Fleeting Sakura Arc
Chapter 3:
The power you hold
Sophie doesn't expect anyone to arrive that day early from their job. The weather is good enough and this is the busiest day of the week for any worker. So, she dares to do hers back at their house, with no second thoughts or hesitation. The decision comes with a flick of a finger, boldly and the blonde finds herself soon enough in the shadow of the hut.
Is this immoral? Not in this part of town. Would her roommates be upset, if they find out? Maybe a little. Does she care? Not so much.
She needs the money, as much as anyone else in this place does.
Heavy breathing fills her ears, hot breath fans over her face. She struggles to ignore the pounding in her head from the heat, the way she can barely breathe with the stench of the man above her. He is one of those customers. The kind who crush her under their weight, cover her face and mouth with their large, sweaty hands and hold her down without much of a word. They do not care if air doesn't move in and out of her lungs, nor how many bruises they will end up giving her.
It is insufferable. These types of people usually pay less or none at all, after they are finished with her. Sophie prefers the first option, it would make this worth it. Although, she is used to feeling disappointed.
But somehow, today, she doesn't mind the rough treatment. Something how her blood flow is slowed down by the hands squeezing her limbs like a twig is soothing. Ha. I must have lost it. She wants to fully laugh at the ridiculous thought, but only manages a small smile, while staring up at the ceiling with a blank look in her eyes.
This place truly has broken her.
Another tug at her lower region reminds the blonde where she is at. She blinks, concentrating on letting out lewd noises form her throat, despite feeling nothing close to pleasure. It is like a big, clumsy meat sack is merely laying on top of her. A sack with hands that pull her hair harshly.
"D-don't… move," he grumbles and lets her head fall back down with a 'thud'.
It is then that she sees her.
The dark-haired woman is standing by the door. Although, 'door' is not the correct word. It is merely a tattered fabric used as a cover. It does little to snuff out the noises from the inside and isn't even fully closed. The last fact allows anyone a small window to what is happening.
Sophie freezes, the man doesn't notice and continues. Whatever relaxation she was beginning to gain from all of this fades.
A single grey eye stares right into her dark brown ones. That single gaze stops time and leaves the naked woman breathless. However, before she can think what to do – either ignore the eavesdropper or stare boldly back at her – the man slams harshly into her.
"Ah!" She gasps, but the familiar hand covers her mouth. She closes her eyes, not wanting him to see or figure out that they are watched.
It is better this way.
The sound of wet slapping continues on. Despite her curiosity whether anyone is still standing outside or not, Sophie keeps her eyes closed. She will deal with what comes later. This man will not last much longer, she can tell.
Finally, he finishes and withdraws from her. He is panting and lays down on the ground next to her. He looks like a dead fish there. The only small comfort from the bare ground is a thin mat. It is battered with dark spots of dirt and holes, just like the blonde woman laying on it. The red spots all over the skin have started to blossom into bruises.
The man stands up, gathers up his clothes and throws a small sack of coins to where he laid just a moment ago. And like a hungry child out in the streets, Sophie reaches out and pulls it close to her chest. It isn't much, but it is something, and better than nothing.
He leaves and she is left alone… or so she thinks.
"Sorry," a quiet, almost barely noticeable voice speaks from the door.
Sophie stiffens, but then quickly covers herself with the nearest kimono. She is not sure why she is acting so hasty. It isn't like she feels ashamed of what she has done.
"No need. I didn't know that you would come home early," saying that she gathers up her blonde hair and starts tying it back from her sweaty face.
The other woman stays silent, but then she walks over and sits down. Or, she rather slumps down. From beneath the hem of her kimono, red scrapes across her knees become visible.
Light eyebrows frown. "Did something happen?"
"No," she looks down at her damaged skin, not attempting to hide it. "I just fell while working. Genji-san got angry because one of the jars fell and broke."
"And that is why you are back early?" Sophie asks and when she receives a nod a tired sigh escapes from her lips. "That old man – you should learn to stand up to him. If you speak up your mind, he won't kill you, you know. That man is all bark and no bite."
"I know," she nods and then looks up at her. "He just said that if I wasn't in the mood for work, then I should leave."
The two stare at one another. Truly, they are different in every aspect possible. One has been defiled beyond measure and even a moment ago, yet still has a bright spark in her eyes like nothing ever happened. Sophie is younger than the other but still feels, as if it is the other way around.
Mira's eyes are dull grey. They haven't shone with light nor does Sophie believe that she is all right in the head either. It is like the woman is constantly under some trance or is looking right through everything she sees. Even now, her gaze bores straight into the blonde's, not wavering or blinking for a moment. It is the gaze of a dead animal. The kind which has been shot before its time and left to rot. The description might sound dramatic, but that is merely how Sophie has seen Mira since the day they met.
Frankly, she isn't sure, if those thin and small lips can even form a smile, let alone smirk.
"Do you feel disgusted?" Sophie finally asks and covers her chest further.
At last, Mira blinks. "Yes."
She is honest.
It doesn't bother the blonde. This is a refreshing answer compared to all the others she has received. "Yeah, sorry about that. I will inform you in the future if I decide to invite customers here."
She merely nods and then walks over to her small corner. There is only one basket there, holding everything the dark-haired woman owns, which isn't much.
It is only when she watches her back Sophie realizes something. If Mira was unused to seeing the acts of intimacy between a prostitute and customer, then she would react more violently. At least, a small spark of disdain would have shown on her face. Despite her eyes being almost dead, there have been occasions when she has shown some emotion on her features. Also, there is the smell. Anyone who hasn't been in a room where people have had sex just a moment ago would wrinkle their noses, at least.
Mira turns back towards her and holds out a towel. A bit surprised, the blonde takes the thing quietly and starts wiping herself from sweat. However, when the other woman stands up and walks towards the door again, she pauses.
"Are you used to this?"
She actually halts in her steps. From the way, the sun streams in the sweat glittering on the back of her short hair is obvious.
"Used to what?" She asks back without turning around.
"Well… prostitution," Sophie clarifies, turning to sit more comfortably. But after there is a dragging silence, she regrets asking. "Um, sorry. Forget I asked."
However, to her surprise, Mira turns to fully face her. "I am used to seeing it. I… had a friend once who did the same as you do."
"Really?" This is another surprise. Mira doesn't talk about her past much. "You were friends with her while you were alive?"
Using the term 'when you were alive' sounds strange even to Sophie's mouth. But that is pretty much how she and others call it. What else were they doing down in that place, not here in the Soul Society, but living their lives?
It is barely audible, but the grey-eyed woman's face twitches. She looks down at the ground. "Something like that…"
Again, Sophie regrets asking.
"But…" Mira continues slowly, raising her head. "I can't judge you, Sophie."
For the first time, there is something else besides emptiness in those eyes of hers. They have a tiny spark in them, and the edges are starting to turn red. Her cheeks flush a bit and slowly the corners of her mouth turn up.
Sophie nearly drops her towel from the sight of the weak smile.
"There is nothing wrong about wanting to survive. You are just doing it the best way you know how."
I do remember what happened when my eyes open.
The vivid images flash in my memories together with a significant sensation of hot throbbing on my cheek. Overall, though, there is little pain and soreness in my limbs. There is nothing tying them down and I am momentarily glad for that. The last thing I want is to be held back more than I already am.
The room I am in is a cell. Sophie sits next to me, long bangs covering her features from my view. The only downside is that there are bars separating the two of us.
Immediately, my mouth opens. "Soph – "
"Well," she cuts me off, voice much clearer than mine, "that could have gone better."
Confused by the sound of her cheery tone in such a glum environment, I frown and sit up slowly. This place is the town's make-up prison, the place I was locked up only yesterday. The sight of it brings my mood down and the familiar smell starts to set in after looking around a bit. Thankfully, this side of the entire draggy-block-of-a-building is cleaner compared to the last time's experience.
Still, though… the dirt is clinging to both of us. To our clothes, hair, skin, both from the struggle we went through and sprawled out on this cell's ground. I am certain the latter is more because I was literally thrown in here while unconscious. There is no way I could have gotten in this kind of state only by brawling a bit.
I wince, hand twitching towards my face where the throbbing continues. This is where I was struck before everything went blank, the spot which without a doubt has a blooming bruise forming on it.
Human's jaw is not built to bite deep into the muscle. There's not enough biting power for that in their bone structure. Still, it has enough power to make the rows of teeth break through the thin layer of surface skin all the way to the point where blood is drawn.
Still, even while knowing this, the disturbing taste of metal suddenly invading my mouth is startling. The flesh the points of my teeth have sunk into is soft and fills my nostrils with the stench of sweat. The body my limbs are wrapping around tightly is struggling, the vibration of a scream rattling against my face burrowed into the stranger's neck. The rate of my heartbeat rises from the slight fear of falling off and I sink my nails deeper and through the thick fabric of black sleeves.
Pressure gathers up inside my skull, the blood in my own veins is rushing forward. The noises mix together and the world blurs…
All the voices are brought to a stop when a fist connects with the side of my face. Bright yellow stars fill my vision – can't believe that that is even possible – teeth-rattling before everything grows black.
The memory sends a chill down my spine.
If that was all it took for me to fall into unconsciousness, I wonder how I have been able to survive until now. Fool's luck. The words echo inside my rattled-up brain and my hands tighten unconsciously into fists. This is the exact kind of feeling I should be experiencing – regret. Not for defending Sophie the way I had, but for not really thinking what could have come out of all of that.
In the end, I only aggravated the man further and got what I was asking for… but so did he. I wasn't really thinking back there. I barely remember all the details clearly. The only thing imprinted deeply into my memory if the sensation of thrill and anger, as I had bitten down on his neck. Just like an animal.
I haven't gained anything from attacking that Soul Reaper, but…
"Sophie-chan, are you hurt?"
At least I am here with a friend.
She blinks at me owlishly and then frowns, pointing at her face. "Me? You should take a look in the mirror. That bruise has swelled up."
"Yeah," I let out a deep sigh, shoulders slumping and lay back down, not caring whatever new dirt soils me. Careful to avoid any more pressure on any damage done on others part of the body, I also turn to my side, watching the blonde through the bars. "So, what did they want?"
Sophie's eyes widen and then narrow, before settling her gaze down on her lap. This time, her frown is small, almost invisible. "It… they just barged into Keisuke-kun's house – "
An image of one of our neighborhood's men – a customer of hers – pops into my head. "Oh, the one you spend the night with?"
"Who else?" She asks sharply, brown eyes whirling to me in a second. It's like her neck could snap from the speed of it and I flinch. It's not out of fear, though, but surprise. She must realize how unexpected the reaction she just gave is and looks back down. "Some rat or other gave a word to the Soul Reapers that they saw someone – that would be me – sneaking into his house. Seeing as they have been keeping rather strict order lately, I guess we shouldn't have been surprised, but…" she trails off, lips forming a thin line.
The expression she wears is the kind anyone would wear if deeply bothered. But it's not only that. The thin line of her mouth turns into a wrinkled surface as her teeth sink into the lower lip. The sight of it reminds me of the time when my teeth sank into the Soul Reaper's flesh.
I follow her gaze's line of direction and end up peeking through other bars to see other people huddled up in other cells. There is one man laying just on the other end of Sophie's, but he has stayed so immobile that you can't almost see him without paying close attention. The steady rhythm of his shoulders falling and rising tell that he's alive. They all are by the looks of it.
Coming to realize we are not alone in here, my voice lowers automatically. "Do they suspect us of something?"
A snort. "'Us'? After the stunt you just pulled, you are definitely under heavy suspicion."
On the opposite end of the room, someone chortles. "Yeah, 'lil missy. Your friend is pretty spot on there."
"Outsiders should butt out," Sophie hisses without missing a beat and scoots closer, also toning down her volume. "Anyway, you should really be lucky they didn't chop your limbs off while sleeping. A few have been dragged out a while back and they haven't returned," she whispers, voice growing into a slight pitch by the end. Her tanned skin seems to lose a few shades. "They took Keisuke-kun, too."
Akemichi Kumotetsu.
The name of the person that has no face pops into my head. The Soul Reapers have gone through all these precautions to catch this one mysterious person – for what? Whoever he is, it's mostly because of him that I have landed in trouble thrice and now even Sophie has been dragged down with me. Not to mention all of these other people.
There is no question that the objective of this confinement is to catch him. What is incoherencies is how this is going to help the search, if at all. Gathering everyone who is suspicious like this… it's like alerting the real suspect to go back into hiding.
"They will question us," the statement is out of my mouth before I can fully think through everything. "Just answer truthfully whatever it is they want to know."
"Of course they will question us, but then what?" Sophie sighs and leans against the wall. "But – ugh! Why can't they just leave us alone!? Is it that fun to bully our district or what? Gosh! Just wait. When I get out of here, those loose-lipped fools will have some answering to do."
"If they are even planning on letting us out," another man from the other cell quips up, unhelpfully.
"Nobody asked you!" The blonde snaps and turns back to me, lowering her voice even further. "I truly thought they were preparing for our execution – scared the shit out of me. I have lost years of my life here! Not to mention those guys have ruined one of my good kimonos… I knew I should have changed last night and – ugh! My hair is just a mess! I can't wait to get out of here and…"
Her ranting continues on and on in small quick whispers. Not once she appears to be ready to stop, but that is precisely why a frown starts tugging the corners of my lips down. No matter how normal or angry she acts, Sophie's fear of what happened is still rather obvious. Both of us share a quirk where we start ranting whenever we are overwhelmed or nervous. All of those emotions are rather obvious with her body language. The fingers covered in dirt keep on fiddling with either the long hair or sleeves.
The others aren't showing the fear as obviously with movement, but the grim faces shadowed by the dim light of a candle do say something. Among all these expressions, there is me. The one who stares from the side, not letting out any internal turmoil or terror. It's like I am just like a small pebble laying on the ground – plain, simple. Yet, there is a lump forming in the back of my throat at a quick rate.
Frankly, we can only wish to get out of here at some point, whether we comply with the Soul Reapers or not. The thought of staying in here forever is gut-wrenching.
It may be from the fact that I have been locked up in here once before – which was only yesterday – but I truly appear the calmest of anyone present. However, that is not the case on what is going through my mental state at the moment.
There is no escape.
Whatever Sophie is speaking of, it all goes over my head. Slowly, the line of direction of my eyes drops from the ceiling to my hands – they are unconsciously clenching the side of my clothes. Any kind of sense of calmness or relief is replaced by this cold chill which travels from the tip of my toes to the top of my head. The way the hairs on my body stand up could be from the uneasiness in the air.
I must have claustrophobia. That's the only explanation why the longer I keep on laying where I am, the more I feel like everything has started spinning. And strangely enough, there is a small urge to curl into a tiny ball bubbling within me.
"Alright! Next one!" The door to the shack is slammed open – the walls jangle from the force – and more light floods in. Nobody laying in the cells appears ecstatic, though. They feel the opposite and huddle far back against the walls.
Much like everyone else, Sophie scrambles back and I soon follow. Although the fear is not too evident on my face – it is frozen into a blank mask. Stiffly, I lift my hands to fit between the bars and let the other girl grip them tightly against hers. We seek comfort from one another, already sinking sensations forming at the bottom of our guts.
I recognize the Soul Reaper who has come to claim the next victim. That patched side of the neck is all the evidence one needs to connect him as the one I bit in the middle of the street. Probably recognizing him as well, Sophie tightens her hold on my hands to the point it is painful for both of us.
As soon as our eyes meet, a sadistic smirk spreads on his gruff and scratched up face. "You will do."
"You know, I don't really think you guys have any legal rights to harm me."
Around twenty to thirty minutes into me arriving into a room on the edge of the wall, serving as a temporary base for my jailors, this is what comes out of my mouth. A second later after stating the pathetic attempt to save myself, I want to grab a time machine, go back ten seconds and punch myself on the face. Honestly, it is a shock that I don't stutter, but there are possibly a million other things that I could say.
As if thinking the same thing, the man sitting on the other end of a small table raises his eyebrow. "You do realize that you are in no position to make such claims?"
"…Yeah. Sorry, I am nervous," I manage out with a tone mirroring uncomfortableness.
"It is quite alright. The last one before you was worse."
"Oh. Well, that's kind of a relief."
Someone in the corner clears his throat and I almost jump from my seat. The Soul Reaper facing me barely bats an eyelash, instead directing his gaze towards his comrade in what appears exasperation. The burly man with the patch on his neck is the very reason why I have mostly been cowering and unable to focus on this interrogation. Surprisingly, nobody has gotten physically aggressive, yet.
A shiver travels down my spine, I do not dare to glance to the side. The bruise on my face aches enough as it is. The quicker I answer the questions, the quicker I could get out of here – or they will just beat me half to death before dumping me into some random street – and go back to get Sophie. I have not yet gathered how I will get through the latter but would work on it once this fiasco is over. If I am alive by then.
The man glaring at me – he is making the leering too obvious – and the hairs on the back of my neck keep on standing up.
"Quit chatting with her so casually and continue with the questions already," he growls out, settling back into leaning against the wall with his thick arms crossed across his chest.
Oh boy, did I make a mistake attacking him earlier today. Whatever supernatural abilities I gained at the time to just run and claw him, those are gone now.
"Fine, fine," the other man raises his arms in surrender and turns back to me. "Alright then," he sighs, and I gladly keep my ears open for his next words. "I want you to list out the locations you were at yesterday – from morning till night."
Oookay… My eyebrows knit together, heartbeat rising. "I was going to work – I work at a small stand selling water in the east part of the district. My employer is called Genji."
He scribbles it all down with vigor not expected from someone appearing passive the entire time. I push away the bafflement I feel and swallow thickly. That is it – just stay calm and tell the truth.
"Give a more detailed description of the location."
"The shop is near the large river crossing through the district, up on a hill leading to one of the main markets. We get our water supply from there and later clean it."
"What time did you leave work?" He continues, even though the subtle pause of his hand is hard to ignore.
"Around noon, which was pretty early compared to how I am usually able to leave only around the evening," I mutter the last part more to myself than to him. "But the business was not going well yesterday, so we closed the shop. Then, I went back home briefly – "
"Is there anyone who can confirm this?"
"What? That I was home?" A nod later I bite my lower lip. "No – but there are few who can confirm that I was at the marketplace after going to buy dinner. There is a man called Ken who sells vegetables – he saw me and can confirm it. There were also other Soul Reapers there who questioned me – "
A scoff. "Do you think that we can remember the face of every random person we question on the street?"
The snippy question sparks irritation and I finally muster some courage to look at the man in the corner. "Yes. I would at least hope so. Considering that they are the ones who dragged me away and put me into a cell I was in a little while ago."
"Then you must have done something to deserve it," he retaliates, smirking in triumph from getting me into a corner.
My face burns. One reason for that is how I am being humiliated here. He wasn't there, he doesn't know what took place and… the words just keep on sticking to my throat. Luckily, the shadow cast by the desk should cover my clenching hands. Somehow, this know-it-all and accusing attitude are a bit similar to a certain black-haired boy.
The one who is supposed to deliver the questions clears his throat. "What was the reason for the arrest and when were you released?"
"Assuming she was released."
"I was," I state confidently and bite my tongue from further saying anything. "They released me by sunset, and I walked all the way back to my house. It is on the other side of the district from my workplace, so I arrived pretty late. My two roommates were still up and waiting for me. Understandably, because I had been spending hours in a stinking cell, I also smelled and this disturbed one of them to the point that she left to sleep in someone else's home."
At this point, my mouth is dry. The memories just keep on crashing their full weight onto my shoulders. For the second time, I look at the man I had bitten and frown to the point my facial muscles ache. His jaw tightens visibly from the obvious sharp look he receives.
"She, together with the person she stayed with, were arrested this morning… My roommate was the blonde woman among the group you tied up today and one of you was a bit rough with her," I slow down, letting the message linger in the room.
The Soul Reaper's eyes flash. He knows now to whom I am referring to.
The other man, though, has no idea what transpired this morning. "It appears that you assaulted one of us when we were busy gathering up the suspects. I would like to hear the reasons for this."
"As I said – my friend was treated wrongly," a mild description, "and I… might have reacted quite strongly to that."
The gruff and murderous look from the corner is ignored.
"Assault against Soul Reapers is a punishable offense."
A chill, the back of my throat tightens. "And what of harassing people in the district? I don't really know how keeping order in Soul Society works, but I know one thing for certain: we have barely been explained a thing about your business here and you come and – "
Calm. Like the body has a mind of its own, my teeth clamp down on my tongue firmly. It keeps whatever frogs I was about to croak out from continuing forward. This place isn't another alley out in the open, nor are these people mere thugs who I could shake off or rile up carelessly. This time around, there isn't some cloud of anger muffling up the voice of reason. Get a grip!
"Fine, I understand your point," is what I end up saying. The ends of my blunt fingers dig into my palms.
If the change in demeanor is surprising or pleasant, the man doesn't let it show. "I am glad that you do. However, if you promise to continue this questioning without any difficulties, we might overlook this…" he glances at his comrade, "incident."
A smirk nearly forms on my lips. "Yes, sir."
Ugh! The tip of my tongue tastes sour from the unusual polite form of speaking. I haven't even talked that much yet and I already feel like puking. This type of thing is what Hisana is far more suited for.
"So, you weren't merely thinking, when attacking one of us this morning?"
"Yes."
"You mentioned your friend being among the retained – give us information regarding her."
The questioning and answering go on without a hitch this time around. They ask more about my job, what I do for a living, the people I know and interact with, those who can verify the claims and so on. Hisana and Sophie are brought up more than once and my throat keeps on tightening with every word. It is like a small pressure has become agitated from the constant silence and terse atmosphere and is ready to explode.
It is infuriating. The smell of dirt and heat gathering up in the damp room is a hindrance. The faint stench of sweat and feces is revolting. And three people are in here, one forced against her own will and two others squinting her under their brooding gazes. It becomes too much to the point I do not even find the scratch marks and bandage on the man standing in the corner amusing anymore. Rather, I want to get out of the bindings locking my arms together – yes, they tied me up before bringing me here – and run through that one door.
Maybe I should regret the impulse I had this morning… no, that isn't possible. Sophie's distressed face keeps only flashing in my vision.
This is ridiculous – the entire situation, that is.
"Alright, all I need for you to do is point out the location of your shop in this map," as he says it, the said map is pulled out of his robes and spread across the table. My eyes immediately narrow down on the familiar twisty line – the river.
I lean over the paper drawing and place my finger down on one point. "I think it is here. This shape of the river is familiar."
"Okay, I think this is enough for now," the man finally sighs with a nod and closes scroll he has been scribbling on. "Take her back."
"Right," the other Soul Reaper nods and walks towards me.
Back? Something within my gut drops, it is the very sensation of dread. "Wait. Can't I just leave? I answered all of your questions."
The protest on my part is ignored and in a second my arm is seized. A painful shot runs the length of it from the crushing grip, and I stifle an urge to stomp down on the man's foot. The moment we begin to walk towards the door, fear settles into my gut.
"The location you showed us is where a corpse was discovered a while back," he finally answers evenly, like talking of the weather.
For the second time, my gut experiences an unpleasant sensation. I remember – it was definitely the body floating down the river, the one whose blood stained the hem of my kimono. That's definitely the same corpse he is talking of.
"So?" I ask dumbly, face tight from tension. "What does that have to do with me?"
"It is suspicious enough that you have been stopped by our ranks before, but even more so…" he trails off, looking back down at the map.
The man dragging me away has paused, allowing me to hear whatever it is about to be said. Still, I have got a bad feeling from this and would even half-prefer leaving. Oh god. They don't actually think that I –
"We can't dismiss the fact that you were near the scene of a crime."
They do!
"You said you will ignore what I did!" Involuntarily, my voice rises a volume.
"Yes, we will ignore today's incident, but not the rest of the allegations."
The blood rushes into my head, panic rising together with my heartbeat. "What allegations!?"
"You obviously have been questioned before, which tells me that your actions earned suspicion – "
I nearly choke on my own spit. Hardly!
"There is also the matter that you work near the crime scenes where bodies have been discovered lately."
That slackens my clenched jaw. The act doesn't go unnoticed by the Soul Reaper and he glances at his partner-in-crime. The latter's hand on my arm tightens a fraction, but it is so little that I don't even notice right away. Flashback crosses my mind, showing every small detail of that one single lump, barely rising above the river's water. This time, he didn't say body, but bodies. Which means, there has been more than one incident at some unknown point.
Impossible. There is no way that anyone could ignore the piling body count in the town. With the small detail that they all focus on one area, it should have sent red flags all over everyone's heads. I should have known – at least a rumor could have been formed from this. Yet, this piece of information comes as a shock.
There may be scoundrels in this place, more than anyone could count with their hands. But not the kind that would leave bodies laying around within such close range to one another. The question still stands, though: how has this been going unnoticed?
No, they have known it.
My jaw clicks shut. The gears in my head start moving. The Soul Reapers are the ones who have been swarming around the place for the past week or more. They are the ones who have been snooping around, sticking their noses into places, kept the people in the district under strict surveillance. It's all so obvious now that my head spins.
They have been hiding this. There hasn't been a word of any other corpse because they have taken care of it.
Akemichi Kumotetsu.
For the first time, the unfamiliar name sounds chilling. There is no confusion left in my mind. He is the one that boy had been after – he is truly the one behind this mess.
"You didn't bite anyone again, did you?"
I give Sophie a brief, dry look and settle back into laying still on the ground, crossing my arms over my face. The act is somewhat comforting. It creates an illusion that I do not exist here. It doesn't make ignoring the pain on my face easier, though.
At the moment, to me, everything sucks.
"Hey, Mira-san, please don't ignore me. This situation is already freaking me out."
I let out a sigh and roll over to my stomach, ignoring the dirt clinging to the clothes. "I know, I know."
"What happened out there? I thought for sure that you wouldn't return," she says the last part more quietly, clearly still rattled up by the fact how I had been dragged away out of nowhere. "They have already taken everyone else. I am definitely the next person in line."
The thought is bittersweet. With luck, they will ignore the comments and information they got out of me regarding Sophie and let her go without a hitch. But somehow, my mind isn't too focused on the well-being of my locked-up roommate, nor how we seem to have been stuck in these cells for hours. What bothers me is what I have learned from the questioning.
The sound of rattling carriage comes from the other side of thin walls.
The few people who had been locked up here previously had familiar faces. They must live in the same area where we do. Others weren't so familiar, but that is an unnecessary fact. What is important is to note where they came from – what part of this district, that is. Now that some of the Soul Reapers' rash actions make a bit more sense, this entire gathering and interrogation could also make sense. They probably haven't just randomly chosen people from around the place and brought them here. No, that would lead them nowhere. All this effort has to mean something – there is already unease from this morning's display out in the open.
They had been frantic. Didn't confirm any given facts of the people they were arresting – not that I would expect them to do so under normal circumstances – nor answer any of the questions. I thought they were just attacking people without any foundation or reason, but… it seems that is wrong, as well.
If they have gathered up suspects from a certain area, it's quite possible there have been other hidden incidents happening there, too. Which means someone could have been killed near our house.
The back of my throat dries up.
"…san? Mira-san!" Sophie calls out from the other side of the bars. "What is wrong now?"
A blink. "H-huh?"
"You went pale," she enlightens and frowns, squinting down at me from her sitting position. "Are you in trouble? Did you say something you shouldn't have?"
"W-well," I stammer, not finding the voice immediately. It is strange. The air has been so hot and unbearably stuffy until now, but goosebumps spread all over my arms. "N-not that I… Sophie-chan, has anyone been missing from our district lately?"
Now, here frown is more obvious in the dark. "Why are you asking? Stop freaking me out already!"
"Just answer the question!"
She flinches, eyes widening. The way I raised my voice even surprises me. I sounded angry, for a second. It was without thinking, too. The words had just snapped out of my chapped mouth as soon as the blonde woman raised her own volume. I am not supposed to sound angry, I should be afraid. Anxious maybe, but… I can't even describe the amount of fear gathering up within my gut.
I inhale deeply, glad that it is only the two of us in here now. "Tell me, is there anyone who you haven't seen as much lately?"
The question could have been formed more gently – who am I kidding? – there is no way it could have been delivered in any other way. Still, it makes Sophie fall into silence for a few moments.
"No, not that I know of."
A silent breath leaves from my lips. It is painfully obvious that relieved expression has formed on my face. I am glad that nobody in Sophie's environment has been disturbed, but who knows if I can trust her words on this. I didn't even know people have been dying left and right until now.
"Good," I finally say, nodding absentmindedly. "That's good."
"Seriously, Mira, what did those men say?" She asks, the lack of 'san' on my name alarming. "I need to know if they are going to throw me back in here if I say something wrong."
"… I think you'll be fine," I say after a pause. "After all, I pissed off one of them, so it is not a big surprise that I am back in here."
"That is true," she says, sobering. "But it isn't like you have done anything wrong. Soul Reapers should be busy enough with… whatever it is that they are doing here in the first place."
It takes a bit of mental strength on my part not to blurt out the core reason for me being sent back in here. I do, however, decide to let my lips loosen a bit. "Sophie-chan, when you get out, go back to Hisana-chan and do not go out during the night. You both should keep your heads low for a while."
"What? I thought we had this conversation already," she mutters. "With you locked up in here the gods know how long, I will have to get back to work. Hisana-chan can't support the two of us with her wages and – shit. I will have to even inform Genji-san of this. Do you know how grumpy that old man can get? He will start yelling at me!"
"Nice to know you are so concerned about an old man having a hissy fit rather than your friend being held captive," I drawl, but smirk a bit from the image of the said old man glaring and spitting at the blonde who stands uncomfortably in the middle of the street. "He can be reasonable enough. I mean, it isn't like he could do anything against Soul Reapers."
Sophie snorts, lightening up the otherwise gloomy atmosphere. "Knowing him, he could yell at whomever he chooses without getting arrested."
We both share a troubled chuckle, half-joking, and half-serious about my employer's fierce temper.
Somewhere in the district, an old man lets out a loud sneeze. Many walking past his stand pause, clearly startled by the sudden sound and the loudness of it.
Genji knits down his bushy brows, crossing his arms. "What!? Ain't nothing to see here!"
Everyone quickly averts their attention back to whatever they were doing – either walking or having a talk with the owner of a rice stand. The old man selling the water huffs, finding the sight of the crowd more than irritating during this sunny weather.
He glances down to the side at an empty spot next to him. It usually has someone to take care of the customers rather than let him deal with "picky money leeches". Genji hates to admit it, but people aren't exactly lining up to buy water from seeing his mug. Where is that girl, when you need her?
"Sophie-chan, did they take Keisuke-kun out already?" I ask when the silence and my rushing thoughts become too unbearable. I have to keep my eyes closed and mind clear to prevent a panic attack. Anything could do as a distraction.
"Hm? Of course. Did you even notice him being taken away?" Sophie asks and there is scraping of her sandals against the ground.
"You don't sound very bothered by it."
"He was crying like a little baby. It was more embarrassing when he begged me to help him," she says nonchalantly and the image it causes makes us both snort. "Are you sure you don't know what happened to other prisoners?"
"They only took me into that temporary space for Soul Reapers' purposes and I didn't see anyone there. I don't think that they did anything to further harm them, though."
A hollow chuckle. "How can you be so sure? That bruise of yours – "
"Yeah, yeah," I grumble, cutting her off and reaching out for the tender and swollen skin of my cheek. "There is a mountain grape on my face, got it."
"It isn't purple yet, just angry red," the blonde comments and then taps on the wooden bars. "Do you think that we could make a run for it?"
My spine stiffens from the calm suggestion and I open my eyes to look at her. I mean, really look at her. It was noticeable when I was led back here, but in this light, with the postures, we are in, the faint redness around her eyes is distinguishable. The scratches she received from rough treatment are also painfully obvious with their same color, but she attempts to hide them by pulling down the sleeves.
The steady tapping of her finger against the bar keeps the silence from growing thicker. I have seen this – it is a habit she commonly uses, when nervous. Somewhat, the sound and sight calm me a bit, as well.
"Don't think so," I sigh heavily and inch closer so that I am leaning against the bars. I sit up so that we are at the same eye-level. "These bars are too thick and sturdy."
She snorts, eyes cringing from the sides weakly. "Thick."
My cheeks flush a bit, but I bite down on my tongue. If she has time for dirty jokes, it might as well calm her down a bit. As for me… at least talking to her like this seems normal, if only I could ignore our separated cells and the prudent smell of human feces.
Suddenly, the expression on Sophie's face freezes and our eyes lock. Without a pause, she leans over so that our faces are as close as the bars allow it. "Mira-san, is that… my perfume I am smelling on you?"
For a second, the words do not make sense. Then, the sight of the blonde's light brows knitting themselves together brings clarity. Despite staying in a dump, sweating constantly from nervousness, rolling in the dirt, it appears that the strong scent of flowery paste has not faded yet.
I stiffen. "U-um… maybe?"
" You used my perfume without permission!? How much of that stuff did you take anyway!? I can smell you from over here, you know!"
Funny. Irritation and teasing revenge was only in my mind this morning, but suddenly I am glad we are in separated cells. The smoothly tanned skin is starting to blossom with red patches.
"Would it help, if I told you that I didn't use pretty much all of it?" I ask finally, meekly, sheepishly and inch away.
"No! It doesn't help!" She suddenly reaches out and claws the air. "Come back here!"
I shake my head. "No, I am good."
"You won't be so good when I get my hands on you! How dare you!? Do you know how much I spent on that perfume alone!"
"You are always saying that it comes cheaply for you! Besides, you left me for Keisuke-kun!"
"Who could have slept with the way you smelled all over the place!?"
"Hisa-chan didn't mind! She stayed!"
"Hisana-chan is a different matter entirely! She is too nice!"
In the middle of our quarrel, we are unable to see how shadow creeps out from behind the battered-up door. Nor hear fully how the lock clicks open. It is only when the entire wooden thing creaks loudly that we both freeze and whip our eyes towards the door. Sophie's expression of annoyance and anger melts into fear, her dark brown eyes quivering. Mine was already close to the latter, but now it goes down even further – I forget how to breathe.
It is the same man. The one I had bitten this morning and who had slapped Sophie across her face. She clearly remembers him too well, because I can see, for a second, how her fisted hands tremble.
He walks past my cell to the blonde's and opens it, gesturing for her to come over. "Get up."
It is a completely different treatment that I received. I was dragged out by him from the arms and then by other men. This type of approach tells me that he doesn't consider the fact that she might jump on him the second his back is turned. Neither do I. She has the capabilities of a frightened kitten at the moment. The way she was just pulled out of a building and tied up together with other people must have been more frightening than I thought.
With a hesitant glance to my direction, she stands up, never breaking the eye contact. I bite my lower lip, tasting a tinge of metal from the dried-up blood. I blink once. You will be fine.
No, I won't, is what her eyes seem to convey to me before turning towards the door of her cell. She moves, steps hesitant and hands guarded at her sides. The stiff position is completely different from the vigor she displayed a moment ago – I don't like it. It is like there has been a switch and she has become a complete stranger.
Well, she is dealing with an authority figure. Not a simple nasty customer. She can't just flip him off and threaten him like she usually would to an ordinary man. There is not a trace of that confident woman left.
It is alright, the voice in my head whispers. She won't be harmed this way. She needs to be compliant.
"What about her?"
The question makes me choke on my own spit. It's suffocated by sheer will alone and I ignore the tingling sensation at the back of my throat. Sophie isn't looking back at me, no matter how much my panicking gaze tries to reach hers.
What is she doing?
The man glances down at her, then at me. Without missing a beat, he wraps a rope around her. "None of your business."
"I know one of your officers. He won't let this go if you do not release both of us."
No, no, no, no! What are you doing!? I want to throttle her. Just a while back she was happily ready to choke me, she could just leave me to rot in here for revenge. This is no time or place for human consciousness or to be a good friend. Sophie should have taken this opportunity to walk away.
Still, my heart swells from her attempt.
The Soul Reaper doesn't appear as touched, though. He raises an eyebrow, skeptic. "Oh, really?"
Sophie's firm face does not falter. "Yes, really. His name is Inuchiyo Takemaru from the Fourth squad."
The man smirks. "Inuchiyo? He is the 31st seat."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning that I rank higher than him. I am the 21st seat."
It's clear that Sophie doesn't understand the meaning of this, nor what is trying to be implied using numbers. She doesn't know what kind of embarrassing situation she has placed herself in. Rather, it's obvious to me where she got acquittanced with a Soul Reaper in her line of the profession – a fact I want to erase from my mind – but even more shocking is that she is trying to use him to persuade our captors for immediate release.
Seeing her confusion, the smirk on the man's face turns nastier. The look he is giving at her is obvious. The gleam in his eyes, the way his fingers shift at his sides. Sophie finally sees it and her back straightens sharply. The confusion fades and her eyes narrow into slits.
I remain on the ground, watching the entire thing through bars and with a lump in my throat.
"You are a prostitute, right?"
The blonde doesn't even flinch from the word, but her voice tightens. "Yes. What about it?"
Oh, no. Automatically, my hand flies up to cover my mouth. The twisting in my gut worsens. The hairs on my body stand up to the fullest.
"The good ol' Inuchiyo might not have what it takes to get the two of you out of here, but I could make some adjustments to that."
Both of us feel sourness spread all over the air. That tone is familiar to both me and Sophie. You hear that kind of voice almost daily if you walk around or near certain dark alleys. The Soul Reaper is either too obvious or does it on purpose, but he places his hand on Sophie's shoulders. There is no hiding the way it strokes it.
Dark brown eyes merely glance down at the hand, before looking up. "How can I be sure that you will keep your word? You wouldn't be the first one to back away after everything is done."
Now, I do not even like the turn Sophie's attitude has taken. She stands tall, with confidence that she is used to having while in 'business'. Maybe I should be glad that she has a grip on her emotions again, but… the bruise on my face keeps on burning, reminding what we are dealing with here.
"How 'bout I let your friend over there go, but you will stay?" He suggests, placing another hand on her shoulder. His eyes move up and down Sophie's form.
Not able to stand this anymore, I stagger up and towards the other end of the cell, reaching a hand for my friend. "Don't," is the only thing that comes out of my mouth. The rest is lost, when she looks at me.
Her gaze is soft, casual even. It doesn't hold fear, disgust or conflicts to whether she wants to do this or not. It is the same face and a pair of eyes she has whenever she arrives home very late or talks during dinner. Nothing about her is screaming for help or trying to fight out of the man's lecherous hold – it is almost disturbing.
Both Hisana and I have always been worried about her safety with the line of work she has. There are many who could take advantage of her, and sometimes I fear that there might be a day she will get more than she could handle.
What I feel is not repulsion from what she is willing to do, but fear.
Seeing something on my expression change, Sophie turns her attention back to the Soul Reaper. "You will let her go? What about me?"
"Don't worry about that," he says, taking a strand of her blonde hair and stroking it. "It will all depend on the service you will give me."
"Stop! What do you think you are doing!? Are Soul Reapers even allowed this kind of behavior!?" I demand, slamming my hand on the bars in panic. I can't remain calm, like Sophie. It is impossible for me. "What will your superiors say!?"
"Deal," she says, cutting me off without even raising her own voice. "Let her go, and I shall show you my service. Afterward, you shall also let me go."
My stare is full of disbelief. "How can you believe anything he is saying!? He could – "
"He won't," she says and gestures towards the door. "Let her go."
"Very well," he grins – it is a nasty expression – and takes out the keys. Within a few seconds, he has twisted the lock open and then the door. "Hurry it up."
There is freedom before me. I could take a simple step out and leave this nasty place behind, but my legs remain rooted to the ground. The dark brown orbs do not leave my grey ones – Sophie is silently begging me to move. The message is clear, but I do not comply right away. There is a bitter taste spreading on my tongue and my shoulders are squared up.
Something within my chest breaks. The sound of it is so loud I am half-afraid that the two other people can hear it. The rational side tells to make a run for it, turn the attention to the fact that there is a way to leave. But every small part of the living cell in my body is numb. I feel like throwing up, and it has nothing to do with the smell. Nor the fact how my eyes start burning. Blood is gathering up into my head.
Was this prison so dark before?
"Mira-san," she says, almost vulnerable, "do not judge me."
This is not right, it is what anyone with a stable moral compass would let out, but I do not have one. It hasn't been with me for a long time, or perhaps it was completely broken at one point. Still, I have an understanding of what Sophie feels and is going through.
"I won't."
Her eyes turn glazed. The dark brown turns a shade lighter and a faint, feeble smile tugs the corners of her lips.
I won't judge you.
I take the first step, joints stiff. I duck down so that my head won't collide with the small opening's upper part. And when I am out, the weight has been lifted off from my shoulders. Sophie continues looking at me with the same expression and I return the smile with a tight one of my own.
However instead of leaving towards the outer door…
But I won't leave you with this jerk either.
I face the Soul Reaper, smile falling from my lips. He is tall alright. The back of my neck creaks, when I tilt it to meets his eyes.
"Maybe Inuchichio or Inochiyo won't have power over you," I start calmly, ignoring the sharp inhale from behind me and the hovering presence of dark brown eyes. "But surely Kuchiki Byakuya will."
The effect is instantaneous. His facial muscles twist into disbelief and the lower part of his mouth drops. Before he had appeared like a frightening giant, a bear that could break bones and slice us into pieces with his sword. Now, he is a child caught doing a prank and is unable to form an excuse for an adult. Beads of sweat start sliding down his forehead and his shoulders slump down, making him appear smaller than he truly is.
Finally, probably because the sight of my slowly growing smirk is obvious, he gathers some of his wits. "Y-you are lying. There is no way that someone like you could be worth his trouble."
"Oh," I say and tilt my head innocently. "Are you sure? Want to put that into a test?"
"You are bluffing," he grinds out, hands clenching.
Sophie approaches, I can tell by how body heat radiates against my back. She grips the end of my sleeve in a silent warning, but I do not budge or look at her.
"He is shorter than me," I start, gaining frightening confidence. "With long black hair in a ponytail and grey eyes. He usually has a frown between his brows and is extremely strict and bossy those below him. He may be young, but I expect that he has a very high standing in your ranks, right?"
The man is becoming agitated. He is glaring down at me but hasn't yet laid a hand on me or Sophie – a good sign. The sight of it is worrying, but also encouraging. The positions have finally switched between us. Who knew that squirt could be so useful?
"There are many with those features."
I raise an eyebrow. "Would you like for me to confirm this with him later?"
"Try it," he shoots back, leaning over me in a menacing manner. "You are below him, so there is no way that he could acknowledge your claims."
The palms of my hands are sweaty by now. The man's last statement has struck a chord and I know he is speaking the truth. That little brat has proven to me more than once how he sees everyone around him as inferior. That is why there is no way I could fulfill the threat of finding and talking to him. There is no way. But if I back away now, then Sophie will have to… with this man… and…
"He doesn't like sweets," I breathe out. After a moment of confusion from every person in the room, I continue. "He like spicy things – I think – and bananas! He also likes cherry blossoms a-and his sword's name is Senbonzakura."
This time around, the man's expression twists for the second time. This time around, he looks even more shocked than previously.
The smirk on my face returns.
"I am pretty sure that there is no other Soul Reaper around carrying a sword with that name."
"I remember how you gave me your word not to cause any problems for my subordinates, again."
The icy tone is enough to cool down the temperature in the room. I remain seated on the ground, happily so. I would definitely topple over because of my shaking legs.
Sophie is watching keenly at the peculiar exchange, clearly intrigued, from her cell. Like how I didn't know her relationship with one Soul Reaper, she hadn't known about mine. Although, I am pretty sure my story with this one is too complicated compared to hers.
I ignore the stare but sweat keeps on gathering up into the back of my neck, the skin suffocated by the gathering heat kept together by my hair's mass. Sophie has no idea just how much I am internally trembling. It is not out of fear – or maybe it is – gosh, I have no idea how to feel about this – but I do feel like digging a hole and burying myself in it.
Oh, sweet dumplings, why me!?
Apologizing and buttering him up might suffice in this situation.
Like during our last meeting – which literally was yesterday – I lower my head, forehead touching the ground. "I deeply apologize."
"It will take a lot more than an apology to stop me from cutting you down," he says as calmly as a storm would.
I bite my lower lip, not sure if he is being serious or not. He could have stormed in here, waving his sword around and actually stabbing me the first chance he got. Instead, all he has pretty much done is glare down at me – which is funny because I am taller than him – and wordlessly demanded an explanation of why he has been brought here.
The Soul Reaper who I had threatened – apparently his last name is Takahashi – apparently had enough guts to go and find Byakuya and tell him about me. What exactly he said that I told him, I have no earthly idea, which is probably scarier than knowing.
This was never part of my plan. I don't know what to do!
When I do not speak, he ignores me and turns to ask: "What did this woman do to be locked up in here?"
"Sir, she disturbed our morning gathering of suspects by attacking one of our subordinates and seriously injuring them. Later she refused to be compliant during the interrogation and even threatened us."
My face rises up, completely incredulous and flaming with anger. Oh, that is just a load of bull –
"And you did not have the manpower to stop her?" Byakuya's cool question cuts off the rising rage. He is looking at the patched-up man with light pink scratches all over him in a blank manner. It is obvious that he has figured out who was 'attacked' this morning. "Furthermore, what reason did you have for bringing me in here? If you had handled the situation properly, she would be back in interrogation by now. You have delayed your squad's duties and disturbed mine. Now, give a good reason not to report your incompetence."
Sophie leans closer to the bars. "Damn, he sure has a mouth for a kid."
Grey eyes slide sharply to the blonde. If we thought the dark aura around him was scary before, he could pass as a demon now. "You stay silent. You have not been given permission to speak."
Her jaw shuts and her eyebrows frown. Clearly, she finds his attitude just as annoying as from any teenage boy. Too bad that she is yet to witness the true threat he bears over our lives. I just pray silently she knows how to keep her mouth shut around this one.
Byakuya turns his attention back to me. "What did you tell my subordinate that he found it necessary to fetch me?"
He wasn't told? I glance at Takahashi who stays silently and wisely a few feet away from the much shorter boy. Somehow, I envy him, despite the fact that I have bars between myself and the dark-haired teen. Dang. I pity anyone who has to listen to him all day long.
"He…" I direct my eyes at Takahashi again, "was willing to let me and my friend walk out if she slept with him." A choking sound. I do not even dare to look up at anyone anymore. "So… I wanted to stop it."
The burly man stomps over closer to the cells. "That's a lie! You demanded to bring Kuchiki-dono here, threatening to kill yourself!"
For the second time, he has managed to make me lift my head up with my jaw nearly hitting the ground. "I did what!?"
"Do not listen to this woman, Kuchiki-dono. It was an error in my judgment, to begin with. I should have not believed a word this low life said."
Low life? I am seething, fingers digging into the earth. Previously, it was Byakuya who I wanted to strangle, but now the irrational part of me has switched sides. As soon as I would get out of this cell – hopefully soon and in one piece – he better watch out before I attack him again. He sure is ready to make up lies to save his own skin… That sounds kind of like me. The thought makes my skin crawl.
The black-haired Soul Reaper looks at the older man with a frown, either because he is bothered by the proximity or that he has interrupted us. Whatever the reason, he looks back down at me, dismissing the man.
"Takahashi, stand down," he orders, clearly not addressing him as someone older. There is no respect or equality in his tone whatsoever.
The man winces, the color of red on his face fading into whiteness. It makes him look almost pitiable, almost. "Yes, sir."
I have never really liked the color of my eyes. They are plain and simple – grey. Like that of a mouse's fur. But Byakuya's are clearly a different matter entirely. That becomes obvious when our eyes meet again. His are sharp and shine in the light. Even someone with bad vision could see feet away that those orbs are large and clear. There is something unreasonable within them, reflecting his young age and inexperience. But when he opens his mouth, it is almost as if he is an adult.
If he were to take that sword of his and place it away from view, he would seem just like any other boy. He would merely be too arrogant for his own good, filled with too much pride. Thinking this makes me feel a bit better. I am not dealing with an old, stern man or a violent adult here, but with a teenager. Not that I have any experience dealing with a one in the first place.
"Now, I believe you all have wasted enough of my time," he states and turns around.
It is like someone has poured down cold water all over me.
"Wait!" I call out before he can take a step. "You have to help us!"
"…help?" He asks, not looking at me, but the end of his ponytail moves with the slight twitch of his head.
"Yes! This man will do gods know what to us when you are gone!" I emphasize by pointing at Takahashi. "Do you really want that to happen? Don't tell me you believe his story!"
"And you think I should believe yours?" He asks and finally looks at me with a glare. He is irritated, but not close enough to be in full rage. "After all the lies you spewed, you dare to accuse someone else of lying?"
My tongue becomes tied up. His accusations are not far off. I did lie to him the first time we met, and now in his eyes, I have broken a promise to not be a bother. However, it is impossible for me to think of my actions as irrational. Or, maybe they have been, but there has always been a good motive behind them. I did not want Sophie to suffer. That is all. Surely, he has enough human decency in him not to leave us – mostly Sophie – he doesn't know her – here to be beaten up.
The blonde woman is watching me and Byakuya. The sensation of her deep brown eyes boring into me and absorbing every word of the conversation hits my skin through clothes. I do not want her to go through with the deal she made, nor bear the consequences with me if we are truly left here.
Before I can retort, Byakuya opens his mouth again.
"If you do not abide by the rules, you will be punished. That is the rule of the Soul Society and does apply to your district as well."
Much like with how I felt with Sophie, something within my chest shatters and crumbles. There, for the tiniest moment, traces of a boy in his older years glimpse through the shrouds of his penetrating young gaze.
He looks like one of those politicians who always use rules as an excuse.
"And those who use the rules to suppress the weak?" I ask, incredulous. "Are we just supposed to always stay silent and obedient no matter what the orders are? This has nothing to do with your investigation, you know. I just want my friend out of here," with my head I gesture to the other cell, rising up from the bowing position. "She doesn't deserve to be here. I am willing to stay but let her go."
Takahashi sneers. "You shouldn't listen to her, Kuchiki-dono. As if the streets will miss one prostitute."
Sophie doesn't wince from the harsh words. She is used to being called that, no matter if it is in a good or bad way. However, unlike her, I am not used to it. Especially coming from that man's mouth, it sounds far dirtier than it should.
"And I suppose that the Soul Reapers need a man-whore like yourself then?"
A vein pulses on his neck, near the plaster covering my bite marks. "You – "
"Enough!" Byakuya's sharp voice cuts off the rising argument and we all fall into silence. Unlike the previous cold and rage-filled, but calm form the beginning, his shoulders are now stiff and a faint blossom of pink lines the bridge of his nose and cheeks. "Takahashi, I expect you to comply with your orders this time around without any more troubles."
Takahashi falters, straightening up. "Yes, sir."
It is ridiculous. Calling such a young boy 'sir'.
"And you," he glowers back at me, but I do not cower this time under his angry gaze. "Consider yourself lucky that I do not have time to finish your off myself."
I'd like to see you try, I nearly blur out, but cross my arms in defiance. "So, you really are going to leave us here?"
He scoffs and turns his back, this time fully marching to the door. He is not willing to answer, he doesn't think it as anything serious or worth his while. A frown forms on my face, as I watch him walk away and soon, I am next to the bars, clutching them desperately. My hands are shaking. I truly thought, for a second, that he wouldn't be like this. But now that small hope has been snuffed out.
You arrogant little… the insults just keep on going on and on in my head. The more I watch him go the angrier I become. He hadn't pointed his sword at me this time around, but the memory of even that makes me so mad.
And all I can think of is: now what?
Once he is out, the young Soul Reaper breathes out through his nose. The air is not clear of the stenches from this town, but at least it is less smelly than what it was inside. If he had stayed longer in there, he might have just as well puked his guts out, despite not eating much anyway. A fact he is suddenly rather grateful for.
This all had been unexpected. Rather, everything doesn't seem to go his way lately. Byakuya hadn't wanted to almost believe that Takahashi's words about a woman who demanded to see him and who claimed to know him. He could have only questioned what that single person had done this time around and felt intolerable annoyance forming within his gut.
He had been busy writing a report and now this has occurred. This is nothing like he had imagined his line of duty to be like. He should have never chased after that woman, to begin with. It is like that one event started out these coincidences where they keep on colliding.
Again, he feels irritation and closes his eyes tiredly. This isn't good. I have to stay calm. I have to go back and –
"E-excuse me?" A timid, soft voice interrupts his line of thoughts.
And here he was so close to regaining his composure. Byakuya turns, glaring. "What?"
The person – a girl – flinches from his harsh tone. He is momentarily startled himself by how large her purple eyes are but soon smooths down his features. She is obviously in distress. The way her hands are trembling curled on her chest and red brims around her eyes tell him much.
Slowly, she lowers her hands and her trembling ceases under his watchful eyes. "I… I was wondering if my friends are still held in there."
He doesn't even have to glance at where she looks to realize she means the small temporary prison next to them. Byakuya's patience starts crumbling once more.
"Please, Shinigami-san," she lowers her head in a bow. "I need to know where they are."
The sight of her lowered head and sound of respect and politeness in her voice is strangely soothing. He inhales deeply. "If they have not returned, then they are still held behind bars."
She rises back up, looking even more agitated than before. "Then… when will they be released?"
By using the word 'they', it is easy to assume she means more than one person. However, the only ones that are still held in this place are those two women he saw earlier. A clenching sensation spreads in his gut and he looks back down at the girl with a harsh glare. Don't tell me she means…
"It will all depend on how they will comply with the investigation," he answers curtly, about to walk past the girl.
She stops him by stepping boldly in front of him. "They haven't done anything wrong."
"If so, then why were they arrested?" He asks back, letting his inner irritation seep through.
Again, the girl flinches and her gaze falls. Her hands clasped together, tighten their hold to the point where her frail knuckles turn white. "I… I am not certain. But they definitely are innocent to whatever you are accusing them of. Please, I am begging you to believe me."
He feels uncomfortable. The way she is looking at him is making him feel uncomfortable. Her gaze is glazed over like she is about to burst into tears. He wishes she would simply cease with his foolishness and let him be. There has been more than enough trouble today for him and he doesn't need to gather more into the pile. He would rather be out there hunting down Hollows than do this.
Without a word, he steps past her.
"Please wait!" She calls out and starts following him. "Is there anything I can do to help them?"
"No," he answers bluntly. "I suggest you leave the matter into our hands and pray that those friends of yours aren't some ruffians who are going to cause more trouble."
"Oh, no! They aren't like that!" She raises her voice. It is so clear that Byakuya nearly winces. "Please, tell me anything!"
His brows knit together tighter. Her constant pestering is drawing attention. "Like what?"
"Just that – ah!" Her words are cut off with a cry and then a faint 'thud'.
He knows she has fallen. This could be an opportunity for him to walk away, save himself from disgrace and further humiliation. Yet, his legs involuntarily stop moving and he turns around in time to see the girl struggling to sit up. Her thin arms are shaking under her weight, though.
She is clearly weak.
Whether it is pity or an automatic response from his end, but Byakuya is soon kneeling in front of her. She raises her eyes in surprise, when he places a hand on her back, giving support. He keeps on looking down at her, noting how pale she suddenly is. Under his hand, the bones are so prominent he almost recoils from shock.
Before he can pull away, though, she has grabbed his hand. The grip is faint, weak, but he doesn't pull away. Even her fingers are frail but warm.
"Please," she repeats, eyes sad and desperate, "help me."
He can't find the strength to pull away.