White Knight's Isolation

"The Last Six Months": (continued)

Saying a quiet farewell to the First Espada, Juushiro entered his chambers. His meal had already been brought to him, and again, it was Yuzu’s cooking. Turning slightly, he watched the door close and lock behind him. Hoping to catch a glimpse of her.

His meals had changed a few weeks after his confrontation with Aizen over Yumiko, and at first, he had believed them to be from Yumiko. But Yuzu had left a note almost as soon as that hope had taken root inside him.

I will be taking care of your health in the future for as long as my Master wishes it. 

Please leave any requests in writing. 

- Yuzu

The handwriting was her own but the power behind such work was obvious. Sousuke. Keeping his promise to keep him alive. For his own purpose.  That change in his diet and the last of Kisuke’s medicine delayed the attack he feared until his coughs receded. Again.

And for the first time in his life, he wished they hadn’t.

Juushiro’s grim mood deepened when his health improved and Starrk returned as an escort to the garden. There he saw Yumiko and Aizen having a picnic. He wasn’t allowed to approach and was still too weak to fight his escort. But the smile on her face had made an impression.

Juushiro sighed and stirred the thick tomato bisque, letting the aroma of basil and oregano fill his senses. A wistful light returned to his green eyes.

It had been a brief meeting with his oldest friend that had given Juushiro another boost to his spirit. And he didn’t care if Sousuke had brought them together for his nefarious reasons. And it was then he learned that Kisuke had escaped.

And Kita was safe, pregnant with Vale’s child, yes, but it halted further attempts to expand the dark control.

Those three facts restored Juushiro’s fading hope for everyone.

At that time, the guards had built a bookshelf in his room, too. Instead of one book to pass the stillness of the realm, there were five full shelves. And though there was nothing that would help him in an escape, they gave the room a muted feeling of home. He had known the mastermind behind the gesture long enough.

He had also been a guest of Las Noches for nearly a decade.

Both his friend and himself were being restored to some of their former glory. But he would not like the reason.

Breaking his bread, Juushiro dipped a piece into the rich offering before him, eyes sharp. He would keep preparing himself for whatever it was Sousuke had planned.  

For the sake of everyone lost. And for the sake of everyone trapped or hurting. For those friends who had surrendered.

“Protect your vessel, Goddess. Protect her as the world continues to darken.”

Fade

Juushiro lowered his book with a raised eyebrow, smiling as he noticed the shopkeeper’s smirk. “I do believe I don’t have any sugar. It’s not the best for my cough. And I think I should tell you that this is not the best place to move into. There are some dangerous characters hanging about here.” He chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck.  “It’s good to see you, old friend.”

“I believe it has something to do with Aizen’s promise to me,” Juushiro muttered. His green eyes narrowed. “One I would be more than happy to ruin,” he stated. “If we can succeed. I don’t want any of the girls witnessing a punishment session.”