The Outer Districts [Hono/Hana]

A no-nonsense Captain/Vice Captain combination wasn't a bad thing. Whether they were worth dealing with would depend on their attitude and treatment of subordinates. While Hana did not believe that those in a military organization should be babied, she did believe they should be respected. And from her experience, her current Captain had no interest in respecting her subordinates. So, maybe Hana will take the time to meet a few more members of Realm Enforcement. After all, Hono was kind... What did she mean by "heated"?

"I have learned providing an excellent meal can boost spirits and help friendships blossom, but I am a horrid cook," Hana said. "And I do not believe I have had the pleasure of these meals. I am in the habit of avoiding my Division a little too much recently. I was even caught training in the grounds of other Divisions." Hana sighed before pushing up a kind smile. "I will have to pay closer attention."

Hana looked to the arrested man. "My apologies for distracting you. Should you be dealing with him? I am sure having a casual conversation while holding a man under arrest is not kind. I would walk with you, if you do not mind the company."

Hana appreciated and accepted the cooking help. Eating take out, or bugging Hiroe, could not be a life long solution. Then Hono dropped an extra bit of information. Elyss Kishimoto, Hana's captain, was helping out a member of a different Division. Interesting. Maybe bribery was how to handle such a woman. If that was the case, moving Divisions was becoming more and more appealing. Who wanted to be the subordinate of a troll that could be bought? For this subject, she held her tongue.

"It turns out, a few of the members I am supposed to be able to rely on don't like me," Hana said with a light shrug, irritation dripping from her words. "There is nothing I can do about it, and it is time to move on with life."

With permission granted, Hana began following Hono around. She promised to stay out of the woman's way, since not being a part of her Division, and on her day off, could get both of them in trouble if things went wrong. Instead, she took mental notes of what Hono was telling her. Asking for a partner to prevent feeling alone was pretty smart. "The more you tell me about your Division, the more I like the idea of joining you all. I would love to work with someone like a partner."

"I appreciate your offer, but I do not think it is one I will take you up on. Let's not get in any trouble, especially if I get up the nerve to truly transfer to Realm Enforcement." Hana found herself smiling a lot while talking to Hono. Recent weeks brought her down, but things were starting to look up. Since Hono's Division was seeming more appealing, she already decided she was going to check it out. Hopefully, she could get someone to answer questions... without a bad attitude.

"I'm not very strong, but I am trying to get better," Hana said, sounding pretty meek. "Maybe I can go on a few patrols with you if I transfer? I know I don't sound certain, but that's only because I haven't done all of my research yet, or decided exactly how much danger I am willing to be put in... I'm not very brave either... It's shameful."

Hana knew it wasn't intentional, but Hono was really making Elyss Kishimoto look bad. Hana decided it was best to keep quiet. She already made her decision to leave that Division anyway. I mean, it's not like the Captain there helped her own squad. It seemed true that only spiritual strength was a requirement for Captain. No loyalty, no ability to guide. Just the power to fight and sign your name on documents. Disappointing. Oh well! Hana pushed the thoughts from her mind.

Hono was truly encouraging in all this. Find her motivation? Hana would have to think on what actually motivated her, especially as a Shinigami. The only reason she joined was to avoid a forced marriage, so it wasn't like this was ever her plan. "Yes, everyone has flaws..." Hana repeated, her voice almost at a whisper as shame accompanied her tone. "I'm not sure what I'm good at, if anything... I'm a little quick on my feet. I'm also a fast reader, daydream way too much, and enjoy fashion... Haha, but those last three won't help with our type of work."

Hana did not realize it, but she began mimicking Hono's movements. Each alley they went by was checked for something. She wasn't as quick as Hono, but she was thorough, sometimes even stopping to make sure she didn't see something. At one point, she did. She wasn't sure exactly what she was seeing, but something felt off about a large man standing in the shadows between two buildings. "Hey, Hono... Is that something to be curious about?" Hana suddenly, grabbed the woman's hand with a rather gentle touch, and pointed toward a large cloaked male.

There were a few conflicting thoughts running through Hana's mind. So, Hono was dating Captain Kishimoto? At least that cleared up why Hono would get special treatment. Favorites. It happens. The romance made that easier to accept.

Having her skills highlighted as helpful was a sweet thing for Hono to do, but Hana wasn't sure if her fashion sense would do much. She couldn't sew, so it wasn't exactly a skill. She just enjoyed pretty outfits. The comment on speedy reading helping with paperwork was intriguing. Maybe she could offer paperwork help to those in her Division? That could help her make a friend or two, right?

Hana smiled, a bit of excitement about joining Hono on a quick mission. She nodded and kept behind Hono, surprised that Hono wasn't letting her hand go. She didn't mind it. If anything, she felt a little better feeling guided into a strange situation. As they approached the man and Hono spoke up, he turned back to her and raised an eyebrow. "Uh... Day's fine. What're you two clean lookin' girls doin' here?" The man turned, his large body blocking the alley way. Sounds of struggle, including a loud bang occurred behind the man. "That doesn't sound good."

Behind the large man, two others were loading up a cart with goods from a small ramshackle store. A frightened older couple stood silently, watching their things being taken from them. Once the cart was loaded, they planned to run off.