And here's the fifth! Sorry it took so long, minna-san!
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A very special thanks to my wonderful editor, Arelissa. She didn't give up on me even when I did! She's amazing- but she's still scary XD But a nice kind of scary!
DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING BUT THE FANCONCEPT ON THIS FANFICTION. I DO OWN MIYUKI HIGURASHI, OTHER OCS, AND THE IDEA OF INTERNATIONAL SOUL SOCIETIES
AAAnnndd! All the Japanese words' translations are in a glossary at the end of this chapter. It was suggested so I thought I'd try it out. Tell me what you think!
-xXx-
'Birthright- The Beginning of Beginnings'
Worthless, utter Illusions...I'll make my presence unforgettable.
-xXx-
''Shinpai suruna, Miyuki, I won't let anyone hurt you, so calm down!'' Toshiro said with a tint of annoyance in his voice as I fidgeted.
That was what he said before we came into Yamamoto's office.
Toshiro and I were sitting before the Soutaichou, who had a very...organic looking screen on his side. It showed a woman with bright, crimson hair in raster-locks tied in a high pony-tail and sharp, green eyes. Her chin was very strong, like her jaw line. Her eyebrows were trained downwards, which was quite scary. She seemed to be in her late twenties, early thirties and we only saw her red uniform jacket since the screen only showed her upper body.
''This is Nicole Flamel, a friend of mine from the English branch of Soul Society,'' Yamamoto said, ''She's the one of the members of the Philosopher's Tribunal, and the one who trained the Prime Marshal- the leader with the same position as me.'' She looked at me with a very powerful gaze. Let me get this straight, they want this big shot to train me? Wouldn't this be a case of over-qualification?!
''So this is the girl you were talking about, Shigekuni?'' she asked in perfect Japanese; I didn't even hear an accent. Yamamoto nodded. Both Toshiro and I were astonished. She...She just used his given name! And no suffix! Who the hell is this woman? I peeked over at Toshiro from the corner of my eye to see that Toshiro seemed even more amazed than I was. This isn't something you see everyday.
''Her name is Higurashi Miyuki,'' Yamamoto said.
Flamel's orbs pierced mine. ''The girl's seen many tragedies with her eyes.''
I didn't answer, Toshiro also looked a bit uneasy. Yamamoto was trying to convince this Flamel person to become my sensei to master Renkinjutsu, but apparently she wasn't an easy person to persuade.
''Why do you want to learn how to use Alchemy?'' I raised my eyebrows at her blunt question.
''Because I don't want to be a burden, constantly clinging on someone for support,'' I answered firmly, yet politely at the same time. I could feel Toshiro's eyes on me. She seemed mildly surprised by my answer as well. ''All those tragedies you said I saw, was because of what I am...I wish to gain equivalency by becoming something useful.''
''Omoshiroi, konno musume,'' she said, smirking. ''Alright, I'll accept the offer to train her.''
''Wonderful.'' Yamamoto sighed and looked at the screen to face her. ''How about you come over to Soul Society? It's been a long time since we've seen each other face-to-face.'' Toshiro widen his eyes slightly at Yamamoto's words, this obviously was a side of the Soutaichou he's never seen before.
''Fine by me,'' she answered casually. I didn't know how I was supposed to react. Happy? Excited? Scared? Nervous?
''Is that okay with you, Higurashi?'' she asked, glanced at me. I bowed my head.
''Hai, arigato gozaimas. Yoroshiku onegaishimas, Flamel-sensei,'' I answered humbly.
''Drop the formality, it makes me feel old.'' A ghost of a smile crossed my lips in amusement, but I kept my head slightly tilted down so she didn't see it. She crossed her arms, and that grin appeared on her face again.
''The training will be hard, you might even see hell on the way.'' I inwardly shivered at her statement- not because of its content, but because she wasn't joking. Her sadistic expression was a bonus.
''I'll try my best not to disappoint you.'' '-But I will' I added silently.
''No, no, no, no, no!'' she said in English as she shook her head. ''Say it with more confidence, like: 'I'll give it my all, yeah!''' She gave a dramatic pose and my eyes twitched. Toshiro had to fight to keep the stern look on his face.
''Okay, Shigekuni, I'll be there in three days,'' she said as she looked at the elder. ''Prepare an arena which you wouldn't mind being demolished,'' she added, I gulped. This woman's scary...
''I always do,'' Yamamoto answered. She nodded, satisfied, and snapped her fingers. A few sparks of red light flared in front of me and I saw four books appear.
''Those are the best alchemy introduction books I have,'' she said, I looked up at her from the books with a surprise expression on her face, so did Toshiro. How the heck did she do that?
''I want you to learn the contents of it by heart. Word for word, no exceptions,'' she said, ''It shouldn't be difficult since you have a photographic memory like all Philosopher's Stones.''
I widen my eyes at that. ''So that's why I...?'' I asked, she sighed.
''I'll explain to you what a Philosopher's Stone is when I tutor you,'' she said, ''Until then you'll need to depend on those books.'' She then gave us the casual, two-finger salute.
''I need to go now, see you in three days.'' With that, the screen blacked out.
I just sat there, slightly dazed as my eyes rested on the 'magic' books. What exactly happened just now?
-----
I sighed. I was walking down the hallway with the books in my arms, Toshiro was walking next to me. Right now the idea of reading was really not preferable, my eyes were stinging just thinking about it.
''What did I say about 'you won't be hurt'?'' My thoughts of dread were interrupted by the short Taichou, who had an 'I told you so' ring to his voice. I laughed, earning a smirk from him. I raised my head up slightly to look at the white-haired prodigy.
''Yes, I know, thank you for protecting me. And sorry for making you worry about my life.'' I chuckled when I saw the very faint pink on his cheeks.
''But that Flamel-sensei is really intimidating,'' I said. He looked at me with raised eye-brows. ''I wonder if she'll over-train me...'' I frowned.
''Or what if I'm absolutely hopeless at Renkinjustu...'' I sighed again. Worry, worry, worry, worry, that's all I ever do.
''I'm sure you'll be alright.''
I gave Toshiro a sidelong look. He kept facing forward with his arms crossed in his sleeves. I raised my eyebrows, then smiled cheekily.
''I think you're over estimating me.'' Though I made it sound like a joke, I meant what I said.
''I don't think so,'' Toshiro answered. This guy never ceases to amaze me.
''To-chan, I know you think I'm incredible and amazing, but I've never done mojo in my life before.'' And this time his blush was clearly apparent, his perplexed face turned to me.
''I don't think you're nearly as incredible and amazing as me.'' He gave me his trademark smirk and I stuck my tongue out at him. ''Very mature and well-handled,'' he said, his smirk widening.
''You think I'm plenty amazing, don't you?'' Mocking Toshiro always gets rid of bad thoughts, which is why I loved doing it so much. He gave me an annoyed glare.
''Yeah, right! You can't do anything without me!'' Frustration was rising in his voice.
''Are you sure it's not the other way around?'' I asked him with half-lidded eyes and a bored expression.
''I bet you can't stand being too far away from me!'' he said, this time I was the one who had a red colour on my face.
''Whatever you say, To-chan. But you've grown extremely attached to me, haven't you?'' I was trying to act like the smarter one, which is quite easy when Toshiro is in this mood.
''Well you also-'' I cut off his reply by pressing a gloved finger to his lips. He blushed at my sudden touch and we both halted.
''Of course I have, Toshiro.'' I smiled, his eyes widen further and his blush deepened. I pulled my hand back, ''And that I can shut you up with a simple touch is quite amazing, isn't it?'' I added as I started walking along the hall again. After a few of his mumbles I heard his sandals tapping on the ground as he sped up to walk next to me again.
''You manipulator.'' He crossed his arms again, giving me his grumpy look.
''I'm proud of my slyness.'' I grinned at him.
''What about your stubbornness?'' he asked, trying to provoke me with a mocking smirk.
''Of course!'' I laughed at his pout. There goes his chance to make me angry.
'' 'Because I don't want to be a burden, constantly clinging on someone for support','' Toshiro said, I looked at him with raised eyebrows to see that he was looking straight ahead at the hallway. His eyes flickered with an emotion I wasn't familiar with. '' 'All those tragedies you said I saw, was because of what I am...I wish to gain equivalency by becoming something useful'.''
''Impressive memory.'' He ignored my remark and turned his head to face me again, his visage devoid of any taunt or tease.
''Is that what you really think?'' he asked. I rubbed my chin thoughtfully as I tilted my head up to look at the ceiling.
''Well, to be perfectly frank, I was thrown into a room with about 30 seconds notice that I apparently wanted to become a master alchemist's disciple, and a lady with scary eyes asked me why I wished to learn the jutsu,'' I said, ''I am also very weak in the perspective of combat, and I hate being a burden because I hate burdens.''
''You're no burden, annoying as hell, but not a burden,'' he said with a slight amusement in his voice, I gave a mock-annoyed glare and I smirked.
''I resent the side-comment,'' I said, before I continued, my eyes softening with sadness. ''And I do...want equivalency, that what I had been suffering maybe, just maybe, become an equal trade one day.''
There was an awkward silence between us. Him not knowing what to say and me thinking of some way to move onto another subject. The only thing that we could hear were our foot-steps against the wooden floor.
''On that cheery note...'' I sighed as I shifted the books balanced dangerously atop on another. In a flash, the white-haired captain had taken three of the four books out of my arms. ''Ah...!'' I said, ''I can carry it!'' But he didn't budge and raised his hands out of my reach when I tried to grab the books.
''I'm carrying these,'' he said as if it were set in stone. I sighed slightly at his stubbornness, but I must admit...he can be really sweet.
''Anyway, how's the Fukutaichou who lost against one of the Ryoka? His name was...Abarai Renji, right?'' I asked.
''He's fine, last time I saw him he was being ditched by his Taichou, though. He's got himself into a huge mess by letting one of the Ryoka go by,'' he answered, ''Hinamori's quite upset about it.''
''These Ryoka are starting to get out of hand, aren't they? I mean, even the higher-ups were ordered to carry their Zanpakto at all times and were even given permission to release them in Seireitei,'' I said, worried. He scoffed in amusement at my nervousness
''Don't worry, they may be strong, but we're stronger.'' He smirked and I rolled my eyes.
''Your ego will be the end of you if you keep it up,'' I said, his expression became serious when he looked like he remembered something.
''Miyuki, if I ask you about the Taichou of the 3rd Division, do you know who I'm talking about?'' I narrowed my eyes slightly, thinking.
''You mean that guy with the permanent smirk? Ichimaru Gin?'' I asked, ''The one who got into a teensy bit of trouble with the Soutaichou because he let the Ryoka off the hook?''
''...Be careful around Ichimaru,'' he said, still very serious, ''I've got a very bad feeling about him.''
As he finished the sentence, we found ourselves before the door of the 10th Division. He slid the door open and walked in before closing it behind me.
''You suspect him of foul-play?'' I laid the books on the coffee table, as did he, before he walked over to his desk and sat down. Neither of us were really affected by the fact that Rangiku wasn't here.
He didn't give an answer, which I took to mean 'yes'. I looked at him, and my expression must've been betraying me because Toshiro noticed it with wide eyes. For him to look so surprised, I must've looked very worried.
''Miyuki...'' His eyes had a determined glint in them. ''I'll definitly protect you, so don't worry,'' he said, I smiled at him weakly.
''Yeah...I know...''
But I knew that something terribly wrong is going to happen...not soon, but it's coming closer and closer, that day...
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Alchemy is a science where one understands the structure of matter, breaks it down, then rebuilds it.
However this is by no means an all-powerful technique, as one cannot create something out of nothing.
If one wishes to gain something, one must present, and sacrifice something of equal value.
This is the concept of equivalent exchange, the fundamental basis of alchemy.
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
To put it in practical terms, Alchemy is an art where you use the Reiyoku in your soul as energy to transmute objects. Theoretically, you use an alchemic circle which has all the formula on it, then concentrate your energy and voila, transmuted matter. But there is an iron rule in this: Equivalent Exchange, which I believe comes from the phrase 'Matter cannot be destroyed nor created, only altered'.
You can only transmute if you understand the three basic steps of alchemy- Understanding the material, breaking it down, then rebuilding it. As Flamel told me, this is one of the strongest jutsu (art(s)) there are...
...And I'm completely useless at it.
''No, no, no, no, no, no, no!!'' Flamel yelled in English angrily as she kept swiping and swiping at me with her cutlass. My blocking was messy and I was barely able to keep up with my katana.''It's been a week now!'' she said, ''Yet you STILL haven't been able to use alchemy whatsoever! All I've been teaching you is martial arts, and even at that you're nothing special!'' she scolded, and the sparring continued as we stood in an unused training ground, which was almost in ruins now from all the fits she's been throwing.
Flamel wore a red uniform jacket with a white strap around her waist and black trousers. I was wearing a tight, black suit with a light purple kimono top and white leg warmers. My hair was tied into a high braid, but I left my bangs as they were.
''I'm sorry, I-!'' I was cut off by another swipe of her sword.
''Shut up!'' she yelled in English as she looked at me from above with stern eyes. ''That sword in your hand is the first and only thing you've transmuted! It's a perfect transmutation! That is the absolute proof that you're ABLE to perform alchemy! I have no reasons to think that you are as hopeless as this! Are you mocking me?!''
I glanced at the white-silver katana in my grip. It was a beautiful sword, perfect to the detail. I remember exactly how I transmuted it; I don't think that I'd forget it so easily.
''Okay, Higurashi, let's get this straight,'' Flamel said as we stood on the training grounds for the first time. She clapped her hands and placed them to the ground. As soon as she arrived, she dragged me here from chatting with Ukitake in his office. She literally dragged me. I was amazed when I saw red sparks fill the air and her pulling a European sword out of the ground. So this must be...'alchemy'. But I flinched when I saw the woman, who was standing about ten feet in front of where I stood, pointed her sword at me.
''If you are weak by nature, then I may very well kill you by accident,'' she said flatly. ''I have no interest in weak people.'' With that she dashed towards me with frightening speed, my eyes were wide with fear. I was frozen to the spot, I couldn't move, I couldn't speak, I couldn't even breath.
She was supposed to teach me how to use alchemy, not beat it out of me!
''DON'T JUST STARE AT ME, GIRL!'' she yelled and made me snap out of my trance. I ducked at the last moment before she struck out with her blade. I was on the ground, looking up at her with terrified eyes. If I hadn't had dodged, my neck would've come clean off...does this lady even know what she's doing?!
I cringed when she raised her sword above her head. ''You have nothing else?'' she asked with narrowed eyes.
´What a complete psycho.`
I widen my eyes at that voice.
´You're gonna have to defend yourself,` it said. It was a woman's voice, a very strong and powerful one. But I could hear my own vocals- but the way she pronounced everything was a lot rougher and deeper than I do.
The voice wasn't coming from my ears...it was coming from my head!
Flamel starting to bring her blade down.
Without any control over my body I clapped my hands and placed them on the ground below me, white sparks admitted from the earth and I pulled a white-silver katana out and blocked the sword just in time. I was panting as sweat gathered at my forehead and slid down, ending their paths by falling to the ground with a 'pitter patter'.
Flamel looked bewildered. Though her sword was still clashed against mine, she didn't have the attention to add pressure on it. The master alchemist shakily opened her mouth to speak, as if she had just seen a ghost.
''Without...a...circle...?'' she said in disbelief.
Circles? I just did hocus pocus without me registering that it was my will to do it, and she only thinks about circles?!
After that, Flamel's been training me regularly for a week- but after that incident, try as I may, I just wasn't able to transmute again. I'd clap my hands and put them on the ground, but nothing happens. Well, maybe a gust of wind will blow by, but I highly doubt those were my doing. Flamel also gave me alchemical circles to work with, since apparently only the most experienced alchemists can just clap their hands and use their own body to act as the transmutation circle. But they were dead ends as well. Nothing worked.
But the origin of that voice puzzled me to no end. I'd hear a few whispers and comments from her here and there, but I didn't tell anyone about it. Not even Toshiro. Because before I want to explain anything, I need to understand who or what she is. But Flamel was the only exception- she's a Philosopher's Stone, maybe this is a Philosopher's Stone thing?
That woman is needless to say extremely frustrated with me, but whenever I try to explain about the 'voice' to her, she'd cut me off by coming at me with her sword.
'But Flamel-sensei, I-!' *swipe*
'Please, listen to what-!' *swing*
'This is very impor-!' *swipe*
'There was this-!' *swing*
That happens all the damn time. And do you know what she answers with?
'I WON'T HEAR ANY EXCUSES!'
I'm not giving you an excuse, I'm giving you a FREAKIN' EXPLANATION!
I widen my eyes as I jumped back to avoid another blow which was more aggressive than her usual orchestra of raging attacks. She narrowed her eyes at me and I could see anger glinting in those green slits.
''You were thinking about something snotty, weren't you?!'' she asked.
''No, what, me? Of course not, Flamel-sensei! Why would I even think of such a thing?'' I asked, with a weak, crooked smile on my lips. She just narrowed her eyes further.
Apparently, Philosopher's Stones are by nature very intelligent and learn very fast, though who is born as one is completely coincidental.
In the English branch of Soul Society all the 'Soul Reapers' are Philosopher's Stones. Normal souls have no chance of becoming a Soul Reaper because they are unable to become alchemists. This is why the English branch has so little, but extremely elite members.
But at this point Flamel wasn't even sure if I was a proper Philosopher's Stone or not. Reason one was: If I was born on Japanese soil, then I should have inherited the powers of a Japanese Shinigami. But instead, I received the powers of an English Soul Reaper. Reason number two was simply because I suck so badly at alchemy that it's laughable.
Before I knew it I was kicked from the back and I flew towards the ground.
''GAAHH!!!'' I saw the ground coming closer to my face. But I turned in mid air so that my chest wouldn't get crushed on the impact and landed on my side. I flipped over to face her, propping my body up with my elbows. Exhausted, at the end of my wit and defeated. Sweat was rolling down my head like waterfalls and I panted even harder, my chest rising up and down. I clenched my eyes shut when I saw Flamel dashing towards me again, this time with her sword raised to attack me.
This is going to hurt...
*CLASH*
I snapped my eyes open and saw that Toshiro was standing in front of me. His Hyourinmaru was blocking Flamel's sword and the crimson-haired woman looked down at the Taichou with raised eyebrows.
Toshiro's back was bigger than I thought and the kanji of ten was standing out proudly on his white haori. His white, spiky hair waved as a gust of wind passed by.
''That's as far as you go, Flamel.'' His voice had a warning edge to it.
''Interfering with our training again, are you, taichou?'' she asked, arching a brow.
''I only interfere when I get the impression that you don't know when to hold it,'' he said firmly.
''I've explained this to you countless times,'' she said, their swords were shaking because neither backed down. ''I'm training her as her sensei, she'll obviously get wounded once in a while.''
''I don't care who you are, I won't let anyone under any circumstances harm Miyuki.'' I felt my cheeks warming.
''You're annoying,'' she said, ''I'm her master, and I'm in charge of her. So back off.'' Irritation was rising in her voice.
''I know that you're her sensei, which is why I let you go this far.'' Toshiro was completely unfazed by her attitude. Even though I was behind the taichou, I could feel the tension passing between the two. ''I'm really stretching my self-control not to give you a good piece of my mind,'' he said through gritted teeth, unconsciously adding force onto his katana.
''Souka?'' With that she pulled her sword back, clapped her hands, and the sword turned to dust as it fell to the ground. ''The sun has set, training is over,'' she said and turned to the 1st Division grounds. I looked up at the sky and she was right. The sun was setting...Heavens, am I slow sometimes...Well, I guess you would pay more attention to flying blades that are coming at you than the sky.
''There won't be any training tomorrow, Miyuki, I have to discuss matters with the Tribunal,'' she said looking at me, and gave me her look.
Allow me to explain the look. It's the strangest yet most effective combination of threats, wrath and murderous intent all in one. It's unbelievably terrifying- Toshiro's usual cold glares were child's play compared to that. This one was on fire. Now I can see why the great Soutaichou of the Seireitei has so much respect for her- She'd probably defeat him in ten seconds flat...maybe I'm exaggerating, but underestimating her power will doubtlessly lead to devastation. That's nothing surprising, as I was told by Ukitake. The English Soul Society is the strongest of all Soul Societies, because it's the first. The Philosopher's Tribunal's three ranked officers are the ones who have the saying- they make the big decisions, similar to the Office of Forty-Six in Seireitei, except for the fact that they all have strength comparable to the Prime Martial.
I saw her heading towards the 1st Division grounds; she was staying with Yamamoto during her time here- that Sasakibe-fukutaichou of the 1st division was more than happy to have a Westerner, an English no less, staying in their headquarters. Toshiro sighed, sheathed Hyourinmaru and kneeled down beside me before frowning.
''Daijobouka, Miyuki?'' he asked, I smiled and waved him off.
''Daijobou, daijobou!'' I said. ''Taskete kureta, arigato na, Toshiro.'' I blushed when Toshiro scanned my body and spotted a few cuts and gashes. He narrowed his eyes.
''That reckless wench...'' he said under his breath, I sighed.
''Reckless and blood lusting, yes, but she's a very good teacher because of that...though she could lay off the reckless and blood lusting part...'' Toshiro was right, she often did go too far for my well being. The other day she nearly stabbed me in the gut, if it weren't for Toshiro I would've been a goner. Although she is a nice person in general, she is just not used to teaching beginners. And she's impatient. And aggressive. And rash. And brutal. And out of her bloody mind.
''Oh, well...'' I sighed again and stood up, which I instantly regretted. I was too deprived of energy and started to lose my footing. I nearly slumped back down, but Toshiro caught me just in time. He had a firm arm on my back and my legs; I suppressed a blush. He smirked down at me slightly.
''Real elegant,'' he said, I narrowed my eyes at him.
''You tripped me.'' His smirk widen as he started walking towards the 10th headquarter grounds.
''Quit it with your depression! You're improving well, Miyuki!'' he said.
''You suck at lying, Toshiro,'' I said, smiling slightly at his attempt to cheer me up. Before he had the chance to retort, I leaned my head on his chest. I felt him stiffen slightly and heard his heart-rate going up. I closed my eyes and listened to it,
Ba-dum Ba-dum Ba-dum Ba-dum Ba-dum Ba-dum...
I was happy that I could make him react like this. Maybe, just maybe, he might...
Soon I fell asleep in his arms.
...Keep dreaming, Miyuki.
-:-:-:-:-Frozen Passion-:-:-:-:-
I was in my office, and looked at the black haired girl I was holding, slumbering peacefully. She snuggled closer to my chest, causing me to blush deeper. Once again I was thanking whatever power it was that made Matsumoto absent. I stood in front of the couch, debating with myself if I wanted to let go of her.
Soon I gave up on my hopelessness and sat down on the couch, legs crossed, with her in my arms, still sleeping contently.
I gently untied her high braid, letting her black, silky hair flow down. I could smell its scent... I frowned when I saw a small scratch on her pale cheek.
That crazy lunatic alchemist! We told her to train her, not slaughter her! Miyuki was able to transmute, even if only once, she did perform alchemy. Yet that woman pushes her to no end. I placed the silver katana on the coffee table after examining it. It was very similar to Kuchiki Rukia's Shikai if I remember correctly- the whole katana had the same colour- a metallic white. But what surprised me was that the blade had no scrapes...not a single one. It was a perfectly smooth, flawless blade. Even after all the abuse it received.
But I must admit that it was strange that she hasn't been able to use alchemy since then.
I looked down at her and studied her profile again, which made me feel very annoyed towards myself because I've been doing this very often lately- the clothes she's been ordered to wear by Flamel wasn't really helping. My eyes were trailing her body, landing on her chest. I blushed. I wasn't used to not seeing her in a kimono, which normally hides a lot of a woman's figure. My eyes trailed down her body, past her hips and halted at uhm... 'that' place. I widen my eyes when I felt a hard pulse in an area which never caused me any trouble before. It throbbed harder when she shifted in my arms.
I blushed furiously before quickly standing up and rushing to her room, setting her down in her bed. I then more or less ran out of the room, and shut the door behind me. I slid down to the ground on my backside, my back leaning on the door. My eyes were wide with shock as I simply stared ahead at one of the office walls. What...just...happened...? Did I just have a....because I ....so that means that....I...? I shook my head hastily, dammit, you've got to be joking with me!
I tried to calm myself down, both physically and mentally, reminding myself not to ever look at her...'place' again.
For some reason I remembered the chat I had with Hinamori when she visited me after her mission.
After Miyuki slid her door closed, I turned to Hinamori to see that she had a bright smile on her face, a bright smile which I found very intimidating.
''Hina...mori?'' I didn't like that look one bit. Her grin widened.
''Shiro-chan, how could you not tell me about your new-found love life?'' she asked, I blushed furiously and looked away.
''First, I don't know what you're talking about, second, quit it with the 'Shiro-chan'!'' She then looked up in a pondering manner, tapping her chin with a finger.
''Hmm...if denying that fact was even more important to you than correcting your nickname, then you must be in pretty deep, huh?'' she said, then looked at me again with that look of hers. I gulped.
''You can't prove it...'' I said as I crossed my arms, though I wasn't looking at her I could sense her grin quite clearly.
''Ohh, yes I can, Hitsugaya-taichou!'' She seemed confident about her theory...enough to call me by the title I always demanded her to address me with. That caused me a bit of worry.
''The way you look at her, the way you smile at her...'' she said with glee. I eyed her grumpily.
''Not to mention that you call her my her first name AND let her call you Toshiro without complaint..chotto matte! She's the only one who you allow to call you that excluding obaa-chan!'' I snapped my head to face her with an annoyed glare, only to see a look of genuine kindness from her.
''Most important of all, Hitsugaya-kun, she can make you laugh,'' she said, I met her genuine expression with raised eyebrows. ''She can make you happy.'' I widen my eyes slightly when I realised that what she said wasn't...wrong...
I blinked at her and my blush faded before I turned away and brushed it off with a ''Hn.'' I tilted my head to the side when I heard the shower going on in Miyuki's room.
''I'm right, aren't I, Hitsugaya-kun?'' she asked, smiling brightly. Practically radiating like the sun. I didn't answer, which was apparently enough for her. ''You love her!''
I nearly fell off my chair.
''N-N-N-Nani-?'' I looked at her, perplexed, after I had regained my balance on my chair. My face now glowing like a red light bulb, she giggled.
''You do! Oh my gosh, how wonderful! And here I thought you would never hit puberty...'' She didn't see the annoyed, flustered glare I shot her.
''Hinamori...'' I said with a warning tone, my eyes twitching.
''I never thought you would fall for anyone for another few hundred years! What a relief!''
''Hinamori...!'' I said louder than before, I could feel veins pulsing on my head.
''You know, you were so uninterested in girls there was a time I thought you were gay!'' I could feel my fist shaking with an angry smirk plastered on my face. My eyes were closed and twitching when I tilted my head down slightly.
''Hinamori!'' We paused; both of us had heard the water from the shower stopping. She looked at me with raised eyebrows, as if she was expecting me to do something. After a few moments, I blinked at her.
''What?''
''Ano...don't you want to go peek at Higurashi-chan now?'' My eyes were wider than dinner plates and my red face went into a deeper shade with each second, my mouth agape. I had images of Miyuki naked in my mind and shook my head violently in hopes to get rid of them.
''URUSEI, HINAMORI!!!'' I yelled, embarrassed.
''You're blushing, Shiro-chan, blushing!'' She laughed.
''Will you quit calling me that?!''
We spent the rest of her visit with her laughing and me telling her to shut up.
I sighed wearily as I ran a hand through my hair.
''So annoying...'' I muttered under my breath. And because of that, Hinamori kept on taking Miyuki with her to the safe districts of Rukongai. And to my horror they became close friends.
Come to think of it, don't they have plans for that tomorrow?
-:-:-:-:-Sincere Resolve-:-:-:-:-
''Sugooiiiiii!'' I said in awe when I tasted a peach dumpling that Hinamori made. We were in the 5th division kitchen, which I never knew even existed, and we were making some sweets for Toshiro's and Hinamori's grandmother. Hinamori was going to visit her today and she wanted to take me with her. I was more than happy to accept. The brunette smiled brightly.
''Really?'' she asked, I nodded eagerly and gave her a smile as bright as hers.
''Ichiban desu~!'' I said dreamily as I took another bite of the fresh dumpling. Ah, bliss. ''I wish I could cook as well as you can, Hinamori-chan. When I try to make food, it always ends up as toxic waste!'' She laughed at my statement as she rubbed some sweet red bean paste off her cheek.
''You're so funny, Higurashi-chan!'' she said. I glanced at her.
''I'm serious.'' My expression matched my words and she blinked at me. After a few seconds we laughed at the fake tension.
''Then I'll have to teach you how to cook well for my little Shiro-chan!'' she said and started packing the little, pinkish sweets in a package. I looked up the taller girl in mild astonishment.
''Why would I need to cook for Toshiro?'' I could feel my face warming when she gave me a cheeky look.
''Do you think I'm that dense, Higurashi-chan?'' She put the package in a bag and I reach for a clean towel to give her. She took it and started cleaning her face with it.
''You're hopelessly in love with Hitsugaya-kun!''
I nearly fell over. What is it with all the girls being so damn perceptive!?
''Hinamori-chan-!'' I was interrupted by the door opening and revealing the Taichou of the 5th Division, Aizen Sousuke. We both were surprised to see him, well, Hinamori was happily surprised and I was surprised.
''Yo, futaritomo,'' he said as he stepped into the kitchen.
''Aizen-taichou!'' Hinamori said, smiling. I had panic in my eyes when I saw her dropping the bag of dumplings as she fell into her trance. But luckily I had grabbed the bag just in time before it made contact to the ground. I sighed in relief and she blushed in embarrassment before taking the bag again, muttering apologies non-stop. I chuckled at her cute reaction and waved it off. She really reminded me of Sakiko, one of my closest friends who visited me when I was in hospital...
''Seems as though you two are having fun, Hinamori-kun.'' I was jerked out of my thoughts by the Taichou, who walked over to us and peeked into Hinamori's bag. ''For your grandmother?'' Hinamori nodded, blushing a bit. I arched a brow at her and smiled. Who was the one hopelessly in love?
''I'm sure that she'll be very happy when she gets them. Maybe you could make some for me one day as well?'' he asked, her blush became darker and her eyes showed amazement.
''Hai!''
I couldn't help but smile fondly at Hinamori's expression. But that cheerful feeling soon faded when my sight laid on Aizen.
I don't like the captain. He reminded me so much of the man who lured me to my capture. I shook my head. That would make no sense; he's a shinigami and has been one for at least a few hundred years. It's impossible for them to be the same man- he not a living human.
Everything would speak against it, except for the fact that there are things called gigai. Great. More factors. But it still wouldn't make sense. I checked the records as well as asking a few people and he hasn't left Seireitei the last couple of decades.
There, mystery solved. I didn't even see the kidnapper's face and since I was a five at the time, my memory could've been weary.
´You've got a photo-graphic memory, you dimwit.` I could feel my eye twitching when I heard that voice again. It's been going on and off more often lately, and, call me crazy, I sometimes answer back.
`Extreme events can lead to the brain rejecting the memories to avoid post trauma.´ I'm having a debate with myself. That does it, I'm officially insane.
´Reject, yes, but not causing them to be hazy. Admit it, you just don't want to suspect him because of the girl.` My eyes automatically turned to gaze at the happy, blushing fukutaichou. That's right. I don't want to suspect Aizen because I don't wish for him to be a bad person, for Hinamori's sake.
----------------
We were walking down the street which really resembled a village of the edo period. The people all wore old fashioned clothes, there were huts instead of houses, and the culture was also different from modern people. But it was amazing in my opinion. The movies and museums are nothing compared to this experience. This was, needless to say, the 1st District of West Rukongai.
I was walking next to Hinamori, who held the bag in her hands. I could even hear her humming to herself and I just couldn't resist the opportunity.
''Aizen Momo...hmm, has a nice ring to it...'' I said loud enough for her to hear on purpose. She froze on the spot and turned to me with a flabbergasted, blushing expression. She looked at me as if I had grown a second head and if steam could blow out of your ears, she could compete with a steam locomotive.
''H-H-H-Higurshi-chan! That's-! But it's-!'' She couldn't form proper sentences. And I continued my chastisement by giving her a smirk. Yes, I know I'm evil.
''Yes? Have anything to add? Please, do tell.''
''Higurashi-chan!!!'' She threw her hands up and my eyes were wide when I saw the bag being airborne again. I ran past her while she was ranting and saved the dumplings from the consequences of gravity for the second time of the day. Hinamori gasped and sped up towards me.
''Oh gosh! I really need to pay more attention to it,'' she said. I grunted when I felt soreness in my arms and legs. My hand rubbed one of my thighs in hopes of soothing the dull pain a bit. Dammit, even running is painful now.
''What's the matter, Miyuki-chan?'' she asked, I waved her off.
''Flamel-sensei's teaching. I'm not the fittest person, so training like this isn't easy for me,'' I said and looked up at the fukutaichou before I started walking ahead again. She came up beside me and I decided to hold the paper bag for now.
''How's your progress?'' she asked with a hopeful smile on her face.
''Nonexistent,'' was my flat answer. ''But more importantly, are you sure it's okay to be having a day off in Rukongai when there's a war martial?''
''Eto...Aizen-taichou permitted this visit and said that it was okay, so I'm sure that Aizen-taichou is right,'' she said. I sighed before smiling, I bet Aizen was God in her world, how cute.
''Souka? Yokatta na,'' I said, ''Ne, Hinamori-chan, I know that Toshiro can't come because he's a Taichou, but he doesn't visit his grandmother even in peace times, does he? Why's that?'' I could see the sad glint in her eyes before she turned her head to face a large hut in a suburb. I turned to look at it after I realized that she was staring at the building, was this the house?
''...I don't know...'' Though her words were faint, I could hear them. My face tensed when I saw an old woman through an open window in the house and Hinamori also saw her. ''I really don't know...''
With that, she made her way towards the building.
A part of me was excicted to see the woman who raised and was loved by Toshiro.
After a moment of staring at Hinamori's back, I followed her.
Another part of me was confused by Hinamori's words.
We soon walked past the suburb gates and into the sighted house. There in the living room sat an old woman with her hair tied up in a bun. She had a very kind smile and friendly expression- Just as Toshiro told me. Hinamori paced over to her and they greeted each other happily. I just stood there, lost in my thoughts.
Now that I think about it...I never even met my grandmother. I don't know what she looks like, I don't even know her name. Is she dead or alive? That answer is also unknown to me.
In fact, I don't know anything about my family outside my mother, my father and I. The government couldn't find any records and I was too young to be told of anything important by my parents.
''This is Higurashi Miyuki-chan, a good friend of mine. I brought her along because she wanted to meet you.'' My thoughts were interrupted when I heard my name being said by Hinamori. I looked up and saw that the two were looking at me, smiling.
''Such a precious dear. I'm so happy that someone would like to see an old granny like me,'' the grandmother said. I smiled warmly and bowed in respect.
''Higurashi Miyuki des. Hajime mashte.''
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Glossary for the Japanese words:
Shinpai suruna- don't worry
renkinjutsu- alchemy
omoshiroi, konno musume- interesting, this girl
taskete kureta, argitato na,- thanks for saving me
chotto matte- hang on a minute
sugoi- amazing
ichiban desu- the best
yo, futaritomo- howdy, you two.
hajime mashte- nice to meet you
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