In the Midst of Crowds (I Remain in Solitude)
"She's coming round!"
Yoruichi-sama?
"Oooh that's right!"
Is that you?
"You think she will be okay, taichou?"
No that's not her…
"We shall see. The poison has been purged from her system but it's still a nasty injury."
She's not here…
Soifon opened her eyes weakly and light filtered in. Before her, a motley arrangement of faces and shapes were taking form. Unohana, Isane and Kiyone Kotetsu, Ise Nano, Nemu Kurotsochi even Omaeda… and Yoruichi-sama. Is she here?
She made to sit up, and found herself supported by Isane and Unohana, who gently propped up the pillows. Kiyone vigorously thrust a bouquet of flowers and a card into Soifon's hands, while Nemu bowed and wished her a speedy recovery. Nanao nodded and formally conveyed the concern of the Shinigami Women's Association, asking that Soifon excuse Yachiru's absence as she and Zaraki Kenpachi were lost somewhere in the Rukongai at present.
Omaeda, who had been a hulking presence in the corner, lurched forward and yelled "Taichou! You are awake! I am so glad!" His enthusiasm made Soifon's head hurt and she waved to dismiss him. He dutifully complied, and the ward became quieter.
"I am glad you are awake, Soifon. You have been out for a day now. I believe it's thanks to you that the Shinigami affected by the doll Rizu have been freed." Unohana smiled gently again, and all Soifon could do was nod in response. A thought suddenly came to her. "My troops! How are they?"
Isane assured her that the keigun were doing well. A number of them had suffered broken noses and ribs when Captain Komamura and Vice-Captains Renji and Shuhei disarmed them, but they should be back in action within a few weeks. "The Bount have been defeated too, Soifon-taichou. Seireitei is safe for now."
Seiretei is safe for now… and now I might have had the time to speak with Yoruichi-sama but she is not here.
A day later, she was back in her quarters in the Second Squad. Captain Commander Yamamoto had granted her a temporary leave of duty and she was glad of it.
Three days later, she was up and about, but she preferred to walk rather than exert herself by shun-po. I… I need to get out and breathe. She donned her haori and determined to spend the evening on a slow walk around Seireitei. Omaeda jumped to attention when she walked past him and she nodded curtly in acknowledgement.
Third Squad. Matsumoto and Kira sat on a balcony. Kira looked glum as usual, while Matsumoto was laughing gaily and joking as she downed a bottle of sake.
Fourth Squad. Isane and Unohana were returning from a call on the Kuchiki estate. They waved, and Soifon waved back.
Fifth Squad. Dinner time. In a wooded area, Hinamori Momo sat on a log by herself and shed tears. She misses Aizen? But he never was… yet I think I understand. Further in the distance, Hitsugaya stood in the shadows, watching Hinamori as well. But he did not approach.
Sixth Squad. Byakuya Kuchiki sat in his office, clearing up his paperwork. Rukia was healing well and he was pleased. Renji Abarai sat next to his captain, his thoughts drifting off to the Kuchiki estate.
The Kuchiki estate. Rukia lay in bed and looked out the open door to the setting sun to the spot where Ichigo, Chad, Ishida and Inoue had departed earlier in the day. She missed her friends.
Seventh Squad. Iba sat at his desk, despairing over the budget for the Shinigami Men's Association. Nanao would be coming by soon to discuss possible joint activities between the two associations.
Eighth Squad. Shunsui had invited Ukitake over for dinner and they reminisced about their days in the Academy.
Ninth Squad. The squad was strangely silent, a self-imposed discipline since Vice-Captain Hisagi Shuhei was not around.
Tenth Squad. Silence again. No cries of "Matsumoto!" rang through the corridor in pursuit of paper work undone.
Eleventh Squad. Silent yet still, and the usual taint of killer intent had diminished. Kenpachi and Yachiru still had not returned from the Rukongai.
Twelth Squad. Walled, shut, cold. Nemu looked out the window and saw Soifon and nodded. Soifon nodded in return. "Nemu, shut the window and come back in." "Yes, Mayuri-sama." The window closed.
Thirteenth Squad. Kiyone had gone to look for her sister.
The woods in the Rukongai, on a hillock, around an unmarked grave. Komamura stood, somber. Hisagi Shuhei sat on a log next to him, strumming a mournful tune ever so softly on the guitar he had brought back from the real world. Their thoughts went out to Tosen together.
Back into Seireitei and the sakura grove. Soifon sat on the grass and curled up, tucking her legs under her chin. Her thoughts went out to Yoruichi in Karakura Town.
Karakura Town. Yoruichi tucked into her dinner with great satisfaction, praising Jinta and Ururu for the meal. Urahara and Tessai grinned.
And Soifon felt alone, the cascading petals her only companions. So alone.