Stung
Silver hair's eyes are still squinted shut so that no one can see his pupils. Yet his mouth is hung agape from the slap. My mouth is hung agape too. I can't believe I just did that! Have I lost my mind? Yuroichi-sama whose eyes have widened from the strike just stares at me. Byakuya's whose cold expression is never phased just stares at my form too. It is one of those moments in life where you wish you could just transform into a butterfly and fly away. No. More like a tiny micro creature where you just fade away from everyone's sight. Either way I have to do something to try and remedy this.
"I… I apologize! Please forgive me! I don't know what came over me. It was disgraceful for what I did. I'll accept any punishment!" my body immediately drops to its knees with my head bowing before the silver hair's feet. It is something I do not desire to do, but I should… must show him respect. My motivation is more so to not embarrass the princess of flash step anymore. I only quiver to think just how this will reflect on my savior's reputation. Maybe I should quit being part of the squad two now and spare her anymore embarrassment.
"Ichimaru-kun what have you done now? I thought you how to be a captain, but didn't I teach you manners around a young lady too?" Captain Aizen states, walking over with a small chuckle from his lips. This makes the silver hair regain his enlarged grin and scratch the top of his silver mixed with blood hair. "But I didna' do anything this time. I beena' perfect gentleman all day.".
"Maybe it's the smile then. You do look scary with it and the blood all over you."
"What ya mean Captain Aizen? How can a smile be scary? It's the best thing about me. Unless you mean I'm always scary?"
Their chatter causes the crowd around to have small snickers and laughs.
The day of celebration at an end and I can only think of how foolish I have been. Everyone must be gossiping about the incident. Of how Yuroichi-sama does not know how to control her subordinates and how she needs more discipline to control her squad. I can only imagine what they can be saying. It makes the veins in my skin bubble up like how the roots of tree stick out of the ground.
"You want to speak about something?" my master's voice draws me out of my thoughts. I stare at her slightly bewildered. She lets out a sigh and begins to speak as I have nothing to say. "You've been sitting on your knees with your arms placed on them in that repenting position for the last hour and half. And with every minute that passes by I can hear your brain grinding away. So much that I can't do my work now.".
Ohh no. Now I'm even becoming trouble for Yuroichi. I bow my head and apologize trying my best not to cause her anymore trouble from my own. Unfortunately trying to think of not thinking of what I did causes just as much problems. The dark skinned woman stares at me after five minutes resting down her papers. "Ok. We're going to figure out this problem right now. Don't tell me you miss Byakuya now?".
"Of course not! I'm just displeased at my behavior today! I should have never slapped that captain and embarrass you! It was very disgraceful of me!" I say bowing my head again. I can hear the gold eye queen slowly chew on her pen. I dare not look up unsure of what she is thinking. "So this is about that Ichimaru kid?" she says. This makes my head pops up to meet her eyes. "No of course not! Not like that.".
The dark features then curve into a catty smile. I do not like where this is going… "You did do such a disgrace to me today Sui-Feng! I am so happy you are willing to make this up to me though. Because there is only one way to make up for this.".
Now I really have a bad feeling.
"Go find the new captain and apologize. And don't come back here unless he accepts your heartfelt apology."
Sometimes I curse my loyal nature. If I was not so persistent in apologizing I would not be in this situation. Now here I am spying on the newly crowned captain waiting for him to be alone so I can apologize. I do not dare ask for forgiveness with others around. That would be too embarrassing. Also the company he is with at the moment also amplifies the situation.
The silver hair is facing a wall with his back to the world. His head pressed against it so only the wall can get a look at his face. He still has many cuts and is still slightly bleeding from the battle. There are also a few blood smears and bloody steps in this little area. To Gin's right is his former captain, Aizen. Behind him is the dark skinned blind captain. What is his name again? Tousen I think.
The three seem to be in some type of conversation. I may as well wait and see if they will leave him so I can apologize. "So what do you think? I told you he was up to it Kaname-kun. Things are going better than expected."Aizen says. The blind man stands with his arms folded nodding his head.
"I do not agree. Gin-san. You are too reckless and caused needless destruction. As the match continued you began to lose composure, which in the future will get you killed. You do have talent, but this maybe happening to quick."
"You forget, Kaname, that this was not a normal Captain's Test. Fighting against one of the Kuchiki line is not an easy feat. Although failure was not an option for you, Gin. So what do you think about going head to head with a noble?"
"It ain't over between me and that guy. I'll make sure he gets his. Leave him and Rukia-chan to me." the usually enigmatic man says with a surprising amount of spite. That cautionary feeling from before. I can feel it again. The feeling of angry wasps from this man. Only amplified. Now the wasps are circling the area angrily. The snake is coiled together as if waiting to strike. I cannot believe this is the same person as before. Even the dread headed captain looks surprised. If only slightly.
"Heh. That's unexpected. It's been over a decade since I've seen that type of look in your eyes." The captain of squad five says with a small chuckle. I do not know how he can be so calm with that type of energy emanating from the man. Then again maybe because the three are captains they are not fearful. Their conversation is cut as another voice intrudes.
I delve deeper into the shadows of my hiding place. The last thing I need is to be discovered. The person approaching has the attire of a student from the Shinigami Academy. This woman is a strawberry blonde with blue eyes and two beach balls for a chest. That's probably as modest as one can be about her chest size.
"Hey! Ichimaru! How dare you not wake me up for your captain's exam! I almost missed it. Do you know how many people I had to fight off just to get a bad seat!" the woman shouts giving a small knock to the back of his head. This causes the man to slide down the wall leaving a small trail of it as his body slumped to the floor. It may have been a horrifying scene if not for the smirker giving a big smile.
"Rangiku-chan! Im'a die if ya hit me anymore! I'm hurt an bleeding an ain't even been to the doctor. You're supposed to be healing me." the shinigami responds. The other two captains excuse themselves quickly leaving the odd arguing between the bony man and the busty woman. My presence is still concealed, but it does not seem like I'll get a chance to apologize now.
"I didn' wanna wake you up Rangiku-chan. You were sleeping so soundly!"
"Don't you try and sweet talk me Ichimaru! The biggest moment of your afterlife and you try to exclude me. You always do this. Why? You think I'll slow you down?"
"Nahh. I run so you can chase me. I like it when ya chase me. Gives my ego a boost to know a pretty face is chasin' me."
"Well I'm not going to be chasing you forever. I want to walk by your side and if I can't then I'll walk away."
"Then when ya walk away I'll have to hold ya tightly and close to me like this and push my face in yer bosom with tears in my eyes beggin' an pleadin' ya to stay."
"Hey, hey! Not here! And eww! Your face is bleeding all over my chest get off! It's getting all in between!"
"Not until ya nurse my wounds and these two plump pillows are a good beginning."
"Hey! Don't call my twins pillows! And get off! Your face is cold!"
Yea… no chance to apologize right now. I slink away in the shadows unnoticed. I wonder if Yuroichi-sama's past relationship with that bastard traitor was the same. I never had a relationship like that. It looks confusing and embarrassing. Still it must be very nice.
I cannot go back to Yuroichi-sama without any apology. Some would probably consider lying, but I would never lie to her. Just picturing myself telling even the slightest fib to her makes me uneasy. Instead I wait out throughout the day. Finding the forever smile during different hours and then drifting off to other parts of the soul society. Ichimaru did go to the hospital, but later on in the day. Probably best since Byakuya was there after the battle.
Despite being such a creepy person Gin always seems to be in the company of others. Most of the time it is just random people he engages in. Or maybe he just randomly likes to approach certain people. Either way he likes to inadvertently cause trouble. The first person he meets is the succeeding captain who replaced that traitor. Kurotsuchi Mayuri. A guy who surpasses Ichimaru on the creepiness atmosphere by far. If Ichimaru ranks ten then Kurotsuchi ranks fifteen. The two start an awkward conversation that Kurotsuchi wants to do some type of experiment on fox face. Heading back to the Research and Development institute it takes twenty minutes for the squad twelve captain to kick the grinning man out saying that if he ever comes back two tongues will be in his eye sockets and his eyes will be sewed to the bottom of his feet.
Next he bumps into Kuchiki siblings. Byakuya covered in bandages and wrappings similar to Ichimaru. The two converse in a conversation that is even more awkward than his previous. When I converse I mean Ichimaru talking while the noble remains silent only replying with one word answers and his sister shuffles uncomfortably. When the skinny girl begins to grab the fox's attention Byakuya leaves with her, saying something passively aggressive and cryptic to fox face. Of course Gin only grins at this.
He then watches a tea ceremony between captains Yamamoto, Unohana and members of the tenth squad. It begins well. For once that bony face is shut and not saying anything. Actually he appears to have a resemblance to the head captain once he is still. If you look at it closely enough the two may have some relation. Like an uncle and nephew. The two seem to have thing for not having anyone see their pupils and maybe once the new chief of the third squad is settled in he'll act more mature like his elder allies. This may have went well till the skinny shinigami opens his mouth and says something disparaging about the tenth division not having a captain or vice captain. Something that has been a grim subject to the division. Luckily Unohana's calm words and foreboding demeanor stops any physical confrontation between the division and new captain. Once again Ichimaru is told to leave. Just in a pleasant tone this time.
At sunset he meets that strawberry blonde student again. He spends most of his time with this bloated chest that has a woman attached to it. The two watch the sunset at a cliff's edge above the Seireitai. She talks about how bad the dorm situation is with some flat chest girl with glasses and always carrying a book likes to order the other girls as if she is the dorm queen. I cannot take that comment seriously. When compared to her what woman wouldn't look flat? She continues how she found some interesting friends in a 'bald headed guy' and 'some dude with red hair'. Then how she'll graduate soon and become a lieutenant quickly. He listens keeping that grin on his face replying when he feels to. The two talk about how they first entered the academy and that first year. He teases how the girl couldn't become a captain in one year and she hits him in the face calling him a freak for success. The two depart because fox face has other plans.
"So when I make it to lieutenant you'll put me in your squad right? You better not go choosing some flirtatious, boobilicious girl before me." The girl says. Ohh the irony…
"Hmm… as much of a good idea that is ya the only one I want behind me."
"Behind you?"
"Yep. Cause if I fall I know you'll keep a firm grip on me an keep me from falling."
"Jeez. You're just a mess without me."
The two laugh going their separate ways. After watching all the trouble he's been causing today it is weird to see him with someone not actually wanting to cut him down. I do know how this friend of Ichimaru's feels though. I cannot wait for the day I become a lieutenant and walk side by side with Yuroichi-sama around the Seireitai. For my flash goddess to know that I am strong enough to stand by her side and that only I within the Stealth Force has enough skill to be at her side.
Yes. I can't wait for that day.
For such an eerie, thin eye man he loves to keep company. Certain elements seem to attract to him also. Most of the night is spent with his division and getting to know them. Chatting, slight drinking and gambling till it becomes the dead of night. Then he moves off quickly to meet up with his former captain in a field within the fifth squad barracks.
I cannot hear what they are saying so I need to move closer. By the time I discreetly get into a secure hiding place from above the two are finishing their conversation. "And the plan continues." I can hear the man with glasses state.
A second after Aizen says "Go see whoever is buzzing around in the shadows. It might be the same bug from earlier". Damn. Not even five minutes here and I'm already found. I swiftly dash away with the agility of a mountain lion. One building, two buildings, down an alleyway and over a wall and into a field. I figure I'm making good ground with escaping, but with a blow of the wind a body stands before me.
The grinning face with a new white haori over his clothing signifying the difference in our capabilities. I want to run away but this feeling is for only a quarter of a second. My mind remembers the reason why I'm here. To apologize. Nothing other than that. I'm doing this for Yuroichi-sama. I'm part of the Stealth Force. Captain or not I am not going to move around like a scared fly.
"I came here to apologize for my actions earlier. It was very indecent and rude of me to do. Please know I did not mean anything by it and my reaction was just improper. So please forgive me." I speak sternly and loudly with a bow. I said it. Now I can only hope he'll take my apology. I do not look into his face and instead keep my head down. My ears pick up a curious sound from his direction.
"Uhmm… who are ya again? We ever met? What are ya apologizing for?"
Seriously? After the scene I made today he does not even know who I am? Does he even remember? If it were me I would have had the poor soul on the ground begging for their lives that same instant. Yet, he does not remember? He must be lying. My face turns up and I begin to approach him. "You don't remember? I was the one who hit you after you're battle. I really did not mean to. You have to had remember that.".
A thumb is placed under his chin as he tries to think back during that time. "Ohh yea. You. How long ya been following me around for? Ya didn't want to do this tomorrow?"
"I only came across you a moment ago." I lie. He does not need to know I have been following him. It wouldn't look good for Yuroichi-sama and bring distrust between our divisions. I also do not want this guy to think I'm some type of stalker. "I am sorry for earlier." I say again hoping to get some response other than a realization that I exist.
"Hmmm…. No. I don't forgive ya."
"Huh. Why not?"
"My face still hurts."
"Maybe you should put an ice pack on it?"
"No. That won't do. I'll tell ya what can help. I want ya to tell me what you were peeping on me doing tonight." the taller soul reaper tells me with the lanky form approaching my body. There is that feeling again. Like a thousand hornets around me buzzing. Or dozens of snakes crawling around my feet and over my body. Yet the creatures just go about their livelihood. Not a feeling of danger… just hesitation. To beware of everything I say and do. My brain is so entranced by this feeling I do not even realize that the man is upon me. A pale hand holds one of my shoulders his face peers into mine.
Staring into this face of mystery I am not sure what to think. It is amazing. Our faces are only a few inches away yet I still cannot tell what this man's eyes look like. Everything about this fox face spells enigma. "Come on. You can tell me what ya saw. After all we're all pals and part of the thirteen squads. Right?" he says. I do not know if he is trying to soothe my mind, because it is having the opposite effect. This feeling does not make me scared, but it makes me want to act against it. To challenge it.
"Is there something that you are trying to hide?" I reply back sternly using my hand to squeeze down firmly around his wrist that touches my shoulder. Captain or not, I'll show him I'm not someone to be easily pushed around. The grin on his face only gets bigger from my action.
"Yea. See Captain Aizen and I have something planned for yer Captain."
My eyes narrow at the mention of my goddess's title. If he has any ill will in mind… "What do you mean?"
"Well what if I tell ya we have something wicked in mind. Something pretty sinister. But I'll tell ya only if you keep it a secret."
"What?"
"You're goin' to keep the secret?"
"No. You'll tell me now or else."
"Wow! So pushy even to a captain! Well simply… We're going to take the thing the woman values most."
"What are.."
"Something so valuable she'll die without it."
By now he must be feeling the grip I have on his wrist. Unconsciously my nails have bitten down into his flesh and tighten with each passing word. I am ready to bring forth my soul slayer and rid this man of his afterlife. I just want to hear what devious plan he has against my precious Yuroichi-sama so I have all rights to kill him.
"We're going to…"
My other palm holds the hilt of my sword.
"Steal all the milk from the second squad so she has none to get for the morning."
What? In my shock I do not even realize his other hand is pinching my cheek.
"A woman like that drinks so much milk that forty five percent of it in the Seireitai goes just to her squad. Can you imagine how crazy she will go with none around? Don't ya wanna see your master go bananas for a while? I bet we'll see a side of her we never knew."
This man… is a buffoon. Instead of trying to kill him my hand returns from the sword hilt. Instead it curls together in a fist and moves fast enough to strike his cheek like last time. Even if this so called plan is ludicrous and juvenile I will not have anyone tamper with my dark skinned princess's meals.
The fingers that squeeze my check instantly come to his protection and catch my arm. "Whoa! Ya tryn' to sting me again? Ha! I thought ya came here to apologize!".
"How dare you even try to plot something against Yuroichi-sama! I take back my apology! I'll make sure you pay for even considering something like that." I growl out preparing for my next attack. His voice erupts with a small laugh. One thing I do not like is being patronized.
One of my legs shoots up between the two of us. I aim for that cocky grin, but he is too fast. By the time my leg reaches its full height he is already five paces away from me. By the time my leg reaches the dirt and ground he is back five paces in front of me. Damn. He's going to counter attack. I place both my arms up preparing to block an attack, but he is too swift. It catches me off guard. Next I know his palm lightly tapes my cheek. He could have hit me harder? Before I can wonder why the same hand flicks my nose with two fingers. I jump away to a railing from above to get some distance between us. That and hold my nose while the pain goes away. That kind of hurt.
I glare at the silver hair who I cannot tell if he is staring at me or half asleep. He's mocking me. The bony bastard. His mouth opens wide and a haughty laugh comes out. "I'm kiddin'! I got nothing against Yuroichi-san. After all she's my associate now.". Gin's arms return under his haori and his features turn away from me. I stand up on the railing and glare as the man begins walking away.
"Bye bye little covert ops-san! You should go back to yer captain. There are things in the night that can be real scary. Ain't no place for the unprepared." his voice states at me before disappearing? Like I cannot take care of myself. He's definitely mocking me. If I ever get the chance I'll make him regret those words.
I return back to the secret ops commander with only my pride slightly beaten. She asks me how this little 'journey of redemption' went. I can only wave her off and give a short terse answer. "Hmm. That doesn't sound like a kind apology to me. Unless you didn't use words to apologize and found another way. Will I need to start giving Sui-Feng a curfew? Or should I should keep a closer eye on her to see if she disappears somewhere now?" Yuroichi-sama states.
"I would never!" I begin, but she cuts me off before I can further go into a rant of everything possibly wrong with that walking closed eyed mop. "Ohh.. did he spend time anyone today?" the flash goddess asks.
"Yes. He was with Captain Aizen-san and the captain of the ninth division when I first saw him. Then he was with the captain of the division twelve until being asked to leave. He moved on to a tea ceremony with General Yamamoto-sama and Captain Unohana-san where he was also asked to leave. At sunset he spent time with a friend till the evening where he enjoyed time with division three members. Then around midnight he met up with Aizen-san again, but I do not know why. He sounds like he wants to pull some joke on you."
"Hmm. I see… ok. I'll leave it to you to make sure nothing bad happens to me. Did they say anything else?"
"I did not get there in time to hear their conversation… Is there was something I should have been listening for?"
"No. Nothing. Just curious. That's all. Why don't you go get some sleep."
"Yes mam."
I walk away from my queen slightly rubbing my cheek and nose. Tonight I was stung.
M.I.A. Author: Feeling a little fanfic inspired lately after finishing another year of Nanowrimo and watching a few different shows. Before I jump back to my real project I'll try and make a few updates. After just reaching chapter 400 of bleach all I can say is... "really? 4 kilometers. What the hell man." That's as far as I reached though.
I'm not usually one to this, but here are a few pieces of media that I've found thought provoking or at least very interesting that some of you future writers may want to check out and get inspired from. I haven't finished many of these, but where I am at they have been interesting. I'm sure some of you have heard of these already. They've been Game of Thrones (tv series although I hear the book is just as good), Durarara!, True Blood (specifically season 3), The Vampire Chronicles (3 books in one volume), Catherine (game), Gundam 00 (specifically season 1), and most recently School Days (the anime. Not the game although that is also an interesting take...).
You can check any of those out, but if you try School Days don't look anything up on it. It's one of those shows that it is much better to go in blind and not know anything about it. All I'll say its a romance anime where a guy falls for a girl, and his female friend wants to help him date her, but also has feelings for him. That's the summary of the first episode. Its a short series too so you can kick it out in two days if you're feeling up to it. Some of you will either love me or hate if you decide to watch it heh... Those of you who have seen it let's not spoil it for the others.
Sadly I'm not updating just one story. I'll be hopping around to other unfinished subjects. So keep on the lookout. Till next.