Chapter 7: Baiten's Dating Diaries
Author's Note: I'd like to thank my good friend Tsabo-Tvoc: Phyrexian General for some of his ideas for Jaice's lines in this chapter; I'd also like to thank him for putting up with my constant lists of ideas for my fics. Now, on with the chapter!
"...and then we got to the best part," Tairos said excitedly, continuing his story. Baiten and Jaice rolled their eyes; it was just like always.
"Is this part going to be true?" Baiten questioned. Tairos had told them stories about his dates many times in the past, and Jaice and Baiten were pretty sure that the majority of the tales weren't true.
"Yes, Baiten," Tairos sighed, "why don't you every believe anybody?"
"It's mainly you I question," Baiten replied.
"Yeah, you have been known to lie a good portion of the time," Jaice agreed.
"I don't lie that much," Tairos said, his voice defensive, "I bend the truth and tell stories."
"That's called lying, my friend," Jaice said.
"Whatever, it doesn't hurt anyone," Tairos replied confidently. "Besides, at least I can get women." Tairos directed his gaze at Baiten was he said that line.
Baiten glared back, his eyes set like cold stone. "I'd rather be single than tell lies to get someone to use only to fulfill my urges, rather than someone I really cared about."
"Shut up! I care about her!" Tairos shot back.
"Yeah right, you only care how good she is..." Baiten was cut off by Jaice.
"Shut the Hell up both of you! I can't take this damn fighting!" Jaice roared, stomping his left foot on the ground for emphasis.
"Whatever, Baiten is just sore because he can't get a girl," Tairos said snidely.
"I can!" Baiten called back.
"Fine then, prove it!" Tairos answered.
"I will, starting now. By the end of the week I'll have gotten a girl," Baiten said.
"Fine, agreed," Tairos answered, shaking Baiten's hand to seal the deal. "Gentleman's Bet." With that, Tairos retired to his room for the night.
"So...know anyone I could date, Jaice?" Baiten asked.
"Baiten trying to play dirty, eh? Asking someone else to set him up?" Jaice answered, raising an eyebrow.
"Not exactly playing dirty," Baiten replied, "just looking for any advantage I can get; this is a bet after all."
"Only a bet about honor," Jaice said, "though I know you value that, so let's see what I can do. Well, first off, I don't know that many single people, but let's start with what I do know. Matsumoto in the 10th Squad, too good for you. That girl Soifon in the 2nd Squad, lesbian. Hinamori in the 5th Squad, has a thing for her Captain. The vice-captain of the 12th Squad, Nemu...she's just plain creepy! So basically, I've got nothing."
"Thanks," Baiten groaned, "I guess I really am starting from square one."
"Well, I'll look around and see if I can find anyone single," Jaice said.
"Thanks, but of course I'd better look too," Baiten said. "Crap I forgot! We can't leave unless we have official business! How am I even going to meet anyone?"
"Not a problem," Jaice grinned, "let's just say I've learned a few tricks. Here, take this," Jaice tossed Baiten a plain white envelop. "If you get into a pinch, show this to someone. Be warned, though, 'cause it will only work for this week."
"That's oddly convenient," Baiten replied, "thanks, Jaice. Well, I guess I'd better hit the town!" Baiten rushed out the door, energy filling him, sensing that happiness and triumph were in his near future, that he could strike success at any moment. And since, at that moment, to Baiten, a woman was the equivalent of success, strike it he did!
"S...sorry!" Baiten stammered, stepping back from the figure he hit.
"It's fine, just watch where you're going in the future. Running around randomly isn't exactly a good idea." A feminine voice replied. Baiten looked up to see a female Shinigami; she was slightly shorter than him, with shoulder-length black hair, a deep tan, and dark brown eyes.
Wow, she's beautiful! Was Baiten's initial thought as he looked over this pristine woman he had literally bumped into. But...what chance do I have with someone like her?
"Uh...you alright buddy?" She said, snapping Baiten out of his trance. "Or are you just going to stand and stare all day?"
"Sorry!" Baiten replied, rubbing the back of his head. "I'm a bit sleepy, so I spaced out."
"Right, sure," she said, turning to leave. "I guess I might see you around."
"Wait!" Baiten called. "I didn't properly introduce myself; I'm Baiten Seisha of the 9th Squad."
"9th Squad? Aren't they ones who have the prime suspects for the murders going on? Another four bodies were found just this morning." She answered.
"No! I'm not a murderer!" Baiten said, stunned.
"Hah, I was just kidding," she said, smiling sadistically, "I just wanted to scare you. I'm actually involved in the investigation myself."
"So...you're in the 7th Squad then?"
"12th, actually."
The 12th Squad? The Bureau of Technological Development? Arg, that's the squad full of weirdos like that Captain Mayuri, Baiten thought, shivering. I mean, she looks normal enough, but there must be something wrong with her. She probably is half machine or something...no wonder she looks too good to be true!
"Well what exactly are you doing for the investigation?" Baiten asked calmly, trying to probe and see if she really was normal.
"That's classified information," She answered curtly. "I'd better get going, I have to deliver something."
"Oh, well," Baiten bit his lip and then blurted out the next line, "mind if I walk you there?" There was a pause, which seemed to last a century for Baiten but in reality was only a few seconds.
"Um...no thanks, I can't really let you follow into the investigation headquarters."
"Please?"
"No, that's final," She said soundly before turning to walk away.
"Wait one more second, please!" Baiten called after her.
"What is it this time?" She moaned.
"I don't even know your name," Baiten said, "I'm sure it's as pretty as your face."
She looked slightly taken aback at first, but then cracked a small smile and responded, "Arda Codestum." She then raced off, leaving Baiten alone in the street.
'Name as pretty as your face,' what were you thinking you idiot? You just screwed up your chances with a gorgeous, intelligent girl! Nice going! Baiten mentally growled. He kicked at a stone in the street, continuing to mentally curse his words.
Baiten strode along the street silently for a few minutes, thinking about what he had just said, and about how he needed to be more cautious if he was going to succeed in finding a date. Without warning, three shadowed figures surrounded Baiten.
"Baiten Seisha, you are under arrest for suspicion of being involved in the string of recent murders," one of the voices, crackling like dry timber, called out from the darkness.
"B...but I'm innocent!" Baiten stammered. "I've done nothing wrong!"
"You were on the streets without reason," another voice, high and melodic, stated. "Thus you have no alibi."
"Yes I do! Here," Baiten withdrew the envelope Jaice had given him and handed it to a pale palm that extended from the darkness. Another hand appeared to unfold it, and Baiten muttered swears as he saw what it said.
Please excuse my friend Baiten, he's just looking for some love. Signed, Jaice Gandaime.
"Is this some sort of...joke?" The third voice, which had a medium tone and seemed emotionless.
"Well, uh," Baiten searched for a way to protect himself, and finally decided on the truth. "I was just out here trying to find a date and..." Laughter erupted from the shadowed Shinigami.
"Oh, that's hilarious!" The gravelly voice choked, trying to contain its booming laughter. "Where were you going to take her? A secluded alleyway to slice off her head?"
"Or how about a nice stroll by the river...so you could push her in!" The high voice chortled.
"Enough, let's be serious," the emotionless voice stated. "Baiten, you will either come with us for further questioning or you can be cut down right here as a fugitive. We of the 7th Squad have license to kill anyone we suspect as an outlaw."
"He's no outlaw," A feminine, yet stern voice rang out. "He got separated from me; we were going to deliver something to Captain Mayuri when we got separated by the darkness. I've been searching for him for awhile." Baiten turned to see Arda standing beside him. "The date excuse was just a cover we were using for our mission."
"3rd Seat Codestum! We apologize!" The three voices said simultaneously; Baiten could see their silhouettes bowing apology in the darkness.
3rd Seat? Baiten thought, amazed. I didn't realize she had that high of a rank! She must be impressive! And why is she looking out for me anyway?
"You three are dismissed, return to your patrol." Arda said. "You are doing well, continue you work."
"Yes m'am!" The three cried before rushing off.
"Thanks," Baiten said, turning to Arda, "you saved my life."
"Don't mention it," She replied.
"How did they know where and who I was anyway?" He asked.
"I...tipped them off," she murmured. "I thought you might be murderer, and we can't be too careful."
"So...you saved me because you felt bad?"
"No, I saved you because I checked out your files and I found you are probably the least likely suspect for the murder."
"Heh, thanks," Baiten said.
"I understand if you won't forgive me," Arda answered, "but considering circumstances, it was my duty."
"No, I understand completely," Baiten said. "I owe you one."
"You don't owe me anything," Arda said calmly. "Just go home."
Something came over Baiten, and he said it so hurriedly he didn't realize what he had said until he had finished speaking. "Would you like to go out sometime?" There was a pause before Arda gave him an odd look.
"Uh...no," she said rapidly. "I have to go, I have work to do on the case. Bye." She rushed off, leaving Baiten alone in the darkness.
"So, how did it go?" Jaice asked nonchalantly as Baiten entered the door, a sullen look upon his face.
"Not well," Baiten sighed, "that note was a big help by the way."
"Well, somehow you got out fine, eh?"
"Yeah, luckily."
"Anyway, don't be so gloomy," Jaice answered. "I found a date for you."
"Really?"
"Yeah," at that they heard a knock on the door. "That's him."
"Him?" Baiten looked confused as the door opened to reveal a grinning male Shinigami with blonde hair, holding a bouquet of roses.
"JAICE!" Baiten yelled.
"What? You never said it had to be a girl!"
Character Profile: Baiten Seisha
Age: Unknown (appears 22 in human years)
Height: 177.8 cm (5 feet 10 inches)
Affiliation: 9th Squad
Rank: Basic Shinigami (unseated)
Hobbies: Modeling, fencing (foil), kendo, writing, reading.
Zanpakuto: Justare
Shikai: Justare takes the form of a rapier when released. Justare absorbs light in the area and releases it in a concentrated blast when Baiten declares "Judge"; the light is capable of temporarily or even permanently blinding the opponent. Despite its size, Justare is a fairly resilient sword that can take more damage than expected before breaking.
