"...People are easy to twist. You can change their way of thinking by simply placing a different thought in their head. And the funniest thing is that they never seem to realize what exactly it is you are doing. They just think you are simply putting out a new statement when really you are affecting they way they are thinking about a situation. That is when we really see how idiotic we humans really are, able to be bent in any direction that someone once us to. We are weak minded, incapable of fully barricading our thoughts from others so that they may stay our true opinions on the subject at hand. So, you have to wonder why so many ask the question as to why wars are so easily brought forward, why enemies can be made within seconds. It's because we can affect how the opposite person thinks by either our words or actions. That is the simple truth in the matter...."
August
SOUL SOCIETY
Virginia's Perspective
"Virginia, I think we should stop for the day." Kayla calls from the other side of the training ground.
Virginia replies with panting trying to catch her breath after successfully using Yukitora to block Kayla's fire attack.
"N-No, one more time, then we'll go in." Virginia replies.
Kayla groans.
"Oh, c'mon Virginia! You look like you're about to pass out over there!" Kayla calls.
"Oh, be quiet." Virginia calls back.
"No, Virginia, she's not lying. You need to get some rest." Cree says as she walks over.
"I want to be ready for the test." Virginia replies.
"Test? What test?" Bianca asks as she walks up behind Cree.
"Mariya decided that she wants to give us seats in the higher five, considering that we apparently have a good amount of power." Cree explains.
"Yeah, and I want to get the highest one." Virginia comments.
"Which would be?" Kayla asks.
"Third Seat, Aneko has the second seat of Lieutenant." Cree answers.
"I will be third seat." Virginia says.
"Virginia, you're the newest one here, besides, doesn't Mariya already have a third seat?" Bianca asks.
Virginia shakes her head.
"Not at the moment, apparently that guy Kenta was the third seat before he...did whatever it was he did." Virginia replies.
"He tried to kill Mariya." Cree says.
"Yeah, he came close too apparently." Bianca says.
"And that's when good old Devena popped up for the first time." Kayla says, joining the group.
"Devena?" Virginia asks.
The trio blink and look over at her.
"Oh yeah, she doesn't know about Devena, does she?" Bianca asks.
"Who's Devena?" Virginia asks again.
"Guys, I don't think we should tell her, at least not until we ask Mariya if it's ok-" Cree says.
"Who is Devena?!" Virginia interrupts, getting annoyed.
Kayla sighs.
"Trust me, you don't need to know. Actually, you're probably better off not knowing." Kayla says, placing a hand on Virginia's shoulder.
Virginia pouts.
"Oh, c'mon, now I'm curious." Virginia says.
"No, we can't tell you anything." Bianca replies.
Virginia looks over at Cree.
"Please tell me-" she starts.
"Sorry Virginia, not until Mariya gives me the ok to do so." Cree interrupts.
Virginia sighs.
"Fine..." she trails, before looking over at Kayla.
Kayla blinks.
"Virginia-" she starts.
Without warning, Yukitora appears behind Virginia's as she goes to grab the hilt assassin style, swinging the blade across her body at Kayla, which she barely dodges.
"Whoa!" Kayla yells, stumbling back as she pulls Washikaen from her sheath, "Give me some warning!"
"Remind me to do that next time!" Virginia yells as she pushes off her feet, flying at Kayla with her short sword raised above her head.
Kayla grits her teeth as Virginia's blade meets hers in sparks, locking them.
Cree and Bianca blink.
"Well, I wasn't expecting Virginia to be so violent." Bianca comments as they watch.
"Well, I was, but at least not this early." Cree replies, sighing as she crosses her arms, "Which kinda sucks for me."
"Why?" Bianca asks.
"Because to see who gets third seat, Virginia and I have to have a mock battle." Cree replies.
"What?!" Bianca answers in disbelief.
"Yep, and from the looks of it, she's not gonna make it easy-" Cree starts.
"Checkmate!"
Their eyes widen as they look over to see why Virginia said that, and see that Virginia has her blade to Kayla's neck, Washikaen about three yards on the other side of them on the ground. Both are panting, though it seems that Virginia was able to win before either had the chance to go into shikai.
"Oh my." Bianca comments.
"Yeah, I'm really screwed." Cree comments, "I'm worst at sparring then Kayla is."
"But are your powers greater, is the question at hand here." Bianca replies as they watch Virginia smile, taking the blade away and placing it back in it's sheath before it disappears, Kayla chuckling as she walks over to pic up her own blade.
"Good job Virginia, you won." Kayla says as she sheaths her sword, "This is gonna be a fun fight to watch tomorrow."
Virginia grins.
"Yay, now, let's go home, I need a nap." Virginia says with a laugh.
Cree grins.
"Alright, but hey, I'm gonna go grab so Chinese from the World of the Living, who wants to come?" Cree says.
"Me!" Kayla and Bianca say at the same time, before laughing.
"Sounds good, Mariya's at the house anyway, I think." Virginia says, "I'll just hang out with her til you get back."
"Awesome, now, let's go!" Kayla says.
"Get me the usual!" Virginia calls.
"Kay!" Bianca replies, before the three flashstep off to wherever they're going to open the portal, or the senkaimon, as they call it here.
Virginia sighs, and turns in the opposite direction, doing her best to flashstep, though failing somewhat, towards the house.
Arriving, she suddenly notices something in the air change, though subtle, it's enough to put her on edge. She walks through the door, and looks around, still feeling somewhat cautious.
"Hello?"
She jolts, but quickly relaxes as her brain works that the voice belongs to Mariya.
"It's me, Virginia." she calls back.
She hears Mariya get up from another room, followed by footsteps, and soon Mariya is in front of her, smiling, apparently happy to see her.
"Hey, how did training go with Kayla?" Mariya asks.
"Pretty good, I think I'm ready for the test tomorrow." Virginia replies with a grin.
Mariya giggles.
"Well, that's good to hear." Mariya says, "Now remember, I'm basing it on power level and how well you do with your sword, I'm not being biased."
"I know, I know." Virginia says as she begins to walk up the stairs, "Oh, btw, Cree and the others went to go get Chinese, I told them you wanted the usual."
"Oh, I'm not hungry." Mariya replies.
Virginia blinks, stopping mid-step.
"You're not hungry?" Virginia repeats.
Mariya blinks.
"Should I be?" she asks.
"Well, it's Chinese." Virginia says.
"And?"
"Well, you're never not hungry when it comes to Chinese food. Ever." Virginia asks.
Mariya's eyes widen.
"O-Oh, well, I'm just saying that cause I just ate, and I'm full." Mariya replies, "I guess my full appetite still hasn't come back yet."
Virginia watches her for a moment, causing Mariya to go silent as she stares into her eyes. Still, they seem somewhat murky, not warm. Though, she shakes it off, and sighs.
"Well, I'm gonna go take a shower before they get back with the food." Virginia says as she begins to walk up the stairs again.
Mariya grins.
"Alright, I'll have them put your food out so it's ready for you when you come back down." Mariya replies.
Virginia gives her a mini grin before she continues, vanishing from Mariya's sight to be upstairs on the second level, the same level where Bianca's room is.
Virginia sighs as she enters her room, swiftly closing the door behind her, before turning towards her bed.
"Seems there's a bit of tension between you and the Captain."
She jolts, whipping her head around to see a familiar figure standing in the shadows by her door.
"K-Kenta, you again!" Virginia says, before turning to yell for Mariya, "Mari-!"
Suddenly, he appears right in front of her, putting his hand over her mouth to mute her voice, the force knocking her over onto the bed, he still holding mouth, his other hand somehow holding both of her wrists down.
"I wouldn't do that, you almost made me mad." Kenta replies, staring down at her with his misty gray eyes.
Her eyes are wide, unable to move as she's in a bit of shock by what just happened.
...H-How was he able to pin me so easily?!...I mean, he just did it as if I was a five year old child!...
"Does it really complex you how much stronger I am then you?" he asks.
Her eyes widen even more, noticing as he replies to her thoughts.
He takes his hand from her mouth, only to use it take hold of her other wrist.
For a moment he just stares at her, before he chuckles.
"Y'know, you really aren't that bad-lookin'." he says, "I'm glad that you're the one I get to watch."
"W-What?!" Virginia says.
"So, how's the old Captain doing?" Kenta asks, smirking.
"Well, let me think, she's fine, compared to how you left her." Virginia replies.
"So, you're mad at me even for something you've only heard about." Kenta says.
"It still happened." she answers.
He chuckles again.
"Tell me, you think you'll get my old seat?" he asks.
She blinks. He really was stalking her!
"It depends on how I fight tomorrow-" Virginia starts.
"You're much stronger then that Indian." Kenta interrupts.
"Her name is Cree-"
"And she'll probably get Third Seat."
Virginia blinks, confused.
"Wait, what? You just said I'm stronger then her-"
"But Mariya will still give her the seat."
"What? No she won't, she's not a biased person."
"For all you know, that is."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I should of been the lieutenant of this Squad, but no, Kocamura got it, even though she's a weaker T.P. Soul Reaper then me. It's infuriated me since." Kenta explains, "Then Mariya died, and I wasn't even good enough to be the leader, and take her place as Captain. Everyday, I had to listen to the orders of someone weaker then me. That's gonna be your life-"
"No it's not, and besides, Cree's strong-"
"But you're stronger. Still, you won't get it. Mariya doesn't trust you." Kenta interrupts.
"Yes she does!-"
"What makes you think that?"
"I'm her Best Friend-"
"So you think."
Virginia blinks.
"What?-"
"She's just using you, don't you see it?!" Kenta snaps.
Virginia's eyes widen.
"You're nothing to her, just watch, even though you deserve it, she won't place you in Third Seat." he continues.
She doesn't reply, too taken back to answer. Though, when she finally regains herself, she grits her teeth, her eyes flashing blue.
"Why you..." she snarls.
He stares down at her, his eyes only moving as he begins to feel something cold moving over his hands. He looks over, his eyes widening as he sees ice beginning to form up his arms. Quickly, before he's stuck, he pulls away, freeing Virginia from the bed, allowing her to sit up.
After a moment, he chuckles.
"Well, you've learned to control Yukitora quite well over this limited amount of time." he comments.
He even knows the name of her zanpakuto!
"Leave!" she yells.
He smirks.
"Oh, looks like I hit a nerve." Kenta taunts, walking towards the window, "Fine, I'll go."
She glares at him, watching him as he strides towards her window, though she gasps as he suddenly disappears.
Wh-What?!
Without warning, she feels something press against her cheek, warm. As it pulls away, she whips her head around, gasping as she realizes what just happened.
Kenta laughs.
"It's fun to surprise girls with a kiss on the cheek." he chuckles, "Bye for now."
And with that, he's gone.
Her eyes are wide, her cheeks turning red.
...Why that...bastard...
She felt more confused then ever, but she couldn't concentrate on that, she needed to focus on tomorrow...
------
"Good job Virginia!" Kayla yells, giving Virginia a high five.
Virginia laughs.
"Why thanks!" she replies with a grin.
"I can't believe how you were able to freeze Cree's attack!" Bianca says.
"Neither can I! I don't even know how I did it!" Virginia answers.
"Well, kudos to you, you definitely deserve that Third Seat." Cree says, grinning.
"Thanks, that means a lot Cree." Virginia replies with a smile.
Cree chuckles.
"You're silly." Cree comments.
"I know." Virginia laughs.
"So, where is Mariya?" Bianca asks.
"I think she's finalizing the seats." Cree replies.
"With my name in the Third Seat." Virginia says.
"Now now, don't go getting a big head." Kayla says.
"I know, I know, but I'm just so excited!" Virginia giggles.
"Virginia, Cree."
She blinks, turning to see Mariya in the doorway of her office, a grin on her face.
"Yeah?" Cree asks.
"Come in." Mariya instructs, walking back in.
Cree and Virginia look at one another, giving a shrug, before following after Mariya, Cree closing the door behind them.
"What's up?" Virginia asks.
"Sit, I'm giving you your seats." Mariya replies as she sits at her desk, straightening up some papers.
"Oh, alright." Cree replies, sitting, Virginia following.
For a minute, they just sit there, watching Mariya fixing the papers on her desk, before she finally sighs, looking at both of them.
"Well, I must say, you two fought very well, almost at equal strength." Mariya starts.
Virginia grins at the 'almost' part.
"So, what are our seats?" Virginia asks.
"You'll find your answers in these files, you need to fill them out to make them official." Mariya answers, handing each of them a plain yellow file.
They both blink, but do as told, taking their own file to open.
Virginia grins, quickly opening the file to find her paper that would name her Third Seat...
As she reads the paper, her smile quickly fades.
"M-Mariya." Cree stutters.
"Yes?" Mariya answers.
"I think you made a mistake on mine." she replies.
Mariya blinks.
"Did I?"
"It says I'm the Third Seat." Cree replies, looking up from her paper.
"No. That's right."
Virginia feels something crack a bit.
"What?!" Virginia says.
Mariya blinks again.
"Cree got Third Seat-"
"B-But why?! I beat her!"
"Yes, I know-"
"So why am I not Third-"
"Because you are not qualified enough yet." Mariya interrupts.
Virginia falls quiet.
"What?..." Virginia trails.
"Mariya, I don't think you're making the right decision here." Cree says, "She beat me, and we both know that she does posses more power and better sword play skills then I do-"
"But unlike you, she's not experienced." Mariya says.
"That shouldn't affect this-" Cree starts.
"But it does, I want her to experience a real battle first." Mariya replies.
"You don't think fighting her was real?!" Virginia answers.
Mariya looks over at her, eyes clouded as usual.
"No, I don't see it as real cause she wasn't actually aiming to kill you."
"So someone has to be trying to kill her for it to be real?" Cree asks.
"Yes-"
"That's ridiculous!" Virginia yells.
"How so?-"
"You're saying until I'm in a life or death situation, a battle really doesn't count?!" Virginia yells.
"I guess, in a way, that's correct-" Mariya replies.
"Bull shit!" Virginia yells, "I deserve to be Third!-"
"You deserve whatever I place you at!" Mariya snaps.
Cree's eyes widen as Virginia becomes speechless.
"Mariya!"
"For now, she is the Fifth Seat, that is FINAL!" Mariya yells.
"Wait, you made her FIFTH?!" Cree says, "What about Forth?!-"
"Miyoko is the Forth Seat!" Mariya snaps, "I'm not moving her down just because you two are friends, that is not right-"
"You DAMN HYPOCRITE!" Virginia yells.
Mariya glares over at her, her stare cold, causing Virginia to feel a new sensation of eeriness.
"What. Am. I?" Mariya asks.
Even Cree must feel the change in Mariya, stepping back some.
After glaring at them for a few moments, Mariya sighs.
"Go back to the house, now." Mariya says, "And fill out those papers by the time I get back, that is an order."
Virginia cracks.
"NO!" Virginia yells, "THIS IS NOT THE SEAT I DESERVE!"
"LEIMEIRO, SILENT!" Mariya yells back, "YOU WILL DO AS I SAY, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!"
"NO!"
"DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!"
SLAP!!
Before anyone knows what has happened, Mariya finds herself wide eyed, holding her cheek. Virginia pants, her arm across her, her hand raised. Cree is in shock, not believing how hard Virginia just slapped Mariya. Not allowing anyone speak to her, Virginia sprints from the room, flinging the door open, flashstepping far from the office, her tears becoming ice as they leave her eyes....
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mariya's Perspective
Her cheek is still hot from Virginia's slap, even though it's been a few hours, the sun already somewhat set.
"Damn, that bitch can really whip one." Mariya curses.
"Yattamori!"
She blinks, turning to see Toshiro running towards her.
"Toshiro..." she trails.
"Hey, I heard about what happened from Cree, are you-" he starts, before seeing her cheek, "Damn, did Virginia do that?!"
Mariya nods.
"Yep."
"Dang, have you seen her since?" Toshiro asks.
She shakes her head.
"No, seems she might of headed to the World of the Living." Mariya replies.
"That's not good, she shouldn't be off by herself."
"Yeah, I should probably go look for her-" Mariya starts.
Suddenly, her feet give out beneath her, causing her to fall.
"Y-Yattamori!" Toshiro stutters, catching her, "Are you ok?"
"Y-Yes, seems I just got light-headed-" she replies.
"That slap probably didn't help your mental status, considering you're still recovering from the kidnapping." Toshiro interrupts, "C'mon, I'm taking you home-"
"N-No, I'm finding Virginia-"
"Mariya, you can't even walk." Toshiro interrupts, "I'm taking you home, that's that."
She blinks.
"Toshiro...." she trails.
"I don't want you straining yourself anymore then you already have, you need to be strong." he says.
She doesn't reply, dumbfounded by his words.
"Can you stand?" he asks.
She nods, trying her best to stand on her own, but failing.
"Seems that your balance is off." he comments.
"No, I'm fine." she replies.
He sighs.
"Well, guess there's no other way to do this." he says.
"Do what?-" she starts.
Without warning, he picks her up from her feet, cradling her in his arms, taking her by surprise.
"Ack!" Mariya yells, taking a tight hold around his neck.
He chuckles.
"Well, here we go." Toshiro says, turning, before flashstepping towards her home.
She blinks, noticing that his hold on her is tight, holding her as if he never wants to let her go. Of course, he will let her go, but for some reason, she feels...safe. Protected.
She looks up at him, who doesn't notice, focused on flashstepping. Never before has she really looked at the boy. He looks mature, and in a way...handsome.
His eyes are strong, and she just finds the look of his hair attractive. He just looks...really nice...
Her eyes widen, finally noticing how far off her mind is going, her cheeks turning red, something that rarely happens.
...What the Hell?...
"Yattamori?"
She blinks, and looks up at him, their eyes connecting.
She turns redder.
"Y-Yes?" she asks.
"You feeling alright? You look like you're burning up."
She looks away, embarrassed.
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine." Mariya replies.
"Sure?"
She nods.
"Alright..." he trails.
As they land, she closes her eyes, feeling relaxed as she begins to listen to his heartbeat, the steady rhythm making her realize just how tired she is. She hears the door open, and Bianca gasping.
"Is she ok?!"
"Yeah, she's fine, it just seems that Virginia's slap somewhat messed up her balance, so she had trouble walking." Toshiro explains, his voice quiet.
"Oh, I see."
"Have you heard from Virginia?"
"Yeah, she just called, she's on her way back now."
"Good, Yattamori wanted to go looking for her, but I wouldn't allow her."
"You really are protective of her."
Her heart skips.
"Hey, she's my Best Friend." Toshiro replies.
"Yeah, yeah." Bianca sighs.
"What's that supposed to mean?" he asks.
"Well, think about, is she really only just a friend to you?"
"Oh God, not this." he replies, beginning to walk away.
"I'm just saying, I've only seen one other guy that's as protective as you."
"And that would be?"
"Edward Cullen from Twilight."
...Twilight?...
"What the heck is Twilight?" Toshiro asks.
"Oh yeah, you don't know who that is...uh..." Bianca trails, "Alright, Romeo."
"Yeah, Yattamori is so my Juliet." Toshiro replies sarcastically as he begins to walk up the steps.
Mariya feels her cheeks redden.
"I'm just saying." Bianca says, "Well, night."
"Night." Toshiro replies.
He's silent the rest of the way up, easily navigating her room to find her bed, laying her gently under the covers.
"Mmm?" Mariya breaths.
"Hey, you're in bed now, go ahead and get some sleep." Toshiro whispers, "Virginia's on her way back, so don't worry, just get some rest, you need it.
"Toshiro..." she says.
"Yeah?"
"Can you take out my ribbon?"
He chuckles.
"Yeah."
She's glad it's dark, not wanting him to see her blushing as he loosens her hair, setting the lime green ribbon on the night stand.
"Thanks." she whispers.
"No problem. I'll see you tomorrow." he says.
"Good night Toshiro." she calls as he walks off.
He stops, and turns to look at her.
"Good night Yattamori."
She grins, rolling over as she listens to him walk out, hearing him until he shuts the door to her room, and echoing away down the steps.
She sighs.
"What's wrong with you?"
She blinks, sitting up in her bed.
"Why are you just playing around with the boy? Remember your job."
Mariya groans, then chuckles, her eyes changing from hazel to a warm red.
"Sorry, I'm just trying to gain his trust, and I'm already on schedule with the munchkin Bitch." she replies, rubbing her cheek.
"Good, she seems to be becoming more agitated by the minute in this world, with Kenta seducing her, and you aggravating her, she'll be ready in no time."
Mariya grins.
"That is my job."
A chuckle is heard.
"Yes, you're doing beautifully, Houkou..."
She chuckles as well.
"Yes, and I will admit, playing little miss Mariya is fun." Houkou says, her voice changing to what it is normally, "By the way, how's our prisoner still doing?"
"She's doing well, we're keeping her powers in close check so that no one realizes that you aren't her."
She smirks.
"Good, cause I plan to fulfill both jobs. To complete the process with Virginia...and kill Toshiro Hitsugaya."
August
SOUL SOCIETY
Virginia's Perspective
"Virginia, I think we should stop for the day." Kayla calls from the other side of the training ground.
Virginia replies with panting trying to catch her breath after successfully using Yukitora to block Kayla's fire attack.
"N-No, one more time, then we'll go in." Virginia replies.
Kayla groans.
"Oh, c'mon Virginia! You look like you're about to pass out over there!" Kayla calls.
"Oh, be quiet." Virginia calls back.
"No, Virginia, she's not lying. You need to get some rest." Cree says as she walks over.
"I want to be ready for the test." Virginia replies.
"Test? What test?" Bianca asks as she walks up behind Cree.
"Mariya decided that she wants to give us seats in the higher five, considering that we apparently have a good amount of power." Cree explains.
"Yeah, and I want to get the highest one." Virginia comments.
"Which would be?" Kayla asks.
"Third Seat, Aneko has the second seat of Lieutenant." Cree answers.
"I will be third seat." Virginia says.
"Virginia, you're the newest one here, besides, doesn't Mariya already have a third seat?" Bianca asks.
Virginia shakes her head.
"Not at the moment, apparently that guy Kenta was the third seat before he...did whatever it was he did." Virginia replies.
"He tried to kill Mariya." Cree says.
"Yeah, he came close too apparently." Bianca says.
"And that's when good old Devena popped up for the first time." Kayla says, joining the group.
"Devena?" Virginia asks.
The trio blink and look over at her.
"Oh yeah, she doesn't know about Devena, does she?" Bianca asks.
"Who's Devena?" Virginia asks again.
"Guys, I don't think we should tell her, at least not until we ask Mariya if it's ok-" Cree says.
"Who is Devena?!" Virginia interrupts, getting annoyed.
Kayla sighs.
"Trust me, you don't need to know. Actually, you're probably better off not knowing." Kayla says, placing a hand on Virginia's shoulder.
Virginia pouts.
"Oh, c'mon, now I'm curious." Virginia says.
"No, we can't tell you anything." Bianca replies.
Virginia looks over at Cree.
"Please tell me-" she starts.
"Sorry Virginia, not until Mariya gives me the ok to do so." Cree interrupts.
Virginia sighs.
"Fine..." she trails, before looking over at Kayla.
Kayla blinks.
"Virginia-" she starts.
Without warning, Yukitora appears behind Virginia's as she goes to grab the hilt assassin style, swinging the blade across her body at Kayla, which she barely dodges.
"Whoa!" Kayla yells, stumbling back as she pulls Washikaen from her sheath, "Give me some warning!"
"Remind me to do that next time!" Virginia yells as she pushes off her feet, flying at Kayla with her short sword raised above her head.
Kayla grits her teeth as Virginia's blade meets hers in sparks, locking them.
Cree and Bianca blink.
"Well, I wasn't expecting Virginia to be so violent." Bianca comments as they watch.
"Well, I was, but at least not this early." Cree replies, sighing as she crosses her arms, "Which kinda sucks for me."
"Why?" Bianca asks.
"Because to see who gets third seat, Virginia and I have to have a mock battle." Cree replies.
"What?!" Bianca answers in disbelief.
"Yep, and from the looks of it, she's not gonna make it easy-" Cree starts.
"Checkmate!"
Their eyes widen as they look over to see why Virginia said that, and see that Virginia has her blade to Kayla's neck, Washikaen about three yards on the other side of them on the ground. Both are panting, though it seems that Virginia was able to win before either had the chance to go into shikai.
"Oh my." Bianca comments.
"Yeah, I'm really screwed." Cree comments, "I'm worst at sparring then Kayla is."
"But are your powers greater, is the question at hand here." Bianca replies as they watch Virginia smile, taking the blade away and placing it back in it's sheath before it disappears, Kayla chuckling as she walks over to pic up her own blade.
"Good job Virginia, you won." Kayla says as she sheaths her sword, "This is gonna be a fun fight to watch tomorrow."
Virginia grins.
"Yay, now, let's go home, I need a nap." Virginia says with a laugh.
Cree grins.
"Alright, but hey, I'm gonna go grab so Chinese from the World of the Living, who wants to come?" Cree says.
"Me!" Kayla and Bianca say at the same time, before laughing.
"Sounds good, Mariya's at the house anyway, I think." Virginia says, "I'll just hang out with her til you get back."
"Awesome, now, let's go!" Kayla says.
"Get me the usual!" Virginia calls.
"Kay!" Bianca replies, before the three flashstep off to wherever they're going to open the portal, or the senkaimon, as they call it here.
Virginia sighs, and turns in the opposite direction, doing her best to flashstep, though failing somewhat, towards the house.
Arriving, she suddenly notices something in the air change, though subtle, it's enough to put her on edge. She walks through the door, and looks around, still feeling somewhat cautious.
"Hello?"
She jolts, but quickly relaxes as her brain works that the voice belongs to Mariya.
"It's me, Virginia." she calls back.
She hears Mariya get up from another room, followed by footsteps, and soon Mariya is in front of her, smiling, apparently happy to see her.
"Hey, how did training go with Kayla?" Mariya asks.
"Pretty good, I think I'm ready for the test tomorrow." Virginia replies with a grin.
Mariya giggles.
"Well, that's good to hear." Mariya says, "Now remember, I'm basing it on power level and how well you do with your sword, I'm not being biased."
"I know, I know." Virginia says as she begins to walk up the stairs, "Oh, btw, Cree and the others went to go get Chinese, I told them you wanted the usual."
"Oh, I'm not hungry." Mariya replies.
Virginia blinks, stopping mid-step.
"You're not hungry?" Virginia repeats.
Mariya blinks.
"Should I be?" she asks.
"Well, it's Chinese." Virginia says.
"And?"
"Well, you're never not hungry when it comes to Chinese food. Ever." Virginia asks.
Mariya's eyes widen.
"O-Oh, well, I'm just saying that cause I just ate, and I'm full." Mariya replies, "I guess my full appetite still hasn't come back yet."
Virginia watches her for a moment, causing Mariya to go silent as she stares into her eyes. Still, they seem somewhat murky, not warm. Though, she shakes it off, and sighs.
"Well, I'm gonna go take a shower before they get back with the food." Virginia says as she begins to walk up the stairs again.
Mariya grins.
"Alright, I'll have them put your food out so it's ready for you when you come back down." Mariya replies.
Virginia gives her a mini grin before she continues, vanishing from Mariya's sight to be upstairs on the second level, the same level where Bianca's room is.
Virginia sighs as she enters her room, swiftly closing the door behind her, before turning towards her bed.
"Seems there's a bit of tension between you and the Captain."
She jolts, whipping her head around to see a familiar figure standing in the shadows by her door.
"K-Kenta, you again!" Virginia says, before turning to yell for Mariya, "Mari-!"
Suddenly, he appears right in front of her, putting his hand over her mouth to mute her voice, the force knocking her over onto the bed, he still holding mouth, his other hand somehow holding both of her wrists down.
"I wouldn't do that, you almost made me mad." Kenta replies, staring down at her with his misty gray eyes.
Her eyes are wide, unable to move as she's in a bit of shock by what just happened.
...H-How was he able to pin me so easily?!...I mean, he just did it as if I was a five year old child!...
"Does it really complex you how much stronger I am then you?" he asks.
Her eyes widen even more, noticing as he replies to her thoughts.
He takes his hand from her mouth, only to use it take hold of her other wrist.
For a moment he just stares at her, before he chuckles.
"Y'know, you really aren't that bad-lookin'." he says, "I'm glad that you're the one I get to watch."
"W-What?!" Virginia says.
"So, how's the old Captain doing?" Kenta asks, smirking.
"Well, let me think, she's fine, compared to how you left her." Virginia replies.
"So, you're mad at me even for something you've only heard about." Kenta says.
"It still happened." she answers.
He chuckles again.
"Tell me, you think you'll get my old seat?" he asks.
She blinks. He really was stalking her!
"It depends on how I fight tomorrow-" Virginia starts.
"You're much stronger then that Indian." Kenta interrupts.
"Her name is Cree-"
"And she'll probably get Third Seat."
Virginia blinks, confused.
"Wait, what? You just said I'm stronger then her-"
"But Mariya will still give her the seat."
"What? No she won't, she's not a biased person."
"For all you know, that is."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I should of been the lieutenant of this Squad, but no, Kocamura got it, even though she's a weaker T.P. Soul Reaper then me. It's infuriated me since." Kenta explains, "Then Mariya died, and I wasn't even good enough to be the leader, and take her place as Captain. Everyday, I had to listen to the orders of someone weaker then me. That's gonna be your life-"
"No it's not, and besides, Cree's strong-"
"But you're stronger. Still, you won't get it. Mariya doesn't trust you." Kenta interrupts.
"Yes she does!-"
"What makes you think that?"
"I'm her Best Friend-"
"So you think."
Virginia blinks.
"What?-"
"She's just using you, don't you see it?!" Kenta snaps.
Virginia's eyes widen.
"You're nothing to her, just watch, even though you deserve it, she won't place you in Third Seat." he continues.
She doesn't reply, too taken back to answer. Though, when she finally regains herself, she grits her teeth, her eyes flashing blue.
"Why you..." she snarls.
He stares down at her, his eyes only moving as he begins to feel something cold moving over his hands. He looks over, his eyes widening as he sees ice beginning to form up his arms. Quickly, before he's stuck, he pulls away, freeing Virginia from the bed, allowing her to sit up.
After a moment, he chuckles.
"Well, you've learned to control Yukitora quite well over this limited amount of time." he comments.
He even knows the name of her zanpakuto!
"Leave!" she yells.
He smirks.
"Oh, looks like I hit a nerve." Kenta taunts, walking towards the window, "Fine, I'll go."
She glares at him, watching him as he strides towards her window, though she gasps as he suddenly disappears.
Wh-What?!
Without warning, she feels something press against her cheek, warm. As it pulls away, she whips her head around, gasping as she realizes what just happened.
Kenta laughs.
"It's fun to surprise girls with a kiss on the cheek." he chuckles, "Bye for now."
And with that, he's gone.
Her eyes are wide, her cheeks turning red.
...Why that...bastard...
She felt more confused then ever, but she couldn't concentrate on that, she needed to focus on tomorrow...
------
"Good job Virginia!" Kayla yells, giving Virginia a high five.
Virginia laughs.
"Why thanks!" she replies with a grin.
"I can't believe how you were able to freeze Cree's attack!" Bianca says.
"Neither can I! I don't even know how I did it!" Virginia answers.
"Well, kudos to you, you definitely deserve that Third Seat." Cree says, grinning.
"Thanks, that means a lot Cree." Virginia replies with a smile.
Cree chuckles.
"You're silly." Cree comments.
"I know." Virginia laughs.
"So, where is Mariya?" Bianca asks.
"I think she's finalizing the seats." Cree replies.
"With my name in the Third Seat." Virginia says.
"Now now, don't go getting a big head." Kayla says.
"I know, I know, but I'm just so excited!" Virginia giggles.
"Virginia, Cree."
She blinks, turning to see Mariya in the doorway of her office, a grin on her face.
"Yeah?" Cree asks.
"Come in." Mariya instructs, walking back in.
Cree and Virginia look at one another, giving a shrug, before following after Mariya, Cree closing the door behind them.
"What's up?" Virginia asks.
"Sit, I'm giving you your seats." Mariya replies as she sits at her desk, straightening up some papers.
"Oh, alright." Cree replies, sitting, Virginia following.
For a minute, they just sit there, watching Mariya fixing the papers on her desk, before she finally sighs, looking at both of them.
"Well, I must say, you two fought very well, almost at equal strength." Mariya starts.
Virginia grins at the 'almost' part.
"So, what are our seats?" Virginia asks.
"You'll find your answers in these files, you need to fill them out to make them official." Mariya answers, handing each of them a plain yellow file.
They both blink, but do as told, taking their own file to open.
Virginia grins, quickly opening the file to find her paper that would name her Third Seat...
As she reads the paper, her smile quickly fades.
"M-Mariya." Cree stutters.
"Yes?" Mariya answers.
"I think you made a mistake on mine." she replies.
Mariya blinks.
"Did I?"
"It says I'm the Third Seat." Cree replies, looking up from her paper.
"No. That's right."
Virginia feels something crack a bit.
"What?!" Virginia says.
Mariya blinks again.
"Cree got Third Seat-"
"B-But why?! I beat her!"
"Yes, I know-"
"So why am I not Third-"
"Because you are not qualified enough yet." Mariya interrupts.
Virginia falls quiet.
"What?..." Virginia trails.
"Mariya, I don't think you're making the right decision here." Cree says, "She beat me, and we both know that she does posses more power and better sword play skills then I do-"
"But unlike you, she's not experienced." Mariya says.
"That shouldn't affect this-" Cree starts.
"But it does, I want her to experience a real battle first." Mariya replies.
"You don't think fighting her was real?!" Virginia answers.
Mariya looks over at her, eyes clouded as usual.
"No, I don't see it as real cause she wasn't actually aiming to kill you."
"So someone has to be trying to kill her for it to be real?" Cree asks.
"Yes-"
"That's ridiculous!" Virginia yells.
"How so?-"
"You're saying until I'm in a life or death situation, a battle really doesn't count?!" Virginia yells.
"I guess, in a way, that's correct-" Mariya replies.
"Bull shit!" Virginia yells, "I deserve to be Third!-"
"You deserve whatever I place you at!" Mariya snaps.
Cree's eyes widen as Virginia becomes speechless.
"Mariya!"
"For now, she is the Fifth Seat, that is FINAL!" Mariya yells.
"Wait, you made her FIFTH?!" Cree says, "What about Forth?!-"
"Miyoko is the Forth Seat!" Mariya snaps, "I'm not moving her down just because you two are friends, that is not right-"
"You DAMN HYPOCRITE!" Virginia yells.
Mariya glares over at her, her stare cold, causing Virginia to feel a new sensation of eeriness.
"What. Am. I?" Mariya asks.
Even Cree must feel the change in Mariya, stepping back some.
After glaring at them for a few moments, Mariya sighs.
"Go back to the house, now." Mariya says, "And fill out those papers by the time I get back, that is an order."
Virginia cracks.
"NO!" Virginia yells, "THIS IS NOT THE SEAT I DESERVE!"
"LEIMEIRO, SILENT!" Mariya yells back, "YOU WILL DO AS I SAY, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!"
"NO!"
"DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!"
SLAP!!
Before anyone knows what has happened, Mariya finds herself wide eyed, holding her cheek. Virginia pants, her arm across her, her hand raised. Cree is in shock, not believing how hard Virginia just slapped Mariya. Not allowing anyone speak to her, Virginia sprints from the room, flinging the door open, flashstepping far from the office, her tears becoming ice as they leave her eyes....
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mariya's Perspective
Her cheek is still hot from Virginia's slap, even though it's been a few hours, the sun already somewhat set.
"Damn, that bitch can really whip one." Mariya curses.
"Yattamori!"
She blinks, turning to see Toshiro running towards her.
"Toshiro..." she trails.
"Hey, I heard about what happened from Cree, are you-" he starts, before seeing her cheek, "Damn, did Virginia do that?!"
Mariya nods.
"Yep."
"Dang, have you seen her since?" Toshiro asks.
She shakes her head.
"No, seems she might of headed to the World of the Living." Mariya replies.
"That's not good, she shouldn't be off by herself."
"Yeah, I should probably go look for her-" Mariya starts.
Suddenly, her feet give out beneath her, causing her to fall.
"Y-Yattamori!" Toshiro stutters, catching her, "Are you ok?"
"Y-Yes, seems I just got light-headed-" she replies.
"That slap probably didn't help your mental status, considering you're still recovering from the kidnapping." Toshiro interrupts, "C'mon, I'm taking you home-"
"N-No, I'm finding Virginia-"
"Mariya, you can't even walk." Toshiro interrupts, "I'm taking you home, that's that."
She blinks.
"Toshiro...." she trails.
"I don't want you straining yourself anymore then you already have, you need to be strong." he says.
She doesn't reply, dumbfounded by his words.
"Can you stand?" he asks.
She nods, trying her best to stand on her own, but failing.
"Seems that your balance is off." he comments.
"No, I'm fine." she replies.
He sighs.
"Well, guess there's no other way to do this." he says.
"Do what?-" she starts.
Without warning, he picks her up from her feet, cradling her in his arms, taking her by surprise.
"Ack!" Mariya yells, taking a tight hold around his neck.
He chuckles.
"Well, here we go." Toshiro says, turning, before flashstepping towards her home.
She blinks, noticing that his hold on her is tight, holding her as if he never wants to let her go. Of course, he will let her go, but for some reason, she feels...safe. Protected.
She looks up at him, who doesn't notice, focused on flashstepping. Never before has she really looked at the boy. He looks mature, and in a way...handsome.
His eyes are strong, and she just finds the look of his hair attractive. He just looks...really nice...
Her eyes widen, finally noticing how far off her mind is going, her cheeks turning red, something that rarely happens.
...What the Hell?...
"Yattamori?"
She blinks, and looks up at him, their eyes connecting.
She turns redder.
"Y-Yes?" she asks.
"You feeling alright? You look like you're burning up."
She looks away, embarrassed.
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine." Mariya replies.
"Sure?"
She nods.
"Alright..." he trails.
As they land, she closes her eyes, feeling relaxed as she begins to listen to his heartbeat, the steady rhythm making her realize just how tired she is. She hears the door open, and Bianca gasping.
"Is she ok?!"
"Yeah, she's fine, it just seems that Virginia's slap somewhat messed up her balance, so she had trouble walking." Toshiro explains, his voice quiet.
"Oh, I see."
"Have you heard from Virginia?"
"Yeah, she just called, she's on her way back now."
"Good, Yattamori wanted to go looking for her, but I wouldn't allow her."
"You really are protective of her."
Her heart skips.
"Hey, she's my Best Friend." Toshiro replies.
"Yeah, yeah." Bianca sighs.
"What's that supposed to mean?" he asks.
"Well, think about, is she really only just a friend to you?"
"Oh God, not this." he replies, beginning to walk away.
"I'm just saying, I've only seen one other guy that's as protective as you."
"And that would be?"
"Edward Cullen from Twilight."
...Twilight?...
"What the heck is Twilight?" Toshiro asks.
"Oh yeah, you don't know who that is...uh..." Bianca trails, "Alright, Romeo."
"Yeah, Yattamori is so my Juliet." Toshiro replies sarcastically as he begins to walk up the steps.
Mariya feels her cheeks redden.
"I'm just saying." Bianca says, "Well, night."
"Night." Toshiro replies.
He's silent the rest of the way up, easily navigating her room to find her bed, laying her gently under the covers.
"Mmm?" Mariya breaths.
"Hey, you're in bed now, go ahead and get some sleep." Toshiro whispers, "Virginia's on her way back, so don't worry, just get some rest, you need it.
"Toshiro..." she says.
"Yeah?"
"Can you take out my ribbon?"
He chuckles.
"Yeah."
She's glad it's dark, not wanting him to see her blushing as he loosens her hair, setting the lime green ribbon on the night stand.
"Thanks." she whispers.
"No problem. I'll see you tomorrow." he says.
"Good night Toshiro." she calls as he walks off.
He stops, and turns to look at her.
"Good night Yattamori."
She grins, rolling over as she listens to him walk out, hearing him until he shuts the door to her room, and echoing away down the steps.
She sighs.
"What's wrong with you?"
She blinks, sitting up in her bed.
"Why are you just playing around with the boy? Remember your job."
Mariya groans, then chuckles, her eyes changing from hazel to a warm red.
"Sorry, I'm just trying to gain his trust, and I'm already on schedule with the munchkin Bitch." she replies, rubbing her cheek.
"Good, she seems to be becoming more agitated by the minute in this world, with Kenta seducing her, and you aggravating her, she'll be ready in no time."
Mariya grins.
"That is my job."
A chuckle is heard.
"Yes, you're doing beautifully, Houkou..."
She chuckles as well.
"Yes, and I will admit, playing little miss Mariya is fun." Houkou says, her voice changing to what it is normally, "By the way, how's our prisoner still doing?"
"She's doing well, we're keeping her powers in close check so that no one realizes that you aren't her."
She smirks.
"Good, cause I plan to fulfill both jobs. To complete the process with Virginia...and kill Toshiro Hitsugaya."
