Waterfall Eclipse

Changes

Chapter Twenty-Four:

Changes

The next morning a messenger from Squad Four arrived at the Squad Ten barracks delivering a message from Rani to the captain, who was in the office sitting at his desk.

"Thank you." The captain replied as he was handed it. "Who is it from?"

"Tómasu Rani, sir." The answer piqued Lieutenant Matsumoto's interest while she back to her old routine of drinking sake on the couch.

"I see. Thank you again."

The messenger left and Lieutenant Matsumoto sat up.

"What does it say?"

"I am working right now. I will read it when I am done with this report."

"That's no fun." She said as she took it off of his desk.

"Matsumoto! It's addressed to me. Not you." He scolded.

"Oh? Is it a love note captain? Is there something you want to tell me?" She teased.

"Yes there is. I hate it when you're drunk." He replied and went back to the report, which allowed her to open it. She didn't have it for very long before she put it back on his desk. "Anything of interest?"

"Just that she'll be discharged either tomorrow or the next day." She answered with a sigh and then went back to drinking. "When she is able to she said she will come see you to talk to you." The lieutenant added.

Captain Hitsugaya did not look at his lazy lieutenant, but he pick up the letter to confirm it. The message was plain and simple. He realized that she probably wanted to say everything in the letter but held back.

"I'll expect another letter from her to prepare myself." He said out loud.

"Now why on earth would you do that?"

"She doesn't like talking face to face. I know that much about her."

"She's shy and has a small crush on you. I can't believe you don't see it."

"You know I really hate it when you're drunk, Matsumoto." He said dismissing her last comments as he rolled his eyes.

The next day, Rani was discharged. Instead of heading to her squad, she made her way to Squad One to meet with the Captain Commander.

"I am glad to see you are recovered, Miss Tómasu. Have you thought about what I said?"

"Yes, sir. I have." She answered.

"And, what is it my child?" He asked as he put two pieces of paper in front of him.

"I want to stay in the Gotei 13."

"Good. I am pleased." He quickly replied, not realizing he possibly cut her off. "Was there something else?"

"Yes." She eventually answered nervously. "I do not think I should stay in Squad Ten under Captain Hitsugaya. I have been thinking about it, and thought maybe a change would be better."

"And do you have any idea which squad you would like to switch into?"

"Yes. Squad Six under Captain Kuchiki."

"Six? Really? And what made you decide that?"

"I think I need more discipline. I was thinking it might be better for me there. Captain Hitsugaya is strict, don't get me wrong, but he may be lacking in something."

The Captain Commander smiled.

"Very well then." He said as he stood up with two pieces of paper in his hands. "These are your transfer orders, signed by me."

"When did you-?"

"While we were talking my dear. I can do more than two things at once. This one is for Captain Hitsugaya. And this one is for Captain Kuchiki."

"Thank you Captain Yamamoto." She said as she took them.

"Cheer up, my child. There is no reason to be sad. Now, you are dismissed."

She thanked him again and then bowed before leaving. She rolled the two pieces of paper up while she made the trek back to Squad Ten. She occasionally waved at those who yelled hello to her or waved, but other than that she walked in silence.

It wasn't long before she was in Squad Ten and heading over to the captain's office. She quietly approached the door and gently knocked on it.

"Come in!" She heard the captain yell. She opened the door, walked in, and headed over to his desk. "Tómasu, I am glad to see that you are better." He said and then got a good look at her face. "What is it?" He asked as she handed him the paper. He took it puzzled and read it. "I see. Well, then, I am sad to see you leave."

She swallowed before speaking to him.

"I am sorry captain. I am glad you were my captain and put up with my antics, however I feel I am just not suited for Squad Ten."

"It is fine Tómasu. It was your decision. I am just glad you are doing better. You had everyone worried."

"I am sorry about that too."

"Hopefully I will see you around." He said after sensing how uncomfortable she was speaking with him.

She nodded and then headed out taking that as her cue to leave.

Rani, finally not able to hold it in, started to have tears fall down out of her eyes. She wiped them before heading to her now old room and grabbing the few belongings she had. She ran into Umeko and told her of the change before heading to the Squad Six barracks.

Rani stood outside the doors for a few minutes before making her way inside. She found her way to the captain's office and waited before she was led in by one of the lower seated officers.

"Ah, Miss Tómasu!" Lieutenant Abarai greeted. "How are you feeling?"

"I am fine lieutenant. Is Captain Kuchiki here? I was hoping to speak with him."

"No, he's not. He should be back soon though, if you don't mind waiting while I do my paperwork."

"I'll wait. I have no place else to go."

"Not even your own bed in Squad Ten? You've been in the Squad Four for a long time."

Rani let out a nervous laugh. She didn't have the heart to tell him about switching to Squad Six. She talked with him for about ten more minutes while he worked before the captain arrived.

"Miss Tómasu, how can I help you?" He asked as he made his way to his desk.

She quickly stood up and followed him.

"I have this for you Captain Kuchiki." She said as she pulled out the paper the Captain Commander gave her and handed it to him.

He quickly read it and then placed it down on his very neat desk and looked up at her.

"I run a very tight ship here."

"I know, sir. I am fine with that."

"Lieutenant?"

"Yes sir?" Lieutenant Abarai replied puzzled.

"Show Miss Tómasu to the ladies dormitories. Have seventh seat Okada find her a room."

"Yes, sir. Follow me Miss Tómasu." He replied half shocked and started walking out the door.