Post by Shinkiro on May 4, 2015 9:42:53 GMT -5
Things had all been so uncomplicated before. He had done his patrols, checked in, and that was it. Quick, clean, efficient work. It wasn't until he had began to trust others and start to let down his guard that issues began to introduce themselves into his life. Trust had led him to befriend and train a mortal, and it had led him to befriend an Arrancar. While that in and of itself was not particularly life threatening, depending on the person he supposed, the fact that he had willingly poisoned an entire restaurant full of unsuspecting mortals simply because it had been "fun" would more than certainly be frowned upon by most superiors in the Gotei. But all of these things paled in comparison to the real issue. A festering parasite that had latched onto his very soul and refused to let go. It...he had began to become the bane of Ayato's existence. Whereas his immorality had before been for the sake of his mission and duties to Second Division, now they were driven by this creature, this...thing that wanted only chaos and destruction.
Kuro, he had named himself Kuro.
Sharpened scarlet revealed itself from the meditative calm it had been immersed in. It was a brief opening, only long enough to glance at the nearby clock to discern the time of day. Ten minutes until thirteen hundred. He had not been within that place very long. Just barely had he actually entered before he had awakened once again. The coral tinged light of the sun filtered through the shuttered windows of his Rukongai home. The living room was where he had chosen to do his meditation today. It was more suitable than the Second Division barracks or his C.O.U. office. There was a certain amount of privacy to be had as well, which helped with settling his mind and allowing him to properly submerge himself within his thoughts.
Though perhaps awakened was not the proper word to use. He had ventured to the inner depths of his soul, to a place where only he could enter: his Inner World. A slow exhalation as he once more took the plunge. When he next opened his eyes, his consciousness stood within that familiar bamboo forest. Still the shoots looked tainted by Kuro's presence, but they had began to regain some semblance of health. Perhaps it was because Ayato was able to maintain suitable control over Kuro's influence whereas before it had been....wavering at best. It was also entirely possible that the regrowth was directly parallel to the health of Shiori and Kaori. It was difficult to tell.
But he was not here to admire the scenery. There was a very specific reason he had once more delved into this place. That man...that creature, still held his spirits captive. He was determined to regain their freedom at all costs. Again he found himself within the corrupted little niche that Kuro had prepared for himself. Seeing the twins within the two cages caused Ayato's anger to flare for a brief moment,but it had subsided when he saw that they were at least in a healthy state despite their conditions. A passing smile from each of them before both ruby and aquamarine shifted to the nearby darkness. There Kuro sat upon a broken boulder, that annoyingly taunting Cheshire grin leering at them from within the shaded confines of his hood.
"Ah, Ayato, how pleasant of you to join us. To what do we owe this surprise?" A film of charred mist whispered from the depths of the hood as Kuro's demented chuckle defiled the air. Hardened expressions in unison from Ayato and his sword spirits. It was no secret that they despised both his presence and the idea of him in general. But he was here, nothing could be done about that at present.
"Release them." A demand as cold as ice and equally as unforgiving. He was done catering to the whims of this parasite, that much was apparent from his tone of voice. Unfortunately it had not had whatever intended effect Ayato had been hoping for. Kuro actually seemed amused by him. Malevolent laughter pierced the air as Kuro through his head back.
"Now why would I do that? Keeping them here seems to be the only way you'll cooperate. Although....if you'd be willing to take their place and let me take over, I'm sure we could come to an agreement." Kuro's sneer actually widened to engulf the entire lower half of his hidden face. He knew that Ayato would never agree to that type of stipulation, it had been said as a taunt more than anything else. Ayato's eyes narrowed and his form began to dissipate.
"Don't get too comfortable, parasite, I'll be dealing with you soon enough." The promise was spoken. Ayato fully intended to carry through with that promise. He would break Kuro's hold on the twins and it would be him that was caged.
Soon.
His consciousness once more crossed over, returning to the waking world. Even though he no longer actually dwelt within that place, his connection to it was permanent. Kuro's amused laugh pierced his mind. An annoying screech like nails across a chalkboard. It was problematic, but something he would have to deal with. Slowly he rose to his feet. A sidelong glance was cast towards the Zanpakuto that leaned nearby. For the briefest of moments he debated leaving it there for the day. But no Shinigami should ever be without their Zanpakuto. Ultimately he gripped the sword and holstered it at his waist before exiting his home.
His mind was troubled, the issue with Kuro was duly affecting his work as a Shinigami. It had been some time since he had actually submitted a formal report. Procrastinating and delaying the matter would ultimately do more trouble than good. A low sigh escaped him. Captain Kiriko was one of the few people in the Seireitei he actually had a high enough level of respect for. It was not only because of her abilities as a warrior, but because she was, in fact, his Captain. If there was anyone that he would willingly discuss something with, it would be her. Perhaps he could seek her input on the situation. It was certainly a big gamble, Captain Kiriko was not very well-known for being forgiving or kind, but that was perhaps would made her most suitable for the position as Second Division captain. She was devious, cunning, and willing to do what was necessary to complete the job; all of which were top qualities for any member of Second Division. The temporary lapse into his thoughts had allowed him to complete the trek to the Second Division command annex without actually realizing it.
As he stood outside the door of her office, apprehension gripped him. This could either go well for him or end very badly. With Captain Kiriko, it could go either way. Steeling his resolve, his usual expression of neutrality voided his countenance and he knocked on the door.
"Lady Kiriko, it's Ayato Kimura of the Clandestine Operations Unit. I apologize for my tardiness with my weekly progress report. If I may, I'd like to proceed with it today if you have the time available."
Word Count: 1,210
Current GP: 24
Total GP: 24