Fear
“an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat”
Over the course of multiple lifetimes, the current pillar in 10th Division, Lieutenant Shizuka Hyouzoku, never had to feel this egregious feeling. Life was seemingly going on a upwards spurt, personal responsibility seemed to be fleeting, his love was found, and his strength seemed to be growing day by day. All good things are not meant to last, but to have almost everything taken away from you? To have the strength you were once proud of trounced by a foe. To watch your comrade die in front of you and be helpless? To have your pillar and commander be subjected to leave his own division?
.......... it was nothing, but the beginning of true change.
-Southwest Seiretei, Under Captain's Quarter-
In a room surrounded by an oasis of green crystals, brimming with the most potent reiryoku, Shizuka Hyouzoku stands at the focal point, the center of the room, reminiscing on how time has past. He carries the weight of his dead comrades on his mental, Kuro Yakimono especially. A soul he wasn't able to save due to his own weakness, Ryuga Iba another case in example of his weakness. He held their souls dear to his heart, but he knew this was all due to his lack strength and will. Sidelined in the Arrancar Invasion, due to his pre-existing injuries, he was forced to hear how his comrade was disassembled in battle.
He shed tears of pure frustration.
The results of the former Captain Commander, Shobatsu Murasaki's murder on the members of C46 left the Soul Society in a state of panic. Immediately ushering a new era with his arrest, the era of Captain Commander Higen Kagayaki, Former Captain of 10th Division. With Higen's promotion, he took the then current acting Vice Captain Fuyuko Kasumi, and made her Head Lieutenant in 1st Division. Thus leaving Shizuka by his lonesome to cater to 10th Division himself. His skills didn't warrant him to be a Captain at the time, but the new Captain Commander made his promotion to Lieutenant effective immediately. While it was for the front of needing an interim leader within the division, to the Soul Society. Shizuka will never forget the personal task bestowed upon him by Higen. It was to be kept in upmost secrecy and the way it was delivered made it seem very detrimental for Shizuka to complete this task. Over 100 years Shizuka made sure to live up to his expectations, not only by accomplishing
that, but by taking 10th Division by the reigns and making sure the division does not fall greatly from it's former grace.
"Ahh, it might be time to get a breather. Perfecting my craft in this sanctuary will only come with time"
As he spoke his words bounced off of the rock solid fortitude of the crystals, filling every void of the room with sound. He picked up his Zanpakuto from the ground and made his way out of the emerald cavern.
-Outside Captain's Quarter's-
In the empty abandoned quarters, you could hear the slow footsteps tattering up stairs. The place hadn't been used constantly since Higen's departure, and outside of select individuals no one knew of the hidden room that had been constructed underground. Encompassed by a hidden door behind the Captain's former desk, in which the Lieutenant had just appeared from. Being completely cautious, using his second to none sensory skills to detect anyone nearby who might be a trespasser. Being pestered by his current 3rd Seat constantly about his random disappearances, he needed to be careful on his location.
"The coast is clear"
He exited the building casually, getting ready to make his way to his own quarters. Then suddenly, his Denreishinki begins to vibrate constantly. It's signal returning from being back into the main Seireitei area he checks it immediately to see if he's missed anything important as he strolls back to the main barracks. He comes across a text from a contact listed as "Advisor", with words that cause his heart rate to rise a bit, his face developing a small grin.
“Will you be available for dinner anytime soon?
I’ll be within your jurisdiction for a week or so.
It’s been a while since we’ve had a chat, face-to-face.
I understand if you’re busy though, Hyouzoku-kun.
I’m also sorry if I interrupted you while you’re working. Ganbare! Talk to you soon.
As usual, please take care of yourself.”
Disguised as a different contact name, the "Advisor" was no one other than Blume Diamonte, the current reigning Empress of the Quincy. A woman he became infatuated with during their first sighting in Naruki City, they've kept tabs on each other over time and developed a genuine romance with each other. With Shizuka risking his life and everything he owns to stay with her, "a forbidden relationship" one might say. The young shinigami was pressed to answer his lover, and responded
"I'm sorry for not responding as quickly, you know I've been busy with these new responsibilities lol
I'll let you know when I can go to Naruki City, with no "extra luggage" I've been wanting to see you to..
How's your day been going?"
Shizuka as soon as he sent the message through, felt a slight drop in his heart. He knew he could only keep this up for so much longer, as a Lieutenant there was a radar on him, that didn't truly exist when he was a lowly 3rd Seat. That was when their relationship was in their prime, but now with increased responsibility his movements are being watched more than ever. Evaluation that never stops, especially when your former Captain runs the entire Soul Society currently.
Dawdling in his steps, the young Vice Captain notices as he is moving closer to his own quarters, that the amount of personnel that accompanies the 10th has been spread out very thin. His first instinct is to call upon his 3rd Seat, but as soon as he reaches into his pocket he instinctively notices the presence of someone right behind him. His appearance was so swift and efficient it was almost as he blended within the air itself. Shizuka turned around instantly and there it was a cloaked figure standing so gently behind him, waiting for his presence to be acknowledged by the former 3rd Seat. Before Shizuka could even utter a word, the man spoke-
”Lieutenant Shizuka Hyouzoku of Tenth Division.”
"Hm?"
"By order of Commander Kagayaki, you are to immediately report to the meeting hall in the First Division. That is all sir.”
The man bows respectfully before vanishing at a moment's notice.
Shizuka knew if he needed to be summoned by his former Captain in this manner, it was a serious matter. The new Vice Captain gave no thought to this and immediately changed his course for Central. Knowing what he knew in the back of his mind, Shizuka was left with many dangerous assumptions of what he was being called for. No matter what though, he would play it cool and make his way expeditiously.
Traveling from Southwest -------------------------------------- to ----------------------------------------Central