Begone [SOLO]

What was the point, though? All this useless pain and suffering, on others' end. Or, no, who was she kidding? She was tired of living for others. All this work as a healer, as a doctor, attempting to play the backline support for others because not many others did. Was it laziness? Perhaps not at first, she figured, but now it was for sure. It was inexcusable.

The dirt and rocks of roads gave way to unkempt grass as Lyza stepped into the forests outside of the Rukongai. It had been days since the initial invasion now and the witch was growing tired. She hadn't slept in a few days and all of her work had been spent managing the aftermath, both as an officer of the first, a healer, and a warrior. From keeping others in check to helping out the wounded, even to finishing off a few remaining hollows. It was nonstop work for someone who cared like her. But why? Why did she even care?

"Because it's all you have."

The voice rang out in Lyza's head, reminding her of why she even came so far out here to begin with. The walls of the outer Rukongai faded into the meaningless distance as the tired woman used the last of her strength to wander further into the wilderness. She couldn't risk anyone finding out what she was doing, not because she'd get in immediate trouble, but because she didn't want anyone finding out the aftermath.

"This is rather drastic, no? Attempting to abandon me where no one will see."

It was her zanpakutou, Taiyo-shin no Utage. The Sabbath of the Sun God. But that wasn't its real name. Lyza never did figure that part out, and it was almost entirely from a lack of trying. Attempting to play itself off as some benevolent creature attempting to teach her a lesson about balance or humility or something pointless. Foolish drivel from a sword that attempted to torture her any attempt it got. No longer, thought the witch.

This would be far enough out. Miles upon miles out, hours of walking. Where she was, she didn't even know. She didn't care either. Couldn't, really.

"You need me in order to combat those you see as a threat, you know. Whether you care or not, it is the truth."

"Yes, I'm well aware." Lyza muttered, standing there without a sword in her hand, looking as insane as she felt. Every time she spoke, it was out loud, but Taiyo-shin was purely speaking in her head. It made her look like she was talking to herself and, in a twisted sort of way, she was. This was a rare moment of self-contemplation from Lyza. Not because she didn't try, but because she didn't like herself, so she didn't want to think about it.

How fruitless her life has been, she thought to herself in her vile stew of emotions. Accomplishing so little, next to nothing even, and now being forced to take action in a world of psychopaths lest the little things she enjoys be threatened even more. That little sushi shop at the corner, the sounds of leaves rustling in the trees, the peacefulness of being left the fuck alone. She couldn't have even that if she didn't fight for it.

"Then what's the point? Is this you rejecting me?"

"It's me rejecting myself and the apathetic mess I've become over the years."

"Yes, that's what I've been trying to get from you all this time."

"I know."

"Then I'll ask again. What's the point?"

Lyza had to stop for a moment. Not to think about what to say, but how to say it. Silently lifting her head to look up at the night stars and the moon that lit her path. Much easier on the eyes, the mind, and the soul than the unloving sun.

"Because I don't like you." Lyza put flatly, and for once there was no response from her zanpakutou. "I don't think about it in a very human way, I suppose. I don't reason with it, because after a certain point, reason becomes self-fellating. There is such thing as thinking too much, so I think for a while and then stop. I don't have words to describe what I feel towards you, towards myself. All I know is that deep down in my heart, in my gut, I hate you, Taiyo-shin. I do not want you in my life anymore. Now begone."

There was but a brief moment of silence between the witch and her sword, but the message was conveyed and Taiyo-shin could feel the fresh resolve in her owner's heart. The resolve to abandon oneself and start anew. It wouldn't happen immediately, but if this was to be the first step then so be it. You cannot help someone who does not want to be helped.

Slowly, over the course of a few brief moments, the pain in Lyza's blood slowly faded. Centuries of misery built upon having her blood filled with literal fire... just... gone, now. Words could not describe the euphoric sensation that filled her entire being. Lyza existed in pain, but now it was simply gone. Just like that. All that was left was the mental anguish at all these wasted years.

In her hand was a katana. Her zanpakutou. How long had it been since she had seen Taiyo-shin in its sealed state? It didn't matter anymore, really. She wanted it gone Lyza pointed a finger at the ground and muttered a single word. "Shō."

The resulting force of the simplest of Kido was enough to send dirt and rock flying in all directions. What was a forceful shove or even punch to others was like an explosion of force that created a small crater for her to toss her zanpakutou in, and then with another cast of another kido, buried it under dirt and rock until it looked like nothing more than a burial mound. One that would grow over with grass in a matter of months, and then it would be like nothing happened.

Without hesitation, Lyza turned on her heel and started to walk back to the Soul Society proper. It would take a few hours, this trip was designed to take the entire night after all, and then the witch would finally get the sleep she wanted.