"What in Kami's name is this thing?" I scrutinized the 'device' Kurotsuchi provided my incompetent ass.
It looked like some type of weird gumball with two legs, and all around looked like some type of children's collectible. After twirling it a few more times for a better visual, I set it to the side, and took out the original key and the computer printed translation in the bag.
Toushirou sat next to me along with Rangiku behind us; both patiently waiting for me to read the translation. Right as I was about to read it, the object—that I thought was an object—Kurosutchi included jumped up and stood on both feet on the small table in front of us.
"What the Hell?" I flinched.
"Kurosutchi-Taichou always has neat little contraptions!" Rangiku giggled—was this type of thing normal around here or something? I stifled my gasp as the thing looked up at us blinking. The mouth I couldn't even see underneath it's huge eyeball opened far wider than expected; like that weird yellow character about to eat a ghost from that one arcade game I'd seen not too long ago.
"Commencing: original dialect," it spoke without moving its mouth.
I quickly grabbed the key tag and held it for all of us to follow along with.
"Emittam furorem! ne Discoperiet inplicuisse iuVat, claustra debilitare tUum, et Observa te quAeso fatiscit. seRvite ad te iN lucem mundi; et aDincrescant ignorantiae Meae voluntstis, coccoque bis tincto, et festum primitiarum meis."
Toushirou and I glanced at each other in confusion.
"Commencing: Japanese translation,"
I took the translation paper quickly.
"Unleash! Let the noose loosen, your barriers weaken, and your guard crumble. Serve your purpose in this world of light; succumb to my will, and feast on my scarlet offering."
The creature closed its mouth, and blinked up at us. "Commencement complete." It shut it's huge eye and retracted it's legs so it was literal body and feet.
I leaned back into the couch and stared up at the ceiling. This just kept getting better and better. What the Hell did that even mean?
"That sounded like a kidou to me—what about you, Taichou?"
"It did, but it isn't any of the ones that are standard Shinigami issue. Even so, it sounds as if it's more of an exchange than anything else," Toushirou replied.
"An exchange for what though? That literally doesn't compute at all. Why would that have anything to do with me?" I sat up and shifted my leg in a more comfortable position. "I have absolutely zero to offer or exchange with anyone; the most I can offer is snide commentary and—more unfortunately—sexual favors. Both of which don't amount to very much other than disappointment."
"Not true, Akinoyo-chan; there's more to you than that—don't be so harsh on yourself. This must have more to it than the blatantly obvious." Rangiku mothered me.
"For now, the only thing we can take from this is that it may be some sort of incantation. Until we get that book back, I don't think it's wise to leap to conclusions." Toushirou crossed his arms.
"Yeah, I guess so." I crossed my own arms in thought.
Toushirou rose from his seat next to me and went over to his desk; the wooden chair creaking slightly as he sat. I assumed he'd picked up a pen and got back to filling out his paperwork; the scratching of a pen reaffirming my thoughts mere seconds after.
"So what are your plans today, Taichou? Do you have any meetings or anything on the schedule?" Rangiku wandered over to his desk.
"I have a few appointments today, along with a few paperwork deadlines for today and tomorrow." The pen scratching halted, and if I had to take a guess, he was about to scrutinize Rangiku.
"I have more than my usual stack since that Fukutaichou of mine has been slacking,"
"Aww come on, Taichou! You act like it's really that bad." She retorted.
I took the translation and the key tag in my hand, and made my way toward the exit of the room. "I'm gonna step out for a smoke; I'll be on the porch," I told them; making eye contact with Toushirou.
"Would you like one of us to go with you?" he asked.
The porch literally wasn't more than a few steps away, but I knew why he was asking. Lately with me it's just been one meltdown after the other. Not even an hour ago I was freaking out because of Kurotsuchi's horror-movie behavior, and combined with what happened last night, I was quick to just stepping off the edge.
"Nah, I'm good—thanks for the offer. I'll be back in 10," I smiled lightly before excusing myself out of the room.
I walked out and to the left; the open porch quickly reached without even a minute passing. I walked to the corner where I stashed my ashtray, and sat down with one leg dangling and my back against the side wall. I set the translation and key on the floor beside me while I took out my tiny tin of tobacco along with my kiseru. I packed the bowl with a sufficient amount, then struck a match to light the dead leaves I was itching to inhale.
The first drag I always aimed to take in silence; as if it were the most peaceful and calming thing in the universe that was a necessity in order for the rest of the smoke to make a difference. After the first drag was when I'd allow my mind to drift elsewhere; whether it was about the current situation, or some other obscure thought that tickled my fancy.
I picked up the translation with my right as the metal mouthpiece of my kiseru tapped against the corner of my mouth. I slowly read it in an effort to really try to take it in; I wanted to be sure that I wasn't missing something that should have been apparent the first time. Nothing that shot up any red flags. The more I read it, the more Toushirou's take on it made sense. It seemed like some sort of trade off for something, but it just didn't make sense in the least. I tried to break down the words bit by bit, and really take it in; 'my scarlet offering' for some reason stuck out to me more than anything else. Whenever I thought of scarlet, the number one thing that popped into my head was blood. It was always blood…
I stared down at my palm; remembering again the recent episode of when I descended down a few more steps to Hell. To be honest, Toushirou and Rangiku were the only two really keeping me from further delving down into it; without them as a distraction, just who knows how far gone I'd be mentally. Without Toushirou specifically; I think I would've drowned a long time ago. The thought of actual drowning made me shiver unintentionally. I thought of the day I met Miyuki; my own scarlet covered day that trickles into my mental images every so often. The only good thing about that day was her; the rest of it was mental-asylum insanity that made me want to curl in a ball and scream.
Trying to focus on something not doused in liquefied scarlet, my mind quickly jumped back to the thought of drowning. I remembered that murky water in my zanpakutou's inner world; how I felt when she banished me and I plummeted straight down like a rock—speaking of which.
It was the perfect—and also actual task I needed to take care of—fill-in from visualizing my own demise. After another puff, I put away the translation in my pocket, and slid out the zanpakutou positioned snuggly on the small of my back.
I set her on my lap, studying and committing to memory her form. That same juniper color from the over-the-shoulder obi covered the hilt; the fine braid taut around the handle without any signs of wear. The guard itself was a dark golden color, diamond in shape, and with intricately carved lines that ran pointed, and symmetrically throughout it. The lines reminded me of brush strokes almost, however the deep engraving was too much for something that required a light hand.
I stuck the kiseru in my mouth momentarily, and used both hands to pull her out partially from her scabbard. I settled her in between my legs as I took my kiseru out with my right hand. A sudden headache hit me right between the eyes as I stared into her silver blade; my own partial reflection looking back at me. I pinched the niche of my nose in an effort to eradicate the headache along with the embarrassing feeling about the action I was about to ensue.
This was going to be so weird. But, Toushirou said this is what they all do—right? The thought seemed absolutely comical; like a kid coming up with an imaginary friend or befriending an inanimate object. I'd heard a patron at the diner refer to his car as a 'she' once, and had a good barking laugh about the stupidity of it when I snuck to the back. Now here I was, about to do the same thing with an object probably stained with several thousands souls. I didn't know whether I should feel proud of my prior self, or be intimidated by my inner-entity that assisted. I took another drag, let it linger in my throat, and exhaled slowly. Here goes nothing.
"Uhh…hello?" I prompted.
I waited a few seconds—nothing. Maybe I had to take her completely out of her scabbard? I did so; crossing in my legs beneath me so she rested on each thigh.
"Let's try this again—can you hear me?"
Nothing. I pursed my lips before taking another drag.
"Are you there?" I exhaled.
Nothing. Well, she was pretty bitter toward me—maybe she didn't want to talk to me?
"Look, whether you're giving me the silent treatment or not; I'm gonna say this. I don't know what happened between us, but I want to at least try to make amends with you. If what I've been told is true, then that means you and I are technically one although partially separate—which means you're stuck with me whether you like it or not. I mean, I sure as Hell wouldn't want to be stuck with me either—I get it—so sorry for the unfortunate situation you're in, but it doesn't mean that we can't try to make it somewhat pleasant." I paused.
I stared intently down at my full reflection awaiting for some type of reaction—nothing again.
I exhaled and shook my head; rubbing my temple as the headache spread through the rest of my frontal lobe. Well, that was a waste of time. She probably couldn't even hear me, and I wasted valuable alone time—which I now was unlikely to get often. Maybe there was some type of code-word that I was supposed to use to talk to her; I'd never actually asked how shinigami contact zanpakutou—I only know about the vice-versa. I'd have to ask Toushirou later about it; he was a Taichou after all—he should know and be able to teach.
I looked back down at my zanpakutou one last time, then took her scabbard and sheathed her. I stretched out before shifting my legs behind and beneath me to balance on my knees. Biting down on my kiseru, I entwined her through my obi; taking the time to really memorize the feel of it so that I'd do it faster next time. These days I felt like I was always being thrown into a situation where I had to move quickly; I needed to start actually getting this shit down to a science—my execution time was getting to be such a pain in the ass. After making sure it fit snug, I quickly ashed out my kiseru before making my way back to the office.
Well, Attempt One: Failure. I couldn't say I wasn't slightly disappointed about it; I was so anxious to make progress that it made my cranium ache worse from the tear at my own pride. Truth be told; I abhorred the fact that I was so reliant on everyone here. Not even just with what happened last night; the fact that everyone here's working so diligently to make sure I'm safeguarded and protected while I'm unable to do anything makes me sick to my stomach. While I'm grateful every time someone does something for me, I can't help the internal cringe and the knife shanking rigorously at my pride each time.
Sure; I'm not the most powerful bad-ass of the century or anything when it came to defending myself the last five years, but at least after Miyuki I learned how to be self-sufficient. I relied on no one other than myself, and dealt with everything on my own. Yeah I've been treated mercilessly, and honestly accepted that as my fate, but the fact is that I'm still here—I survived. I knew the situation was far more complicated and dangerous than ever before, but the thought that I currently couldn't meet the demand as I've always had in the past literally has emotionally crushed me.
I was so weak now it was sad; no, not sad, disgusting. The only opportunity to redeem myself, and my only saving grace at this point, was the weapon on my back. I may not end up being the strongest female ever, but at least it gives me a damn good chance at solo survival—not to mention a huge self-esteem boost that I'm in desperate need of.
If only I could get her to communicate with me. If only there was short cut to—
"And how long will she be gone?" Toushirou's words from within his office interrupted my internal rambling.
"Unfortunately Abarai-Taichou did not specify; my apologies Hitsugaya-Taichou," a foreign voice replied.
The door was completely opened—which is rare because Toushirou always keeps it shut even with messengers—and I could hear the couch cushion exude air with what I assumed was Rangiku getting comfortable. I proceeded forward and toward the opening; whatever was going on shouldn't stop me in my path—that'd make it seem as if I were ear-hustling and I didn't want to give that impression.
"I see," Toushirou responded to him as I walked in and around the man.
The man was of course in standard Shinigami apparel; middle-aged with black hair tied back in a high-bun. He zeroed in on me upon my entrance, and be bowed respectfully with a warm smile on his droopy features. I nodded back, and as I was about to take a seat back next to Rangiku, Toushirou interrupted.
"Kiteyama, Abarai-Taichou has sent for you. She says there's a topic that she must discuss with you, and to proceed to her barracks immediately."
I cocked an eye. She said that she really didn't have anything else for me when I was with her earlier—I guess she remembered something? I could've sworn she said she was busy this afternoon.
"Okay, that's fine—it's not like I have to check my schedule or anything," I shrugged.
"Wonderful; I'll escort you back to our barracks, Kiteyama-Sama," the man replied.
"There's no need—I will escort her." Toushirou promptly cut in.
"No, Hitsugaya-Taichou; it's fine. I know you have things to do today; I'll just go with him since he's going that way regardless." I interjected before the man's reply.
Toushirou once against stared into me to assess the situation. I could tell that he wasn't too fond of the idea since I'd just gotten over another episode earlier, but he needed to understand that I couldn't be attached to his hip—even though it sounded nice—at all times. Aside from that, this guy was from Squad 13; it's not like he wasn't on our side. On top of that, I'd been escorted earlier from Squad 13 by some random shinigami, so it shouldn't really be that big of a deal.
He crossed his arms and leaned back into his chair; those eyes not flickering away from me for even a second. I attempted a weak smile, and I knew that even with it, his uncomfortable aura wouldn't dissipate.
"Okay. I'll be by in an hour if you're not back by that time." He turned to the messenger, and nodded at him to give the okay. "Please inform Abarai-Taichou of that."
"Hai, Hitsugaya-Taichou; thank you." He bowed. He looked over at me and smiled, ushering me to exit first as the usual manner would have him.
"See you guys in a bit," I lazily threw up a hand.
"Bye bye, Akinoyo-chan!" Rangiku replied.
I stole one last glance at Toushirou; he nodded as his goodbye, and I winked at him to keep up my usual sarcastic and playful façade.
-x-x-
I needed to talk to Toushirou about learning how to flash-step—this walk was taking forever, and my headache was only getting worse. I'd gotten so used to him carrying me around to get us there in a flash that this snail's pace was killing me. I was going to bitch about it earlier when I was last escorted, but it slipped my mind because of the excitement of opening up my belongings.
As much as I didn't like it at all, I suppose the soft breeze was nice compared to the whiplash I'd grown accustomed to. I looked up at the sky; a thick blanket of grey clouds creeping steadily toward the descending sun and causing a shadow down on the land. It looked like maybe there'd be some rain and possibly even snow in our near future; bundling up in blankets with hot tea actually sounded nice.
I studied the back of the man leading me back toward Squad 13's barracks; he had hardly said anything to me this whole time. The other one that escorted me earlier at least attempted standard shoot-the-shit conversation; this one seemed like the nice, overly respectful type. It honestly made me want to cringe. As much as I didn't really want to converse either, I might just work with him frequently in the future—ensue the awkward.
"Looks like we might have some rain headed our way," I prompted.
I could see his body move fractionally out of the rhythm he'd been in at the intake of my words, and watched as he slowed his pace to look back at me.
"I do believe you're correct, Kiteyama-Sama; the clouds do look rather dark today," he responded. "Perhaps this evening we'll be blessed with fresh powder," he smiled.
"You might just be right," I replied; following alongside his flank.
Out of my periphery, I caught him observing my movement this time. He had that smile on his face from earlier as he studied me, and I didn't quite know how to feel about it. People that have that type of façade make me uncomfortable; that stiff culture Abarai-Taichou and I talked about earlier was partially the same, except this guy was at the bottom end of the totem-pole looking up. I didn't understand how Abarai-Taichou was able to do it; the way this guy was acting is something I definitely would never be able to accomplish.
We walked in silence for a good while after that, and I tried to keep my focus forward so that any accidental eye contact could be avoided. It had been well over 40 minutes now of walking, and to be honest I had no idea where we even were. The escort from earlier took me through a different route, and it only took 20 minutes or so before we made it back to Squad 10. I knew everyone had their own routes, but just how in the Hell was this a good one?
I rubbed my temples with a soft exhale; closing my eyes as I continued to walk forward. This headache was beginning to ware on me—maybe they'd advanced to pharmaceutical relief? My kiseru itself had me wondering.
"Does your head ache, Kiteyama-Sama?" The man surprised me; he'd stepped closer to me while my eyes were closed.
"Uh, yeah, I have a headache unfortunately," I continued massaging my temples in circles.
"That's unfortunate to hear—may I ask if it's from that cut on your forehead?"
Huh. I didn't think anyone could really see it since my hair covered most of it.
"Oh, no it's not from that," I replied.
"I see," he replied contemplatively.
I dropped my hands back down to my sides to replace the cocking of my brow at his emphasized statement. It was just a headache for Kami's sake—what was there to wonder about?
"May I ask if it's from last evening?"
My brain temporarily halted at his question. I continued forward to not display the disarray he initiated in me—how the Hell did he know about that? I thought we were keeping this whole thing under wraps? Did Abarai-Taichou tell him what happened?
I made sure my response was fluid enough to not come off suspicious. "I don't think so; it's more than likely just a random headache."
"That's unfortunate to hear,"
Both my arms were seized faster than I could even blink. He stood behind me; his mouth beside my ear as a laugh rumbled deep in his throat.
"That just means I need to do a better job,"
The side of his palm met with the back of my neck, and the stars shooting through my vision ensued the shaky-blur phase of passing out. Within that instant while I reacted to the blow, my arms became pressed into my body with no room for movement. I was completely restrained from my waist to my neck. He'd picked me up effortlessly at the point his restrain was in full effect, and took to the air.
As my world spun and my stomach leapt from the sudden movement; I knew that I had to move. I had to struggle; I wasn't going to get captured again without a fight.
I thrashed around in his arms like a worm attempting escape from a bird's beak; I couldn't move my arms, but that didn't mean I couldn't kick or slam myself against him.
"You honestly think that will work?" he cackled.
I went in for it without hesitation—I lurched forward and bit as hard as I could at his shoulder. During his loud hiss of pain, his grip loosened by default, and I rolled my way out of his grasp mid air. I plummeted down with gravity's intense pull; face down and ready to belly flop straight into my concrete demise below. I'd hoped to at least go with a little more grace than this, however, as long as I wasn't in enemy hands alive, I guess anything would have to suffice.
I watched the distance between myself and the ground shorten, the tears from the sudden panic of the situation finally escaping my dry eyes in a necessary form of release.
Mere meters before impact, I was caught mid-air; my late afternoon flesh snack colliding into me and barrel-rolling forward with me loosely in his grasp. During the tumble his hold on me faltered, and I took the opportunity to weasel my way out of his grasp.
As soon as I came to a dead stop, I rolled over onto my back, and used my momentum to lurch my torso up to a sitting position; successfully able to shift my legs to crouch. He was already on his feet by the time I'd maneuvered into the crouch, and he was headed straight for me. I did the only thing I could think of in the split second; I somersaulted forward at him. If I could at least get him down again, I'd have a better chance at running away.
He evaded the weak attempted attack, and took the opportunity to kick the side of my head once my motion was complete. I skid across the concrete like a skipping rock across a lake; hopping and eventually admitting defeat after the loss of momentum.
Head pounding, vision clouded, and hearing static, I tried to think of my way out of this. His steps sounding ruptured through the static, and the vibrations of it intensified the pulsation from where his shin met my skull. I had to do something. There had to be a way out of this.
I could sense him towering over me, and I knew that now it was already too late. Not even a day has passed, and I'm already in the same situation again. Incapacitated, weak, and hopeless.
He said something to me, but the pounding now was the only thing that I could hear. He pushed me onto my back, and gripped my kosode as he yanked me up to him. The pain in my head was too much, and my eyes closed without my consent.
In that moment, I felt a presence between the two of us. A dangerous, and furious aura seeping into the small space between him and I. The presence made my eyes shoot open skyward; blinding white light the only thing I could see.
As the sound of the world faded around me, one voice made itself known to me.
"Now, let me try this again,"
"Can you hear me?"