Red Lilies

Chapter 22

Chapter 22

The trees swayed lightly with the cool breeze, a stark contrast from the warm sunrays dancing through every little leaf. Lush green hues filled with life. You know they will wither and fall – eventually – leaving room for a rebirth.

She always found it refreshing, after a long summer season, watching the change happen right in front of her window – back home. Counting the days until the day she would drag out her long sleeves and thicker socks.

It was the truth of time. The only moment she would realise how far she had come from her younger years. – "Can I be honest with you?" – she wondered.

- "..." –

The storm in her mind had taken a turn for the better, no longer afflicting her strained body. – "Did you ever... want to die?" – her words trailing off. Trying to explain the jungle of thoughts dancing in her mind.

- "..." –

Not much of a talker.

Shaking her shoulders before laying down on the bed of grass, she wouldn't mind the silence. At this point – she welcomed it. – "I am not giving up. Not at all." – she paused for a moment, scrunching up her nose in thought. – "I don't mind it. I know it will happen. It's the only thing we know that is 100% a fact." – she chuckled. – "Now I sound like the Nara." –

- "..." –

- "Are you upset about it?" – she thought, maybe her words not good enough to understand. her intentions weren't to upset anyone. – "You can tell me, or I'll continue to ramble until you're tired of me." – she turned to them, noting their pristine white robes and flawless skin. Their expression as emotionless as always, as if they had not a single care in the world. Turning to her uniform, a much-needed scrub, and her well-worn sandals. Her weapon pouch had seen better days and her gloves would start to tear if she were to punch another foe. Her hair had become dull from the lack of care – or conditioner. Even her skin would cry for some moisture. – "I am just jealous of you. Being dead – with no worry." –

Their gaze turned, finally connecting with her stare. – "Wake up." –

She gasped.

Another dream.

The chirping of birds in the distance pushed her awake. Her body stretching until she felt the glorious pop of her joints. The room was quiet, not too large. Old traditional walls staring back at her. The futon was comfortable enough, but she could tell this wasn't meant to be a leisurely room. When those redheads escorted – yes, she was escorted like some lost child – they made sure to keep an eye on her as if she knew where to go if she wanted to escape.

Escape what exactly?

Right, this giant labyrinth in the Soul Society. She could tell the men were disappointed with her lack of information. Not that she had much to go by.

" You need rest " they said. " We will talk tomorrow " they promised.

But it felt off.

She wanted to know them – no, she felt like she did. But not in a "we used to be friends" sort of way. Her soul sang when they approached her before her eyes could. Words couldn't express enough how frustrated she felt. They didn't talk much after she answered a few questions.

Her words souring the room and ruining the blonds enthusiasm.

Gilt gripped at her throat.

It's not like she can just spill everything she knew – or thought she knew. Her friends were still out there, that was a fact.