𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒍𝒚 (𝑲𝒖𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒂𝒌𝒊) 𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕 »« 𝙱𝙻𝙴𝙰𝙲𝙷/ᴋɴʏ

viii.

Alas my love, you do me wrong
To cast me off discourteously

    Ichigo watches the drooping wisteria blow gently in the wind like silent bells. Butterflies of dozens, maybe even hundreds of species, flutter and dance with the wind and in between the swaying flowers.

For I have loved you well and long
Delighting in your company

  Masaki continues to sing softly, letting soprano notes get carried with the breeze. She runs her hand through Ichigo's long hair with her eyes closed and face tilted towards the sun filtering through the flowers.

Greensleeves was all my joy
Greensleeves was my delight
Greensleeves was my heart of gold
And who but my Lady Greensleeves

  Her long sunset orange hair danced with the breeze, the bright blue butterfly clip holding up half of it from the back. A Great Mormon Swallowtail flutters around before landing on Masaki's nose.

Your vows you've broken, like my heart
Oh, why did you so enrapture me?

  Masaki smiles softly and finally opens her eyes to stare at the black of the great mormon swallowtail's wings. She tilts her head and smiles down at her son when she notices the flame bordered emperor on his nose.

Now I remain in a world apart
But my heart remains in captivity

  "My peony... try as you might, you aren't ready to beat them just yet. You must get stronger... you must be prepared," Masaki speaks softly, gently caressing her son's cheek with her knuckles. Ichigo stares up at her, eyes wide and blood slowly seeping through his shihakushō.

Greensleeves was all my joy
Greensleeves was my delight

  "Your soul and you are one, my peony. Never be scared of yourself." Masaki leans down and gently places a kiss on Ichigo's forehead. When she rises back up, blood starts to fall from her mouth and a bloodstained kiss is left on Ichigo's forehead.

Greensleeves was my heart of gold
And who but my Lady Greensleeves

•••

    Ichigo slides backwards, twirling to dodge the outstretched blade of Renji's zanpakutō. He brings up the hilt of his own zanpakutō and points the end towards Renji.

  "Swarm, Zangetsu!" The butterflies suddenly fly towards the Shinigami as he takes the time to pull back his zanpakutō. They appear like flickers of red, faster than actual butterflies, as they flash past Renji.

  Renji swallows down a hiss of pain as dozens of cuts appear across his skin and clothing. Two butterflies landed on his shoulder blades, the red tips glowing even brighter. The scent of blood fills the air, blending with the faint scent of wisteria that came with Ichigo's unsealed zanpakutō.

  "Butterflies?! Annoying little–"

  "You best take this seriously, Pineapple-san. I do intend to win or take you to hell with me," Ichigo cuts the Shinigami off with a tight smile. Renji opens his mouth to speak before suddenly choking on air. He stumbles back, glancing at the butterflies on his shoulders.