1-1 Stranger to Stars

That is what you said. Wasn't it, Kakyo?!

That was a wonderful wedding ceremony, Kakyo.

I'm happy that I get to stand by your side.

There is something I want to tell you. Will you hear me out?

I do not love you, Kakyo.

You were merely chosen by the Tsunayashiro Clan.

............

If you tried to annul the marriage now, the people of the Rukon District would likely be blamed and punished along with you.

That friend you often speak of, Kaname, will not be let off easily.

Yes, I suppose you are right.

What?

I'm sorry that I cannot react the way you were hoping I would.

I saw it... I already know what kind of person you are.

Is it true that you...that the Tsunayashiro Clan is experimenting on her?

Is that why you married her?!

You've done your research.

It is all true. I have no feeling of love towards Kakyo.

Kakyo possesses fragment elements that have long been researched by the Tsunayashiro Clan.

This research will benefit the Soul Society one day... No, it will benefit the entire world.

Despite her hidden potential, the reality was that no noble would wish to be involved with a woman from the slums.

Which is why they chose the lowliest member of a branch family. Someone convenient, who was around the right age. Me.

This sort of hardship must be incomprehensible to commoners who only marry for love.

I will kill you. For my friend.

Muhahahaha! What a reaction! That is exactly what I had hoped for.

I don't mind! If you think you can kill me, go right on ahead!

Damn you.

Wait!

Kakyo!

............

(Now cry. Get angry. Fall into despair.)

(Draw Suzumushi. These are the final moments of your life.)

(Show me your intent to kill. Curse your own foolishness!)

(Destroy the person who discarded you!)

I'm sorry.

I...couldn't clear your sky.

*Gasp*

You... Even in the end... Even with your final breath, you look down on me!

You think I have never seen the stars? That you just had to clear the clouds from my sky?

Don't be a fool! Don't say such foolish things, Kakyo!

I have been standing on top of the clouds from the very beginning! I AM the cloud!

YOU are wrong! Not me!

The stars... This world is not beautiful. Your views are misguided!

Why can't you see the ugliness of the stardust struggling to shine in the dark?

Look at what happened when you were conceited enough to think that living an honest life was good enough!

............

It's too bad, Kakyo.

I wish I could have shown you how irrational this world is.

I wish I could have taught you that your prayers, though noble and just, were ultimately futile.

If I could have repainted you in evil, I may have been able to open my heart to you.

Perhaps in that sense, I did love you.