Hollow Eyes
Chapter 11: Prelude to Twilight
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach, Tite Kubo does. I own Sayomi, Arie'n, Airianah, Kalaki, Scamper etc. I do not own the songs mentioned either…just thought I'd clear that up in case you thought I could sing random Japanese, country, rock or the impossible vocals of Paramore or Evanescence.
A/N: Another hug and virtual cookie for all who have provided feedback, reviewed, favorite or alerted me! You don't understand how important that is for me to write a bajillion pages and get some sort of a pulse for all my efforts! This chapter is going to provide some more for those noticing inconsistencies, and lack of ICHIRUKI, ISHIHIME and tha fact that I have focused the story increasingly (and without knowing) more and more toward Sayomi and Chad's point of view. I feel that one of my original goals of including the more minor characters is being grossly neglected! Sorry all for my incompetence and rushed writing!
Song of the Mo: Sorry Sorry by Super Junior, Sweet Sacrifice by Evanescence (the song in Chad's head from last chapter at the end there)
Music was a flow a feeling, thought, and harmony of sound. Chad would know. He used to take the time to strum a few chords on his guitar with his old bandmates. But some things got in the way of his old habits. And recently…he was having difficulty getting a certain song out of his head, it didn't matter it was in English he had understood its message and warning all too concise in his now jumbled mind. A haunting melody combined with words that brought back a surge of memories of both past and present times.
Often as was not uncommon in Karakura High, something was wrong with one certain desk being empty. She had entered the school not that long ago, almost two weeks ago had arrived from the States with her beauty in persona and dazzling smile that attracted all to her side. Her face with the most captivating and mysterious gold eyes anyone had ever seen. Her with her tenderness of touch and kindness for all living things. Her with innocent light and feisty dark, and her lithe arms grasping the only picture of her family left, the small tiger keychain, and well-used skateboard.
Her with the strange animal-ness to her, the reflections of people lost a dancing ghost of past and present…this girl...who stayed for such a short time…could never be a monster worthy of taking away to Soul Society…to await the death that was sure to greet her there for being used by a cowardly being. And it was true…she had done no harm, only annoying everyone by killing hollows before anyone else could, and pushing people away who got too close to her. That one empty desk was a painful reminder of a betrayed justice that only saw life or death rather than the innocent soul of a girl used as an unknowing pawn about to be left for dead. A tiger sentenced to life in a cage or death forced through a ring of fire…and Chad was pretty sure her eyes would haunt him for the rest of his life if he let her be fated those ways.
"IIIICCCCHHHHIIIIGGGOOO~!!" The classroom grew deafening as the door opened and the typical morning began with Keigo getting hit in the face and dropping to the floor by a usually grumpy Ichigo. Another bleeding nose received by a lovelorn Chizuru trying to glomp a defenseless Orihime and an always ready blackbelt Tatsuki. Everyone took their seats, pretending everything was normal. But it was all too obvious when Rukia and Ichigo didn't pass around the usual crudely drawn Chappy notes, less arguments and quiet stares at the desk next to them. Keigo and Mizuiro were quieter. Tatsuki was less tolerant of things, more moody and temperamental. Orihime was in a gloomy haze that was a tear Ishida could not fix with his emergency sewing kit. But most obvious of all was the boy who sat all the way in the back of the room, glaring out the window at the twirling innocent maple leaves and carefree doves.
The teacher missed nothing as class started, her eyes soaking in the gloomy cloud hovering about the group…even seeing the lightning in Mr. Sado's eyes. "Miss Winters isn't here again?" She dared to ask, looking directly at certain fidgeting individuals. Immediately she felt clouds downpour and darken, one person's lightning strikes creating an uncomfortable tension that made all those blameless classmates near him move hurriedly to the other side of the room, fearful for their lives.
Ichigo tossed a sly note toward Rukia, the only one that day. You didn't replace memories of her? She shook her head, writing before passing it back with more explanation, and not in the mood for drawing. Not yet. I have not yet received orders to do so…though…Byakuya-nii did order me to remain in the real world for awhile… Ichigo upon reading the first half of the note, proceeded to smirk until it caused her to pout and blush whenever it came to her brother's strange way of showing his love. "Because it's safer here then there huh?" She punched him, embarrassed and he finished the note more somber. …and I don't have the heart to just cause her human memory to fade…"I don't blame ya." He whispered, knowing just how hard it was for him every time Rukia had to go back to the Soul Society and she had to erase her own memory from the minds of those around her.
As class progressed, Mrs. Okinawa realized that whenever she said the title of the book they were reading in class, those certain people flinched or caused some sort of uproar. "Shakespeare's, 'Midsummer Night's Dream'-" And all of Ichigo's group winced, Chad was motionless but he twiddled with his ever-present necklace for some reason as he continued to glance out the window. She didn't know it but both the author and the title stung in harsh memory. She loved reading…loved the Shakespeare classics…and her name…'Sayomi' meant 'night born'. They all thought sadly, speaking about her as if she were already dead.
Eventually, the bell rang for lunch and everyone was out with their heads hanging but for once Chad didn't move, he was too busy glaring outside, one hand twirling his necklace. "Mr. Sado?" The baffled and concerned teacher asked. "Are you alright?" I don't usually have problems like this with him…yes he and Mr. Kurosaki have gotten into fights with school bullies but…this seems way different…She had never seen the young man so full of emotions, so feeling when he usually remained stoic and peaceful and statue-esque. The very air around him crackled with violent energy. He made no sound, never even acknowledging her. "Where is Miss Winters?" Mrs. Okinawa dared whisper, actually feeling a chill run down her spine from the atmosphere. Her eyes widened when the normally gentle man suddenly stood, both of his usually hidden eyes were revealed, as fiery frightening orbs of mounted frustration. Muscles twitched in his handsome face, as if he was about to vent out all of his feelings at once to her, then he just clenched his jaw and fists, looked away and muttered. "Sorry." And she watched him pace restlessly to the door. There, he stopped with one hand clasping the handle with his back turned. "I'll make sure…she'll be okay…" And before Mrs. Okinawa, the hopeless romantic who had somehow formulated that Sayomi and Chad were in love just because in the beginning they were weary of each other's mysterious powers, could pry further, the door closed and her eyes softened remembering the day when she had made those two talk to each other after school. How Sayomi had lied saying she hated him and he proceeded to say the feeling was mutual. How she ran off with tears in her eyes like she had been forced to say those awful words. And finally how Chad had continued his sentence. '…enough to help you..'
She had heard it all, seen it all but didn't understand it one bit. Whatever it is those kids are always up to…I know that loyalty and friendship are their bonds and I hope…nothing can ever sever those ties…never in all my years of teaching have I ever met such an unlikely group of friends. Each completely different from one another but somehow…they are always together. I hope they are all okay…kids these days are always facing such serious and mature problems…
"Keigo!" Bellowed an all too familiar voice at the lunch spot on the roof. Those gathered tried to salvage the mood. "Grow up already! And stop saying that Rukia and I are going out!" Ichigo's veins were fit to burst , his fist itching to pummel a solid one into his so called friends face, but was holding back only because his frustration was due to someone else irking him.
"We're going out to where? The store?" Rukia cluelessly asked, sitting down next to Orihime and Tatsuki as their group swelled in noise, number, and clamor. "Don't tell me we ran out of juice again." Everyone laughed nervously at her naivety whilst Ichigo blushed slightly, biting his lip to refrain from blowing up. "Grraahh!" Too late. "NO WE AREN'T OUT OF JUICE!! DAD JUST BOUGHT ENOUGH TO SURVIVE THE APPOCOLYPSE!!" His voice grew shrill and whiny as it rose. It was all very amusing until Chad walked through the rooftop door. Everyone looked down, awkwardly munching on their lunches, what had happened yesterday to Chad was something no one dared acknowledge, everyone turned a semi-blind eye that was certainly too obvious.
"Hey Chad." Keigo nervously tried to greet his old bud. Instead the giant youth just ignored him, walking to the far side of the roof, leaning over the railing in thought.
"Kurosaki-kun…" Orihime gingerly mumbled, not looking at anything but the honey-mustard and bologna sandwich that Sayomi had introduced to her (with the exception of peanut butter and random condiments). "It's not my place to say but-" "Talk to Chad already Ichigo." Uryu cut in brusquely. Rukia closed her eyes, sipping on her juice pack from America (another Sayomi introduced food item). "He needs someone to calm him down and tell him that Soul Society can't just kill her..." She paused recalling her own plight. "…Soul Society…no matter the chaos..will give her a trial."
The brows of Ichigo furrowed stubbornly, as he recalled an event that occurred yesterday that had left his old friend in a rage the like of which he hadn't seen in him before. The strawberry had been attacked by a man that looked like Chad but certainly didn't behave or sound like him. It was as if Chad's evil twin had replaced himself and he was tied up in the bottom of some trunk somewhere. (yeas…HP reference -_-') "What the hell can I say that I've already said to help him?! I don't even understand why-?!" A gentle hand was placed on his shoulder. Rukia. "I don't know the words exchanged between you two these restless days but…Chad is your close friend. Ichigo I know you to be the kind of man to stand by your friend even when they push you away." She looked at her feet, implying herself and their past.
Orihime nodded. "Sado-kun…he's always had faith in you. He's always…loyally fought beside you. And I think…this is the first time he's felt helpless to protect someone." She looked up shyly. "He probably feels all alone right now. Ichigo…who helped support you when you went to save me and Rukia?" Uryu pushed the glasses up the bridge of his nose, hiding the gentleness in his gaze behind its lenses. Ichigo crossed his arms, thinking as he watched Chad feeding some cautious doves and pigeons pieces of his sandwich.
"All of you…and my family in a way…going home, I knew they worried about me and tried to keep me in good spirits despite my…frustration." Ideas formulated in his refreshed eyes.
Orihime timidly stared at her Sayomi sandwich (plus some add ons of course). "Chad has no family Ichigo. When he goes home…he doesn't have someone there to comfort him…talk to him…" She closed her eyes. "I would know…I understand his pain. Please try again…" Ichigo looked away, yesterday all too fresh in his mind.
(yesterday flashback)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The fresh morning rain had left the town a somber, dreary gray. Puddles reflected a haunting memory of one man sitting just outside an invisible shop, hands fidgeting with a necklace chained around his neck and thinking enough to create his own storm clouds. A few stray cats that had somehow followed that man from another place he had just visited, darted to hide timidly in the shadows of an alleyway. Ichigo peered at his friend like he was observing a stranger in a bleary dream. Some strange birds sat perched cautiously, almost confused on a tree above the sitting man, their cries called out for someone their little heads kept darting around looking for. Then the man known formerly as Chad looked up feeling his friends gaze, and glanced toward the door of the semi-invisible shop that hadn't opened up yet.
"I…thought I'd find ya here." Ichigo acknowledged him awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. Chad didn't answer as usual. "That one day…when you were chasing after her cus you 'were angry' or whatever…" He carefully sat down near him underneath the tree. "When we found you in the park covered with scorpions…" He took a breath, the morning air sharp and icy in his throat. "…she's the one who saved you…am I right?" A curly brown head slowly turned in his direction, though still not answering, so Ichigo continued. "…she saved you somehow with her Nature Goddess powers and so-"
"I owe her more than for that." The deep voice finally cut into the conversation like the sharp air around them. Ichigo blinked, glad for a response. "You wouldn't understand Ichigo." His curt response sliced away his trickling gladness and the strawberry frowned.
"You don't know that." He closed his eyes, thinking about a certain midget who stepped into his life, changing it indefinitely to become a person of true value to him. "If you'd just let me in maybe I could-"
"No you wouldn't Ichigo." Chad's left eye emerged from its hiding place, an orb with shifting thoughts residing within them. "It's not like you and Rukia." He said interpreting the strawberry's mind aloud.
"What?"
Chad looked away again, watching as a familiar white kitten hurdled over a puddle unsuccessfully, splashing quickly through the evil water and straddling up to his new temporary guardian. He mewled unhappily and rubbed his head against the giant's ankle. Said giant distractedly scratched the little furball behind his ears. "I don't…" He continued. "Understand it much myself."
There was something strange and fluid in Chad's voice.
"What do…you mean?" A breeze rattled the tree above them, knocking reddened maple-ish leaves, and creating a rainfall of sensory. Even Ichigo picked up on it, tasting déjà vu from the sight. What is it about those leaves…the thought of a red ribbon…the feeling of quivering shoulders beneath my hands? Why can't I understand why it feels so familiar?
"She did save me that day…" Chad admitted. "…but…she also made me remember things in my past…important things that I put aside for too long."
A gentle hand punched him in the shoulder. "I can understand that Chad." He grinned softly. "I was reminded of my duty I swore upon my mother's grave for one thing. I had forgotten that while I hid myself away in my grief…my family too suffered. And I swore to protect them." His eyes were gentle. "You could say I wasn't doing a good enough job at the time ehehe." His eyes were youthful v's as he chuckled. "And-" Again he was interrupted.
"I saw something else that day she saved me." Chad stood then turned to look his baffled friend dead in the eye. "Have you ever witnessed…a person so much in pain they can't even control themselves? Have you ever witnessed…" Chad looked up at the birds searching for something. "…the fading of life from a person's eyes? The last cry of an animal as it lies dying?" Chad knew this last part was one Ichigo might understand. "The shifting of instincts as a person struggles to contain something inside them waiting to tear itself out of its host?"
Ichigo looked down at the cat who was doing a sort of jig to get the water off of his feet. "Well except for the last one…I can't say I have."
The slicing wind struck again, whipping a surge of curls from a giant's face. "Then like I said…you wouldn't understand."
That was when a fist connected with Chad's overly dramatic head. "WHAT THE HELL DOES ALL THAT STUFF YOU JUST SAID HAVE TO DO WITH ANYTHINGGGGG!???!!!"
"Hey hey heeeyy~!" A sudden perky voice called from the shoten. "Someone sure is up and attem today!"
Ichigo had his face in major pissed mode what with the veins fit to burst on his head, a super v frown and teeth gnashing, and his fists ready to punch. Chad just stared then strode to Urahara. "WAIT A MINUTE CHAD I THOUGHT YOU WERE ABOUT TO SAY SOMETHING THAT WILL HELP ME UNDERSTANDD YOUUUUU!!"
"Mr. Urahara. You should be ready by now to open up the gates." He went straight to business and Ichigo grumbled as Urahara's smile went darker.
"No can do Mr. Sado." Urahara brought a sleepy fan up to his face. "I'll explain momentarily. Just wait."
As a reply, Chad's spiritual pressure spiked in his anger. "…"
Immediately afterwards a piercingly shrill hiss of reitsu was heard as a swish of white cloth appeared before them. Uryu…aiming his bow in the threesomes direction. They all just stared shocked at each other for a moment until Scamper broke the tension by accidently slipping into a rather deep puddle after chasing a bird. Uryu slowly lowered his bow with a perplexed look on his face.
"WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU DOING URYU!?" Ichigo asked in a high pitched demand while Ishida adjusted his glasses with a sweatdrop.
"I er…thought there was a hollow over here." He composed himself to save face. "Anyways, Mr. Urahara? You sent for me? Though my father can't leave the hospital at the moment."
"Yes I figured that might happen. There were some affected souls from neighbors during the attack the other day…some people might feel ill." The shoten-keeper replied, turning around to open the door. "Everyone is meeting inside. Come in."
"Eh…" Ichigo blinked. "Wait all of us are meeting?" The Quincy and the Soul Reaper stepped inside the place first.
"Yes." The shadow-eyed blonde man turned to Chad, cupping his hand so only he could hear him whisper. "I suggest you calm down Mr. Sado." Chad didn't reply, but fingered with his necklace again. He looked downcast in the corners of his eyes at the little creature that was determined to follow him everywhere. Scamper cocked his head to the side as if asking. "What is it?" But the giant young man had turned around to stare at the hidden crowd of other stalking creatures that looked at him with confused bleary eyes for some reason. Then he looked straight ahead and joined the others at the table, never once speaking.
A few minutes later the others (which consisted of Isshin accompanying Rukia, Yuzu, Karin, and Kon, Don Kanonji, Orihime and Tatsuki, and even Mizuiro and Keigo) joined the group complaining about how barbaric his message system was with the red ink splatter like in some cheesy murder mystery of a message written in blood.
Isshin lowered his cup of tea, looking between his two old friends Yoruichi and Urahara. "So…What's this new meeting all about?"
"Ah yes. We shall get right to it…" Urahara glanced at the glaring Chad on the other side of the table. "...opening the gate is going to take longer than planned." Everyone blinked surprised. Hadn't they all been working day and night on that? What about Sayomi? "You see…even with myself, Yoruichi, and Tessei working on the preparations…it hasn't been enough to complete the gate in such an unusually short amount of time."
Isshin eyed his son's shocked face before rubbing his forehead. "I had a feeling something like this might happen." Meanwhile Orihime watched as Chad's hands curled into fists so tight knuckles were paled.
"There is nothing I can do about this. In fact Tessei at this very moment is still working on it. We've all been taking turns and haven't slept since…" Everyone tensed. "Yeah well…" He suddenly waved his fan in his face. "…but that's not the only reason I've called you all here. You see…I've been scanning through some of my old files and something…odd caught my eye." Something in his voice made those gathered lean closer.
"There was something in that file that cannot be explained but just might have something to do with this situation. There was a date that I have no recollection of. There was a name in that file that even I cannot understand" Everyone leaned in even closer.
"Senna." And that was when all those déjà vu's, those feelings, those sensations in everyone all this time just seemed to fall into place. That one vital piece filled in the puzzle.
"Hanataro please approach her with care." The worn out Captain of Squad 4 cautioned her only available subordinate. "She's in a volatile state right now so just give her a meal and clean up a bit but don't do anything else are we clear?" Her usually kind eyes hardened to an eerie sheen, one that Hanataro could only gulp and nod in reply to.
"Y-Yes ma'am!" The sweet-hearted man then proceeded to cautiously enter the temporary cell area…in one of the last undestroyed building in all of soul society. Hanataro, took a deep breath and rounded the corner where only those guards they could spare stood watch. Hanataro was nervous as the guards released spells so he could enter. I've heard this girl is possessed by some sort of demon or something. That she has terrible glowing eyes filled with such emptiness you could be trapped in their oblivion. I just have to make sure I don't make eye contact and-
"Just put it anywhere." A soft voice came from seemingly nowhere. Hanataro eepp-ed and jumped nearly dropping the food. Where's the demon-girl?! Cus all I see is an innocent looking-ohhhhh…
The voice belonged to a lithe barefoot figure wearing a white robe pacing from one end of the tiny windowless cell to the other, the shadows engulfed her but small rays of light came through to create little halos of light on her golden brown tresses. She appeared to be deep in thought, hands clasped behind her back as she paced much like a caged tiger. She didn't even glance his way but the young man could see a very innocent face with dark circles under large eyes. Hanataro stared. There must be some mistake here. She doesn't look very dangerous to be locked up. I heard she stole the powers of the Nature Shinigami. But is this like with Rukia and Ichigo where it was nothing sinister?
"U-Um Miss…erm Winters? I-I've brought your food." The young medic stared down at his feet. But the footsteps stopped, and with a soft sigh he could feel her eyes had turned upon him. I can't look up or else her eyes might be as dangerous as they say.
"Thank you. Please you can just leave the tray there. I'm not that hungry." Hanataro struggled to stare at dirt at his feet, the voice sounded so kind and beautiful. "I'm sure you have better things to be doing out there than feed a prisoner." That was when he couldn't help but look up. She doesn't sound dangerous. Glancing cautiously up at the supposedly vicious cell captive, he was thrust into a pool of brilliant gold…but they weren't as empty and fathomless as he'd been told. His face warmed as he found her smiling slightly…such a pleasant but tired smile. There can't be a demon… "I know what you're thinking." She suddenly looked away as the ground shook where neverending battles took place outside. "But trust me. There is a darkness in me that I can't control just yet."
She twirled the ends of her hair in her finger as she stared off into her thoughts. Hanataro set the tray down wondering. "I don't believe it Miss Winters." I feel as if I could tell this young lady anything…
"You are too kind." She breathed turning her back so she could draw on the dust on the walls. "I wish it was so." What has she been through I wonder….
"You know…your…situation reminds me of someone. Well not so much about the…eheh darkness." Hanataro whispered softly, making sure the guards couldn't hear him fraternizing and embarrassedly rubbing the back of his neck. Sayomi looked at him curiously. "Her name is Rukia Kuchiki. She was here once too. In this very cell. And as for your erm…other situation…you remind me of a brave man named Ichigo-"
"-Kurosaki?" Sayomi breathed. Her curiosity picked up. "Please. Tell me about them. You see…You aren't the only one to say…there are similarities. Though even when I met them I still can't pick up on it."
And the young man knew something was truly special about this girl if she knew his two old friends, he looked behind to see if the guards were listening. They were sleeping on their feet from their shifts outside. He set down his cleaning supplies. "Well Miss Winters-"
"Please just call me Sami-chan." She sat down against the wall. All her plans of escaping ditched for the moment. "Everyone calls me that."
"A-Alright." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Senna!?" Ichigo suddenly shouted, savoring the taste of the familiar name on his tongue. "Why does that name bring so many strange memories that I don't remember?!"
Urahara closed his fan with a clap. "Yes. It would seem that our memories of some sort of incident have been altered or erased. But it would also seem that I was…clever enough to document the whole thing so that I wouldn't forget it." His brag was dismissed as everyone tried to clear a path through all sorts of jumbled fragments of memories. "Maybe this will ring a bell." He pulled out an old fashioned looking spiral from out of nowhere. "Senna. A young girl with Shinigami powers, no existence in any records. No noted last name. Only seems to have responsibility of fighting a type of spirits called Blanks. Later found that she is all of the Blanks memories comprised to a being called the Memory Rosary."
"!!!" Ichigo's eyes widened. It's her!
"Holy shit!" Kon gasped remembering the strange sheet wearing looking embodiments that had freaked him out. Yuzu, Karin, and Isshin suddenly remembered the random girl Ichigo had brought home.
"Captured by exiled shinigami called the 'Dark Ones' and taken to world between worlds is the Valley of Screams due to her power. They hoped to use her to collapse all the worlds together to destroy them. She wasn't a real person after all. Merely a vessel for souls without her own memory. World between the worlds destroyed. Ichigo saved her. She faded away to-"
"That's enough!" Ichigo bellowed. He had stood up. "I don't…need to hear all of that. I remember what…happened." He faced the wall in renewed grief. Rukia's heart…faltered at her own memory of an energetic young girl with gold eyes…and the memory of Ichigo's eyes when that girl had to disappear forever. Oh how she hated human emotions.
"And you're wrong." Ichigo's voice went lower with the surge of wildfire feelings now returned to him. "She was a person. She was definetly a person." That's why I feel like I've felt all this before. Red ribbons, red and gold maple leaves, a girl standing up for herself but her shoulders shake beneath my hand….But…
"I think we all remember this event…other than maybe these three here." Ishida joined in his cool way, looking at Tatsuki, Keigo, and Mizuiro. "But…what does something that doesn't exist anymore have to do with Miss Winters?"
Urahara pulled at the brim of his hat to shade his eyes, wearing a grim smile. "Senna's story was certainly one we need to recall. And not only because of the emotions tied with it." He glanced at Ichigo again. "But because of a girl being used as a vessel. Who…if used incorrectly. ..can and will destroy another world."
Yoruichi in her cat form joined in. "There are things about Sayomi that you need to know about. We only just received word from a source you don't know about."
Orihime spoke out too, meekly fingering the rim of her tea-cup. "What does it all mean?"
"Sayomi Kurotora Winters lived in the US as you all know as a regular child with no special ability with the spiritual. But our sources say…she was orphaned only recently. And because of a hollow. This hollow was her own father."
Everyone gathered balked. Chad blinked in shock. "He died in the war overseas…he was a soldier. But…something wasn't right. His hollowfication process was too soon. It appears that it was tampered with to hasten his transformation. He then was driven to kill his own family. Every member except…Miss Winters…"
Keigo, Mizuiro, Tatsuki and Karin's jaws dropped. Isshin and Ishida gaped in quiet surprise even though they knew it was quite a common occurrence of hollows to kill their families it was quite bizarre to tamper with the speed of hollowfication…as Don Kanonji guiltily realized looking at his lap. Orihime and Yuzu gasped holding a hand up to their mouths in horror. Orihime knew what it was like to be hunted by her loved one. Chad gripped the table so hard his hands left an imprint. Rukia's eyes were melons. "No way…"
Yoruichi continued the grim tale. "He was then mysteriously cleansed before he could kill his daughter. And after that it's anyone's assumption to say there was a Shinigami involved. Just a week later Sayomi transferred herself here…and somehow she has Shinigami powers of her own."
Urahara took a sip of his tea. "…Needless to say…there is something fishy about Miss Winter's powers. The path she is taking, every event-as we remember to keep in possibility when we recall Aizen- could be predetermined. She is a tool for an unknown plan."
"Then what can we do but interfere!" Chad suddenly stood. Eyes blazing uncharacteristically. Those gathered jumped in surprise at his sudden outburst when he usually remained so calm and quiet.
Urahara frowned, his tone lower. "This is out of our hands Mr. Sado. For now she is in Soul Society. Following Soul Society's rules."
"And when has that ever stopped you?!" Chad's fists curled, anger zapping off him in waves.
Ichigo joined in the anger. "You tried to train her didn't you?! There has to be a way we can protect her from whatever it is inside her! I mean look at me!"
A hand tugged at his wrist. Rukia's eyes softened into his, he felt calmer. "It must be up to her. As we heard earlier before she was taken away…the only way to separate her would be…execution…and that's…not helping her."
"She's right." Yoruichi agreed, her yellowish eyes gleaming. "For this situation…there is really nothing we can do. We tried to help her gain some sort of control and her own powers to rely on but…there isn't anything else we could've done. I'm regretfully saying that for once we are sitting ducks here."
The blonde shopkeeper stood up too and looked out the window. "For the first time…this is all up to her. Both us and Soul Society can only hope she can-"
"I'll help her." Chad growled beneath his breath. "Even if the odds are slim."
"She might just end up killing us all." Urahara continued undisturbed. "I mentioned Senna's file also because if only there was another uninhabited world to get her to and-"
"No way!" Chad's anger resonated in his voice. "Just what are you thinking?! In the end Senna died didn't she?!" Everyone winced at his bluntness.
Urahara's face suddenly loomed closer, though not on the same eye level. "Mr. Sado. If we have to…to save our worlds…" His eyes became oh so grave. "We might have to kill her."
"And that means that Mr. Urahara and Miss Yoruichi think I'm a stubborn hothead like Ichigo! And a sacrificing, too-kind friend like Rukia! I'm going to kill him for saying that I'm as amazing and obnoxious as they are!" Sayomi exclaimed with an embarrassed frown at end of Hanataro's explanation to his previous statement of similarities. She crossed her arms and pouted in a grumpy way, reminding Hanataro all too much of a certain someone…but he didn't think he should tell her that. "But now I know why they all seem so close."
"So…" Her eyes clouded thoughtfully. "…Rukia too…she was sentenced because she lent Ichigo her powers…to save her life."
Hanataro cocked his head to the side just slightly, trying not to wince as more pounding from the battles nearby sent dirt showering down. "Miss Winters…I-I mean Sami-chan? 'Too'?"
Sayomi drew a sad face in the dust, not meeting his eyes. "Well not exactly. There were no good intentions involved in my tale." And it wasn't up to me…
"…" Hanataro looked down at his hands. Did she…is she really a monster? What she said just now makes me wonder what exactly she means. 'No good intentions.'
"But…" Sayomi brushed back her hair. "…I understand how Ichigo feels. Well must have felt since he took care of his problem." Another boom shook the cell, yet the guard outside was too tired to wake up. "To have someone inside you, that's controlling you and ruining everything. And to have your fate in a terrible plan that is beyond your original comprehension."
"Why…do they say you are a monster…Sami-chan?" The glass nearby that still held the water he brought with the tray of food for her sloshed. "What is it that is controlling you?"
Her eyes blazed, pretty face clenched with pain and anger. "A terrible soul. One with a plan for me that I wish I could figure out."
"What…What does she want?"
"I don't know…but she will soon have no use for me." The gold dulled again.
"I-!" A voice interrupted. "Hanataro Yamada! Get out of there! There has been a new development!" And with that the chaos ensued just as a blast nearby was so powerful the whole place rained dirt, like dirty rain, like filthy sizzling tears.
"!!!" Almost every pair of eyes widened in shock, jaws parted with shock. Ichigo, Chad, and Uryu had jumped up immediately in disagreement. Isshin just crossed his arms shaking his head and glancing down his daughters whom had tears in their eyes. Kon was doing a wild 'UNBELIVEABLE UNBELIEVEABLE' dance on the table. Don Kanonji sputtered and Mizuiro and Keigo balked while Orihime and Rukia brought a hand up to their mouths. Jinta and Ururu made no reaction but just turned their backs to the crowd as Tatsuki pounded the table.
Chad glowered, eyes flecks of dark brown ferocity, fists twitching. "THERE IS NO WAY-!!" Suddenly the door slammed open and Tessei entered looking worn and frantic.
Urahara blinked surprised from behind his fan. "Tessei what about the-"
"Soul Society has sent Hell Butterflies to escort us to their containment cell!" He had beads of sweat running down his cheeks. Black butterflies danced impatiently behind him. "They are calling for us immediately to discuss a new development in this deadly case!"
Before anyone could say another incredibly baffled word, Chad leapt over the table nearly grazing the ceiling with his spray of curls and held out a hand to a black creature. He disappeared with a clack of rice paper doors in the blink of an eye. Then Ichigo, Uryu, and Orihime and Rukia followed suit. The orange head looked back at his dad as more doors began to close. "Take care of the town." Yoruichi calmly stood. "Well this is a convenient development." Urahara joined her, eyes hidden in the brim of his hat, but his friend knew his thoughts were whirring away on new flight paths. "Let's just see what this is all about. They rarely ever want my opinion. Though they must have learned their lesson from these last few times." And as the rest of the audience sat there stunned and still digesting all the interruptions and all the words proclaimed.
They had her locked in, Hanataro by the scruff of his shirt on the outside casting pitied glances. He was being reprimanded for fraternizing with a questionable prisoner whom had stolen the powers of the most important being of the two worlds. Sayomi growled out betwixt the reishi-sucking bars of her cage. "Leave him alone! I was the one who tricked him into staying in the cell!" Hanataro's eyes widened. She's helping me….
"This twerp has had fraternization issues in the past!" The guard snarled, Hanataro winced as he was hoisted in the air by his neck.
"Cut it out!" Sayomi wished she could break the bars, her eyes narrowed.
"Put him down." A low familiar snarl didn't even have to shout to leak the venom laced behind his lips. A second voice joined the first, equally threatening and just as quiet. "Don't ya dare treat Hanataro like that." A black sword was conjured out of thin air and pointed at the guard's neck. He started and dropped the poor man to the floor, where familiar violet eyes comforted her friend. "Don't worry."
Friends that were not allowed except for this moment defended the Squad 4 man and stared right before the girl pacing furiously in her imprisonment. A sigh of white soon appeared from a hallway in the shadows. Byakuya, Head Captain General Yamamoto, Ukitake, and Kyoraku strode in to meet their guests as walls shook. "We shall take it from here." The gravely timbres of the head captains voice echoed in the chamber. His dramatic entry expecting nothing but formality was of course shattered. Chad ignored everyone and strode towards the only person in his sight, face emotionless and cold.
"Sami-chan." Everyone gaped as he broke through the barrier in the gap between the bars as easily as if there were nothing there at all. One emotionless eye bored straight into astonished gold as he reached for her hand. Hesitantly, she held out her hand for his engulfing ones. What she felt made her gasp. "Tora!" He pulled his hand away, the slightest hint of a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You have a plan to destroy the person controlling you?" She shook her head. "Not exactly. I just…have this feeling. I need to escape but I don't know how to stop those innocent lives from being killed."
"I know you will find a way." He looked back at the crowd gaping at him but he felt her grin.
"Anyhow." The head captain general cleared his throat, for once unsure how to react. "There is urgent business to attend to here in regards to the young human who has stolen the Nature Shinigami's powers."
Everyone blinked waiting. He turned a slow steely gaze packed with his endless years of witnessing death and pain upon the girl. "…we have found that she has not only stolen the powers belonging to the most important entity…she has…murdered her."
"What!?" Sayomi gripped at the hole in the bars, clenching her teeth. "What do you mean I murdered her?!"
"Silence." Byakuya snapped a look at her too. "Do not raise your voice to him. Know your place." Rukia stared at the ground, hands still gripping Hanataro's shuddering shoulders.
Yamamoto continued. "Intel has found the evidence. They have found the signs leading up to her murder. And by this girls hands." I've been framed!! Sayomi growled within.
"That doesn't even make sense!" Ichigo interjected, earning him disdainful looks and a hand on his uniform from Rukia. "How could a normal girl with no knowledge of the spiritual world suddenly track down the Nature Shinigami and kill her?!" He tossed a look at Urahara and Yoruichi waiting for them to join in and provide their own proof but they remained silent. "Tell them your evidence!" He prodded.
"Oh…" Sayomi's voice caused them all to swivel to her direction. Darkness seethed from her pores. "…she's far from dead. She's so alive. She's all too alive and ready to-!" KIIILLLL!!!! But for some reason her lips wouldn't open anymore. They kept her from saying the last line. Oh…Airianah. I can see what you are trying to do now. You want to shift all suspicions on me. You want to just be the deceased innocent victim. To keep the pure cloak of a Nature Death Godess to your 'name'. You coward. But WHY!? Oh…yes you want me to be weakened, with no one on my side so that I shall fall and be completely taken over. Then I haven't the slightest idea of your plans after that. Something evil I suppose. You already have the balances shifted for chaos…
"You must all be wondering why I asked you all to come here." Yamamoto rested on his cane.
"Yeah." Ichigo sneered. "Since you don't even want our opinion on the matter."
Chad said nothing.
"As you may have guessed, there is the conclusion that seems more and more inevitable." Yamamoto swept his gaze. "It would appear…that the only way to end the rioting creatures reaping havoc in our worlds…" The building shuddered in emphasis. "…is to rid this world of the sinful." Sayomi narrowed her eyes, unable to shout the words curling in her tongue. "This is a formal declaration of her fate. She will be sentenced without trial seeing as how desperate our situation is. She will die. So the new Death Godess can be resurrected from wherever fate dictates. And our worlds will know balance once again."
Again…this talk of death, this sudden claim of extinguishing an innocent life shocked the listeners into horrified silence.
"At least give her a fair trial!" Ichigo bellowed, remember Senna and how they just lept at her to kill her like barbaric jackals.
"Fool." Byakuya, eyes shifted at the corners.
Ukitaki suddenly spoke. "As much as I hate to say it…other lives are in danger. We are all faced with this choice of one life lost versus all life lost."
"It's a real nasty situation either way. We don't have concrete evidence on this kid but…to take a chance could prove to be real fatal for everyone if it is true." Shunsui joined in gravely.
"The spells on shutting off her uncontrollable powers from her possessor are going to wear off soon." Urahara crossed his arms. Ichigo spun in his direction.
"So you're okay with her death!?"
"It…can't be solved." He hesitated, for once at a loss.
"I'd…never thought I'd ever hear you say that Mr. Urahara." Orihime whimpered sadly.
Feeling for Orihime in his heart, Ishida stared the shopkeeper straight in the eye. "You have a plan don't you. There was a reason you mentioned things before we came here. Right?"
Urahara hid his eyes. "I was merely being hopeful Mr. Ishida. But it is an inevitable conclusion. She must die." Yoruichi looked away uncharacteristically. "We've done all we can. It has come to this. Sometimes you can't save someone's life."
"B-But!" Orihime started. "She is still here! She is just right there in front of us!"
"Captain Kuchiki." Yamamoto clacked his cane down and the man nodded emotionlessly. With a snap of his fingers the rest of the barrier around the shield fell. He held out his fingertips to her forehead. "Kurotai." Black sparks engulfed, wrapped python like against skin and gold hair.
"!!!" Sayomi gasped, feeling her legs buckle beneath her. Paralyzed again.
"SAMI-CHAN!!" Everyone gasped.
"We will be transporting her to a building that will keep her from the maws wishing to devour her. Until we decide a date for her death."
"The Repentance Tower." Rukia breathed and the others nodded in agreement.
The building shook again, and everyone glanced nervously up as it felt even worse than before. It was that split second that distracted even the most quick of shinigami from the blurred figure that snatched the girl kneeling in paralysis. Chad slid on his heels with girl thrown carelessly over his shoulder, hand dragging ground to catch their momentum.
"You're helpless again."His low voice murmured. But she wasn't able to agree or even to hush him up. I keep tellin him to butt out and I keep on getting caught off guard and without a plan. "I know you can take care of yourself but sometimes…" Without another breath he hurdled through the wall, dirt showering them. "…you just need my help."
He sprinted full tilt, noting a gigantic black form rattling buildings to their left so he dashed around a less dangerous corner. "We'll head for a secluded place where no innocent people can be harmed and-!" Slow mo dust by eyes, hair flipping, eyes widening, flash of light then of pain, muscles shrieking, form…crumpled. Black cloth flapped with unseen wind. "Foolish boy. Did you forget my speed?" Byakuya Kuchiki. Chad face down in the dirt smothering Sayomi. Both paralyzed. It was a good try… Sayomi thought.
"Chad!" Ichigo and their friends caught up with them out of breath. The strawberry-head moved his friends hulk off of Sayomi's fragile seeming white-robed form. Chad's eyes danced as lethal beams of death. Orihime automatically felt to see if healing was needed.
"Your friend is fine. The paralysis will wear off on him. But the girl will need a special incantation to lift hers." Byakuya comforted in a monotone so as not to appear soft. It was so out of the ordinary even Rukia blinked. Then he disappeared with Sayomi before anyone could react. It's too late for everyone.
"NOOO!" Ichigo got up to fly after the flash step almost master. But Yoruichi stopped him. "It has to be this way."
"I can't believe you'd just give up on someone!!" He snarled, emotions jumbling.
"It cannot be fixed by you." Was her meaningful, foreboding reply. The look in her eyes asked him to try and understand.
"Wha?"
"I must ask you all to leave." Yamamoto appeared. "I have finished informing you of our decision."
Black butterflies planted themselves on unwilling human skin (plus one shinigami). And they returned to a world void as of yet, of destruction. Silent they sat questioning, disbelieving and repeating to others that had remained behind in this realm. When Chad could finally move he snarled with firey strength, bursting from the shoten like a fireworks display.
(End of flashback. Phew oh ma gawd. Back to the school reflections.)
Ichigo met his friends smoldering gaze. "There is nothing I can do." And I don't know why.
Sayomi was a bird locked in a cage but no longer paralyzed. A tiger captured. She was placed in a tower that ate at her strength, told that she was going to die. Definitely going to die, fade from the worlds. Without anything to do but think, she walked every single step to the very very top of the tower. Father you told me to come inside this place. But I don't know what I am looking for. Airianah will soon have me. I might be killed before then. But somehow dying will help her. I don't know what to do.
There was a window on the top, just a slit but it was enough for birds to come to and from to visit her and a small trickle of light to caress her hands. Outside she could see the full black cloud of despair hanging over Soul Society. The Seireitei was a shambles of smoke bleeding upwards into the sky, screams of pain, wails of lustful hunger. Part of the Ryukon district lay to waste as well. All those souls dying, feeling pain at my expense and overcrowding the world of the living. She wanted this balance to tip.
It was then she caught sight of words etched beneath her hand on the floor.
'With those wings,
Birds may fly.
Very soon so will I.
With final freedom
I shall die.
But repent on sins
Then my own wings will glide.' –Rukia Kuchiki.
"What was it that made you want to die? Rukia? I think I know. Innocent people. People you loved could die for your sake. It wasn't something you wanted."
The chaos below kept all those with fighting passion, busy. Much to distracted to remember someone.
"Finally!" Sayomi gasped as the familiar voice echoed down the stairs and into oblivion. "Now I can have you all to myself!" With an excited, maniac grin of terrible feature, Captain Kurotsuchi grabber her weakened wrist, and clasped her throat until the eyes fluttered and the world grew darker and darker…and…
"I will finally get to cut you apart! But you won't die yet I promise! I'll keep you alive so they can kill you~!"
With the shadows within her stirring from a slumber imposed by red binding light and tugging at their fetters with gnashing teeth, the golden eyed girl knew that the world down below her was at her mercy. The lives of innocent and unguarded people and creatures were at the mercy of her uncontrolled side...and what could she possibly do? That is what she needed to find out...and quickly. Before the sinister laughs pierced her eardrums and the ghoulish face before her cut her to pieces in twisted delight.
With shaded brown eyes, the jumbled man with a surge of curly hair flexed his fingers, feeling something zap in his touch...something not quite right had lodged itself into his heart...had created a blip of darkness to his gaze that he couldn't understand...and with foreboding twinges slowly gripping his mind.
The shadow fell long from their backs from the sun of two different worlds... And a voice echoed triumphantly throughout the darkness. "Everything is falling into place. Tonight we shall reign."
Alrighty~ finally finished this sucker~ sorry if it sounds rushed! But yea it's finally here and wow Kon only had one speaking part which was a cuss! Ahahha! Sigh…poor pooooorrr Sayomi. How the heck is she gonna get out of this one?? Thanks for bearing with me~ until next time! Got some more fanfics in the wings as usual but IM SO READY FOR FRIGGAN SUMMER SO I CAN WRITE MORE OFTEN!!!