Folie à Trois [Chapter 27]

VINGT-SEPT.

It hasn’t been long since Ulquiorra had left to Hueco Mundo again. The constant wave of worry rendered me unable to train with the other guys and Momo, constantly blanking out and looking into blackness. If I was someone else seeing this, I would be terribly worried, but instead, nobody really seems to take notice.

We gave up training today and returned back to Byakuya’s mansion for tea and biscuits until we parted our ways for the rest of the day. Captain-Commander Yamamoto didn’t really approve of Luppi and Listen but since I was a captain and was perfectly capable of looking out for others, he let them stay for now.

“Just so long this war between Hueco Mundo and Soul Society goes on,” he’d told me not so long ago, “And you must keep a constant eye on them.” I’d agreed to this but I couldn’t watch them every single minute of the day and night, so I proved a liar.

***

“Byakuya-dono,” floated a voice from the doorway, where two Shinigami knelt in greeting to their superiors. “Renji and I are going to Hueco Mundo to help rescue Inoue Orihime.” My heart skipped a beat at the mention of Hueco Mundo.

“Very well,” responded Byakuya, standing up and rooting around in his drawers. “Take these, then.” He threw them two shabby beige cloaks and the two looked at him in surprise.

“Sir?”

“Hueco Mundo is like a desert, you’ll need it.” They thanked him and left immediately. I looked reflectively into the glass of water and then back to Byakuya.

“Would it be so troublesome to go to Hueco Mundo with them, Byakuya?”

“If that’s what you want,” he responded, “Go tell Luppi and Listen and we’ll set off soon.” I smiled and left to find the two boys.

At home, they were listening to an old jazz record in Listen’s room, playing with some origami.

“Luppi, Listen.” I grabbed their attention instantly.

“Yes?” they asked in unison.

“We’re going to Hueco Mundo, do you want to come with us?” They contemplated for a second and nodded in agreement. “Alright, we set off as soon as I get Orochimaru.”

Orochimaru now bore the body of a teenager, though still small. More and more everyday he resembled his father and I knew one day it’d hurt me to look at him. But not today, not tomorrow, not while I’m still walking and talking, living and breathing. The only thing that stood in the way of being with Orochimaru is this war, and I don’t know how that’s going to affect our relationships.

“Narsissa-dono,” asked Luppi from the door. “Are we leaving now?”

“Yeah,” I responded, standing up and straightening my robes. Byakuya took my hand and I took Orochimaru’s and we all were lead by Byakuya to the Senkaimon gate, then heading straight to Urahara’s shop.

“So~” Urahara said, “You lot are going to Hueco Mundo?~”

“Yes,” responded Byakuya.

“Alrighty then~” He lead us into the basement, speaking words to a chant and then appeared before us a Garganta. “Good luck!~” We dashed through and awaiting us was darkness as far as we could see.

“Do you know where you’re going?” I questioned.

“Of course,” responded Luppi.

“Just follow us!” added Listen, sticking up his thumb in encouragement.