Burnt Out || Rengoku Kyojiro x Tomioka Giyuu

[7] The Storm

Idk who in the hell needs to hear this if you've come this far in the story but beware the manga spoilers- o.o

About a week later I was outside, with the other pillars.  We were all happily discussing random things.  We were all a little worried.. Seeing as Lady Amane had begun to head hashira meeting due to the masters current declining condition.  We were all very worried about him.  He was like a father figure to all of us, always kind and gentle even when telling us about horrible things.  His children were also so strong emotionally.  It was surprising.  

We were all at peace for the moment.  It was sunny with a small breeze, the wind whistling softly in our ears.  But then we heard a low rumble coming from up the mountain.  All chatter immediately died down as we looked up.  There was a loud bang coming from the main headquarters.. where the master, his wife and oldest daughters resided.  Some of us ran, to try and stop it.  Others screamed.  Tokito and I.. We were glued to the spot with horror.  

There was no stopping it.  We knew this.  We knew his life was bound to end soon... Six months ago we were prepared for his death.  But.. we never thought it would come to this.  None of us did.  It was impossible to even think about.  And now it was happening.. and it was happening so fast, sobbing and screaming coming from all directions.  It was so overwhelming and scary.. I felt tears well up.  It wasn't registering in my brain... How was this happening?  Why was this happening? 

It felt like my heart was just ripped out of my chest and it hurt so bad.  Tears were falling down my face quicker than I could comprehend.  I needed to get out.  But I couldn't move.  It was like I was frozen to the spot.  I looked over to see Muichiro crying.  It shocked me but I shoved my own feelings aside.  He didn't deserve to have to cry.  He needed to be reassured.  I pried my feet off the ground and hurried to him, pulling him into a hug.  "It's.. It's okay."  I shakily reassured him.  I tried my best not to let my voice crack.

I felt the force of his sobs.   I was shocked.. the small boy who never showed an ounce of emotion was reduced to sobs.   I felt awful.. After all he had only recently been working directly with the master, and he had this much impact on the poor thing.  It made my heart hurt.   "Shhh.. Take... Take some deep breaths.  I promise it is going to be okay."  I rubbed his back gently in hopes of calming him.  He may be a hashira.. But he's still only a kid.  And all children deserve to have someone there for them.

He listened and took some stuttery breaths.  "I-I should go.."  He said weakly. "Thanks I guess."  He looked like a wreck but I didn't push him.  If he wanted to be alone then he could be alone.

"Alright.. Know that you can visit my estate if you ever need anything.. Okay?"  I told him, looking him in the eyes.  He'll probably forget but it made me feel better to at least let him know he's welcome.  

"Oh.. Thanks."  He mumbled, walking away.

I stood there.  Most of the hashira had dispersed.  Probably to look at the ruins and find something of the master and his wife.  But I could not emotionally handle that right now.  I needed to get back to Rengoku.  I needed a shoulder to lean on before I crumbled.  My tears weren't as steadily falling now.  I wiped my face and ran home as quick as I could.

I burst in and knocked frantically on Kyojiro's door to tell him to back up so the sun didn't reach him.  Once I heard faint shuffling I opened the door and slammed it shut once I got in, starting to cry again.  I tried so hard to stop the tears as I felt my feet stick to the ground again.  As if I was frozen from sorrow.

Kyojiro rushed up at the sight. "Hey... Hey hey what's wrong?"  He gently wrapped his arms around me, stroking my back in an attempt to calm me.  I didn't know if I had the heart to tell him what had happened.. "I heard quite a loud noise come from outside.. Is everyone okay?"  He asked with concern.