Crossing Paths [ Tento | Kalara]

It was mid morning, and though the sun had not yet reached its zenith, heat permeated the air. It shimmered off the ground like a suspended mist, distorting the thick, green, foliage that hemmed in this small village. It would soon be time for the villagers and the Shinigamis working within the village to retire for a few hours, until the temperature began to drop. A slight wind blew in from the northeast, filling the air with a soft, rustling sound as laden branches scratched along each other. It was the only thing that made the humidity bearable, and even then Kalara could feel her Shihakuso sticking to her skin. Even worse, the heat made her scars itch like woolen sleeves.

Wiping the sweat from her brow, Kalara glanced towards the remaining crates that she was moving towards what had become her home for the past two years. She wouldn’t have to patrol until the night, so Kalara was busying herself with other tasks. ‘But did there really have to be so many?’ She asked herself, casting a glance around at the supplies piled against the outpost wall. It was then that Kalara felt a prickle across her skin.

The stranger’s arrival was met with an exchange of glances amongst the Shinigami of the village. There was tension in the air. Hands straying close to weapons. They had heard the news and… well, there was reason enough to worry about who exactly it was that was stepping through. ‘If he wasn’t wearing a Shikakuso, I don’t think the others would even bother to hear him out,’ Kalara judged as she leaned on the pile of crates next to her. She wasn’t exactly subtle so maybe it would be best for the others if she got this over with.

“Going fine, thank you. We were just about to stop for noon. What brings you out all this way, stranger?”

So, the stranger knew his arrival was a disruption. Kalara could see it in the way he tried to rein in his presence and remain calm. Kalara listened to his self introduction curiously. His formal manner earned him a quirk of her brow, and Kalara forced herself to stop slouching on the boxes and stand to full height. After all, if he was going to be that polite, it demanded a response.

“Kalara Suika. Eighth Division, Tenth Seat,” she said, before adopting Tento’s manner of speech, “…Formerly, anyway.” Jaded green eyes swept across the surrounding Shinigami as many of them dispersed near immediately. With the perception of threat Tento’s arrival had caused dissipating, the Shinigami simply picked up where they had left off, carrying on as if Tento was not there. “Sorry, I think you won’t find many willing to leave here, friend. Though… if it is as bad as you say… I should check on my home. I’m one of the few who still has family over there,” Kalara responded.

Dragging her fingers over the numbed skin of her scarred forearms, Kalara chuckled as Tento mentioned the challenges of working under such conditions. “It’s not so bad. It’s got upsides too. Easy enough to defend a small town but yeah. There have been a couple communication issues lately,” Kalara said, waving a hand over her shoulder as she started to walk down the gravel lined road that bisected the small town. “You drink tea, outsi- Tento? There’s a nice place near here and well, we’ll be out of this damned heat.” Kalara said.