Obligations

Chapter Seven

Obligations|Seven

Katrina

Everything felt cold... Where am I? Am I dead? Flashbacks started to go through my head.

"Athena?" Kaien Shiba called after me. "Yes?" I quizzically turned around. "I'm departing for my mission. I have a bad feeling about it, so I want you to know if I don't make it back please take care of yourself. Don't cry, it'll be okay." He hugged my neck. Kaien, the name of my best friend. The one I could always count on. The one who had my back. When he was brought back dead I knew what had happened when I saw him thank Rukia. Her face looked emotionless, but I knew she was broken. I knew I was going against Kaien's wishes, but I broke down. His sister and brother, Kukaku and Ganju, were horrified and all I could do was cry. Kukaku came to my side; hugging me as she cried. Ganju, you poor boy... You were so young. "Athena, Kukaku, Ganju... I'm so sorry." Rukia called. "Don't call me that. I'm not going to be able to be called the name he loved so dearly. Please just call me Katrina."

Stop. Why am I remembering this now of all times?

"Katrina?" Toshiro called after me. "Yes, Toshiro?" I turned around to greet the boy. "May... May I ask you a question?" He was nervous, it was obvious. Was it possible that he had liked me back then too? "Of course, go ahead." His face lit up, he no longer seemed as tense. "What's your Zanpaktou's name? And what's her power?" He asked excitedly. See, I didn't use my Zanpaktou's shikai very often, let alone her bankai. She was lethal, and I could easily kill my entire squad if I misused it. That's why I was widely known. I've known her bankai since I was placed in Squad 10. She was the reason I was moved to Squad 10. Squad 11 was my previous squad, as soon as I developed a bankai that wasn't based off brute strength they moved me. "Her name is Chiya, well, her full name is Kira Chiya. She's a shadow Zanpaktou." I explained calmly. "Wait, there's a Shadow Zanpaktou?" His face was confused. "Yes. Captain Kyoraku has one as well, but mines a bit... different. Only one of its kind, actually." I smiled at the boy. We were the same age, but I was a bit taller than him. "How?" I tried to find the words to answer his question. "Well, I awaken her and everyone within her range could be potentially in danger if I don't control her. She's got a bit of an anger issue. Her powers rely on darkness. In Shikai the sky will cover with clouds, her blade will shine like the moon then disappear. Only I will be able to see her blade fragments afterward. I can use them then to kill my opponent. Her bankai is a lot more unstable and I don't know all of its powers yet." His face lit up in excitement. "Wow!" Toshiro was a kid, just like me, but he was a bit new and he was still finding his way around. He was easily excited by small things. It wasn't long after that the ray of light in the boy went out and he was monotone to everyone; everyone except me.

Why're you doing this? Stop...

I was Captain now. My Bankai had gotten the best of me now that I knew all of its abilities. I was nocturnal most of the time. I slept in the evening and woke at night to do my paperwork, then stayed up that morning to finish my duty. Some days had their exceptions. I had to stay awake today. It was my announcement as Captain. Our Captain was nowhere to be found by the others, but I knew what had happened. I was there. "Katrina, they're summoning yo-" Toshiro stopped as he saw me sitting on the edge of my bed. See, I was in my pajamas, which was a huge t-shirt and my panties. My shirt was a bit up in the back. I quickly turned around and saw what was happening. "Toshiro Hitsugaya! What are you doing?" I panicked, covering myself up. "I-I wanted to let you know that they're summoning you, along with all the other Captains... You arent leaving Squad 10 are you?" His voice was hurt, like if I said yes he would cry. I smiled at the boy, who was barely taller than me now and I got up. My shirt hung loosely just above my mid thigh. I got to the boy and patted his head. "Quite the opposite actually. I'm becoming Captain. Just to let you know, you're going to be a Lieutenant so get ready." I winked and smiled at the boy. His face lit up and he hugged me. "I'm going to restore this Squad, Toshiro. We're going to be okay." I hugged back, but I let go too soon. "I have to get ready. Resume your position." I commanded. Toshiro nodded and ran. That day Toshiro and I became the commanding forces of Squad 10. I hope he's the captain now.