyone had a lot more freedoms to do what they wanted and go where they pleased. Ichigo still hadn't even been allowed to visit his two nut job cousins.
The prison he was trapped in wasn't physical. It was invisible with the rules of C46 acting as the bars. He couldn't bend those bars without setting off an alarm. He held the covers closer to his body and pulled his legs to his chest. Having to be Mr. Perfect was killing him little by little. No one got that and he didn't feel like sharing it either. Not now.
This wasn't a sanctuary. He had hoped for too much but to Central 46 a hollow was a hollow, no acceptations. He wondered how the Vizards were granted their positions in the Gotei 13. Was it because they were still Shinigami in the end? Ichigo was pretty much pure hollow compared to them. That's what most likely worked against him.
He looked at his hand with the gold caps on the tips of his fingers. He growled, balling up his hand and slammed the hard fist into the tatami flooring. The helpless woven mat had a shallow hole torn into it from the pressure of the hit and the sharpness of Ichigo's armor plated fingers. Ichigo hit the spot a couple more times before stopping at the wood floor base. He fought the urge to rip the mat away from the others and chuck it across the room. However, any more damage to his living space might result in some form of punishment. He opted to leave the torn mat in its place.
He started to feel like he would have been better off down in the Living World and harassing the CCG. At least he could do what he wanted without having to ask permission or being restricted at all times. The only drawback was that if he did decide to go back it would be permanent. He couldn't ever visit his family again and he wasn't about to leave them. They were going to stay together as a family; that was a promise they made to each other.
He fell over to the right, hitting his head on his pillow before covering his whole head. He just wanted to be left alone for a little while. He didn't want to see anyone no matter who they were. He didn't like being laughed at for something he couldn't control.
This wasn't him. He never liked being told what to do and he was acting like the fool Zangetsu told him he was. The gold in his porcelain crown was failing to hold the pieces together. He was letting the ruling party control him again. He was back in the same hole he wanted to get out of. He was hiding who he was to fit a perfect mold. He was lying to himself and to the others by putting on a happy face. He didn't even notice his resolve had vanished until this moment. He wasn't the king of his own life. He was a joke.
"I'm just a damn fool…" Ichigo hissed through clinched teeth, fighting back a tear. "What have I done…? What have I done to myself?"
Uryu stepped into the tailor shop for the last time. They day after tomorrow he would in standing in Tokyo. The last couple of weeks went by faster than he had expected. He wasn't going to lie. He was going to miss this place. Higuchi was still looking for someone to replace him. He didn't seem to be looking that hard either.
Uryu walked across the shop to the office to hang up his coat. When he opened the door he was struck with a surprise. The office was decorated with a few balloons and streamers. Higuchi's desk was cleared off and covered with a colorful plastic table cover. On that sat some fresh coffee and sweet fingers foods. There was even a small cake sitting in the middle. Higuchi and Mitsu jumped into his line of sight. He took step back in surprise.
"Surprise," they both exclaimed as Uryu just stared at them, confused.
"What is this?" Uryu asked, Mitsu pulled him back into the office.
"It's your going away party, silly," Mitsu said, taking Uryu's coat and hung it up. "We figured we'd do it early before the store opened. We've got all kinds of fingers foods. Yours truly made the cream puffs!"
"And I made the quiche!" Higuchi proclaimed. "The rest of the food was store bought so… But eat up we've got enough here to last all day."
"But you hate for us to eat on the job," Uryu stated.
"I can make exceptions, it's my business after all," Higuchi said, cutting a piece of his quiche and put on a plate. "Just don't get anything on the fabrics and we'll be good. So, here."
Higuchi handed Uryu a slice of his homemade quiche. Mitsu came up beside him a container of cream puffs.
"Homemade custard, too," she beamed, holding the container in his face. "C'mon. Take a few! They're good!"
Uryu awkwardly grabbed a couple and set them beside the slice of quiche. This wasn't a typical breakfast. Quiche and cream puffs didn't sound so great together but it would be rude to not eat what was on his plate. He found a seat while Mitsu and Higuchi filled up their own plates. Honestly, the quiche and cream puffs weren't bad but he wouldn't eat them together again.
He sort of knew Higuchi and Mitsu were planning something for him. He played it off as not expecting anything. He knew working for Uta was going to be a completely different atmosphere. Here it felt a lot more relaxed and the interactions between Mitsu and Higuchi could be a good comedy act at times. He knew people here and people knew him. It was comforting in a way. When he moves Tokyo things were going to very different.
He knew Uta's shop wouldn't be comforting. Certain clients of the mask maker's might not like him being there. There was also the fact that he didn't know one lonely soul there. He had no one to rely on for help. This really was foolish of him. He knew it. He shook his head and got back to his feet, filled a cup with coffee, and grabbed a couple strawberry tarts.
"We really are going to miss you, you know?" Higuchi said, stuffing a piece of his quiche in his mouth.
"Yeah, it's not going to be the same without you," Mitsu sighed, brush a piece of hair behind her ear. "You are so straight-laced compared to us. You really helped to balance us out."
"I'm not that straight-laced," Uryu muttered under his breath.
"It really is a shame you're going to be leaving us. I really was going to make you a full time employee but c'est la vie as they say," Higuchi sighed. "I really hope this new boss of yours treats you well. Oh, and pays well, too. You'll need the money between school and getting adjusted to big city life. If it doesn't work out you can always come back here. We'll be here waiting for you with open arms, Ishida!"
"I bet you will," Uryu said with an awkward grin.
"We really do wish you the best on this endeavor of yours. I hope your schooling goes well. Have you decided on what type of doctor you want to be yet?" Mitsu asked, popping one of her cream puffs in her mouth.
"No, not yet. I'll know once I get into it a little more," Uryu answered.
"You're dad owns the hospital here, right? Wasn't he like a general surgeon beforehand?" Higuchi asked.
"Yes," Uryu nodded
"Hey, maybe if you pull the right strings you'll be owning your own hospital someday," Mitsu grinned. "I'd love to see that."
"If you do, would you be a sweetie and give us some medical discounts?" Higuchi laughed.
"Ah, well… That's still a long ways out. I can't make any promises," Uryu answered.
"Well, if you do let us know," Higuchi said, picking up his cup of coffee.
Uryu gave him a small laugh before turning to the last of his half eaten tart. It was really happening. He was actually going to be in Tokyo in two days. He was pretty much packed up. He just needed to pack up a few things he left out for the week like his clothes, a few dishes, and so on. He'd pack all that in the morning. Chad was at least kind enough to pay for part of the movers. Ryuken wasn't going to lift a finger to help his son. He tried to talk Uryu out of it a couple more times these last few weeks with no success. As far as Uryu knew his father wasn't even going to see him off.
"Well, it's about time to get the shop open," Higuchi said, getting to his feet. "Clean up and let's get the day going."
Mitsu and Uryu got back their feet and threw out their used plates. Higuchi walked to the front of the store, flipped over the sign, and unlocked the door. Uryu stepped out of the office and looked around the empty shop. This was truly his last day here. It was an odd feeling knowing this. He wanted so bad to work as a tailor and hopefully work his way into fashion but that was a bit of pipedream. Working as a doctor was a more sensible dream.
He turned feeling Mitsu put a hand on his shoulder. She smiled at him as she walked by. He drew in a breath and pushed up his glasses. This may be his last day but he still had a job to do. He'd work until the very last minute like he always did. He fixed his tie a little bit and helped do a couple small chores before a customer walked in. It was nice knowing that the odd pair did care about him. Odd quirks and all he was going to miss them.
The day of the move was cold and rainy. Not the best day to be making a long drive that was going to take a few hours. Chad helped get some of the boxes in the small rental car. The movers took more of the bulkier items like all his furniture and heavy boxes. Uryu walked out with last box and locked the door the apartment. He looked at dark blue door for a moment before walk down the steps and out to his car.
He slid the last box into the back seat and shut the white car door. He pulled his heavy rain coat closer to his body. He looked up at Chad and sighed. The team really was divided this time. The bulk of which was hidden away in Soul Society. Now Chad and Uryu were splitting ways. Uryu looked around Chad as the moved shut the doors and climb into the cabin. They were packed and ready. All Uryu had to was drop off the keys and sign the last couple of papers and he was on his way to Tokyo.
"It's going to be lonely here," Chad said, looking down at Uryu. "Everyone else is gone."
"Yeah… It doesn't feel right, does it?" Uryu said, turning his eyes from his tall friend.
"You could have stayed here," Chad said.
"I got enough of that from Ryuken. I best hurry and get the keys to the office. It looks like the rain might start up again."
"I hope the trip goes well for you and that things in Tokyo turn out as you planned."
"I'm hoping so, too. If you see my father tell him good bye for me. He wouldn't even come to see me off…"
Chad didn't answer. The large man didn't know how to answer. Ryuken was very much against this and this was his way to showing that. Uryu held out his hand to Chad and put on a smile. Chad took it and gave it a shake.
"Be careful, Uryu," Chad said, letting go of his friend's hand.
"You take care, too, Chad. I'll let you know when I make it to the apartment."
"Thank you."
Uryu walked around to the driver's side and opened the door. He gave Chad one last waved before sliding in and shutting the door. Chad stepped back as Uryu put the car in reverse before moving down the short drive to the office. The moving truck waited for him to conclude the last of his business.
Uryu soon returned to his car and started to lead the way. This was finally it. He was on the road heading for Tokyo. There was a heavy nervousness that flopped around in his stomach. He truly hoped something positive would come out of this choice. Moving was one thing but working for a ghoul and sneaking around the CCG's playground was something else entirely. He had a long drive and there was no turning back.
The rain came down heavy at times, making the drive feel that much longer and left Uryu alone with his thoughts. He kept trying to think of the positives of moving but the negatives lurked at every corner of his mind. There was going to be a lot of doubt for a while he had concluded. He just needed to try first. If it really became too much he would return back home and stay there.
After a long while the misty skyline of Tokyo started show on the horizon. The rain still hadn't moved out yet and he was hoping the weather would slow down enough to allow his belongings to make it inside the apartment. It took some navigational help from his phone but he found his new apartment building. He was on the second floor. The place looked a little more rundown than he remembered the picture being. That was usually the case. He parked his car and walked over to the small office.
He got the keys from the owner and would be back to sign the papers once the movers got everything in. With the rain it was best to get everything in before the sky opened up again. The movers started to bring up his furniture as Uryu grabbed the lighter boxes first. The place looked a little worse than he saw in the photos. The appliances were old and the paint didn't look so good either. It was an all-in-one with the kitchen, living room, and bedroom making one large living space. Only the bathroom was its own separate room.
The movers got in the last of the furniture and helped with the last two boxes. They soon closed up the truck and left. Uryu went back down to the office to sign the lease and a few other papers. By the time everything was said and done it was starting to getting dark. There was about an hour left of daylight. He thought about going out to eat but just decided to get a frozen dinner and a few other items. He hadn't been there long before he saw his first roach flit over his head, which was another reason he wanted to go to the store.
There wasn't a market too far away and the rain had finally moved out. He wanted to know the area so decided to traverse it on foot. The clouds still hung heavy above the city. He ventured out into the wet streets, glad that he got a small layout from his little adventure here over a month ago. He remembered a few places that sold food and other items. He'd take what he could carry by foot today and use his rental car tomorrow before handing over to a local company.
He took the time to really get use to his new neighborhood. It wasn't too bad but not as friendly as Karakura Town. He entered the grocery, grabbed a basket, and quickly started going down the aisles, looking for what he wanted. He needed to pick up bug spray just to be on the safe side.
He looked in the frozen food section for a quick couple of dinners. For such a large store he didn't find much that interested him. Well, that sucked. He grabbed a couple classics he always ate. He then looked at house cleaners and pest control products and stocked up on those.
He went down an aisle that sold teas, juices, and such. He grabbed a box of tea and looked at the coffee. Goodness knows he was going to need something to get him up every morning. He went to grab a can and only to bump into some else's hand. He retracted his hand as the young woman picked up the can instead.
"I'm sorry," she said, putting on a small smile and brushed back a bit of long, teal colored hair that just tried to curl at the ends.
"It's fine," he said just reaching out and grabbed another can from the shelf.
He finished shopping and got in a que. There a little wait to be checked out. For moving to a new city he wasn't finding much enjoyment in it. When he left Karakura he had some hopes but now only being here a few hours that small bit of optimism was already lost. The cheap ass apartment didn't help, not to mention that he was here for something other than "work" and "school." He wanted to stay on top of things for Ichigo.
He got to the clerk and she started ringing up his few items. He really didn't say much of anything as he paid her and left the store. He zipped his coat back up as he stepped out into the dark streets. Winter had tendency to steal daylight fast and he wasn't fond of it. Hopefully the heating worked or he was going to have some choice words with the owner.
"Wait, wait, hold on, sir!"
He turned to see the teal haired woman he bumped into earlier. She held up a bag.
"You left this at the register," she said, coming to a stop.
He looked at it. Through the plastic bag he could see his can of bug spray. He gave her a weak smile and took it.
"Thank you, I didn't even see that," he said, giving her a small head nod of thanks.
"I'm just glad I caught you," she gave a small wave before walking off. "Take care."
He sighed and started back to his apartment. He needed that little bit of kindness. He finally made it back to his apartment and started to unload his items. The fridge was good and cold and so was the freezer. That was a plus for this place. He walked over to the radiator and turned it on. He'd come back and see if was working later. He finished unpacking his groceries and popped one of his frozen dinners into the microwave. Surprisingly enough it worked too.
While that warmed up he grabbed his cell phone and gave Chad a call. He forgot earlier so was going to do that now. The other end ran a couple of time before his picked up.
"Moshi moshi."
"Sorry, Chad, I forgot to call you when I got here but the move went fine."
"That's good. I figured you forgot. I wasn't worried. Your dad did call me about an hour ago."
"He… He did? What did he call about?"
"He wanted to know if I heard anything about you yet."
"He could have called me instead of you."
"I get the impression that he's still angry with you. I don't think he wanted a fight."
"Oh…"
"Give him some time. He might call you."
"In like two months. He doesn't let go of things easily. I'll wait a couple of days and call him on my own."
"How is the new place?"
"Ehhh…? It's—oookay…" Uryu looked around the rather unappealing place. "It looked better on the ad but everything is working. It is a little smaller as shown as well."
Uryu got up and checked on the radiator. It was doing its job and that area of the apartment was already getting warm.
"You expected something different?"
"Not really. I saw the apartment Ichigo had when he lived here. Urahara pointed it out once. What I wouldn't give for a place like that."
"Ichigo had a high paying job and you are a broke college student."
"I already know this without you having to pointing it out."
"I'm sure you'll get a better place with time."
"I hope so because this place looks cheaper than what I'm paying."
BEEP-BEEP! BEEP-BEEP!
Uryu walked into the kitchen area seeing the microwave had finished. He opened the door and pulled out his cheap dinner.
"Chad, I'll call you back later. I'm getting ready to eat," Uryu said, pulling the last of the plastic film off the tray. "If my dad calls again tell him I'm fine and I'm at the apartment."
"I will. Bye."
"G'bye," Uryu breathed and hung up.
He walked over to his small table and sat down his small tray of food. He got his eating utensils from a box and sat down at the table. This place really was lonely and there wasn't much light. He'd have to buy some lamps at some point. He pushed his glasses up to rub the bridge of his nose. This really was a lonely and dreary place. He turned back to his food and started eating. He was going to have to get use to this for a while.
Uryu was to meet Uta after the shop's doors closed tomorrow to get an idea about things. When or if the need should arise he was going to let Uta know not to mess with him. The Quincey was going to stand his ground when it came to him. As long as Uta respected him he would do the same to the ghoul. He picked at his food some and took a few bites every so often. He was losing his appetite. He picked up the tray and covered it before putting into the fridge for later. He looked at all of the boxes that littered the room. It wouldn't hurt to get some things unpacked like his bedding and clothes. This really was going to take a long time to adjust.
He made up his bed and pulled his clothes out for the night and what he was to wear tomorrow. It was still early it was like 6:15 or so. To kill more time he decided to just unpack more boxes. He didn't have a TV, internet for his laptop, or a working radio. He was going to be bored out of his mind. He was already bored just unpacking.
He managed to get everything unpacked and put away just before 8. He didn't have much stuff because of the downsizing before the move. He piled all the empty boxes by the door to be taken to recycling tomorrow. He clothes were hung, extra bedding put away, towels folded, dishes put in cabinets, and silverware put in drawers. He set out his only lamp on the end table next to the couch that leaned up against the left side of the apartment. A throw rug and coffee table sat in front of that.
On the opposing wall was Uryu's bed and nightstand. He debated if he should put the lamp at his bedside or keep it where it was. He already knew he needed a couple more lamps so he just decided to unplug the large lamp for now and bring it over to his bed. There was only one overhead light and that was pretty dim on its own. There was one more light over the sink in the kitchen. He had two windows; the one behind the couch and the one over the sink. He was thankful to have a corner unit at least.
It was now only a little after 8:30. This night was totally uneventful. Not having anyone to hang out with or talk to was jarring. He was usually hanging out with Chad's these last few weeks. When push came to shove he would sometimes hangout with Tatsuki or even Keigo and Mizuiro. Here there wasn't a single damn soul to be with. He was so out of place here. Maybe this was foolhardy after all like Chad and his father insisted it was.
He walked over to the sink and had a look out of the window. It didn't have the best view but there was just enough to look out into a small part of the massive metropolis. He groaned and stepped back from the window. He didn't want to but he couldn't stay here either due to the sheer boredom. He put his coat back on and grabbed his shoes by the door.
He wasn't going to go far. It would just give him something to do. He stepped out and noticed the metal breezeway was slick. He touched the railing noticing the droplets were starting to freezes over. How cold was it supposed to be tonight? He looked at his phone. Currently it was right at the freezing mark and the low was to reach down to 24F (-4C). He would have to be careful. He clung hard to the railing as he worked his way to ground level. The sidewalk was still pretty much unfrozen. There was only a spot or two at most.
He pulled his coat closer and just had a look around from his spot. Residential area or not the streets were still busy and foot traffic was heavy. The cold wasn't going to stop this city. He stepped out onto the sidewalk and started to make mental notes of places that he might want to visit or places to ignore. He spotted a few eateries hanging about, even a quaint little noodle shop just off the main street.
All in all, the place wasn't bad. He stepped into a convenience store and grabbed a cup of hot coffee and little bag a cookies. He couldn't eat his dinner but this was perfectly fine. If that wasn't childish, he didn't know what was. He walked up to the register and waited. He saw some newspapers and thought that might be something he could use to pass the time. He needed to familiarize with the city and reading current events was a good start.
He grabbed one of the thicker ones just as the counter opened up. He set the coffee and cookies on the counter followed by the newspaper.
"You're a new face," the man behind the counter said, looking at Uryu.
"I just moved here," Uryu said, flatly.
"Oh, from another district?"
"No, from out of town."
Uryu didn't mean to sound so unfriendly and he knew he did. He was just in a weird mood. The clerk tallied up his order and Uryu pulled out his money. He was about to leave with his items when he paused. He noticed something on the paper he didn't notice until now. It was a picture of Ichigo and a redheaded woman. She looked like she was missing her left eye. Both photos were mugshots. Ichigo's looked very goofy in his which seemed typical of that idiot. The woman, however, looked like she had been through hell.
"What's this?" Uryu asked, unfolding the paper.
"Oh, that's a hot topic going on right now. They've been front page news for nearly a month now. So apparently this guy here Kurosaki was marked as a traitor against the CCG. He killed himself like over 2 months ago now, I think. He took a dive off a local bridge," The clerk answered. "That's his partner Hayashi. They think she was working with him to help cover up 'certain things.' She was imprisoned a month ago but two men apparently broke her out and made off with her like couple or 3 weeks ago. Neither she or those two men have been seen since. There is this huge bounty on their heads. It's plastered all over the media here so you better get used to seeing it."
"Thank you," Uryu said, tucking the paper under his arm and walked out.
He took a careful sip of his coffee and opened the bag of cookies. He was going to have to look more into this. It never dawned on him to look into Tokyo news before he left. There was a bit of wind that picked up. The coffee in his hands felt good. He turned back towards the apartment and yawned. He needed to get an idea of things before he just charged in over his head.
If that woman Hayashi had escape she might still be in town. He needed to know how she escaped and who helped her. Given she was Ichigo's former partner he had a very strong suspicion the carrot top was involved with this mess somehow. Uryu was going to have to do some digging around to get the right information. Hopefully he would find her before the CCG does and help keep her safe.
(A/N So, who else has been binge listening to Linkin Park? Damn. When I first saw the news I thought it was one of those false celeb deaths. It hit me hard learning it was indeed real. I had started to listen to them in my high school years and that has been over 10 years ago. It's one thing to hear that a celeb died from an illness (David Bowie) or a sudden accident (Paul Walker) as I can deal with it somehow. But when someone is murdered or commits suicide it hits me like a train. It's weird. We don't know these people physically but we still feel connected to them through their own brand of art. When Robin Williams ended his life in the same manner years ago and I cried a little, never meeting him. He was a childhood hero. Linkin Park's music helped me get into the genre and I know lot people have stated the same but it's true. They were one of my four favorite bands the others being Disturbed, Korn, and recently In This Moment.
(I know I wrote about suicide in a previous chapter and I never once wanted to make it seem like it was a joke. Almost a year ago I was put in a mental hospital after my husband lost his job. I said somethings and I was admitted for close to a week. When you hit that absolute bottom of the barrel, even for just one day, there is no other feeling like it. You cannot no matter how gifted you are explain that void emotion in words. It is just a dark, suffocating, heaviness that weighs on you physically. You can legit feel that emotion pulling on your body and robbing you of everything you hold dear; that is no lie. To live with that same heavy void day after day… I can't even imagine. My heart goes out to Chester's friends and family. Please educate yourselves on the signs of depression and be aware of any abnormal behavior in your loved ones' lives. Isolation, addictions, lying, abuse, avoidance, and so on. Depression is a silent killer and those that suffer from it usually don't talk about their troubles to those that need to know about it most. Some poor souls also get the wrong kind of help while others go undiagnosed. There is nothing more silent than death. US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255)
Millie M. Banshee ;