Wow, it's really been awhile since I've updated anything! Unfortunately writing had to be put on the back burner for some time, but I will be making an effort to update once again. I hope you enjoy the new chapter!
"They're so strong..."
Hitomi watched closely as Renji and Chad went at it, their faces screwed up in concentration. The sound of muffled explosions and a clashing sword had woken roused Hitomi this morning, as Renji and Chad began training soon after the sunrise.
"So strong..."
"Aren't they?" Urahara looked over at the girl and smiled. Hitomi realized that she had been thinking aloud and blushed shyly. She nodded and pulled her knees closer, hiding her face in the act. She sighed.
"I wonder how Matsumoto-sempai and the others are doing...Everyone is training so vigorously, and I'm just...sitting here..."
"Hello, Inoue-san! It's been awhile!~"
Hitomi looked up to Orihime, who nodded at Urahara's greeting. She took note of how the normally bubbly girl had a somber expression, and that her voice was flat, as if it was composed by a synthesizer.
"I'm so glad that you're here! Hitomi-chan and I have been sitting here all day, just watching two barbaric, sweaty men fight! Your presence will surely lighten the mood!" Urahara grinned as he replied to her, trying to make the Human smile. His attempts were futile, and her expression remained the same.
"Ah, Urahara-san. I...um.."
A sudden cry and crumbling sound cut off Orihime and Hitomi turned to look. Chad lay on the rubble of a smashed rock and Renji had Zabimaru resting on his shoulder.
"Urahara! He's done! I'm gonna finish up for the day!" the Shinigami called.
"Sado-kun!" Orihime called, concern staining her voice.
"Tessai! Ururu! Please come here and rouse Sado!" Small crumbles flowed to their ears as he slowly sat himself up, breathing heavily.
"I'm fine...I...I can still fight..."
"What? Don't play that tough guy act with me! You're done for the day!" Renji scoffed, sheathing Zabimaru. Orihime wrung her hands with slight impatience.
"Urahara-san...What was it that you want to talk about earlier...?" she finally asked. Kiskue looked over at her.
"10th Division Luietenant Matsumoto came to me earlier...So, I take it you know about the Royal Key?"
The surprise and slight bewilderment on Orihime's face caused Hitomi to wonder what this "Royal Key" was. She knew that it had to do with the Soul Society, for that was easy to see. But...what was it?
"We and the Soul Society must focus on the winter and prepare for the upcoming war. it is expected that more blood will be spilled then ever before. Both we and the Soul Society will need more offensive power." Kisuke explained. By now, Renji and Sado had resumed fighting and it seemed that only Hitomi and Orihime were listening. Orihime swallowed a lump that had formed in her throat.
"I...I want to get stronger too."
Urahara looked over at Orihime, his eyes showing slight regret. He sighed.
"Is that so? With those circumstances, I will say this once." Urahara suddenly stood, and Orihime's eyes widened at his next words.
"I want you to stay out of this battle."
Hitomi looked at the shock and hurt that crossed over Orihime's face.
"Tsubaki was destroyed in the skirmish with the Arrancars the other day. You haven't been able to restore him, correct?" Urahara questioned. Orihime nodded slightly.
"Yes. He was smashed into pieces so small, I couldn't even find a splinter..." she quietly replied, gingerly fingering the roughly chipped hairpin.
"Tsubaki was your only form of defense. Without that, I can't allow you to fight. It's only natural..."
"Wait."
Everyone's attention turned to Chad, who stared at Urahara with slight anger.
"Inoue is our friend. She even fought with us in the Soul Society! If she wants to get stronger, she should be able to!" he declared. Urahara chuckled bitterly.
"Aren't you just arguing of of your emotions? Do you want to get her killed?"
"Of course not! She had healing and defensive powers too! Those are more important than any attack!"
"Saten Kesshun's unique powers were revealed and will be of no help in the upcoming battle. As for healing, we have the 4th division. Captain Unohana and her lieutenant will be on the front power shall compensate many times over." Urahara said, his voice hard and set in stone.
"But-"
"Besides, a warrior who can't fight will only get in the way."
Hitomi's eyes widened in disbelief. Her ears caught a pitiful noise that Orihime made when Urahara's words hit her. Chad glowered at the shopkeeper.
"Urahara-san! Take that back!" he roared.
"No, Sado-kun...It's alright. T-Thank you for being honest with me, Urahara-san. I'll be on my way now!" Orihime cut off her sentence as fast as she could, then quickly hurried away. Chad turned to Renji.
"Abarai..." he said his name gingerly, as if he was expecting him to agree. Renji shook his head.
"Sorry, but he's right. Just because the 4th Division specializes in healing, that doesn't mean they can't fight. They are part of the Gotei 13 after all. They'll surely undergo plenty of training. Orihime however, is just a human who acquired powers. In addition, her demeanor...just isn't suited for a battle like this." Renji's voice trailed off at the end, and Hitomi knew he felt bad for saying what he did. However, he also was well aware that if he didn't say anything now, there could be consequences.
"It's better if she doesn't get involved early on. Right now, was probably the best time to say something..." Renji sheathed Zabimaru and began to leave the training area. Urahara nodded at Chad, confirming that training was over for the day. Hitomi quickly stood up and started to follow Renji, but was stopped by Urahara. Within a few minutes, both Chad and Renji were gone and only Hitomi, Yoruichi and Urahara remained.
"Hitomi-san..."
"Ah, yes Urahara-sama?" she replied, looking up at him. Urahara seemed to shift uncomfortably, then exchanged a look with Yoruichi.
"I have some questions about what your position was in Hueco Mundo. You have yet to tell any of us from what I have heard..." he said, locking eyes with her. Hitomi quickly averted his gaze, biting her lip.
"What am I supposed to say? I can't just tell him what Aizen...did...But I don't want to lose his trust either..."
"I...um..." Hitomi stuttered, trying to find the correct words to say. "I...didn't have a position. I was Aizen's...servant."
"Servant? What do you mean?" Yoruichi inquired, wanting to pry out more details. Hitomi stared at the ground, ashamed and disgusted just thinking about her past.
"I was his personal servant...He um...used for me for things to which...no one else suited his tastes..." she whispered the last part, twisting her mouth in utter disdain for the man. Urahara opened his mouth to say something, but was stopped by Yoruichi. She shook her head lightly, her eyes telling him to ask nothing more about it.
"I see." he finally said."Well, I was wondering about a few more things."
"What are they?" Hitomi asked. Urahara looked down at his cane, feeling the smooth wood beneath his fingers.
"I wish to know whether you would be willing to perhaps, duel against Abarai-kun?" Hitomi's eyes widened and she looked up suddenly.
"Duel against...A-Abarai-sama?!" she looked away, thinking about it. "If, um you do not mind me asking...may I know why?"
"I assume that you already know this, but you cannot stay here forever. I've already informed the Soul Society of you, and I was told to preform a sort of...examination before considering sending you over there." Urahara took note of a bewildered expression that crossed Hitomi's face and smiled slightly.
"Ah, don't worry! You will not be persecuted without a solid motive. You could be a very valuable ally to us in the battle against Aizen." Urahara patted her head lightly before beginning to walk.
"That's all for today. We best be getting back upstairs, as Abarai-kun is most likely becoming reckless." Urahara chuckled quietly as he and Yoruichi walked across the large training area. Hitomi trailed a few yards behind, engulfed in her own thoughts.
"To cross swords with Abarai-sama is...is unbelievable! What would he think of me...Besides...what shall I do if that voice comes back..."
Even then, she could feel something calling to her. It gnawed away at her mind, like a hungry lion wishing to be fed. She didn't know why she felt it, but something told her that once it was released, she would no longer be helpless.