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One Night

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He departs.

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It was the blade that made the iron sparkle through the moonlit evening. The tiny droplets of water where it made contact from earlier slowly drifted into space as its residue slid towards its tip. It was a fine and handsome craft – one which even he could not believe he could yield.

His grip was tight as his teal eyes fixed forward. His reflection seamlessly blended with the surface with an arm lifted in level with his shoulders…pointing the sharp blade at the direction of the moon's radiance.

Striking in midair, he immersed himself in countless routinely slashes and gashes. Simply because, this was one of those rare times when he would allow himself to do anything as he pleases with his zenpaktou - - either shooting it at nothing or pounding it with another.

And mostly, doing all these by himself.

Right at the moment when he felt all his emotions well up – frustration, anger, vice – he halted. Momentarily, staring blankly at the circular patterns on the water, he let his sword down. Cold sweat trickled his forehead and both his arms in an equal state, he shifted his gaze onto the ground – admiring it as though it held some priceless treasures.

Would this be the end?

Soft rustles echoed from nearby. The grass sliding to the side with every step made. He need not look in its direction. By then, he could very well make a guess of the visitor. This was his final night – his personal way of conditioning himself and preparing for what was to come. And as such, he considered this his private moment. The very earth he's stepping on his territory. And yet, he allowed an intruder to enter…not even twitching a muscle to utter a warning.

Mainly because, deeply, he wanted company…especially if it was…

"Why are you here?" in a rather sullen tone, he spoke, sheathing his blade and holding it by a hand.

Silence rose as no other movement was heard. She was there. He was certain she was as he sensed no change in her previous position. However, the time kept from answering his query was in itself a wonder.

He resisted the urge to check up on her – turn around or something like it - instead, walked towards the watery surface again, drenching his feet in its coolness. This never failed to soothe him, not to mention awaken his numb muscles from the tension he caused them.

He loved the cold. It was obvious.

"If you're just going to stand there…I suggest you go back. The tenth need at the very least a high-ranking officer there to be in charge."

The wind caressed his body, adding another breeze of bleakness outside. His robe was no thicker than few levels of cloth and even if he'd worn that much of a clothing, wearing another on top of them would prove useless as it would slow him down – practically a big 'no' when one's in preparation for something big about to happen.

He then felt her move…towards where he wasn't sure of. But then, as her voice rang in the stillness, he knew she was right behind her…both feet on the soiled ground.

"Where are you going?" came her voice which lost its usual gaiety. No longer able to resist, he stared back at her as he saw the blankness she wore on her face. But her eyes painted that of unfeigned concern and worry. A few more seconds passed as he shifted his gaze back on the scenery – breathing in the natural air.

"Where the wind takes me, I suppose."

It wasn't likely that he'd seen her act strangely. Once, he caught her spacing out by the corridors and he even had to answer weird, serious questions from her. It was a surprise though, every time she puts on that tone in her voice. He knew better – when his fukotaichou's in such a state, it was best that he be his usual self.

But then, he can't deny it…it scares him every single time.

He knew right then why she was there that evening when everyone else was busy with their activities. While some sleep peacefully at the night, here they were, with each other in the most unusual of places. She knew. That's why she was there. And this wasn't actually to his liking.

After trying so desperately to conceal his activities, here she was…giving him the hardest of all tasks.

"Matsumoto…"

She didn't dare move as she listened intently.

"…I have to kill him…"

He had to know…he had to find the sole answer which had been bothering him for the past few days.

"…and in case we do end up fighting each other…who would you run to?"

She tried to suppress the sobs wanting to flow freely. The thought of even the possibility of her taichou and the one she once loved fighting didn't even cross her mind 'til now. And just as the question was thrown at her, she already knew the answer. Not long ago, she made a choice…not long ago, she made a decision.

Walking towards him, she placed both her arms across his shoulders as she leaned her head forward, laying it on top of his. His hair of snow softly touching her face…as she closed her eyes.

"I'll be with you."

Tightening her hold on him – not wanting to let him go, she held her body closer towards his back. And though she feared for his safety, she knew he'll come back. It was enough. Enough proof for her to follow his lead.

She trusts him…his words and his deeds. A trust which won't be betrayed even in the most testing circumstances. But mostly so, because she loves him…more than what words could say or actions could do.

Putting a hand on her arm, he relished the moment. Never had she held him this…this passionate before. And as he gazed at the clear sky, a black butterfly came in view. It was time.

He walked forward, his blade in his grasp…breaking free from her. He didn't turn back to look at her for who knows the last time. He kept his head forward. His eyes never leaving the dirt road. He knew she was still there – standing by the clear shoreline…probably gazing at his retreating figure. No matter how hard it was to walk away from her, he was certain he'd be successful at this mission. He would be for she will be there, waiting for his return.

"Take care…" he whispered as he completely disappeared from her sight.

And as she stood there, with both arms on her chest as if still savoring the moment she held him in her arms, she was left with his lingering scent.

He wasn't good at saying farewell, but then, this was how he said his goodbye.

End – Chapter 1

A/N: Right, so this was intended as a two-shot. Hopefully, it would be.