Waterfall Eclipse

The Choice Has Been Made

Chapter Ten:

The Choice Has Been Made

"RANI!" Kiyomi yelled across the classroom as Rani walked into the afternoon class, Hakuda.

"Hey Kiyomi!"

"How'd the meeting go?"

"He was another one that said I should 'follow my heart' and not to worry about Captain Kuchiki's feelings, since he wouldn't be upset with it being my decision and all."

"So you think he was no help at all then." Kiyomi teased.

"Ha. Ha. Very funny."

"So, how many are you down to?"

"I've eliminated Squads Five and Six, due to the kindness I've been shown and openness."

"So now it's just four and ten."

"What? Are you keeping a count on who I've declined?"

"Pretty much. Now you need to weigh the pros and cons in your room on your own."

Rani nodded in agreement as the class was about to start. After class, and an early dinner she headed back to her dorm and made a pros and cons sheet for each of the two remaining squads. She started writing down the pros and cons for Squad Four before her room started to feel a bit on the stuffy side. She went over to the door and opened it and she got side tracked by gazing at the stars. After a few moments she caught herself and returned back inside and proceeded with the pros and cons list for Squad 10. She then decided to start writing letters to the other captains to let them know of her decision regarding their invitation.

In the morning she brought the pros and cons lists to the courtyard where she met up with Chiharu and Kiyomi.

"Hey! Are those the lists?" Kiyomi asked. Rani nodded and handed them to her. Kiyomi handed one to Chiharu.

"Your Squad Ten list is a bit...empty." Chiharu commented.

"I know. The cons outweigh the pros. I think it's because I have no idea what being in that squad is like. I've been in Squad Four as a patient. I know how Captain Unohana runs things. All of her Shinigami are nice and efficient."

"I sense a 'but' in there."

Rani turned to Kiyomi and smiled.

"But, I don't think I could handle seeing all that blood." Rani admitted. "Not again."

Kiyomi knew what Rani meant. The Hollow attack was gruesome. She witnessed more than a child should have.

The girls continued to chat on their way to their classes. After her morning classes, Rani opted to skip out of lunch to deliver some letters. She made her rounds going from Squad Thirteen up to Squad One asking any Shinigami in those squads to deliver the message. She was surprised when Captain Kuchiki was the one she saw outside of the Squad Six barracks, but instead of approaching him to hand him the letter she waited until he went inside.

"You could just hand him the letter. He's not going to mind."

Rani screamed jumped out of her skin at the voice, but then turned around.

"Lieutenant Abarai! Did you have to scare me like that?"

"Sorry. I couldn't resist." He apologized. "Want me to just hand it to him? I'll say I ran into you while walking here."

"Please?" She said as she stuck out the letter.

"No problem." He answered as he took it and then made his way to the Squad Six door.

Rani, however, watched him go inside before making her way to Squad Five and so on. When she made it to Squad One, there was no one at the door standing guard, but after a knock, the doors opened for her.

"Come on in, Miss Tómasu." A Shinigami inside said to her. "The Captain Commander is expecting you."

"Oh, but all I was hoping was for someone to deliver this to him." She said as she shakily held the envelope in her hand.

"You did not get his letter?"

"No, not if it was delivered to my dorm. I haven't been there all morning."

"I see." He said. "Follow me to his office then."

She did as she was told and followed him to the Captain Commander's office. After she was announced she walked in and bowed quickly.

"I understand you have not received my letter, Miss Tomasu."

"No, sir."

"No matter. It is fine. I just asked for you to come here to see how your progress is coming in your decision."

"Well, actually, sir, I have finally decided after a few days of thinking about it." She answered it as she fidgeted with the letter she had for him.

"I will take that." He said as he walked over to her. She handed him the letter and bowed her head feeling slightly ashamed. "I see. I am glad you made your decision, and that it was your decision." He said after reading it.

"I hope you hold no ill will against me."

"I could never do that. You are training successfully in the Shin'o Academy. You have done quite well for yourself, and you will be a great asset to the squad that you have chosen. And now that graduation is in three days, that's when we announce which squad each graduate is going to go to."

Rani let out a small smile.

"Thank you, Captain Commander."

"You are welcome. Now go enjoy your afternoon off." He replied.

She bowed and then exited the barracks and shunpoed all the way to her dorm where she was surprised to find Captain Hitsugaya.

"Captain Hitsugaya." She said, still in shock in seeing him sitting on her roof.

"Ah, Miss Tomasu. I came here to see you."

"How can I help you? Can I get you some tea?" She asked nervously as she jumped off the roof and landed on the ground. He followed her.

"No, I am fine." He said rather curtly. "Sorry. That came off rude."

"It's fine. Please have a seat."

"I am here about my letter." He said as he knelt down on the cushion.

"Your letter?"

"Yes. I understand you've been going to every one of the squads and delivering a letter to the captains."

"Oh, but I –" She said surprised.

"I was talking to Captain Kuchiki about something when his lieutenant dropped his off."

"Oh." She said and then looked down. "Well, I was delivering my letters of declination to the other twelve squads." She finally spat out embarrassed before looking back up at him.

"I see." He started. "Before you officially decide on working under my command, there is something I need to inform you of." Rani gave him a puzzled look. "From the day you were accepted into the academy, I had my lieutenant look in on you from time to time. I was monitoring your progress in my own way, even though I should not have. I am sorry for that. And I am sorry if my attitude toward you seemed...intimidating. I did not mean for that to happen. I do not like to scare new possible subordinates that much."

Rani was silent since she was shocked. "I appreciate your admission, Captain Hitsugaya. I am glad to know I had every right to be paranoid." She started, "But my decision still stands with wanting to join Squad Ten and be one of your subordinates." She finished with a smile.