"...I have absolutely no idea what is going on. I mean, one minute, Cree and I are just sitting here doing nothing, and the next, Toshiro's trying to get me out of my house, while Kayla, Bianca, and Cree are trying to fend off some cat-lady. And, who's the cat-lady?! Man, I'm so confused. Even more then I have over the past days while my memory has been off. Though, I do know one thing through all this confusion. This cat-lady wants me to disappear. Literally and hypathetically, if that's even possible. And, it's for no reason. I never did anything to make these people want to take my life. All i did was do my job. I did nothing wrong to deserve this. None of us did. Though, there is one thing I know is all my fault. I've put all of my friends in danger...I put Toshiro in danger..."
June 28
SOUL SOCIETY
Cree's Perspective
"Sooo..." Kayla starts as they finally find Mariya.
Mariya turns and sighs as they run to catch up with her.
"What, Kayla?" Mariya asks.
"How was your date?" Bianca asks.
"Fine." Mariya answers.
"That's not very enthusiatic." Cree comments, "Didn't you enjoy yourself?"
"Sure I did." Mariya answers.
"Well then, why do you sound so bored?" Kayla asks.
"Because, I don't think I want to talk about it." Mariya answers.
"Oh. I get it," Bianca says with a smirk, "You don't want to tell us because you got dumped!"
"Huh?! I did not!-" Mariya starts.
"If you didn't, then why don't you want to talk about it?-" Bianca starts back.
"Because I made him take me home!" Mariya snaps.
Everyone falls silent as Mariya turns away.
"What?" Cree asks.
"You heard me, I made Rikuto take me home." Mariya answers.
"B-But why? He's such a great guy! Why did you send him away?!" Kayla says.
Mariya doesn't answer for a moment.
"It didn't feel right..." Mariya comments, "I didn't want to drag it out if I knew it wasn't right for me to be with him."
They just gape at her for a few moments, unable to register what could of happened to make Mariya not want to be with Rikuto.
Though, as they stare, Cree grins.
"Alright, if you didn't feel anything, you didn't feel anything. That's your choice, not our's." Cree says as she walks over and takes Mariya's wrist, "Come with me."
Mariya blinks, and Cree takes off in Flashstep.
"H-Hey, where are you two going?!" Kayla yells after them, irritated that they left her and Bianca behind.
But, Cree doesn't hear them, and soon, she's in her guest bedroom, panting as Mariya clutches the floor.
"C-Cree, d-don't d-do that...I'm n-not use to i-it y-yet." Mariya stutters as she sits.
"Mariya, can I trust you with something?" Cree asks.
Mariya blinks in surprise.
"Huh? Uh, s-sure, what?" Mariya asks.
Suddenly, for the first time, Cree feels her cheeks suddenly beginning to redden, causing her to hide her face a bit.
Mariya blinks.
"Mariya..." Cree trails.
"Cree? Why are you blushing?" Mariya asks.
"Is it wrong?"
"Huh?"
"Is is wrong...that I happy you decided not to..."
"Not to what?"
Cree doesn't answer for a moment.
"..Be with him...Rikuto.." Cree answers.
Mariya's eyes widen in surprise.
She rises to her feet.
"Wait a minute. Cree, are you saying that..." Mariya trails.
Cree turns to look her in the eye.
She nods.
"Yeah, I have a crush on Rikuto." Cree admits.
Mariya's jaw drops to the floor.
"WHAT?!" she yells.
"Shh!" Cree whispers harshly as she covers Mariya's mouth, before removing slowly, "Yes, I...I like him."
"When did this happen?" Mariya asks.
"Well, um..." Cree starts, blushing.
A FEW WEEKS BACK
"Ugh, Mariya, I'm taking a break, alright?" Cree calls as she walks out the door of Mariya's office.
"Fine, just be back soon to help me file these new reports for the Mahinahime file, Toshiro's already busy, so I need all the help I can get!" Mariya calls back (this occured before the memory accident).
"Kay! Be back soon."
Minutes later, Cree finds herself amonst flowers, in a patch of meadow outside the Sereitei. She smiles as the breeze carries the late wildflower's smell through her hair, causing her to sneeze a bit as pollen gets up her nose.
...Man, I wish mom and dad could see this place...
She sits, and sighs as she plays with the triangle charm around her neck.
"Hmm."
...Mariya gave this to met the day after I came here...She said it will allow me to come back here without her help, and it also allows my soul to stay here as long as I want, unlike her's...though I think that's why she got that purple charm bracelet...
A crunching sound catches her attention and diverts it from her necklace to look behind her.
Her eyes widen.
"R-Rikuto!" Cree breaths as Rikuto looks down at her.
He grins.
"Hey, Cree, right? Funny to run into you here." Rikuto says, laughing.
"I know. I didn't anyone else knew about this spot." Cree answers.
"Well, you'd be wrong about that. There's a few from our Squad that know about this place, but that's about it. Wait, no. Considering that Mariya and Miyoko were the ones that found this place, I bet Captain Hitsugaya has been here at least once or twice." he responds, before turning towards her, "So, you're close friends with the Captain?"
"Oh yeah, she and I met about two years ago, and ever since we've been best friends." Cree answers, smiling.
He chuckles.
Without warning, he plots down right next to Cree, causing her to blush a bit.
She raises her hand to her cheeks in alarm.
...huh? W-Why am I..?...
"So, do you like it here. The Soul Society?" Rikuto asks, pulling her from her thoughts.
She nods.
"Yeah, it's really fun. And it's so peaceful here, it's nice." Cree answers.
"I wouldn't really call it peaceful." Rikuto chuckles.
Cree turns and blinks.
"Huh?" she says.
"Well, I guess we could call this the calm before the storm, I guess, this seems to always happen before something bad goes down." Rikuto explains.
"Oh."
"Like for example, the few weeks before Mariya died for example. Everything was just like this. Then...boom, she was dead, just like that..." Rikuto trails.
Cree's eyes widen as she notices the change of tone in Rikuto's voice. From being happy and optimistic, to...depressed and...shook up.
"Rikuto?" Cree asks.
"Hm?" he answers.
"You really do care for Mariya, don't you?"
He immediately begins to blush.
"N-No, of course not! I mean, sure, she's pretty, and really kind, on top of being really funny and super smart, but-" Rikuto trails.
"Rikuto." Cree interupts.
"What?"
"You're going on and on about her. You care for her, dude."
He falls silent.
Cree shrinks a bit.
"Sorry did I go to far?" she asks.
He sighs, and lays down.
"You know, ever since I first joined the Squad, I thought that Mariya was probably one of the strongest Soul Reapers I'd ever seen, and she was so much younger then me. It was amazing. But, when she died, wow, it shook me up. And to see Captain Hitsugaya as he was just made it all the worse. Man, he was the most depressed kid I'd ever seen in my life." Rikuto explains.
"You seem to look up to both of them." Cree comments.
"Yeah, they're so powerful, but so young. And the fact that they're so close makes it so much more special to watch. To see two people feed off each other that much, it's incredible." Rikuto answers.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. I thought the same thing when I saw them work together. Even though I wasn't even aware of this stuff at the time, and was defenseless, I still could sense the power the two of them seemed to be able to create together. And then, when Mariya got injured, Toshiro was right there to help her." Cree says, "And though I'm not as advanced as any of you, I can sense when I train with her that we're feeding off each other. It's one of the most amazing feelings. Though, it's not complete."
Rikuto raises an eyebrow.
"Not complete?" he asks.
"It doesn't feel completely synced together, like Mariya and Toshiro are. Though strong, I can sense loose areas. I want to find the person who I can gain a bond with, like Mariya and Toshiro did." she explains, the breeze catching her hair.
For what feels like hours, Rikuto just stares at her, the feeling of him doing so causing her to redden a bit.
Suddenly, he sits up, and holds out his hand, taking Cree by surprise.
"What?" Cree asks.
"How about we make a pact?" Rikuto says.
"Huh?"
"I say we make a pact to promise we'll both find our bond. What do ya say?" Rikuto explains.
Blush rises to her cheeks.
"Rikuto..." she trails.
He laughs.
As the wind blows again, she grins.
...Rikuto...you..could you...be...
She takes strong hold of his hand, taking Rikuto by surprise.
"Promise?" Cree asks.
He stares for a moment, before grinning.
"Promise." Rikuto answers.
PRESENT
"Oh." Mariya breaths.
"Yeah..." Cree trails.
The two are speechless.
Without warning, Mariya begins to chuckle.
"Mariya?" Cree says.
"You are perfect, Cree." Mariya comments.
"Huh?"
"You're perfect...for Rikuto...Cree."
Blush rises to Cree's cheeks.
"Thanks..but...he already has his heart set on you, Mariya." Cree answers.
Mariya sighs.
"Cree, let me tell you something. You see, there are things in the world that we want, but we are not choosen to have. For example, yes, Rikuto does have feelings for me, I know that. But, even when I did have a crush on him...somewhere, I knew that I didn't contain the same feelings for him, and sadly...that I never would. Toshiro helped me realize that." Mariya explains.
Cree's eyes widen at the thought Toshiro had something to do with all this.
"Toshiro?" Cree comments.
"Yes. Cree, I know that somehow, he will eventually forget about me, and go on to find someone else. And who knows. For all we know, Rikuto might end up falling for Bianca, or Kayla...or even you Cree. We can't predict who we were choosen for, but we can sense if that person might be able to give us what we need. We all want to find that bond, so we all must keep searching til we find it." Mariya goes on.
Cree just stares at her, astonished by Mariya's knowledge on the subject.
"Mariya..." Cree trails.
Mariya grins as she turns gets up and turns towards the door.
"Cree, I want you to remember something." Mariya says.
Cree blinks.
"What?" Cree asks.
"You actually had an indepth conversation with him. Right?" Mariya asks.
"Y-Yeah..."
Mariya smiles and turns back to face her.
"Cree, you're already closer to him then I ever was."
"What?"
"He has never talked to me about himself or said anything to me about my death. Though it might partcially be because it's a quiet subject, I think there's another reason."
"What?"
"He's not comfortable. He's comfortable around you Cree. He trusts you. Remember that-"
"No, not that. You remember your..." Cree trails.
Mariya's eyes widen as she realizes what Cree is trying to say, before turning, becoming more solemn.
"Yes, I remember...my death. It unfortunately was also a memory left behind by the Bijuu who did this to me..." Mariya says, her eyes seeming heavier with the images, "It seems they wanted my to rot in my own agonizing descisions..."
"Mariya..."
She smiles, ironically.
"See Cree, no wonder Rikuto trusts you! You are great to talk to, you make everyone feel better." Mariya compliments, "Cree, you're an amazing person that Rikuto would be lucky to be with!"
Within seconds of letting Mariya's words sink in, Cree chuckles, and smiles, blush once again rising to her cheeks.
...Even in this state Mariya...you still make the world...a little brighter...
Though, a large explosion breaks the peace, and brings the storm.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toshiro's Perspective
"Mariya! Cree! Where are you guys?!" he yells as he enters the spoke filled home.
"Wah! We should of followed them! We could of warned them about the Bijuu attack!" Kayla wails, following Toshiro with Bianca close behind.
"Crying won't change anything Kayla-" Bianca starts.
"Toshiro! Guys, up here!"
Cree's voice immediately draws the three's attention.
Toshiro flashsteps as fast as he can towards the direction of Cree's voice, soon arriving at the door to Cree's guest room. Ground zero for the explosion.
"No..." Toshiro whispers, opening the door.
His eyes widen as he sees all distruction. The full bed was disentergrated, along with most of the furniture that was only there minutes earlier.
"Cree...?" he trails off.
"O-Over here!"
He whips his head around to see a large amount of rubble cast on the floor, boards, and broken beams of wood cast in all directions. Running over, he catches sight of a familiar yellow/orange glow.
Instantly, he starts pulling away at the different pieces, until he finally reaches the barrier.
"Cree!" he yells.
Inside, Cree is sitting, panting as she's probably the one who created the barrier, another surprise. Though, Mariya isn't as well.
She's infront of Cree, unconscious.
As Cree breaks her barrier, Toshiro takes the first chance to grab Mariya and turn her over to see if she's alright.
"M-Mariya, can you hear me?" he whispers, shaking her lightly, before looking up at Cree, "What happened?"
"W-We were talking, and out of nowhere, this big thing of fire just appeared. I-I panicked, I couldn't think of anything." Cree stutters, before looking at Mariya, "T-Then, as the flames showed up, Mariya jumped in front of me, and fixed my hands in the sign position she had been teaching me. A pole hit her in the back, and she went out. I guess in the emotional stress, I created a barrier."
"That's right..."
Cree and Toshiro's eyes widen as they look down at the awakening Mariya.
"Hey! Are you alright?" Toshiro asks as she begins to look around.
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine." Mariya answers, her voice cracking a bit, "Cree, great job...making the barrier.."
Tears rise in Cree's eyes.
"Ma-Mariya.." she trails.
"Are they alright?!"
They turn to see Kayla and Bianca running in the room.
"OMG, is Mariya alright?" Bianca asks as they kneel beside Toshiro.
"Yeah, I'm fine, just a bit dizzy." Mariya answers, trying to sit up.
"How the hell did you survive?"
They all turn to see someone that had been dreading to return.
"Nekomata!" Toshiro yells.
She smirks.
"Wonderful, you remembered my name. I thought I would have to introduce myself all over again." Nekomata laughs, before looking at Mariya, "Though you on the otherhand might not remember me."
"Toshiro." Cree says.
"Yes?" Toshiro answers.
"Take Mariya and get out of here."
Toshiro and Mariya's eyes widen in surprise.
"Do what?!" they both whisper.
"Mariya is the target, if we don't get her hidden, they'll fully eliminate her." Cree explains, turning towards Nekomata, "Get her someplace safe Toshiro, you're the strongest out of all of us, so if attack, you'd have a better chance then us at keeping Mariya alive."
His eyes widen in surprise, taken back by Cree's action of taking command.
"She's right, you two need to get out of here."
He gasps as both Kayla and Bianca stand, pulling their zanpakuto's from their sheaths, spiritual pressure beginning to seep out of their bodies.
"We'll hold her off, you guys get out of here." Bianca says, "Now, Shine from Heaven, Aratatsuki."
Within seconds, Bianca's sword contorts a bit, and immediately turns into a staff, a long blade on either side. Like a paton, it circles her hand faster with just a movement of her wrist, until she stops it suddenly.
"Right, just get out of here for now." Kayla says, "Soar, Washikaen!"
Bright flames burst from Kayla's blade, transforming it into a red three blade whip, a wood-looking handle on the end.
Nekomata laughs.
"What? Are you two gonna fight me?" she laughs.
"What are you afraid of us?" Cree asks as she rises too, yellow spiritual pressure escaping her body, "Strike Hebi Denkou!"
Her sword twists as it brightens, taking the shape of a lightning bolt.
Nekomata's eyes looks dangerously at Cree.
"You, make me afraid? Ridiculous." Nekomata answers, her tone different and more angry.
"Toshiro, GO!" Kayla says.
Before he can stop himself, Toshiro takes strong hold of Mariya, and flashsteps from sight, taking her by surprise.
"T-Toshiro! What are you doing?!" Mariya yells.
"I'm trying to keep you safe!-" Toshiro answers.
"At the cost of their lives?!"
He's taken back by that.
"Mariya..." he trails.
"You know that they aren't strong enough! Besides, she's after me!-" Mariya says.
"Which is exactly why we're doing this! To get you hidden."
"I don't need you guys to fight my battles!" Mariya says.
Her nostalgic words take him by surprise.
"Mariya, I'm sorry...you can't fight."
"Why not?!"
"What's your zanpakuto's name?"
His sudden question causes her to gasp a little, before turning away.
"I don't know..." Mariya answers.
"I know...and that's why you can't fight. Without your zanpakuto, you can't do anything." Toshiro answers.
Mariya grits her teeth.
"Damn it, I hate this...so helpless..." Mariya comments, "I want my memories..."
"Trust me, we all do." Toshiro responds.
Soon, they find themselves in a random sector of the Squad 10 quarters.
"Luckily, my squad is training with squad 5 right now, so no one is around." Toshiro says.
"That's good. No one will get caught up in a fight if someone tries to follow us." Mariya comments.
"M-Mariya! Toshiro!"
The two turn in surprise to see Cree, beaten a bit, appearing from nowhere.
"C-Cree? What are you doing here?" Mariya asks.
"N-Nekomata, she split me, Kayla, and Bianca up. She's on her way here now. Toshiro..." Cree starts, before falling to her knees.
"Cree!" Mariya says as she kneels at Cree's side.
Cree looks up at Toshiro.
"Toshiro, you're a captain. You're the only one left that can at least fend her off now, considering how injured I am." Cree says, "I'm sorry for being weak."
"It's alright Cree, you just rest." Toshiro says as he turns towards the doors.
Mariya catches his shoulder.
"Where are you going?" Mariya asks.
"To take care of that feline before she gets to Bianca or Kayla." Toshiro answers.
"Toshiro, wait." Mariya whispers, surprising him.
"What?"
"Something doesn't feel right."
"Huh?"
"Something about Cree is off. I don't know why, but it is."
"Mariya, you're just scared. Cree is injured, you need to keep moving, so you'd better get going."
"Toshiro-"
"Mariya, you'll be fine. Trust me. Nekomata can't transform, only Kaku could, and we killed her."
"Oh...alright. But you'll be right back right?"
He grins.
"I will, I promise." Toshiro answers.
She smiles bitter-sweetly.
"Well, good-luck. Be safe." Mariya says, releasing him from her grip.
"Always am."
Without another word, he flashsteps out, heading back towards where he'd last seen Kayla and Bianca.
Soon, he winds up back on the grounds of Mariya's home. He looks around to see neigther.
...maybe they went off into the woods...
"Toshiro!"
He turns to see both Kayla and Bianca, which makes him releaved.
Like Cree, they each carry their own amount of injury, though not as serious as Cree's are.
"Good, you guys are ok." Toshiro says.
"What are you doing here?! Where's Mariya?" Bianca asks.
"She's ok, she's hiding in the Squad 10 barricks with Cree.
"With Cree?" Kayla asks.
"Yeah, she was badly injured, so I left her there with Mariya." Toshiro answers.
Both Kayla and Bianca turn pale, worrying him.
"What?" Toshiro asks.
"Toshiro.."
His eyes widen as he turns towards the familiar voice.
He gasps.
In front of him stands Cree, wounded like Kayla and Bianca.
"I'm fine Toshiro...and I never went after you guys. After you two left, we did a group attack on Nekomata, and fought with her for a few minutes before she used some power on us to knock us out for a few minutes." Cree explains, "We just woke up a minute ago."
Toshiro turns ash white.
"...Something about Cree is off. I don't know why, but it is..."
"OH NO!"
Toshiro whips around, and flashsteps, knowing that his dumb mistake could possibly lead to seeing Mariya's death...by a fake Cree.
June 28
SOUL SOCIETY
Cree's Perspective
"Sooo..." Kayla starts as they finally find Mariya.
Mariya turns and sighs as they run to catch up with her.
"What, Kayla?" Mariya asks.
"How was your date?" Bianca asks.
"Fine." Mariya answers.
"That's not very enthusiatic." Cree comments, "Didn't you enjoy yourself?"
"Sure I did." Mariya answers.
"Well then, why do you sound so bored?" Kayla asks.
"Because, I don't think I want to talk about it." Mariya answers.
"Oh. I get it," Bianca says with a smirk, "You don't want to tell us because you got dumped!"
"Huh?! I did not!-" Mariya starts.
"If you didn't, then why don't you want to talk about it?-" Bianca starts back.
"Because I made him take me home!" Mariya snaps.
Everyone falls silent as Mariya turns away.
"What?" Cree asks.
"You heard me, I made Rikuto take me home." Mariya answers.
"B-But why? He's such a great guy! Why did you send him away?!" Kayla says.
Mariya doesn't answer for a moment.
"It didn't feel right..." Mariya comments, "I didn't want to drag it out if I knew it wasn't right for me to be with him."
They just gape at her for a few moments, unable to register what could of happened to make Mariya not want to be with Rikuto.
Though, as they stare, Cree grins.
"Alright, if you didn't feel anything, you didn't feel anything. That's your choice, not our's." Cree says as she walks over and takes Mariya's wrist, "Come with me."
Mariya blinks, and Cree takes off in Flashstep.
"H-Hey, where are you two going?!" Kayla yells after them, irritated that they left her and Bianca behind.
But, Cree doesn't hear them, and soon, she's in her guest bedroom, panting as Mariya clutches the floor.
"C-Cree, d-don't d-do that...I'm n-not use to i-it y-yet." Mariya stutters as she sits.
"Mariya, can I trust you with something?" Cree asks.
Mariya blinks in surprise.
"Huh? Uh, s-sure, what?" Mariya asks.
Suddenly, for the first time, Cree feels her cheeks suddenly beginning to redden, causing her to hide her face a bit.
Mariya blinks.
"Mariya..." Cree trails.
"Cree? Why are you blushing?" Mariya asks.
"Is it wrong?"
"Huh?"
"Is is wrong...that I happy you decided not to..."
"Not to what?"
Cree doesn't answer for a moment.
"..Be with him...Rikuto.." Cree answers.
Mariya's eyes widen in surprise.
She rises to her feet.
"Wait a minute. Cree, are you saying that..." Mariya trails.
Cree turns to look her in the eye.
She nods.
"Yeah, I have a crush on Rikuto." Cree admits.
Mariya's jaw drops to the floor.
"WHAT?!" she yells.
"Shh!" Cree whispers harshly as she covers Mariya's mouth, before removing slowly, "Yes, I...I like him."
"When did this happen?" Mariya asks.
"Well, um..." Cree starts, blushing.
A FEW WEEKS BACK
"Ugh, Mariya, I'm taking a break, alright?" Cree calls as she walks out the door of Mariya's office.
"Fine, just be back soon to help me file these new reports for the Mahinahime file, Toshiro's already busy, so I need all the help I can get!" Mariya calls back (this occured before the memory accident).
"Kay! Be back soon."
Minutes later, Cree finds herself amonst flowers, in a patch of meadow outside the Sereitei. She smiles as the breeze carries the late wildflower's smell through her hair, causing her to sneeze a bit as pollen gets up her nose.
...Man, I wish mom and dad could see this place...
She sits, and sighs as she plays with the triangle charm around her neck.
"Hmm."
...Mariya gave this to met the day after I came here...She said it will allow me to come back here without her help, and it also allows my soul to stay here as long as I want, unlike her's...though I think that's why she got that purple charm bracelet...
A crunching sound catches her attention and diverts it from her necklace to look behind her.
Her eyes widen.
"R-Rikuto!" Cree breaths as Rikuto looks down at her.
He grins.
"Hey, Cree, right? Funny to run into you here." Rikuto says, laughing.
"I know. I didn't anyone else knew about this spot." Cree answers.
"Well, you'd be wrong about that. There's a few from our Squad that know about this place, but that's about it. Wait, no. Considering that Mariya and Miyoko were the ones that found this place, I bet Captain Hitsugaya has been here at least once or twice." he responds, before turning towards her, "So, you're close friends with the Captain?"
"Oh yeah, she and I met about two years ago, and ever since we've been best friends." Cree answers, smiling.
He chuckles.
Without warning, he plots down right next to Cree, causing her to blush a bit.
She raises her hand to her cheeks in alarm.
...huh? W-Why am I..?...
"So, do you like it here. The Soul Society?" Rikuto asks, pulling her from her thoughts.
She nods.
"Yeah, it's really fun. And it's so peaceful here, it's nice." Cree answers.
"I wouldn't really call it peaceful." Rikuto chuckles.
Cree turns and blinks.
"Huh?" she says.
"Well, I guess we could call this the calm before the storm, I guess, this seems to always happen before something bad goes down." Rikuto explains.
"Oh."
"Like for example, the few weeks before Mariya died for example. Everything was just like this. Then...boom, she was dead, just like that..." Rikuto trails.
Cree's eyes widen as she notices the change of tone in Rikuto's voice. From being happy and optimistic, to...depressed and...shook up.
"Rikuto?" Cree asks.
"Hm?" he answers.
"You really do care for Mariya, don't you?"
He immediately begins to blush.
"N-No, of course not! I mean, sure, she's pretty, and really kind, on top of being really funny and super smart, but-" Rikuto trails.
"Rikuto." Cree interupts.
"What?"
"You're going on and on about her. You care for her, dude."
He falls silent.
Cree shrinks a bit.
"Sorry did I go to far?" she asks.
He sighs, and lays down.
"You know, ever since I first joined the Squad, I thought that Mariya was probably one of the strongest Soul Reapers I'd ever seen, and she was so much younger then me. It was amazing. But, when she died, wow, it shook me up. And to see Captain Hitsugaya as he was just made it all the worse. Man, he was the most depressed kid I'd ever seen in my life." Rikuto explains.
"You seem to look up to both of them." Cree comments.
"Yeah, they're so powerful, but so young. And the fact that they're so close makes it so much more special to watch. To see two people feed off each other that much, it's incredible." Rikuto answers.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. I thought the same thing when I saw them work together. Even though I wasn't even aware of this stuff at the time, and was defenseless, I still could sense the power the two of them seemed to be able to create together. And then, when Mariya got injured, Toshiro was right there to help her." Cree says, "And though I'm not as advanced as any of you, I can sense when I train with her that we're feeding off each other. It's one of the most amazing feelings. Though, it's not complete."
Rikuto raises an eyebrow.
"Not complete?" he asks.
"It doesn't feel completely synced together, like Mariya and Toshiro are. Though strong, I can sense loose areas. I want to find the person who I can gain a bond with, like Mariya and Toshiro did." she explains, the breeze catching her hair.
For what feels like hours, Rikuto just stares at her, the feeling of him doing so causing her to redden a bit.
Suddenly, he sits up, and holds out his hand, taking Cree by surprise.
"What?" Cree asks.
"How about we make a pact?" Rikuto says.
"Huh?"
"I say we make a pact to promise we'll both find our bond. What do ya say?" Rikuto explains.
Blush rises to her cheeks.
"Rikuto..." she trails.
He laughs.
As the wind blows again, she grins.
...Rikuto...you..could you...be...
She takes strong hold of his hand, taking Rikuto by surprise.
"Promise?" Cree asks.
He stares for a moment, before grinning.
"Promise." Rikuto answers.
PRESENT
"Oh." Mariya breaths.
"Yeah..." Cree trails.
The two are speechless.
Without warning, Mariya begins to chuckle.
"Mariya?" Cree says.
"You are perfect, Cree." Mariya comments.
"Huh?"
"You're perfect...for Rikuto...Cree."
Blush rises to Cree's cheeks.
"Thanks..but...he already has his heart set on you, Mariya." Cree answers.
Mariya sighs.
"Cree, let me tell you something. You see, there are things in the world that we want, but we are not choosen to have. For example, yes, Rikuto does have feelings for me, I know that. But, even when I did have a crush on him...somewhere, I knew that I didn't contain the same feelings for him, and sadly...that I never would. Toshiro helped me realize that." Mariya explains.
Cree's eyes widen at the thought Toshiro had something to do with all this.
"Toshiro?" Cree comments.
"Yes. Cree, I know that somehow, he will eventually forget about me, and go on to find someone else. And who knows. For all we know, Rikuto might end up falling for Bianca, or Kayla...or even you Cree. We can't predict who we were choosen for, but we can sense if that person might be able to give us what we need. We all want to find that bond, so we all must keep searching til we find it." Mariya goes on.
Cree just stares at her, astonished by Mariya's knowledge on the subject.
"Mariya..." Cree trails.
Mariya grins as she turns gets up and turns towards the door.
"Cree, I want you to remember something." Mariya says.
Cree blinks.
"What?" Cree asks.
"You actually had an indepth conversation with him. Right?" Mariya asks.
"Y-Yeah..."
Mariya smiles and turns back to face her.
"Cree, you're already closer to him then I ever was."
"What?"
"He has never talked to me about himself or said anything to me about my death. Though it might partcially be because it's a quiet subject, I think there's another reason."
"What?"
"He's not comfortable. He's comfortable around you Cree. He trusts you. Remember that-"
"No, not that. You remember your..." Cree trails.
Mariya's eyes widen as she realizes what Cree is trying to say, before turning, becoming more solemn.
"Yes, I remember...my death. It unfortunately was also a memory left behind by the Bijuu who did this to me..." Mariya says, her eyes seeming heavier with the images, "It seems they wanted my to rot in my own agonizing descisions..."
"Mariya..."
She smiles, ironically.
"See Cree, no wonder Rikuto trusts you! You are great to talk to, you make everyone feel better." Mariya compliments, "Cree, you're an amazing person that Rikuto would be lucky to be with!"
Within seconds of letting Mariya's words sink in, Cree chuckles, and smiles, blush once again rising to her cheeks.
...Even in this state Mariya...you still make the world...a little brighter...
Though, a large explosion breaks the peace, and brings the storm.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toshiro's Perspective
"Mariya! Cree! Where are you guys?!" he yells as he enters the spoke filled home.
"Wah! We should of followed them! We could of warned them about the Bijuu attack!" Kayla wails, following Toshiro with Bianca close behind.
"Crying won't change anything Kayla-" Bianca starts.
"Toshiro! Guys, up here!"
Cree's voice immediately draws the three's attention.
Toshiro flashsteps as fast as he can towards the direction of Cree's voice, soon arriving at the door to Cree's guest room. Ground zero for the explosion.
"No..." Toshiro whispers, opening the door.
His eyes widen as he sees all distruction. The full bed was disentergrated, along with most of the furniture that was only there minutes earlier.
"Cree...?" he trails off.
"O-Over here!"
He whips his head around to see a large amount of rubble cast on the floor, boards, and broken beams of wood cast in all directions. Running over, he catches sight of a familiar yellow/orange glow.
Instantly, he starts pulling away at the different pieces, until he finally reaches the barrier.
"Cree!" he yells.
Inside, Cree is sitting, panting as she's probably the one who created the barrier, another surprise. Though, Mariya isn't as well.
She's infront of Cree, unconscious.
As Cree breaks her barrier, Toshiro takes the first chance to grab Mariya and turn her over to see if she's alright.
"M-Mariya, can you hear me?" he whispers, shaking her lightly, before looking up at Cree, "What happened?"
"W-We were talking, and out of nowhere, this big thing of fire just appeared. I-I panicked, I couldn't think of anything." Cree stutters, before looking at Mariya, "T-Then, as the flames showed up, Mariya jumped in front of me, and fixed my hands in the sign position she had been teaching me. A pole hit her in the back, and she went out. I guess in the emotional stress, I created a barrier."
"That's right..."
Cree and Toshiro's eyes widen as they look down at the awakening Mariya.
"Hey! Are you alright?" Toshiro asks as she begins to look around.
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine." Mariya answers, her voice cracking a bit, "Cree, great job...making the barrier.."
Tears rise in Cree's eyes.
"Ma-Mariya.." she trails.
"Are they alright?!"
They turn to see Kayla and Bianca running in the room.
"OMG, is Mariya alright?" Bianca asks as they kneel beside Toshiro.
"Yeah, I'm fine, just a bit dizzy." Mariya answers, trying to sit up.
"How the hell did you survive?"
They all turn to see someone that had been dreading to return.
"Nekomata!" Toshiro yells.
She smirks.
"Wonderful, you remembered my name. I thought I would have to introduce myself all over again." Nekomata laughs, before looking at Mariya, "Though you on the otherhand might not remember me."
"Toshiro." Cree says.
"Yes?" Toshiro answers.
"Take Mariya and get out of here."
Toshiro and Mariya's eyes widen in surprise.
"Do what?!" they both whisper.
"Mariya is the target, if we don't get her hidden, they'll fully eliminate her." Cree explains, turning towards Nekomata, "Get her someplace safe Toshiro, you're the strongest out of all of us, so if attack, you'd have a better chance then us at keeping Mariya alive."
His eyes widen in surprise, taken back by Cree's action of taking command.
"She's right, you two need to get out of here."
He gasps as both Kayla and Bianca stand, pulling their zanpakuto's from their sheaths, spiritual pressure beginning to seep out of their bodies.
"We'll hold her off, you guys get out of here." Bianca says, "Now, Shine from Heaven, Aratatsuki."
Within seconds, Bianca's sword contorts a bit, and immediately turns into a staff, a long blade on either side. Like a paton, it circles her hand faster with just a movement of her wrist, until she stops it suddenly.
"Right, just get out of here for now." Kayla says, "Soar, Washikaen!"
Bright flames burst from Kayla's blade, transforming it into a red three blade whip, a wood-looking handle on the end.
Nekomata laughs.
"What? Are you two gonna fight me?" she laughs.
"What are you afraid of us?" Cree asks as she rises too, yellow spiritual pressure escaping her body, "Strike Hebi Denkou!"
Her sword twists as it brightens, taking the shape of a lightning bolt.
Nekomata's eyes looks dangerously at Cree.
"You, make me afraid? Ridiculous." Nekomata answers, her tone different and more angry.
"Toshiro, GO!" Kayla says.
Before he can stop himself, Toshiro takes strong hold of Mariya, and flashsteps from sight, taking her by surprise.
"T-Toshiro! What are you doing?!" Mariya yells.
"I'm trying to keep you safe!-" Toshiro answers.
"At the cost of their lives?!"
He's taken back by that.
"Mariya..." he trails.
"You know that they aren't strong enough! Besides, she's after me!-" Mariya says.
"Which is exactly why we're doing this! To get you hidden."
"I don't need you guys to fight my battles!" Mariya says.
Her nostalgic words take him by surprise.
"Mariya, I'm sorry...you can't fight."
"Why not?!"
"What's your zanpakuto's name?"
His sudden question causes her to gasp a little, before turning away.
"I don't know..." Mariya answers.
"I know...and that's why you can't fight. Without your zanpakuto, you can't do anything." Toshiro answers.
Mariya grits her teeth.
"Damn it, I hate this...so helpless..." Mariya comments, "I want my memories..."
"Trust me, we all do." Toshiro responds.
Soon, they find themselves in a random sector of the Squad 10 quarters.
"Luckily, my squad is training with squad 5 right now, so no one is around." Toshiro says.
"That's good. No one will get caught up in a fight if someone tries to follow us." Mariya comments.
"M-Mariya! Toshiro!"
The two turn in surprise to see Cree, beaten a bit, appearing from nowhere.
"C-Cree? What are you doing here?" Mariya asks.
"N-Nekomata, she split me, Kayla, and Bianca up. She's on her way here now. Toshiro..." Cree starts, before falling to her knees.
"Cree!" Mariya says as she kneels at Cree's side.
Cree looks up at Toshiro.
"Toshiro, you're a captain. You're the only one left that can at least fend her off now, considering how injured I am." Cree says, "I'm sorry for being weak."
"It's alright Cree, you just rest." Toshiro says as he turns towards the doors.
Mariya catches his shoulder.
"Where are you going?" Mariya asks.
"To take care of that feline before she gets to Bianca or Kayla." Toshiro answers.
"Toshiro, wait." Mariya whispers, surprising him.
"What?"
"Something doesn't feel right."
"Huh?"
"Something about Cree is off. I don't know why, but it is."
"Mariya, you're just scared. Cree is injured, you need to keep moving, so you'd better get going."
"Toshiro-"
"Mariya, you'll be fine. Trust me. Nekomata can't transform, only Kaku could, and we killed her."
"Oh...alright. But you'll be right back right?"
He grins.
"I will, I promise." Toshiro answers.
She smiles bitter-sweetly.
"Well, good-luck. Be safe." Mariya says, releasing him from her grip.
"Always am."
Without another word, he flashsteps out, heading back towards where he'd last seen Kayla and Bianca.
Soon, he winds up back on the grounds of Mariya's home. He looks around to see neigther.
...maybe they went off into the woods...
"Toshiro!"
He turns to see both Kayla and Bianca, which makes him releaved.
Like Cree, they each carry their own amount of injury, though not as serious as Cree's are.
"Good, you guys are ok." Toshiro says.
"What are you doing here?! Where's Mariya?" Bianca asks.
"She's ok, she's hiding in the Squad 10 barricks with Cree.
"With Cree?" Kayla asks.
"Yeah, she was badly injured, so I left her there with Mariya." Toshiro answers.
Both Kayla and Bianca turn pale, worrying him.
"What?" Toshiro asks.
"Toshiro.."
His eyes widen as he turns towards the familiar voice.
He gasps.
In front of him stands Cree, wounded like Kayla and Bianca.
"I'm fine Toshiro...and I never went after you guys. After you two left, we did a group attack on Nekomata, and fought with her for a few minutes before she used some power on us to knock us out for a few minutes." Cree explains, "We just woke up a minute ago."
Toshiro turns ash white.
"...Something about Cree is off. I don't know why, but it is..."
"OH NO!"
Toshiro whips around, and flashsteps, knowing that his dumb mistake could possibly lead to seeing Mariya's death...by a fake Cree.
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