"...I just don't get this. What happened? What happened to make Virginia act so weird? I mean, this isn't normal, even weirder actually then how she was acting back home for crying out loud! She's beginning to worry me. Did we work her too hard? Is she exhausted? Or, is she mad at me about something? I'm ashamed to say I really can't remember ever really doing anything to her, so if that is the case that she is pissed off about something, what could it be? Ugh, I've never worried about someone so much. Well, other then Toshiro that is, but that's normal for me to worry about him. He's always seemed to get himself into trouble, though I'm not really one to talk, considering all the crap I've caused everybody. But with Virginia and the others, it's not right. It's not natural at all. They're supposed to be fine, while I'm the one going insane. Well, any more of this, and I think insanity...will be achieved...."
July
SOUL SOCIETY
Mariya's Perspective
"Now, as for the Bijuu incidents occurring at the present time, I would like to add their investigation, as well as the assurance of Captain Yattamori's and her friends' safety to our high priorities." Grandpa Yama issues.
Mariya blinks, looking over at the Head Captain sitting in his chair from her place besides Toshiro in their line.
"Head Captain..." she trails.
A majority of the Captains look over at her, including Toshiro.
"Yattamori." Toshiro says.
"Is something wrong, Captain Yattamori?" Grandpa Yama asks.
"W-Well sir, I just think that, well...I don't need to be protected." she answers.
"Explain." he instructs.
"Well, I know that I have become a target for the Bijuu and their mysterious leader. But, I know that I can handle more then my friends can." Mariya explains, "At this point, I'm not really worried about my pride, or my safety to tell the truth. All that I want to focus on is keeping my friends safe. They're the ones I believe need it. If any of them were to injured or killed....I wouldn't be able to forgive myself..."
"Yattamori..." Toshiro trails.
"Yattamori, why do I suspect that there's something specific you want to focus on.." Grandpa Yama says.
Mariya stands there for a moment, before she sighs, looking over the other Captains.
"I know this is a lot to ask of you all, and I'm grateful that you all have allowed me to speak as much as this, but there's one person out of all my friends that needs to be looked after, and I know I can't do it alone..." Mariya says, before trailing off for a minute, "...The one that should be looked after...is the newest to the Soul Society, Virginia. She is very powerful, even for a beginner, rivaling Cree's power. Her abilities could make her a target-no, have made her a target of the enemy, that I'm sure of."
"What makes you so sure?" Captain Ichimaru asks.
"I'm sure because I have clear evidence that Kenta has been in contact with her."
Many of the Captains give surprised looks, some even gasping in shock. She looks back at the Head Captain, to see he's a bit taken back as well.
"Head Captain. She is the one that needs to be protected, not me." Mariya continues, "If I may request, I would like the members that were assigned to me also be assigned to Virginia on top of the ones already put with her."
Grandpa Yama stares at her for a moment, then sighs.
"Very well, we will reassign your guards to the girl Virginia." the Head Captain complies, "But in return Captain Yattamori, be sure that you do not move on your own from now on. It could mean catastrophe for not only you, but your friends."
She nods.
"Yes Sir." she replies.
After a moment, she looks at Toshiro, to see his expression is unclear, probably trying to hide the fact that he's worried about her.
"Alright then, and as for the Squads assigned, I would like Squad 5 focused on Cree, Squad 13 on Bianca, Squad 8 on Kayla, and as for Virginia, Squad 2 and Mariya's old assignment, Squad 10." the Head Captain announces.
Mariya and Toshiro's eyes widen.
Toshiro was supposed to guard her?!
"Captain Hitsugaya." the Head Captain says.
"Y-Yes Sir?" Toshiro asks.
"If need be, and Captain Yattamori is in a dangerous situation, your Squad is to return to it's original assignment, and protect her." he explains.
Mariya's eyes widen.
...He still wants Toshiro to protect me?!....
"Because you two are such close friends, I thought it'd be best if you'd be the one to keep an eye on her, Captain Hitsugaya. If you wish, you may break off and alone keep an eye on her, if that would make you both more comfortable." the Head Captain continues.
Her jaw drops.
...What the Hell?! Is he trying to make this awkward?!....
Toshiro surprises her with a nod.
"Yes Sir." he answers.
"Yes Sir to what, Captain?" the Head Captain asks.
"...Both Sir." Toshiro replies.
Mariya blinks.
...Did he...just agree to become my Body Guard?!...
"Thank you, Captain Hitsugaya." the Head Captain says, looking up, "As for the rest of you, do you understand your duties?"
"Why were random Squads picked for this assignment Head Captain?" Byakuya asks.
Mariya sneakily glares at him, still not to fond of him since their fight.
"These were not picked at random, these Squads were matched with the person based on personality, level of power, and who they would have the easiest time trusting. For example, Kayla was assigned to Squad 8. This is because her personality would fit nicely there, her level of power is in the same range, and she would have an easier time trusting Captain Kuoraku." the Head Captain explains, "Cree was placed with Squad 5 because of her calm temperament, high abilities, and the fact that she already trusts Lieutenant Hinamori. Bianca with Squad 13 because she's shyer, has same power level, and would easily get trust Captain Ukitake and his Squad Members. Squad 2 for Virginia because of her high level of ability, contrasting temperament with Captain Soi Fon, and she would be better protected then the other girls. Then, of course, there's Captain Yattamori, who was assigned to Squad 10. This has a multitude of reasons, including her overwhelming power level, easy going personality, and great trust already put in Captain Hitsugaya and Lieutenant Matsumoto."
"I see, and may I request that once this is over, that specimen of the Bijuu may be brought back in for me to analyze." Captain Kurosuchi asks.
"Oh course Captain." the Head Captain consents, "And with that, I bring this Captain's Meeting to a close."
---
"Toshiro."
Toshiro blinks, looking over at her.
"Yes?" he asks.
"You think I'm stupid don't you, for giving my guards to Virginia." she says.
"What? No!" he replies, "If anything, I find it reckless."
"Reckless?"
"Yes, reckless. Yattamori, you are their prime target. You are the one out of all our friends that need the protection given, and yet, you gave it away."
"Because I know they're targeting her too! I can't just let them hurt Virginia. Though she does power, she hasn't yet fully released it, so at this time, she's still defenseless."
"Yattamori, you could die-"
"So could she!"
Toshiro falls silent.
Mariya stares at him for a moment, before giving out a sigh.
"Please, protect her." Mariya says.
His eyes widen.
"I don't care about myself at this point, I just want her and the others safe." she explains.
For a moment or two, he just stares at her, taken back by her selfless words. Then, he sighs, rubbing the back of his head.
"Alright..." he trails.
"Thanks..." she replies.
He falls silent, as does she.
"So...why did you change your hair style?" he asks.
She blinks.
Unlike normally, wearing her hair up in a high ponytail, she's changed it to a lower ponytail, the locks of hair that hang down, covering her ears, now tie loosely back into the ponytail. Near the end of her hair, she tied it again with another green ribbon, so she doesn't have to worry about it flying everywhere.
She chuckles.
"What? You don't like it?" she asks.
"N-No, that's not it!" Toshiro stutters.
She laughs.
"I'm kidding Toshiro. I changed it because I wanted it to better suited for fighting." she explains.
"Oh, I see..." he trails.
She grins, turning to look ahead. Her eyes widen as she spots Virginia walking alone.
"Hey, Virginia!" Mariya calls.
Virginia turns, looking over her shoulder at her. Mariya waves with a smile, running towards her.
"H-Hey, Yattamori!" Toshiro says.
"Just keep your promise Toshiro!" she calls over her shoulder.
He groans, but walks on, a man of his word. She grins, turning back to look at Virginia. Her eyes wide. Bags are underneath Virginia's eyes.
"Oh my Virginia, did you not get any sleep last night?" Mariya asks.
"Oh...is it really that obvious?" Virginia asks.
"Yes, man, you need to lay down dude. That, or you may pass out." Mariya says, taking her hand, "C'mon, let's go home-"
"No!" Virginia snaps, ripping her hand from Mariya's hold.
Mariya blinks, taken by surprise.
"Virginia..." she trails.
Virginia's eyes widen, realizing what she did.
"Oh...I....I'm sorry." she apologizes.
"No, I should be the one apologizing. I mean, I was the one that took your hand." Mariya replies.
Virginia stares at her for a moment, taken back by her usual kindness for some reason. Then, she grins.
"Alright..." she trails.
Mariya smiles.
"Good, now then, how about we get you home, you need rest." Mariya says.
"I'm fine Mariya, really." she replies.
Mariya sighs.
"Virginia, you need sleep, you never know a Bijuu could show up and try to attack you." she says.
"I don't need sleep." Virginia fights.
"Virginia, please."
"No, I'm alright."
Mariya stands there for a moment, silent.
"Mariya?" Virginia asks.
"As a Captain, I'm telling you to go and rest Virginia." Mariya replies.
Virginia's eyes widen.
"What?..." she trails.
"I am your commanding officer, meaning that you must follow my instructions Virginia." Mariya answers, "Now, go and sleep for a bit and come back out when you're well rested."
Virginia just continues to stare, not moving or saying anything at all. After a moment, Mariya notices the light in her eyes flickering, putting her on edge.
"Uh, Gin?" Mariya says, reaching for Virginia's shoulder.
To her surprise, Virginia slaps it away, looking away.
"So, you're my boss now?" Virginia says.
Mariya blinks.
"H-Huh? N-No! I just want you to get rest is all!" Mariya replies.
"Well, then don't go telling me what to do!" Virginia yells.
Mariya staggers back.
"Just because you are a Captain here in this world doesn't mean you can tell me what you want to me to do! So get over yourself!" Virginia snaps.
She feels herself go pale.
"Virginia..." Mariya trails.
After a moment of staring, Virginia grits her teeth, turning to run away. Though instinct takes over Mariya, taking a tight hold of her wrist.
"Let go!" Virginia yells.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you feel below me!" Mariya apologizes.
Virginia's eyes widen as she begins to slow.
"I...I just want you to be strong enough to be able to protect yourself...I don't want...to loose you...or any of you..." she trails, her hand beginning to tremble.
Virginia turns to look at her, gasping as she sees the tears forming on the rims of her eyes.
"Mariya..."
"I'm...so sorry..." she apologizes.
After a minute or two goes by, Virginia sighs.
"I-It's alright. I'm sorry, I'm just crabby I guess." Virginia responds.
Mariya grins bitter-sweetly, whipping away the tears from her eyes.
"Well, let's start today over then, shall we?" Mariya says, "How about I treat you to lunch at the Tea House. You didn't come last time."
Virginia grins.
"That sounds great."
"I bet it does...too bad you won't be able to go..."
There eyes widen, whipping their heads around to see a creature walking towards them.
"B-Bijuu..." Mariya trails, backing up.
Virginia's eyes widen, looking over the beast, which closely resembles a rooster from the head, but with a human body.
"T-That thing...is a Bijuu?" Virginia asks.
"Ack!"
Virginia whips her head around, looking to see Mariya now on her knees, holding her hand to her mouth, coughing.
"M-Mariya?!" Virginia stutters, kneeling besides Mariya, "W-What's wrong?!"
"She is being affected by my poison."
Virginia looks up, seeing the Bijuu stepping closer. Out of instinct she grabs Mariya, holding her close.
"Leave us alone, you ugly animal!" Virginia yells.
"V-Virgin..ia..." Mariya trails.
She blinks, looking down at Mariya as she tries to sit up.
"Mariya..."
"D-Don't worry Virginia...I can...take care of this...guy." Mariya says as she tries her best to stand, stumbling to either side.
Panting now, she holds her hands out in front of her, Mamori appearing in her shaking hands.
The Bijuu laughs.
"Oh, you petty little thing, you cannot defeat me in your weak state..."
Mariya grits her teeth, her eyes beginning to glow light blue.
"I'm not weak...and I won't let you hurt my friend, you got that?!" Mariya snaps, her Spiritual spiking suddenly as the lime green light sparks around her, her hair beginning to blow around her face.
The Bijuu blinks in surprise. But then he chuckles.
"Well, it seems I underestimated you, dear Mariya Yattamori...but your time is running out...just look at yourself..."
Mariya pants, aiming her blade at the Bijuu's head.
"You'll be dead...before you see me...pass out!" Mariya yells.
...But I'd better make this quick, or else my body will give out on me!...
"Captain Yattamori, allow us to assist!"
Her eyes widen with Virginia's looking around to see ninja looking Soul Reapers appear around them, swords ready.
"Squad....2..." Mariya trails.
...About damn time they got here!...
"Heh, you think you all are able to take me on? Well then, try this!"
With a flash of his hand, a dozen miniature Bijuu appear, which seem to be leaking of a poison all their own. Many of the members drop fast, only the strongest standing.
Mariya looks over at one barely awake.
"Y-You!" she yells.
The Reaper looks up.
"Y-Yes ma'am!" he replies.
She gestures over at Virginia.
"Get her the Hell out of here while you can still stand!" Mariya orders.
Virginia blinks.
"Are you nuts?! I'm the only one here not affected by it! I can help!" Virginia yells, standing beside Mariya.
It's now that she notices that Mariya is trembling worse then before, her breathing a bit more forced. She turns, and bitter-sweetly smiles at her.
"I know...I...just can't risk....you getting hurt..." Mariya trails, "Don't think badly...of me..."
"Mariya-" Virginia starts.
"Take her away!" Mariya yells.
"Yes Ma'am!" the Reaper yells, taking Virginia by the arm, pulling her into him.
"N-No!" Virginia yells, whipping her head back around to see Mariya as they take off, "Mariya! Call him off!"
She falls silent as she looks Mariya right in the eyes. Her expression is calm and content, a warm grin across her face.
...My first mission...above all in this world...is to keep you all safe...Virginia...I wish you could understand...
Tears begin to appear at the rims of Virginia's eyes as Mariya begins to turn away.
"N-NOOO! MARIYA!" Virginia screams, tears streaming down her face now, "DON'T BECOME MY SACRIFICE!!"
She's cut off as the man flashsteps, disappearing. Mariya sighs, a silent tear rolling down her face as she still smiles. She puts her sword out in front of her, looking back at the Bijuu.
"So, you let your friend get away, so that you wouldn't have to worry about her getting hurt, or killed. If it puts your mind at ease, I am not one to come after her. Nor am I here to kill you..."
Mariya blinks, taken back by the Bijuu's confession.
...Wait...if he's not here to kill me...then why..?...
Suddenly, her left arm falls limp at her side. She grits her teeth, knowing that she's entering the last few minutes before she passes out entirely.
"Blow Across the Stars....Mamori Koudoutai!" Mariya yells.
Instantly, Mariya is encased in lime green light, transforming. Seconds pass, and she bursts from the light, now having white wings on her back, her sword now her battle sickle. She thrusts it across her body, a ray of water flying at one of the Bijuu's miniatures. It's powerful enough against the migit that it rips it's body in half, continuing through to kill four more.
The Bijuu watches with no expression, not mourning as someone normal usually does.
Mariya grits her teeth, readying the blade to slash right through the Bijuu's neck.
"Bijuu!" Mariya yells.
The Bijuu chuckles.
"DIE!" she yells as she thrusts her blade straight at him.
"MARIYA!"
Her eyes widen.
...T-Toshiro!...
"You both are so pathetic..."
Mariya's eyes widen as she hears Toshiro drop, whipping her head around to see him already unconscious, his blade not even fully freed of it's sheath yet.
"Toshiro-!" she starts.
She's cut short as the Bijuu stabs into her back. Normally, this would do nothing but hurt, but at this point on her back...it's one of her weak points...and this point, when hit hard enough, causes one thing...
Her to pass out.
Her eyes are wide, though the world around her is going black. She reaches out towards Toshiro.
"T-To...shir..o-"
The world seems to go sideways, flashing by fast before becoming solid darkness.
July
SOUL SOCIETY
Mariya's Perspective
"Now, as for the Bijuu incidents occurring at the present time, I would like to add their investigation, as well as the assurance of Captain Yattamori's and her friends' safety to our high priorities." Grandpa Yama issues.
Mariya blinks, looking over at the Head Captain sitting in his chair from her place besides Toshiro in their line.
"Head Captain..." she trails.
A majority of the Captains look over at her, including Toshiro.
"Yattamori." Toshiro says.
"Is something wrong, Captain Yattamori?" Grandpa Yama asks.
"W-Well sir, I just think that, well...I don't need to be protected." she answers.
"Explain." he instructs.
"Well, I know that I have become a target for the Bijuu and their mysterious leader. But, I know that I can handle more then my friends can." Mariya explains, "At this point, I'm not really worried about my pride, or my safety to tell the truth. All that I want to focus on is keeping my friends safe. They're the ones I believe need it. If any of them were to injured or killed....I wouldn't be able to forgive myself..."
"Yattamori..." Toshiro trails.
"Yattamori, why do I suspect that there's something specific you want to focus on.." Grandpa Yama says.
Mariya stands there for a moment, before she sighs, looking over the other Captains.
"I know this is a lot to ask of you all, and I'm grateful that you all have allowed me to speak as much as this, but there's one person out of all my friends that needs to be looked after, and I know I can't do it alone..." Mariya says, before trailing off for a minute, "...The one that should be looked after...is the newest to the Soul Society, Virginia. She is very powerful, even for a beginner, rivaling Cree's power. Her abilities could make her a target-no, have made her a target of the enemy, that I'm sure of."
"What makes you so sure?" Captain Ichimaru asks.
"I'm sure because I have clear evidence that Kenta has been in contact with her."
Many of the Captains give surprised looks, some even gasping in shock. She looks back at the Head Captain, to see he's a bit taken back as well.
"Head Captain. She is the one that needs to be protected, not me." Mariya continues, "If I may request, I would like the members that were assigned to me also be assigned to Virginia on top of the ones already put with her."
Grandpa Yama stares at her for a moment, then sighs.
"Very well, we will reassign your guards to the girl Virginia." the Head Captain complies, "But in return Captain Yattamori, be sure that you do not move on your own from now on. It could mean catastrophe for not only you, but your friends."
She nods.
"Yes Sir." she replies.
After a moment, she looks at Toshiro, to see his expression is unclear, probably trying to hide the fact that he's worried about her.
"Alright then, and as for the Squads assigned, I would like Squad 5 focused on Cree, Squad 13 on Bianca, Squad 8 on Kayla, and as for Virginia, Squad 2 and Mariya's old assignment, Squad 10." the Head Captain announces.
Mariya and Toshiro's eyes widen.
Toshiro was supposed to guard her?!
"Captain Hitsugaya." the Head Captain says.
"Y-Yes Sir?" Toshiro asks.
"If need be, and Captain Yattamori is in a dangerous situation, your Squad is to return to it's original assignment, and protect her." he explains.
Mariya's eyes widen.
...He still wants Toshiro to protect me?!....
"Because you two are such close friends, I thought it'd be best if you'd be the one to keep an eye on her, Captain Hitsugaya. If you wish, you may break off and alone keep an eye on her, if that would make you both more comfortable." the Head Captain continues.
Her jaw drops.
...What the Hell?! Is he trying to make this awkward?!....
Toshiro surprises her with a nod.
"Yes Sir." he answers.
"Yes Sir to what, Captain?" the Head Captain asks.
"...Both Sir." Toshiro replies.
Mariya blinks.
...Did he...just agree to become my Body Guard?!...
"Thank you, Captain Hitsugaya." the Head Captain says, looking up, "As for the rest of you, do you understand your duties?"
"Why were random Squads picked for this assignment Head Captain?" Byakuya asks.
Mariya sneakily glares at him, still not to fond of him since their fight.
"These were not picked at random, these Squads were matched with the person based on personality, level of power, and who they would have the easiest time trusting. For example, Kayla was assigned to Squad 8. This is because her personality would fit nicely there, her level of power is in the same range, and she would have an easier time trusting Captain Kuoraku." the Head Captain explains, "Cree was placed with Squad 5 because of her calm temperament, high abilities, and the fact that she already trusts Lieutenant Hinamori. Bianca with Squad 13 because she's shyer, has same power level, and would easily get trust Captain Ukitake and his Squad Members. Squad 2 for Virginia because of her high level of ability, contrasting temperament with Captain Soi Fon, and she would be better protected then the other girls. Then, of course, there's Captain Yattamori, who was assigned to Squad 10. This has a multitude of reasons, including her overwhelming power level, easy going personality, and great trust already put in Captain Hitsugaya and Lieutenant Matsumoto."
"I see, and may I request that once this is over, that specimen of the Bijuu may be brought back in for me to analyze." Captain Kurosuchi asks.
"Oh course Captain." the Head Captain consents, "And with that, I bring this Captain's Meeting to a close."
---
"Toshiro."
Toshiro blinks, looking over at her.
"Yes?" he asks.
"You think I'm stupid don't you, for giving my guards to Virginia." she says.
"What? No!" he replies, "If anything, I find it reckless."
"Reckless?"
"Yes, reckless. Yattamori, you are their prime target. You are the one out of all our friends that need the protection given, and yet, you gave it away."
"Because I know they're targeting her too! I can't just let them hurt Virginia. Though she does power, she hasn't yet fully released it, so at this time, she's still defenseless."
"Yattamori, you could die-"
"So could she!"
Toshiro falls silent.
Mariya stares at him for a moment, before giving out a sigh.
"Please, protect her." Mariya says.
His eyes widen.
"I don't care about myself at this point, I just want her and the others safe." she explains.
For a moment or two, he just stares at her, taken back by her selfless words. Then, he sighs, rubbing the back of his head.
"Alright..." he trails.
"Thanks..." she replies.
He falls silent, as does she.
"So...why did you change your hair style?" he asks.
She blinks.
Unlike normally, wearing her hair up in a high ponytail, she's changed it to a lower ponytail, the locks of hair that hang down, covering her ears, now tie loosely back into the ponytail. Near the end of her hair, she tied it again with another green ribbon, so she doesn't have to worry about it flying everywhere.
She chuckles.
"What? You don't like it?" she asks.
"N-No, that's not it!" Toshiro stutters.
She laughs.
"I'm kidding Toshiro. I changed it because I wanted it to better suited for fighting." she explains.
"Oh, I see..." he trails.
She grins, turning to look ahead. Her eyes widen as she spots Virginia walking alone.
"Hey, Virginia!" Mariya calls.
Virginia turns, looking over her shoulder at her. Mariya waves with a smile, running towards her.
"H-Hey, Yattamori!" Toshiro says.
"Just keep your promise Toshiro!" she calls over her shoulder.
He groans, but walks on, a man of his word. She grins, turning back to look at Virginia. Her eyes wide. Bags are underneath Virginia's eyes.
"Oh my Virginia, did you not get any sleep last night?" Mariya asks.
"Oh...is it really that obvious?" Virginia asks.
"Yes, man, you need to lay down dude. That, or you may pass out." Mariya says, taking her hand, "C'mon, let's go home-"
"No!" Virginia snaps, ripping her hand from Mariya's hold.
Mariya blinks, taken by surprise.
"Virginia..." she trails.
Virginia's eyes widen, realizing what she did.
"Oh...I....I'm sorry." she apologizes.
"No, I should be the one apologizing. I mean, I was the one that took your hand." Mariya replies.
Virginia stares at her for a moment, taken back by her usual kindness for some reason. Then, she grins.
"Alright..." she trails.
Mariya smiles.
"Good, now then, how about we get you home, you need rest." Mariya says.
"I'm fine Mariya, really." she replies.
Mariya sighs.
"Virginia, you need sleep, you never know a Bijuu could show up and try to attack you." she says.
"I don't need sleep." Virginia fights.
"Virginia, please."
"No, I'm alright."
Mariya stands there for a moment, silent.
"Mariya?" Virginia asks.
"As a Captain, I'm telling you to go and rest Virginia." Mariya replies.
Virginia's eyes widen.
"What?..." she trails.
"I am your commanding officer, meaning that you must follow my instructions Virginia." Mariya answers, "Now, go and sleep for a bit and come back out when you're well rested."
Virginia just continues to stare, not moving or saying anything at all. After a moment, Mariya notices the light in her eyes flickering, putting her on edge.
"Uh, Gin?" Mariya says, reaching for Virginia's shoulder.
To her surprise, Virginia slaps it away, looking away.
"So, you're my boss now?" Virginia says.
Mariya blinks.
"H-Huh? N-No! I just want you to get rest is all!" Mariya replies.
"Well, then don't go telling me what to do!" Virginia yells.
Mariya staggers back.
"Just because you are a Captain here in this world doesn't mean you can tell me what you want to me to do! So get over yourself!" Virginia snaps.
She feels herself go pale.
"Virginia..." Mariya trails.
After a moment of staring, Virginia grits her teeth, turning to run away. Though instinct takes over Mariya, taking a tight hold of her wrist.
"Let go!" Virginia yells.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you feel below me!" Mariya apologizes.
Virginia's eyes widen as she begins to slow.
"I...I just want you to be strong enough to be able to protect yourself...I don't want...to loose you...or any of you..." she trails, her hand beginning to tremble.
Virginia turns to look at her, gasping as she sees the tears forming on the rims of her eyes.
"Mariya..."
"I'm...so sorry..." she apologizes.
After a minute or two goes by, Virginia sighs.
"I-It's alright. I'm sorry, I'm just crabby I guess." Virginia responds.
Mariya grins bitter-sweetly, whipping away the tears from her eyes.
"Well, let's start today over then, shall we?" Mariya says, "How about I treat you to lunch at the Tea House. You didn't come last time."
Virginia grins.
"That sounds great."
"I bet it does...too bad you won't be able to go..."
There eyes widen, whipping their heads around to see a creature walking towards them.
"B-Bijuu..." Mariya trails, backing up.
Virginia's eyes widen, looking over the beast, which closely resembles a rooster from the head, but with a human body.
"T-That thing...is a Bijuu?" Virginia asks.
"Ack!"
Virginia whips her head around, looking to see Mariya now on her knees, holding her hand to her mouth, coughing.
"M-Mariya?!" Virginia stutters, kneeling besides Mariya, "W-What's wrong?!"
"She is being affected by my poison."
Virginia looks up, seeing the Bijuu stepping closer. Out of instinct she grabs Mariya, holding her close.
"Leave us alone, you ugly animal!" Virginia yells.
"V-Virgin..ia..." Mariya trails.
She blinks, looking down at Mariya as she tries to sit up.
"Mariya..."
"D-Don't worry Virginia...I can...take care of this...guy." Mariya says as she tries her best to stand, stumbling to either side.
Panting now, she holds her hands out in front of her, Mamori appearing in her shaking hands.
The Bijuu laughs.
"Oh, you petty little thing, you cannot defeat me in your weak state..."
Mariya grits her teeth, her eyes beginning to glow light blue.
"I'm not weak...and I won't let you hurt my friend, you got that?!" Mariya snaps, her Spiritual spiking suddenly as the lime green light sparks around her, her hair beginning to blow around her face.
The Bijuu blinks in surprise. But then he chuckles.
"Well, it seems I underestimated you, dear Mariya Yattamori...but your time is running out...just look at yourself..."
Mariya pants, aiming her blade at the Bijuu's head.
"You'll be dead...before you see me...pass out!" Mariya yells.
...But I'd better make this quick, or else my body will give out on me!...
"Captain Yattamori, allow us to assist!"
Her eyes widen with Virginia's looking around to see ninja looking Soul Reapers appear around them, swords ready.
"Squad....2..." Mariya trails.
...About damn time they got here!...
"Heh, you think you all are able to take me on? Well then, try this!"
With a flash of his hand, a dozen miniature Bijuu appear, which seem to be leaking of a poison all their own. Many of the members drop fast, only the strongest standing.
Mariya looks over at one barely awake.
"Y-You!" she yells.
The Reaper looks up.
"Y-Yes ma'am!" he replies.
She gestures over at Virginia.
"Get her the Hell out of here while you can still stand!" Mariya orders.
Virginia blinks.
"Are you nuts?! I'm the only one here not affected by it! I can help!" Virginia yells, standing beside Mariya.
It's now that she notices that Mariya is trembling worse then before, her breathing a bit more forced. She turns, and bitter-sweetly smiles at her.
"I know...I...just can't risk....you getting hurt..." Mariya trails, "Don't think badly...of me..."
"Mariya-" Virginia starts.
"Take her away!" Mariya yells.
"Yes Ma'am!" the Reaper yells, taking Virginia by the arm, pulling her into him.
"N-No!" Virginia yells, whipping her head back around to see Mariya as they take off, "Mariya! Call him off!"
She falls silent as she looks Mariya right in the eyes. Her expression is calm and content, a warm grin across her face.
...My first mission...above all in this world...is to keep you all safe...Virginia...I wish you could understand...
Tears begin to appear at the rims of Virginia's eyes as Mariya begins to turn away.
"N-NOOO! MARIYA!" Virginia screams, tears streaming down her face now, "DON'T BECOME MY SACRIFICE!!"
She's cut off as the man flashsteps, disappearing. Mariya sighs, a silent tear rolling down her face as she still smiles. She puts her sword out in front of her, looking back at the Bijuu.
"So, you let your friend get away, so that you wouldn't have to worry about her getting hurt, or killed. If it puts your mind at ease, I am not one to come after her. Nor am I here to kill you..."
Mariya blinks, taken back by the Bijuu's confession.
...Wait...if he's not here to kill me...then why..?...
Suddenly, her left arm falls limp at her side. She grits her teeth, knowing that she's entering the last few minutes before she passes out entirely.
"Blow Across the Stars....Mamori Koudoutai!" Mariya yells.
Instantly, Mariya is encased in lime green light, transforming. Seconds pass, and she bursts from the light, now having white wings on her back, her sword now her battle sickle. She thrusts it across her body, a ray of water flying at one of the Bijuu's miniatures. It's powerful enough against the migit that it rips it's body in half, continuing through to kill four more.
The Bijuu watches with no expression, not mourning as someone normal usually does.
Mariya grits her teeth, readying the blade to slash right through the Bijuu's neck.
"Bijuu!" Mariya yells.
The Bijuu chuckles.
"DIE!" she yells as she thrusts her blade straight at him.
"MARIYA!"
Her eyes widen.
...T-Toshiro!...
"You both are so pathetic..."
Mariya's eyes widen as she hears Toshiro drop, whipping her head around to see him already unconscious, his blade not even fully freed of it's sheath yet.
"Toshiro-!" she starts.
She's cut short as the Bijuu stabs into her back. Normally, this would do nothing but hurt, but at this point on her back...it's one of her weak points...and this point, when hit hard enough, causes one thing...
Her to pass out.
Her eyes are wide, though the world around her is going black. She reaches out towards Toshiro.
"T-To...shir..o-"
The world seems to go sideways, flashing by fast before becoming solid darkness.
No comments:
Post a Comment