memories of

The door opened as her words echoed into Hinaai’s ears. The Soutaichou stood underneath the vast windowed doors that lead to her solar, which overlooked the entirety of the Seireitei. Her arms were crossed, and the haori was draped over her shoulders. A cigarette smoked from between the Soutaichou’s lips, sending long tendrils into the rafters and staining the atmosphere of the office. 

“You’re loud, Alavaro-Fukutaichou.” Hinaai turned her gaze to face the lieutenant. “Enter and close the doors behind you.” 

Carmen was read like an open book. Her stumblings, the way she breathed, the thin thread of worry in her aura--I knew this was going to happen. Hinaai removed her cigarette and let out a grey breath, eyes closed, before turning to face the vice-captain. 

“King is a traitor.” The very idea of it wasn’t hard to believe. At least, it wouldn’t be hard to believe for most. Carmen, however, was under his charm. Any woman with any sense of experience could tell that. “He, along with the Yonbantai-Taichou and two fukutaichou, disappeared yesterday evening,. In our search for him, we found hollow experiments in his laboratory, as well as a criminal syndicate attached to his name.” 

The news was heavy, though there was the barest hint of a lie in there. The secret floor King had kept had been given up by him, and the syndicate had been created solely for the purpose of this tale. Hinaai knew all of this, but her face was hard and her tone straight. For a moment, even she thought she was telling the truth. 

“There was going to be an official announcement, but not until all investigations were completed. We can only assume he has allied with El Renacimiento.” 

“Request denied.” And that was that. There was no room in that tone of Hinaai’s that allowed for argument. She turned back to her solar, slid the cigarette between her lips, and crossed her arms underneath her breasts. “The Onmitsukido will search for King. You will lead the division until we can find a suitable replacement for the Junibantai-Taichou. You are one of the only bright minds left in the Seireitei. We can’t afford to lose you like we did him.” 

It was then an idea crossed her mind. Hinaai turned her head back to face the distraught lieutenant. “And if you try to go searching for him yourself, I’ll personally go and drag you back. And I’m not gentle, Alavaro-Fukutaichou.” The threat was thinly veiled. “Do you need anything else?” 

Hinaai sighed. She didn’t want to say anything, but how could she not? Had she not experienced the same emotional hurricane Carmen had before? 

“I know how you feel, Alavaro-fukutaichou. I can tell just from looking at you that you felt something for him. You’re hurt, and by not having any answers, you will just continue to be hurt.” Hinaai looked over to the lieutenant. There was a flicker of understanding in her eyes. “But when you became a shinigami, you had to swear to put duty before yourself. When you became a lieutenant, you took on the responsibility of the lives of thousands upon thousands of shinigami. 

“You can hate me and curse me and dream of finding King all you want, but no matter what you do Carmen, remember that you have men looking to you for strength. War is coming, and you’ll be needed to help lead. 

“Dismissed.” And with that, the doors swung back open. Carmen was given a minute or two to reply, before the Soutaichou opened the screen door to her solar and stepped out into the light.