Chapter 03: Strands of the Past
Rin Usagi, Division 02, Lieutenant
The First Division headquarters were intensely cold. I shivered involuntarily, waiting for the captains' meeting to get over. I didn't need to speculate about what was happening inside. The business with that unknown combatant had shaken quite a few of the second division members. I didn't know much, but there was too much gossip around to be ignored-and gossip tended to skyrocket in Seireitei. For a military based structure, gossip can be a very dangerous thing- one wrong word here and there can endanger missions and lives; or provoke action which was costly. But I admit, it made things more interesting, more bearable. Dispelling people's notions was something I loved to do, but I would never openly admit to it.
People called me reserved. I was not shy, just did not talk much. When I did, it was amongst a certain few. After Omaeda, the lieutenant before me, was sent to the northern wall to become the twin guardian of the gate- soul society had two at every gate now- I was instantly taken in by Captain Soifon. She often claimed she saw some of herself in me- I didn't see it, apart from the reserved nature. I could say I'm something of a veteran of stealth, considering my upbringing and extensive training in the Onmitsukido. My Zanpakuto was openly like me, moody, reserved and prone to sudden bursts of emotion in situations which warranted it. It was also stealth based, and I believe it was also one of the reasons why Soifon-taicho even picked me as the lieutenant. But looking back at things, I hadn't really done much in terms of valour- my power and my foes came in equal measures. But yesterday, I felt that assassinating that...man, if I may, would've been very difficult. For one, his movements were very odd; random, it was impossible to follow him. The next thing was the way in which some of my squad members died while trailing him- from the human side of our intelligence, it was a bullet which killed sixth seat Fukada. It had some curious engravings, which may have been responsible for his death, but to think that a human weapon could destroy a Shinigami was frightening. I had given my briefing, and Soifon Taicho was inside, handling most of the investigations. The man had fled into Inuzuri, his presence had all but vanished even as we rushed to Fukada's aid. I had also heard that this was one of the suspicious unknowns spotted in Rukongai, in the other district manned by some sixth division officers. I'd cursed them illogically for letting him slip, holding them somehow responsible for Fukada's death, but then I desisted. The sixth had...people which I did not want to deal with or think of now. My personal biases were getting in my way of their judgment- I never really like their high handed attitudes- but then again, the 2nd division wasn't weak, and knew their jobs. Fukada's death had been a result of his own lack of caution, he had engaged the figure without any warning. Not many knew what happened next as his corpse was randomly flung into full view from one of the alleys.
A soul reaper's job had the monotony of danger, despite the very nature of danger itself. I remembered my days at the academy, and remembered, that I was much more lively then. Death affected me a thousandfold more at the academy. I liked those emotions, remembering them. Something withered and died, although, the night when that death occurred. I held none other than Murakami responsible. His actions were- cowardly, despicable. He didn't even act, he just-
The door swung open. I thought no more. The past was no more. Why trouble myself? Soifon taicho stood in the door, looking at me and the rest of the second division members impassively, as though a meeting had not occurred, and she had just gotten out of a casual tea ceremony.
"Lieutenant Usagi, you gave an admirably detailed account of the events, after which their arguments did cease considerably. For that I thank you."
I kept my head lowered. The Onmitsukido takes everything nonchalantly, even as somewhere inside, I had a knowing smile.
"Now as to the plan of action. Following the death of Sixth seat Fukada, and the unknown nature of our opponent, captain Yamamoto has ordered a full sweep in the districts by no less than three complete divisions. Division 2, division 13 and division 6 will conduct wide scale searches in combined squads of 4 for maximum efficiency. The lieutenants and third seats will create a vanguard of 6 individuals for areal sweeps and respire directly to their captains as a powerful and swift information conduit. These six are also determined to be capable at holding their own in the face of an adversary, and will stall for help in case any is needed. The full briefing of areas to be covered et al will be given tomorrow, at 0600 hrs. Any questions?"
I swore inwardly. I did not want to work in a terse environment, especially where division 6 was concerned. I had just stopped thinking about that, but here was Murakami, working with me involuntarily. Fate had it's moments, after all, and I could not be immature and forbid this arrangement. I merely nodded and said "Hai!" with the others.
"Dismissed. You've all earned your rests. I do not want to see anyone at less than their hundred percent tomorrow, is that clear?"
"Hai, taicho!"
My way back to the division quarters was full of stray thoughts and probable ways of avoiding all interaction. Then, Isana, the third seat caught up with me. I don't know whether it was just me, but I believed there were more women in the Onmitsukido. Perhaps something to do with the captain. She was a special friend, and both of us had pursued the same goal of being in the Onmitsukido. I had shared most of my life as I knew it, from district 9 to the academy, to the 2nd division, to now with her. I supposed I was lucky to have some constants in my life, especially desirable ones.
"So, Murakami'll be working with us." As usual, no trash talk from her, which was exactly the way I preferred it.
"Yes, unfortunately."
"I've heard he's become somewhat more capable now. It won't be so bad."
"Look, Isana, you do know exactly what problems I have, I don't need to rehash them."
Isana was a dark skinned, pretty girl who was roughly my age. Her eyes were the colour of honey, and her hair was a midnight black, closely cropped to her neck. Those eyes now were looking into mine.
"You have a huge problem, Rin. You don't realise how much he has suffered too-and how he feels about that time.
"I have never denied it. And I am not treating him unfairly for it- someone died, Isana. I cannot forgive anyone for that, for not answering that cry for help. All his thoughts were consumed by the desire to flee!"
"That was a while ago. We weren't that powerful; fear is a natural emotion."
She was getting under my skin and simultaneously trying to convince me.
"Look- I'm not going to forget the face of that girl. We had one Menos Grande as our opponent. And he, despite all his bragging and high handedness in the exams, did not deliver. The little girl died on our watch- no, then, it was only my watch, as he had fled from the location."
I tensed, as I always did when I remembered that night. I could rationalise his behaviour in my head, I could. But what I could not do was simply forget that. The human face is very powerful, and that girl's terror was so stark on her face that I knew that all my words simply echoed off her now blank ears. On the other hand, his face showed a terror of yet another variety- alarm and self-preservation were the two things on his mind. He, in his instinct, simply froze and let the animal who told him to flee take over. His sympathy overridden, his skills useless and his blade sheathed, he was nothing but a cornered rat who managed to scamper to safety. Strong thoughts, strong words. I didn't want to mince them.
"All right, I'm not going to discuss this further." Isana's voice streamed in my head, butting through my reverie.
I gave her a wan smile. "Thanks for that."
"But just think about it okay? He felt rather strongly about you. Probably still does. Think of that, and think of some better times. I can't simply dismiss the gravity of that situation, but I can tell you not to permanently mire yourself in the past."
That was a tough one. "I'll try." I managed, not promising anything. The rest of the journey was spent in noticeable silence, increasing the weight of the situation we often found ourselves dealing with.
The division two headquarters are as silent as a grave. As all members are trained in the stealthy arts, most footfalls go unnoticed, even as many, many Shinigami interact behind closed doors and in hushed conversations. Covert behaviour was something of a norm, rather than the rule. People visiting the headquarters are often taken aback by presences behind them, especially the inexperienced ones. Isana nodded to me, and headed up to her room. I simply slid the shoji door; I was somewhat upset, and entered my room. It was small and hospitable. More to the point, it had a spectacular view of the Shinra mountainscape dominating the backside, in the curved wall between division one and two. I directed my Reiatsu into the two lamps which then levitated and glowed, a soft, pale yellow tint. I slouched into the bed, then, my Zanpakuto beside me.
Sakayaki no Tsuki was her name. When I first obtained Shikai, the standard nameless katana changed into a sword with ceremonial decorations. The hilt was matte black, with an interwoven gold thread, and the cross-guard was shaped into the form of a gold discus, with four edges. It was a beautiful sword, but that was never its purpose. It seemed like it was born to assassinate, and just like one of those broody, introspective rogues who bide their time, my Zanpakuto would only speak to me after a veritable amount of concentration. I had long realised, that it was the nature of our relationship. Today seemed to be one of those days where she felt the need to communicate, since my inner world was probably in disarray.
"Young one, your troubles are but worth a trifle. Why concern yourself with such mundanities? The world I inhibit trembles with uncertainty and indecision."
I sighed. Talking to her was also something of an ordeal.
"I do not know how to fully purge my mind of these stray thoughts, Tsuki-hime." Tsuki hime was the name she preferred, of all the nicknames one could possibly bestow.
"Indeed. For you are foolish. Your concerns needn't affect our functioning, but the fact that you admit to your shortcomings is worthy of praise. Sublimate these thoughts away. Dedicate yourself to duty. Serve with dedication, and attain power, power which enables you to create circumstances instead of coping with them. That, little one, is the essence of power."
I sighed. Serve, dedicate, obey, power- such heavy words. But I bore them, as they were my being itself. My soul was cumbersome.
"I will surely attempt to do that."
Tsuki-hime seemed to be retreating. There was a brief lull, even as the hell butterfly came a calling into my room.
"Second division, assemble in the courtyard. There is an instant assassination chance, which will be co-ordinated by the second division in tandem with the sixth, who will provide backup and recon. This is an order, to be followed without any delay. I repeat..."
The rest of the repeated order never registered, as I tightened my obi and plates. Tsuki was firmly sashed, and a flash step signalled my absence from the room.
My thoughts as I raced towards the courtyard were that of how to maintain a calm demeanour. The chatter in the courtyard did not help. I blurred through the ranks and ranks of unseated second division officers, finally taking my rightful place at the helm, just next to Isana. Captain Soifon's voice was clear, and brisk.
"Onmitsukido! This is going to be an instantaneous assassination! To drill the concept into the heads of those who have never experienced it, I am going to give you a brief recap. Captain Tessai Tsukabishi- she gestured to the giant of the Kido Master next to her- is going to use the spatial displacement forbidden Kido to teleport 10 individuals. The rest will follow ASAP by flash stepping speedily to the given destination, Inuzuri. An instantaneous assassination is where we garner control of the terrain, the target and the environment, speedily dispatching the intended mark via methods which have been taught, or ingenious ones. It is extempore in nature; hence I will be taking a team of seasoned seated officers. Is that clear?!"
"Hai, taicho!"
"Usagi, take point! I will provide backup for this one, along with the rest of the seated officers! Any questions?"
My shock was only preceded by my ingrained discipline.
"Just one, taicho. The method I'm about to adopt, what if it fails?"
"Then we engage the enemy head on! The sixth is mobilising as we speak!"
She looked around. "We don't have time. The team from Division Five are dwindling in number! Let us not let this opportunity slip!"
Tessai Tsukabishi stepped forward. His voice boomed, shattering the momentous reverie.
"Captain, Seats one through ten! Assemble in the glowing circle, please."
I smiled inwardly. The man was so controlled; his manners were simply not dulled by circumstance. I stepped into a circle, which began humming and bleeding a bright Teal colour. Arcane symbols danced around in concentric circles as he began his incantation, his hands ablaze with Reiatsu.
"The chariot of the Purple sky, the ethereal hum of permanence. The rift in the unerring, relentless passage of time."
The circle began churning, distorting. I could feel a sheet of Reiatsu cling to me like gelatin.
"The seven senses, the violation of natural law! The all-consuming desire to break the covenant! Oh kami, grant my wish!"
I could feel my essence distorting, if I had an essence to speak of. My skin was fizzing with the intensity of a lightning cloud.
"Alter the fabric of space, and transmute one reality to another! Forbidden Kido #02: Spatial Displacement!"
His hands clapped together, one final time, as a flash of white assaulted my senses. The last thing I saw was the fading outline of Tessai Tsukabishi, his face contorted as he maintained focus.