[BSD-RP] Soul Society: Rukongai

[Shinigami]

Time passed like sand sifting through one’s fingertips. It became weeks and then months after Fuyuko brought Kagayaki Taichou to the 4th division for treatment. Despite months having passed since then, it still felt as fresh as yesterday on the Lieutenant’s mind. Her captain’s life had been saved, but news of his comatose state left the bitter taste and feeling of failure within Fuyuko’s heart.
She felt she had failed not only herself, but everyone within the division as a lieutenant, as THEIR lieutenant. If only she hadn’t locked up and froze from that scene of fire, then just maybe she would of gotten there much sooner, if she had moved it a bit faster, maybe tried a little harder.
She sighed. Her mind haunted everyday by the series of maybes, and what ifs and whys. No matter what she did, or what she thought she couldn’t change what had already happened. Shaking her head she reminds herself of where she’s at, physically at least. She glances around at the various faces and bodies moving about, the people in just one of many villages ruined from that...that disaster. She along with others from her Division had been actively helping to rebuild broken homes that remained unattended to in the various districts. It was the least she could do.
Several hours pass, tired and fatigued Fuyuko takes her rest, sitting on a bench in front of a candy shop, a cup of warm tea in her hand, compliments of the elderly woman who ran the place. The woman sits next to Fuyuko who in turn smiled at her.
"Thank you for the tea Oba-chan, it tastes wonderful. Now that your candy shop is rebuilt, hopefully all the children will return to buy sweets." The old lady laughed and nodded in response.
"Hahaha, yes yes...if not for the help of you and the others, there’s no telling what I would have done. I am an old lady now, can’t move about quite like how I use to.” She laughed lightly, her voice warm yet fragile. Fuyuko simply smiled as she took a sip from the tea. Her break would be over soon, she peered around casually for the next recipient of her offered aid. It felt nice being there, the feeling was almost nostalgic of a life long since passed. She thought fondly, the image of a humble looking cabin rose into her mind, neatly tucked away. Home away from home.
Finishing the tea she places it on the tray that sat between the old shopkeeper and herself. Standing up, she stretches her arms towards the skies as she prepares to return to her labor.
”I feel much better now. I should probably go and help the others now oba-chan. Thank you again for the tea!" She smiles and walks away from the small shop. She looks around, observing the streets and how they’re much more lively than three and even two months ago.
Even during her little sabbatical, Fuyuko made certain she didn’t neglect her training, she was still a lieutenant after all...even if in name alone. Every night she would go deep in the nearest forest, devoting time to hone and sharpen her skills, to improve whatever she could. The peaceful times she spent drinking tea and helping others could not wash the image of her Taichou plummeting to the ground from her memory. The fact that, during his time of vulnerability she was unable to reach him to offer any proper assistance...it pierced her like a dagger to the chest.
So she practiced; sword swings, incantations, and of course, delving into the depths of her inner world. Progress was...steady, and often led to bickering and debates with her zanpakuto, bickering that more often than not, ended with the occasional threat towards Fuyuko.
Like always she brings her training to its scheduled end, and returns to the village. Her return is met with a request from one of the men in the village. ”Fu-chan, could you be a dear and come help me out?” He calls out to her, speaking to her in a tone of familiarity. Fuyuko does not reject the man’s request. Pushing aside her worries she busies herself once more. She had done her best to abstain from visiting her Captain in the hospital. As terrible as it was, she just couldn’t bear to see him in such a state. In her eyes, Kagiyaki Taichou was infallible. He was stubborn, loud, yet incredibly strong and wise. There was nothing he could not handle, the man could pull through anything. If she were to go see him, unmoving on that hospital bed...it would shatter that image of perfection. Her Captain’s mortality was not a truth she was yet prepared to accept.
For now, she would do her best, for him, for these villagers, for her division...and, for herself.

 

[Shinigami]

He stood, now reunited with his Second in Command. Despite the encumbrance on his Reikaku, he could still tell that there had been improvements. Gauging her figure, while on first glance she seemed no different, those impassive eyes of his saw something else. Newly found strength and control. The Yasu that stood before him today, was not the Yasu of three months ago...to some degree.
The elder that stood near the Captain stroked his chin, nodding his head without uttering a single word. The glean in his eye said what his tongue would not. He marveled at the specimen before him, nodding once more in approval at her offered bow. Together they journeyed back towards the surface, away from the bleakness of this corpse filled space. Neither party spoke as they walked, each burdened with their own thoughts, feelings, pains, and responsibilities. Finally, there was light, though obscured by the heavy fog it was a far cry better than where they were.
Free from the stench of death, blood and decay the pink haired imp joyfully met the ground. Where he had strength and growth, his empowered Lieutenant had, in a single instant, had degraded back into a bumbling brat as she tumbled over onto her back. He winced, a screech like a dying animal ringing loudly, piercing their ears. Kyomu glared down at the idiot of a girl, finding her crawling and worming her way towards him. He stared daggers at the groaning girl, his gaze rivaling the sharpness of his zanpakuto, and as venomous as any viper.

“Waaaa, I’m so hungry. Ne, ne, Taichou can’t we get some snacks? Ah! I want to try some new food, yah.”
She continued pulling and tugging at his hakama. It seems that, whatever growth she had experienced did not extend to her maturity. The pink haired blunder remained as obliviously ignorant to her Captain's annoyance as ever. Pulling and dragging herself up to her feet before scaling the hill that is her Captain, latching herself to his back. The elder stared in disbelief, he couldn't believe that there was anyone alive willing to be so bold. Kyomu was a blade, cold, sharp an object of inescapable of death. Even more surprising that the girl yet lived. Kyomu had not lashed out in violence, had not gutted or maimed the girl where she stood.
This, was not Kyomu Mukuro. Or, at least not the Kyomu he was familiar with. Despite the intensity of his glare, and the ferocity of the murderous intent that covered him like a shroud, it all seemed...empty somehow, insincere in nature. As she lay there against his back, the Captain began to move.
"Lets return to the compound. We'll get changed, resupply, eat and then...we'll return to the Seireitei."
He spoke, shooting a passive glance towards the aged man staring oddly at him. He offered no explanation, his glare still furiously intense as he supported his Lieutenant. He wondered about the status of Kazumi and Sakiko's respective training. Had they made any advances in his absence? Then there was still the matter of those fugitives. Xiaolin's image peered into the assassin's mind. He still needed to address this matter with that man. A suitable punishment was warranted, he'd have to report this failure to the commander. Answers would be demanded on how it happened, then more answers on what was being done to correct the mistake, and what he has done to reprimand the one responsible. He had spent the last three months burdening his body with training. With their closed door training coming to an end, it was time now for him to burden his mind.
This scandal would do nothing to help the division's already low reputation amongst the other squads.Not that he cared to be favored. Still, an amount of trust was given due to their professionalism and the quality of their work in performing their duties. Though there have been those released, never has there been an escape in the entire history of Soul Society. Clenching his teeth his mind began its scheming.
The burden of the haori, was a heavy one indeed.

 

[Shinigami]

Traveling From ------------------- Northeast Seireitei
Escaping the clutches and attention of the Fourth Division was imperative. Eternally grateful to Captain Nakamoto and his patience for Higen’s stubbornness, little was said, but a lot was felt. One of the strongest Captains amongst the Seireitei needing to be babysat, spoon fed, mummified. It was humiliating, crippling to the Ego of the Shining Captain. His bout with Tenzen helped slightly, reaffirming that the Captain’s strengths were still present, if any they had grown more prominent, but how was this so? He’d originally wanted to see the face of his Division for the first time in what would feel like ages, but his fear of what he’d find in his member’s eyes is what kept him away. Pity, shame; how could the Captain that so valiantly led them into battle fall? Higen was a beacon to all, but most importantly to those of the Tenth division, and he was fairly certain that as he fell from the sky, it was almost just as devastating as the “meteor” that befell the Soul Society. Crumbling hearts, tears cascading in an endless downpour. The horror of that day only came in glimpses and blurs, fragments of a distant dream, but the feelings were real and strong.
Maybe coming here, maybe seeing this would make some sense of things. He passed the West Wall, and last he’d seen it there was a vortex of time and space consuming it from the inside out; here it stood, perfectly fine, unscathed. The immediate outskirts were even more welcoming, the sound of hammers and anvils, men at hard work forming a coalition of voices with a single goal in mind. Yelling and shouting, the movement of tools and engines. Woodworking and the flow of saws against the grain filled the entirety of the village under the faint echo of children running and laughing with a place to call home once more. Bandaged from head to toe, with no Haori or underlying hint at his identity. If anyone here had known him before—which was next to impossible—they surely wouldn’t recognize him now. There was no shrine or poster, his name was chanted, there were no songs about him. It wasn’t as if he wanted these things, but found a mild discomfort in the fact that many of them may not even know how they’re alive today, or what it took to make that happen. This was the life of a Shinigami; the life of a hero.
His strides through the dirt roads and revitalized streets of the villages was both refreshing and assuring. The pain, the sacrifice, it was for something. His own spiritual pressure was slightly under “wraps” because of the bandages still, however there was a familiar signature that he didn’t expect to find during this expedition. Fate was playing cruel tricks, the very faces he hoped to avoid, were perhaps attempting to avoid him too? No one to see him when he woke up, no one remotely close to even hear of the news, yet she was all the way out here? Helping these people? Did she feel responsible? It pained him to think so, to think that he’d caused her any more harm than he’d already understood. He turned a corner, and then another, and then a final one. He huffed, her raven-colored hair standing out before anything else, her back turned as she continued to help out a villager.
Pat, Pat, Pat
His footsteps were heavy against the soft dirt, had she heard them she’d surely recognize, but probably not believe. She wouldn’t even turn around, she’d be stunned, shock. The embodiment of his stature came closer into frame, his shadow consuming hers as he walked directly behind her, a bandaged arm raising to put a soft hand on a small shoulder.
”Are you avoiding me.. little one?”
His voice resounded like thunder, shaking the fibers of her hair as his breath blew them about like a seething wind, the two of them would have to face each other.. now’s a better time than any.

 

[Shinigami]

Fuyuko was, at the time helping a villager who asked her to hang up the display fabric they used when making their kimono, dry patting away any and all wrinkles. As she works she begins to ponder Shizuka’s current whereabouts. Was he just as concerned for Taichou as she was...or was the baka still snoozing away — perhaps even she was forgotten.
The raven haired girl felt as if she was living in another world, one absent of those she had known and cared for. Did they or anyone understand? SHe wasn’t trying to sneak or hide or run away from her Division or obligations, she just...just needed some time to clear her head. She needed time to focus on how to become stronger, better...for everyone’s sake.
Fuyuko rubs away beads of sweat from her forehead, only to be waved down by a distant villager. Fuyuko pauses, and then with a smile, she goes towards them.
"Fuyuko-chan come! You should really take some more time to rest. Here, I have cold drinks."
It was a request the girl couldn’t and wouldn't say no to. She practically glides over taking one of the cold drinks from the kind lady, walking back inside to do her chores drink in hand. She takes a sip in the bright sunny day — suddenly the skies darken as if the weather once clear had become clouded. No, not clouds, shade? A large shadow is cast over the young lieutenant? Fuyuko prepares to turn around and investigate when she feels a hand rest on her shoulder She is visibly startled, spilling half of her drink while suppressing a yelp
”Are you avoiding me.. little one?”
That voice, powerful deep and booming like thunder. Fuyuko knows exactly who that voice belongs to.. Her eyes widen as she turns around and she sees him. It was no dream, no mirage or any other manner of trick or illusion, her Taichou was standing there before her..alive and well. Despite the long hair and perhaps, longer beard she would never mistake this man for another. Fuyuko remains still, unsure of what to say, of how to react. A surge of emotions go stampeding through her; does she cry, should she be angry, perhaps shout or yell or just be happy for this moment.
"...I..you made me worried! you thick head! " Ah, anger it was.." What do you mean little one!? Aren't you supposed to be in bed resting, I mean look at you! Where is shizuka, huh!? YOU NEED A HAIRCUT AND NEED TO SHAVE THAT OVERGROWN BEARD! "
It was definitely anger, as she bombards the man with question after question. Her voice draws the focus of those around them. "What were you thinking….doing that Taichou? Were you that fed up with life, that you aimed to throw it away like that trying to be a hero? BECAUSE IF ANYTHING YOU’RE A STUPID HERO!"
The raven headed girl’s young face grows red, eyes quickly water as she tears up and from the anger boiling over. She stubbornly kicks at Higen's leg, the nearby villagers now standing around them muttering amongst themselves. Fuyuko bites her lip, voice trembling
"I hate it, how everything is back to normal at your expense. You had to suffer so much while the other Taichous were free to continue doing their own thing after. There was a big chance we would have lost you and then what..the tenth isn't the same without you Taichou. Logically I know... there weren’t any other options..but still.." She wipes her tears away and looks toward the older and larger male. " I am glad you are alive. I prayed for you to make it through every night but i knew you would regardless."
Suddenly there is a large commotion, and Fuyuko becomes aware of her surroundings. ”Hey is that-yea! See I told you it was him! YOU OWE ME A BAG OF CANDY NOW!” A small voice calls out almost victoriously. Small children push and force their way through the wall of adults, rushing towards Fuyuko and Higen. They stare up at the mountainous man, eyes gleaming with wonder.
” So coooool. You’re so big! You’re him right? The guy that did the WHOOSH! AND THE CRASH AND THE-” The boy speaks making motions as he does so, excitedly trying to reenact Higen’s exploits from the stories they’d heard. Other children gather around, tugging at Higen’s legs. Asking him how did he get so big, does he glow in the dark, and how they can become strong too. Question after question from the excited children of the Rukongai. Fuyuko watches them, and cannot help but to giggle and smile at her Taichou’s newfound popularity.

 

[Shinigami]

As the tyrannical man hovered over the back of his much smaller counterpart, there was a sense of comedy consuming him, knowing by the minute details that he had startled the girl nearly out of her sandals. The tensing of her shoulders towards her neck, the small bit of hairs revealed to be completely erect on her skin. There was a brief shutter in her movements, and before she turned around he had half-expectations on the outcome of his actions; She was a soft soul but was rather brash and physical with her Captain at times, bullying him into submission as the voice of reason when laziness overwhelms him.
"...I..you made me worried! you thick head!"
"I didn’t mean t-"
"What do you mean little one!? Aren't you supposed to be in bed resting, I mean look at you! Where is Shizuka, huh!? YOU NEED A HAIRCUT AND NEED TO SHAVE THAT OVERGROWN BEARD!"
“Well I-…”
"What were you thinking….doing that Taichou? Were you that fed up with life, that you aimed to throw it away like that trying to be a hero? BECAUSE IF ANYTHING YOU’RE A STUPID HERO!"
“Gah… Kasumi-Chan..” There was worry in his voice, as there was pain in hers; he had felt the extent of his actions' effects on her, but understood even more what horrors awaited had he not acted. It was difficult to explain, and he would he take the brunt of the blame for what seemed like carelessness on the surface.
"I hate it, how everything is back to normal at your expense. You had to suffer so much while the other Taichous were free to continue doing their own thing after. There was a big chance we would have lost you and then what..the tenth isn't the same without you Taichou. Logically I know... there weren’t any other options..but still.."
Maybe she’d understood more than he thought, he had the tendency to underestimate her in a sort of protective way, but there was a reason she was his Lieutenant. The last thing he wanted to do was be a Martyr, he’d rather be the living bulwark that remains a beacon for all his fellow Shinigami. It was a simple but pure way to live, something he’d predicated his entire existence off of. He could see her lavender eyes begin to pool, tears swelling at the base of her sockets as her voice trembled between sentences. A firm hand reached to sculpt the side of her face with the utmost comfort. A slight adjustment of his wrist would forcibly move her vision up toward the face of the tower before her; from it came a smile, that iconic Higen smile, something she’d been absent of form months on end, that smile that confirmed that everything was okay, and If it wasn’t, it would be.
“Tch.. you thought something as simple of that could take out your mighty Captain, hm? You’ll have to work much harder than that to get rid of me!” He jested, his loud and powerful voice like a tolling bell throughout the village street.
"I am glad you are alive. I prayed for you to make it through every night but I knew you would regardless."
“Oh? And that’s why you and Shizuka were there waiting for me to wakeup, hm? Speaking of Hyouzoku-san where i-…”
“Hey is that-yea! See I told you it was him! YOU OWE ME A BAG OF CANDY NOW!”
Higen was confused for a moment, as a crowd seemed to swarm similar to a moving cloud, gathering around him and pushing through the curious murmurs of the adult residents came the squealing voice of excited children.
“So coooool. You’re so big! You’re him right? The guy that did the WHOOSH! AND THE CRASH AND THE-”
Higen could only smile at the rather “accurate” reenactment of his sacrificial moment, the innocence of the child shining through, topping off a rather emotional moment with the sound of laughter.
“Hm… Was that me? Actually.. I think it was."
His fake ignorance only edged the children on more, pleading that they knew for sure it was him, bombarding him with a flurry of questions that he was hardly given the chance to answer.
“Alright alright alright how about this…” He’d draw down onto one knee, still taller than most of the children while half his height.
“Since Fuyuko’s gonna be out here in the village.. I think I’ll be in need of a new Lieutenant.. who’s up for it?”
The kids’ excitement seemed to skyrocket even further, the chance to be a Shinigami? And under the Mighty Captain Higen at that? It was something out of a dream. Although it wouldn’t be made a reality, he enjoyed seeing the smiles on their faces, and would enjoy hearing Fuyoko shoot them down and say she’s returning with him to the Tenth Division even more.