[CB] Traitor (Kuro, Takatsumaru)

Being picked up, Tatsu went back on his feet, his jaded face betrayed by the tears, he felt like he didn't have strength left in him but he was still standing, he was counting in his head.
20..21...22...23...24... It felt like each gavel his after that was a thrust to his heart, he felt his inner strength seep away from him like blood from a flesh wound. He heard his crimes, and with his current dark thinking, he understood them all, he had in fact bylaw went against each and everyone of those laws and there was nothing he could say that could save him, or atleast he thought so.


He heard his crimes, each one of them felt like a mortal wound. He couldn't think of anything to say to save himself, the greatest fear known to man was raging so bad within his body, it felt like nails were being inserted in his body at every inch. ''I ...I-I'm sorry I dishonored the 13 Division Imperial Guards, my actions bring me to verdict, and I shall accept the outcome of this trial as the rightly thing to do.'' They say, that a man never finds his faults until he is claimed guilty. Tatsu never believed he was doing the wrong thing, but being guilty of chasing his path opened an eye that only a law person would have, he had been found guilty of many crimes that he could not, in any way deny, because he had agreed to them.

He felt in his heart that this was the end, and when someone accepts death, something stop's working inside them, as a way to defend themselves from emotions. The samurai brought his sleeve to his face and wiped the tears that covered his face. He was now back to his old self, showing no emotions, shut down from the inside. Somewhere deep in his mind was a thought, going on and on and on. I don't want to die He kept on telling himself. He could see parts of his life appear in front of his eyes. When he joined the academy. When he met Kaiyo for the first time. When he fought the Vasto Lorde, all those moments ended with a happy thought. Except that this one choice he made, the choice of following his path lead him to his downfall.

Tyrannus and Lukan returned from seeing the captain from the building. They took there places back on the floor. With the doors shut the spell of darkness was complete once more. The two men vanished instantly. Even in the pitch dark they had no trouble finding an empty spot to keep watch on the proceedings. The circle of light seemed to shine brighter with all other sources of light cut off.
"It does not matter that your final words are those of admission, but it is quite expected." said the voice of the hidden justice. "But know that nothing you can possibly say can erase the disgrace you have placed upon the 13 Gotei."

"The number as well as the viciousness of your crimes warrants a befitting punishment." Came a new voice. It was the second deep voice from before. "This court in finding you guilty of the above crimes sentence to you death." The room suddenly filled with a light applause as those gathered gave their approval on the ruling. This clapping didn't last long, so the speaker didn't have to resort to using the gavel. "Twelve days from now you are to have your saketsu shattered, and then your hakusui. After which you will be cast into Hueco Mundo. Furthermore the name Tatsu Chirako will be removed from all records in the 13 Gotei." The announcement was followed by more applause. This time the noise rose higher and higher without restraint. Shouts and cries of encouragement rang out. These were also coupled with shouts of hostility towards Tatsu.
The shouts faded, but one could still feel the energy in the air. It was already quiet when the gavel sounded against the desk. "May your death cleanse the shame you have brought upon yourself.

Spoiler:

Tatsu didn't bother to give attention to the pair of man who had retaken their place, or to the diminished light. There was only one thing he wanted to hear at this point, the verdict. It didn't bother him, that they didn't care about what he had to say. He wanted the verdict. He laughed within when he heard about the numbers of his vicious crimes. The only vicious crime he would commit would be their death if he had a weapon.

He reviewed the words in his head as the verdict came to an end, and he spoke no words. Bringing his glance to the top of the room facing the light, it blinded him but he didn't care he didn't want to see anymore. His mouth was salivating, but he didn't care..he didn't want to taste anymore. He felt fear crawl through his body, but he didn't react, he didn't want to feel anymore. Everything he had fought for turned against him, Kaiyo had died, Kuro had vanished, each and every shinigami he had saved, none of them came to vouch for him, the only thing he felt and accepted right now in his body was hate.

How could anyone applause for somebody's death, it was a inhumane thing to do, why would anybody actually cheer for something so sad. Something terrible was happening, the world of the shinigami was crumbling and yet people were cheering for his demise, he hated them more. He listened as to how his death would be dealt with and he couldn't believe it, he was to be rendered defenseless and be cast into enemy territory, this was a barbarian way to execute someone and on top of that he was to forfeit his name and be forgotten by everyone who had known him, leaving him truly alone in a world of madness.

The guards proceeded on closing in on Tatsu who didn't fight back, he even directed himself towards the exit, a glance of empty hatred mixed with his usual jaded glance. Looking left and right to what he believed to be a wonderful thing, he only saw hatred everywhere. He now despised the shinigami through everything they had become, an unforgiving bunch who deserved to die.

Slowly proceeding through the streets to lead him towards the white rocked tower, the tower of penitence. Where he would reside for twelve days before his execution and banishment. He wondered on his way there, what Hueco mundo looked like, of course he knew it would be filled with hollows and even worse creatures, but he wondered what it actually looked like, where they would put him, and for a moment he thought it could be better than this place, in the best case scenario he would become a hollow and be able to avenge himself...yes vengeance seemed like a right thing to do at this point.

It took twenty minute to reach the tower, Tatsu didn't give any sorts of trouble on his way and would enter the tower on his own accord, reaching the 6th floor on his own onlooking at the large plateau that was standing over the proud seireitei. He would get his revenge somehow, loyalty never pays off, cruelty and betrayal would've worked better, he should of pushed those onmitsukido and their captain in the time currents when he had the chance and made a run for it. Atleast he wouldn't have to lose the powers he worked so hard to attain.

As anger ate him from within he paced back and forth his cell consumed by anger he didn't know what to say, holding his head in sudden surges of despair or punching the walls in swellings of anger and hate, he didn't know how to feel, but one thing was sure, if humans could fight weak hollows, he would fight until his last breath within Hueco Mundo.

Tyrannus smiled, an action that was hidden by the darkness. Silently he walked quietly the way the had come back towards the door. Lukan followed behind him like a shadow. Together they exited the chamber moments after the verdict. With all the commotion and cheering no one noticed the door opening. The a sliver of light came and went as the two men slipped outside. Tyrannus shaded his eyes from the light with his hand as he pulled free of the doorway. The captain was just as they had left him. Not much time had passed since they'd last seen him.
"Sure is a sunny day." He said flatly, as he walked closer the guards moved their spears away. Both of the hooded men moved away and back towards the door "They found him guilty Captain Akarui. Guilty and sentenced to death."
There both stood on the bridge that sat above the small moat the surrounded the compound. Tyrannus walked to the edge of the walkway and peered into the waters. "I always wondered how deep this thing is. I mean how far down could it possibly go? You can't even see the bottom." The man squatted down and poked his hand through the surface.

"In twelve days he dies." It was then that doors came open and Tatsu was ushered past them. The two hooded men joined in escorting him away from the building. Their small group nearly knocked the blonde man into the waters. They moved by without a word of apology. In a matter of seconds they were gone from sight. Tyrannus stood up and shook the moisture off his hand.
"Ever hear of the spirit sealing pits?" The man with the red armband asked "Nasty bit of work that. They had these huge holes dug, almost a hundred feet deep, and lined the wall and ground with sekki sekki. After that they threw criminal shinigami inside. Pretty mean, right? That's not the best part. The powers that be would capture hollows and drop them in the pit as well. You can only imagine what happened next."

He wiped the remainder of the water on his pant leg and turned to face the captain.
"I will give them points for showmanship." He said with a whistle "It was almost like a gladiator fight; a man vs a lion. After awhile it was outlawed, deemed too savage and cruel a punishment. So they stopped using it. Still they idea wasn't abolished. The new method is abit more creative; they break the soul sleep and send the prisoner directly to Hueco Mundo. Clever right? Freedom, imprisonment, and execution all in one. I don't even think they give them a sword." Tyrannus shrugged. "Seems Tatsu Chirako earned himself a ticket. I can't remember what they ended up calling it." He scratched his head trying to recall, and then gave up.
"I can save him, you know. I saw how you were acting in there. You don't want him die, and I can do that. All you have to do; is ask. I could even have him released today."

Kuro had done the next best thing to staying with Tatsu after being evicted from the chamber, which was to stand by outside where they had left him before. He was near frantic since he was unable to hear what the final decision was. But he had to keep himself under control and just wait for the news. When the door finally opened again, he was displeased with who it was walking out of it. Though he had limited interactions with Tyrannus, Kuro had already developed a deep distrust and loathing of the man. The calm way he carried himself in all situations was similar to Kuro's forefront personality, but Tyrannus was also the kind that gave off a feeling of absolute coldness. It was like he was completely empty inside without any trace of feeling for others.

Kuro watched and listened to Tyrannus as he spoke of Tatsu's decided fate and the execution methods of the past. He didn't like the sound of it. Such a decision even being carried out outside of the Soul Society was beyond barbaric. But the way this man talked about it made it seem like he rather enjoyed the thought of such a display. Raiden sure kept some dark characters at his side, that was for sure. But Kuro's face noticeably blanched when Tyrannus made his unexpected offer. The surprise quickly turned to anger as Kuro sorted out his thoughts on the offer, his left hand balling tightly into a fist. "All I did today was try and help a man who is being judged unfairly by those who refuse to give him a chance to prove himself. While I would like it if he was given such a chance, I can't believe you think I'd be stupid enough to trust you to do something about it. And going against the decision of the Central would only serve to incriminate me, which is probably what you hope to do by dangling this offer in front of me."

"You wound me, Captain." Tyrannus said, his arms wide open. The man's hand swung back to rest over his chest as if he'd been struck through the heart. "You really should be more trusting of people. Not a bad trait, but not a good one either. Occupational hazard I suppose." The man said calmly. "This has nothing to do with the Central 46, this is a matter between you and me. Nothing more, nothing less. Call it professional courtesy. One Captain to another." His arms dropped to his sides only to then tuck behind his back. He turned back to face the waters. "I too would not go against the Central 46, but the method I have in mind is perfectly legal. Resorting to underhand tactics wouldn't be wise." He raised his head to the sky and gazed at the light blue dotted by shifting white clouds.

"But it's not right that I take on the risk in the matter. Perhaps I should get something for my efforts." he turned to look at the Captain now. "I would be the one doing all the work and I would get nothing is hardly fair, right? But yet you have nothing I desire...." Tyrannus spoke as his gaze went skyward once more. "Ah, but wait perhaps you do." Spinning in place he looked to his companion waiting patiently at the door. "Lukan what was his name?" He asked while snapping his fingers as he scrunched his brow in thought.
"Tatsuya Okibi" the man responded the other man.

"Yes, Tatsuya Okibi. The fugitive, killer of the elder! You probably have info on him." Tyrannus now returned facing Kuro with a small smile. "Why I bet you even have some idea where he is. Right. this. minute." The man's voice had gone cold and flat, and the smile faded. "But, I don't want that. Not my problem really." he said with soft chuckle. "I just want a favor; again nothing illegal. " Tyrannus added quickly holding his hands open in front of him. "No murder, no theft, no lies. A simple and honest task." Finally he stood before the other man and extended his right hand. "Give me your word and you will have mine that Tatsu will be released from confinement and not be executed." His hand hung in the air waiting.

"It's like you say." Kuro replied to Tyrannus' claim of offense, "It's normal in our line of work to be wary of others." He added in a low tone with a voice of accusation, "Especially others who ally themselves with less trustworthy characters." Kuro kept his wits about him, carefully taking in every word Tyrannus spoke, looking for any sign of foul play in what he said. And of course, the topic of the discussion soon turned in the direction of the subject that seemed to be all the red sashes cared about: Tatsuya. It was only natural that they would try and use Kuro's devotion to assisting Tatsu to get information on his fleeing subordinate. He had to be careful in how he took things now, or he risked getting charged himself.

"I'm intrigued by what you say, and I'm not a man who asks for something without expecting to give something in return. But I'll have to disappoint you in this case and inform you that I, in fact, don't know where Tatsuya Okibi is. While I've made my stance in this matter clear to your commander, I am not currently in contact with the fugitive. He trusts me to stand up for his innocence, but that doesn't stretch as far as keeping me informed of his whereabouts." Kuro thought about things for a moment. If Tyrannus was truly being sincere about this, then maybe he could think of something else to offer them. Then it came to him; a memory of Tatsu telling him that he had met Tatsuya in the living world. Maybe Kuro could use that to his advantage in this situation. As bad as the Central and Onmitsukido wanted Tatsuya, they'd at least hold off on executing Tatsu until they got the information they wanted. And if Tatsu was lucky, they'd accept his divulgence as proof of his loyalty to the Soul Society and that would help him get off of his charges. But Kuro wasn't going to jump the gun just yet.

"We've already confirmed, I'm a wary man." He eyed Tyrannus closely, his eyes showing no sign of faltering from his choice. "I don't like the idea of giving my word for a favor that I know nothing about other than your claim that it's legal. But aside from that, I may not have the information you want, but what would you say if I told you I can get you a person who may have said information? Would that be worth considering?"

"Our commander?" A puzzled look came across the blonde man's face. His whole body tensed for a moment, but then relaxed. His face softened just as quickly and he gave a smile. "Ah. Yes, yes, our commander." He gave a small nod and pulled his hand away. It would seem the captain wasn't ready to seal the deal. "Now, now I told you I have no interesting in Tatsuya Okibi. That's a matter between you and the commander." he said with a small dismissive wave. "That's them, not me. You could have Tatsuya Okibi under your shirt right this second for all I care. I'd have to capture him on principle, but I have no need to actively look for him."

"Seems odd for you to offer up a possible informant, why didn't you bring it up with the commander? I'm sure he'd be delighted to hear it. Still I don't think he'll be willing to deal with this matter for you." Tyrannus' paced the edge of the bridge while watching the watter ripple with the wind. "A favor for a favor, both on the level, by the book, and perfectly legal. Tatsu goes free, and I get word."
"Tyrannus!" Lukan shouted from his spot at the entrance to the Central's Chamber. There was black garbed figure kneeling next to him. "Korbal has something to report. We need to head out." Tyrannus nodded and held his hand for the other man to wait.
"Good, it was only a matter of time." the other man muttered "Final chance Captain. Do we have a deal or not?"

Kuro noticed the look on Tyrannus' face as he mentioned Raiden. His reaction confused Kuro. It almost had looked like a reaction saying Kuro knew something he shouldn't. Kuro wondered if there was more to the red sashes than he had first assumed. But such things were beyond his ability to find out right now, and they weren't important. What needed to be decided now was whether or not to trust Tyrannus. And Kuro didn't like how close he was to making the decision to do so.

"Fine! I give you my word that I'll do a favor in return for your help in this case, but only as long as that favor is completely legal and in no way compromising to my position as a captain." Kuro didn't want to do this. Knowing Tyrannus, the favor could turn out to be anything. But he'd promised Tatsu he'd do all he could to help him, and as distasteful as this was, it was presenting him such an option.

"Good to hear, Capatin. Very good to hear." The blonde man flashed a smile and gave a sharp bow. "I will take care of the matter right away. The paperwork will take a couple of days. Since he's been given a death sentence he'll be put into isolation." He turned to face the middle of Seireitei. Even from that distance once could make out the great white spire the reached ever skyward. "At the very least he'll be safe from harm. They'll treat him well, almost better than royalty." He snickered. "Lukan."
The other man finally walked forward to stand by Tyrannus' side. The large man eyed Kuro for a moment, but said nothing. "Take care of Korbal, please." the dark skinned man rolled his eyes and groaned
"But_"
"No, buts" Came Tyrannus' swift reply. "Shuun and Kurotaka are still missing so make sure she stays put."
"Yessir." The man said with a sigh, he bowed to Tyrannus and then a short bow and nod to Kuro. With that he vanished like a whisper on a windy day.

"Well Captain, I'd love to say this is the start of a beautiful friendship, but we both know that it's not the case. This is all business, pure and simple. We don't have to like each other, but as long as I follow through with my end of the bargain I expect the same courtesy." The blonde man smiled "Til that day Captain Akarui" he said with a bow, "Til that day." Tyrannus shunpo'd away.