28: Accusations

What, am I worth talking to now?

The words left Sakura stunned and speechless. For years, she had thought that she would never speak to her zanpakuto, but her fears were lifted as the mist slowly dwindled into nothing, revealing a tall cherry tree. Its branches were laden with blossoms of all colors, ranging from pure white to deep cerise. Petals fluttered down from between the branches, landing in the soft bed of emerald grass that tickled her bare toes. Sakura inhaled deeply, breathing in the sweet scent of cherry blossoms before her gaze trailed up the trunk of the tree and finally landed on a young girl sitting in the topmost branches.

Sakura's first thought was that she was completely adorable. Tresses of her long pink hair danced in the wind as she sat in the blossom-laden tree. She wore a plain white yukata with a red sash that matched her eyes, which were currently narrowed as she peered down from her perch, scrutinizing Sakura. Well? You finally decided to show up after all these years, Kuchiki…-sama?" The honorific was added after a pause, her voice mocking and cruel.

Maybe she wasn't so adorable after all.

"Kiriaiseika, I…" Sakura paused, unsure of what she wanted to say. What could she possibly say to appease the angry zanpakuto spirit?

Haven't you thought of anything to say? You've only had what, a century to think about it? Maybe you should come back in another few decades. Another century, maybe. I don't want to hear you stuttering all over your words in order to come up with some sorry excuse. Don't waste my time.

Anger flared up in Sakura. "Don't waste your time? You were the one who wouldn't respond when I tried contacting you in the beginning!"

Maybe I shouldn't have responded at all then.

"Maybe you shouldn't have."

Fine then.

And in a flurry of petals, the zanpakuto spirit disappeared.

A/N: Because I am a horrible person, I'm putting up two chapters today. I kind of wrote them in a rush though, so if you see any mistakes, kindly inform me. I kind of neglected to proofread...

Review, if you please! :D