When he came back, Hanataro noticed Aveline was back on her feet, walking around the room.
"You really shouldn't be getting up yet," Hanataro said as he came back with a pot of steeping tea.
"Yeah. I really shouldn't. How many of those spheres hit me?" Aveline asked.
"A lot. Most went straight through though," Hanataro said.
"Mmm. Thank you for the tea," Aveline said. She poured herself a cup. It was like all the tea around here. Not bad, but not like she was used to. "What I wouldn't do for a cup of a black Ceylon blend…" she thought out loud.
"Ceylon? What's that?" Hanataro asked.
"Oh, did I say that out loud. Sorry," Aveline said, "Just needing to recollect my thoughts."
"Yeah, that happens when you are out so long," Hanataro said.
"It's a kind of tea. Ceylon was an island on Earth, well known for it's black teas," Aveline said.
"Wow. Are you a recent arrival in the Seireitei?" Hanataro asked.
"Yeah. Pretty recent," Aveline said. She looked out the window across the courtyard. The view was very plain but peaceful. White stone buildings with orange roofs dominated the landscape of the Seireitei.
"How long have you been in the Soul Society?" Hanataro asked.
"Two months now," Aveline said.
"And you are already in the Academy?"
"Yeah. Apparently I was pretty adept at controlling my spirit energy in the real world, so I didn't have to learn that," she said, stirring her tea with her finger.
"Do you miss it?" Hanataro asked.
"Yes," Aveline said, "And no. It is hard to describe."
"I imagine it would be," Hanataro said.
Aveline looked at Hanataro.
"I'm sorry…I'll get back to sweeping," he said.
"No. It was a pleasure talking with you. You are a very kind person, Hanataro Yamada," Aveline said, "And speaking with a kind person is a blessing that far too many undervalue."
"Oh…thanks," Hanataro said.
"Were you the one who treated me?" Aveline asked.
"No that was our Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu," Hanataro said.
"Kotetsu? Is she related to Kiyone Kotetsu?" Aveline asked.
"Yeah. Kiyone is Isane's sister," Hanataro said.
"I met Kiyone briefly at the Squad Thirteen barracks. Is she anything like her?" Aveline asked.
"Well kinda. Both are nice, but Kiyone is more…" Hanataro started.
"Unpredictable?" someone said.
A tall young woman with short, silver hair came into the room. "And how is our patient, Hanataro. You are not bothering her I hope."
"Oh, Hanataro was no bother. He was quite pleasant company. Are you Isane Kotetsu?" Aveline said.
"Yes. I am Isane Kotetsu, Lieutenant of Squad Four," the woman said, "I am here to check up on your recovery."
"In that case ma'am, I would like to thank you for healing my injuries. Hanataro told me you were the one who helped me," Aveline said with a small bow.
"Oh, why, uh, thank you. Not many of our patients thank us here," Isane said, she seemed rather embarrassed.
"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you," Aveline said.
"Don't worry about it. It is always pleasant to meet someone who appreciates what we do," Isane returned, "And how are you recovering?"
"Quite well I think. I was walking around earlier. Hanataro tells me the others have already been released," Aveline said.
"Yep. You are the last one," Isane answered, "Show me your arm."
"Did Squad Four lead the rescue operation?" Aveline asked as she complied with Isane's request.
"Oh no. That was Squad Six and Captain Kuchiki and his Lieutenant Ginjiro Shirogane," Isane explained.
"Well, then I know my first stop after I leave here," Aveline said.
"Wanting to thank Squad Six?" Isane asked, "Now the leg. You had a few hits there as well."
"That's the plan," Aveline said.
"That's courteous. I would imagine Captain Kuchiki would approve of that. Being a noble, he is stands very high on courtesy," Isane explained.
"A noble. Hm. Wait…Kuchiki…is he related to Rukia Kuchiki?" Aveline asked.
"Yep. Adopted sister," Isane said.
"Seems like everyone the entire Seireitei is related to everyone else," Aveline observed.
"Yeah, it can seem that way," Isane said, "The leadership of the Soul Society is centered around the noble families who in turn dominate the Court Guard Squads."
"I see. We had started covering the political organization of the Soul Society at the Academy," Aveline said, "But I didn't realize the level of dominance the noble families had."
"Well that and everyone seems to know everyone else. It has been this way for a few years now. Been rather uneventful here lately," Isane said.
"That's not necessarily a bad thing. Would provide a peaceful and stable organization," Aveline remarked.
"Beats having a big war going on," Isane said.
"Yeah," Aveline said. She couldn't help but think of the old Chinese curse 'May you live in interesting times'. She looked out the window of the serenity of the Seireitei and smiled. A little bit of interest was okay, but Aveline was glad she was not living in the truly interesting times.
On that note, was she even still living?
After Isane Kotetsu confirmed that Aveline was fit to be released, Aveline left Squad Four's hospital. The day was already halfway over so she decided it would be best to go ahead to Squad Six's barrack's and thank them while she had time.
Squad Six was fortunately not far from Squad Four. Just past Squad Five. A simple, logical layout. Finally, something that made sense in this afterlife.
Squad Five was having some manner of drill in the yard. Black clad Soul Reapers practiced sword moves in unison. Aveline watched them for a moment. They all had such elegant form. Their stances were perfect. As Sir White said, if your stance was perfect you were not moving enough.
"Can I help you?" a guard asked.
"I'm alright," Aveline said, "Just watching the full fledged Soul Reapers train. Might help me."
"Oh, well then go ahead," the guard said, "You picked a good squad to watch. Squad Five is one of the best. Captain Aizen is an excellent leader and he inspires us to perform even better."
"I can see that," Aveline said, "Their form and stances are excellent. So what else about Aizen?"
"Aizen always seems to be working. He takes care of most of the administrative tasks of the squad so the seated officers can spend more time training and teaching the lower ranked members," the guard said proudly.
"Well that is good to hear," Aveline said, "Aizen sounds like a wonderful captain."
"Well you would know that. Two days ago he performed his annual visit to the Academy," the guard said.
"Sorry. I was in the infirmary then," Aveline said, "Anyway, you have a wonderful day."
"You as well," the guard said.
Squad Six was different. They were also training in the yard, but much more actively. Instead of a group drill, they were sparring with each other.
Once again a guard challenged Aveline. Much faster then the Squad Five guard had.
"Halt! What is your business here?" he asked.
"I came to thank Captain Kuchiki for saving my training class three days ago," Aveline said.
"How courteous of you. I will have an escort take you to perhaps meet the Captain," he said.
It was a few minutes before a man with brown hair and glasses whistling a strange off-key tune strode in. He had on a pair of outrageous tinted goggles that effectively obscured his eyes. Apparently they obscured his vision as well as the man hit the side of his head on the doorframe with an audible thud.
"Lieutenant Shirogane! Are you alright?" the guard asked.
"Oh yeah, quite alright. Happens all the time," the man said. He looked Aveline over. "Hmm, I remember you. You wear a size seven in glasses. We picked you up in the human world a few days ago. Or maybe it was last year? Oh well, either way I remember you had a glasses size of seven."
"How do you know my glasses size?" Aveline asked.
"I never forget a glasses size. It's what I do," the man said, "I measured it while you were unconscious."
"…why is it important for a Court Guard Squad Lieutenant to know everyone's glasses size?" Aveline asked.
"Why would a Court Guard Squad Lieutenant want to know anyone's glasses size but their own? And who said I was a Court Guard Squad Lieutenant? I own a sunglasses store!" the man said, striking a dramatic pose.
Aveline looked annoyed and unimpressed. "Okay, so why is a sunglasses shop owner in the Squad Six barracks?"
"Because when I have free time from my store I like to be a Lieutenant in the Court Guard Squads," the man said.
"Really…" Aveline said in a flat manner.
"Everyone has to have a hobby," he said.
"Being a Court Guard Squad Lieutenant isn't what I would call a hobby!" Aveline said.
"Wells some people don't consider working at the ticket counter at a major airport a hobby, but that's what I did before I became a Lieutenant in the Thirteen Court Guard Squads," the man said.
Is this guy for real?
"Well I am here to thank Captain Kuchiki and Lieutenant Shirogane for saving myself and my class when the Hollows ambushed us," Aveline said.
"You're welcome," the man said, "Lieutenant Ginjiro Shirogane, at your service."
"So you are a Lieutenant now? I thought you ran a sunglasses store," Aveline asked.
"Both are true. But right now I am a Lieutenant," Ginjiro said.
"Can I see Captain Kuchiki?" Aveline asked.
"Hmmm, yes. But you could see him better with a pair of sunglasses," Shirogane said.
Aveline took a deep breath. Apparently for some in the Soul Society rank meant being able to act like a complete nutter. "May I speak with Captain Kuchiki, please?"
"What is all the commotion?" asked a tall man with a strange haircut, scarf, and captain's uniform.
Shirogane saluted and said, "Hello Captain Kuchiki. This young lady has come requesting an audience with you to thank you for saving her and her fellow trainees three days ago." It was like he was now a completely different person.
Aveline didn't know what had happened to…sober the man up, but assumed this must be Captain Kuchiki. She bowed humbly. "Captain Kuchiki, my name is Aveline von Ravenstein and as Lieutenant Shirogane stated I came to personally thank you for saving myself and my class."
"No thanks were needed, I was simply doing my duty. The sentiment is appreciated however. You said you were Aveline von Ravenstein, yes? Your action against the Hollow was very reckless and poorly conceived," Captain Kuchiki, "It was by pure luck you were not killed."
"It was. It was an act of desperation to summon assistance. The Hollow was blocking the communicator and I had no way of knowing how many more Hollows were in the area. By attacking, I hoped to distract the Hollow so the communicator could be recovered. Which it appears was successfully done," Aveline said.
"It was. I am personally conducting an investigation of the incident. Such an incident will not be repeated," Kuchiki said.
"Thank you, Captain," Aveline said.
"Continue improving you skills and you may become a notable Soul Reaper. Now get back to the Academy," Captain Kuchiki said.
"I will Captain," Aveline said with a bow.
Captain Kuchiki returned to his office.
"You must have made quite an impression on the Captain," Shirogane said.
"Oh?" Aveline asked.
"I think he paid you a compliment," Shirogane said, "Now, about those sunglasses."
"Maybe when I become a full fledged Soul Reaper," Aveline said.
"Yeah, the pay is better then so you could get a nicer pair," Shirogane said, "Here is my card." A glimmer of light flashed on his goggles.
"Thanks," Aveline said flatly.
Aveline approached the Academy dorms. Someone appeared behind her. Ever since that fight her senses were getting so much sharper. She wondered for a moment if it was related to her calling her Zanpaktou. Probably, Aveline figured. As to who that was behind her…
"Aki, what are you doing back there," Aveline asked, turning around.
"Waiting for you," Aki said, casually.
"Shouldn't you be in class?" Aveline asked the sloppily dressed student.
"Yeah," Aki said, "And you? Shouldn't you be in class?"
"I was thanking Captain Kuchiki for saving us," Aveline said, "It's the proper thing to do."
"Well I'm not a very proper guy," Aki said as he stuck his hands in his pockets.
"How long have you been following me?" Aveline asked.
"Just started. Been waiting a while though," he said.
"Head back to the dorm together?" Aveline asked Aki.
"Reason I was waiting," Aki said, "Heard you got released. Figured you would be along sooner or later."
"Oh…waiting for me, eh?" Aveline said, leaning in close to Aki, a teasing smile on her face.
"It's…it's not like that. Well it kinda is. It's complicated, suffice to say," Aki said, blushing somewhat.
"Well tell me about your complications," Aveline said witha giggle.
"You saw I had two swords a few nights ago," Aki asked.
"Hmm, things were happening so fast…" Aveline said.
A fireball exploded on the Hollow's mask as Aveline charged the Hollow. The Hollow seemed less affected by the attack then Avey had hoped and it had swatted her out of the air. Aki drew a pair of swords and rushed to attack the Hollow…
"…but yes…I remember," Avey said. She remembered something from class, when they were going over famous Zanpaktous. "Hey! Don't Captains Ukitake and Kyoraku have the only known dual Zanpaktou?"
"Yeah. Mine isn't truly a dual sword. It is two separate swords. Mine," he said. Then a bit more hesitantly he said, "And my brother's. His name was Yuji."
"I'm assuming that since you are using the past tense, he is dead," Aveline asked.
"Yeah. His body is at least. He became a Soul Reaper. He died a Soul Reaper. Anyway, when he died his sword appeared with me. Not only that, he can communicate with me. We learned how to release our Zanpaktou at the same time. And the fact we were twins probably helped some to. Either way, I have him and his sword still with me," Aki said.
"Oh, that's strange," Avey said, "But this whole place is strange."
"You think so? I guess it could be strange. It's all I know though. You get used to it after a while apparently," Aki said looking at the sky.
"So what does your brother tell you?" Avey asked.
"He tells me to clean up my act. Like that's gonna happen," Aki said flippantly, "Now he is saying to help you. Damned if I know why. But you seem nice enough. And it gets him off my back about telling me to stop smoking."
Avey chuckled. "So you are going to help me?"
Aki nodded, "You can release your sword. But not at will, right? People can often call extra power when their life is on the line, but afterward not have a clue how to."
"Well…" Avey said, "I just haven't tried to."
"Want proof? Release your sword," Aki said.
Avey drew her sword. She looked at it and took a deep breath. She stared at the sword. She shook it a few times. "Oh right, release command," Avey said, "Sapphire Falcon! Do something!"
Aki burst out laughing. "Do something?"
"Well…shut up!" Avey said.
Aki shrugged. "Two nights. The woods out by the dorm. Nobody should be there around dusk. You'll get it then."
"Oh. Thank you," Avey said.
"You won't thank me when it's over," he said, "Now I have to do my other good deed to get my brother to shut up about my drinking."
"And what's that?" Aveline asked.
"Chase Itsuro away from the girls' dorm," Aki said.
Aveline looked at Itsuro with a shocked expression on her face. "Itsuro Yamado peeks in the girls' dorms?"
"He hasn't succeeded yet. And I aim to keep it that way," Aki said with a joking smile. "See you in class," Aki said as he walked away.
Aveline opened the door to her room and closed the blinds.
"Awww. But I like the sun," Minako said as she hung off the ceiling. Avey was pleased with herself for not freaking out that Minako was casually hanging from the ceiling. She thought it spoke worlds of her adjusting to the Soul Society. Or maybe it was a sign she was going mad.
"Itsuro Yamado might be out there," Aveline said, cracking the blinds open and looking around. "PEEKING! That pig!"
"But Aki Kamada will chase him away," Minako says, "It's always fun to watch."
"You knew he was out there…and is Kamada Aki's family name?" Avey asked.
"Yes. To both. I think," Minako said. She began playfully swinging back and forth.
"How did you know?" Avey asked.
"Dunno. Wait…which was I supposed to know?" Minako asked.
"Both. Either," Avey said, "Oh never mind."
"Kimiko and her cousins were worried about you," Minako said, "I wasn't. I knew you would be around to provide much more entertainment for me."
"So you know when people will die?" Avey asked.
"No. I just know when they stop being interesting. Sometimes people are still interesting after they die. Sometimes people stop being interesting before they die," Minako said, turning upside down.
Avey shrugged at that. She didn't quite understand Minako, but it came through clear enough usually. She eyed two packages on her bed. One was from Kimiko. The other was from Minako.
"Kimiko left that for you. I made you something myself," Minako explained.
Avey opened the box from Kimiko. Inside was a red bean bun. "Oh, that's nice. A red bean bun," Avey said. She opened the one from Minako. It was an exquisite white porcelain bowl. "Wow. This is nice Minako. How did you afford this?"
"Afford? I made it. In the kitchen," Minako said, "Don't you recognize it? It's a chocolate chip cookie."
"…a chocolate chip cookie?" Avey asked, studying the bowl. It had an interesting floral pattern around the rim.
"Yes, a chocolate chip cookie. I think. I kinda got distracted partway through and lost my place," Minako said.
"Yeah. Thank you," Avey said. Once again eying the bowl. Or cookie, "I need to thank Kimiko too. They should be getting back from class now." Avey left the room. Minako didn't mind.
Kimiko came inside, some books slung over her shoulder. Her lights lit up seeing Aveline. "Avey! I'm glad you were alright," she exclaimed.
"Not as glad as I am I was alright," Aveline said.
Rei and Aya were behind her. "Avey, we heard what you did," Aya said.
"And we think it was very brave," Rei finished.
"Can you help us with our swords?" Aya asked.
"Pleeeeease?" Rei pleaded.
"Sure. But not right now. I just got out of the hospital," Avey said.
"Yeah, let her rest," Kimiko said to Aya and Rei as she shoved them away.
Aya and Rei left with a giggling thank you. They shared a room.
"Thanks for the bun," Avey said.
"Oh. Yeah," Kimiko said, "You're welcome."
"How were the others?" Avey asked.
"Seito has been practicing nonstop," Kimiko said, "Otherwise…not much has changed."
"Seito practicing nonstop? Nothing has changed," Avey said.
"Well, Seito is practicing more then before," Kimiko corrected.
"How about you?" Aveline asked her friend.
"Excited! I know I should feel bad what happened, but that was the real thing. And I made it through. I was worried I would be Hollow-bait, but I survived it," Kimiko said with her smile beaming, "I can really do this. Be a Soul Reaper. And you! I wish I could be that good."
"You will some day. How about Aki?" Aveline asked.
"No difference. That I have seen, anyway. He always seems to be around, but you never see him," Kimiko observed.
"Yeah, he's like that. Anyway, he says he can show me how to release my sword," Aveline said.
"Do it. And when you do, show me. I want to be strong enough to protect people like you did," Kimiko said.
"What I did was stupid and foolish. I was lucky I didn't die," Avey said.
"Luck will often enough save you. If your courage holds," Akane said, "Me? I make my own luck."
"GAH!" Kimiko said, "Geeze Akane! You are almost as bad as Aki."
"What kind of luck?" Aveline asked.
Akane said, "I consider any fair fight that I am in to be inherently unfair to me."
"That's not luck. That's cheating," Kimiko said.
"Luck. Cheating. Same thing," Akane said.
Aveline laughed.
"And I'm way worse then Aki," Akane said.
"She does have that unnerving smile. Like she is plotting to kill you," Aveline said.
"What's worse is when she has it on when she is sleeping," Kimiko said. The two shared a room next to Avey.
"Who said I wasn't plotting to kill everyone?" Akane said.
"Be polite. Be professional. And have a plan to kill everyone you meet," Aveline said almost whimsically.
"Good plan," Akane said, "Except the be polite part. I don't do that well."
"That's for sure," Aveline said.
"Well, I can be polite when I want to be," Akane said, leaning against the wall in a lazy fashion.
"You just don't want to," Kimiko said.
"You have that right," Akane said.
"Well this clearing will do," Aki said. The moon illuminated the clearing with a silvery brilliance.
"The full moon makes it almost seem like daytime," Aveline observed.
"Why do you think I said in two nights and not that night?" Aki said.
"I see it. Good plan," Aveline said.
"Alright, first draw you sword," Aki commanded.
Aveline drew her sword. It looked like a katana.
"You'll need a good grip. Firm, yet flexible," Aki commanded, "Like you are about to block an attack."
"All set," Aveline said.
"Like I said, when a soul is in mortal danger it will grow stronger. Only by pushing your limits will you grow past and exceed them," Aki said.
"So how are you going to teach me to use my sword?" Aveline asked.
"The same way I learned to properly use mine. The way my brother learned. I am going to put you in mortal danger," Aki said.
With a flash, Aki had disappeared from Avey's field of view. Avey quickly reacted, and barely managed to block Aki's attack.
"Aki! What are you doing?" Avey demanded.
"Isn't it obvious? I am going to try my best to kill you. And I want you to try your best to stop me," Aki explained. He disengaged and flourished his swords, grabbing one in an underhand grasp and the other in a standard overhand.
"Kill me? I thought your brother wanted you to protect me!" Avey demanded.
"Yeah. He also wanted me to teach you to properly use your sword," Aki said, "Lesson stops when one of us is dead or you master your sword."
"Well I won't let you kill me," Avey said resolutely.
"Good," Aki said. He dove in low, parrying Avey's sword with one of his blades and slashing at her legs with them other.