Chpt 21 – Truth and Lies

Toshiro visited every day he could to make Sayuri feel safe and at home again. He felt as though she was beginning to trust him, and it felt like old times.

Toshiro and Sayuri had not seen each other in days. But when their paths finally crossed again, the air around them felt as if it were burdened with the weight of the world. Toshiro had been unsure about delivering this message to Sayuri, and he knew it was a lonely burden that he could not share.

Sayuri could feel the heaviness between them, and she could see the sadness in Toshiro's eyes. She couldn't help but feel a pang of dread in her chest. Something was wrong - something that Toshiro was hesitant to say.

"Toshiro," Sayuri said softly, her voice gentle, "what's wrong?"

Toshiro bowed his head, grief painting his features. He had been dreading this moment for days, waiting for the right time to tell her the news. He couldn't bear to see the pain in her eyes.

"Sayuri," he began, his voice a whisper. "It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you…Rukia is to be executed."

The words just hung in the air between them, and Sayuri felt like her entire world had come crashing down around her. She had no words, no thoughts, no emotions. Tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over.

Toshiro could see the sorrow on Sayuri's face, and he wanted to wrap his arms around her and make her pain go away. But he knew that the only thing he could do right now was be there for her, no matter what. He remained still and silent, giving her the space to feel whatever she was feeling.

Sayuri finally found her voice and she managed to choke out, "When…?"

Toshiro's heart sank, and he took a deep breath before answering. "Seven days from now."

Sayuri felt numb. Seven days. She had no time to save her friend. No real time to say goodbye. No time to make it right. Tears began to fall from her eyes, a stream of grief that she could not contain.

Toshiro stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close and letting her cry against his chest. He held her for what felt like hours, not saying a word, just offering the comfort of his embrace.

Eventually, Sayuri's tears subsided, and she stepped away from him, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. She knew that she had to stay strong. She had to stay focused. She had to try and save her friend.

Sayuri looked into Toshiro's eyes, and she could see her own determination reflected back at her. She knew that Toshiro would stand by her, no matter what. He would be by her side throughout the journey ahead.

"Thank you," Sayuri said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Toshiro smiled, and for the first time in weeks, they shared a moment of peace.

Sayuri looked away, unsure of what to say. Finally, she spoke. "I need a favor," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Toshiro looked at her, his eyes gentle and understanding. He nodded slowly. "What is it that you need?"

Sayuri took a deep breath. "I want you to take me to the Repentance Tower," she said.

Toshiro looked at her in surprise. "The Repentance Tower? "How did she know where Rukia was being held? Has some of her memories resurfaced?"

Sayuri looked down. "I need to see her," she said, her voice quivering.

Toshiro looked at her for a moment and then nodded. "I see," he said. "Well, if it is important to you, then I will take you."

Sayuri nodded and thanked Toshiro. She felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was grateful for his kindness.

That morning, they set out on their journey.

They eventually arrived at a tall, imposing structure that loomed before them. It was the Repentance Tower, a tall stone building with a spiraling staircase that rose from the ground. It was a place of pain and regret, a place where the sorrows of many were said to linger in the air.

Sayuri gulped as the pair approached the tower. She paused for a moment, unsure of what she would find inside. What would await her at the Repentance Tower?

Sayuri stepped through the wrought-iron gates of the prison, her heart heavy with guilt and regret. She hadn't expected it to be this way.

Toshiro put a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry," he said softly. "You are brave and strong, and I will be here with you every step of the way."

Sayuri looked up at him and smiled. With a deep breath, she stepped forward and began to climb the stairs. She could feel the presence of many souls watching her, and the air seemed to be filled with whispers from the past.

At the top of the tower, a door opened, and a figure stepped out. It was a small woman, with pale skin, black hair, and piercing brown eyes.

Sayuri gasped. "Rukia!" she said, tears welling up in her eyes.

Rukia smiled at Sayuri. "Hello, Sayuri-san," she said. "I have been expecting you."

Sayuri could barely believe what was happening. She stepped forward, embraced Rukia, and began to cry. It felt like only weeks since she last saw her friend, and now here she was.

After Sayuri had finished her tears, Rukia wiped her eyes and took her by the hand. "Come, Sayuri-san," she said. "We have much to discuss."

Sayuri nodded and followed Rukia into the tower. Inside, the walls were covered in symbols, words, and drawings. She had never seen anything like it before.

•• ━━━━━ ••✾•• ━━━━━ •••• ━━━━━ ••✾••

"How have you been?"

"I'm okay," Rukia said. "Sayuri, I have something important to tell you." Since I'm sentenced to death anyways, I feel as though you should know the truth and hopefully, you'll recover your memories soon."

Sayuri's heart sank.

"It's about your parents," Rukia said, her voice low.

Sayuri inhaled sharply.

"Your father's name is Aizen," Rukia said, her voice quietly sorrowful. "He's the one responsible for your mother's death."

Sayuri's eyes filled with tears. Now the truth had been revealed to her.

"Your father is Aizen," Rukia said again, her voice breaking while grabbing Sayuri's hand. "He's a dangerous man. He's been behind so much pain and suffering."

Sayuri felt numb. Memories suddenly started flashing back of this man. She knew him. The man she'd grown up believing to be her father—the kind, loving man who had raised her and loved her—was actually a monster. Aizen.

Sayuri started to remember all the times she had spent with Aizen— Remembering Yamamoto telling her stories about his cruelty, his manipulation, his power. She thought of all the people who had suffered because of him. Her mother had been one of them.

Sayuri looked out the window to what had started to rain. She didn't know how to take everything in.

"You should talk to Captain Yamamoto for more details on what happened and about your past. He knows about everything."

The Repentance tower bells started to ring meaning the close of visiting hours were over.

Sayuri looked up at Toshiro and Rukia, tears welling in her eyes as she finally recognized the truth of what had been kept from her. At that moment, the bells had ceased to ring and were replaced by the sound of her sobs.

And without another word, she had turned and ran, down the cobbled path and away from the tower, tears streaming down her face.

Sayuri felt as though she was betrayed. She had never asked them what it was they were keeping from her because she had been too afraid of the truth. Now, the truth was out, and she was left with only the sound of the bells, the fading sound of her own sobs, and the image of Aizen in her mind.