"SOTA?!"
Kumikos mouth hung open in astonished disbelief. Her mind was thumping painfully behind her eyes, seemingly stopping any rational thought process. Shallow breaths sounded loud in her ears. Consuming buzzing around her head muffling out the sounds of the forest outside.
Kumiko couldn't grasp the sight in front of her. The sight of her friend dead and bloodied flashed through her vision, threatening the hold on reality she had.
"Surprised?" Sota offered amused "I look pretty good for a dead guy right?" He grinned at her, usual boyish charm evident on his face.
"I don't understand" Kumiko whispered, unable to tear her eyes away from his face. No longer struggling against her restraints, Kumikos body sagged against the wall, shivering slightly.
"Of corse you don't" he offered, sitting crossed legged opposite her. Chatting easily as though the past 5 months hasn't happened "I've not explained yet"
"You were dead" Kumiko shook her head, struggling to grasp this new reality, an escaped tear wetting her cheek "I saw you, Kage killed you" she whispered, glancing at Kage, kneeling immobile next to them. Grey cloud obstructing his vision.
"Don't mind him" Sota pulled her eyes back to him "he won't move unless I let him, ain't that right buddy" he grinned, thumping the prone man on the shoulder
"Unless you.." Kumiko muttered softly, eyebrows furrowing in confusion
"I never did tell you about my zanpakuto, did I?" Sota drawled, unusual for the animated man. Playful expression gone as he looked at Kumiko with seriousness she hadn't known he could possess. Pulling his zanpakuto from its sheath slowly, the light from the fire catching it. Kumiko watched with her breath held, cold fear gripping her as he gently caressed the steel with his fingers "Ningyō-shi" he continued, twisting the blade in his hand "has the ability to possess those it cuts, bringing them under my control. One cut" he accentuated with a quick slice of his zanpakuto "and you're mine to play with"
Kumiko breathed in sharply as Sota suddenly lunged forward, the cool steel of his zanpakuto rested against the side of her neck, biting into her neck, threatening to break the skin and let her blood flow down. Swallowing hard, Kumiko stared petrified into his eyes, searching for any familiarity. His usual warm joyful eyes were replaced with a cruel satisfaction.
Slowly he dragged his weapon back, teasing her skin as he tantalisingly brought it back. Back in his hands he sent her a smirk "don't look so scared Kumi" his old nickname for her leaving him easily "Im not going to hurt you, I'm enjoying our chat. Kage never was one for conversation "
"Why?" Kumiko spat at him, another tear escaping down her face, memories of her murdered friends swimming though her vision "Kenji? Asana? Why did.."
"Why did I kill them?" He offered easily, Unphased by the brutal murders he committed. Putting his zanpakuto back into its sheath in one fluid motion, he looked into her scrunched up face "because I couldn't use them"
"For what?" Kumiko pressed, tight ropes rubbing against her squirming arms. Kumikos shoulders screamed in protest at the way she tugged against her bindings, desperately trying to get a little room "what do you want? What's the goal here?" She tried to get him talking
Just a little more she thought desperately, straining her hand to fold up on itself, fingertip brushing against the leather strap of her watch, feeling the button, Kumiko pressed it quickly. Hands relaxing at the first small vibration ghosting her skin. Suppressing the sigh of relief she wanted to heave
"Power. Status. Respect. The girl" he rattled off easily, hand reaching out to caress her cheek, slowly dragging his fingers down her skin. Thumb gently pulling at her bottom lip. Kumiko turned her face in disgust, fighting the urge to bite his thumb off. His touch felt dirty, Kumiko could feel the heavy trail his fingers had left behind, searing into her skin. A far cry from the loving caress she felt with shunsui "what everyone wants Kumi. What few people are willing to reach out and take" he finished, roughly grabbing her chin to make her face him once more
"You're insane" Kumiko sneered at him "what happened to you?" She couldn't help but ask. How could her playful, childish, sweet friend turn into this? How had she been so blind to not see it
"Im afraid I don't have a tragic backstory to make this easier for you Kumi" he smirked, finally releasing her face "I suppose I had too much time on my hands here. My mind began to wonder. Sent away from the rest of our people, cut off from society. Violence and death consuming our days. Is it really a shock that I began to enjoy the power?"
"You're sick" Kumiko whispered. She was good at killing holllows and hidoi. They all were. They had never enjoyed it though. Killing wasn't enjoyable.
Thinking back, Sota was the first one to jump up and volunteer to dispatch any hollows that they had been alerted too. Often returning joyful, blood splattered across his face. "Why did you bring me back here? Why not just kill me?"
"ah ah" Sota wagged a finger at her "we will get to that" kumiko hardened her stare, determined not to show any fear
"I had discovered that my powers worked on the hollows and hidoi. I began to turn them against eachother, fight to the death. It was amusing for a while. Then I thought, why not use them for my own benefit?" Sota continued speaking, stretching his legs out either side of her, getting himself comfortable. Kumiko held her tongue, slowly twisting her arms in their binds. Fingers getting sore from pulling at the hard rope, trying to push them further upher arms, give her wrist more freedom to move, hoping for the chance to escape
"I could be king" he grinned at her "can you imagine? The whole of soul society under my rule. An army of hidoi at my command. The captains bending to my will."
He's actually gone insane Kumiko thought, glancing to Kage, eyes softening slightly. She felt devastated for him. Kumiko was so quick to believe he had done those atrocious acts, blamed him for the deaths of their friends. Had nightmares of his face. He had been just as much a victim as the rest of them.
I'm so sorry. Kumiko silently told him
"Kage here discovered what I was doing" Sota interrupted her thoughts, slapping the possessed man on his back, getting no reaction "he didn't agree with my ideals. Wouldn't help me willingly. Threatened to tell the rest of you. So I made him join me by force" Sota pulled the front of kages top down, revealing a long since healed scar on his chest. "I needed his power. I knew the rest of you wouldn't join me willingly. So I had kage kill them" he shrugged, ignoring the way his dismissal of the murders made kumikos jaw tightened. He sent her a grin
"I saw you dead on the floor" Kumiko said through clenched teeth.
"yes, you remember what Kages bankai can do, don't you? I had him twist your mind. I had no one to blame for your escape except me. I always did like to toy with my enemies before killing them" Sota easily explained, "I had tried to follow you, but it was too late. When I finally caught sight of you again, you were already making friends with the captains and lieutenants. So instead of killing you, I decided to use you"
"I will never help you" Kumiko spat at him
"my dear Kumiko." Sota chuckled shaking his head before fixing her with a steely glare "youll have no choice"
"What the hell is taking so long?" Shunsui muttered agitated as he paced Uraharas office floor. ukitake and Urahara had their heads bent over the desk in Uraharas office, quietly speaking
Ukitake Looked up at Shunsuis words, sparing him an apologetic look
"I'm sure she is working as fast as she can Shunsui" he offered him. Urahara had sent Hiyori to discover the coordinates their fellow captains were using to enter the world of the living. Needing an idea of where to open their own Senkaimon if they wanted to end up anywhere near Kumiko.
Urahara had expressed to Hiyori the importance of her subtly, no one could discover her intentions. They needed to operate in complete secrecy, having already been commanded to remain in soul society by the head captain. Urahara was concerned an emotional Shunsui wouldn't wait too much longer before he thundered off to open a Senkaimon himself. Anyone seeing be damned
"it's not quick enough" Shunsui growled out, not faltering In his pacing "the longer we're here, the longer he has to.." he cut himself off abruptly, halting facing the door. His slightly shaking hands came up to fist his hair either side of his head , knocking hit hat to the floor. Shunsui closed his eyes, not allowing himself to think of all the possibilities. He couldn't allow himself to even fathom any harm coming to her. Knowing he would break down if he did, knowing Ukitake wouldn't be able to piece him back together.
"I dont. We don't know what he wants with her, what he's doing with her" Shunsui said quietly, refusing to turn back to the stares he could feel burning into the back of his head
"Shunsui" Ukitake breathed softly, hearing the Turmoil in his friends voice
Shunsui lowered his hands from his hair, his anger fizzling out making room for the overwhelming grief l that had been threatening to take control since they had heard the news. "I promised I would keep her safe"
"this isn't your fault Shunsui" Ukitake told him softly
"the hell it isn't" Shunsui snapped back, turning to look at the two men "the only reason she was in a position to be taken was because I had upset her"
"that's not.." Ukitake took a step forward to try and calm his friend, stopping at Kyorakus second outburst
"I should have stopped her! I should have followed her!" Kyoraku raised his voice, ignoring the break as a sob threatened to interrupt his guilt consuming blame
"Shunsui" Ukitake tried again, stopping this time by a loud beeping filling the room. Turning in time to see Urahara fumble with the devise tied around his sash, pulling it up to his face quickly. Fingers a blur as they tapped at the screen, Urahara was vaguely aware of the two captains coming to stand near him, hovering over his shoulders to see
Kumikos name popping up on the screen brought a relived chuckle from Urahara, coordinates appearing on the screen
She's alive, thank god Urahara thought, quickly jotting to coordinates down on a piece of paper
"Good girl, Miko" he muttered softly, "we've got her" he added louder for his shadows, catching their involuntarily sighs of relief
The door opening suddenly pulled their attention as Hiyori pushed her way into the room, breathing heavily
" 36.7833, 139.7167". She panted out, "that's the coordinates they used, they've not long left"
"They're off" Urahara muttered, checking them against the ones he had received from Kumiko distress signal "they're about 2 miles away from her current location"
"Then let us hurry" Ukitake said solemnly, eyes catching Kyorakus hand reaching for his zanpakuto
"Hiyori" Urahara said softly, walking up to he lieutenant. Unable to find a word strong enough for the gratitude he felt
"Stop wasting time idiot" she snapped at him, crossing her arms and looking away, pink flushing her freckled cheeks "go get her. You'll be unbearable otherwise" she grumbled, not even now willing to let her captain know she was starting to like him, like Kumiko
"thank you, Hiyori-chan" he smiled softly, patting her head as he walked past "let's go" he added to Ukitake and Kyoraku "we can open the Senkaimon in my training room"
Kumikos eyes widened at his words, heart beating erratically in her chest
"You, my love" Sota told her, brushing her hair behind her ear, smirking at the way she jerked her head away. The endearment frequently used by shunsui sounding wrong on his lips"are going to help me. Those you've become friends with will be easy to bring under my control. Your bankai will help bring the rest in line"
"I would rather die" she told him evenly, defiantly holding his gaze
"and here I thought you missed me" Sota teased, sitting up on his knees to lean in closer. "Still as beautiful as always, you'll make a wonderful queen " he muttered lowly, cupping her cheek.
Kumiko jerked out of his hold, pushing as much disgust through her face as she could manage "don't touch me" she spat though clenched teeth
"I seem to remember you liking my touch" he told her, Unphased by her reaction, grabbing her chin roughly to keep her in place. "Want me to remind you?"
Kumikos eyes widened as his other hand crept up her thigh, slowly inching its way up higher as he brought his head down to kiss her firmly. Kumiko felt sick. The feel of him touching her making her want to crawl out of her own skin. Tightening her lips as his tongue swept out, Kumiko pushed her thighs together tighter, squirming in her restraints to get away.
The moment Sota pulled back, mouth opening to say something she didn't want to hear. Kumiko leaned back only to surge forward, connecting her head viciously into his nose, satisfied with the stream of blood wetting his face
Pulling back with a grunt, Sota brought his hand up to his nose, looking down at the red staining his fingers. Slowly licking his lips to clear the blood coating his lips. Giving Kumiko a blood stained grin before reaching out quickly, fist easily connecting with Kumikos jaw. The force of it knocked Kumiko back into the wall, head slamming into it making her see stars. He arms screamed in protest at the pressure added to their hold. Kumiko felt panic bubble up inside her. No longer feeling the comforting vibration tickling her skin
Shit Kumiko thought, fingers scrambling to try and reach her watch again, unable to reach due to the tightening of the ropes in her assault
Kumikos tongue darted out, feeling the split in her lip, her own teeth having ripped though the delicate skin from Sotas assault . Mouth filling with blood, Kumiko spat it onto the floor, landing near Sota.
"there's that temper" Sota chuckled, amused by her outburst as he stood up. Hand gripping his zanpakuto as he brought it out, levelling it at Kumiko neck once more " I was hoping to have a little more fun before having to bring you under control. no matter. I can use your body just as well when you're under my command" he told her, dragging the tip of his weapon down her neck to rest against her heaving chest. Gently pushing it into her skin as a shout outside drew their attention
Kurotsuchi looked around the area they had arrived in, sun fading casting shadows among the trees. Turning his nose up at the nature surrounding him, Kurotsuchi busied himself with the homely weight of technology in his hands, reading the screen with ease
"hey" Matsumoto said quietly walking up to Renji. Nudging his arm gently, renji looked up to meet her, guilt written all over his face "you ok?"
"I'm fine" Renji said gruffly, looking out to the trees
"You still look pretty beat up" Matsumoto continued, eyeing her friend warily, arm still in its makeshift bandage, drying blood on his face "how's your arm?"
"I said I'm fine" he replied shortly, getting impatient with captain Kurotsuchis lack of direction
"it's not your fault Renji" Matsumoto insisted, walking into renjis eye line and holding his gaze. His steely gaze widened before softening, "Kumiko won't blame you for this"
"Don't" Renji almost whined, looking at her with pleading eyes "Please. Don't. I can't hear this right now"
"It's true." She insisted, hand reaching out to squeeze his "don't blame yourself"
"Tell me again once we've got Kumiko home safe" he told her, bringing his eyes back down as he walked past her, coming to stand behind his captain
Matsumoto sighed sadly, coming to stand behind her own captain as he spoke
"what's happening Kurotsuchi? " Hitsugaya said evenly, watching the strange captain hit the devise with increasingly stronger taps as his annoyance got the better of him
"it's not locating him"he spat angrily " im not picking up any readings for his shadow realm"
"are you sure it's working? This is the first time you've tested it" Hitsugaya asked distracted, feeling out for spiritual pressure among the trees
"of course its working, idiot " Kurotsuchi snapped at him, halting his tapping to glare at the young captain "there's nothing to read, he's either not using it or we're not near him"
"then let us split up" captain Kutchiki spoke lowly "come, Renji" he added before swiftly moving away from the others, abari on his heels.
"Impatient fool" Kurotsuchi spat at his disappearance, turning his annoyance to his lieutenant standing stoically at his side. "Here" he threw the devise at her, nimble fingers catching it easily "make yourself useful"
"yes, captain Kurotsuchi" she uttered quietly, following behind as he split off in the opposite direction kutchiki had
"those two" Hitsugaya shook his head disapprovingly before turning to his lieutenant. Matsumoto stared after Renji, uncertainty on her pretty face. Gently playing with her signature necklace around her neck "let's go, Matsumoto"
"captain" she said softly, halting his steps. Hitsugaya waited patiently for her to speak "do you think Kumiko is ok?"
Hitsugaya sighed heavily "I don't know, Matsumoto" he told her honestly, she could handle the truth. Deserved it. "Let's assume she is until we know otherwise"
Matsumoto nodded, beginning to walk behind her captain as he lead them a different way to the other two. Twigs snapping, leaves crunching under their feet, Matsumoto tried to focus her mind to the task at hand. Intrusive thoughts fighting to take over
Please be ok Kumiko she thought out to her missing friend I don't think Renji would ever forgive himself if anything happened to you. Ducking under some low hanging branches, she silently followed behind her short captain, not having the inconvenience of ducking every few trees.
From what renji told me earlier. Kyoraku is in a right state Matsumoto continued her sad thoughts hold on until we find you, Kumiko. I can't bare the thought of telling him we were to late
Kyoraku stood in Uraharas training room, impatiently watching the two captains mutter lowly, creating a gate to pass to the world of the living. If it had been any other situation, Shunsui would have been impressed with his two friends skills. It was incredibly difficult to create a Senkaimon, most people didn't even know how.
Holding tightly to the devise Urahara had given to him, shunsui looked down to the flashing red dot, signifying Kumikos location. He knew Urahara had only given it to him to make him feel useful. He was in no fit state to be helping with the Senkaimon.
"here, Kyoraku" Urahara had told him, offering the tracker "keep an eye on Mikos location, let us know if anything changes".
Kyoraku huffed, looking back up to his friends. Watching as the Senkaimon started to take form. He was getting impatient and restless. Time was of the essence, standing around waiting was taking it's toll on his self restraint. They needed to find Kumiko. Soon.
Shunsui looked at the device in hand, needing the small comfort of Kumikos little flashing light. Eyes widening, Shunsui pulled the devise up closer, panic setting in.
It's gone his throat tightened at the realisation. Tapping the screen softly, watching as it lit up a warm white, no flashing dot to be seen
"Shunsui" Ukitakes voice called over to him "we're ready"
"it's gone" Shunsui almost whispered, gripping the tracker so tightly his knuckles turned white.
"Kyoraku?" Urahara called to him, worried about his change in demeanour
"it's gone" Shunsui said louder, looking up to Urahara panicked. Holding the tracker out to him as he jogged closer "it's stopped flashing, I , it's gone!"
"shit" Urahara grumbled, taking it from Kyorakus shaking hands and quickly typing on it
Ukitake joined them, resting a comforting hand on Shunsui shoulder.
"last readings were the same location" Urahara told them "we better hurry".
Needing no more direction Kyoraku ran for the Senkaimon, the heavy footsteps of the other captains following close behind, as he pushed his way through. Black hells butterfly appeared beside him, wings flapping furiously to keep up with him.
Hold on love. We're coming