A Matter of Compensation [CLOSED, PAST]

[SamuraiFoochs]

((OOC: The events of this thread take place 10 years prior to present day.))

Yamato cursed as he stumbled again, his injured right leg giving out on him. This shunpo stuff was harder than it looked. Sure, the brace helped some, but his leg still kept giving out, no matter what he tried.

Okay, step one was basic agility. He began jogging and jumping in place, also using his body to bob and weave, throwing boxer-like punches with his battle gauntlet covered hands. He had been doing this for hours, and his body was exhausted, but his muscles felt as though they were getting more used to the speed. Yamato tried several spin kicks to stretch and strengthen his legs, extending the muscles, then went even so far as to do a back handspring.

He cursed as his right leg crumpled, leaving him on one knee again. Standing slowly, Yamato tried to focus his reiatsu to his legs. He jumped, and felt a slight increase in height. It was a start, at least...

Landing with a slight grunt, he prepared himself to continue.

[Harmony]

Dressed in a rather offensive lime green shirt and straight black jeans, Captain Takahashi Masaru stood by the vacant swingset in the park, waiting in noticeable apprehension for... her... Hanako. Today was the day he'd introduce himself to her... he was determined this time. She had been his newest obsession -rather- his only obsession and he suddenly understood for the first time the giddy sick feeling people get when they're about to try and make an impression on the person they'd been hoping to meet for a very long time. He came to the conclusion about a week ago that he needed her and now he was taking action. He had never really needed a gigai until now, but he wore it proudly, hoping to attract her attention if/when she came.

"Masaru! How funny you're acting lately..." mocking, but sweet laughter rang in his head like bells as Hiketsu continued, "And here I was thinking you had grown up some... You're still a child after all. I guess that white haori they've given you doesn't mean much of anything, hmm?" Masaru could not help but grin, his cheeks growing slightly flush, "Hiketsu... don't... not right now, kay?" There was more laughter, and Masaru listened in amusement as Hiketsu continued to chatter on within his mind until he finally decided to tune her out. She's just excited, Masaru thought to himself, My first girlfriend... Hiketsu's voice rang out in answer, "Took you long enough! Like... what? An entire century?! HAHA!" Feeling his newly gained authority being compromised, Masaru's lips pressed together in a tight line but he said nothing in return.

No sign of her.

At the moment he was actually alone in the park other than another man who without doubt possessed a fair amount of spirit power. He seemed to be practicing for some sort of technique and Masaru watched on and off in mild interest, still too excited at the moment to approach the stranger. He didn't seem to be causing any harm. Let him do his thing, thought Masaru to himself. As he watched, he noticed more and more that the stranger seemed to be having trouble with his leg, and Masaru crossed and uncrossed his arms uncomfortably, suddenly indecisive about whether he should offer any aid. It seemed cruel to just sit and watch a fellow shinigami struggle, and finally Masaru abandoned the swing set with a dejected sigh and approached the shinigami with a bit of a nod.

"Hey there," said Masaru confidently, his youthful features lighting up in a friendly smile. Even with his newly acquired position, Masaru still managed to be extremely extroverted in nature, always ready for a friend. He pushed aside the thought of Hanako for the time being, as difficult as that was, so he could devote his attention to the stranger, if he would have it.

He chuckled a little before speaking, "Nice choice of scenery man, but don't you find this to be a bit careless... just training in the middle of a park like this?"

[SamuraiFoochs]

Yamato jumped slightly, and not intentionally this time. Someone was there. A shinigami, no less. And the power...this guy was something else. After one more attempted back handspring, which this time ended a bit more favorably as Yamato was able to successfully brace the injured leg with reiatsu at the exact moment of would-be impact, he turned, wiping sweat from his brow, and gave a half-wave.

"Yo. Name's Yamato Takahashi. If you're wondering what my division is, there's an easy answer. I don't have one. Long story...that's not the only thing I don't have, either..." He trailed off slightly, staring down at his boots for several seconds.

After collecting himself, he appraised the stranger. Suddenly, he froze. That hair, the loud clothing, that would fit the profile. No way.

"You...you're Captain Masaru!" His eyes widened slightly, and he half smiled. "Forgive me for not bowing, Cap'n, no disrespect to you of course, but since the beauracracy of Seireitei doesn't want to bother with me, I see little reason to return the favor. You'll have to forgive my probable rudeness."

"As far as choosing a rather public spot for my training, yeah, I suppose I do, but it has its advantages." He walked slowly over to a set of monkey bars and hopped up, easily doing several one-arned pull ups before landing smoothly on the soft grass. "Free training equipment, since, well, my options are kinda limited. Besides, chicks dig the spectacle." He grinned,

Deciding to split the difference as far as the respect thing was concerned, he extended a hand, giving Masaru a choice as to whether to shake it or not. He was suddenly aware of the brightness of the park, as though seeing some sign of the place he had once called home brightened his mood.

"What brings a Captain to this place, anyway? There's not even any Hollow activity right now. I try to help take care of that. Division or no division, I AM a Shinigami, so I might as well do my job, even if it kind of sucks not being acknowledged for it."

[Harmony]

Masaru watched as the startled shinigami attempted one more flip before turning to greet him, and with the imformation that he was without a division, Masaru's bright features dimmed for a moment in the grim realization that this was a rogue shinigami and he wondered for a brief moment if he had done something against soul society law in the past. Before, Masaru could only assume that this guy was stationed in the living world for an assignment, but now things were a bit different.

But, his thoughts were interrupted by Takahashi's abrupt outburst concerning his rank, and Masaru's eyes snapped open in surprise and he actually took a step back as though he had been hit by a gust of wind. Being fairly new to his position, Masaru was not yet used to such praise, especially considering the fact that most Captains doubted his abilities regarding such responsibility. He was extremely young, possibly younger than Takahashi was, and this fact made him seem much weaker than he really was, which only further sullied his already shaky reputation. "I... er... hey," he responded before realizing how unsure of himself he must seem, and he followed up with a kind smile. Despite the shock of Takahashi's greeting, Masaru couldn't help but swell a little. It pleased him to experience some form of recognition. With the mention of seireitei refusing him, Masaru could not help but wonder if his speculations were correct, but at the same time, Takahashi seemed extremely friendly for someone who may have broken Soul Society law, and also extremely comfortable in conversing with a captain. Masaru had to wonder if it was something else...

He watched as Takahashi approached the monkey bars and Masaru smiled a little. This guy was pretty energetic. He had this sort of light spring in his personality that Masaru respected. It was a breath of fresh air to be sure after enduring the calculating gazes he received in the halls of Seireitei. Masaru happily accepted the offer to shake hands and decided he would investigate Takahashi's reason for abandonment later. For now it was good to just chill with someone.

"What brings a Captain to this place, anyway? There's not even any Hollow activity right now. I try to help take care of that. Division or no division, I AM a Shinigami, so I might as well do my job, even if it kind of sucks not being acknowledged for it."

Masaru's heart stopped for a moment, feeling very much like a criminal being caught in the act. "I-I..." He ran his fingers through his hair with a self conscious but amused smile. He cracked himself up sometimes, with how nervous things like this made him. He couldn't stop thinking about her now though, now that she had been mentioned. "There's a girl that comes here often... maybe you know her... her name's Hanako..." He went quieter with his next statement, "She doesn't have any spiritual power though... I have to wear a gigai so she can see me..."

[SamuraiFoochs]

Against his better judgement, Yamato let out a little laugh. Leaning against a tree nearby, he grinned at the captain, who actually appeared to be a little younger than he was.

"Ah, it's always the ladies, isn't it, Captain? Hanako...I probably know her, but I don't recognize the name. There's one girl who watches me a lot, but she seems pretty shy; never really says anything; not to me anyway. She pretty? A human no less!" Yamato smirked a little. "Bet this gal is something special. Here's hoping you have some luck with her. I personally have given up there, at least for the moment. You'd think the injury would get some ladies going; battle scars, all that. Sadly, not so much. I noticed you were sort of eyeing my leg...here."

Casually, Yamato removed the right boot and lifted the leg of his jeans, revealing the injured, scarred leg. "Hollow's work. Back when I was a human, as a matter of fact. They couldn't figure out why it wouldn't heal when I was at the Academy, but I suppose a, to use their words, 'cripple', wasn't in their list of top priorities. But that's a story for another day, another time."

He put the boot back on and slid the jeans back down, starting to bob and weave in place again casually. "You may wonder what I'm doing, Captain. I'm trying to teach myself shunpo. I figure the leaps of movement will be easier on my leg than running. Here, let me show you how far I've gotten..."

Focusing his reiatsu, he tried his best to flash forward, and managed to blur away and get a few feet before collapsing on one knee again. Slowly standing, he grimaced. "I'm making progress, I guess, but it's rough going. Any tips while we wait for your lady friend?" He smiled softly again, walking back to the tree, where he once again leaned, waiting for response.

[Harmony]

Masaru nodded and spoke quietly, “Yeah... she is somethin'...” He clenched his jaw a little, noticing with disdain that his nervousness was resurfacing. Pit him against bloodthirsty Hollow... no problem. But, have him introduce himself to a girl and all of a sudden he gets all weak. How pathetic. If only he had more practice, goddamn! With the mention of an injury however, Masaru looked up, momentarily distracted from his apprehension to see Takahashi's leg. His eyes narrowed and his face took on a bit of a grim expression. Hollow. It disgusted him honestly, how the beasts could wreck a man's chance for a life in Seireitei.

He folded his arms across his chest, listening quietly as Takahashi went on to describe his goal to achieve shunpo, though his mind wandered as the aspiring shinigami spoke to him. Denied a position for an injured leg? It sounded callous, but admittedly, Masaru understood why, if only a little. Takahahi was given a disadvantage others didn't have to deal with on a daily basis, and for that he suffered. It was unfortunate, but it was the way things were. It impressed him that Takahashi seemed so determined to continue his training, even if he was alone, even if it took him longer than others to obtain the strength he desired. The captain admittedly found comfort in the fact that this man was not forsaken for any crime other than an injury. It was good to know that this man was innocent in Soul Society law. He didn't feel like rounding up a criminal today... he just needed this time to calm down, to talk to her when she arrived.

He watched as Takahashi demonstrated his progress, and Masaru could see that he had made good progress despite his lack of a guiding hand. It was admirable. Shunpo was a difficult technique... one of the hardest to obtain, and so few succeeded. “You're doing better than you think,” said Masaru encouragingly as Takahashi stood and leaned against a tree. “Your step should be a bit more pronounced. As a beginner it's important to give yourself momentum.” Masaru struggled for advice. It had been awhile since he had trained for shunpo... and he had never helped another obtain it. He wasn't the best of teachers.

Looking around, Masaru made sure they were alone before stepping awkwardly out of his gigai and left it sitting on a bench, looking very much asleep. He walked back to stand beside Takahashi. “I'll show you... watch...”

As a veteran shunpo user, Masaru no longer had to take the actual step to initiate the technique, but he knew he would have to to better demonstrate how to train to obtain such a skill. He took a breath and stepped forward before flashing momentarily out of focus and reapearing around 20 feet away. His flash step was much slower than usual to better show Takahashi the way it should look. He returned, flash stepping to Takahashi's side, and motioned for him to give it a try.

[SamuraiFoochs]

He grinned slightly as the captain complimented him. Better than he thought, eh? That wasn't saying too much, unfortunately. He never felt more handicapped than when he was trying this shunpo business. But then again, that was the point. When he got good at it, this might even become a thing of the past. This training, the whole thing...it was all a matter of compensation.

Yamato's eyes narrowed as he watched the captain flash forward and back again. He focused all his vision on the motion of the shunpo. So THAT'S how it was done. He couldn't see it perfectly, but he could see enough to get a vague idea of the motion. Closing his eyes, and channellng the reiatsu all to his legs for maximum speed, he focused.

I am as the wind.

Nothing holds me back.

The space in front of me is my domain.

Speed, pure speed. No injured leg, no prejudgement. This is my moment. No one can tell me I can't do this. No one.

Now, I gain wings.

And he flashed forward as best he could, trying to even be so bold as to chain the steps together, moving back and forth and back again. He didn't know how well he was doing, but he didn't care. He didn't stop. He just kept trying and trying and trying, a frenzy of raw, unrefined effort.

And he collapsed. Winded, Yamato doubled over and fell completely to the ground, rolling to his back, breathing heavily. His already tired muscles screamed in pain after the last flurry of effort, and he winced.

"Well, Cap'n...that was intense, hopefully there's some improvement, but you tell me, you're the expert...and by the way, do me a favor. Call me Yamato. The last name thing is a formality more fitting of a subordinate. Considering I'm not even in the Gotei, I hardly deserve the formal consideration."

Deciding to change the subject, he took on a lighter tone suddenly. "So...what's she like, anyway? What makes her so special? Not to insinuate she's not, of course. I'm just curious."

[Harmony]

Masaru watched again from his vantage point and smiled a little. That guy was pretty determined! He was improving already which was pretty amazing. A few years ago Masaru had done similar training, but back then he had not been so determined as this remarkable stranger. Perhaps it was a pride issue? Whatever the reason, Masaru could not help but feel Seireitei had made a mistake. Takahashi had collapsed, but Masaru did not go to him. Rather, he too plopped down in the grass and looked away, pretending to be occupied with uprooting the turf. This whole training thing gave him a bit of a headache to think about.

"Well, Cap'n...that was intense, hopefully there's some improvement, but you tell me, you're the expert...and by the way, do me a favor. Call me Yamato. The last name thing is a formality more fitting of a subordinate. Considering I'm not even in the Gotei, I hardly deserve the formal consideration."

Masaru smirked. This guy never quit, did he? "You're doing just fine, Yamato," Masaru replied, making a mental note to speak informally with him. As a Captain, Masaru had made a bit of a habit out of calling people by their family names. It was polite, it was respectful. It made him seem a bit more professional which was always good, and it came to be expected within the walls of Seireitei... "You seem exhausted... don't push yourself too much, man. Shunpo won't happen overnight I'm afraid."

With the mention of Hanako, Masaru's eyes narrowed, his cheeks growing flush again. "How silly it is to ask a man infatuated such a thing. I suppose you feel as though you can sit here, listening to me describe her for an entire week?" Masaru laughed, though not in a cruel way, "She's just..." Masaru's hands clasped together as he sought the right words, "everything about her is beautiful... you'll see when she comes... she's not the same as everyone else."

Just then Masaru dared a glance up, only t find she had still not yet arrived. Where was she today?

[SamuraiFoochs]

He chuckled, looking at the Captain appreciatively. "Thanks for the compliment. Shunpo doesn't come overnight, you say? Well then Captain, I'll just have to bend time to my will, figuratively speaking. This shunpo business is going to be something I master, believe me when I tell you that." Shockingly, he stood again slowly, this time flashing almost to the tree from where he stood, landing easily, and walking gingerly the rest of the distance to the tree, where he once again leaned.

Yamato smiled gently, nodding in understanding at the Captain's mention of his love. Or was she a would-be love? "I know how you feel, believe it or not. I only pray your foray ends more favorably than my last. And no, I won't talk about it. No offense to you, Cap'n, but pretty much no one hears that story."

He stared at the sky, muscles gradually starting to ache less. "What day is it, anyway? I've been out here and in the general area for a few days now. Shunpo by day, Hollow hunting by night, though the two aren't mutually exclusive. I just gradually start to lose track of time." He took the Slayer from behind his back, giving a few experimental swishes through the air.

"Wish there were some Hollow around, frankly. My sword arm's getting itchy. Gotta get stronger, prove everybody wrong, y'know? Hopefully my true Zanpakutou will materialize some day soon; who knows why it hasn't yet..." He sighed, replacing the Slayer and looking down at his boots.

[Harmony]

Masaru listened mildly as Yamato again announced his determination to master the difficult technique and he could only nod slightly. Such aspiration was good, but for someone like Masaru who had seen it in others all around him, it became a little tiring to hear it over and over how people desired to grow stronger than others. It wasn't as if he'd never heard it before. Everyone seemed to have this need to prove themselves, cause a stir, make a presence. All this ambition got old.

But, then again, -Masaru smiled to himself- he himself wasn't any better. It seemed all he could think about and talk about lately was Hanako. He imagined he'd become a bit of a broken record as well.

"What day is it, anyway? I've been out here and in the general area for a few days now. Shunpo by day, Hollow hunting by night, though the two aren't mutually exclusive. I just gradually start to lose track of time. Wish there were some Hollow around, frankly. My sword arm's getting itchy. Gotta get stronger, prove everybody wrong, y'know? Hopefully my true Zanpakutou will materialize some day soon; who knows why it hasn't yet..."

Yamato's voice began to fade into the back of his mind as a figure caught his eye, and he glanced up, his hazel gems glistening in excitement... it was her... his eyes began to widen in the realization that he wasn't prepared... she had him caught of guard... he wasn't even in his gigai anymore...shit! What to do, what to do?

"Thursday..." whispered Masaru before standing shakily to his feet, "Today's Thursday." He then made his way to the bench he had last placed his gigai to find the thing crumpled awkwardly to one side, it's slumping body looking rather unnatural and uncomfortable. "Retarded thing."

He climbed back into it meticulously, like a toddler learning how to climb into a pair of pants, his eyes on Hanako the whole time. She had her little acoustic guitar with her as always, and as she found a place to sit near the swing set, Masaru could not help but feel suddenly so out of place. This was her spot... she always came alone to play. And, a horrible thought entered his mind... what if he annoyed her? He'd be encroaching on her time alone...

He clenched his jaw, suddenly looking back at Yamato briefly as if to ask for help before returning his attention once more to Hanako, who by this time settled down in the grass, her body hunching over her guitar. Her silky jet-black hair slid forward, and her soft shoulders were exposed... all Masaru could do was stare dumbly for a moment before swallowing nervously.

She was not the best guitarist. She wasn't even that good at all to be honest. Her little fingers were awkward with the strings, and each note held a bit of a buzz to it that was neither beautiful nor pure, but Masaru loved to watch her explore the instrument with those little hands. There was something incredibly childlike about her that Masaru could not ignore. She played at an agonizing pace, playing one or two notes at a time before pausing to study her sheet music... but she kept at it. She kept playing no matter how difficult it seemed for her.

He shook himself. He'd loose his chance if he continued watching her like that.

He reached into his pocket gingerly and pulled out a present he'd found for her. It wasn't much, just a single guitar pick , a little pale flimsy thing pale and yellow. He had taken a small triangle out of the broader area and rounded it so it had taken on a bit of a heart shape. How corny. He couldn't help it though... he wanted her to have it... he wanted her to play those clumsy notes with his heart in her hands.

Just as he was about to try and sum up something, anything close to bravery, a sudden gust of wind tore through the park, and her sheet music went tumbling away like large leaves, and she looked up with a gasp, looking rather small, hunched over her guitar and watching the papers blow away like that. One sheet, a single lonely sheet skirted the ground and was stopped against Masaru's right leg. He looked down at it before bending down take it in his hands. When he looked up, she was staring at him.

He nearly dropped the paper.

"Y-you... dropped this..." stuttered Masaru, "No... I mean you didn't... drop it... you lost it... well no... the wind..."

Her face went blank.

Masaru's eyes began to bulge and he looked over his shoulder again at Yamato, imploring him for help.

[SamuraiFoochs]

Yamato hid a smirk as he saw Masaru panicking. He needed help. Putting on his most winning smile, he walked easily over to the two of them, trying to hide his limp as he called out to Hanako. "Yo! How's it going? I'm Yamato, and this is my buddy Masaru. I've seen you around before, but never formally introduced myself. I'd shake your hand, but I'm all sweaty."

He laughed a bit, his smile gradually becoming more genuine and less forced. She was pretty alright. Not really Yamato's type, necessarily, but the appeal was obvious. He looked at her guitar appreciatively. "Nice guitar. I've always liked music. You too, right Masaru?" He subtly glanced at Masaru as though prompting to him agree. He figured that the prompt might help to unfreeze Masaru from his stupor.

[Harmony]

Masaru watched, his face draining of color as Yamato introduced himself and Masaru to Hanako. His eyes returned to their proper size after awhile and he shook himself, walking forward to hand her music back. "Here..." As she reached up to take it, Masaru felt the warmth radiating from her hands and he couldn't help but smile nervously as the electric tingle shot through him.

Hanako wasn't looking at him though, she was looking at Yamato, and Masaru swallowed helplessly, looking between them in slight mortification.

It seemed as though everything was backfiring rather rapidly, and Masaru took a few steps back, his arms dangling at his sides. He forced a smile, trying his best to appear friendly, but it was a struggle for him. He didn't know what to do.

"Nice guitar. I've always liked music. You too, right Masaru?"

Masaru straightened at the sound of his name and he looked between Yamato and Hanako, who was again staring at him, "I....yeah!" He beamed, and Hanako laughed at him, her eyes squinting. What was so funny? Masaru was again feeling rather helpless but this time attempted to carry the conversation in Yamato's stead, "I see you playing here sometimes... I..." He paused, searching frantically for something interesting to say, "er... how long have you been playing?"

Hanako stood, her guitar still dangling from her neck and shoulders by it's strap, "I've been playing for a few months... trying to teach myself." She smiled warmly, "Nice to meet you Yamato, Masaru...my name's Hanako." She extended a hand and Masaru jumped up to shake it enthusiastically, which of course generated another bout f laughter from Hanako.

"I see you hanging around sometimes," said Hanako to Yamato, "Have you guys been friends long?"

[SamuraiFoochs]

Yamato smiled. Hanako's laughter was infectious, warm, genuine. He could see why Masaru liked her so much. Such a bright spirit.

"Me and Masaru?' He asked. "Yeah, we go way back." He gave a sideways grin to Masaru, subtly telling hin to play along. "We're...from different towns, though, so we mostly only see each other here. I come here to work out. Sadly, I'm too poor to afford a gym membership, though if anyone asks, I just tell them I love the outdoors. It's a little less pathetic that way."

He smirked, deciding he'd had enough of a rest, and went over to the monkey bars again, doing long, sustained pull-ups. "Don't mind me," he said easily, "I can talk while I'm working out or..." he gave a pointed glance at Masaru, "...I could leave you and Hanako to chat, if you prefer. Sorry Hanako, don't mean to be rude, I'm just training for...an athletic competition."

He continued his pull-ups, also going back and forth across the monkey bars quickly, working on his extension and coordination. He secretly wondered how Masaru would handle the conversation with Hanako, now that he had given his new friend the opening. Yamato wasn't exactly a ladies' man himself, but if poor Masaru couldn't work with an opening like that, the guy was in some serious trouble.

[GoldenKitten]

Moved to Dead RP's.