In a Field of Paper Flowers (Mayuri Kurotsuchi x OC)

1 - O, Reaper, Shall You Scream?

10 YEARS BEFORE ICHIGO KUROSAKI

The sound of footsteps hitting the paneled roofs of the Soul Society was the only thing that either of them could hear as one gave chase and the other attempted to get away. Dropping down from the roof, trees surrounded the two in a courtyard; they were all filled with butterflies whose wings were as black as the starless sky above them. "You're mental, you know that? Him, of all people." The woman's hair blew about in the wind as her solemn, yet disgusted, face contorted into anger.

Yuri stepped forth, her stance rather relaxed for a fight. Despite her abilities as a researcher, she didn't follow the same pattern in battle- Kido was more where she was adept. She was also inept when it came to social situations. "What's wrong with Captain Kurotsuchi?" She asked, her hands tightly gripping the hilt of her Zanpakuto as her eyes narrowed. "He's an excellent researcher, along with being a strong role model. What I can't understand is why you're so intent on getting him thrown into prison." How could this woman betray their captain like this?

The woman threw her head back and laughed, despite the wounds she sustained. Neither of them were meant for the field, nor for fighting, but they were regardless. It was almost ironic to see the two of them engaged in this way. "Aren't you even the least bit curious about the information I hold about Mayuri Kurotsuchi? You haven't asked even once-"

"Not interested." Her voice was firm, resolute. The woman before her narrowed her eyes, judgment seeping deep into her marrow. The two simply glared at each other for a few moments before she simply laughed, soft and sanely. Her tone became sorrowful as her pity-filled eyes glanced over Yuri.

"So blindly loyal. He would have liked you if he was still alive." She glanced at her Zanpakuto. "I never was a fighter. He was always saying stupid things, like 'I'll protect you.' He would have identified personally with your need to protect the one you love." Her grip tightened as her eyes burned with silver hatred. She rose her blade, pointing it directly at Yuri. The contempt on her face almost deterred Yuri from attacking; she could feel a great sadness emanating from her opponent's words. "I never learned the name of his Zanpakuto. I don't think he did either. It's only fitting that I'd bring the last piece of his soul existing with me to avenge him, right?"

"The blade isn't yours?" Yuri asked, having come to the conclusion from her words despite the fact she never really said it outright. "Why...? Why are you here if you're not a fighter?"

"Because Mayuri Kurotsuchi killed my husband. I wanted so desperately to kill that man with my own hands, but I ended up becoming content. I ended up almost forgetting the very man I came to avenge- I ended up making friends, like you."

"Megumi!"

"But after finding out the truth, it brought me back to reality. You are no friend of mine. You are a pitiful child who loves a man who doesn't even know she exists! Even if he knew of your one-sided love, he'd never acknowledge you." Yuri flinched. It hurt, hearing those words coming from someone she treasured so dearly and held so close to her heart. Megumi was the only one she'd ever really created a relationship with. She thought it would be okay to confide in the woman, to pour out her feelings and make them heard even if just by one person- even if that person was not the one she loved. However, by pouring out her emotions to her confidant, she had awakened a dark grudge- one that should have stayed buried. All of this was her fault. "You're pathetic. He doesn't deserve to be loved- someone as disgusting as that could never be loved!"

"I don't care if Captain Kurotsuchi knows I exist or not," Yuri shook her head, the tip of her Zanpakuto dragging along the earth, making an ever so slight mark in the ground, "That's not what matters to me."

"Then you should hate him! If your feelings will never be acknowledged, then despise him to your very core! Succumb to that hatred, destroy the man who doesn't deserve it! Join me!"