Inexperience [Hyoka]

As he scanned around for anyone who would be kind enough to give him their personal aide, Ryusuke noticed a pleasant young girl make her way towards him from behind a bookcase. Her figure was something very unique, an abnormality that caught his attention from the get-go. Most of the time, when you saw someone with such distinct bodily features, it was a means for you to avoid their presence. But the aura around her was inviting, and she seemed kindred enough to lend a helping hand.

" Hey there, I am sorry to interrupt your studies. I'm looking for a book to help refine my knowledge and prowess over the demon arts. Of course, this is the first place I thought to look. "

Noticing his impatience as he jumped straight into how she could help him, Ryusuke forgot all formalities, and quickly sought to change his pace, and right his wrong.

" Oh, I am sorry, where are my manners? I'm Ryusuke Miyamoto, Taichou of the Hachibantai. Who may you be, miss...? "

As he looked at her, studying who she was, Ryusuke couldn't help but notice how developed she was for how young she appeared to be. She was very different to the eyes from the other Kidoshu members, but her character was not yet revealed; except for her kind disposition. She would probably be of the most help to him, and her time would also be most appreciated by the Hachibantai Taichou, who was in dire need of recuperating his strength of mind, body, and soul.

As she seemed to stutter in his presence, Ryusuke noticed it was just a nervous quirk that had overtaken her mind for a slight moment. She introduced herself, a name Ryusuke would come to be fond of, as he noticed her continue to address him with extreme honorifics. Ryusuke was an inexperienced Taichou, kido practitioner, and even girls are an area where he would best forfeit. But he was modest, and most that showed him courtesy received his in return.

" Please Shizuku, you can call me Ryusuke. You're a member of the Kidoshu, so I am not your superior, not in any way. I may boast stronger traits in some aspects, but that doesn't make me a better, or more qualitative person. So, over there...?

Looking over to the places she mentioned, he noticed a ladder there was naught. It wasn't an easy task, since Shinigami couldn't resist gravity in their own realm. So, trying to use the forward-moving momentum of his flash step, Ryusuke flung forward to the shelves, his robes clattering noisily from the sheer force. Bringing both pieces of literature within his grasp, he fell down to the ground before her and sought to make more small talk.

" Say, Shizuku, what's a girl like you do in the Kidoshu? As of lately I have encountered three individuals among your ranks, all of which were very...interesting characters, to say the least. Especially you. "

Looking her in the eyes, Ryusuke's pupils seemed to retract and expand, finally realizing his now-apparent fondness of her as his cheeks blazed a flush red color. She was undeniably cute, and definitely unique when compared to the other girls he had seen. He felt rather fortunate to meet her, and hopefully this first meeting wasn't to be their last. Not if he could help it.

Ryusuke had to admit, even though at this moment he was becoming bashfully flustered, her tail was something that caused a scene. But her face seemed to draw his attention away from all of that, even when she made her point about it. It didn't even bother Ryusuke that she had one, it seemed to unnerve him more that she might be embarrassed about it; at least while in front of him.

" You are who you are. It's actually kind of cool, though. I imagine you could slap a man silly with one good swing, heh? "

Ryusuke chuckled softly as he took the book from her, noticing the sincerely fragile touch of hers. Compared to his fellow Taichou, Shizuku was a blessing, even with her bizarre yet elegant mermaid-esque. All it did was set her apart from everyone else, which her gracefulness already accomplished.

" Seriously, though...you shouldn't worry about what people think of your tail. I'd consider you more of a prize...N-NOT THAT YOU'RE A POSSESSION O-OR ANYTHING, UHM...SORRY... "

Grabbing his robes collar, he flexed it outward to relief his bodies physical anxiety. All the while his cheeks remained their rose hue, pupils sticking like magnets to her own when they made eye contact. On the inside, though, he criticized himself, knowing all too well he was acting a fool. She likely knew what he had meant, even though his awkward nature got the best of him at this moment.


Wow...real smooth, Ryusuke. Way to sound like a total dunce. Smack yourself in the face when she isn't there to see it.

With each word Shizuku's place in Seireitei had been revealed to him with more knowledge about her dreadful past. He thought it may have been something she was born with, but apparently it was the doing of the Junibantai. He had known ever since meeting King that their lot was not to be trusted. His face, which was once red with what could be called affection, now lit up with a certain anger, his body illustrating disdain thoughts as he dropped the books onto the floor.

" Who specifically...did this to you? Please, you must know? "

It unnerved him to realize how naive he was as a Taichou, as Ryusuke already festered a growing suspicion King may be the culprit.

Bending knee so that he may pick up the books he had dropped clumsily, his face still expressed internal tension, or frustration. His teeth were clenched, his flexed jaw likely hinting that to her, while his eyes and brow were flat, trying not to show his discontent with what had been said to him.

He didn't know what was worse in his mind, the fact that she didn't know what else had happened while she was sleeping, or what was already pointed out and thus obvious to him. Ryusuke tried his best to compose himself as she did, making a loud huff, much more harsh to the ears than her sighing.

" Forgive me, Shizuku, I am not myself right now. Your story is...well, tragic, and very aggravating. Although, I am more than pleased to see that you are at peace with yourself, and your past... "

Taking another breathe and exhaling in a manner akin to her sigh, the feeling of helplessness tugged at his innards violently. She unintentionally got him in his weak spot, as girls already brought out his protective urges; let alone an actual victim. He was appreciative that her words seemed to shine light upon the man known as King, whom he had paired with the traitors and scum of Seireitei thus far. However, he couldn't look her straight in the eye, his eyes plastered to the ground and his toes. He could do nothing for her, and so he felt like nothing to her.

Perhaps I should leave her be...?

" I think you taught me something most valuable today, Shizuku. I'd like to see you again, if you wouldn't mind. A Shinigami's days are always numbered. Farewell, and take care. "

Making his way to the door after pivoting on his right foot to turn away, Ryusuke clutched the three books in his left arm, as his right hand grabbed the door and held it open as he paused in the doorway. His jaw dropped, unbeknownst to Shizuku, as he had the intention to say more. But Ryusuke simply couldn't, so he began walking again, the doors swaying until they seized shut, as he headed back to his barracks to train with her selection. Hopefully it would do him well in the days to come, because the Quincy were making their point that great battles were on the way; one already taking place, with Ryusuke forced to sit on the sidelines.

Oh how I hate waiting...


-- EXIT