Chapter 3
The Man in the Mask
By Demon-of-Cats
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, the Tite does. I only own my OC's and OOC's.
Warnings: This is AU and contains some spoilers.
No flames, but constructive criticism is welcome.
It was a fall morning as Moria walked to Squad Five to see her brother. She had been given some easier duties that day and had finished quickly. When she asked Lisa if there was anything else for her to do she was told that there was nothing and that if she was done she could go home.
She's been thrilled by the news and thanked Lisa accordingly.
"Easy day today and I've got a day off tomorrow," she mumbled as she walked to her brother's office. She grinned slightly; eyes closed, and then ran into someone, "Pardon me! I'm so sorry sir."
"It is nothing Miss, just watch where you are going next time. Is there someone I can help you find?"
Moria smiled and then took in the sight of the man who had offered her some help. He was tall . . . very tall, around nine feet. He was very well built and you could tell by looking that someone had given him a kimono that was a little small. The muscles on his arms bulged slightly as he straightened the mask he was wearing over his head.
Instantly, Moria liked this man.
"I'm just looking for my brother. I think I know where he is. Is the Captain in office?"
"Yes . . . what is your name?"
"Moria Hirako. It's nice to meet you. What is your name?"
Behind the mask she could see the man's eyes blinking is surprise, "Sajin . . . Sajin Komamura. You do look like the Captain a bit. Your hair is a different color though. Is the blue natural?" he said as he gazed at the young woman. She was average in many ways, though she was a bit taller than that. If it weren't for the blue hair she would be completely plain.
Moria grinned, "Yes it is. I get that a lot. According to Shinji I have mom's hair color and face but dad's hair type. He has dad's head."
Komamura chuckled and then offered to escort her to the office.
"Captain!" Komamura called through the door, "Your sister is here to see you."
"Crap . . . eh . . . you're off early sis."
Moria frowned and then went to try opening the doors, only to find them being held shut by a kidô that was too strong for her to break.
"Captain, maybe you should just let her in."
"Aizen just do what I told you to do in this situation."
There was some shuffling and then the door shook slightly.
Moria glared at the door and then looked at Komamura, "Can you open the door for me please?"
Komamura shrugged and then started to touch the door.
"Komamura! Do not open the door until I say it is okay," Shinji called through the door, "Aizen that goes for you as well."
"Yes Captain," Aizen said on the other side of the door.
"Yes Captain," Komamura said and then turned to Moria, "I'm sorry Miss Hirako."
"It's alright," Moria said and lifted her foot up slightly.
"What are you doing?" Komamura asked.
Moria grinned and then mumbled for him to watch. Eventually the shuffling in the office stopped and the door shook again.
"Alright sis you can c-!"
As the door slid open Moria flicked and kicked her foot. Her sandal went flying and hit Shinji right in the face, knocking him slightly off balance.
"Is this a general greeting?" Komamura asked, rather startled.
Shinji grinned and then said, "Only when my first word of greeting is 'crap' do I get the sandal. How'd you get off so early sis? Don't leave yet Komamura."
Komamura had just about headed away when Shinji called him not to leave yet.
Moria blinked and then smiled. She then said, "Captain Kyôraku likes to relax a lot and when someone has a day off he gives them less work the day before so they can start their break early."
Shinji smiled and then looked at Komamura, "What do you have left to do today Komamura?"
Komamura blinked behind his mask and then said, "I still had to help with drills today."
Shinji nodded and then frowned in thought.
"You're trying to get rid of me for a while aren't you?" Moria said.
"Why would I do that?" Shinji asked. He looked side to side and then grinned, and nodded.
"Maybe you could help me with my swordsmanship Komamura," Moria said, "After you help with everyone else of course. I could always use some help to improve."
At first Komamura had been against it then he noticed Shinji seemingly begging him to help over Moria's shoulder. Under his mask he frowned and then agreed.
"Thank you," Moria said and bowed slightly to Komamura, "I look forward to what you have to teach me."
Komamura blinked at the young woman in surprise. He had thought that she would be less polite, considering her brother. But, she was so polite to him.
She watched as he worked and when he was done with the drills she entered the training field.
"Are you ready to practice?" Komamura asked noting, with approval, that she had her training blade ready.
"Yes sir," Moria said and then stood at the ready.
They sparred for a few minutes and then Komamura stopped and adjusted her style slightly and offered advice. This went on several times.
After an hour Aizen walked out and watched them spar for a few minutes and then called, "Miss Hirako! Captain Hirako asked me to get you."
Moria jumped out of Komamura's reach and then bowed to him, thanking him for helping her. She smiled when he mentioned that it was nothing.
Komamura watched as Moria walked away, noticing the slight angle in her hair and how it moved as she walked. Under his mask he smiled as he thought about the fact that she had wanted to be with him. It was probably nothing.
"She's more skilled than she was letting on isn't she Komamura?" a voice to his right asked.
"Yes Tôsen," Komamura mumbled and blinked, "Were you listening in on the conversation in the office?"
"I was outside the window," Tôsen said and then stretched and yawned, "I finished with my duties early and was napping outside."
"Sorry for waking you," Komamura said with an amused chuckle.
Tôsen grinned and then looked toward where Moria had just left, "It's alright . . . I think she might like you."
Komamura became very quiet and Tôsen was unable to get him to talk again.
End Chapter 3