TZC: Taking Off (28 Zanpakutou)
Sogyo no Kotowari rose from the ocean and took in the scene before him. Katen Kyokotsu, Haineko and Hozukimaru sat about five feet from the water’s edge, in what could be called a circle, if one was willing to be very forgiving with one’s definitions. Sogyo no Kotowari called the wind from his storm and directed it to search for any additional visitors that might be attempting to lurk about unseen. While it looked, he mentally reached out to get a feel for the connections between the three zanpakutou before him and their respective shinigami. He found three very familiar patterns in the flow of energy through those connections-patterns he frequently saw between Katen Kyokotsu and Shunsui, but not between himself and Jyuushirou. As he finished, his wind returned to him, with a report that it had found no intruders.
So. Shunsui, Rangiku and Ikkaku were getting drunk, and Katen, Haineko and Hozukimaru were sharing in the happy occasion through their link to their shinigami. Lovely. Sogyo no Kotowari sighed, walked over to his partner and crouched down just behind his left shoulder to whisper in his ear.
Why did I let you talk me into letting these drunken idiots into our home? Two is more than enough, thank you.
Jyuushirou and Shunsui manifested in their inner world-probably drawn by Sogyo’s examination-just in time to catch Sogyo’s last comment. Shunsui snorted, but Katen laughed out loud.
No idea. But it’s hilarious, isn’t it?
In deference to his inebriated state, Sogyo gave Katen one of his milder glares. There was little point in pulling out all the stops against an impaired opponent. Anyway, he preferred not to be present for the rest of this.
I’m going for a swim.
Hozukimaru’s voice-at high volume, naturally-interrupted them.
WOOHOO! Take it off!
Jyuushirou pinched the bridge of his nose, even though he didn’t have the same physical reactions as in his body and was likely not getting a headache. Yet. Sogyo no Kotowari angled his body to face his beloved ocean and waited for the inevitably raucous response. Sure enough, the next-slurred-voice to be heard was Haineko’s.
I’m tryin’, I’m try-hey, I can’t take it off! It’s my fur!
Surprisingly, that gave Katen pause. He shot a glance at Sogyo no Kotowari before speaking to Shunsui.
Maybe he has a point. About, y’know…
Shunsui gave his zanpakutou a sloppy grin and slung an arm around his shoulder.
Or maybe we’re just not drunk enough.
Now you’re talking.
With that, Shunsui disappeared, presumably to effect a greater state of drunkenness. Jyuushirou shook his head and turned to his zanpakutou.
Right. Swimming. Good idea.
After you.
The two walked off, and the party continued behind them. Haineko’s voice rang out as they slipped under the surface.
Okay, now you take it off!
Hell yeah!
Katen grimaced and mentally reached out to Shunsui.
Shunsui?
Mmm?
We’re definitely not drunk enough.
There was a brief pause as Shunsui digested that, then laughter echoed through their boneyard as he answered.
Hozukimaru’s stripping again.
Oh, yeah.
You have my sympathies. Oh look, here comes the next round of sake…