Monsters We Became { Bleach Aizen Sousuke Fanfiction }

20 - Blamelessness

A persimmon rolled from its branch and into Aizen's hand before finding itself in a basket at his side. Streamers hung from each tree like a vibrant array of fruit on a tree newly in season. The lines that strung the cloth between crowns were invisible compared to their color, and made each persimmon, ripened by Nallundra's powers, appear dull.

Soon the citizens of Bosque Santuario would gather around, filling the surrounding area as they wrote their wishes upon slips of cloth and paper. Those unable to write would ask others to write for them, under the watchful eyes of the guards. Then they would hang their wishes from the vibrantly colored lines. Even those without memories would take part, enticed by the food and pleasant atmosphere.

At least, that was the expectation. This was the first celebration of its type here, something akin to Tanabata and Bon, a suggestion from Madorean to bring a touch of life to 'the gray', as he called it–backed enthusiastically by Soujimaru the moment the idea met his ears. Mizuki joined in on the suggestions and it took more than a bit of convincing from Bylosse to rein in the scale before the whole thing grew out of proportion. That didn't stop each one of the three from going overboard one way or another.

Yet, everyone seemed happy. Even those who hid away most of the time emerged from their hiding place to help. For a moment, it seemed like a civilization populated by something other than Hollows.

In the distance, the sound of metal clashing rang out, echoing against the mountain walls. Bylosse was sparring with Mizuki in the training field. The air generated by their rapid movements caused the colorful fabric streamers adjoining the crystalline tree to float in the otherwise still air. The boy still had a long way to go if he was going to match Bylosse's skill. Little by little he would grow. Whether he would outpace the Aarancar's own growth or not was yet to be seen, however.

Nallundra arrived carrying an oversized stone basin of water just as Aizen was picking the last fruit from the tree. She cared for these few trees like children and it showed in their extensive crowns–lush with leaves. Another impossibility in this desolate land.

"Nallundra," Aizen began.

"Hm?"

"Do you prefer your life as a Hollow?" Aizen asked as plucked the last fruit.

"Hm? That's a weird question. Why do you ask?" Water soaked into the sand-laden ground.

"You have set up an entire life for yourself here, so I am just curious as to how it compares." Aizen answered.

"Honestly, outside of the first few years, being a Hollow has been comparatively great." Nallundra said.

"What was your life like before?"

There was a long pause, as Nallundra stopped pouring the pail of water into the base of the persimmon tree and answered with a sign, "I was a courtesan, with all of the luxuries that implies."

"My apologies. It was not my intention to pry."

"Hey! Nobody wants your pity." Nallundra said, "It was awful, don't get me wrong. It has been hundreds of years, but I still remember the day my parents brought me to that godless place. I spent the first couple of days crying my eyes out before passing out due to exhaustion."

She moved the bucket to the next tree with a soft groan. Word continued to flow from her.

"What happens in the brothels is not exactly a secret. I spent the next decade or so tending to many men. Some just wanted companionship, and many just wanted to satisfy their more carnal desires."

"A few were cruel."

"Gardening became my escape. Unfortunately, I was forbidden from gardening while the sun was up to not tan my pale skin, which made it impossible to have more than a select few plants. I became well versed in botany, and became aware of a specific combination of herbs that was lethal to a man after a few days, after being seeped into a tea. Of course, I reserved it for particularly problematic patrons."