NaClO (By invitation, otherwise CLOSED)

[Armphid]

Hitsugaya growled, "Since when are we so close? It's Hitsugaya-san to you!"

"It's all right, Hitsugaya-kun," Kaien said, nodding as he stepped up to put a hand on the youth's shoulder. "It's important to foster camaraderie and closeness among your comrades, especially when going into a fight like this."

The white haired boy looked like he wanted to snap at the superior officer but caught himself, "That's...gn. Hai, Kaien-fukutaichou."

It was Kaien's turn to growl, "Don't be so formal! It's just Kaien, all right?"

Amaya chuckled and then shook her head, "I should have warned you, Hitsugaya-san, he hates the sound of his title. We all just call him 'Kaien-san' and that works all right."

"Hmp." Hitsugaya crossed his arms over his chest, "That doesn't seem to maintain the proper distance between such a high seated officer and his subordinates." He tilted his head back, her young face serious, "But as lieutenants are supposed to be the bridge between the Squad and their captain, I suppose it's acceptable."

The others just blinked at him for several moments. Isamu quirked his brows, "Fair enough then. Glad you agree, Hitsugaya-kun."

"Damn it! That's-"

"Well, you're all in good spirits today!" The group jerked more or less to attention as Captain Kurosaki walked into their midst from seemingly out of nowhere. "And I thought you didn't like mornings, Hitsugaya-san." The tall captain rubbed his thin, neatly trimmed beard with one hand, "It's impressive, actually, I thought for sure Matsumoto would have bullied you into letting her take your place. Maybe it's wise to have younger guys as Squad members around her...anyway! Let's get going, the Senkaimon will be ready any minute."

~~~~~~~~~~~~​

"This place? We've tracked Spearfinger to here?"

"That's right." The small group was standing at the crest of a hill on the outskirts of a small metropolis, looking down over the city just as night was falling. They had all donned gigai dressed in clothes to match the modern world. Captain Kurosaki had one foot up on the rail of the outlook, dressed in black slacks, a long sleeved black button down, and a white sport coat. "You two were here before, right?"

"Yeah," Isamu nodded. His gigai was wearing blue jeans and a red t-shirt with the characters for the Hashima Tigers baseball team on it, under a light blue jacket with thin epaulets on the shoulders. "When Unohana-taichou led us to the Human World that time, this is the place we came out in. Karakura, right?"

"Although it's in a different spot, you're right, Takeuchi-kun." Amaya walked up to the rail, "I recognize it now." The busty pink haired shinigami's gigai looked the most outlandish of them all, though they were assured that these clothes were current and fashionable. She wore mary jane shoes and while she had socks on, those had been covered with pale yellow and pink striped tubes of fabric that went to a few inches below her knees, a blue denim skirt, a wide belt of black pleather, a deliciously snug fitting t-shirt with a pattern of horizontal stripes in light blue, pink, pale yellow, and neon green. Over all of that was a blue denim vest and she'd been given a hat to wear, similar to a fedora but smaller, and currently perched at a jaunty angle to one side.

Kaien made a thoughtful sound in his chest, "That's an interesting coincidence." His tone made it clear he didn't think it was coincidental for a minute. His gigai had blue jeans like Isamu, but he had a tight fitting, thin dark blue sweater with a thick orange stripe at mid-chest instead of a t-shirt. "Kurosaki-taichou, do you think Spearfinger is after that?"

The captain gave Kaien a long, measuring look and then shook his head. "No, it's got more sense than that. It might go there once it had fed up a bit, but to do so right away would be suicide."

"I don't suppose either of you is going to be more plain about what you're talking about," Hitsugaya said. Squad 10's 3rd Seat was clearly annoyed at having been given a gigai wearing an elementary school uniform of dark blue slacks and a long matching jacket that that buttoned up the front with shiny brass buttons, a white shirt beneath it.

"Gomen, Histugaya-san," Kurosaki shook his head. "When you make captain, you'll find out. Or lieutenant, depending on who your superior is." Kaien nodded, the three junior officers exchanging curious and mildly aggravated looks. "For right now, let's just say that there are more people with spiritual powers, and high ones at that, in this town than probably any other in Japan. And that's what brought Spearfinger here."

"If that's true, then we need to find it fast. Before it kills anyone else," Hitsugaya was trying not to gawk and stare at everything, despite his annoyance, and remain dignified. "It was already strong enough to harm and...neutralize a lieutenant level shinigami. If it's gotten much stronger..."

"It doesn't matter, Hitsugaya-san," Amaya said, shaking her head. The boy blinked, surprised at the steely resolve in her sweet voice. "We'll kill it, however strong it is. We are shinigami, and before all else, our duty is to slay Hollows."

Isshin smiled a bit and looked over at Kaien, "Your Squad's fortunate."

"Aren't we though?" The fierce lieutenant grinned. "What's our first move?"

"Normally I'd say we find an HQ, but Spearfinger has to know we'll come after it, and unless it's lost it's mind in gluttony, even with our reiatsu muffled, it will know we're arrived." Isshin shook his head, "So we're starting with patrol. Everyone but myself will pair up with someone else and we'll split the city into thirds and do a sweep before meeting up again and then finding our lodgings."

~~~~~~~~~​

Ten minutes later, the patrol groups headed off. Amaya and Toushiro were taking the east third, while Kaien and Isamu went west. The middle would be left for Captain Kurosaki.

He stood and watched the others leave before he sighed and shrugged, "You know, you could have come out. They wouldn't know you weren't just a human, let alone attack you."

From a group of trees, a man in his mid-twenties emerged. He was tall and lean, with sharp, well defined features and keen eyes behind a pair of glasses, oddly bluish white hair blew slightly in the wind. He was wearing hospital scrubs and a charm bracelet from which dangled a large pentacle like charm. "You shouldn't have been able to sense me. Why have this many of you come here, Kurosaki?"

"I didn't, I just knew you'd show up," the shinigami countered. "There's something bad out in the city. We're a task force here to hunt it down. But I think you'd guessed that, hadn't you, Ishida?" The man nodded, saying nothing. "You should be careful. You and your father would be prime targets for this Hollow."

"Then you shinigami should take care of it." Ryuuken Ishida nodded, "Before we have to embarrass you by taking care of the matter ourselves." The man turned and gave a wave, "If you have spare time, perhaps I'll see you at the usual place. But I can't talk long, I came when I sensed you and a few others I recognized, just in case it was more serious but I have a mission of my own."

"Oh?"

Ishida sighed, "My girlfriend wants me to find a date for a friend of hers so we can all go out to a show next week. Good luck, Kurosaki."

 

[HookerBoots]

"Hey, dollface, why don't you send your little brother home, and we can have some fun?" The leering, mustachioed man winked at Amaya, who sighed as she placed a hand on Toshiro's shoulder. "Ne, ne, little boy, get lost! I wanna talk to your sister!"

The young man's face was bright red with repressed rage and contempt, but Amaya looked steadily back at the man, dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and khaki pants. "Gomen, sir, but he's not my brother; he's my boyfriend." She winked back at him, her eyes just as lascivious as his. "I like younger men."

The man blinked in shock, and before he could recover, she and her companion were past him, moving farther down the street. They walked for a few minutes in silence, and she could feel the tension and anger running out of the young shinigami like water from a bucket. He cleared his throat, and she looked at him in surprise. "That was . . . well-handled, Kuragari-san. Thank you. I might have . . . done something regrettable."

Amaya grinned at him. "It's all right, Hitsugaya-san. They rarely expect me to be as bad as they are; the surprise is enough for me to get away before I have to do anything violent." She clapped a hand on his shoulder, smiling easily. "I know we're supposed to be patrolling, but how about if I buy us both some ramen and we can plan while we eat?"

It took a moment where he looked as though he were going to object, and then he smiled slowly. "That would be nice. Arigato gozaimasu, Kuragari-san."

They turned a corner and she said, "You don't have to be so formal, Hitsugaya-san."

~ ~ ~ ~​

Isshin Kurosaki landed lightly on the roof of the hospital, his eyes casting about in front of him. The monster was here, and it was waiting; he knew it as well as he knew his own name. But where? It wasn't near the shop, which was good and bad at once - He wanted to kill it himself, but the mission would be over faster if it were stupid enough to dare whatever security measures Urahara had put around the place. It wasn't near the hospital, he could tell that much unless his senses were failing him completely.

There was a glimmer of spiritual power in either direction, and he knew those were his team; it was pleasantly surprising how well Hitsugaya seemed to take to Kuragari, even if he didn't want anyone to notice it. Maybe she could help the kid lighten up a bit. But where . . . his eyes scanned the city again, and he sighed, shaking a cigarette out of the pack tucked in his jacket pocket. This was going to be a long day.

~ ~ ~ ~​

"Trust me, Takeuchi, you want to go in here and buy something." Kaien and Isamu were standing in front of the window of a shop that had scantily clad female mannequins in the windows. Two of them were wearing black lace, one of them a bra and panties set, the other a short chemise; one was in a silky red slip that had a high slit on one side; the last one wore a corset and a short, ruffled skirt.

"Kaien-san," the younger man said, exasperated, "I wouldn't fit in anything they have!"

Grinning, Kaien opened the door. "No, you won't. But Kuragari will." He looked over his shoulder at the surprised shinigami, winking. "Don't worry, your secret's safe. But you won't regret a penny of anything you spend here."

Isamu looked at the corset and skirt set, then back at the city. "But we're supposed to be patrolling, aren't we?"

There was a moment of indecision on the older man's face, and he sighed. "Yes, we are." The door shut, and Kaien sighed again. "All right, here's the plan. I don't feel any thundering reiatsu around us; if that thing were nearby, I'd pick up something, even if it was just a flicker." He looked around the street, then put his hand on the door. "We'll be quick, get something for the girls, and then head out on patrol." He patted the back pocket of his jeans meaningfully. "I've also been given the honor of selecting our lodgings this evening, so we'll have to take care of that quickly as well."

~ ~ ~ ~​

"I didn't know Squad 10's budget could support this!" Amaya said, flopping down on a sofa in the middle room of their suite. "Maybe I'm in the wrong squad - Kurosaki-taicho, are you looking for any new members?" she asked teasingly.

Hitsugaya scowled. "It can't support this. I did the budget reports before we left."

Isshin beamed at the young man. "Ahhhh, of course, Hitsugaya-kun. But we're getting a fair stipend from Squad Four as well as Squad Twelve for going after this beast. They're footing the bill for a great deal of what we do here."

The white-haired shinigami looked mollified, and settled in on the couch. "Huh. Well, that's all right, I suppose," he said reluctantly. He glanced over at Kaien and Isamu, who were guarding two bags jealously. "Kaien-fu . . . san, what did you decide on for dinner?"

The dark-haired vice-captain looked up. "Oh, it was something Takeuchi suggested." There was a knock on the door of their room, and he stood up to open it, revealing a young man carrying a stack of thin, square boxes. "It's called 'pizza'."

 

[Armphid]

Toshiro gasped as her hands moved over him, caressing hard muscle that flexed and moved under his smooth skin. "Ureshii," she cooed, "So strong but so smooth and flawless. No scars on you."

Her body was bare and as she moved in the dark, he could catch glimpses of her perfect flesh; ample curves bouncing and shifting in the most tempting of ways. He shuddered and moaned as she took his hardening manhood into her hand, "You are a prodigy, Hitsugaya-san. I'm so lucky, so glad."

"S-so good, but...but why?"

Amaya licked her lips as she pressed her large, soft tits against his surging erection. "I told you, I like younger men."

"Uhh!" Hitsugaya jerked in his bed, a full body twitch that sent the blanket flying off of him. The youth sat up, breathing heavily. "Wh...what was that?" He blinked down at himself, flushing as he saw a large, straining bulge in his pajama pants.

~~~~~~~~~~~~​

Kaien sighed, leaning back against the wall of the mall they were moving through. "It's been a whole day and nothing more than flashes of reiatsu. What's taking it so long?"

"Hmm." Amaya tilted her head back, the gorgeous young woman carrying a shopping bag in one hand as she tapped the brim of her hat thoughtfully. "I bet it's trying to see how fast we can react when it shows up. This one's pretty smart, after all."

"Tch, yeah." The lieutenant stood up off the wall. "Let's more on to the next patrol area, Kuragari. You still have Miyako's shopping list, right?"

"Hai!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~​

"You've hardly said anything all morning." Isamu held out a stick of yakitori, "Are you all right?"

Hitsugaya shook his head as he took the offered snack, biting off a bit, chewing, and swallowing it down before he answered. "I don't like mornings. I didn't sleep well last night, anyway."

The two were on the roof of a high school, perched atop the chain link fence that went around it. Isamu was standing atop it, Toshiro in a crouch. "Bad dreams, huh?" Isamu grinned a bit, looking down at the incredibly serious Toshiro, "Or was it a good one that kept you up?"

The white haired boy blushed, "I don't even know what you mean by that!" He attacked the rest of his yakitori, biting and chewing almost angrily.

"You are at that age. Anyone I know?" Isamu tipped his head back, "Hmm, was it Hinamori? Nah, that'd be weird with the whole brother-sister thing you guys have going." Toshiro's blush deepened. "Maybe Rangiku-san...you wouldn't be the only one there, brother."

The 3rd Seat sputtered, jumping to a standing position on the fence rail. "N-no, it wasn't either of them! And you should refer to her as Matsumoto-fukutaichou!"

"Then it was Kuragari-chan, right? You've got good taste in girls, Hitsugaya-kun."

"It's Hitsugaya-SAN! And-and we should be focused on our mission." The boy's face was scarlet as he turned away from Isamu, "We're moving to the next grid point. Come on!" He flashed away.

Isamu sighed, "Come on, I'm just teasing you. You've got to learn to relax and enjoy life a little, kid." Then he too blurred away in a flurry of shun-po.

~~~~~~~~~~~~​

"So that's that." Captain Kurosaki sighed and blew out a cloud of smoke. "He kept popping up just out of our response range all day and then away again." He was on the balcony of the suite the group had rented, a half-smoked cigarette dangling from one hand.

Kaien frowned, waving a hand to get the smoke out of his face, "Gah, that stinks. It's a dirty habit, taichou."

"Yeah, but you look cool doing it," Isshin said with a grin.

Hitsugaya cleared his throat. "Sir, I think the Hollow was likely not only testing our reaction time but trying to make us jump or split up to make easier targets." His arms were crossed over his chest, the fingers of one hand drumming on his bicep. Were none of them taking this seriously?

Isshin shrugged, "Of course he was." Toshiro blinked. "That was pretty obvious, but it's a good catch for a new shinigami and officer." He turned around to lean against the railing and raised an eyebrow, "Don't think that because we're not super serious all the time, we're not paying attention or that we don't know what we're doing."

"N-no, taichou, I didn't mean to imply that."

"It was all over your face," Kaien said, also shrugging. "But that means that it won't come out unless it thinks it has an easy target." His face become grim, "Kurosaki-taichou...I think that we can lure him out...but I don't like it."

Isshin took a deep drag before turning around and blowing the smoke out again. "Yeah. Me neither. But unless we want to go back empty-handed, I don't know that we have a choice."

~~~~~~~~~~~~​

Amaya smiled up at Isamu, her arm looped through his. "It's like another almost date!" The two of them were on patrol again, walking through a shopping district. "Except with the possibility of a Hollow attack."

Isamu shook his head, "It just popped back again. What do you think?"

The pink haired bombshell nodded, "It's definitely shadowing us. It'll attack soon." It made sense. Even together, she and Isamu were the weakest members of the task force. Spearfinger had the best chance to pick off one, or both of them, than going after any of the others. "But that's why they put us together, right?"

"Yeah." He could tell the superior officers had hated it, and Kaien had even ordered them not to die before he could get to them. He grinned down at his love, "We know he's coming so..."

She took a deep breath and nodded, fingering the Soul Candy dispenser in her pocket. "Let's find a nice spot to meet him."

 

[HookerBoots]

This trip hadn't been bad, Amaya mused, walking along the street with Isamu towards a large, open park. It looked like it might have been a baseball field at some point, with well-worn tracks in a rough diamond in the grass. "What do you think, Isamu-kun?" she asked, looking around. "This place seems pretty open and deserted."

He nodded. "This seems a pretty good place. Putting his hands to one shoulder as though he were holding a baseball bat, he mimed swinging. "Give us a good mindset to clobber the ugly bastard."

She laughed delightedly, and pushed herself up on her toes to kiss his cheek. "I think that's a good plan." She looked around thoughtfully, uncertain of how to proceed. "So, um, I've never been bait for an ambush before. What should we do until it shows up?" At his wicked grin, she added, "That won't leave our superiors blushing too hard to fight, that is."

"Oh, well, if you're going to take the fun out of it," he said with a smirk. "Let's just walk a bit, maybe sit in the grass and look unconcerned. If it seems like we're off-guard it might show up faster."

~ ~ ~ ~​

The worst part of this whole mess was staying calm and trying to focus on shielding, Kaien thought impatiently. "What the hell is it waiting for?" he asked waspishly, one hand rubbing distractedly at left part of his chest.

"I'm sure it suspects we've caught on," Isshin said, his voice not betraying his own irritation. This was taking far too long, and was far too dangerous. He and the other two shinigami were perched on top of a high school building, far enough away from Amaya and Isamu that they could be felt but not seen. They'd left their gigai at the hotel, wanting the freedom to move without having to look for a good place to make the switch. "It's waiting to make sure that they're really alone."

Squad Thirteen's vice-captain made an irritated noise. "I hate this, waiting for it to come attack people. It feels . . . dishonest, somehow."

Hitsugaya made a sound of agreement, but then said, without looking up from where his eyes were gazing into the distance towards Amaya and Isamu, "Yes, but in a situation like this one, we have to play by the rules of our prey. I don't like it either." He fingered the hilt of his sword. "Fukutaicho, taicho, may I ask something?"

"Of course." Isshin was crouched on his heels, a lit cigarette between two fingers.

"Will I be . . . doing most of the fighting today? I'm aware of the restrictions on your powers in the human world." The young man seemed quite calm and collected, but his nervous hand on the sword betrayed him.

Kaien and Isshin glanced at each other. "It's possible," Kaien drawled, "that you'll be the bulk of our power, Hitsugaya-kun. But don't underestimate our usefulness." He stood and stretched, cracking the joints in his arms and hands. "After all, Kurosaki-taicho and I have been at this longer than you have - finesse is almost as important as raw strength."

Hitsugaya opened his mouth, possibly to say that it wasn't what he'd meant, but before the words could leave his lips, they all turned quickly, three sets of eyes sharpening. "Now?" the white-haired 3rd seat asked.

"Now," the other two said in unison, and all three of them bounded from the rooftop, flashing towards the feeling of intense menace.

~ ~ ~ ~​

"Yare, yare! Two succulent morsels, all alone!" Spearfinger shimmered into sight in the center of the diamond in the park, eyes pinned on Amaya and Isamu. "I'm lucky, yes I am!"

Both of the shinigami pulled out their Soul Candy dispensers, popping a tablet into their mouths. Their souls were catapulted from the flesh they'd been wearing, a new, false soul in each body. Amaya pulled her sword, and without looking back said to their now-staring forms, "Go away from here, somewhere safe. Try not to draw too much attention." The pink-haired girl and dark-haired boy nodded and ran back away from the scene, hands laced together.

"You're not as lucky as you think, asshole!" Isamu said, pulling his sword free. "Bring him to his knees, Hitoshirezu Daimyo!"

Amaya glanced sideways at him. Always so eager to fight, her love. "Spin the wheel, Soru-Konton Tsuki!" This time, her sword shifted into a hankyu, the arrow already nocked glowing a deep green. "I'll draw his attention, Isamu-kun. You flank him, remember the mask is our target. And we both fall back when the others get here."

He opened his mouth, as he'd already started to move forward, and she shook her head, darting in front of him. "That's an order, 8th Seat!" she snapped. "I'd never forgive myself if you got . . . hurt," she said, before flashing to one side. "Oi, monster! What was your name again? Mushroom-head? I can't recall," she taunted, dancing back and forth just out of the monster's arm-length. God, let the others show up fast.

 

[Armphid]

An order? An order! Isamu snarled, almost snapping off a few words he'd regret for a long time, before he darted off to the right. He knew why she was doing this, and it was touching, but he still wanted to spank her for it.

If they lived, he just might.

Spearfinger snarled at Amaya's insult, "Making me mad isn't smart, girle. Now we'll have some fun before I eat you! You're built for it," the hideously gangly thing sneered. It lashed out at Amaya as she danced away; the fingers of it's hand firing out with terrible speed just as had been reported. However, unlike the report, it was the first three fingers on each hand that lanced out, not just one.

Had they not been in mortal danger, Amaya's "Eep," as the stabbing digits thrust just past her would have been adorable. As it was, it just made Isamu madder and he wasn't sure at who. But he knew who to take it out on.

Isamu flashed to the Hollow's left side, swinging in with his hammer as Amaya threw herself into a full body back flip to avoid one trio of spearing fingers. "Good to know you're dumb," the hammer slammed into Spearfinger's pelvis, just above the joint of the left leg. Kokou no Te shifted gravity, making the magnificent weapon weigh several hundred pounds in the instant of contact; the impact knocking the large Hollow away from Isamu. "I mean, she said what we were going to do right in front of you."

"Tch!" Spearfinger twisted with the momentum and brought his other hand around in a brutal raking swipe, Isamu blocking it with the haft of his zanpakuto and being pushed back as well, "So? What do your plans mean to me? You and your tit platter are too weak to really hurt me, punk." The long-nosed goblin mask seemed to leer down at him, "I want you to think you're doing okay before I break your legs and arms and make you watch while I r-Aag!" An arrow sank into the ridiculously massive and bulging musculature of his shoulder. Another flew in, Spearfinger spinning to dodge it, "You little cunt! I'll-gah!" Isamu flew in from behind as it turned its back on him and brought his hammer down hand between its shoulder blades.

"We might not need the others, after all!" Isamu then blinked as a clawed hand suddenly burst out of the bulging musculature of the Hollow's back and struck him with a backhanded swipe that sent him flying away to crash hard into the ground near third base, his chest torn and bleeding.

"Isamu-kun!" Amaya nocked another arrow and then halted, her green eyes flying wide open as she stared in shock. "What...is that?"

Spearfinger grunted and then shrieked as a second Spearfinger, somewhat smaller than the one that had appeared, pulled its way out of the overdeveloped and landed in a crouch behind the first Hollow. It lifted its head and let out a feral growling hiss towards the fallen shinigami.

"Some trick, huh?" Spearfinger laughed as it straightened up and rolled its shoulders, "My powers when through the roof when I drained shinigami lieutenant; but this might be the best change of all." The smaller Spearfinger shuddered and let out a squeal now as its own back ruptured and an even smaller copy, about Amaya's size fell out with a mindless howling cry. "Each one's not as strong or as smart...but they're good enough to deal with you."

The smallest of the copy Spearfingers hissed and suddenly broke into a run, loping on all fours towards Isamu as he got to his feet, weapon ready, his kosode rent and three wicked slashes bleeding. From behind it, the other launched harpooning talons towards him. Kill the little one, get speared. Block the spears, the little one would tear his throat out. He stepped into motion, swinging his hammer in an upward arc towards the little Spearfinger as it leaped.

There was a clang and the sound of grinding, chipping bone as the elongated, stabbing fingers shot at Isamu were deflected, shooting far above him instead. Kaien Shiba's sword lifted them up, the lieutenant grunting as he heaved the attack away. "Don't be so sure about that!"

There was a meaty thud as Isamu's blow flipped the smallest Spearfinger back through the air, the beast letting out a piercing shriek. Before it could hit the ground, there was a flash of white and it's body parted into two before it burst and dissolved in a whirl of reishi. Toshiro Hitsugaya's long blade was in his hands as he turned to eye the mid-size beast. "Not bad for your level, Takeuchi. But Kuragari-san did better."

"That she did." The largest of the Spearfingers present took a step back as Isshin Kurosaki appeared in front and to the right of Amaya. Squad 10's captain scratched at his chest and shook his head before pulling his sword from his sheath, "Some cover would be great, Kuragari-san, while I cut this bastard up for what he's done."

"That won't really get you what you want." It was Spearfinger's voice, but it did not come from the large version of the monster that had first appeared, or the medium sized one. It came from directly behind Amaya and about ten feet above her, vicious and wicked. The pink haired girl flinched as something burst past her, spattering her with saliva. Isshin turned to gape, twisting to the right.

The smaller jawed mouth of the true Spearfinger hit him just below the right breast and buried deep into the shinigami captain. The line connecting it then retracted, Amaya leaping forward to support Isshin as he suddenly sagged, gasping as the mouth ripped free of him with a great mouthful of his flesh.

The line snapped back into the larger mask, "But it got me mine." Spearfinger loomed over them all, almost two stories tall and wickedly changed in appearance. It's spindly limbs had thickened, all five of it's fingers now had the harpoon like claws that indicated its' name, though the muscle on its back was now saggy and empty looking. "You're all dead now! His power will be mine in minutes and none of you, and no one in Soul Society or the Human World will be able to stop me!"

 

[HookerBoots]

The world seemed to freeze, the sound of the blood droplets hitting the ground almost audible. Everyone stared, horrified, as the Hollow gloated, its small mouth filled with flesh from a Captain-class shinigami. They were well and truly fucked, it was right. Amaya cradled Isshin's body to her, heedless of the blood, as she lowered him to the ground.

Then the wind seemed to pick up, howling through the trees, and everything got much, much colder. A strong young voice filled with rage said loudly, "You won't have that time! I'll kill you!" Slowly, as if it took mountain-moving effort, heads turned. "Bankai!"

The wind seemed to gather up snow and ice from nowhere, swirling powerfully around one point. The dripping blood was crystallized into ruby-red orbs of ice as they fell, though the transformation was almost instantaneous, the sound of them shattering on the ground was perfectly audible even over the rushing wind. As the air cleared, Toshiro Hitsugaya stood there, two wings made of ice sprouting from his back, both feet and his left hand encased in claw-shaped ice, his right hand clad in an ice dragon's head. One four-petaled flower floated in the air behind him. "Daiguren Hyourinmaru!"

He swung his sword, and what looked like a Chinese dragon made of ice with glowing red eyes burst from the tip, sailing towards Spearfinger and connecting with the monster, knocking it back. "Kaien-san, Kuragari-san, take care of the smaller ones. Takeuchi-san, do what you can for Kurosaki-taicho."

"Hai!" Amaya stood up, stroking one hand over the bleeding captain's hair. This was . . . god, it wasn't going the way they wanted it to at all. Maybe if the two of them could finish what they needed to fast enough, it would be all right.

Kaien shook his head, looking at the young man clad in ice. Who'd have thought it? But the idea was sound - Hitsugaya was the most powerful of them right now, and they had to keep the smaller beasts off of him while he did what he needed to. Pulling a small device from his pocket, Kaien hit a button on it. "This is Kaien Shiba, vice-captain of Squad Thirteen requesting limit release!" Without waiting for a response, the dark-haired man shoved the item back into his pocket and started to twirl his blade. "Rankle the seas and heavens! Nejibana!"

The sword turned into a trident in his hand, clear water splashing from it in torrents from both ends. Where it met the aura around Hitsugaya, it froze into perfect waves of ice the fell to shatter on the ground. "Come on, Kuragari! We've got trash to clean up!"

Amaya didn't say anything, just aimed her bow at three of the little beasts that were leaping towards Kaien. "Forward, Jikoku-yo!" Three bolts flew forward from her bow, each one finding a home in the little beasts as she leaped over Kaien's head to cover his other flank. The small Hollows that she'd just shot seemed to age decades in an instant, their pitch-black bodies shriveling before their masks fractured and they vanished into dust.

As she drew a bead on the two that were coming from the other direction, a glowing blue arrow flew in from the side, a tall, slender white-haired man descending from the top of the fence on one side of the park. In one hand, he held a shining blue bow, and he was clad in a strange mix of clothing - it looked like hospital scrubs under a white-and-blue cape that fluttered in the wind. The arrows pierced the small hollows, but he never looked back to see if he'd hit. Instead, he made his way to the fallen Isshin, looking down for a moment before kneeling and looking at Isamu. "Get back to the fight, shinigami. Leave your healing things, but I'll take care of him."

 

[Armphid]

"That's nothing," Spearfinger roared as it got up from the park hillside it had been knocked into; the mass of the saggy muscles gathered on its back shooting under its skin to reinforce the right arm, allowing it to break the ice that had formed over it when Hitsugaya's attack had hit. "I'll take that power too and be even more invincible!"

It lashes out with the harpoon like fingers of both hands, Hitsugaya diving and wheeling away from them. The fingers bent back, seeking him unnaturally. The youth turned to face them, the large icy wings wrapping around him before the spears hit and then glanced away, deflected by the ice and leaving only faint cracks where they had struck.

The wind was blowing harder now and the balmy summer night had grown cold. Snow had started to fall, coming lightly at first but then within moments a heavy, whirling fall. A blizzard over the city in the middle of June.

"Jikoku-yo!" The small spearfinger clones that had been pierced by the mysterious blue energy arrows were struck anew with the scintillating green bolts Amaya's bow could produce, withering and desiccating with pathetic mewls.

They were then smashed apart by a powerful wave of water that followed the slash of Kaien's Nejibana as he impaled a third that had been leaping out of the air and brought it to to the ground to finish it. "Keep it up, Kuragari-san!" The lieutenant turned to face the rush as the two larger and four mid-sized Spearfingers started to charge him.

Amaya bit her lower lip as she nocked and fired an arrow in the shoulder of one of the two larger Spearfingers as it lumbered towards Kaien. They were doing fine, but if they could just keep making more of themselves it was only a matter of time. "Yes, sir! Forward, Jikoku-yo!"

Isamu's healing power flowed into Isshin but it wasn't doing what it was supposed to. The reiatsu he was supposed to be restoring was growing less and less, and without bringing that up to full and then using it to heal, he couldn't do anything. He glanced up at the man who was suddenly kneeling beside him, "You're a doctor, right?"

The man hesitated and pushed his fingers up his nose, "Better than many, though I haven't finished school yet. And even without that, we do have some healing powers of our own, shinigami."

We? Who's we? Isamu handed the medical supplies he was carrying to the newcomer, "You're better off as a doctor, unless those powers work on more than just souls." He gestured to the fallen captain, "He's becoming human, losing his powers."

The eyes behind the glasses widened, "That's...I see." He nodded, "Leave this to me then. You'll do no good here."

"We'll give you all the space and time you need, sensei," Isamu replied as he rose to his feet. He hadn't been targeted yet. Which means, he could risk this. The American flipped his hammer up off the ground with one foot, catching it with his left hand. The right he held up in front of him, index and forefinger extended, the rest curled down. "Ye lord! Mask of flesh and bone, flutter of wings, ye who bear the Name of Man! Truth and temperance, upon this sinless wall of dreams unleash but slightly the wrath of your claws." Blue flames sprang into life around his right hand before Isamu flash-stepped in front of the surprised Kaien, "Hado 33! Soukatsui!"

He thrust his right hand out, now flat with the palm out and the blue flames roared and rushed forward in a wide and long cone of blazing devastation; large enough to catch the entire onrushing group of Hollow clones. Kaien blinked and then gasped, "The captain?" If Takeuchi had abandoned his healing, then-

"He'll be fine if we can keep them off of him," Isamu called back.

"Right!" Kaien leaped ahead, "The two of you follow me and clean up behind!" The flames had died, leaving the Hollows caught in them burned and weakened but still alive. Only the remaining smaller ones had burned away completely. "Let's go!"

The ground shook as the towering form of the true Spearfinger staggered back, its right arm shattering into a dozen ice encased pieces. "GraaahHH! Your power...this can't be! I will have the strength to match a captain!"

Hitsugaya was breathing harder but his face was composed and cold. There were more cracks in the ice wings of his bankai and in the long tail; the flower that floated over and behind his head had lost two of its petals. "Never. That is the power you face...and I'm not even using half. That's the power of a shinigami captain."

He dropped straight down to avoid another barrage of the spear fingers and then shot forward parallel to the ground, barely a foot above it. He juked up and slashes upwards right in front of Spearfinger, his swing and flight speed carrying him all the way up and beyond the huge Hollow. Ice traveled in his wake, the savage monster frozen in a spiky frozen tomb. It stood there for a moment, then the ice cracked, split down the middle, and Spearfinger with it. The Hollow fell into two halves that shattered upon hitting the ground, its corrupted flesh cleansed and bursting into shimmering reishi.

The remaining lesser spearfingers suddenly started to seize and writhe, Kaien roaring and swinging Nejibana to finish them off with a smashing wave that pounded them into nothingness.

Hitsugaya landed hard, panting. He closed his eyes and then opened them, blinking in wonder at the now driving snow that was falling. "Did I...damn. But I had no choice." The last petal of the flower over his head vanished and the ice around him suddenly shot through with cracks and exploded off of him into a diamond dust wave of tiny ice particles.

The shinigami rushed over to the mysterious stranger who was working on Isshin. "How is he," Isamu called out, mostly to be heard over the now howling frigid winds.

"He won't bleed to death, but if we don't get him to a hospital, he'll freeze! This cold will kill him," the cape-clad physician answered. "I'm barely keeping him out of shock!"

"We can't go to the hospital," Kaien said with a frown, "They'll ask too many questions we can't answer before they treat him!"

"Then where can we go?" Hitsugaya's voice had an odd quality to it, almost tremulous.

Amaya gasped, "I know!" She turned to Hitsugaya and grabbed the stunned boy's zanpakuto from his hands, using it to cut the sleeves off of her kosode and obi and then sliced open one of her palms before dropping it into the then layer of snow already on the ground. She drew a circle in the snow with her blood as the others stared in shock, then began to draw symbols and lines on her bare arms, "Black and white net. Twenty-two bridges, sixty-six crowns and belts."

Kaien's eyes went wide, "That's...she's that strong?"

Amaya went on, not even hearing him. Her hands moved in the air in specific motions, small translucent tendrils of energy flickering to life. "Footprints, distant thunder, sharp peak, engulfing land, hidden in the night, sea of clouds blue line." She places her hands together in front of her and a brilliant rectangle of glowing white appeared, the tendrils reaching out to it and coiling about the sides of the shape. "Form a circle and fly through the heavens! Bakudo 77, Tenteikuura!" The rectangle and the tendrils glowed even brighter, the tendrils now shooting out into the air around them. "Urahara-san, Tessai-san! Kurosaki-taichou is dying unless we can get him to a warm, safe place! Please help us and let us in to your shop!"

The light died away a moment later and Amaya dropped her hands, swaying slightly. Isamu caught her as she staggered, "Amaya-chan...are you all right?"

"She can use a 77th ranked spell?" Hitsugaya stared at Amaya as though seeing her for the first time.

"My, my! That is a surprise!" The group turned at the sound of the new voice. Perhaps twenty feet away stood a lanky man dressed in a plain robe and trousers, wearing geta on his feet, a black coat with white diamonds along the edge, and a green and whites striped bucket had. Next to him was a mountain of a man in height and in musculature with his dark hair pulled into a well ordered braid and a finely ordered mustache on his face, glasses hiding his eyes. "What strange people to be out in such strange weather. What to do about it all, hmm?"

 

[HookerBoots]

Amaya smiled weakly at Isamu and then pushed herself up on her own feet. "Urahara-san, Tessai-san, please. Kurosaki-taicho will die if you don't help us!" She mustered her strength, putting as much effort as she could into her words and the look of artful pouting that went along with them. God, she just wanted to sleep; so tired and cold . . . .

Tessai looked at the prone man, his mustache twitching imperceptibly. "Shop owner, there is something . . . strange," he rumbled, looking at both Isshin's body and the white-haired man crouching over it.

"Mmmm. There really is. Well, Kuragari-san, it's lucky we were in the area to help, isn't it?" Urahara looked out from under his hat, just a gleam of his eyes in the shadows. "Ishida, can he be moved?"

There was general confusion before the white-haired man spoke. "Hai. But I can't carry him - he's too heavy." There was real reluctance to admit that failing. And the fact that Urahara knew him was even more strange.

Despite the cold, Urahara pulled a paper fan from his sleeve and fanned himself with it. "Goodness, it must be serious if you're willing to say that. Kaien-san, can you -"

"I'll do it." Hitsugaya picked his sword up from where it had fallen when Amaya wavered and sheathed it. "He's my captain, this is my burden to bear." Without any further words, the young man walked over and hefted Isshin's body, carrying him bridal style.

Ishida looked at the picture, his eyes dark and serious as he leaned forward and folded Isshin's dangling arms up onto his chest gently. "I think we're ready, Urahara-san."

~ ~ ~ ~​

The group was safely settled in a room in the back of Urahara's shop, warm and comfortable. Isamu looked around. "Say, how did you get this place ready so fast, Tessai-san?" he asked, taking in the futon where Isshin was lying and the snacks on the table.

"He asked me, of course," a deep voice said from the doorway. A black cat paced in and jumped lightly onto the table. "I did it while you were all in transit." It looked out the window, licking one paw, and said mildly, "Curious weather we're having, isn't it?"

Hitsugaya spoke up, his hands curled around a cup of tea. "That is . . . my fault." He looked up from his contemplation of the depths of the beverage, his eyes a little red. "My sword can control the weather, and I'd hoped it wouldn't . . . do that," he looked at the window, and then back at his cup, "but I need to practice more, become stronger."

There was an air of surprise around the cat, who studied the young man more intently. "Yes, I think you do. But it's not a matter of strength; more finesse, more control, not more power." It leaped from the table, leaving the stunned males behind, and padded over to the futon. "What's the news?"

Every ear in the room perked up - even Amaya, who had been dozing uneasily near the table sat up and looked. Ishida, now without his cape, rubbed a hand over his face. "He'll live. But you," he looked at Isamu, "shinigami, were right. He isn't . . . it's strange."

"Strange how, Ishida-san?" Urahara appeared in the doorway, his cane tucked under one arm.

The man made a frustrated, irritated sound. "He's not a shinigami anymore. But he's not a normal human, either." He gestured at the group. "All of your ribbons are red; if Kurosaki were a normal human, his would be white. But it isn't - it's still red."

Kaien blinked, then leaned over to Tessai. "What does he mean, 'ribbons'? I've never heard of that."

Tessai shook his head. "I do not know, Kaien-dono. This man has been here before, but I have not spoken with him."

Urahara nodded slowly. "This is very odd. Will he sleep for a while, Ishida-san?" He walked over and sat down at the table. "If so, we should discuss what will happen next."

"He will," the slender man said, standing up and brushing his knees off. "But you all can talk about it. I have to get back - Ishizuka-sensei will give me enough extra work as it is." He walked toward the door, picking up his cape from the floor. "I'll return later tonight, however, to check up on him."

 

[Armphid]

There was silence as the door shut and the steps of the man could be felt retreating. Kaien looked up at Urahara, "It's good to see you again, Urahara-san. My sister refuses to tell me anything about you." He sighed, "I guess she thinks I'd rat you out or something."

"She thinks too highly of you for that, Kaien," the cat responded. "But even a careless word could reach the wrong ears."

"I understand." The black haired lieutenant looked at the others, "Listen up. I'm ordering you all right now that none of this is going into any of our reports, not a single word about any of these people or this shop. I'll have your word on that."

Isamu nodded, "You didn't even have to ask, but given."

Hitsugaya obviously wanted to know why but just as obviously knew he wouldn't get an answer. "...Very well."

"Uh huh," Amaya said in a weary voice. "Urahara-san, that man...he's a human but he has a high reiatsu and he can see us. What he was talking about, does he see spirit power as ribbons?"

"Very astute, Kuragari-san!" The shop manager took a seat at the table. "Yes, he and his whole family have very strong powers, especially for humans. He can see spirits as well as see reishi and reiatsu."

"But if he's right," Hitsugaya said with a frown, "and we've reason to believe he isn't, especially after that last incident...then Kurosaki-taichou has lost his power and is now human."

Tessai made a rumbling sound and crossed his massive arms over his perfectly sculpted chest, "Indeed. However, Ishida-dono's view of him is also correct in that his reiatsu is still that of a shinigami."

Isamu tipped his head back, "Okay, you're all probably smarter than me and more educated about this kind of thing, but...if he was a shinigami and still has the same kind of power even if it's faded to a tiny bit of what he used to have, then he could re-train, right? He could get his power back?"

There was another silence and almost all of the eyes in the room were staring at Isamu in shock of varying levels; the cat and Urahara seemed least surprised, and Hitsugaya the most. The American flushed, "What? I'm not just a meat head, you know."

Amaya just smiled. "That...makes sense to me."

Urahara nodded slowly, "I'd agree. He may have to train hard, or the power might just come back on its own over time...but it means that the potential is still there, certainly." Tessai nodded in silent agreement.

"That's good!" Hitsugaya looked suddenly hopeful, "He may have to take a leave of absence or take a lower Seat but...but we haven't lost him, after all." The boy's words fell into a deeper, darker silence and he flushed. Then bowed his head, "Oh. I forgot about that."

The cat padded over and rubbed against the young man before hopping up on the table. "This happened before?"

Kaien nodded, "To a lieutenant, Mitsukake Myou of Squad 4. He lost his powers and became human. Central 46...put him to death."

The giant shop worker rumbled his disapproval, "No one who is not a shinigami may possess shinigami powers; a law specifically aimed at humans." He rubbed a hand over his hair, "I understand the need to keep humans ignorant of Soul Society and the way things are, but in this case..."

Amaya nibbled her lower lip, "They'd make an exception for a captain, wouldn't they? Since he's served so well and in such a high position."

"No, they wouldn't." It was Isamu who answered and his voice was thick with anger. "Those bastards would make sure he was marched to the block faster because of that, and that the news made it to every corner of Soul Society. To show how dedicated they are to their laws." His hands had curled into fists, "They'd never show mercy to anyone, for any reason."

There was another long silence before Hitsugaya slowly shook his head, "In that case...what should we do? What can we do?"

 

[HookerBoots]

Amaya sighed and rested her head on her hands, laying on her stomach on the futon. "Well, really, Hitsugaya-san, that's a choice we can't make." The others looked at her in surprise. "What? Kurosaki-taicho isn't dead. He isn't comatose. It's his life, his choice." She glanced over at the man in question, his chest bare save for the wide bandage on it. "What we have to worry about is how we deal with his choice."

Silence filled the room, all of the men staring at her with varied expressions of surprise. Urahara's hat was pushed up so that his whole face was visible, a speculative expression on his face. Tessai seemed surprised, but pleased; Isamu and Kaien were nodding slowly, their eyes a little distant. Toshiro was looking at her in clear shock, his aqua-blue eyes wide. "Of course," he managed. "I . . . you're right, Kuragari-san."

She shrugged, turning over onto her side to look at them all. "I know what I would choose for him, and I hope that you all would choose likewise, but . . . I can't decide for him anymore than I could decide for you, Hitsugaya-san." Amaya pushed herself upright, stretching her back and making all six sets of eyes in the room bulge before she scooted over to the table and sat down.

Kaien leaned forward, resting both elbows on the table. "Very well, then. Let's talk about the possibilities, and what we'll do with each one." He pushed a cup of tea towards Amaya. "I'll say this - I'll go along with whatever he chooses, but I won't like it one bit if Kurosaki-taicho decides to go back and face execution."

~ ~ ~ ~​

The talking had been mostly done, and Kaien had headed out to gather up Amaya and Isamu's gigai - it wouldn't be right to leave them just wandering about, and the two younger shinigami were exhausted. Amaya was on her back, covered with a blanket and snoring softly. Nearby, Hitsugaya was leaning against a wall, knees pulled to his chest, lost in thought and in a near-doze. Tessai sat by the door, seemingly tireless, his hands flipping through a catalog.

Urahara had gone into one of the other rooms, muttering about research, and had taken a piece of the gauze that Ishida had used to wipe up blood with him. Isamu sat near the table, alternating between gazing out the window and watching Amaya sleep. The cat was sitting on the floor, its eyes traveling between Hitsugaya and Amaya speculatively. "Excuse me, neko-san," Isamu said, looking at the sleek black figure.

As if it were waking from a dream, the cat shook its head and looked back at him. "Hai?"

"Would you might if I petted you? I've never seen a talking cat before." He also liked cats a great deal, and it seemed like this one was special. Aside from the talking, of course.

What seemed like a wry smile passed over the cat's face. "Of course. If you like, I can curl up in your lap for a bit. The air still hasn't warmed much, and Kisuke hasn't turned the heat on." The cat padded over to the young man and hopped up into his lap lightly, circling around before snuggling into a ball. "I'm Yoruichi, by the way. You can call me that instead of neko-san, if you like."

Isamu ran a hand down the soft, furry side and smiled as the cat started to purr. "Very well, Yoruichi-san. I'm Isamu Takeuchi. Hazimemashite."

~ ~ ~ ~​

"Yare, yare! Abandoning me for another man so easily, Yoruichi-san?" The sleeping people in the room, save Isshin, jolted awake at the voice.

The cat raised its head. "Well, maybe if you treated me properly, I wouldn't have to look elsewhere," it said, a hint of teasing it its voice.

Urahara sighed, shaking his head sadly. "I do what I can to keep you in tuna, but you're never satisfied." He looked at the mustached man near the door. "Tessai-san, would you mind making some dinner? Or order some, I don't mind if you use the shop account. I think our patient might be awake soon."

"Hai, shop owner," the mountain of a man said, standing up and bowing once before leaving the room.

The room was dimly lit by a few lamps on the walls and one on a bookshelf. By the air was warmer, and the sky outside was the clear purple-orange of a summer sunset. "You've all slept the day away," Urahara said, dropping down next to the table. "Not that I blame you - that thing was bad news, and I'm very glad you got rid of it."

Amaya sat up, her hair tousled into an interesting wave of pink. "Hai. We'd have been lost if it weren't for Hitsugaya-san." She smiled fondly at the young man, who blushed brightly. "But tell us, Urahara-san, why do you think Kurosaki-taicho will awake soon?"

Kaien spoke up from the corner where he'd been sitting. "I told him so - I think his sleep's more natural now, which means he'll be awake shortly." He looked at the others. "Kuragari, Takeuchi, your gigai are in the next room over. I didn't want to wake you for that."

Isamu nodded. "That's fair." He sat up from where he had stretched out, the cat pressed to his chest. "It will be good to know what Kurosaki-taicho wants to do. We can't get anywhere without knowing what he wants."

"What he wants," a weak voice said from the far side of the room, "is you all to stop talking about him like he wasn't here." They looked, surprised and pleased, to see Isshin pushing himself up on his elbows, eying them all with undisguised irritation. "I was having an excellent nap."

 

[Armphid]

There were a number of shouts at that point and the three junior shinigami were on their feet, though Isamu paused to set Yoruichi on the still warm spot he'd left on the floor.

"Kurosaki-taichou, thank goodness!" Amaya was beaming and moved to sit down beside him. "We were very worried."

Hitsugaya nodded, turning to face his captain but not moving closer. "The wound was a bad one for a soul, but for a human..."

"Human?" Isshin blinked, looking down at himself.

Kaien sighed, "That news could have been broken better. But, yes, taichou. You seem to have been struck with the same power as Mitsukake was, but it worked much faster."

"The doctor who treated you, Urahara-san called him Ishida, said that your reiatsu was still like that of a shinigami though, taichou." Isamu was standing rather than sitting, not wanting to crowd Isshin.

"So it's that way, huh?" He flexed one of his hands experimentally, "Doesn't really feel all that different. Heavier, I guess. But that can wait. What happened to Spearfinger?"

"Dead, sir." Kaien gestured at the white haired boy, "Hitsugaya-san used his bankai, which none of us knew he could do, and killed it while the rest of us kept the duplicates off of him and you."

"Well, that cat's out of the bag," Isshin shrugged and then winced at the motion. "But good...I'm glad you were able to win and come out all right."

Yoruichi sniffed from as the cat stretched and yawned, "Good luck putting me in a bag."

"Ah, Yoruichi-san, it's been a while. Though I'd wanted to be in a better state then this when I saw you again" The captain, or was it former captain now, sighed then and closed his eyes. The other shinigami exchanged glances. For the first time any of them could recall, Isshin Kurosaki looked tired and suddenly much older. "You've talked about it, right?"

"Hai," Kaien said. The others didn't speak, but nodded.

"And what decision did you come to, Kaien-san?"

The spiky haired lieutenant's face was determined as he spoke, "That we'd support you, whatever choice you end up making." The others nodded, though Isamu frowned and looked away. "There are choices we won't like, but your fate is your own to decide and we'll help you take whatever path you choose." He caught sight of Isamu and his lips quirked in an almost smile, "Mostly."

Isshin quirked a brow and glanced at Histugaya before returning his gaze to Kaien. The kid was a rules stickler. "What's 'mostly' mean?"

Kaien jerked a thumb over his shoulder to point at Isamu, "Takeuchi says that if you decide to go back to Soul Society he won't let it happen. Even if he has to fight us all." Isamu flushed but turned his gaze back to Isshin.

"Is that right?"

"Yes," the half-breed answered. "There's no way I'd let you walk back under the judgment of those tyrants, knowing that they'd murder you and call you a prisoner and a criminal."

"Ara," Isshin sighed, "You're stiff necked, all right. But thank you, all of you, for that." He groaned softly and lay back down. "There's a time factor here. Soul Society will know Spearfinger was destroyed. They'll be expecting a report and our return soon. Probably within hours." He smiled a bit, a small, rueful smile. "Looks like I've got a big decision to make."

Everyone sat in silence for a minute or so. Then Isamu took a deep breath, "I think I should help Tessai-san with dinner. We don't want to be freeloaders, after all."

Amaya rose with a nod, "That's a good idea, Takeuchi-kun. I'll help too." Hitsugaya didn't speak but he rose to walk out of the room with the other two.

Kaien watched them go and then looked back down at Isshin, "I'll be right outside if you want anything, taichou." At the other man's silent nod, he rose and left the room from the other door.

Isshin sighed and reached into his kosode for something and then pulled out his pack of cigarettes, only one left within. His lighter, however, was broken. He sighed and went to put them back then stopped, blinking. He reached a little deeper and pulled out a small silver lighter with a blue cross on it. "Ishida. Looks like I owe him one." There was a flicker of flame and then a tendril of smoke curled towards the ceiling. Isshin took a drag and blew out a cloud. "Got to pay that back, I guess."

~~~~~~~~~~~~​

The senkaimon slid closed behind them, Hell Butterflies fluttering off into the sky of Soul Society. The weary quartet walked forward, faces solemn and grim. "Ahh, welcome back!" Rangiku Matsumoto was smiling as she walked forward, "It took a little longer than we thought, but..." She blinked, seeing the group clearly for the first time. "What...is this?"

Hitsugaya was leading the group, most of their supplies and bags strapped to him. His large eyes were sad and he bowed to Rangiku, "Matsumoto-fukutaichou, Kurosaki-taichou..."

Behind the youth, Kaien and Isamu were carrying Isshin's empty, lifeless gigai on a stretcher between them. Amaya was behind them with the rest of the group's gear. Rangiku gasped and ran up to it, "Taichou! Kaien-san, Amaya-chan, what...what happened?"

"That," came a soft but firm voice, "is an excellent question." Dark-skinned Tousen stood in front of them now; red translucent goggles over his sightless eyes and a scarf of the same color flowing in the wind behind him. Hisagi was beside him, the wild looking lieutenant's eyes wide and shocked. "I share your grief, Matsumoto-fukutaichou, but you must look to your squad now. I will investigate this matter and learn what tragedy has befallen our comrade."

~~~~~~~~~~~~​

"I am confident in their report," Tousen said. His scarf was black now, as were the wide sunglasses over his eyes. "The accounts all match and there was no inconsistency. Kurosaki-taichou was struck down by the Hollow's power stealing ability and then slain, devoured so that no body remained."

The full captain's meeting was grim and silent, save for Ichimaru's grin and Kurotsuchi's mad leer. Soi Fon shook her head, "No inconsistencies...did it seem as though they were trying to hide anything?"

"No." Tousen shook his head, "There was hesitation in them at times, and some hedging, but it was because even though they had succeeded, each of them views the mission as a failure."

"The account does what 12th Division's monitors and sensors picked up," Kurotsuchi added in his syrupy voice. "Though I wish I could have them all flayed for not capturing any material for further analysis, the truth is plain to see."

Ukitake spoke up, his voice stronger and more robust than many of those present had ever heard it before. "Then the rest if true as well? About the 3rd Seat."

"So it seems," Aizen answered. "It is amazing, but I witnessed his bankai, along with Kyouraku-taichou and Unohana-taichou. The boy is that powerful." He looked significantly across the room at Ichimaru, "A true genius."

Ichimaru's smile faded a bit but then returned full force, "Yare, yare, good luck for us, isn't it? One captain dies and we can fill the spot right away! Hope he's a little tougher. So when are we going to congratulate him?"

Aizen frowned, "To do so now would be in poor taste, Ichimaru-taichou."

"Ahh, right, right." The grin was wider now, "We gotta remember to be sorry that guy died first." Rangiku, standing in Isshin's place suddenly sniffed and looked down and the smile left Ichimaru's face completely.

There was a thud that seemed to ring out across the room as Yamamoto tapped the butt of his staff against the ground. "Regardless, the matters before us are clear. Isshin Kurosaki died in the line of duty, fighting a great evil. May we all end as well as he. Inform your squads of the appropriate mourning period and decorum. Upon it's conclusion, Toshiro Hitsugaya shall be sworn in as the new captain of Squad 10."

~~~~~~~~~~~~​

Two men waited outside of Karakura Town's biggest hospital; both off to the side of the people coming and going from it. One of the men was standing on the sidewalk and looking away, as if watching for someone to approach. He wore a white suit with a dark blue shirt, and was tall with a lean and rangy build. His hair was a pale bluish white and he wore glasses. A lit cigarette dangled from one hand.

His friend was leaning against the wall, just as tall but had a stronger build. His hair was cut short and slightly spiky and was a solid black, as were his eyes. A thin, well trimmed beard was on his chin and cheeks and he was dressed in black as well, save for a red shirt that was under a loose black jacket.

The man in white shook his head, "You do remember that the four of us are going out to have fun, don't you? You look like a mortician."

Isshin Kurosaki shrugged, "Old habits die hard, they say. Besides, I haven't had time to change up my look with my new studies." Between Ishida and Urahara's cleverness, it had been easy. A man who hadn't existed now had records and even an education history that allowed him to transfer into the same medical school as Ishida. He just thanked his lucky stars he'd started off in Squad 4. "So, this girl I'm meeting...is she cute?"

"Very," Ryuuken Ishida's lips curved in a soft smile, "She's not the classic beauty of my girl, but she's quite attractive. If I recall your, ah, assistant and then that pink haired girl correctly, I'm sure you'll be satisfied." He took another drag from his cigarette. "And has a very charming personality as well. If she wasn't new here, I'm sure someone would have snatched her up."

"New, huh? So we've got one thing in common. What's her name?"

 

[HookerBoots]

Rangiku took a deep breath, her generous chest heaving with something other than passion. She rested her head on Amaya's shoulder, sniffing a little. "Arigato gozaimasu, Amaya-chan," the busty redhead said in a small voice. "It's very good of you to listen to me."

Amaya stroked a gentle hand over her back, cradling the older woman close. "It's okay, Ran-san." She sighed. "I'm sorry that it . . . well, that this happened, but I'm glad I could be there for you." They were curled up on Rangiku's futon, fully clothed, but the door was tightly shut. This was the first time that Amaya had ever seen Rangiku this upset over anything, and it was a little . . . daunting. She'd been sobbing for an hour, and it was a relief that she was finally able to make coherent words.

"I know, but . . ." another sniff, and Rangiku wiped at her eyes, "And I just don't know what to do at all. I should do something for Hitsugaya-san . . . Hitsugaya-tai-cho," she said, her voice hitching in the middle of the last word, "but I just can't have a party with everything that's happened."

"Well, Isamu-kun told me about a thing, something I think his family did for him, called a 'wake'?" Amaya said, hesitantly. "Sort of like a party for someone who's passed on, to celebrate their lives and the good times? Maybe combo that with a party for Hitsugaya-san?"

Nodding miserably, Rangiku grabbed a tissue from near the futon. "That's a good idea, Amaya-chan. Kurosaki-taicho would like . . . would have liked that." She blew her nose, and Amaya sighed internally. It felt wrong to lie to the other woman like this. Should she tell her the truth? It could get everyone disciplined, or killed, if Rangiku couldn't keep a secret.

"Ran-san? Can you keep a secret? It's very, very important."

~ ~ ~ ~​

Amaya tapped on the door and slid it open. "Konnichi wa, Isamu-kun. I thought we could have dinner . . . oh." She stepped just inside the room, looking at him seriously. He was on the floor bare-chested, doing push-ups. "Ara, it's not my birthday," she said, teasingly.

He looked up at her, and kept counting until he reached two hundred. Then he got to his knees, looking at her seriously. "We should get dinner, yes. And I think we also need to talk, Amaya-chan."

She plopped down on the floor. "From your expression, it's serious, so let's talk first, and then get food. It'll be better without the trouble looming while we eat." She folded her hands in her lap. "Though I can guess, regardless."

The shirtless American nodded shortly. "I don't object to you giving me orders. For the most part," he said when she looked at him, one eyebrow raised. "But what you did . . . tells me that, deep down, you think I'm weak." His eyes were dark and serious, and she felt the nervous urge to look down, away from his gaze. "I'm not weak, Amaya-chan. I don't know what I can do to make you realize that."

"No, that's not . . . ." She sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "Isamu-kun, that isn't what I meant when I gave you that order." She reached out and put a hand on one of his. "I know you're strong, stronger than I am." A self-deprecating little shrug, and she went on. "But I also know that if I have a chance to keep you from getting hurt, I'll take it. I would rather die myself than see you be hurt."

He looked at her in surprise. "Don't say that, Amaya-chan. You shouldn't want to give your life for me."

She smiled sadly at him. "I'm not strong enough to lose you. What would there be for me without you?"

There was silence, and he pulled her into an embrace. "Baka. What would there be for me without you? Don't give me an order like that again. I won't follow it."

She smacked his shoulder. "Insubordinate!"

~ ~ ~ ~​

The official ceremony was over, and even though it had been something he'd wanted for a long time, Toshiro Hitsugaya felt incredibly uncomfortable in his captain's haori. Perhaps he'd had it made too large - it kept feeling like he was playing dress-up in someone else's clothing. He didn't want to go to the party that Rangiku was throwing tonight, he didn't feel like it at all, but it was for him, and for Kurosaki-taicho. He would go, as a duty, but he wouldn't enjoy a moment of it.

He slid open the door to the captain's office - his office, how surreal was that? - and stopped as the man in the middle of the room stood up. "Konnichi wa, Hitsugaya-taicho."

"Takeuchi-san." The youngest captain in the history of the Gotei 13 stepped inside the room and shut the door. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this surprise visit?"

With an awkward shrug, Isamu sat back down. "I . . . want to ask you something. A favor, perhaps, as well as advice."

"Oh?" Hitsugaya went to the desk and sat down behind it. "What can I help you with?" He wasn't sure at all that he wanted to help the wild wolf of Squad 9, but it would be rude to not hear the man out. And his attitude did seem different now.

"Your bankai . . . how did you achieve it so quickly?" Isamu's face was filled with nothing but curiosity and sharp fascination. "I have a goal, Hitsugaya-taicho, and you've reached it at an age that I'd never even dreamed there were such things as shinigami. I want to know how!"

There was a slightly affronted expression on the young man's face. "I'm over forty, you know." He sniffed. "Older than you were when you got here." He reached back and set his sword on the desk in front of him, running careful hands over it as it lay there. "In any case, I . . . can tell you how I did it, but I don't know how much it will help."

"Anything you can tell me," he'd had no idea the kid was that old! Man, it would suck to be that old and still look like a kid. "And, perhaps, if you have the time with your new duties, we could spar together? Madarame-san keeps saying the only way to get stronger is to fight people who are strong."

~ ~ ~ ~​

The party was far more subdued than any of Rangiku's other parties; low lights, no visible booze, and no live entertainment. Instead, she'd gotten a record player from one of her squad members, and a few of Kurosaki's favorite recordings to play, as well as an assortment of foods and drinks set out on a long table.

Every one was very somber, wearing white armbands on their uniforms to show their mourning. Because it was a party for not one, but two, captains, all the other captains were drifting in and out of the circumference of the 'celebration'. Soi Fon had shown up just long enough to be respectful, say hello to Hitsugaya, and steal half of the chocolate candies from the table. Yamamoto was there for long enough to give his respects, greet the guest of honor, and have a hot cup of tea that he didn't think was hot enough.

Most of the other captains stayed longer, having a drink of the punch, or chatting amiably with the lower-ranked officers. Amaya was reaching out casually to grab a piece of spicy tuna roll, felt her hand hit something, and looked up. "Oh! Gomen nasai, Kuchiki-taicho!"

Byakuya Kuchiki looked back at her, unperturbed, his fingers wrapped around the sushi in question. "Do not worry, Kuragari-san." He glanced over at the rest of the table. "It looks like this is the last one." There was silence as he seemed to think something over. Then he looked at the roll in his hand. "If you would like, you may have this one."

"Oh, no, taicho, please." Amaya smiled at him in what she hoped was a winning fashion. If he liked her - or at least tolerated her - there might be a chance of him not being upset at her being friendly with Rukia. And she might be able to get some pictures of him for the calendar. "I think Ran-san . . . pardon, Matsumoto-fukutaicho, has more coming. I can wait."

There was a strangely comfortable silence for a moment, and then he said, "You were recently promoted, weren't you?"

"Hai, Kuchiki-taicho. Ukitake-taicho has given me the honor of being Third Seat of Squad 13." She looked over at her captain fondly, where he was sitting on a bench and talking with Unohana and a young unseated officer from Squad 10. "I'm grateful for the chance to show my worth, sharing the seat with Miyako Shiba-san."

He nodded somberly, lifting the sushi to his mouth. His hand paused mid-motion, and he looked at her searchingly. "You're a very well-spoken young lady for . . . someone so young." Maybe his butler was right, maybe he did need to get out more. Telling thing young woman that she was well-spoken for an orphan would have been accurate, but it wouldn't have been kind. Hisana would have taken him to task for it.

"I'm a trained negotiator, Kuchiki-taicho," she said a little tartly, hoping he didn't reprimand her for being saucy. She had a feeling that he'd been about to say something very different.

Instead, a ghost of a smile played over his lips. She had spark. That was unusual, and quite something. Perhaps hope wasn't lost for the Gotei 13 after all. It did, however, explain Rukia's unusual amount of sass lately.

 

[Armphid]

"So, what, I'm totally lost. You're still 3rd Seat, Miyako-san?" Isamu had a drink in one hand and a look of bafflement on his face. "I thought you were getting promoted or moving to the Kido Corps or something."

Miyako shook her head, smoothing a lock of perfect jet hair with a free hand. She was seated with Isamu and her husband at one of the many small tables in the grand hall that was being used for the celebration. "No, not at all. I was a little surprised with it, certainly, but I'm glad." She smiled and Isamu saw in that moment how easy it would be to fall in love with her; Kaien must never have stood a chance. Though who'd want to? "I've worked with Kuragari-san a great deal and helped instruct her. She'll be a great help with my duties."

"But...you're 3rd Seat," Isamu said again.

"Don't get so wrapped up in it, Takeuchi!" Kaien rolled his eyes and drained his cup of sake. "They're both 3rd Seat, sharing the seat. Like...they're sitting together on a really lucky chair."

"That last part's right," Isamu muttered.

Miyako had lifted the bottle at the table, "What was that, Takeuchi-san?"

"Uh, well," He flushed and then held out his cup, "would you mind?" He couldn't help but grin, "Sake always tastes better poured by a beautiful woman's hand."

"Hey!" Kaien growled, "If you're gonna flirt with my wife in front of me, use your own lines!" Then he blinked as Miyako inclined her head with a dainty, demure blush on her cheeks and filled Isamu's cup. "M-Miyako!"

She looked at him archly, the blush vanishing, "It's so nice to be asked, since some people just take things for granted." Then she looked at Isamu with dangerous eyes, resting her chin on one hand, "You know, Takeuchi-san, I've heard some rumors about gaijin..."

"Damn it! All right, Takeuchi, that's it!" Kaien took the bottle out of Miyako's hands and thumped it down on the table. "We're settling this right now! Last man who can stand up wins!"

"Wait, wins what?"

Miyako giggled and batted her eyelashes, "My..." she paused and licked her lips, "...affections?"

"Damn, I won't lose Takeuchi!"

"Hmm." Amaya watched as her mentor's husband began a drinking contest with a still confused Isamu. "I'm not sure if this is the occasion for that."

"Indeed." Byakuya Kuchiki nodded, standing tall, noble, and cool beside the often bubbly, busty beauty. "Those two...their ferocity is often distasteful." He glanced down at the girl again. "All the more reason for the rest of us to set a better example."

"Oh, nooo, it looks like I'll be finding out about those rumors after all!"

"It's not over yet! Sentaro, get me another bottle!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~​

Isamu paused at the gates of Squad 9's complex. He was walking a little wobbly, having drunk far too much in the contest with Kaien. Which he had won and gotten a scented handkerchief from Miyako as her "affections." He might do something bad with that later. Everyone, well a lot of them, had laughed at that, teasing both he and Kaien while she just grinned.

It really was one lucky chair.

But coming home, he felt like he was being watched somehow. It wasn't the first time he'd had that feeling lately, but...

He turned back and took a few steps out into the street, taking a deep breath and trying to clear his mind, using his reiatsu to spread out and feel for any others around. He'd done this before, when he'd seen through the illusion the members of Squad 3 he'd fought had put up. For a minute or so, he breathed and searched.

Isamu opened his eyes back up and frowned. Was there really nothing there? Or was he just not sensing it? If there was someone and they were good enough that...hmm.

The half breed slowly turned again and walked back into his Squad's area. But his steps were lighter and his eyes cast about as he moved.

Soi Fon pursed her lips slightly as she stepped out from behind the wall she'd been shadowing him through. He hadn't been able to sense her but had noticed something was amiss. Given her abilities compared to his, it was...good. Impressive, almost.

She flash stepped to a high roof inside the complex, watching him again. Since taking this task from Hashina, she'd found him more...interesting that she'd expected. He was so...rebellious and so vocal, yet so supporting of his Squad, of his allies, of the Gotei 13 as a whole. He reminder her of that person, in some ways.

She shifted, feeling a small, tingling urge. She had yet to take care of that, and the time she was able to spend observing him had not helped. Maybe...she'd seen enough. Maybe it was time to end it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~​

"3rd Seat, huh? So...we're equals now, are we?" Ikkaku Madarame grinned devilishly at Amaya. "I guess we'll find out, won't we, Kuragari?"

The pink haired shinigami sighed, "It sure looks that way." Then she stood up and looked around, "Um...before we start, wasn't Takeuchi-kun supposed to be here?"

Yumichika nodded, the fashion plate sitting in the shade of the patio that led to the sparring area. "Yes. He's late, actually." He raised one perfectly plucked and sculpted eyebrow artfully, "Which usually involves you." He smirked a bit at Amaya's blush. "So...I wonder what's happened to him then?"

"He'll get here when we gets here!" Ikkaku snorted and threw his kosode off, "Now, come on!"

 

[HookerBoots]

There had to be someone following him, he just couldn't see them. Which meant it was a professional, someone from Squad 2, most likely. Either that or that madman in charge of Squad 12 had made some kind of bionic robot to track his movements, which didn't make any sense at all. Isamu looked up at the sky. If he were fast about it, he might be able to lose them and not be late for training with Amaya and Ikkaku. And if he couldn't lose them, it wouldn't matter either way.

So at the next turning, instead of picking a path, he jumped up onto a building across the way, running along the peak of the roof before, dropping into a baseball slide to drop down from in and into the window. It was an empty training hall in the barracks of Squad 10, and as he bounded out the window on the opposite wall, he heard footsteps in the hallway outside. Hopefully whoever was following him would get caught by the people who would be filing in the room in just a moment.

Out the window, down a blind alley and up onto another roof, flash-stepping to the far end and gathering himself for a huge jump that spanned two streets before somersaulting off one of the roofs and onto the street. He paused for a second to look around, and sighed ruefully. This looked like one of the nobles' houses, a well-manicured garden with a stream running through it. Not a terribly well-off noble family, since the garden was fairly small, but it was tended very well.

The garden seemed to back up against some woods, a screen of trees providing a wild counterpoint to the strictly ordered garden. That would be a good place to lose his tail, if they hadn't dropped off yet. Isamu started up towards the woods, launching himself toward the trees.

There was a sound, and he was barely able to turn to see what it was before a fistful of shuriken impacted his clothes, the weight throwing him back against one of the thick boles of the tree nearest to him. The struggle against them was instinctual, but it wasn't really working - whoever had thrown these was strong, and knew how to immobilize without killing.

As he watched, a lithe, female figure dropped to the ground from overhead. "That was impressive," she said, tugging the mask from the lower half of her face. "I've never had anyone come that close to losing me in decades."

"Soi Fon-taicho?" That surprised him. He had expected someone strong, with excellent control over their reiatsu, but he hadn't expected this. "Am I under arrest?"

She looked around the garden. "Hardly." The mask and its attached hood were tossed aside, now dangling from one of the delicate sakura trees nearby. "I didn't think you'd run into my garden, however. That was surprising."

He blinked. "Yours?"

"Well, my family's." She very pointedly didn't look over at the stream. "This was given to us by the noble Shihouin family." The petite captain looked at him steadily as she approached. "I've been following you, Takeuchi. And I think it's time to bring this chase to an end."

~ ~ ~ ~​

Sighing, Ukitake flopped back onto his futon. "I don't know what's wrong. I haven't felt this bad since -!" his words were broken off by a fit of coughing, his mouth covered in a handkerchief.

Isane knelt there, her eyes wide. She wasn't sure what to do - when she'd offered help in the past, he'd rejected it out of hand, but if she didn't help, what good was she doing by being there? As the coughing subsided, she pressed her hands together in front of her. "Ukitake-taicho, please, if you could, tell me what you've been up to the past few days? Maybe something helped trigger this episode."

He put one arm over his forehead. "Fukutaicho, you know what I've been doing. I've been reading reports, making tea, and trimming my bonsai." He looked weakly at her. "I haven't been doing any fighting, or visiting the infirmary, or anything like that."

She sighed. "I'm sorry, taicho, but it's . . . well, you know." He nodded, and she went on. "If there's nothing I can do right now, I should report back to Unohana-taicho. She may come by to visit you today."

He sighed as well, rubbing a hand over his mouth. "Tell her that I don't want her to. Though I know she won't listen anyway."

 

[Armphid]

Soi Fon was pretty, it was something that he'd known in an academic sense, but as she walked steadily towards him with her cool eyes never leaving him he really felt it for the first time; saw the delicate lines and pixieish features. He also felt fear and anger underneath it. "And what end will that be, Soi Fon-taichou?"

She tilted her head to one side, standing right in front of him now. "You're afraid of me but not enough to back down. That's good." Her right hand went to her back and the hilt of her short sword. Then she swept it out and sliced up, down, side to side, and downward once more before the blade clicked back into the sheath.

Isamu blinked. She hadn't cut him...so what was that all about? He found out as his hakama, suddenly sliced neatly down each leg fell open and off and Soi Fon reached out to take hold of the collar of his kosode. "If you try to run, I'll kill you. Understand?" He nodded numbly, still not understanding what was going on at all. Then she pulled on the collar and his kosode came apart and fell off of him, sliced apart by her.

She stepped back, a thin lipped smile on her face as she openly eyed him, "Much better up close." She reached into her haori and pulled out...a camera? "Hold still." Isamu's face flickered through a series of emotions as she started to snap pictures one after another; surprise, confusion, anger, and simmering resentment. "Good, she'll like that."

The petite captain slid the camera away and Isamu took a half step forward, no longer pinned by his clothing. "Soi Fon-taichou, what the hell is going on here?"

"I've been watching you for months now. Almost a year, and one of my squad was doing so before that. To determine if you were a threat to Soul Society." She looked up at him with that thin, confident, almost cat-like smile again. "I've decided to downgrade your status so I won't be observing you directly anymore. But while I have been I've seen some...interesting things."

She reached into the other side of her kosode and pulled out a small envelope which she threw to him. He opened it, seeing inside photos of himself with Amaya in both of their bedrooms, and with Isane, and Michiru, and of that one time just after Mitsukake's attack with Jun. He looked at them, stunned that she'd been so close to get these and he'd only now noticed. Was it because she'd let him? "You have a relationship with Amaya Kuragari of Squad 13; I know her through the Shinigami Women's Association. You and she spend at least three nights a week together. But you also maintain a semi-regular rendezvous with Isane Koutetsu of Squad 4, and have sporadic flings with other women."

Isamu didn't speak yet, just put the pictures back in the envelope. Damn it, did everyone know about he and Amaya?

"I wonder," Soi Fon continued, "What would happen if these pictures found their way to Kuragari?"

Isamu's eyes went wide in shock that was only partly feigned. So she didn't know the full details about he and Amaya. She just thought they were a thing and that he was screwing around. And now..."You're blackmailing me." He tossed the envelope back to her. "What is it that you want, Soi Fon-taichou?"

She let her eyes travel over him again, "Those aren't the only interesting things I've seen. You, especially lately, remind me of someone I once new and greatly admired. Someone I...desired. And seeing you, hearing you speak, I have...remembered that want." She licked her lips and raised her eyes to meet his again. "You'll be mine for the next four hours. You will be obedient and compliant. Afterward, you will tell no one of what happened here. Not Kuragari, not a single soul or these pictures will trouble you again. But only for a little while. If I need to deal with this tension another time and come for you, you'll go with me without me having to force the issue. Those are my terms. Do you agree?"

Isamu wasn't sure he was hearing this correctly. Soi Fon...wanted to fuck him for a few hours and then she might do it again in the future? The only part he wasn't sure about was not telling Amaya about it. Maybe he could find a way...but he didn't doubt that the lethal honey bee of Squad 2 would follow through on her threats if she thought he'd talked. "And the pictures you took of me just now?"

"Aren't a part of this deal, they're for something else." As would the others she'd take once he was nude. And bound. And before the binding too, of course, but...oh, he'd look so delicious. "My terms?"

He raised his brow, "You've got me right where you want me, taichou...or you soon will. I agree."

 

[HookerBoots]

Amaya sighed and puffed a stray piece of hair from her face. She was sweating, her face and arms covered in a thin sheen of sweat. "Hyaaa!" She swung the sword she had in her hands, angling for one of the 'joints' in Ikkaku's spear was. It was possible she got lucky, or maybe he was giving her a break, but the slender blade of the katana slipped between the sections of the spear and Amaya twisted her arms, popping the two sections apart.

Her goal hadn't been to break it - she'd seen him whip the damned thing apart when he wanted to enough that she knew she couldn't - but just to throw him off balance. And it did - the spear lengthened, and his hands and arms were suddenly farther apart. Without a moment's hesitation, she flashed forward, ducking her head as she slipped under the Hozoukimaru's shaft, the blade of her sword held down and to one side.

He froze, looking down at her in surprise as well as he could - she'd pulled the small dagger she'd started carrying tucked up one of her sleeves, and had the blade pressed lightly against his throat. Then a wild, mad grin spread over his face, and he tilted his head farther back, showing her his throat.

A surprised sound came from the shaded area where Yumichika sat. The pretty man had set down his drink and was leaning forward, his eyes wide with amazement.

A moment later, Amaya pulled the dagger back and ducked back under Ikkaku's weapon, tucking the small blade back into her sleeve as though it had never been out. "Well?" she said, looking at him, her face a little flushed.

The bald-headed man grinned at her widely. "You did good. But you gave away too much - if we fight for real, you might need the advantage of that hidden dagger." He grounded the spear and looked at her seriously. "I know about it now."

She made a dismissive sound. "Don't think it's the only one," it was, "or that it's always in the same place, Madarame-san." The pink-haired girl bared her teeth in a grin that matched his for wild ferocity. "Besides, if we ever fight for real, I'll use every skill I've got - and that means kido." Amaya sealed her blade, and looked at him again. "Ready?"

~ ~ ~ ~​

Isshin packed up another box and stacked it by the door. "Well, that's that, then." He dusted his hands off and straightened, pressing a hand to the healing wound on his chest. Things were so much easier when an injury could be treated with magic instead of having to rely on his body's capabilities.

"All packed up, then, Kurosaki-dono?" came a rumbling voice from behind.

"I think so, Tessai-san." Isshin turned to face the giant man, smiling a little ruefully. "I'll be sorry to leave, but it's time I let you all get on with your own business."

Urahara appeared from the hallway. "It's been most interesting having you here, Kurosaki-san," he said. "And my research has gone forward by leaps and bounds with you to study." He pulled his hat off and scratched his head. "And it's been nice to have someone to talk to, as well, who . . . well, you know."

"Sentimentality?" the dark-haired man asked with a grin. "Never thought I'd see the day!" He tugged his shirt down a bit, looking uncomfortable for a moment. "Look, Urahara-san, it's a little soon to say for sure, but . . . well, my mind's made up on it."

"Ara?"

Isshin might have actually been blushing. "When the time comes, will you . . . stand up for me? When Masaki and I . . . ."

Tessai clapped him on the back hard enough to stagger a lesser man. "Congratulations, Kurosaki-dono! She is a lovely woman, and may your first child be a masculine one!"

~ ~ ~ ~​

A small smile spread over Soi Fon's face, and she nodded. "Nearly, yes." Her eyes turned a bit feral, and she stepped forward, her hands going up to Isamu's shoulders. It was difficult not to run her fingers over him, feel the smooth skin over hard muscle that she could tell was there. But she couldn't let him know how much she wanted, under any circumstances.

So instead, she lifted herself on her toes and kissed him lightly, hesitantly, before tangling her fingers in his hair. She was aware of when his arms snaked around her waist, pulling her close, and couldn't stop herself from moaning softly at the feel of his lips and his body against hers, even through her tactical clothing.

With a sighing sound, she stepped back slightly, tugging at the fastenings to the shirt she wore. In a few moments, it too joined the hood and mask on the sakura tree, dangling like some oddly-shaped fruit. Her upper body was taut and firm, with small, pert breasts and lean, supple arms. Without waiting again, she pressed herself against him, lips seeking his as his hands moved over her skin.

 

[Armphid]

Her kiss this time wasn't hesitant or gentle, it was firm and hard; brimming with restrained hunger. Her lithe, sleek body was hard, steel taut muscle underneath smooth skin, the only softness on her her small, cute tits. Her fingers ran through Isamu's wild, auburn hair and took hold, almost yanking him to her as she deepened the kiss.

Her kisses were sweet but unpracticed, it had obviously been a long time since she'd done anything like this. How long? Since this person that he reminded her of died or vanished? He could taste and feel the tension in her, pent up want that was threatening to shatter even her legendary resolve.

It was funny in a way, he had never imagined her as even having these kinds of thoughts or feelings. But perhaps it wasn't that she didn't have them but that she couldn't express them unless it was like this. Unless she was in total control and held all the cards; anything else would be too vulnerable, expose her too much for the leader of the Punishment Squad.

Her hands left his hair and pushed him back against the bole of the tree before her clever, killing hands began to move over him and explore his body. He shivered and moaned under his breath as her fingers ran over the lines of muscles and ran over his skin. She seemed to carefully note each scar and traced them out in an almost clinical fashion. She looked up at him and smirked, licking her lips. Soi Fon stood up on her toes again and ghosted her lips over his, "Bakudo 19, Aigyounawa."

He blinked, "Wha-ahh!" Red ropes of energy suddenly burst into life from her finger tips, sliding up and over him to tie his body. His arms were lifted up over his head and tied at the wrists and wrapped about his forearms; his ankles smacked together before being bound. Soi Foi pivoted and made a throwing motion, the kidou ropes still bound to her hands jerking and sending him flying to land on his back on the soft grass of the garden. She twisted one wrist and ropes shot down from the ones on his forearms to loop about and secure his knees before pulling tight to open them, leaving his legs spread and bent at the knee, yet tied at the ankle.

Isamu struggled, feeling the magic bonds strain but hold firm. He could break them, he thought, if he put some effort into it. But then...she'd told him to be obedient...and he didn't doubt that she'd kill him if she wanted to.

God, that shouldn't make this hotter but it did. What the hell was wrong with him? His cock was rock hard and throbbing even while he felt a jolt of helpless fear. "S-oi Fon-taichou, why did you...?"

She looked down at him, her smirk widened. "Look at you; so proud and fierce and now tied up and helpless. Mine to do with as I please." She slipped out of the rest of her clothes, her long and supple legs now bare and her pretty little pussy's lips glistening faintly. She picked up the camera she'd had before and lifted it and started to take pictures with one hand, the other slipping between her legs to rub two long fingers over her sex. "Very nice. This is a good pose for you, Takeuchi."

He opened his mouth to speak, cheeks flushed, but then shut it, not even being sure what he'd say to that. She reached down and tore his fundoshi off, the cloth ripping in her hand before she cast it aside. "And that's a better one. You like this, I see. I thought you would." She lifted the camera again and began to take more photots.

Isamu's shock grew with each click. What...what was she going to do with those? "What...why did you tie me up?"

"Because I want it that way." She smirked again and put the camera down on a nearby stone lantern. The slender assassin stepped over his waist, straddling him and bending down, one hand reaching out to wrap her cunning fingers around the shaft of his prick. She smiled as he groaned, "And this tells you want it this way too, even if you didn't know it."

Her voice wavered a bit as she touched his manhood. Soi Fon bit her lower lip, "It's true about gaijin, or maybe you're just gifted." She started to pump his cock in her hand, "There's so much I'm going to do to you but...but before that, I need this."

And before he could do or say anything, she dropped down and impaled herself on his cock in one swift, hard motion. She cried out as it spread her tight, slick tunnel open and speared deep into her, her head going back and back arching, the long gold rings at the end of her braids flying as the tiny fighter took all of him in at once. His voice mingled with hers; a guttural, primal shout as the tightest sex he'd ever felt opened to him.

 

[HookerBoots]

Momo shifted a little, her face worried. She didn't know why she'd been called here, but she didn't think she'd done anything wrong. Her fingers were laced together in her lap, and she was trying hard not to look around the room in interest.

Trying, and failing. No matter how many times she went into Captain Aizen's office, she still found it so interesting. He had so many books that she would have loved to read, and all the statues and trinkets that she could barely fathom where they'd come from. It was soothing, being in here, the whole room seemed suffused with the calm, caring demeanor of the man who used it.

The captain in question was writing something on a piece of paper, his brushstrokes practiced and sure. "I'll be done in just a moment, Hinamori-san," he said, setting the brush down and pouring sand over it to help dry the ink. "Old fashioned calligraphy isn't a popular hobby, but it can be very soothing."

She nodded, her hands relaxing a little. He was so calm, she couldn't be worried in the face of his implacable smile and peaceful attitude. "Hai, taicho. It is quite lovely, as well."

His smile was like the sun coming up, and she smiled back. "So, Hinamori-san, you're probably curious about why you're here." Aizen settled behind the desk, pushing his glasses up with one hand.

"I was curious, yes, sir." She straightened up a little. "But I know that you'll tell me when you're ready to."

"Yes, well, I think I shouldn't make you wait longer." He brushed a strand of hair from his face, picking up a piece of paper from the pile on his desk and handing it across to her. "You're being promoted again, Hinamori-san. Fukuchi-san is retiring, because of that leg thing, you know?" She nodded, her face white. "So you'll be my new fourth seat."

It took her a moment to find her voice. "I'm . . . honored, Aizen-taicho. But, if I may ask, why me? There are more people in between myself and Fukuchi-san that are stronger."

Aizen plucked the piece of paper from her hands and set it back down, his eyes kind behind his glasses. "Because I know no one in this squad is as loyal or capable as you are."

~ ~ ~ ~​

"Come on, Shuu-kun!" Rangiku's face was worked into an artful pout, her blue eyes filled with what were entirely fake tears. "Please? I'll be in trouble if I don't!"

The half-clad man sighed, his face bright red. "This is indecent, Ran-san! It's not right for women to have pictures of . . . you know." But as her lower lip trembled, he sighed again. "But all right, then, fine!"

The busty woman clapped her hands. "Yay! Thank you so much, you're doing me a huge favor!" She pulled a camera out of one of the open drawers and started snapping photos of him. "Oh, Shuu-kun, so many girls will be looking, and they'll all be able to see how sexy you look," she cooed, "But you have to look like you're having fun, don't just stand there!"

He grumbled something under his breath, and then plastered a fake smile onto his face. "Better?"

She lowered the camera. "I don't think so. You don't look like you with that smile." Holding the camera in one hand, she stepped close to him, pressing herself against his bare chest. Hisagi made a small sound that might have been pleasure or desperation. "Pose a little, look like I just caught you doing something like . . . oh! Practicing guitar!"

"Why would I be practicing guitar without my shirt on?" he asked as she grabbed the instrument in question and thrust it into his hands.

"Because it looks hot!"

~ ~ ~ ~​

"God! Such a big cock!" Soi Fon was riding him hard, her eyes half-closed as she filled herself over and over with Isamu's cock. The bound man beneath her was pushing up into her, unable to stop himself from giving her what she wanted. He'd never felt anything like this, it was like she was a virgin, but even tighter than that! "Fuck yes, yes, just a . . . little . . . aaaaAAAHH!"

It was hard, so hard, to keep from cumming as Soi Fon exploded on his cock, her tight cunt getting even tighter as she came, gushing wetness and throbbing like a heartbeat around his shaft. So hot, so tight, it was easy to believe that she didn't do this much, but a loss to men around Soul Society.

She came down from her high, pretty face flushed and covered in a sheen of sweat, still working her hips on his. "Good stamina," she managed, "such restraint . . . good." The tiny captain leaned forward, her small breasts pressing into his chest as she gripped his hair and kissed him again. "Keep going," she almost growled, "I need this so much, want to feel you in me when I climax again." Her hips stopped their motion for a second, grinding down onto him, and they both gasped, "And then I want you to fill me up," she breathed, pressing her hands against his chest and lifting herself up again.

"Anything . . . fuck, anything you want, taicho." Fuck! Did she have any idea how hard it was to keep from exploding inside of her when she said shit like that?!

 

[Armphid]

Amaya rose from the ground on shaky legs, her head ringing as though it were a newly struck temple bell. Which was a rough description of how she'd ended up on the ground of Squad 11's training area in a heap. She was breathing heavily, her shihakusho torn here and there, bruises and blood on her skin in places.

Ikkaku drew back, the sections of Hozoukimaru clacking back together and clicking back into the spear. He was still smiling but less than before, not due to any lack of enjoyment but due to needing to get his breath back as much as Amaya did. He too was torn and battered, with one particularly ugly looking cut across his scalp. "I think that one...goes to me." He laughed then, "But not by much! It's great! Another minute, Kuragari, and then-"

"The captain's here," Yumichiki said suddenly, standing up from where he'd been sitting and moving out onto the training field.

Both sets of eyes turned to him in confusion. "It's his Squad, so what if he's here?"

The fussy fashion plate shook his head, "Think, Ikkaku. He's been out on business, which will have him in a mood, and you've been fighting harder than ever against Kuragari. Several of the people who were watching are gone now. And the captain is now here."

Ikkaku hissed in a breath, "Kuragari! Get out of here, now!"

Amaya was already on top of the wall of the complex, "Hai! But, our training..."

"I'll get in touch, we'll work something out!" Ikkaku waved his arms at her in not quite panic, "Get the hell out of here!"

Amaya slipped over the other side of the wall just as one of the doors to the main building slid open and a heavy, violent spiritual pressure rolled out of them and blanketed the area. "Ara, what's this then?" The massive bulk of Kenpachi Zaraki stepped out and looked over Ikkaku. "You've looked better. Where is she then? The one who did that to you?" He smiled, a thoroughly unwholesome and mad expression on his scarred face, "Seems like she might be interesting now."

"Ah, she, uh, just left, taichou," Ikkaku answered with a shrug. "You just missed her."

Yumichika nodded, "She had to go; Squad 13 duties, I think."

"Huh. Well. She'll be back soon. And then..." He turned and laughed, heading back into the barracks."

The two lower officers watched him go for a few minutes and then both sighed. Ikkaku leaned on his spear, "Damn. We can't bring Kuragari back here to train."

"No," Yumichika shook his head, "I'm too fond of her to watch the captain kill her too. Maybe there's another way..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~​

"So, yeah." Renji shrugged as he and Kira strolled through one of the mid-level Rukon districts. "Ikkaku-san figures if I don't get transferred soon, the captain's going to kill me."

"You say that so calmly," the glum blond commented. "...You want to fight him, don't you?"

"Of course!" Renji sneered and then his face fell and he sighed, "I mean, he'd kill me, I'm pretty sure...but maybe if I had some Squad 4 people handy I'd pull through. And how am I going to know if I've gotten where I need to be unless..." He shook his head.

Izuru thought for a moment or two, "I'll see if Captain Ichimaru has any thoughts. But I'm afraid you'd be very unhappy in our Squad, Abarai-kun." He shook his head, "You see fighting in such a different way than we do that it's almost an entirely different concept."

They walked on in silence for a few minutes until Izuru suddenly tilted his head back and crossed his arms, "You know...Hinamori-chan told me that she'd heard that Squad 6 has a group of high seated officers who are going to be retiring soon. She saw some of the paperwork."

Renji's hand slid to the hilt of his sword, "Squad 6, huh..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~​

Rukia let out a squawk as she flew back through the air, tumbling end over end before gaining control of the fall enough to land on her feet. Across the courtyard from her, Kaien shook his head, "Kuchiki, aggression's good but you're too light to go into a corps-a-corps with someone like me." Or anyone, really. He relaxed his stance and rested his unreleased sword against one shoulder. "That's giving your opponent the advantage of your size. Use it to your advantage, not your enemy's!"

"H-hai, Kaien-dono." She lifted her sword again, "Shall we go again?" Before she could answer, there was a flash of motion and Amaya was crouching by one of the courtyard walls, out of breath and ragged looking. She fell back against the wall, legs going out from under her. "Kuragari-chan!"

Both of the other shinigami ran to her side. Kaien's eyes were wide as he surveyed her condition, "Kuragari, what happened? Who attacked you?"

Amaya shook her head, "T-training with...Madarame-san. He'd h-heard I made...3rd Seat, so..." She then paled, "And...and then Zaraki-taichou showed up."

Kaien and Rukia both blanched. "Well...good job running away, Kuragari. Knowing when to leave a fight you can't win is part of fighting too." He looked over at Rukia, "Kuchiki, Takeuchi showed you some of Squad 4's kidou, right?"

"Yes, of course!" Rukia knelt next to her friend, "Let me help you, Kuragari-chan."

Kaien tapped a finger against his chin, "You know, that'd be pretty handy to have everyone know. I wonder..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~​

"Ahhh, yesss," Soi Fon hissed. Her head was back, mouth parted, her breath coming out in breathy gasps. Her hands scrabbled and clutched at Isamu's chest as she rode him hard and wild. The peaceful garden's serenity seemed shattered, broken by the vibrant, desperate sounds of their fucking. The gasps and moans, muttered swearing and oaths, the slurping squelch that came over and over and over again as the lithe captain impaled herself on the half-breed's cock. "Just want I needed! This big, hard, hot dick in me! Feels so dirty, so fucking wrong, so right!"

Isamu's head was back as well, hair grinding into the ground as he thrust his hips up as hard as he could, bucking up when she came down to pound her harder, push deeper, just as she asked. Asked? Demanded. "God, S-Soi-Foi-taichou! You're so tight, so hot, it's-insane! This feels so...so fucking crazy!"

She was using him for her pleasure; like he was just a toy, a life size moving dildo. It was that same sinful, submissive pleasure he'd felt with Nanao but only more so. She played at being mistress, at claiming him, at seeing him as a pet and a toy. To Soi Fon he really was. It was terrifying, it was erotic, it was...insane. And insanely good.

She shrieked and writhed on him, driving herself down hard one last time, "Fuck, yes, YES! Cuuumming on your gaijin dick!" Her eyes were half-lidded, rolling back in her head, "Creaming my pleasure all over a thick piece of fuck meat in me, YES! Too long since I did it!"

Isamu trembled as well as her cunt clamped down on him so much it almost hurt; her heat and wetness spiking and the friction, the delicious tight, slick sliding went through the roof, "Tai-chou! Agghh, I'm-" He couldn't finish, his sentence becoming a ragged and primal cry as he arched his back as best his bonds would allow and his cock throbbed in her and began to shoot what felt like his whole nervous system into her small, tight passage and deeper still. He came and came, hot, thick, gooey, creamy jizz flooding into her womb.

Her eyes went wide and misty, almost glazed as she felt it, "Fuck, that's iiiiiit!" She moved her hands and grabbed his nipples, pinching them hard and shouting with dark, sinful glee, "Fill me up all the way! Put that jizz in my belly! Flood me and fucking breed me, you half-breed bastard!"

 

[HookerBoots]

Even in the middle a mind-shattering orgasm, a small part of Isamu wondered at the change in the petite captain. It was almost like she was a different person, almost opposite to how she seemed the rest of the time. It made sense, then, that she didn't want anyone else to know about it - there were many people who would try to take advantage, want to use that knowledge to gain leverage on the enforcement arm of the law in Soul Society.

As his hips stopped thrusting, his body feeling drained in a way that he hadn't felt in a long time, Soi Fon shivered slightly, then looked down at him. Her face was lightly sheened with sweat, and a small, pleased smile played around her mouth. "Oh, that was very good," she cooed, licking her lips. "I made a good choice." He could feel her body shifting, feel her flexing her muscles and tightening a little around his now half-hard cock.

It was amazing, and incredibly hot, that when she stood up, there was no gush of cum from her pussy. She was tight enough that the pressure she was exerting as she moved - and her face was tight with focus - held it in. "Now," she said, moving up his body, "you made a mess inside me, Takeuchi. Clean it up."

He had just enough time to figure out what she meant and open his mouth before she knelt over his face and relaxed, letting the hot cum, flavored with the sweet, musky taste of her pussy flooded him.

 

[Armphid]

Her hands grabbed his hair and jerked hard, causing his mouth to open in a cry that was immediately muffled by the mingled flow of their cum. He felt a momentary surge of shock and disgust, quickly swallowed up by a thrill at how dirty and taboo it was. She was making him eat his own cum out of her pussy, and...and, fuck him, but he was going to do it!

"That's it," she cooed as she felt his tongue move and lick her slit, "clean up every last drop of your filthy mess, Takeuchi. Don't leave one drop behind. Lick and suck out all of that cum, you bitch, and swallow."

Isamu groaned and felt a sting of shame but he...he obeyed. He wanted to. God, this was...so unreal. His tongue slipped up into her and he tasted himself fully, and her cunt around him, pulling his own leavings back into his mouth, more and more of it before swallowing and exploring her again for more.

"Such a good little boy bitch," she sneered. "Like the taste of your cum, don't you, Takeuchi? Maybe I'll find another to use and come to you after, make you clean his cum out of me." Her smirk grew as she felt him shiver under her, "Dirty fuck puppet, you love the mere thought of it."

He tried not to think about it, but fuck...fuck that was a hot idea. He pushed his face up more firmly to her sex, shoving his tongue in as far as he could to retrieve what he had left in her. He swallowed each bit of his own seed, feeling sinful and slutty and deliciously dirty.

She pulled his head away and stood up, her stance widening. She looked down at him and grunted, muscles tensing. He jerked his face as he was spattered with a few drops of her pleasure. Soi Fon looked down at him critically for a moment. "...Good. Not one drop. You don't want to know what I'd done if you'd disobeyed."

Then she stepped away from him and surveyed his bound form. "Half hard again already. You are a dirty bitch boy." She gestured and Isamu let out a startled cry as the kidou tying him suddenly flung out feelers to the nearest trees and wrapped about them before tightening. He could only stare down as he was lifted up off the ground a few feet before being left hanging suspected, his arm still over his head and his legs bent and spread. He was about three feet off the ground, directly between the tree trunks.

Soi Fon nodded and reached up to cup his balls, "A lot more in here, isn't there? I'll have it all, bitch." Then she dipped her hand and lightly smacked his sack, making him gasp. "This next part shouldn't come as a surprise to you. It's known that anyone who fucks me, even at my direction, ends up getting fucked themselves."

She was gone a second later, only a brief gust of wind and an after image remaining. Then she was back and placing a rolled bundle down on the ground before sending it rolling open with one petite foot. She was only partly in his field of vision as she bent down to retrieve a few things. He heard the sound of...leather creaking and a faint clink, then she gasped softly before the sound turned into a half-purr. "Mmm, feels just right inside."

Isamu blinked as Soi Fon stepped back into his sight. She smirked up at him, licking her lips. "Spread open, just like you should be, bitch boy, ready for my cock." She was wearing some kind of harness around her waist and thighs and just where her pussy was, coming out of it in fact, was a long, thick, slightly curved black cock. She was stroking it with one hand, the other holding a clay bottle. "You like the look of my cock, don't you? You'll love it fucking you, bitch. They always do."

"Now." She gestured and he was lowered about a foot and she stepped up to run her hard dildo over his thighs and then slap his cock with it. He grunted at the feeling of the cool object striking him. Was it plastic? Wood? "I'm going to fuck you, nothing can save you or stop that. But if you beg me for it, make me believe it, then I'll use this," she held up the bottle, "to make things nice and slick. Otherwise I rape you dry and fucking destroy your little boy pussy." She dipped the fake cock low and pressed it against his pucker, grinding it against the resistance there, making him writhe in his bonds. "Now beg."

 

[HookerBoots]

Isamu didn't doubt her for a minute, and closed his eyes tightly to gather himself. He hadn't begged in years, at least, not even with Amaya. But . . . god, it was amazing how hard he was at the thought. "Please," he said shakily, opening his eyes. "Please, Soi Fon-taicho, rape my hot little boy pussy." His hands clenched futilely at the air. "I want to feel your cock inside me, but please, please, don't tear me up."

She smiled as she stroked one hand idly over the thick shaft. "That's good to hear, whore," she said softly, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "You want this cock that badly, hm?" Her hips pushed forward a little, pressing against him a little harder, and he gasped.

"Yes!" He licked his lips, and wiggled as much as he could given how tied up he was. "Please, I want it, need that cock inside me! I want it, but please, taicho, I want to please you!"

Soi Fon laughed, her eyes traveling over his body again. "That's a good boy," she breathed, uncapping the bottle in her other hand. "I think you did well enough to get what you asked for." She tipped the bottle over the shaft between them, pouring out a thin stream of viscous fluid over it. After most of the bottle had been drained, she stopped pouring and flipped the top back onto it, using the hand on the shaft to stroke over it, spreading the oil evenly.

Isamu gasped when she pulled the head of the dildo back slightly, then moaned when two of her slick fingers stroked over his asshole, spreading the lube there as well. Soi Fon stepped forward again, dropping the bottle to the ground. "Now, then. I think it's time for you to get what you deserve."

~ ~ ~ ~​

Isane tapped lightly on the door of the healing room before poking her head inside. "Gomen, Unohana-taicho, but I wanted to let you know I was back."

The gentle-eyed healer nodded, her hands still moving a few inches above the prone form of a young man whose eyes were fixed on the ceiling overhead. "Good, thank you, Isane-san. Anything to report?"

There was a silence, and Isane sighed. "Hai. Ukitake-taicho is having another spell." She hated seeing her captain's face pale and her luminous eyes cloud with worry. "It doesn't seem to be as . . . intense as previously, and it has been quite some time since his last one."

Unohana nodded slowly, her hands continuing their motion over the young man. "That is true. I'll look in on him when I'm done with Ichihano-san here." She peered down at the area her hands were moving over. "Which should be soon. You have remarkable healing abilities, Ichihano-san." He gave her a weak smile, and she beamed back.

After a few seconds, the light between her hands and his body grew dimmer, and then vanished all together. "There we go. I'll come back tomorrow and see how you're doing," she said as she stood up. "All right. I'll head to Squad 13 now, and be back in a bit. You're in charge while I'm gone, Isane-san."

It took a moment for the words to sink in, and Isane gaped. "What? Taicho, I . . . ." She was the vice-captain. But she wasn't ready! "All right," she said in a small voice.

 

[Armphid]

Isamu had felt pain before; he'd been stabbed, slashed, burned and blasted. It took a lot to get more than a grunt out of him. Which is why when Soi Fon's big black fake cock brutally violated his lubed hole, his scream was a surprise to them both.

Her smile grew even more predatory, "Poor boy bitch, so tight for my big dick!" The pixie faced captain had shoved about half of it into him all at once; and now she thrust hard and sheathed the rest in his right, hot insides to draw a strangled whimpering cry from him. "Yell all you want, fuck meat, I love hearing bitches scream until they start to moan; good and stretched out from my monster cock!"

Isamu's hands scrabbled in the air and his toes curled. Fuck! Even with the lube, God, that hurt! It was already starting to fade; to become the delicious, sinful fullness he'd experienced before with Renji and and Ikkaku-san. "Hhn, S-soi F-fon-taichou, so...so big! Never...h-had one so big."

"Of course you haven't, slut." She slapped his hard cock with one hand, drawing a gasp from him, and then rolled her hips to stir his insides with her strap-on. "My cock is the biggest, the best, the strongest dick you'll ever have." She smacked his manhood again, harder, "Say it!"

"Guh! Your cock is the best, the biggest, the strongest!" He felt dirty and weak and as much as part of him hated it, another part reveled in the feeling of being used and taken. "I'll never have another cock so big or so good!"

"That's right, whore!" She pulled almost all the way out of him in one thrust, making him writhe in this bonds and groan, then she hammered all the way back in, "Now take it like the bitch boy fuck puppet you are!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~​

Rukia bowed low, pressing her forehead to the perfectly clean hardwood floor of the hallway outside of the room she'd been summoned to. She glanced up and into the room from her position, seeing the wobbly partial reflection of her brother's white clad back before her eyes came on him. "Nii-sama, the servants said you wished to see me when I returned."

Byakua was silent for a few moments as he continued his calligraphy until the current character was finished. Rukia did not speak again or stir; she had good decorum. "Indeed. How goes your training in Squad 13?"

"Well, Nii-sama," she answered. This wasn't his usual weekly check-in. What was this about? "I have been working with Shiba-fukutaichou almost daily and have developed new techniques with my sword."

"Hm. Has he mentioned seating you?"

She flushed with shame, "N-no, Nii-sama. I'm sorry."

Good. The ferocious man was distasteful and uncouth but honest, it seemed. "And your personal training with your squadmate and the...member of Squad 9?"

Uh oh. "Th-that continues as well, Nii-sama." She paused and swallowed, then spoke suddenly, "It has been very beneficial. I have learned a great deal from Kuragari-san and Takeuchi-san."

Had she been afraid he'd tell her to stop? Speaking up though was bold, and she had not been out of turn or rude. "Your squadmate is low born but her manners are impeccable. She would make an acceptable guest."

Rukia lifted her head in shock, her huge eyes even larger than normal. Nii-sama had just, in his own way, requested that Amaya-chan visit the manor? Or just given his permission to have her here? "H-hai, Nii-sama. Arigatou gozaimasu."

"You may go."

"Hai."

Byakuya heard her go and looked down at the calligraphy he had just performed. The characters were artfully and perfected rendered; cool, clean lines and precise strokes. They read "Temptation of Body." He lowered his head, "What would you think now of what I wish to do?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~​

Isamu wondered, fleetingly, how Soi Fon was keeping anyone from hearing what was happening? They were making a hell of a lot of noise.

The kidou ropes had changed his orientation, tilting him back at about 40 degrees to allow the diminutive dominant to grab his hips and pull him back onto her dildo. She was pounding him hard and fast, her hips pistoning relentlessly as she ravaged his ass. Her hands flicked out now and then to slap his cock, or his nipples, or his face.

All the while, a torrent of dirty talk and insults poured from her mouth in between gasps and groans. If he was any judge, she'd somehow cum once already during his savage fucking. "Needy, wanton gaijin bitch!" Her eyes shone with lust and glee as she raped his back door, "A natural fucking dick lover, bet you wish I could cum in you, don't you boy slut? Fucking fill your open fuck hole with hot jizz, spray it on you, you'd love it, wouldn't you?"

Isamu's cock throbbed as it rocked wildly from the force of her brutal use of him. "Hhn, uhnn! Yes! Would, ahh! Love your cum, taichou! Want to feel you in me, turning me into you, gnn, dirty cumdump!"

She laughed and grabbed hold of his cock with one hand, giving it a hard, painful squeeze and then starting to jerk it with quick, smooth motions. "I'll cover you in jizz all right, boy bitch. Your own filthy half breed seed, fired all over yourself from being fucked by my big black cock!"

He cried out and his cock seemed to visibly swell before he fired; jets of cum shooting up into the air in white arcs to splash back down onto him. Isamu's back arched and his head went back, his eyes wide and disbelieving as he came hard from being viciously fucked.

 

[HookerBoots]

The kido-made ropes unlashed slowly from the trees where they held him as Soi Fon pulled out - Isamu had a suspicion that it was to keep the dildo from being yanked out of her pussy rather than to save him any bruises from falling. But he wound up on the ground, covered in his own sperm, in less than a minute anyway. "Unh . . . fuck," he muttered, rubbing his wrists.

The captain of Squad Two pulled the double-ended dildo out of her pussy and dropped it on the unrolled bundle she'd brought, her hands moving quickly to collect her things and pile them all together there, with the exception of her stealth outfit. That she pulled on as quickly as possible, covering her sweat-soaked body. When she was clad, she looked over at the now-kneeling man, her eyes raking over him. "Remember what I said, Takeuchi. One word, and you'll wish I'd killed you today." She grabbed her hood from the ornamental tree it was dangling from, snatched up the bundle, and flashed off.

He sat there for a moment, staring. Today had gone all sorts of strange on him, and there was no explaining it. A bell rang somewhere in Soul Society, and he looked up at the sky. ". . . Shit! Amaya!" Isamu looked at the tatters of his uniform a little angry and a little despondent. How the hell was he supposed to get back to his room without anything to wear? And he'd have to explain to Amaya why he'd missed their training session with Ikkaku.

But he couldn't tell her where he'd been or what he'd been doing - it would make him sound as suspicious as Soi Fon thought the pictures would. Maybe . . . maybe he could give her hints, and if she guessed, it would be all right? He stood up, wincing a little at the pain in his ass. Maybe if he was fast, he'd be able to get somewhere with clothes without anyone seeing.

~ ~ ~ ~​

"I really have no idea." Amaya sighed and leaned back, cradling an open bento to her stomach as she stretched out on the grass. She and Rukia were eating a quick, early dinner on a hill near Squad Thirteen's barracks before their other duties started.

The petite brunette shrugged. "Me either, but he sounded very . . . positive." She glanced at Amaya. "You know, for him." Rukia studied her friend. "I didn't know you two had even met."

A light flush colored Amaya's cheeks. "We talked for about three minutes at the . . . you know, the wake-thing, that's all." Maybe Rukia would think the color in her cheeks was from the sunset. "He's very . . . proper, and I tried to impress him so he wouldn't tell you to stop talking with me."

Picking up a riceball from her own box, Rukia shrugged again. "You certainly impressed him, that's for sure. I don't think he'd ever mentioned any of my friends in an approving way before. Except maybe Kaien-dono, and that hardly counts."

There was a flash, and suddenly, Isamu was standing on the grass near them, eyes wide. "Girls, you won't believe the afternoon I had."

Amaya sat up, her face filled with concern. "Are you okay, Isamu-kun? Madarame-san and I were worried." She held out an unopened bento to him. "Here, sit and eat with us, tell us what happened."

 

[Armphid]

He really should have thought this through.

Isamu had wanted to reach Amaya as soon as he could; to allay any worry that she had. However, he hadn't taken the time to see if she was alone or not. Which meant that as he sank down between them with the offered bento, wincing a bit from his sore, brutally used hole, he was stuck with both Amaya and Rukia, both of them wanting an explanation.

And Soi Fon would kill him if anyone knew the truth. Let alone two people. And what would she do to Amaya and Rukia?

He had to buy some time. What could he say? The half-breed scoffed as he opened the bento, "Madarame wasn't worried. He only cares about Zaraki or Ayasegawa enough to worry about them; I half think he forgets the rest of us exist if we're not in front of him to fight."

"I don't know about that," Rukia offered. "He protected Amaya-chan from Zaraki-taichou earlier today." Those huge eyes looked at him curiously, "You're being a bit rougher than usual, aren't you?"

Shit. He hadn't used even a -san on any of their names. "Yeah, I guess."

"Is it what happened?" Amaya's emerald green orbs were worried and he felt his heart aching as they flitted over him as if looking for injury before moving back to his face. "You winced when you sat down; are you hurt?"

"Amaya-chan..." Isamu sighed and lowered his head. He did not want to lie to her. And he wouldn't. "I'm not hurt, just sore. I've had this feeling lately that I'm being watched and followed. Today I felt like I'd had enough of it, so I tried to shake my tail or flush them out into the open. And it turns out that I'd been being watched by Squad Two."

Both women caught their breath at that and exchanged a worried glance. "Th-the Onmitsukidou?" Amaya's hand reached out to take hold of one of his wrists, as if confirming he was there. It wasn't exactly proper but at the moment she didn't care. "Isamu-kun, why?"

He sighed again and shrugged, "You know why, Amaya-chan. You've cautioned me about being less vocal about my ideas before. With the concert and my column in Seireitei Communication, there are people who are concerned that I'm a disturbance to the peace and order of Soul Society. Or that I'm a dangerous rebel, about to stage a coup, or destroy all of Soul Society or some such. So they were following me and observing to make a call."

"You're such a fool!" Rukia was glaring at him, "You idiot! Ignoring everyone's advice has gotten you in trouble and now you've got Kuragari-chan worried over it!"

Isamu's eyes flashed, "I've followed my own path and lived honestly, and I don't have any regrets, Kuchiki-san. Can you say the same?"

She drew herself up to retort, or attack he wasn't sure which, but Amaya cut them both off, "Enough! You two can fight later or sc-get it out of your systems." Rukia flushed at that and looked away. Amaya looked back at her lover, "Isamu-kun, they...they let you go so it's all right, isn't it?"

"More or less." Isamu licked his lips. This is where it would be fudging. "Soi Fon-taichou showed up herself to tell me about it and took me somewhere for questioning. It took hours and it was pretty intense...physically at times too. She really worked me over." All of it true, if vague. "She told me that she'd decided I wasn't a threat and that the surveillance was ending. Then she let me go." He looked around, "She also told me not to tell anyone about this or there might be...consequences. So keep it to yourselves, all right?"

Amaya and Rukia both suddenly felt exposed sitting out on the grounds like this. The pink haired beauty shivered and shook her head, "Now I'm almost more worried...but it sounds like you're in the clear with them, so that's good."

Isamu nodded, "Yeah. It was pretty tense there. But I believe her when she said that the investigation into me was over and that she didn't think I was a threat to Soul Society. If they thought I was...I'd just have vanished." He took a breath then, "Amaya-chan, Kuchiki-san, I'm not sorry for my opinions or how I've expressed them...but I am sorry that you were worried about me."

~~~~~~~~~~~~​

"You needn't have come." Jushiro Ukitake was in a familiar position, though it had been months since he'd been here. He was lying in his sick room in Ugendo, again having left instructions for food and his supplies to be left by the door and his servants to leave him while he was suffering from this outbreak.

Of course, the placid and serene beauty kneeling by his sick bed had ignored those instructions completely. She'd also changed the water in the bowl by his bed, the coughing cloth, the one on his head, opened several of the windows, and generally disrupted how he preferred to languish. Not that he could be mad at her for it; who could be? Just frustrated. "I did, Ukitake-kun," Retsu Unohana answered with a sad smile, "After all, I promised you a cure this time, did I not? I did not want you to think I was dishonest with you."

"Sempai...I never thought that," he lied. Of course, he had. When the fit had come on, and the hacking, the blood on his hands...he'd felt bitter anger and vicious frustration. "I did think though...is..it is working, isn't it?"

The weariness and fearful hope in his voice made her heart ache. "It is. You have not had an episode requiring bedrest in over a season. And your spells are also shorter. In fact, I think you'll likely be back on your feet in a few days."

"Days?" He was usually laid out for at least a week, sometimes a month or more at a time.

"Yes." She reached out to take the cloth from his forehead and wring it out in one empty bowl, then dip it in the cool water she'd retrieved. "We have fought back against your illness harder than ever in its' long life and now it is fighting back. For a time, your attacks will grow more frequent as it tries to take back what it has lost and reclaim you."

"I see." He closed his eyes as she set the freshly chilled cloth back on his forehead. "Will it be as I was?"

"Not quite." Unohana looked him over slowly as she spoke, "When the attacks come, they will be harder at first, more vicious at the onset but you will recover quicker afterwards."

He made a wordless sound of comprehension. Then he slowly opened his eyes, "That is what...an enemy who is being pushed to defeat would do."

"Yes, it is." Unohana's smile only had a trace of sadness now. "Our enemy is being pushed to defeat. He will strike harder and more desperately, he is still dangerous...but he is losing."

"Hm." The white haired captain closed his eyes and shuddered from the pain of his illness. But his pale lips were smiling. "Then...I must depend on you for this battle, Unohana-taichou. As my commander in the field, I leave it to you."

Rascal! "Of course, Ukitake-dono," she said with bright eyes before reaching out to flick his ear with one finger, "I will strike your enemies down without mercy."