Waterfall Eclipse

Weighing Options

Chapter Eight:

Weighing Options

The Captain Commander eventually allowed Rani to go back to the academy and when she did, she just went back to the dormitories. Instead of going to her room, she ventured to Kiyomi's.

"Hey! How'd that meeting go? Want to discuss it over an early dinner?"

"Sure." Rani agreed.

The two made their way to the cafeteria and grabbed something quickly and sat down at a table that was out of the way.

"So? What happened? What captains were there?"

"All of them."

"All? Seriously? Wow!"

"Well, and the acting captains." Rani reiterated. "And by all, I mean the Captain Commander also wanted me." She added. "Is that bad or good?"

"Could be either, really. So which one will you choose?"

"I've been thinking about it after the meeting."

"And?"

"I've pretty much knocked out Squads One, Two, Seven, Nine, Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen."

"If you don't mind me asking, why?"

"Okay, so I am glad the Captain Commander has such faith in me. It's an honor, but I don't think I could live up to his expectations." She began. "As far as Squad Two – I don't think I am sufficient enough in Hoho for Captain Sui Feng and the Kidou Corps. I don't have anything against Captain Komamura, but I hate the number seven." Kiyomi laughed at that statement. "I have nothing against Lieutenant Hisagi, especially after he helped me that one night, but I'm just not fond of that squad. I've met quite a few of its Shinigami, and I don't like them. I am not a heavy-duty battle person, so Squad Eleven is out for that reason. And Captain Zaraki scares me more than Captain Hitsugaya and Captain Kuchiki. I am not Squad Twelve material. I don't like being watched, nor am I a research type of person, so it won't do either. And finally, although I know Captain Ukitake is a very nice man, I am not sure about being in Squad Thirteen."

"Okay, but if you are even a little scared of Captains Hitsugaya and Kuchiki, why keep them?"

"Captain Kuchiki is the one that saved my life all those years ago. Although I thanked him for that the day he came for my advancement meeting, I still feel like it wasn't enough."

"And Captain Hitsugaya?"

"I don't know. Maybe it's because of what you said about him. About him only having everyone's best interests at heart."

"So, now we need to reduce the current leftover list." Kiyomi said. "What's left? Squads Three, Four, Five, Six, Eight and Ten."

"Right." Rani said with a smile as she took a bite of her sandwich. "Lieutenant Kira has his hands full with now taking over as acting captain. Should I bother him with going into that squad?"

"I don't know. The same can be said for Squad Five, with Lieutenant Hinamori. She's just been keeping to herself since Aizen defected. It tore her apart, so the rumors say."

"Would I be a good distraction, then? Was it Aizen's decision to want me?"

"Maybe see if you could have a meeting with her and ask?"

"Okay, I'll put Squad Five on the back burner." Rani replied. "I know I am really good at Kido, and I know I'll be great at helping everyone, so I want to keep Squad Four as an option." She added. "I'll nix Squad Three." She finally said making her decision.

"Squad Six. Captain Kuchiki."

Rani tilted her head back as a stress reducer, only to find Chiharu looking down on her.

"Hello!" She greeted. "May I eat with you ladies?"

"Sure thing!" Rani agreed. "Then maybe you can give me some input on which squad I should go into."

"Oh? Which ones wanted you?"

"All of them." Kiyomi answered for her.

"Seriously? Wow!"

"Right, so right now we are knocking down the list. I am keeping Squads Four and Five. I've only got Six, Eight and Ten to finalize."

"Okay. Wait, does that mean even the Captain Commander wanted you?"

"Yup."

Chiharu nodded her head.

"Tell me about your thoughts on Six and why they are still in the running."

"Captain Kuchiki saved my life when those Hollows attacked District 59. Although I have said thank you to him, I am still unsure that was enough."

"Talk to one of his officers. I know Lieutenant Abarai is nice and would give you positive input about it. I've already talked with him."

"Duly noted. Squad Eight."

"Why?"

"Captain Kyouraku is the one who technically recruited me."

"Don't base it on that. You could have declined or not shown up for the exam. He's happy you're here, that much I know. And I know he won't be offended if you decline his squad invitation. He's that laid back, but he does mean business when he has to."

"Okay, so nix Squad Eight. Now Ten?" Rani asked causing Kiyomi to laugh. "Shut it!" She scolded.

"Why? You think he hates you. Why would you even want to be in his squad?"

"I don't know. GAH! I am so frustrated with that!"

"Keep it for now, until you talk with Lieutenants Hinamori and Abarai."

Rani agreed and then finished her sandwich.

"Should I see if I could meet with Lieutenant Matsumoto too?"

"Not yet." Chiharu stated. "Let me see what I can find out. I have a couple of friends from last year. I'll find out the details on the squad for you."

When Rani got back to her dorm room, her door was open.

"Funny. I swore I closed it." She said, as she got closer to it. She opted to pretend that she was going to walk past it to see who was inside. She stopped dead in her tracks when she noticed that Lieutenant Hinamori was there. "Lieutenant Hinamori, how may I help you?"

"Oh, hello Miss Tómasu. I hope I am not interrupting your evening peace and quiet."

"Not at all. Come and sit down. Should I make some tea?"

"No, do not worry about it. I am fine." Lieutenant Hinamori answered as she sat down.

"It's funny you stopped by." Rani started, "Because I wanted to ask you some questions about why Squad Five wants me, and all that."

"Oh, that's why I came too. I know you have a lot on your plate dealing with all 13 Gotei wanting you in their division, but please hear me out." Rani nodded. "I know I have never talked to you before now, but I feel that it is important to do so. I have seen what you can do, and have heard other stories as well. I do believe you would be a valuable asset to Squad Five, but I don't want you to feel sorry for me, or the squad, in any way. It was my decision to want you, but don't feel obligated to anyone. Follow your heart." She ended and stood up. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to my barracks and take care of some unwanted paperwork." She said with a smile and left Rani to think about what she said.

After Lieutenant Hinamori left, Rani quickly wrote out her meeting request letter for Lieutenant Abarai and sealed it. She also wrote one for Lieutenant Matsumoto as a precaution. After that she practiced more of her Kido spells and then called it a night since she couldn't focus on schoolwork.