[ accidental video ] ► six

[maelstroms]

[ It is more than apparent, from the moment the broadcast begins, that the presently streaming video feed is far from intentional. The camera's lens peers skyward, providing ample view of the waning night and the morning lurking just around the corner; the dawn brandishing as a slender knife that cuts brightly across the softening darkness and

Comments

video;

[alldevouring]

[Hotaru's expression looks a little, well. Horrified. A little voice asks-]

Ukitake-san...?

video;

[maelstroms]

Tomoe-san.

[ That look. He hates that he's the one to have inspired it. Now, at least, his own expression is soft, recognizable, and quite unlike the steeled demeanor he wore during the night. ]

I'm deeply sorry, to have frightened you.

video;

[alldevouring]

I don't understand.

[If he looks like that, it makes it a little easier to talk.]

What's going on?

video;

[maelstroms]

Two comrades of mine have vanished from the city, and I thought it best to search for them.

[ By night, if need be. ]

Eventually, that search lead me to the Ruins. Anything beyond the outskirts of the city, you see, has dangers lurking within it.

[ A fact which he's neglected to tell her, after all this time. Truly, he hadn't seen the need to. ]

video;

[alldevouring]

Vanished...? I am very sorry, Ukitake-san.

[She wishes she could be surprised.]

You're not hurt, are you?

video; 1/2

[maelstroms]

Hurt?

No, no. I am unscathed, Tomoe-san, you needn't ever worry about that.

[ He is quite adept, in fact, at dealing with those aforementioned dangers. ]

video;

[maelstroms]

Vanishings are not at all uncommon in Anatole, though, by all means, I wish it were different. Some become lost or entrapped within the Mist that encircles the city, and some simply disappear, presumably sent home.

[ A pause. ]

There is only the matter of distinguishing between the occurrences.

1/2 video;

[alldevouring]

[Hotaru believes him. From what he's told her about the mist and judging by his sword, it's nothing for her to worry about, so she can rest easy with this.]

video;

[alldevouring]

Ukitake-san, I am still very sorry that you lost someone in the Mist... I-

video;

[maelstroms]

It is alright, it...

May very well be out our hands, both yours and mine. There is nothing to apologize for.

video;

[alldevouring]

But you're upset.

[She doesn't know you very well, but she hates to see it.]

video;

[maelstroms]

[ He won't bother to deny that which is so blatantly obvious, however - ]

It will be better, once I've found my way back to the apartment, I think. I'll... be there soon, in fact.

And if you'd like, I'll make some tea for the both of us when I return. And, ah, for Kaien, as well!

1/2 video;

[alldevouring]

[She looks as if she wants to counter this. Never mind that...]

video;

[alldevouring]

[Hotaru does her best to put on a smile, as weary as it is.]

Okay, Ukitake-san, then I'll wait for you.

[Either way, Hotaru is promising herself to offer a hug.]

video;

[maelstroms]

You will?

[ For a second, his expression brightens in earnest, and he does his best to return that smile of hers. ]

Thank you, Tomoe-san. But, it is quite early still, and should you feel like resting until I arrive...

I'd rather that, instead.

video;

[alldevouring]

What about you?