[BitP:R] Soul Society 4

[Ammutseba]

[12th Division Offices, day 21, early to mid-afternoon]

Hikaru Shin was the record holder for the longest-employed custodian of the fifth division hell butterfly atriums, having served there for 119 years, and coming up quickly on 120. This wasn't something to be particularly proud of, since a position of care for the butterflies was normally reserved only for young or inexperienced shinigami. Shin, however, was a peculiar case. If he had been anyone else, his exemplary service there probably would have seen him promoted after only two years of service.

Despite his unwavering dedication to the Fifth Division and his position within it, though, Shin did not find himself not in the atriums today. Instead, he was sitting in the waiting room near the Twelfth Division offices. He'd arrived recently, and then shared a short and professional conversation with the secretary – a young male intern and student.

The intern provided a customary greeting as Shin walked in through the door. "Welcome to the Twelfth Division offices, sir," he began. "How can we help you today?"

"I am Hikaru Shin," the custodian answered, "Twentieth Seat of the Fifth Division, Second Custodian of Hell Butterfly Atriums One through Four. I have an appointment with Ryou-taichou in nine minutes."

The intern faltered just briefly. Why could such an unimportant man need to see the Captain? Catching himself, he glanced down at some papers on the desk to make himself look like he wasn't just uncomfortable. He tapped a few fingers along the keyboard, bringing up the day's appointments, and verified that a 20th seat did, in fact, have an appointment with a Captain. For twenty minutes. "Th-thank you for your punctuality, Twentieth Seat Hikaru-sama," the intern managed to push out. "If you'd like to have a seat here, I will inform Ryou-taichou of your arrival."

The secretary turned his eyes back to the computer screen, and pressed a button on the desk. With much less stammer, he said, "Ryou-taichou, your 1400 appointment has arrived."

Meanwhile, Shin did exactly as he was asked. Outwardly calm, he seated himself in a chair along the wall, and waited patiently to be called or sent in. Inwardly, his heart was pounding.