Snippet #2411199

Akira stared blankly as the Shinigami kept running down the road, realizing that the Academy may not necessarily test for intelligence. "Well, Kasai, I guess it was a good thing we found you when we did." Akira jumped down off the roof, looking at the three girls with a carefree expression. "Well, the Lieutenant will likely hear the news soon and they will probably have searched parties canvasing all of Fugai looking for Shihiro. So, the reasonable thing to do would be to return to our barracks and call it a night." Akira began to scratch the back of his head, and rolled his eyes at his own notion. "Which would be the reasonable thing... if I could actually get a wink of sleep knowing that Shihiro was lost out there. I mean, Shihiro's not an idiot, so why would he go there after what happened? We nearly died when there were six of us." Akira sighed and nodded at the group. "This is my fault guys... sorry. I know that's something weird to hear coming out of my mouth, but, sorry. I know it not the smart thing, but I;m going to go find Shihiro, or help if I can. I'm not asking you to help, but please? Please help me. If you don't, I'll haunt you after I die." Akira let out a small chuckle, letting the others mull it over for a minute. With a small nod, He and those who choose to come were off, preparing themselves for whatever fate awaited them. "The 13th Barracks aren't far from here. Let's stop by and grab Joel."

A half-hour later...

The group arrived at the tree line for Fugai, but it was quite a bit different from what they remembered. A thick fog covered the forest, making it impossible to see much farther than ten feet in front of oneself. It did have one similarity to last night, however. They could sense the reiryoku of the forest, but not that of a being, Shinigami or Hollow. However, there was a pressure in the air, making it feel as if someone had taken the air right out from the lungs. Akira could feel his chest tightening, something he wasn't used to. He had felt fear before, but this was different. It felt even more primal, more vicious. Akira turned around to the group, looking to Joel and Kasai who likely had the most questions. They were in and out of the 13th to get Joel. Knowing he was the type of person to jump at the mention of helping others, it took little to no convincing. Plus, it was one of their own. Akira had filled Kasai and Joel in on what had transpired last night and this morning while they made their way to Fugai, seeing no reason to hide it from them.

For moment, Akira thought about waiting for the Lieutenant and other members of the Eighth to show up. It would certainly help with this feeling in his chest if he knew a Lieutenant level Shinigami was with them. However, that feeling people talk about overcame him and likely the others. What if we get there, and he didn't make it? What if we had not waited, would he still be alive? While these are questions no one can answer, they eat away at someones mind before and after the event. Akira preferred at least trying, even if it was the stupider of the two options. "A-alright... we're here." Akira let out a weak chuckle, realizing he was way over his head this time. "Anyone who wants to turn back, this is the last chance. I have a feeling it will be hard to find our way out once we enter, so we might be in there till sunrise. Thoughts?" Akira could almost feel the forest fog shooting up his spine. But, it was a feeling he had to ignore.