Hiya! I'm back! :D No, I didn't die, in case anyone was wondering. Well, the long-awaited sixth chapter is here.
Since Kiyoshi's part isn't as frequent, the chapters concerning him are going to be longer. Personally, Kiyoshi is one of my favorite characters, so I love writing it.
Well, thanks to those who reviewed!! -hands out poptarts-
Kiyoshi paused, looking around him. There didn't seem to be anyone there, and he liked that- he felt uncomfortable around large crowds of people. Sitting down at the foot of a tree, he drew his zanpaku-to and stuck it in the ground in front of him. "We're alone, Kaji." He said.
His sword shone golden for a second, than a yellow orb ascended from it. Within its circle he could see a small figure, much like a fairy. His sword's spirit, Kaji, looked at him for a moment, than began talking.
You are uneasy.
Kiyoshi smiled briefly. "There are still many who oppose me. I've been working hard to prove my worth, but…" he sighed. "There are many things I'm worried about, myself."
Take it easy. They'll learn that it wasn't your fault.
"You sure about that?" The fairy creature nodded. Still not convinced, he said, "Kaji, listen. If they find out about her, I could be cast out. It's only a matter of time…"
The orb shivered slightly. Do not think about that. It hissed. It'll only make it worse when the time comes! Stopping, the creature inside tilted its head. Someone approaches. It's the girl…Machiko. Can she be trusted?
Kiyoshi nodded. "Yes. I believe she can." Briefly, he wondered what she was doing here- as far as he was concerned the lilac-haired Assistant Captain was somewhat of a social butterfly, though she was rather shy around newcomers. Maybe she, too, wanted some peace, and came out here to gather her thoughts.
The orb of light disappeared when she stepped into the small clearing, the wind tugging her hair free from its loose ponytail. Tilting her head to the side, she said, "What brings you here?"
"I could ask you the same." He said smoothly, sheathing Kaji. She studied him for a moment, and then flopped down at the base of the tree. "I sensed you were talking to your sword's spirit- what's its ability?"
Kiyoshi eyed her suspiciously. "Healing." He said simply. Machiko looked like she was about to say something, but he held up a hand. "I have never wanted to go to fourth division, so don't even ask. Besides, my sword only has the ability to heal me." This wasn't the whole truth, of course, but she didn't know wouldn't hurt her. For now.
"Really?" She said, interested. "What's its name?"
"Kaji." He replied.
"Interesting…it seems to suit you."
"Why would it not?"
"True. What's its spirit?"
He shook his head. "You'll find out soon enough." There was a slight pause, then, "Now, it's only fair that you tell me what yours is."
Machiko smiled. "Mine has many names. But- I guess you could call it Soshi. It controls the elements."
Kiyoshi raised an eyebrow, but didn't respond. Fingering Kaji, he relaxed against the tree trunk, still keeping a wary eye on his companion. The girl was playing with her hair again, one of her many nervous habits. Suddenly, she rose. "I'd best be going." She said, and then hurried off, slinking through the trees like a cat. He watched her go, then closed his eyes and entered his spirit world through his dreams.
The familiar swirling yellow and white landscape appeared around him, with the glowing orb in front. The creature inside was whirling, somersaulting and spinning inside its glow. Here, in its own world, the creature was happiest- filled with the light and the warmth it provided, it was filled with endless energy and strength. Once in the outside world, however, that strength was limited- Kiyoshi could only call on it for a short time before it was too weak. He had learned to judge the right time to use it, but even he could make mistakes, and bitter memories from the past flooded his mind.
The orb trembled, the light wavered.
The creature stopped its movements, looking at Kiyoshi crossly, but didn't respond. Forcing the dark memories aside, he looked at Kaji. "You called me here, didn't you? What did you want?"
She is stirring, Kiyoshi. And her heart is filled with anger and hate, directed at the one you love the most.
Panic began to set in. His features, however showed nothing- but Kaji knew better. It was, after all, part of him.
You need to tell them. I know I told you not to worry about it- but now, you need to let them know. Keeping secrets won't help in the long run. Your sister already suspects something, and she isn't around you nearly as much anymore.
Kiyoshi winced. Mitsuki had sensed the unease in him, and though confused, she didn't mention it. Keeping his face blank, he said, "I know. I'll tell Yamamoto, whenever I get the chance- but for now, I'm going to figure out how to get out of this."
Kaji was silent, the orb spinning, flashing with white lights. He knew it was upset, but Kiyoshi refused to listen to its advice. He knew that his stubbornness, just like Mitsuki's, would lead him into trouble. He just refused to acknowledge it.
With a disgusted sigh, Kaji disappeared with a small 'pop'. Kiyoshi was left alone to wander in his spirit world a little longer, mulling over his thoughts, before finally leaving and waking up again below the tree. For a fleeting second he thought he heard the snap of a twig, but figured it was his imagination and left the forest below the Sokyoku Hill. Passing by Unohana, who gave him a concerned look- the doctor was able to tell when anyone wasn't feeling their best- he nodded slightly at her and returned to his division's headquarters. His Lieutenant had left already, delivering his paperwork, and had even dropped off more for him on his desk. Sighing inwardly, he picked up the paper and got to work.
Musing to himself, he remembered that it was about this time of day that Mitsuki would come charging in, sometimes with Toshiro in tow, demanding for him to join them for lunch. He would deny, of course, but somehow Mitsuki had always dragged him away anyways. Strange how, in spite of his annoyance, he had actually come to welcome the moment. So when someone barged into the room, he looked up, expecting to see his sister- but instead saw the thirteenth division's assistant captain.
"Captain Noukon, you better hurry- there's an uprising against you!" she panted, getting formal in her upset state. "Your Assistant Captain is trying to calm them down, but he's getting nowhere!"
Anger flashed through him, accompanied by pain and, strangely, relief at finally knowing what was true. Standing up and acting far calmer then he felt, he walked past Machiko. "I'll take it from here." He said. "Thank you for telling me."
The girl narrowed her eyes. "No, I'm coming with you. Friends protect one another." She said, and though Kiyoshi was taken aback, he let her follow him outside.
His sandy-haired assistant captain looked relieved when he showed up, but the group of soul reapers looked angry. They were shouting, enraged, their words melding into a nonsense jumble- but he got the jist of them to know what they meant.
He was not welcome here.
Devoid of any emotion, he stared at the crowd, his assistant captain looking anxiously out at them, the other standing coolly by his side. He did not blame the boy; like him, he wasn't one for words. Machiko, on the other hand, was like a solid pillar, her icy blue eyes crackling with a restrained fire. She took a step forward, her hand on her sword, intending to fight- holding up a hand, he saw her halt, her gaze never wavering from the crowd in front.
He spoke softly, yet they could clearly hear him- "So you rebel against your commander?"
Startled into silence, they stared up at him, angry, confused, and bewildered. Kiyoshi continued. "General Yamamoto is the leader of this entire society. Though each captain has power over their squad, he has power over all. I was chosen by him, entrusted to take care of those in my squad and lead them. I report to him, as you report to me. By not trusting my leadership, you, in turn, are not trusting General Yamamoto's command. And you very well know the punishment for not obeying orders."
They shifted uneasily, exchanging looks. Though some still looked angry, most had realized their mistake, and refused to meet his eyes.
"Everyone makes hasty decisions, in battle, and in life. But those can either help, or ruin, your chance. Think about it- if you wish to protest, in the heat of the moment, then do so- but I cannot guarantee your protection when General Yamamoto hears of this." He finished. For a second, no one moved, and then Kiyoshi turned and, without another word, returned to his office. His lieutenant slunk after him, with an amazed Machiko following suit. The crowd stood stock still, eyes wide. Then they, too, left, murmuring silently to one another.
Out of earshot, Machiko looked at the Fifth Division Captain in amazement. "You're a natural born leader." She said admiringly. Kiyoshi closed his eyes. "I would prefer not to be." He said quietly, gesturing at his assistant captain. Now dismissed, the boy ran off, relieved.
Letting him by, Machiko continued to speak. "You need to tell Yamamoto about this. I mean it. He needs to know about these things…"
"I will tell no one, and you shouldn't, either." Kiyoshi said firmly. "It will only cause more trouble, and they've already learned their lesson. And leaving them alone like this will cause their word to spread- this way others won't be so keen to repeat it in the future."
Machiko nodded approvingly. "What about your sister? Shouldn't she know?"
He shook his head. "Especially not her. She and the Tenth Squad Captain are already busy enough as it is, with their mission in the Human World and their upcoming baby. Mitsuki already worries enough about me as it is."
Silent, Machiko watched him for a few more minuets, then said quietly, "Look, if there's anything you need, I'm here, alright? I'll stand with you, no matter what."
He looked at her, and for a long moment, didn't reply. Then he nodded. Understanding him, Machiko inclined her head in reply and left, with a grace that only she could muster.
Kiyoshi watched her go, a rare smile on his face. He, too, considered the girl as a close friend. She knew it, too, since she was one the few who could decipher his emotions. Leaning back in his chair, he stared at the ceiling, wondering just what fate had in store for him by introducing Machiko into his life.
Fin! (for this chapter) xD
Mitsuki and Toshiro (As well as our other Bleach stars!) will be back next chapter stay tuned! And review. please. xD
