Sleeping Cold

The Tour Part 2

“The nerve of that guy! Calling me squirt.” Rangiku laughed as she led the way through the Seireitei. “You’re gonna have to get used to it. You’ve got a nickname, and its gonna stick.” I crossed my arms. That’s absolutely ridiculous. I’m not that small. Uta, you’ve been this size for about 50 years. You’re not helping!

“This is the Squad 7 barracks! Their nice enough people, but their captain has a rather… frightening appearance. Don’t worry, he’s a nice person.” I looked at her. “You mean the guy who has a wolf head?” She nodded. She then approached one of the guards, and whispered something to him. He in turn nodded, bowed and vanished.

As she walked back towards me, I said, “I’ve seen that. What is it? Teleporting?” She laughed. “No, but we wish! It’s called flash step.” When the time comes, you will be able to do it as well. Really? When? Will you teach me? Not now. When the time is right. I sighed. You like to keep me waiting, don’t you?

And that was when someone appeared right in front of us. I jumped and, again, went for my sword. Rangiku caught it, again. “Really Uta? That isn’t how we greet people here.” I blushed at that. The stranger looked at us, then he turned to Rangiku.

“What are you doin’ here Rangiku? And who’s this?” Rangiku let go of me. “Hey Tetsuzaemon. This is Uta! I’m showing her around the Seireitei for my captain.” He was of normal size, with short black hair, a moustache, and black glasses. He was wearing a normal shihakuusho with his zanpukuto at his side.

He then lent down, getting right in my face, and sort of really freaking me out. “Um, do I have something on my face?” He straightened back up. “She’s a bit young to be joining the thirteen court guard squads,” he said, looking at Rangiku. She waved her hand. “She’s not joining us, she’s just here to learn about her zanpukuto.” He raised an eyebrow in question. Rangiku groaned. “I can’t be bothered to explain, so ask your captain.”

He nodded and looked down at me, reaching out a hand. “It’s nice to meet you miss. I am Tetsuzaemon Iba. I’m the lieutenant of squad 7.” I blinked at the gesture, but took his hand. “It’s nice to meet you too. My names Uta Kazume.” He smiled and shook my hand twice. He had a firm grip, but didn’t feel like he was trying to prove his manliness by squeezing the life out of my hand.

“Well Rangiku,” he said looking to her. “I have to go back to my squad duties. I’ll see you around.” He grinned at me. “I hope to see you again too, Uta.” I nodded and smiled. “I’d like that.” With another nod, he disappeared.

I turned to Rangiku. “He seemed nice.” She smiled. “He is. Come on this way!” she said, starting to walk up the road. I hurried to match her footsteps. As we walked, Cherry blossom trees started to dot the sides of the streets. When I saw a cluster of them, I stopped and stared, looking, but no longer seeing. Laughter, a bubbling brook, arms strong and warm, the feeling of being safe. And a voice I’d locked away in the shadows of my mind.                                                                                      

“Hey Uta! You can just give up already! I’ll find you, like I always do!” I giggled. It would be awhile before he’d find me. While I waited, I tried to catch the floating Cherry blossom petals. I jumped up, finally catching one, shouting in triumph. “Aha!” A voice sounded behind me. Arms wrapped around my torso, pulling me up into the air.

I screamed in surprise, letting go of the petal in my hands. I followed it with my eyes, reaching out, but it was already too far away. An arm appeared in front of me, grabbing the straying petal. I felt myself being turned around, and I looked up at my captor.