A dying breath to take a new step

The park was lovely that day, the bright sunlight somewhat afflicting Sayomi's sensitive eyes a bit as she had to cover part of her forehead to see better. The smell of freshly cut grass wafting in the distance as both she and her boyfriend Korin were heading to the forested area for a good brisk walk near the creek. They had been together now for almost 3 years, and she had hoped her condition didn't affect him too badly. She was stated a few years back of her limited years left in life due to cancer. A sad idea that she'd eventually leave her family but she still kept hope to leave behind something to show her gratefulness to such support they gave her despite all the issues in her younger life from poverty to abuse. It would be a shame all their hard work would go to waste so she wanted to be sure they'd be in her will as a last request to hand over every single cent to them. After thinking that solemn idea over in her mind she was shocked by the sound of a clank, a lumberjack was cutting some trees down not only to form a path but uproot the older dead trees to make room for the newer sprouts.

Oh how life had it's way of beginning anew and ending the dead. She waved to the lumberjack whom promptly waved back to the couple before wiping his forehead and sitting the axe down to take a break for lunch. Soon as he was far enough away Korin went to pick up the axe. Sayomi pointing out in worry. "Hey come on now, I thought you were over stealing. Look I understand your addiction but there's no need to take it, it's not even worth anything." He ignored her requests and warnings only shrugging and pointing out to the creek. Hesitantly she decided to trust his judgement and walk to the creek, seeing the beautiful glistening waters. Despite his irrational decision she still wanted to see the brighter parts in life, as she began to kneel down to gently touch the water, seeing that it was crystal clear. A smile upon her face as she was filled with peace in herself once again. But sadly this was short lived, as Korin swung the backside of the axe to the back of her head. This nearly knocked her out save for her previous hittings allowing her to stay strong and awake. In shock and awe, bleeding from behind her head she grasped for it on the ground shaking in pain as she looked behind and up at him.

She was scared but she tried to get up, able to take the axe as he swung it to try and knock her out again. "Korin! Korin please! It's me, are you okay? Please you're hurting me, I-I'm bleeding. We need to get to a hospital!" She called out thinking he was in a drugged stupor. She had a lot of strength, almost nearly pushing the axe out of his hands if not for the blood making her hands slippery. He finally kicked her down as she looked up at him in horror. It was at this moment she knew there was no way she'd survive this, she could feel the light headedness of the blood gushing from behind her head. Even if she went to a hospital, she couldn't be pieced together like this, her knowledge of being a doctor herself knew this deep down as well. Even then with the cancer there was no use fighting it. So with that she looked up at the man she thought loved him and gave a graceful if not gentle smile with no tears or fear left. She then sat up shakily, leaning her neck forward as she opened her purple hue colored eyes to see the beautiful world one last time. "I know you could do better, I...I still believe in you. All I wanted was for you to see a better world, a beautiful world like I do. I forgive you for this, so if there's a next time maybe we could be friends."

The axe was risen high and there was no one to hear her, not a single other person around to see the death of a rare person who forgave their murderer. How unfortunate for her to want peace and yet the world wasn't ready for it. All she could hope to now was that her family and friends would be okay without her. She now awaited her soon to be death as she took a last look around at the beautiful surroundings.

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A park. So beautiful. The world of the living was always so different than the Soul Society. The massive towering grey structures were often something that caused great concern for someone such as this figure that was now walking through the park. The giant structures that bordered along the green rectangle were menacing. Why did the humans like to build such, massive structures into the sky? Perhaps it was for fear of consuming too much land. Well, a noble cause for sure. This cause however, seemed to have an impact on mother nature anyway. Ah, Mother nature. That brought San to staring at the world around him. The green foliage was something that he rarely passed by with out taking the time and observing. It was then he heard a loud clanking noise. No, it was more like splintering wood. Really? Interesting! His feet would begin bringing him to face towards the splintering noises.

It would take perhaps, a few minutes before he'd manage to reach the area to see a couple walking in front of him. How quaint. But it was then, staring at the couple for a minute he felt it. He could feel a higher spiritual pressure that most humans had. How intriguing. With this type of thing not happening often to him, his first instinct was to catalog it and move on. The man's left hand would gently slip into his robes to pull out a phone like object. He'd 'text' a few things before placing it back in his robes. By the time he finished, he heard the woman's voice speak out about stealing. Shortly afterwards he'd see the man walk off with the woman in tow. An axe? Well this couldn't be good. The figure's body would stay relatively close but not close enough to give anything away. He had to stay somewhat cautious for the fact that this woman had enough spiritual power to see, at least, his body standing around. So it was with careful consideration that he managed to slide around her vision.

It seemed the two stopped at a creek. The figure would take up residence leaning up against a tree. He managed to position himself behind the man so the woman had an obscured vision of him. Now, it seemed that the man named Korin was, never mind. It seems the man named Korin attacked the poor woman. Generally, the figure would have moved to help and actually managed to put his left hand on his blade when the female voice spoke softly in his head. "Noninterference." The figure would release his hand from his blade and simply lean on his walking cane, his long flowing brown hair simply resting upon his body like that of a waterfall over rocks. It seemed the woman was dying. It was doubtful she'd live through this. But at the very least, the figure was here to help her in her passing. With out warning, the figure would begin walking forward using his cane as a walking stick kind of object.

After he'd inch close enough, he would stand next to her body and wait. It was about time that she'd break away soon. He knew that the moment she came out she'd be disoriented, lost, confused. But the worst part would be, the moment she died, she'd be whisked to the place she had the most care for. Or a person she had the most feelings for. A place of strong sentimental value to her. He'd have no problems following her for sure. But if he was lucky enough, he could catch her before she darted away.

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A dying wish as she heard the grunt of the man swinging the axe and cutting into her neck. Not fully through but enough to cause too much damage to bear. Her body trembling and bleeding as she coughed up blood. It was gruesome and horrific, mostly painful to feel herself slip away and crash to the ground. She looked to see some sort of figure there, but she couldn't make out the shape her eyes blurred in vision but still she could see it and reached out for it. Soon enough she was taking her last choking breaths as Korin went to toss the axe away and clean himself of her blood before taking off in a rush to never be seen again. She laid there dead for a while, but even then she smiled hoping to show her family that she wanted to keep them happy somehow.

She soon found herself moving again, or was it really moving? She wasn't sure as she stood up to see her body laying there. At first it was startling to see how gruesome her death was before giving a gasp and trying to quell herself. Closing her eyes and trying to recollect her thoughts away from the scene. However pain soon seared to her chest as she nearly went to grab for it however upon opening her eyes she saw something odd that halted her movements. She saw an odd chain draping down from her as she gave a gasp in some terror at the chewing figures upon it. She was almost frantic from the odd sight but decided to first go with the stages of grief by denying the idea was happening. Sure she had no regrets left in life or revenge set from her murderer but it was still a hard matter to swallow with being dead yourself let alone someone you know dying.

She decided perhaps it was a dream and even though the pain felt real she couldn't think of any other explanation. However soon her eyes followed from the pain and chains to that figure she saw. She was curious as to what it was she saw before dying or rather whatever it was before that tragic nightmare. She saw some sort of dark cloak and followed it upon a person-like figure. Soon she felt the searing pain once more however she had endured many pains in life and was able to stand against the pain long enough to speak in as much of a cheerful voice that she could. "H-hi, I'm Sayomi...S-sayomi Cho! Who are you?" She asked first off from many questions. She had no idea what was going on but it was a figured idea that greetings come first before a spill over of questions. Despite the pain, despite her death and everything else she sought to find the brighter side of things. Perhaps she could make a new friend and continue her peaceful ideals.

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The figure was now fully in view for the woman. The man stood before her, watching her for a minute. He'd snap back to reality when she began to speak. He'd lean lightly on his cane listening intently to the woman. Keeping up with formalities even when lost and confused. This woman was quite brave, or rather, respectful? Either way, she was able to hold herself where most couldn't bear the pain let alone confusion of being dead. With a gentle void, the man spoke out to her. "Greetings Sayomi. May I call you Sayomi-chan?" He asked moderately flirty like. "Well, I am Sansuka, but that's not quite important right now. I bet you have a lot of questions." He stated before looking to her chain of fate and noticing the first encroachment had already started. 'So she's a week then is she?' He thought while he examined the chain slightly before popping back up to her eyes. "That pain you feel is called Encroachment. I'd say you have about a week before your chain fully erodes. But don't worry, that's why I'm here." The man would smile lightly and chuckle softly. His eyes would close for a moment thinking of what was needed on all levels. They were on a time constraint but it was long enough to spend quite a bit of time here.

"Well, I think it would be about now." San had said before lifting his cane to point towards the chain of fate on the woman as he spoke once more. "That your pain should stop for a while. And when it does, lets take a little walk. I'll answer all of your questions. It's just, best we leave this place." He said as his cane would plant into the ground. He'd turn to the right and face down the river like creek. His left arm would extend outwards emulating a gentleman offering his arm for her to gram as they walked. He was a kind man, but he was also a bit of a flirt. But then again, Byou didn't like the flirty nature. Perhaps he'd change one day.

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She wanted to comment however she first had to keep composure over the pain going on to bite her finger to possibly hold off from it. After a few moments it was settling down as she gave a sigh of some relief and spoke out to a reply. "Sansuka...what a nice n-nam...name!" She stumbled for a moment before grasping her hand into a fist and lowering it down as if constraining herself to the shock. "En-roach-ment? A week?" She paused clasping her hand to her mouth on the questions before giving a slight giggle feeling a bit better with the embarrassing mistake of asking when she really didn't need to just yet. It was odd how calm she was about this being dead thing however she was still persistent in thought to this being just a dream. It was then she realized she was feeling no more pain, it was quite enthrilling to be without excessive pain for a while.

Of course one thing that worried her was her body. "I know questions are for later it's just, what about me? I mean her...uh well the body?" She asked in curiosity as she knelt down to try and look at herself. It was ghastly especially with how she died but with her mind coping with the idea that it was just a dream she was able to just assume it was nothing more than just something from a bad movie type deal. Still it was hard pressed to see something that looked so real, and more so seeing yourself from another angle other than first person. It took sometime and she was hoping there'd be a way to help but seeing as it was herself that didn't sound possible. "Not one of my best looks, kinda wish we could have met with me being my usual cheerful self ya know? Heheh!~" She said giving off a small laugh to try to off set the dreary feeling she was avoiding on having. Perhaps it wasn't very healthy but she still wanted to force a smile.

It was very hard to break someone like her mentally or physically seeing as she was used to lots of sorts like such but this situation was unearthly and very unbelievable but she had to believe in something. Save grace and all was hard to manage from her thoughts seeing as this was overwhelming in all sorts. A smile even in death, and a grin in the afterlife. She always want to make a good first impression so she could ensure a peaceful chat. But the struggle pained her mind, just as anyone else she wanted to scream, she wanted to cry, but she refused to only because she wasn't alone. She didn't want to be alone either so perhaps it was better someone was here rather than no one or she'd be a ball of tears and yells of horror.

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San would watch her now. She seemed, quite collected given the situation. He'd hesitate, never really experiencing such a problem before. Usually he'd deal with people screaming, yelling, throwing things even. Rarely, he was even blamed for their death before. His body weight would lean upon his elegant cane before simply beginning to speak, both hands resting on the tip now. "Most people would be, well, yelling. Or at the very least crying." He said, his voice somewhat inquisitive. It seemed she was, well accustomed to sights of shock? Perhaps she was one of the cases that was in denial. Thinking it was a dream instead of reality. Well, he wasn't sure how to show her it wasn't a dream with causing possible bodily harm to her and that was out of the question. He'd then speak up once more. "It's best if we leave. I'm sure some sort of law enforcement will be hear soon." Sansuka suggested. He was attempting to shy her away from the thoughts of dreams. Often times seeing their own body laying there caused that hallucination. And as such, after it was gone and they managed to see the world with out them, they would come the realization they had truly died.

The man's body moved forward a bit. His right hand would reach outwards and try to rest it upon one of her shoulders. Simultaneously, his left hand would move the cane to his side and out of the way. Sansuka wouldn't say anything else yet. He'd simply clasp her shoulder assuredly. His concern was how she'd react when she finally realized she was dead. But alas, if she wanted to stay here, then everything would unfold here. Perhaps it was best to see them unresponsive to her please and speech. Sansuka would stay in his position, trying to console her. Trying to show some sign that he was real, that she was real, that all of this was real. But it was difficult. "I know this will be difficult to believe." He said, his words attempting to carry the weight of his kindness with them. "I am here to make sure nothing happens to you, and to bring you to the next place in your new journey." He said, trying to smile and seem enthusiastic. It was difficult but he was doing an alight job at it. At the very least, he did have the experience to back up his words.

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She gave a short nod giving a sigh as her mind melded the idea of this being possible. "I've seen a lot of things done to myself and others...doesn't mean this is any less shocking just-" She paused recollecting ideas and biting back the thought of anger to hope in a skip to the next stage of grief. No use bargaining either with what he was saying either from what she could tell in his voice. So now was depression and testing, she could cope with anger because there wasn't anything she could be angry about and debating wouldn't stop the situation. But she had to have proof other than just a body, if he was willing to show it then she had to know. Curiosity would have drove her too it anyhow, still the depression wanted to eat away at her similar to these things upon her chains but she kept pushing it back which only made it worse internally. Eventually it would have to come out and when it did she'd be unable to hold it back.

"I don't think anyone even knows i'm here. But yeah I'd not like to stick around and see myself become something the likes of a rotting apple." She gave a firm nod standing up and walking with him, occasionally looking back as if hoping someone or something would change but it didn't. If this was a dream it needed to stop being so realistic, but if it wasn't then it needed to stop being so dream-like. "Difficult doesn't suit the word, more unbelievable than anything but I believe I can handle this I just need to think with a positive attitude." She mentioned giving a good rile up to ignore that itching mood of sadness trying to creep over her. It was then as she walked with him she noticed the forest around was still there and she had an idea to keep her mind off the matter and possibly keep the bright cheery mood. "New journey huh, well alright so long as I get to have my walk in the woods. Today is still such a lovely day." She swung her arms around to catch up in a skipping motion. Her attitude was unique and some consider it annoying or wrongly suited for the situation but this was just how she learned to cope.

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Sansuka listened, noticed her actions and outwards appearance, and kept himself mostly quiet while she spoke. After explaiming that she wanted to walk through the woods, Sansuka let out a soft chuckle before pursing his lips to speak. "It just so happens, I enjoy walking through the woods as well. It's so lush and green. We have something like it back home. But it's not as beautiful. Yet still, somehow, it was beautiful in it's own away." He had said trying to keep the situation under his direction. It was a tad difficult as she was strong willed and wanted to stray away from reality. And so, he supposed the only real way to get this over with was to do the worst thing that he hated doing. "You think this is a dream. Or a nightmare of some sort." He stated plainly. His voice didn't lose it's kindness, but rather, the kindness seemed to shrink away and hide behind the words themselves. His tone would stay that soft mellow as he spoke once more. "I suppose there's one way to truly decide isn't there?"

He stated factually. He knew what stress would do. But he also knew that she needed to know. It was a fine line he took her on. But for some reason, he felt drawn to show her the facts as they were. To be completely honest with her and not hold anything back. He'd take a few moments before speaking once more. "Encroachment is when a soul's Chain of Fate is severed from it's body. It slowly starts to eat away at itself. It happens in cycles. Generally one link at a time and then it stops for a while. Some people take years, but yours seems to be about a week you can live with out your body." He said with a more gentle tone that brought his kindness back. "But I'm here to protect you." He smiled. He was really laying it on thick. He felt like he repeated himself but, it was alright. He tried really hard not to lead her around. He wanted to make sure she learned all she could before she moved on. He wanted to make sure she was ready and accepted it. So many were just tossed into the new life with out explination. It was that type of thing that caused so many problems. His voice would stay silent now for quite a while. He was, perhaps subconciously, leading Sayomi out of the park and into the great city beyond the green wilderness.

"Well, since we've managed to get out of the park, do you have anywhere you'd like to go? I'm sure you have questions, doubts, and several other things on your mind. So please, feel free to voice them."

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She gave a short smile at the idea of his so called place being beautiful as well, some sort of another place within her dreams? Either which way her theory was cut short as her eyes stared off for a moment in shock, not looking towards him but still darting. He said it wasn't a dream, but she still wanted proof upon it. Still with how he worded things it was increasingly harder and harder to push back the idea as it was one of her last coping methods. "Ahah but it's so difficult to see it as anything but that y'know? Just chillax!~" She spoke in a cheerful tone trying to figure a way to prove this was her theory, she wasn't sure how to cope with the reality here but then again how could anyone.

As the explanation of what was happening to her began she looked to the chains in some horror filled face but soon shook her head from it all, even if this wasn't a dream it could still be a night terror. Still she had to save grace in her mind as she carried on skipping along. "I mean thanks for that and all, considering what Korin did to me I sure would enjoy being protected. But you don't have too I feel just fine see?" She pulled either side of her face up with her fingers to make a silly smiling face. It was like she was an immature child and yet it was that innocence and ignorance that gave her ability to avoid so much. "I'd love to see my family or maybe chat with a few friends, boy do I need a coffee and a good comfy book to talk about too. But whatever is fine, I mean I've got nothing else to do anymore right?" She teased at the idea of joking on her death to possibly give way that she still didn't believe it.

Still as she made her way to a familiar coffee shop just down the street she was hoping to find her two best buds Kiki and Numia chilling in the back with a pair of books. She herself would have had the trio complete with the last book for the group but seeing as she wasn't really able to take it with for certain reasons she only looked from the outside in through the window for a while. "That's Kiki, she's a lovable kinda girl and always dyes her hair a different color each day. OH OH and that's Numia, gosh you wouldn't think to look at her but she just got done with her trans surgery and she's got all the parts to be a real woman now!" She mentioned in triumph and encouragement hoping to escape the topic of dreams or reality. Her excitement for her friend's accomplishments was uncanny and unrivaled.

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Sansuka listened intently to everything Sayomi was saying. It seemed she still didn't get it. But that was ok for now. He needed to explain a few things first anyway, in case she became frantic. As he listened, he'd don a small smile. A nod here and there showed he was indeed listening. It was now, after she'd explain the trans surgery that Sansuka would speak up. "I-Trans surgery you say? Well, a woman with any parts is still a woman no matter how you cut it." Sansuka would then realize he went off track about women and how he found all women attractive. Well, that was San for you, flirting with every girl but keeping his heart for the right one. Now, however, he had to lay down the information in large textile format. The man would lean upon his cane once more as he'd begin to speak.

"I've a lot of things to tell you. First of all, my full name is Sansuka Setsune, Captain of the Ninth Division of the Gotei Thirteen Court Guard Squads. What that means, doesn't exactly matter right now. I want you to memorize these names and titles. Tenkai Bushinji, Captain of the Thirteenth Division of the Court Guard Squads. Jinjako Hiroji, Captain of the Eighth Division of the Court Guard Squads. Moriya Tanakawa, Captain of the Fifth Division of the Court Guard Squads. Kenpatchi Blakdeath, Captain of the Eleventh Division of the Court Guard Squads. Satoru Kyouma, Acting Captain of the Twelth Division of the Court Guard Squads. Kali Joran, Captain of the Seventh Division of the Court Guard Squads. Kuchiki Mateus, Captain of the Sixth Division of the Court Guard Squad. And lastly Uchiro Kamashi, Captain of the Third Division of the Court Guard Squads."

Sansuka would say as he waited for a few minutes to let the names sink in. "Memorize these names and ranks. They'll be important, because you're quite the special person Sayomi." He said chuckling lightly to himself once more. He'd turn to face the window again and look at the two women she pointed out before. "You'll only need to remember them until we meet up again. They won't be that important until much later after that." He spoke in a soft tone followed by a short chuckle. He'd then sigh slightly before standing upright and offering his left arm for her to grab once more like an old gentleman. "Shall we go say hello to your friends, and maybe family?" He asked with a slight bit of concern on his lips. He was slightly worried about her, because he didn't want her to fall into a state of depression that would spiral her into hollowfication.

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She gave a firm nod with pride at the thought. "Aint that the truth, these guys were always so supportive, all my old friends from college left me behind and didn't want to get too attached because of my condition but then these guys came along and WOO let me tell ya they are some fighters!" She mentioned with a clearly happy smile at the thought of her friends. They already knew her problem with cancer was eventually going to hit so spending days even weeks here doing nothing but chatting about their favorite books and just relaxing and enjoying life was the best. No one dared messed with her group, it was like a second family and she was so happy to have been apart of it.

She paused hearing the names for a moment before looking to him away from her friends and shrugging. "Well alright then you highness, nah i'm just joking look if these are that important to ya then I'll remember then. My memory is pretty good at this sorta thing y'know?" She mentioned with pride pointing to her head before folding her arms across her chest. "Well I already know i'm special, everyone is! The whole world deserves to see what beauty and peace is." She stated looking back to the coffee shop for a moment before seeing his arm and nodding. "Well of course! I can't wait to show then such a nice guy such as yourself. I could introduce you to the group as a new buddy!" She mentioned with joy rather than wrapping her arm to his she decided to take his hand and wrap her fingers intertwined. "First thing's first though, my friends are very open and accepting but my family is a bit more rash and quick to jump the gun. I don't blame them for what they've been through but I still wish they didn't have to bring violence too it. Everything can be settled over a good chat and some tea."

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Sansuka suddenly felt her fingers slide in-between his, interlocking their hands. He gave pause for a mere moment, as his mind seemed to drift a little. A voice in his mind shook him from his thoughts before it was caught standing idly by. "Work." Sansuka cleared his throat before speaking one word as they began walking towards the door. As they got there, Sansuka would gently open the door to the cafe' with out issue. They'd slowly step in. He'd allow his body to position itself in such a way that Sayomi could enter the door first, holding it open like a gentleman. Ah, chivalry was something Sansuka missed from the Edo Japan. Bushido, it was called perhaps? Either way, the way he acted was reminiscent of that.

After they'd enter the cafe he would allow her to move of her own accord, he'd stay following her, their fingers intertwined between each other. Though he started to think about her slightly more than he would admit. Of course, this was causing Boukyaku to get a tiny bit frustrated. On a more subliminal level though, Boukyaku was happy that San was thinking about only one person this time. In reality, Sansuka was slightly, perhaps concerned, that Sayomi was withholding her feelings quite a lot. His main concern at this moment was, in fact, that she'd end up speeding up the chain of fate's decay if she released too many emotions at once. It was a very thin line he was walking, but he wanted to make sure she understood what was going on. Many had not believed a Shinigami explaining the situation, only to run off and die. He really, didn't want that to happen this time.

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She smiled for a moment up to him before heading inside excitedly. It was like a kid in a candy shop almost, such life even in death filled her face. Sure this was just how she coped with things but one could be hard pressed to really tell a difference since she was already naturally enlightened when calm. She gave a wave to her group of friends and went over to them slightly tugging Sansuka's arm to follow her faster. Whether he picked up the pace or not was his choice but it didn't stop her from trying to get to her dear friends sooner. It was then she called out to them hoping they could hear and answer. "Kiki! Numia! How's the book reading coming along?" She asked in a cheerful motion before hearing a TV newscast come on. She had heard her name and went to look to the TV from curiosity still in a cheerful mood to be near her friends before it was cut short with seeing the park on camera and a white sheet covering her body that was near to the creek. Just as she went to tell Kiki and Numia that she was alright and that she was here with them they looked up at the screen in horror. One of them particularly Kiki rose from the table so fast that it had knocked over and spilled the coffee to the floor, breaking one of the cups. Numia on the other hand was curled up in her chair in disbelief. "Guys guys calm down, I-I'm right here see? I even brought this nice man along to help me out." She said trying to reach out toward them.

Here was the beginning of the problem, she was still trying to assure herself this was just a dream but seeing her friends in horror and leaving the shop quickly to head to the area of the murder scene left poor Sayomi speechless. She laid her hand lanky to her side looking slightly worried in expression. "I...don't get it, this-this is just a bad dream. Or a side effect to some sort of medication. There has to be a reason..." She thought trying to think of positives in the situation. But there wasn't much to be found it was then she looked to him and gave a light almost dry laugh. "Maybe I can explain this to my family, like it's a prank or something...i'm sure they'll just laugh it off and i'll be on some sort of prank show or something." She mentioned looking concerned. It wasn't because of the fact she was dead, not even the fact she was murdered. Her dilemma was how she was still there, walking as if nothing had happened. In all the years she learned religion and such she always held a strong belief that death was the nail in the coffin. That once dead it was just all over and she didn't have to see her friends and family suffer her loss. "I always thought death was something different..." She quietly spoke almost as if to herself as she gazed upon the chains looking confused and slightly scared.


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"And this is why I'm here, Sayomi." Sansuka had said. His voice was soft, kind, and attempted to be comforting as well. "You feel confused, lost, scared, alone." His voice carried that compassion as much as it could. He'd hee turn after offering his hand for her to hold. "But no matter what you feel Sayomi, you're not alone." He'd give off a soft smile before escorting her out of the cafe. He'd let her lead to where ever it was they were going. But San made sure to watch Sayomi with curious intrigue. He wanted to make sure she was alright. Well, it was a bit more than that. He started to really, be interested, in this woman. Odd but he chalked it up to the fact that she was vulnerable at this moment in time, and thus, just seemed more attractive?

Well he wasn't the type of person to run off and diddle every girl he saw. Sure, he would flirt, he'd say nice things, he'd be a gentleman of sorts but he was never a harsh person. It was this fact that kept him from saying anything too bad. He was losing time though, and that was something they had to remedy soon. Time ticked away quite fast it seemed, and he was due to have a meeting. His first priority, however, at this moment in time was Sayomi. And with her on his mind, he'd need to secure her foothold in the Seireitei before moving forward.

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She paused hearing him mention those words before taking a moment to try and compose herself somehow. Her arms hugging herself tightly before she shook her head. "No no I can't...I-I need to see my family. I need too..." She stated seriously before grasping his arm and lugging him along. "Just come with me and start telling me stuff, I just need to see them." She spoke as she begun a journey over to her home where she looked at the small housing. It was nice for what it was, though the neighborhood was questionable she still called it home. As she made her way to the door she noticed not only was it open but the inside lock was broken. It was as if someone was running out and tried to go through the door itself, because even as she opened the door it was difficult to do so being that it was bent and the sound of the wood cracked inside of it.

"Big sis? Sista? Sissy? Mom? Dad?" She called out looking around inside the home frantically before noticing her three older sisters huddled in the living room. Her mother and father were nowhere to be found but there was a hunch, a dark feeling welling up from the sight. What if this was real and she was dead. "Hey...hey, i'm here it's okay. Come on now you guys gotta smile please?" She pleaded kneeling down too them as she went to rub one of her sister's back, they were dressed for warmer weather so they had short tops and pants on, meaning most of their skin exposed. She was concerned on the situation when she noticed something going on with her hand. As she went to look she saw a bruise in the shape of her hand print on her sibling. With this she was shocked and appalled as she fell backwards to her bottom and began to scoot back up against the wall, clutching her hand in a scared motion.

"I...I didn't mean to, she's gonna be okay right?" She looked up to him in fear then shakingly held herself close toed and away from everything. "I'll be okay, I just need to think positive...just...think good happy thoughts." She spoke begining to do breathing exercises with keeping her anxiety down but that soon found herself in a mess of thoughts. "Happy thoughts, like uh...uh w-well it's still a beautiful day! Yes and well uh my family is spending time together, and-and...hah I I still..." She paused trying to hold herself for a moment, biting her lip to think clearly. "So, uh what's gonna happen with the whole chain thing, hehh I guess I b-better know now I mean it's not all bad. It-it could be worse..."

SC: 42

Sansuka watched. It's all he did. He watched the woman run about and curl up against a wall nearly in a fetal position. It seemed she was quite scared. Then the slow trickle of questions finally came. It started out slow, worrysome, and focused on the immediate. His body would lean against his cane and simply begin speaking, his brown eyes simply watching her.

"The Chain of Fate. When severed from the body it begins to erode slowly. It will erode until it reaches the last ten links in the chain. Then, you'll only have until the links break away from the housing. Once that happens.." He lowered his voice to an almost solomn sound. "You'll become a Hollow." His voice would dip lower still for a moment only to bring back up to the solomn sound once more. "A hollow is a soul who's lost all hope. Their very hearts torn from their body. They have a distinct hole in their body depicting this. Often times they're nothing more than feral beasts that consume other hollows and humans alike with out hesitation. The hunger, is what drives them."

His voice stopped afterwards, simply, staring at her. Gaguing her reaction. He'd take a few minutes before speaking once more, on the lgihter side of things. "Well, that's what would happen of a Shinigami, doesn't come for you." He'd say as he would kneel down next to her now, and speak softly. "I am a Shinigami, of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. Our job is to find lost souls such as yourself, and bring them to a new life, safe from hollows." He'd say simply. He'd then look back for a minute at the bruise on the woman before looking back to Sayomi.

"Don't worry about her. It'll go away eventually. You didn't harm her in any way. A body that has a soul already occupying it has a sort of defense, which generally disallows other souls from entering it. That's all that was." He'd stop speaking once more and wait for her to digest the information. When he thought she was ready, he'd speak one last time explaining everything. "Konso, is a ritual where a Shinigami purges a soul of any past sins save, Murder, Rape, or other foul crimes. When a soul has been purged, they are taken to the Soul Society where they live the remainder of their lives until rebirth."

Sansuka would offer a hand out in an attempt to offer an embrace or a consoling hand. "Some of the souls are powerful in in life and death, to become a Shinigami." He'd say with a gentle smile. "Which is why I said you were special Sayomi. You are one of those special people who are talented enough to become a Shinigami." He'd allow her to adjust to the situation and information. It would be difficult for her no doubt but he was there to make sure she didn't falter too bad.

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She gave way to listen to the answers, she of course trusted his words by now seeing as she had nothing left to believe in but that didn't stop her fear and terror. It only explained her situation not stop her sorrow. She gave a strong gulp of air as she was shivering not from cold but from fear. Soon enough the stress took it's toll as she was coming to terms. "I'm really dead...I..." She paused soon tearing up and wiping her face with her wrists. "I-I wanted to stay happy. I was preparing for death and everything but I never...I never thought. It would c-come so soon!" She said beginning to tremble and cry. The chains were maintained however, as if this wasn't the full stress. "I guess, I atleast told them how much I l-love them. A-and and I got to say goodbye sorta." She said still hanging onto some sort of brighter note.

Still she was crying even so and as she continued to do so the chains sped up only by a little each time in their progression. Nothing to worry some but enough to see a difference. "So, I'll get to see them again right? I...I don't want to see them die, but b-but I'll at least get to see them again." She mentioned grasping the idea only slightly. She had asked only so that she could have the comfort of knowing her friends and family would at the very least remember her. "She-Nee-Gam-ey? Is...is that, well I mean. Does that mean I can help make people happier or something? I-I want too." She asked before hearing about the purge of her soul. It was a scary thought the way it was mentioned and so she continued weeping as if hoping her tears could do something but they didn't.

"W-well then...can I at the very least see my parents before I g-go?" She pleaded barely grabbing onto Sansuka's robe and lifting herself up to lean onto him. "I know y-you said to leave my body but I'm sure they're with it...I just wanted to thank them." She said though crying heavily she gave a smile, this time not false or of a child's play to toy her mind from reality. It was genuine and heartbreaking at the same time. It was as if one was to put a puppy out of it's misery, no one wanted too but it had to be done. She was finally breaking down not willing to give up will but very much willing to scream and cry in terror, confusion, and fear. This was why she needed to know what was going on, secrets would only make her terrified and possibly go mad. "Did you have to go through th-this too?" She asked now realizing this situation wasn't just about herself. If she could become one through this, it meant he had too at one point. "W-were you alone? Is...that why you're here?" She asked continually.

Her questions became less and less about herself and more upon him personally. He didn't have to answer these but it was part of her caring nature to think less about her problems and to aid with everyone else. After a moment she seemed to close her eyes still tearing up. "I promise, after I thank them I'm going to thank you too...okay?" She wiped her face once again covering it with her hands with her weeping continuing.

WC: 57

Sansuka smiled softly, listening to everything she said. He would wait to respond, so that she'd be able to get all of her questions out. It was here that, well, the conversation struck deep. He'd sigh lightly and speak softly.

"Shinigami are souls that gain powers in order to protect others. Though, some of them protect others indirectly. But most of them help by many different means. I myself command the security force and handle internal affairs." San would take a deep breath before speaking. "Ninety nine percent of Shinigami are born as humans. When they die, they're taken in by Soul Society. Once there, they manage to find their way to the Seireitei. And that's where they become Shinigami. It's the cycle of life, for most people. Others become Hollows." He'd lower his head lightly before speaking once more. "We can go see them but, It won't be easy." He said as his voice got quite low.

San would try and grasp her hand, interlocking their fingers and head out doors. Once there, he'd release her hand and stand up straight. His left hand would grip his cane by the lower neck as he spoke. "Wrap your arms around my neck and hold on tight." He'd say. Once she did so, he'd lower his position slightly into a crouched type manner. Once there, he'd wrap his left arm around her waist as he spoke. "If you're afraid of heights, keep your eyes closed." With in seconds, his legs would surge with Reiatsu causing a sort of stretching noise to happen, almost like the sound barrier was being flexed.

They would be sent high into the sky. So high, in fact, that they were nearly at the top of one of the 'skyscrapers' as the human's called them. Once he was oriented towards the park his legs would scrunch up into the same position once more with a loud stretching sending them forward to the park at incredible speeds. As they neared the ground Sansuka would flip forward and land as gently as a feather upon the ground. His arm would release her, so she could do what she had to do but he stayed close.

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To protect, those words gave her some comfort. She really could do what she wanted too, better yet with how kind and calm he was towards her she could only imagine becoming something similar to such. Her face stained with tears and such as she nodded with a small smile, continuing to feel overwhelming feelings. "Okay, okay...well then I'll strive to be the most peaceful shinigami. I don't want to be the cause of someone's death. Still with what you're doing for me and all I...I wanna be like you some day." She sniffed still crying just a bit less violent and loud. "Nothing is suppose to be easy, that's why it's an adventure silly." She pointed out giving a light laugh through her saddened expression. It was then she headed to the door, only turning her head behind herself to see her sisters still weeping their self and giving a wave off in a slow motion. She wanted to say goodbye but she new she'd see them one day.

It was then Sayomi was asked to hold onto him for the trip. She wasn't sure what was going to happen but she looked up to his face and wrapped her arms around him as per mentioned, however it felt almost like a hug. With the warning soon to come she tightened the hold a bit more before pressing her head against him. She was so small in comparison it was like a doll to a giant. "I should be okay..." She spoke as she was heading off to the heights. Her reflexes kicked in to hold on as she looked down at the city below turn into forested lands. "That's it...there's the park!" She wanted to point it out but instead she just felt him drop from the sky and land safely. Her mind was a tad dizzy but nothing seriously damaged. It was then she saw them, her parents crying and screaming over her body. She was hesitant at first before walking to them shakily and gathering them in a hug.

She cried with them, and despite the bruising she'd leave she wanted to make this moment last with what she could. "I love you momma...you got the best stories that I swear I'll be telling them. Thank you dad, it it weren't for you slaving your back for me I'd have never been a doctor. I wish I didn't have to leave...I love you guys too much!" She said as the tears flowed like waterfalls. Her body was in a body bag and was going to head to the hospital for examinations of causes of death. All in the meantime her mother could be heard screaming and shaking her head that her youngest child was gone. It was one thing to be dead, it was a whole other torture to have your baby die before you because of murder. Sayomi continued to hold them together for what seemed like a long time, perhaps too long as she'd need to be reassured by San that it was time to go.

SC: 37

Sansuka allowed her to say her peace. They had been there for a bit too long and it was time they'd be going. His body would slowly walk over and grab hold of Sayomi's shoulder, attempting to gently pry her away. Once he did, he'd walk away with her a bit so they'd be away from all the screaming, the crying, and the feelings of loss. With gentle movements, Sansuka would put both his hands on Sayomi, either side of her arms in fact. "Listen carefully to be Sayomi. I'm going to preform the Konso now. You won't feel any pain. But you'll find yourself in a very different place." His voice became slightly stern as he began to speak his next lines.

"Listen closely now. When you get there, head towards the giant white tower. Don't stop for anything else. You'll eventually meet a group of people like me. Tell them that I sent for you. If they don't believe you, repeat the names I told you to memorize." Sansuka felt, a bit worse for wear at this. Technically speaking, he was giving her special treatment. But, he wasn't sure why. For now he'd go with it, and see where it lead. His voice would speak out once more before stepping backwards a little. "You should end up near where I'll be. Stay calm, Sayomi. And remember, you're not alone." His voice would carry his compassion for her as his right hand would unsheathe his sword form his left side. With a gentle movement, the back of the handle would gently reach forward.

A soft push would cause the butt of his sword to press against her forehead. It was then she'd begin to feel the tingly, almost liberating sensation as her spirit particles evaporated into the form of a butterfly. It would then float upwards into the sky and seemingly disappear. Sansuka's words would echo through the world as he'd thrust his blade forward, turning it like a key. "I'll need to make sure she's taught everything. Even the bad things." His voice was met by a now audible reverberation. "Are you sure that's wise, Sansuka?" He would simply nod before walking forward. He was met by a black butterfly that escorted him through the now present sliding Japanese doors. The inside was much like a white waiting room. As the doors closed behind him, he'd make his headway to the meeting hall. He was almost late, and that was, perhaps unexpected.

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She wanted to hold them tighter but with being gently pried from them she reached out to them for a moment before realizing she had to go. She was still tearing up from the overwhelming emotions before she heard him speak and mostly clasped her hands over her mouth, using one of them to wipe the tears from her face. "D-different...I okay..." She spoke in a choke of a cry giving a nod to him. "White t-tower, and th-the names." She stuttered and struggled for a moment before giving once again another nod and finally starting to calm down. She had to figure if she was to go to a new place that crying wouldn't solve the matter. Still it didn't mean she didn't want to cry, or that her eyes weren't puffy from the excessive crying and wiping. She wanted to give a better impression than this, especially if she had to prove herself to be let in. She gazed to her parents who were following the EMTs with her body now knowing there was no way of going back.

It was then she looked back to see the sword and at first she was hesitant due to her action of death but she had to trust him considering if he really didn't want her around he could have hurt her at any time. The benefit of doubt lead her to stay very still as her soul went off in a glide of a butterfly. She didn't want to move much in thought in case this would cause it to be ruined. So much she didn't know and yet she wasn't worried to the unknowing but the fact of her death having such an effect on her family only further sought to her point to want to help anyone she could. Off she was, gone from the world of the living.

SC: 16

{EXIT}