THUMP. THUMP.
THUMP. THUMP.
THUMP. THUMP
The deafening silence in the lift allows her to hear the beating of her own heart. The emptiness acts to amplify the feeling within herself, making her hyperaware of each palpitation pumping blood through her veins. Her breathing is steady, almost meditative in rhythm. She stands perfectly still, staring directly at the door; mindlessly watching the lights of the floors speed by.
"Tell me, Honoka..." The female voice pauses briefly. Her voice resonates throughout, no discernable location. "...are you scared?" The curiosity in her voice is obvious, she can't wait to finish her question and receive her answer. Here is where the Oki woman blinks, glancing around the familiar surroundings. A soft sight escapes her lips as she begins to walk, leaving a small trail of parted red spider lilies. The fields of these resurrection flowers appear endless, so vast, that they go beyond the grand mountains in the horizon. Fields parted in half by a wide flowing river adorned and illuminated by thousands, if not millions, of paper lanterns on the surface. The soft trickling of the water is heard, even the splashing it makes as it hits against the bank and the wooden fences that act as a protective barrier. Small as they may be.
There is no response from the dark haired woman, instead, she continues walking along the edge, scanning the area in search of something, or someone.
"
Answer me." Now the voice's tone is more forceful. Clearly accustomed to getting her way. Honoka's demeanor does not change in the slightest. Her emerald eyes turn to the crimson sky. Perhaps
She hides within the clouds today. She continues her search. This time, her eyes dart frantically across the fields. No. Lying in the ground is something
She would never do.
"Do you
seek death?"
The woman comes to a halt, slowly turning to face the river. The clear waters hauntingly reflecting the red of the sky. There was something about this world that felt heavy on the heart. Somber. Melancholic, even. It caused a tightening sensation in one's heart. A deep, overwhelming sorrow that mercilessly clutches the heart. Emotions so deep and profound, they would resonate some could never experience this without the effects in this world. There was a time her eyes would not open after crying for days. It took several centuries to even stand without suddenly bursting into tears after simply setting foot on the ground.
Centuries of training within herself now grant her the ability to exist unhindered. She lets her anger shine through briefly, setting her eyes alight with the burst of reiatsu. She walks forward, crushing the spider lilies in her path as she makes her way closer to the river and steps over the wooden fence. Her sandals don't even break the surface of the water., and she walks unencumbered towards the center of the river.
Show yourself,
Shiore-!"
Thousands of vines jot out from the ground all around. They twist and coil on themselves, growing taller, thicker, and denser with each passing moment. Hundreds of feet tall, these vines stand firm, holding an enormous budding flower high above the clouds. While mere replicas, this is a powerful showcase by the Spirit that inhabits this world. They take their aim at the woman standing on the river, the lantern's drifting along unbothered by the sudden growth of plants. She lashes out violently against the zan wielder, infuriated by the refusal to answer her.
"No, I don't."
She sighs softly, finally answering. Higanbana refuses to accept this. Why is she so willing to go see this
prisoner? Someone who possibly regressed in their way of thinking and acting! There was no telling how he would even react to her appearing before him. The first time the two fought, she spent
weeks in the hospital recuperating! He was indiscriminate and merciless. And the excited Oki was an idiot up for a fight. It wasn't about preventing him from becoming the new Captain Commander then. At the time, all she wanted was an opponent, and he showed her how far she still had to go. Why she eventually even accepted his invitation to become his Lieutenant, Higanbana would never understand.
"He will
kill you."
At the Oki's sides, her fists are clenched tightly. Does her own spirit deem her so
weak to die?
"Then if I truly die, it will be your fault, won't it?"
She silences her thoughts, as well as the intrusions from Higanbana. Where she seeks peace of mind, instead she receives a temper tantrum. While Higanbana has a point, she won't give her the satisfaction of acknowledging it. Honoka isn't eagerly running towards her death. This couldn't possibly turn into any sort of confrontation. How could it? He was imprisoned, chained, and his power sealed. Right now, he probably couldn't even flare his nostrils. And even if he manages to break free, killing her will only trap him for eternity.
In the split second the elevator eases to a stop, all the muscles in her body tense. The doors slowly slide open, allowing her to exit. She stares a few seconds. Not immediately taking a step forward. Is it hesitation? Fear? Anxiety? Excitement? Not exactly. To be accurate, it was a culmination of things. She could very well die, or have all her questions answered. It was nigh impossible to know if he would even be willing to speak. His actions forced change on the world and he sat in Muken, unable to experience the benefits of his actions. Though certain nobles didn't see it in such a way. To some, he was a villain, a plague to Soul Society. Something to be locked away. She believes otherwise. Nature does not warn or ask when it is going to act. It simply does, and only those strong enough survive to continue onward towards a better tomorrow. This was no different in her eyes.
Finally, her right foot moves and she steps out.
"Murasaki-san, I have a few questions."
