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Post by Sojiro Kusaka on Nov 17, 2009 7:23:19 GMT -5
Well, wasn’t this a cheery place~? A graveyard, ah, he didn’t suppose he could actually complain that much since he had in fact chosen this place of his own free will… Probably through some morbid desire for effect. In all it really was rather suitable for this whole thing when you thought about it, to the world Kusaka was dead, no doubt he was to his old partner too. It was in places like this that the dead resided, nothing but memories that would in time be forgotten and brushed aside like a simple wisp of smoke, something that was worthless. That was likely what all this was about in some twisted way, being worthless, the utter sense of none existence and loss of identity that he’d damn well suffered at the hands of those bastard soul reapers. He hadn’t asked for it, nor done anything to deserve it, but the utter bastards had done it anyway… Hmm, well they would pay. If there was one thing Kusaka was going to do before he was actually killed or some such crap it was rip them down, they’d crumble and they would not be able to stop him from slitting every damn well one of their necks… But first thing’s first… Hitsugaya~
Right now his snowy haired friend was his priority, in some way though perhaps he had been since that day. Whilst Kusaka didn’t exactly blame him for everything that had happened, he didn’t think he was without blame either. How exactly this worked was a quandary within itself, but if there was one thing to learn now before anything else it was clearly that Kusaka’s mind had become far more complex and twisted than it once was, his thoughts would now contradict each other, his wants clashing with everything he hated. He hadn’t really wanted to come out like this, but it had just kinda happened, there really was no going back in this case, what was broken could now never be fixed and far all the world to see he was happy... Were there even any who’d try to help though. Bah, that would mean someone who care… And when you were but a forgotten ghost from the past you soon found that the only one who cared was yourself, and alas, when that happened even you stopped caring in time. At least in this case.
With a yawn he rubbed the back of his head, scanning the surround area briefly from his position on a branch. Fitting or not this place was as dull as crap, rumours said hollows roamed here, true enough, but when you freaking controlled the mutts they weren’t exactly in a great rush to try and kill you. It was though to be said that for near enough a year now everything had gone near enough silent, oh there’d be a sporadical hollow attack, perhaps once a month or so, but nothing like it had been to start with. As soon as he’d gotten the hogyoku and set about awaking the thing they’d stopped, well, slowed down anyway. In the month prior to this though things had all kicked up once more though, hollows, humans disappearing, he was behind all of this and had very little problem admitting it. There was no doubt that everything this boy once was had been lost, either destroyed, or forced down under the many barriers he through around himself to ensure he wasn’t damn well hurt again. It didn’t much matter though… No doubt Hitsugaya would come, then find that smart head of his in a state of shock, at which point things would come crashing down around him so very quickly. Evil? Yes, Kusaka supposed he now was, but stupid? Bah, this was all near flawless, he’d fought to match Toshiro long ago, now he would fight to control him~
Tilting his head up slightly he made damn sure his energy was crushed down to nothing, right now this was a game, one that would lose ever so much effect if he were to be found as soon as his old friend got a sense of time and arrived. First off all of this wouldn’t be starting off as it always did, there would be no hollow, why? Kusaka was sick of waiting for all of this to come together. For such a long time now he’d been stuck on this damn world, he’d had patience enough to take things slowly in everything before this point, but this time there was no need. Oh it could be fun to screw around with Hitsugaya’s head more, but he was sure he’d be doing plenty of that later. Hmm, it would be so interesting to see how he actually took the whole revelation. If he hadn’t changed, well it would likely hurt him. Frankly Kusaka no longer cared, he himself knew so very well about pain, he’d lived with it constantly for near fifty years now. Something small like this was oh so very none important, just a brief passing sting that would soon be forgotten, after all, everything was… Kusaka knew this better than most.
With a brief sigh he slid down the ridged hollow mask that had previously been perched on top of his head, it was by no means his, and thus gave him no advantages in anything, other than surprise. It would hide who he was for a time, cover everything about him. In a way he perhaps didn’t need to, he felt sure in every sense that by now he’d have been left in the shadows of the past, even by this boy. Not that it at all mattered though, hopefully, perhaps it did though. Perhaps it spurned him deeper than so many other things to this point, he couldn’t say he was exactly sure, nor could he say he wanted to be. All this pain, it was maddening, to a literal sense, his sanity was still there of course; he simply chose to ignore it for a vast majority of things. Like right now for example. He didn’t need sanity as he jumped ever so easily from the branch he’d been perched on, nor as he landed with an ease somewhat startling. Sanity wasn’t needed to walk across the graveyard in the dead of night; it wasn’t needed to sit yourself on the edge of a tomb stone. It certainly wasn’t needed to wait either. Feh, what good did sanity ever do anyone, hm~? [/color][/center]
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Toshiro Hitsugaya
Captain
"Swinging a sword out of duty alone is what a captain must do."
Posts: 57
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Post by Toshiro Hitsugaya on Nov 17, 2009 16:51:34 GMT -5
A black butterfly fluttered through the subtle fog that lay before it. Following the black swallowtail, a short figure ran behind it as they both made their way through the strange place. From what the youth can see, it was a graveyard no less. It was the one where everyone seemed o stay away from because it was supposed to have large amounts of Hollows around here. There didn't seem to be any, nor could he feel their spiritual pressures. He slowed down and stopped. What the hell? He crossed his arms and grunted angerly. This turned out to be a waste of his time. Since when did someone go to a random ass graveyard for the hell of it. Damn, he looked like a moron standing out here in the fog admits all these tombstones. He began to just walk now, seeing no imminent danger. Though, this did not cause him to lower his guard. Oh no, Hollows tended to be sporadic and therefor spontaneous when attacking. Even during an organized attack, they would still be unpredictable.
His green gaze fell on the epitaph that was next to him. The name seemed to be worn out, but the rest of still legible, even if a bit. 1304-1345. It was evident this was an incredibly old cemetery, and from what he could see, no new graves have been placed. No one seemed to have disturbed this place in quite a while. With his arms in his sleeves, he held a steady, quick pace through the forgotten place of rest. The Hell Butterfly flew up into the sky, it's job being done for now. Toshiro's eyes merely followed it until it disappeared into the night sky, which was barely visible due to this weird ass fog. This place was near a river or something, maybe that's what was causing the fog. Whatever. It still didn't really help to get rid of the bored expression etched on his face. A small chill ran down his spine. Not that this place gave him the creeps, but something else was bothering him, and he didn't quite know what it was yet.
Running his fingers through his dove hair, he continued his pace nd heard a snapping of something. No wait, not a snapping, but a shuffling. He took out his hands from his sleeves and became a bit more tense. Strange, he couldn't feel the spiritual pressure of whatever was out there. If anything, there a very, very small wisp of it. And he couldn't work off it's identity by such a small amount. He narrowed his eyes and figured it was best to just keep going. His feet caused a small branch under his feet to break and the shuffling noise was heard once more. His turquoise eyes darted to the weeping willow trees that hung about his head. Some leaves shuffled but nothing else. It could just be the wind, yet there was a very light breeze. Such a breeze could not produce the sound that he heard. Maybe unsheathing his blade would warn whoever was out there off. But he didn't suppose that was a good idea either. He was quick enough with his blade to unsheathe it when the second came.
Damn it. What was the purpose of him being here? There was nothing. There were no Hollows, or anything of the sort. Tch, so much for his theory that the Court Guard Squads were taking precautionary measures by sending him here. There was evidently no danger. Whoever was lurking about, if there actually was anyone or anything out there besides him, would probably be something that was merely just trash and could be disposed of easily. That or just arrest them if the case called for it. Whatever it was, he would find a way to solve it some how and some way. Shaking his head slightly, he walked up to a large concrete statue. It took the form of an angle, watching over whatever grave was there. It's face had been sanded down by the winds of time and it's right wing was only half there, jagged edges marking where the other half used to be. He folded his arms and looked at the epitaph. Only a century older than the one he read earlier.
Some people believed that spirits such as angles would watch over their loved ones in hope that one harm would come there way. Some people also believed that these same guardian angles watched over the deceased and made sure they rested in peace. The statues often portrayed a woman or man with wings and a soft expression staring down at a grave, with their hands held by their chest to symbolize that these heavenly bodies were praying for a well afterlife. They were portrayed as immortal beings to forever watch over the world and each and every person. Soul Reapers worked like that. They roamed the Earth and sent wandering souls to peace. But when there's a yang, there's a yin. The yin to mortal people were the devil, bad spirits and karma. Whatever brought ill-will to someone was considered caused by a devil or of the like. Hollows were like that. They used to be people, but then they died with some form of regret and became monsters who feasted on living things and living souls. Like the yin and yang, demons and angels, Soul Reapers did not operate, let alone mix together, well with Hollows. The two were caught in an endless world to balance out the world's spirits. So no, they did not mix together well. Perhaps only their philosophies didn't mix...
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Post by Sojiro Kusaka on Nov 19, 2009 16:31:22 GMT -5
Yawning beneath the mask he scratched the back of his head, damn, how long was it going to take the moron to get here? Tilting his head back he let out a puffing sigh that shifted the fine fog around, almost giving his breath a somewhat ghastly appearance. Doing it again partially for his own amusement he simply watched as it all twisted, contorting at the slightest of nudges from a source with more power and authority. Wasn't this just how everything went though, as long as you had power enough to dominate everything that stood before you. That was what life was all about wasn't it? Being strong enough to crush everything in your way, to ensure that you had enough power to prove that you were the damn well best there was, and that all those who'd doubted you were without a doubt wrong... That those who'd been such fools were just that, fools. "Feh, same sense of time as ever," he snarled out under his breath, eyes narrowing slightly. Things didn't really change did they? Hmm, yes of course they did, he was a prime example after all of how things could so easily change for the worst with only the smallest of pushes and no real guidance.
Left alone in life you would always change, you would become used to it, when people pushed you away you learned to do the same, when people hurt you once more you would do the same... But what about wen they killed you? Perhaps not physically, perhaps just everything you were and had ever hoped to be, when they caused the death of everything you had the potential to become... What then? Did you simply forget about it? Forget they had caused you so much pain? Well of course not~ You became stronger, you shut down your heart and turned the pain into strength, anger, and of course hate... Then you killed them right back. This time though you did kill them, you took your blade and drove it straight through their black heart. You could never go back of course, but the satisfaction went to dulling everything didn't it, it made you feel better? Yes, there was no doubt that this was so, and this was the very reason why Kusaka would damn well fight until there was nothing left for him to fight, or adversely, nothing left in him he could use to fight.
Snapping his head sharply to the side a grin crawled across his face, though evidently it wouldn't be at all visible. He wasn't even trying to hid his spiritual pressure? Suppressing a barking laugh he simply shook his head and stood, stretching slightly as he did such. All these years and it had come to this... It was almost sad, two old friends were going to be at each others necks, one wouldn't know until it was to late, and the others version of caring had substantial changed. It didn't matter though, not to Kusaka. As he turned and stalked off through the light vale he made such a clear point not to make a sound, there was a wisp of his energy no doubt, but at the current level it was so easily passable for a bird or some other creature. Right now he was exactly what people would think, a ghost, yet this one was a very real danger, someone who would not at all hesitate to cut down all in his way... Say for this boy anyway. He could kill and rip apart anything that came before him, and yet not Hitsugaya. This wasn't to say he wasn't averse to screwing his life over... It was just... Well.... Complicated.
Not allowing for any silhouette to come into view he merely prowled around, the fog hiding his very target, and yet also ensuring he himself was hidden, that was his present task. So soon it ended though. Stopping somewhere off to the right of the boy he silently drew Hyorinmaru from its scabbard, stalking forward slightly as he did. The goal he was not to kill, ohhhh no, it was something so very different. Leaping forward at a startlingly fast rate the boy so very quickly came into view, that wasn't his concern as he swung his blade sharply down at the the boy's arm. With the surprise of it, the utter unexpectedness, his attack had a high chance of success, but as with everything there was always a chance of failure. Either way he'd jump back slightly, putting a few meters between them both. “I'm so glad you could come, Toshiro Hitsugaya~” With a snicker he narrowed his eyes, an action not visible to the boy. Whilst he sought so hard to keep who he was hidden he still spoke, over the last years his voice had matured somewhat, become deeper. Add to that the fact that no matter how you tried you could never specifically remember someone's voice after a hugely extended period of time and you'd find Kusaka confident that Hitsugaya would likely only have faint recognitions... Hopefully anyway.
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Toshiro Hitsugaya
Captain
"Swinging a sword out of duty alone is what a captain must do."
Posts: 57
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Post by Toshiro Hitsugaya on Nov 19, 2009 23:38:30 GMT -5
Hearing an owl who, the young captain didn't change where he stood as he just kept thinking. Huh, for such an old statue it was still in fairly good condition, considering it was from what, the twelve hundreds? He adjusted his arms again to a more renewed fold in them as he tilted his head slightly, examining the message that was written on the tombstone in which the guardian angel perched upon like a dove watching over a newborn. The dove was the angel of life and it seemed the actual humanoid angel was the one of death. Humans and their beliefs. It was astounding to see what kind of things they believed in. He didn't find it at all interesting. If anything the youth found it strange. Even a genius, he couldn't even come close to a clue. And even a genius, he was not at all prepared for what struck him next.
Before he could even think another thought he spun around as he heard something near him. As quick as the youth could he grabbed the purple blade that was Hyorinmaru and ripped it out of it's sheath, the scabbard dissipating as he did. But as he swung down, the other blade cut across his torso. Blood spluttered out quickly as the opposing blade finished making it's mark, and spotted the grass in front of him, as if he had just spilled dark red paint. It was ironic. Blood shed here was as if history was repeating itself. The blood of warriors of the past, he heard, were shed hee as well, and these were their deathbeds. Had he not reacted, his arm would have been severely cut. He was not going to allow himself to die so foolishly as he got himself injured by not having a well enough defense. The pain surged through his body lie lighting, though he refrained from making a sound. His eyes were wide from what had just occurred. And what had occurred was maddening. He slouched over and heaved heavy breaths as his wound bled considerably. With his free hand he held the gash, blood streaming down upon it. His sword was still by his side, but he did nothing with it. He was still trying to take in what the hell had just happened. It was not Hollow, for what struck him was blade, and the flashing figure before him was humanoid. It was a Soul Reaper, but. His world broke down as he slowly raised his head with shocked eyes as the cool voice rang in his ears. He looked at the figure, and his insides turned inside out. The voice would have matched if it wasn't for the more adult ring to it, but, the figure, this vibe he was feeling. Hitsugaya had a knot in his gut to add to the pain of the wound. No. This was not that boy.
"I'm so glad you could come, Toshiro Hitsugaya~”
He corrected his stance and stood up straight. He gripped his hilt tighter and put it in front of him, both hands gripping the purple hilt."Who are you!?" He said his tone demanding, yet sounding somewhat hurt. "I demand to know!"
He shifted his feet, ignoring the pain of the diagonal wound on his torso. The pain echoed through his body, but he wasn't going to physically break down. No, not yet. He wasn't going to let himself die before some stranger. He hoped to any god that existed or didn't to bring mercy on him that this was someone he did not know. He did not who this was, he did not, he did not. He did not need any more pain. The wound was enough. His face showed a very angry expression, as well as a shocked one. The boy was still in shock from the attack, still taking it all in despite the wound that was still there from when it happened as proof. His bloody hand made the hilt it gripped on and the other hand. It was not a pretty sight to say the least. But with all these running thoughts in his head, he wanted to assumptions to stop. This was not that same boy. This was not that same person who he... No it wasn't.
"Tell me now!" His voiced turned into a yell, almost a pleading tone if you listened hard enough. "Answer me or I will kill you where you stand!"
This did not sit right. It just, did not sit well. The air o the person, the figure, just, mostly everything about this man that stood before him was familiar. He wasn't even sure how. If anything, he was currently in denial. Just moments ago his heart was in his throat from the surprise, and then the next thing he knew his heart sank so fast, so far, he could almost swear it just dropped out of his body. The distressed captain kept a firm grip, gritting his teeth in anger, but also frustration. The physical pain that surged through his nerves, and the mental pain that kept growing. The man's voice kept repeating itself like a record in his head. And each time it replayed, the more the discomfort grew. Because each time it repeated itself, the voice was more recognizable. No! This was was damn trick! The name which would have matched this slowly surfaced in his mind as a possible suggestion, but he shoved it right back down. Impossible. Freaking impossible.
"SHOW YOUR FACE!" He yelled as he began to run.
Not going to stand for this. He decided that he wasn't going to let this questions plague his mind any longer. He gripped his hilt as hard as he could and ran towards the masked man in front of him. He shifted his hands to his side to charge a swing, then swung the long katana at the man. He wasn't aiming to injure, but has a distraction. As the swing would finish, he released a hand and reached for the mask, if it was reachable. He couldn't stand for this mental stress he was enduring at the moment. He wasn't even sure of this man's identity. So why, why was everything about this man bothering him so much? Just why? There was no need for this at all! The wound stung as he moved so suddenly with his movements. It wasn't in a very good spot, to be honest. Bu he couldn't help that. His face showed anger while his eyes showed anguish. His teeth were bared as he gritted them. This expression would die, very quickly. It would turn into a frown. He just knew it.
Once this man revealed his identity, it was up to Hitsuagaya's emotions to determine how to react. He wanted it to be someone he he didn't know so that he could put this agony to rest. Just end it there, and finish the job he was sent here for. To find the conspirator behind the Hollow attacks, and depending on the situation, arrest them or kill them. Either or he was allowed to kill. But he wasn't going to hurt someone unnecessarily. The threat he yelled out about killing him, that was half of an empty threat. First, he had to determine who the man was, then decide whether arrest, execute, or other. "Other" was an option he did not want to factor in. "Other" was nothing. "Other" was just to mentally break down if this man was who he hated to think was. No, that person he knew back in the day was dead. Exiled and most likely dead. Not standing before him. No.
No.
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Post by Sojiro Kusaka on Nov 20, 2009 3:49:09 GMT -5
Well that was a bother… “Seems I missed,” he stated, somewhat disappointed. His failure in this case could perhaps serve him well. The diagonal slash down the boy’s torso was liable to bleed a hell of a lot more than a simple cut to the arm, by protecting himself Hitsugaya had only caused himself more problems in life. His wound now would cause far more pain, as was evident as he hunched over, breathing more of a pant as he placed a hand on the still flowing wound. Unlike with an arm you could not stop yourself moving your torso, every twist and every step would likely send pangs of pain up through him… And he couldn’t stop it unless he stood perfectly still, and even then there was still the bleeding. Kusaka knew perfectly that all he had to do was push this kid to a certain threshold and then the game would go to a whole new level. Then the real plans would come to play. First though he’d humour the boy by playing his games, games that were actually to Kusaka’s benefit too. Whilst he probably wouldn’t like the questions the strain Hitsgaya was going to put on himself made what he intended later to be so much easier. In Kusaka’s mind Hitsugaya had already lost this fight.
"Who are you!? I demand to know!"
Ohhhh, demand? Well of course then, didn’t Kusaka just have to tell the boy now~ “I’m no one but a ghost, someone who doesn’t even exist.” It was a truly honest answer, he was a ghost, and he didn’t exist. All records were gone of him, for the soul society he wasn’t there and never had been. Perhaps people would remember his face here and there, but it was doubtful and even then there were none that would actually know him as who he really was. No one cared, and frankly even he didn’t anymore, so he told himself. “My, you really are so very demanding… Though… Had someone done that to me I suppose I’d hold some grudges too~” As he spoke in that sadistically amused tone he pointed to the slash across his chest. It was strange to see the pain as he spoke… Kusaka hadn’t banked on that if he were honest, though more than likely it was caused by the wound. Even to a soul reaper it probably wasn’t all that good for one’s health if they didn’t stop the bleeding or something. More than likely Hitsugaya wouldn’t. Instead he’d come at this to work out what was going to come at this with every gun he had blazing. This was exactly what Kusaka wanted, and this he was hardly going to directly answer what was put before him. For now anyway.
"Tell me now! Answer me or I will kill you where you stand!"
Rolling his eyes he just sighed, if he were going to try he’d have done so already, instead he just stood there sword by his side… Ready and waiting for what its master would put it through. Perhaps there was almost irony in two beings, zanpakuto, that were essentially the same being used to try and cut down the other. It had happened before, and now perhaps history was set to repeat. Say for the fact that this time Kusaka was the one writing the script of it. “My my, aren’t you a vile little captain… Forgetful too.” Tapping his blade against the floor for a moment, blood flicking off as he did, it was apparently evident he was waiting for something… Something that didn’t come as he spoke again. “Besiiiiiides, you can’t kill the same person twice~” In some ways he felt this boy was the cause of his pain, and in others he didn’t… That meant it only really made sense that in his mixed up mind he was going to simply sum up as a death. That’s what it was, yes? Death was where you lost everything and everyone… In death you had nothing at all… Wasn’t this the case for Kusaka? Yes… Thus he’d died and yet at the same time lived.
"SHOW YOUR FACE!"
With a chuckle he cocked a brow slightly, yes, because demands from any were going to be listened to… Actually perhaps some were from this boy, just not this one. Ohhh the boy may have changed, but the differences weren’t so great, Kusaka could well enough read that pain. Hmm, what he couldn’t determine thought was the source, perhaps the wound? That seemed a likely implication, whilst yes he’d aimed to swing down on the boy he’d very deliberately aimed for the arm. For one it was more likely to incapacitate than kill, and two, well actually there was no two; he’d just kinda felt like it at the time. Other possibilities? He felt bad for those that had been killed? Perhaps, but unlikely… And frankly to Kusaka it diiidn’t seem like something his old friend would beat himself up for. The idea that perhaps stood out like a beacon in the night was that the boy knew, he supposed the pain in his demands were a clue… If there was anything else that may have led him to any conclusion Kusaka didn’t see it. Intelligent in his own way? Yes, but not all seeing. He saw the hard truth, at least the truth to his eyes… And right now that consisted of the boy running toward him, sword held up evidently ready to slash. “Now now~” He hummed out, quickly bringing his blood flecked blade up to block, head jerked back to avoid the hand coming up to grasp the mask.
Whilst there was now of course little chance for the short captain to grab it now it was all to possible the boy’s fingers brushed against it, oh what a pity for him. To be so close and yet so far. That was life for yah, you thought everything was clear, and then something would happen and push things out of your reach. “Why would I want to do that?” Tilting his head to the side slightly it was clear what his expression would have been had a mask not hidden it, a grin, a damn well twisted grin. “Besides partner, can’t you work it out…? You are a genius after all.” Laughing slightly he just shook his head, not bothering to jump back incase of another attack. Right now he was simply toying with the boy, pushing at all his damn buttons simply because he could. He knew that if his assumptions were right that this would cause his old friend more pain than the slash across his chest, but Kusaka frankly didn’t care. Right now he was simply sending a message, all he was doing now was writing the address, so very soon his twisted plans would be noted down as they came to play, wasn’t it just sad that he’d chosen to involve his old friend~?
Snorting slightly he took a step forward, if their blades were still held together then he’d aim to force him back, if they weren’t then distance would be closed whereupon he’d swing his sword at the boy again, this time the only goal being getting him to dodge. His goal was not to kill this boy, rather force him down to a level that was easier to deal with. With the wound on him Kusaka would likely only have to chase him around for a bit before things got to much, though there was always the chance he was underestimating his old friend. Unlikely. Right now Kusaka had all the cards, he knew his own limitations and thus was all too able to his own judgments, ones that would serve him so very well. He had so many advantages here, Hitsugaya may have been smart of course, but Kusaka himself was by no means stupid and had damn proved this as he more or less kept pace with Hitsugaya when in the academy. “You really haven’t changed at all, have you Hitsugaya?” With a snicker he freed one of his hands, lifting it to tap the mask with a finger. “If you want to know who I am so badly then all you have to do is take the mask, or is a child’s game of retrieval to much for the child protégé~?” He wanted to push him to attack, to do everything he damn well could to get the mask, the movements would hopefully cause the scarlet wound to spill more blood, which would obviously tire the boy sooner… In effect it was clear things had been so well worked through.
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Toshiro Hitsugaya
Captain
"Swinging a sword out of duty alone is what a captain must do."
Posts: 57
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Post by Toshiro Hitsugaya on Nov 20, 2009 17:39:49 GMT -5
“Seems I missed.”
That comment made him boil. What was this, a freaking joke? He growled and gritted his teeth. Gripping his sword tightly he couldn't help but want to cut this guy up. Who did he think he was? That ass. He shrugged it off. It wasn't worth getting worked up about something such as that. Though the man's next didn't make much sense, and it only made him more frustrated. What, not exist? But, what? If he didn't exist, why was he standing right before the young captain, blade and all? He was very sure that was a real attack. He was very sure the pain he had just endured, and the injury he had just received, were all real and did happen. If anything, he'd say this man wa trying to play mind games. Trying to confuse the youth. But he wasn't going to let that happen. But even then, the man's voice was somewhat painful to hear. It sounded a bit like how he remembered "his" voice was. He still wasn't convinced it was "him", but he didn't want to. That would make the pain worse.
"I’m no one but a ghost, someone who doesn’t even exist. My, you really are so very demanding… Though… Had someone done that to me I suppose I’d hold some grudges too~”
"Shut the hell up!" He snapped at angerly. "Answer me, now!"
He wasn't pleased. He wasn't satisfied. This was not helping. None of this was helping. It wasn't helping his bleeding wound, and it wasn't helping a distressed state of mind. He did not like what was going on. He did not like what was occurring. Nothing about this was amusing, or boring. Nothing about this helped him. Just. Nothing. The man spoke once more, and more little hints were given out. He could tell they were. His voice, his presence, it all pointed fingers at one name, but he ignored it to ignored the pain that were to come if it had come down to that answer. There were so many possibilities that this wasn't that same person. So many, yet this man was trying to narrow it down into one answer. Perhaps not specifically the one Toshiro was thinking about and trying to shove away, but a name. His hints were not hints he liked. It made it easier to find a name, but harder to bear the fact.
"My my, aren’t you a vile little captain… Forgetful too. Besiiiiiides, you can’t kill the same person twice~”
Can't kill the same person twice? What? The hint was vague, and pointed at different things, most away from what the captain was thinking, he could figure it out if he gave it a good thought. But now was not the time to sit and think. Every second there was a strong possibility this man was going to attack him and try and kill him. The wound was evident. This person seemed to be serious. And what made Hitsugaya even more angry was the fact this man was trying to make it evident that he was playing with him. What an arrogant fool, he thought. It would be the end of him sooner or later, so this man had better make the most out of this whole situation. But again, the death threat was both and an wasn't an empty threat. If he had to, he would attack and kill, if not, arrest was going to occur. He did not want 'other' to be an option.
As the blades collided with each other, so did his hand with the mask, but the man jerked back. He felt his fingers slide against the mask. He folded his fingers to try and catch something, but couldn't. His hand returned to the hilt and he pushed against it to apply more force to try and push the taller individual back. Green eyes lay almost fixed on his face, trying to work out who it really was. He couldn't. Anyone could have that hairstyle, but not everyone could have the same face. If only he could remove the mask If only. It would end this crisis of identity. It would just all end. Right there, it would have ended. But no. It was apparent this individual waited to remain in the dark, identity having been sealed away for whatever purposes. That was obvious. But Hitsugaya had to reveal it by force, one way or another. But as the man spoke again his world began to crumble bit by bit. ... What did he just say...?
"Now now~ Why would I want to do that? Besides partner, can’t you work it out…? You are a genius after all.”
"Don't try and turn the tables on me!" His anger was evident and his tone was more than just demanding. "Answer my questions first!"
The blade of the other swordsman pushed him back with a force Hitsugaya could not counter. The pain ripping through his body by the gash was keeping him from putting forth his best. This was not his best, but rather, the best he could do with an injury such as his. He stumbled back, his back whacking against the statue of the angel. He yelped slightly and almost slipped down he grabbed onto the statue, his composure no longer professional as his head and back were slouched over. The wound and let more blood escape when he hit the statue. It stained the ground with more of his blood. He cringed and grabbed the wound again. He sat up and panted slightly. What the hell?! He let an angry growl leave his lips as the man teased him into putting as much as he could. Damn bastard, who was he?
“You really haven’t changed at all, have you Hitsugaya? If you want to know who I am so badly then all you have to do is take the mask, or is a child’s game of retrieval to much for the child protégé~?”
"Damn coward, show your damned face!" His tone out outrageously angry, but while commanding, he beseeched. He then began to charge once more.
He grabbed his bloodstained hilt with both hands, gripping it so hard, any more pressure would make his hands bleed. He swung at the man's torso, not trying to hit again and then released a hand from the tight grip to try and catch the mask. He knew he was doomed to fail. This man was not injured, and did not have a wound to worry about. The only thing this man had to worry about was dodging the boy's movements. This man seemed able bodied. He seemed to be a Soul Reaper, as all his little hints indicated, but still, there was no clear-cut answer. The boy out more thought into it. If it wasn't the face he could identify, would anything else help him? He quickly glanced at the man's zanpakuto. Long blade and... His state of mind began to crumble even faster. The cross guard... the hilt.... the damn crossguard and hilt. All fingers were pointing at the same name now. No, no! This was not him. This was not him! More blood leaked from the wound. Whether or not the man dodged or not, he would just back to where he first was and hold the gash, as if that was actually going to do something. He huffed more. This slight lightheaded feeling wasn't something he wanted to feel now. He did not want it to add to all this agony.
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Post by Sojiro Kusaka on Nov 20, 2009 22:28:42 GMT -5
"Shut the hell up! Answer me, now!"
Hmm, yes that had pretty much been the expected reaction to it all. He'd known that Hitsugaya wasn't going to like the answer, wasn't going to want to accept it, yet he'd still given it just to boil his blood, something that had evidently worked rather well. “Well that's rather contradictive, you want me to shut up and answer you?” With a snicker he merely stood there, not bothering to attack when it would have been so easy to. “I can't do both old friend.” Oh this was so easy, and all such a game to him. There was no doubt irony in the fact he seemed to have rutted himself into the stage his life was destroyed from, he'd been a child then, and whilst more mature he was in effect still that. Perhaps as an adult this would have all gone better for him, and subsequently everyone who he'd now come across. That wasn't so though and this was now who he was, this black twisted soul that had once been something totally different. Whereas once he'd been in the light he'd been forced to the shadows, been forced into despair and loneliness. A sad life many would call it, and it was that, but you couldn't turn back the clock. He couldn't go back to when this fight would have only been a friendly spar, where that wound wouldn't exist, to when these were both friends and would have done so much for each other. This was here and now, and this was different the then.
"Don't try and turn the tables on me! Answer my questions first!"
Answer answer answer, eesh, Kusaka got the point, he wanted answers. “I already said, I don't exist, not anymore.” Unlike previous comments this one had an incredibly venomous edge to it, there was no mocking, just utter anger. No matter what he did or said he never escape from, it was always there, he used it to fuel all he did, it had become him. Without the anger he was nothing, nothing but a lost boy that had nothing but his own pathetic grief. “Besides, you know already, don't you?” A part of him hoped so, and yet a part didn't. Ugh, of all the people that confused him he was the one who did it the most to. He was his own worst enemy, he didn't understand himself or what he wanted at times, but right now he did. The utter aggression the boy showed amused him somewhat, perhaps it was simply the satisfaction of seeing another in distress. Or the fact that the only way he could really get someone to recognize him was by pushing at them until something broke... And it wasn't him. He'd been there, done that and was still standing. At the end of this though, would his old friend be doing the same?
Snapped from his thoughts as the boy yelped he cocked a brow slightly as a fine spray of blood was thrown out across the ground. The wound was really perfect, his mistake had made things easier. However he refrained from goading for a moment, instead giving him a chance to pull himself up and clamp a hand down on his wound. All the while he simply watched, violet eyes taking it all in silently. As an antagonist he was giving incredibly mixed signals, he didn't expose openings that were obviously there, and yet he attacked and caused harm. It was easiest to put it all down to being a game for him, and indeed his coming words proved this. “Ouuuuch, that one looked like it hurt~” With a slight chuckle he swung his blade in a back and forth motion, if only to amuse himself for a moment. It was amazing how he still had any degree of proficiency with the blade, but since his power's restoration he'd made a damn clear point to train pretty freaking hard. He'd hardly become rusty in his skills, but he'd known so very well that it'd be a damn good idea to expand upon what he could already done. No doubt people would have gotten better, that meant he too had to. It was a choice ell made. "Damn coward, show your damned face!"
It was almost a pity to see him lagging so heavily already, the wound was very obviously taking a heavier price than first presumed, this was going to be over so very soon. Already Kusaka saw so many damn openings, all things Hitsugaya could no longer avoid. With a simple step to the side he batted the sword away with his own, simply avoiding the boy grabbing his mask. “Why, because you can't take something as trivial as a mask?” Watching him back toward the statue he cocked his head to the side. It seemed something was twigging, beneath the mask a grin crawled across his face as he held his zanpakuto in front of him so his old friend could see it better. “Need a better look of him, hm?” If he knew now he was likely only in denial about it, trying hard not to accept that this was who everything pointed to it being. Kusaka loathed that. He would not stand for being ignored and forgotten any longer, he would not! No... He'd remind Hitsugaya that you could not escape the truth, that the only way to deal with it was head on and with your sword drawn. You could not run from your past, from the truth. If Hitsugaya tried to do so for any longer then his life was going to get worse than it currently was.
With a single fluent flashsteped he bolted toward the boy, blade not swinging down, instead held in both hands like a shunt to force Hitsugaya back against the statue. If the boy moved, then eh, he'd catch him out at some other point, but if he did pin him then things were going to get so much worse so very fast. If he pinned the boy he'd force him back hard against the statue, using his own body to apply the needed force of his blade to keep Hitsuaga pinned. “You wanted me to take the mask of~?” All the while saying this he was moving his he'd free a hand, reaching up toward his mask with it, pushing his head closer to Hitsugaya to emphasis the point he was about to make. All of this being based on having Hitsugaya pinned he'd use his free hand to pull the mask off, discarding to the the side shortly after. Oh how would he take this~? Kusaka didn't know and frankly was interested to find out. With a grin spreading across his face his eyes narrowed, violet giving a strange offset against the dark of night. After so many years Kusaka was now at last proven to be alive to someone who'd remember, after near fifty years Kusaka perhaps existed... “Well here you go then... Now ain't you happy you know?”
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Toshiro Hitsugaya
Captain
"Swinging a sword out of duty alone is what a captain must do."
Posts: 57
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Post by Toshiro Hitsugaya on Nov 21, 2009 0:19:11 GMT -5
“Well that's rather contractive, you want me to shut up and answer you? I can't do both old friend.”
This was eating at him like a disease. "What the hell are you talking about?!" his tone started off deep as he growled in displeasure, then raised sharply at the end. "Who are you?!"
This was not getting anywhere. It was not. Not at all. He wasn't getting his answers quick enough to meet the demands of his mind, which had so many different views of the situation. Not even Hitsugaya himself didn't know what to make of the whole situation. He had little time to react to it all, and even less time to think about it. This man was giving out more hints, like reminding someone of something that was right at the tip of their tongue. It was so annoying, and it didn't go away until you remembered what it was you were trying to remember. It was kind of like this moment, except Toshiro was trying to do the opposite. It was there in his mind, surfacing time and time again, but he refused to accepted it and tried to forget it. It was hard. Very hard. Not only was it difficult, it was hurting him. But still... there was a possibility that it wasn't that "someone". He prayed that it was someone else. He really did wish. The man's words didn't make him feel any better, They stung him slightly. He didn't know why, but they hurt. It was probably his mind thinking it was "you know who" and everything that happened then, but another part of his mind completely disregarded the hopeful possibility and tried to think rationally. He wanted to stay rational.
“I already said, I don't exist, not anymore. Besides, you know already, don't you?”
"If you don't exist, then why are you standing here like a suspect and talking to me?!" He had no other emotions besides anger, irritation, and sorrow, anger being the greater one o the three. "If I knew, then I wouldn't be asking for your identity, stupid!"
As he his the statue, the man before him mocked him. It was making his blood boil. He clenched his fists and growled. That damned asshole. He shot him an angry glare with bared teeth. He just wanted to kill this man now. There wasn't a shadow of a doubt this man was the one who called him here, and there wasn't one for the fact that he seemed to be the one who would do this. Many were crazy, but some just had that extra bit of crazy to make them attack a captain. This was that fool. He was going to make sure he paid for his foolery. But first, he had to figure out who this man was, for sure. He had to go by facts, not by what his damned mind was telling him. What he was thinking could be totally off and wrong, and make him look like a fool. He did not want that. He wasn't going to make himself, a genius, seem like an idiot.
“Ouuuuch, that one looked like it hurt~”
"Bastard." He hissed sharply.
And he missed once more. The target simply moved. Nothing complicated. It just moved. Leaping back to his starting point in front of the statue, he tried his best to just ignore the mystery man's mocking comments. This man was not worth it. He was pissing him off greatly. Therefore, he was not someone who's words should be taken into great consideration, nor remembered really. His eyes showed off a very furious look, and was certainly not pleased. He came to the World of the Living to kick Hollow ass and gather information about the person who was behind all this madness. This man seemed to be the one, but, the aching suspicions of something else in the back of his head and his current injury was keeping him from doing so. It was as if his mind was trying to warn him not to harm him because of who this man was, but he did not believe it. He needed proof.
“Why, because you can't take something as trivial as a mask? Need a better look of him, hm?”
He ignored he first statement, bu he couldn't help but look at the sword once more. His eyes widened. That was... That was Hyorinmaru! He swallowed hard as he was taking in what was presented before him. No, no way in hell was he going to believe that was the second Hyorinmaru, the same blade that had caused him to part with his best friend many years ago. Just because they were the same damn thing. He didn't understand why that happened, and even now, he still didn't understand. He hated the fact he experienced it and witnessed it. It was just, cruel. And now, to see the blade in front of him that resembled that same Hyorinmaru his old accomplice had was overbearing n his mind. No no no no no. This was a lie, and his mind was seeing things. Besides, he was exiled and stripped of his powers, zanpakuto and all. No way he could get them back.
The man was lost from his field of view for a quick second before he appeared before the youth once more, blocking the blade with his own. Though as he blocked, the force the larger individual applied backed him against the angelic statue. He grunted and more blood leaked out. He wasn't going to last very long like this, was he. It was apparent that he was putting more effort than he should into all of this just because of the damned wound. It was causing sharp ripples of pain t rip though his body like lightening. He winced and pushes against his blade to make the man back up away from him. Kido would be good right now, but he had a suspicion it wouldn't work. If he could take on a captain, then he was certain kido was going to be a bit more than useless. His widened sightly and his eyebrows furrowed at his comment. This was it.
“You wanted me to take the mask of~?”
He said nothing. The man's face became a bit closer, and watched the man's hand move towards the covering on his face. This was it. This was where he could put these meaningless thoughts to rest. This was it... for his mental stability. The mask slid off. The boy's rationality slipped away. All hope of it not being poofed away and was not even a wisp. His world just shattered split apart so fast he didn't even see it coming. “Well here you go then... Now ain't you happy you know?” He shook his head slightly. No... no! Damn it! The grip on his sword loosened. he had... nothing to say. Nothing. Not a word. He swallowed again. His eyes widened and his pupils shrank. No! This was not the same man! No, this coincidence! No! His legs could have just released and let him fall at the ground, but they did not. He merely felt more heavy. Had Hitsugaya been some other child, he would have start breaking down in tears, but he was not this kind of child. He just showed his distress with his wide eyed expression. His eyebrows raised in a way that made him look agonized. He was.
"....Kusa....ka........?" He whispered to himself, his voice cracked slightly.
Yes.
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Post by Sojiro Kusaka on Nov 21, 2009 4:42:46 GMT -5
"....Kusa....ka........?"
Despite the obvious pain…. Was that word to shallow? Yes, it seemed so by the looks of things. Despite the boy’s utter agony Kusaka didn’t give him any reprieve from it, as Hitsugaya shook his head in utter denial Kusaka just kept the rather uncomfortably close space between them closed. His eyes and face perhaps said the most for him though, there was no breaking down, which was just as Kusaka had expected, just that look… That look that said everything had just fallen apart for him and he didn’t even understand why, it was a look Kusaka understood well enough. Perhaps had he been any less the person he was now he’d have sought to comfort him, the distress was so painfully there in those teal eyes, it was just a torrent of it to various degrees. The thing here though was that Kusaka was the person stood here now, and he didn’t seem at all phased by Toshiro’s obvious plight. Perhaps a part of him felt something to it, a small part that he’d far rather ignore than obey, but that made no difference. As his name was stammered out he simply nodded and gave a mild chuckle, well there were no others like he. Really Hyorinmaru should have given it away, there were only two of them in existence, and it was only Kusaka who could wield the second. Evidently Hitsugaya had merely been in an utter state of denial all this time.
Allowing for his grin to grow he snickered slightly, still keeping his once friend pinned. “Why of course, who else would I be~?” He sounded almost amused, at this point like someone who was just playing one huge of cat and mouse, for the moment all that sadism was gone… A short moment, but one none the less. “Now don’t tell me you thought I was dead.” He had, hadn’t he? Or perhaps that’s what he’d forced himself to believe to try and numb any pain he’d felt. People just forgot and moved on, the disregarded all that was old because… Well there was never a reason… “Just because I no longer exist to anyone doesn’t mean I wasn’t alive all this time, really, I thought you knew me better than that.” With that he cleared up the earlier point to how he didn’t exist and yet could be stood right there. His life was unimportant and mattered to none, thus he wasn’t there, yet the key to it all, that very fine detail that Hitsugaya had looked over when trying to work it out was that he not once said that he wasn’t real. He was very real, ignored, but still there in the shadows dwelling on how people had destroyed him so utterly. He was real, just none existent, but soon he would be. As soon as this was all over by all technicality he’d exist again, not as someone who put all he had into the soul society as he once had, but instead someone he sought to rip out its damn heart.
He knew this would be so raw for Hitsugaya, frankly it was no better for him. The only difference was that he turned his pain to anger, and that was something far more bearable to him, the end result was that in these circumstances he could talk about it with fewer issues than you might expect. “That or you simply forgot like everyone else,” he snapped out, his voice this time far more scathing than previously, he would deal with doubt, perhaps even denial as long as it wasn’t stated that he couldn’t possibly be alive… But forgetting… That was someone Kusaka would not allow from Hitsugaya. The more callus individual knew that everyone else would never remember, he’d meant nothing to any of them after all… But Hitsugaya… Whilst a part of Kusaka expected him to forget the anger at this notion was overwhelming, he had no right at all to forget. If only for the fact he would understand, he knew exactly how it had all come to this… And once Kusaka had meant something to him. Unlike all others Kusaka had been a friend to Hitsugaya, why? He could no longer remember, perhaps it was just a notion he mind could no longer handle. Regardless though Kusaka had been important then, he’d been happy. To have Hitsugaya shun and disregard that… It cut him worse than one would have thought, worse than he even wanted to think.
He still had emotions; in fact they were what got him into this state of mind. His emotions had turned to loneliness, pain, loss, despair… He’d been so young. He’d had absolutely nothing to show him that the way he was going was wrong, that what his mind was turning into was far from what it should have been. Perhaps he could have rationalised himself better, but then he’d been a child… Even now he was only into his teenage years by the standards of soul reapers. He’d taken what he had, as anyone would have done, and used it to keep himself going, to keep himself pushed up so he could live a life he didn’t want to have. To him banishment had been the worst thing they could have done; at the time he’d have favoured it over execution… But not now. Now was different and he knew so much better. “Cut it out with that lost puppy act already dammit, it’s annoying.” His voice now a growl as he’d managed to change his own mood inadvertently. The way he acted seemed random, first it was a game, then there was a pained anger, and now there was just plain aggression. It made sense though if you could get into his mind though, his actions were not random, just fuelled on things he didn’t believe were there. It was simply lucky that none knew him well enough to actually see what he was thinking from what he did… Were that to happen things would turn so terribly bad for him.
Taking a step back he sheathed his sword, evidently no longer feeling need for it. Be it because he didn’t think he was likely to be attacked, or because he knew with his state at the moment Hitsugaya wasn’t a huge threat. It was hardly clear as to which of the two options it was. “How life’s paths have changed to lead us to this, strange, isn’t it?” Near fifty years ago neither would have thought their friendship would be reduced to this, neither would have wanted it either. Now it was all just so… Ruined. Kusaka no longer showed Toshiro the compassion he would have done, before had he found his friend in a mental state like this he’d have stood by as a support trying to alleviate the pressure… Now he was the very source of said pressure. Had he been able to look forward to this point he’d have despised himself, regardless of whatever reasons he had for becoming such. That alas didn’t matter though. “Things certainly have changed my old partner.” Life had moved on, their paths had diverged so far from each other. If you could, if someone could look below all those other emotions, then perhaps they would have seen pain at this comment. Back then all he’d wanted to be was the best he could, and his only reason for such was to help. He could have been something, and yet he was nothing. Just someone seeking to finish what he’d started, and destroy what had burned him. His life was now fully revolving around fighting, and he personally would have it no other way…. He just hadn’t learned to let go…
Yawning he scratched at the side of his head briefly before looking around, his plans could wait. Hitsugaya was hardly going anywhere soon, if he tried then Kusaka would drag him right back. No, instead he was going to go off on a seeming strange tangent. “Foggy tonight, isn’t it~?” There was no point in the comment, all it seemed like he was doing was going on strange mood tangents. One moment he was attacking, the next goading, after that traumatising, and theeeen talking about weather. It was confusing no doubt, but Kusaka was hardly someone to be judged on a base level now. Besides which, he knew very well that Hitsugaya was so soon to go into questions, demands… He’d want answers. He’d wanted to know how he was alive, how he had his powers back, and why he’d done so much damage. He’d want to know something along those lines and probably so much more too. The strange thing was… Kusaka would answer most of them. While any other he’d cut down or ignore he wouldn’t in this case, instead just answering. Why…? Perhaps in a way he still thought of Hitsugaya as a friend, he’d push him away yes, but somewhere he was the only person who damn well got it. Any of it. That mattered, he’d not say why… But to Kusaka this mattered so very much.
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Toshiro Hitsugaya
Captain
"Swinging a sword out of duty alone is what a captain must do."
Posts: 57
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Post by Toshiro Hitsugaya on Nov 22, 2009 11:47:19 GMT -5
“Why of course, who else would I be~?”
He had a point. The zanpakuto was proof enough, but Toshiro could not bare the thought of seeing his old friend again, when all this time he thought he was dead. The eyes, the face, the spiritual pressure. It all pointed to that young man who he had once had a best friend. Those same violet eyes had once made the youth happy, to finally have someone he could call a friend. But now, he could see and feel, they no longer had the same lust they did back then. Now, they gave off this signal of anger and misery. He did not want to see that in him. He had never imagined having to see Sojiro with such eyes. It hurt him greatly. It was painfully obvious everything leading up to today had caused him anger, but what was Toshiro to do about it? He couldn't do anything, as much as he wanted to, but he simply couldn't. He furrowed his eyebrows and gritted his teeth. It was hard to sink in. Before he was filled with a different emotion, and now it had a changed. If this was really Kusaka, then why were these malicious vibes leaking from him? This couldn't be the same Sojiro Kusaka he had once known.
“Now don’t tell me you thought I was dead. Just because I no longer exist to anyone doesn’t mean I wasn’t alive all this time, really, I thought you knew me better than that.”
He still said nothing. The young captain really did think he was dead all these years. He honestly did, and that was he hard part of it all. He wasn't going to tell him such, and cause the man more pain than he had already probably endured all these years. Thought, it was still rather hard to grasp the fact that this was actually Kusaka. Why would someone like him attack Toshiro? Why? What reason? It having it been a mistake was far too stupid. This was actually angering him. It was frustrating. He did know him very well, but, you couldn't help but think someone was dead because you have not been keeping in touch for so long. He thought that the man wouldn't last very long. Sure, it was the World of the Living, but it also was infested with Hollows. Without his spiritual powers, what else was he to do? Hitsugaya's own blade became a bit closer to his body, as his grip had lessened during the first wave of shock. And he still was in such a state.
“That or you simply forgot like everyone else.”
What? "Something like that can't just be forgotten.." He said, his voice cracked again. He didn't want to remember that. But his mood drastically changed. "... how dare you accuse me of that?!" From a whispery tone it became a yelled out question obviously pointing out the apparent anger from such an accusation.
He would never forget that. He would never forget being brought into the chambers. Being accused of crimes they had not purposely committed. Being forced to fight each other just for a damn sword, and then faced to see someone close being taken away from you. What was he to during all that? Had Toshiro himself done something, he would have suffered the same fate, and he had not wanted that. It was hard. No matter how much he pleased, there was no getting around or through the minds of the nudges. It was hard to loose a friend in such a manner. It still hurt. But he moved on. He did everything he wanted to do with the freedom and aspiration. But just because he moved on, did not mean e forgot. That was just not something you forget. If one had forgot such an event, then they simply had no heart or any empathy. They just didn't care. It wasn't in front of Hitsugaya's mind, but it was in there somewhere.
“Cut it out with that lost puppy act already dammit, it’s annoying.”
"You think this is some damned joke, do you?" He accused angerly. His emotions were all over the place.
Something like this had scattered them all around, and he had no idea how to react to something like this, this, at all. It was just too hard. But one thing was for sure. More than anything, he wanted to be happy to see that same face of a friend that had disappeared from his life. He wanted to be happy to see someone close to him again. He really, honestly did. But whatever emotions that were coming out; they were not of happiness. They were of the opposite. Sadness, anger, they were not pleasing emotions. So why, why was he not expression the joy he wanted to express. It was simple. Their meeting was not a good one. If they were such good friends, then why did Kusaka attack him? Why? What was the reason. Looking at the face now, he could see it had been contorted into things that would be the polar-opposite of what it had used to be. It hurt the youth to see him like this, a lot. Perhaps there was a simple explanation to it all; Hitsugaya as still a rather prepubescent, and he had not experienced this as much as an adult would have, or could deal with it as well as someone who was older. Or there could be a more complicated explanation; he just didn't know how to react. That was a perplexing thing on it's own.
As the supposed Kusaka backed up, Hitsugaya dropped Hyorinmaru and leaned against the angelic statue and just looked at Kusaka with a frustrated expression. His hands were pressed against it as he gripped it with his fingers, as if the thing was going somewhere. It was so painfully obvious this was not sinking in well. Had this been a better meeting, then Hitsugaya wouldn't be so confused as to how to deal with this. Had this been many years in the past, something like this would have never occurred. They would not be exchanging the words they were telling each other. Kusaka would not have those same twisted expressions on his face and Toshiro would not have had to draw his sword. This was all so wrong, all so very wrong. He was right, their paths have split tremendously, as if they were clean cut. He coughed. More blood leaked out from the wound. If someone else was witnessing this, they would not have known they were once friends. This was how bad the situation was between them.
“How life’s paths have changed to lead us to this, strange, isn’t it? Things certainly have changed my old partner.”
He took his left hand and placed it over the wound. At least it wasn't bleeding as much as it first was. He had refrained from moving so much. That as most likely the reason. Though, the pain did not stop. The pain of the memories did not stop, the fact his friend had changed so much over the course of half a century had not been nulled away as a lie. It was hard. It was hard on the boy. But he couldn't do anything now. He couldn't runaway, because that w as not something he would do. He would not attack, because it was painfully this was Sojiro, albeit a very changed and aged Kusaka, but the same person nonetheless. What was he to do? He didn't like this at all. He had calmed during a moment of silence, and was no longer as irritated as he was before. Now he was hurting more than ever. This was hard.
“Foggy tonight, isn’t it~?”
"You really have changed..." He said. His voice was quiet and trailed off. He didn' like this. His expression had softened slightly. No longer was irritated, just hurt.
It bothered him a lot though, that Kusaka was just shrugging all this off as if nothing. It really did eat at him. He really had become someone different. Sure, he was the same physical being, but, demeanor wise, him and the Sojiro he once knew were so different. Just... why? What made him become something so vile to be around? The vibe he sent of was making Hitsugaya's insides cringe and his heart ache. It was painful. And what was more how did he get his zanpakuto back? How did he he get his powers back? If anything, this discovery was making this pain hurt more. Now, they both wielded the same katana that had caused all this. The same blade that had torn them apart. Something to insignificant- an inanimate object- had caused their change of lifestyles. If anything, just to ease the pain a little bit, he wanted to know why he had attained it.
"H-how did you get Hyorinmaru back? His voice was more steady, though it still carried a hint of a pleading tone. But something else itched at his mind. "...and why did you call me here?" He asked. "How did you know I was captain?" It could be an easy question, but Hitsugaya wasn't thinking that well at this point. "...Are you the cause of the Hollow attacks...?" is tone was much quieter.
He was young, and you had to give him a break for feeling hurt. He may seem like a total jerk at times, but he really did have emotions other than irritation and seriousness. He was a living thing to that held sadness and happiness. The way he had bee treated when he was young caused him to close off from other people. Being teased, being shunned, it hurt him. No doubt being exiled hurt Kusaka more than anything. You're past shaped what you were. There was not a shadow of a doubt that the ordeal had caused Kusaka to change for the worse. But, he thought he was a better person. Someone who wouldn't let something like this change him into someone so low. Into someone who would attack his own friend. Though, there was a painful thought that made the youth rather saddened. Maybe the whole fight those years ago, tore their friendship apart. He wanted to know what he had asked. He wanted to know the answers. Even if they were answers he did not want to hear, it would clear up some things, and ease his now troubled mind. It just hurt so much, that Toshiro had accomplished much of what Kusaka had probably hoped to be, and more, without him existing in his life. It was if he took advantage and attained his rank and all, in Sojiro's absence. It hurt the boy more than anything. It hurt the boy the most.
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