Bleach: Tales from Squad Four

[AngelLightheart]

Hana Hikari

Hana sighed and applied her kido to the man, keeping him from passing on.

As it happened, the other man had found the leg, but it was far too dead for her to work with. It was cold and still, with no living cells for her to use. She shook her head and stood, looking up to the sky.

You can't help him. Don't try it. You don't know what will happen if you do. warned a voice in her mind.

Hana sighed.

I know.

There are certain things that she didn't do. Taboo, if you will.

1. She didn't work on dead flesh. Dead for too long, at any rate. Once it loses its warmth, she doesn't touch it.

2. She did not work corpses. Who was she to bring back the dead? Not that she had tried, of course.

3. She would not use her strength to do wrong.

Her abilities allowed her to manipulate the body. It allowed her to reconstruct damaged organs and tissues...but also deconstruct them. And THAT was something that she didn't do.

Hana looked down and walked over to Yuri, looking at her.

"I may not be able to help him, but I can at least do this for you." she murmured.

She raised her hand and placed them over Yuri's ears. What happened next wasn't exactly intrusive, but she would feel it without a doubt. She felt through the ear canal before breaching the labyrinth itself, and was able to inspect the damage. It seemed that the high pitch sonic attack had simply ruptured the hearing bones. They hadn't been able to withstand that high of a frequency.

Hana applied herself and began the reconstruction of the bones. Yuri would without a doubt hear a series of pops as her hearing slowly came back to her.

Hana smiled softly and snapped her fingers in Yuri's left ear until she got a reaction, and then the same for her right ear.

"Better?" she asked with another smile.

Now it was just waiting for Keiya to open the doorway back.

 

[knight713]

Once he heard Yuri call for him to open the senkaimon back to the spirit society Kieya quickly vanished from the roof top and soon appeared on the ground and walked towards where everyone had gathered. He did see hisagi with them anymore which he figured he was sent ahead of them to inform the others what had happened.

“ Alight” Keiya replied as he held out his right hand in front of him. The twin blades quickly extended and started to glow a dark blue color.

“ Now open” Keiya exclaimed With a quick twist of his hand he quickly opened the senkiamon to the soul society.

Keiya quickly entered it followed by everyone else as soon as they exited it they were greeted by a whole train of squad four members who were ready to take the injured shinigami to the medical barracks to receive further treatment. The ones that remained took a look at them checking on their injuries making sure that their own injuries weren’t life threatening.

“ I’m Fine” Keiya replied as he waved two squad four members off, he figured that they may get called before the captain general to tell what happened in the human world.


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North Rukon District 50 a lone figured wrapped in a black cloak slowly walks through the small village. All around the people would point at him and the large weapon he carried on his back. All around the people would avoid the figure even children and the animals stayed out of his path.

The figure quickly stopped in the path and looked up into the sky and a smile slowly creeped onto his face.
‘ well know he’s back” The figured replied with a laugh as he drew out the large scythe looking weapon. “ I should give him a welcome home gift” The figured added as he started to charge a the crowd that gathered behind him. His laughter was soon drowned out by the screams of the people he was killing.

 

[lonely_shadow]

Of course she hadn't heard anything. And it was just like Leo to not let Hana's approach show on his face. But why would it? She was a friend and a teammate, not one of the Hollows they had just faced.

Yuri had no warning, stiffening instantly at Hikari's touch. She wanted to turn around, to ask what was going on, but she was held rather insistantly.....not forcefully, but enough to quell a normal nervous reaction.

It was impossible to keep the shock from overwhelming her facial features. Especially not when the cracking and popping started. Her head throbbed painfully, like a migraine left untreated. Yuri's knees nearly bucked and she might have fallen backwards had Hana not already been there......

Her eyes clenched shut and her teeth ground, she almost felt foolish.....the pain had been severe, but it had been over almost before her body could react to it.....leaving her tense and slightly disoriented.

Sharp emerald eyes widened slightly at the realization. Slightly...disoriented. And even that was passing fast. She could clearly see the senkaimon before them, without any of the blur that had plagued her before. Turning, her awe and wonder was open on her face as she turned to look at her fellow shinigami......

"What....what did you just do to me?"

And just as fast, a hand shot to her mouth in surprise, though it wasn't her mouth that was the problem. She could hear again!

"That's.....that's amazing!"

A soft chuckle.....one that rapidly grew into a rare burst of her musical laughter, ending in a wink and a sharp bow as she saluted Hana with deep bow.

"Now with that out of the way......if all I have to worry about is a little normal fatigue and a few abrasions from learning how to shunpo while standing on my head, I'll be fine. Thank you, Hana."

She still wavered slightly at first, though like she had said, it was the fatigue of having run constantly for the last few hours. Turning again, she sidled slowly up to Leo before placing a slender hand on his shoulder.

"Mind if I lean on you.....just a little bit?"

They still had a man to move, but the way was open now......it wouldn't take long.....

And they would be home.

 

[LeoHawk35]

Leo

Leo watched silently as Yuri walked up to him, talking almost as if the words were hard to come by when they should be natural.

Or like she couldn't hear herself speaking. Which happened to be the case. The earlier sonic attack had evidently ruptured her eardrums. And remembering the sonic brought back that dull pain in his ears. Nothing was broken, just stressed. One of the ups of dealing with the Hollow screeches day and night, apparently.

He noticed Hikari walking up behind Yuri. While nothing showed on the outside, he kept an eye on both Hana and Keiya, not fully trusting anyone quite yet. In fact, he hadn't stopped watching Keiya until he had left through the Senkai Gate after opening it.

Always watching your back. Oel observed.

Always. Leo responded curtly.

Leo watched as Hikari placed her hands on Yuri's ears, and then held her in place for several moments. Several emotions passed over Yuri's face until it settled into awe. She turned and spoke just before realizing that she could hear again.

So that was Hikari's affinity. Or just an ability of hers, but Leo had the feeling that she had dominion over the body itself. Very intriguing.

Leo looked to Yuri as she placed one of her hands on his shoulder and shook his head at her question.

"Not at all." he responded.

He slipped an arm around her to hold her upright and then started walking towards the Senkaimon, right behind Hana. He wanted to make sure they all made it out. Several Squad Four members whisked past them, guarded by a pair of Squad Eleven shinigami. They may not like the medics, but they understood their importance. They picked up the body, and the missing appendage, and started to carry them back in.

Leo walked Yuri through the Senkaimon and they reappeared in Soul Society. He moved himself and Yuri to the side to make room for the convoy that was behind them. He glanced down at Yuri, eyes making contact for a moment, before he looked back up and around, taking note of everyone present.

A figure was standing on a building a little ways back, out of the way of the proceedings in the clearing. Leo paused, not exactly a flinch, but a definite pause, when he recognized who it was.

Yoruichi Shihoin.

She looked right at him and he saw instant recognition on her face. She tilted her head to the side and then disappeared entirely. The woman was fast. He knew she wasn't going to just let it go, but assumed that he would have time before she came looking for him. Which was going to happen.

Leo looked back down at Yuri, making contact again. He felt a familiar rush of warmth pass through him, similar to the other night in her room.

 

[AngelLightheart]

Hana Hikari

Hana smiled again and bowed.

She needed to hear, and Hana was able to fix that. Why wouldn't she lend her skills?

Anyways, the gate opened and Keiya stepped through first, followed by herself and then the other man and Yuri. She was curious is she saw a trace of warmth in the man's eyes when he had looked at Yuri, but she couldn't be sure. He was back to his normal self and she couldn't read anything from him anymore. Every trace of that dark reiatsu was gone.

But it had definitely been there. He had definitely had the same reiatsu as a Hollow. Had used a Hollow's techniques.

And he scared the living shit out of her.

Everything about him did.

She actually had a hard time turning her back to him to walk through the gate. But she managed it only because she knew there were a few dozen shinigami on the other side. he wouldn't be able to touch her.

Would he?

From what she just saw, he might have been able to get past all of them without even touching them. He was fast. Very fast.

And strong. Stronger than anyone she had seen. Except perhaps Captain Zaraki. But that man was pure brute force. This man was dangerous in a way Zaraki could never be.

Hana slipped through the crowd, eager to get away while she could.

 

[knight713]

Keiya watched as Hana quickly moved through the crowds as if she was trying to escape from something or someone. He would have to ask her about it later but right now several of the squad 11 members were push him into through the crowd taking him drinking for coming back alive.

“ Alright Alright I’m coming “ Keiya replied with a slight laugh as he turned back to Yuri and leo and gave them a nod. He would have to ask the others what they though about what happened. As he walked he thought he saw something from the corner of his eye. A female figure but when he took a second look the figure was gone, who ever it was, was fast. The only one he figured was it had to be Captain Yoruichi it has been a while since he talked to her.

Its was for a brief moment but he thought he sensed something familiar but it couldn’t be that person. He died a long time ago so he shouldn’t be hear, but yet there was something different on what little he sensed. As soon as it came it disappeared just as quick thus he left it alone.

“ Hey Guys I’ll catch you later” Keiya quickly told his squad mates as he quickly made his way through the crowds to look for Hana. To see what was bothering her, if talking about what was bothering would help ease her mind.

 

[lonely_shadow]

Her nerves were at the fraying point. And it only seemed to get worse as the way back opened before them. The Soul Society had been busy in their absence it seemed. Yuri could feel her hand tighten just a little on Leo's shoulder as she drew just a little closer to him.....

He had his secrets too. How could she help keep them?

Fortunately, most of the men and women hustling around them were of her own squad. Eager to reclaim the stabilized Kiraname, few even gave her a second glance as they passed.......though the few that did noticably let their eyes drift to the handsome dark haired man that helped her along her own way.

At least this time the path was quick as Yuri found herself standing in the courtyards of the Soul Society once more, solid familiar ground beneath her sandaled feet.....a slight flush, her only reminder of trip to the world of the living.

"I'll come to you."

The words were spoken softly. Just for him. She knew he dreaded being here amongst them, and a part of her wondered how he'd react if he met anyone he actually recognized.....completely unaware that he had already been noticed by just such a person. It was hard to tell if he was relaxed, or if he was just putting on a show for her benefit. Yuri was responsible for him being here, well....that and her Captain's own decree. She wasn't about to let anything bad happen to him now.....not after he'd done so much already.

She released him.....fingers hesitating only for an instant. Already her mind drifted to his shadowy abode where he had first taken her. If she were to keep her promise.....she strongly suspected she could find him there.....

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"Report."

At least Zaraki wasn't here. No surprise with the speed Keiya had been taken by his squad mates.

Yuri bowed deeply, again fixed by the calm, patient grey eyes of her captain as her lieutenant stood by in tense silence.

"We were engaged by the Hollows almost instantly upon arriving in the world of the living. Conflict was unavoidable."

A delicate frown on the face of both women. Finally, it was Isane that spoke.

"It was a trap then."

Both looked on as Yuri's heavy braid danced and shivered along her back as the surgeon shook her head in response.

"If it was a trap.....then the target would have surely been dead by the time we arrived. The Hollows were being controlled by another. Another who's riatsu was strong enough to stave off death without administering any sort of treatment that I could see. The second that she was defeated, whatever hold she had on Kiraname faded and it was then that he nearly died."

"Controlled?"

The single world was spoken just above the level of a whisper....but there was no mistaking her Captain's concern.

"Leo Kage was able to overpower the shadow Hollow, and we encountered Lieutenant Hisagi of Squad Nine as well. Apparently he was the Shinigami battling the Hollow when we got there. I'm sorry, but I've had limited experience with the man....and I did not recognize his riatsu."

Yuri bowed deeply in apology.

"It's ok, Yuri. We were aware of his presence there. We were lucky he had been sent out on a seperate mission and stumbled across the original team when he did."

But though it was Isane speaking.......it was the look in Captain Retsu Unohana's eyes that bothered Yuri the most when she rose once more.

"Leo Kage overpowered the Hollow."

Yuri flinched.

"Leo Kage died years ago."

Both women looked at her strangely then......and Yuri could feel a soft flush of heat creeping across her face.

"Not necessarily."

A soft squeak of surprise, as the surgeon visibly jumped slightly, spinning towards the doorway that was supposed to have been closed behind her. There, a dark skinned woman with lavender eyes and a mischievous smile took the time to look her up and down in obvious thoughtful appraisal.

"Yoruichi. This is a surprise."

Yuri blanched. What was the Captain of the Stealth Force doing here? Of all the Captains, this was one of the few she'd never met. Worse still, was that even as she uncoiled herself sinuously from where she had been leaning on the doorway, she never once stopped looking at Yuri.

"There's a very good chance Leo Kage is still alive....isn't there, Yuri?"

The surgeon took a reflexive step backward. Why did it feel suddenly like she was in the presence of a predator.....one that rather enjoyed toying with her?!

"YUUUUUURRRRRRIIIIIIIIIII!"

That broke the spell.....all four sets of eyes darted back to the doorway as a blood spattered redheaded female bolted through the aperture taking them all by surprise, the Captain of the Stealth Force sidestepping neatly to avoid the bone jarring collision that drove the surgeon to the ground.

A soft spatter of moisture. Yuri slowly opened her eyes, having clenched them shut as she braced for the impact. Moisture that slowly trickled down her own face......

"Mia?"

Tears. Even now barely held back, despite the woman's wide smile.

"I'm so glad you returned safely. I came straight from surgery once I was told. You're ok, aren't you? How do you feel? Are there any symptoms like last time? Oh! Your head!"

Practiced fingers immediately swept behind to the back of Yuri's head, probing painfully the cuts and swollen tissue that probably would have been nasty if not for Kiritonen's protection. As things stood, the only thing truly damaged was her normally well kept braid.

"I'll fix that for you. C'mon Yuri....let's go back to your room. We can't let those cuts get infected!"

And as the three of them watched the helpless Yuri get dragged out of the room......

Only Isane Kotetsu allowed herself the slightest giggle.

 

[LeoHawk35]

Leo

Leo let his eyes drift, taking in all the shinigami around them. He was eager to leave, but would stay as long as Yuri needed him.

Which wasn't for much longer, it seemed.

"I'll come to you." were her murmured words to him.

He nodded and released her. She knew where to find him. He turned and walked away, fully aware of all the sets of eyes that tracked him. He turned down an alleyway and was gone. If that alleyway were to be later looked at, it would be discovered to be a dead end.

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Leo blinked and stepped through his door, closing it behind him. He had taken his time getting back, and had been seen by none. Just the way he liked it. He always preferred being unnoticed. It suited him.

Suits me just fine as well. Oel chimed in.

As with me. Tenebras agreed.

Well, at least they could agree on something.

Good to see you two getting along. Leo commented.

Oel is calming down, somewhat. Getting used to our temperament. Tenebras said to him.

So I am. And I find that I quite like it. Oel spoke.

Good. Leo said simply.

Leo looked over his house quickly, finding everything where it always was. He seated himself on his preferred chair and waved his hand in a semi-circle. A slight oval of crimson appeared in his hand an then transformed into his mask. He looked at it calmly, not blinking or even seeming to breathe.

Something wrong? Tenebras asked.

Yoruichi saw me. She knows. Leo explained.

Ah, the captain. Yes, she would be the one to recognize you. Tenebras mused to himself.

So, now what? We are no longer living as under the radar as we had planned. Oel asked.

We'll have to see where it goes. Leo replied.

A collective pause.

And if she confronts you? Tenebras queried.

I'm not sure if I can beat her. She taught me personally. Aside from Oel's lessons, that is. Leo answered.

I think what I taught you should give you enough of an edge to win. Oel said confidently.

Leo wasn't sure how long he sat in that chair, simply looking at his mask.

But eventually he dismissed it, waiting on Yuri to arrive. He wanted to see how she was holding up.

 

[AngelLightheart]

Hana Hikari

Hana made her way through the crowd, noting that the man had walked down a dead end alley and then disappeared. Uncanny.

He doesn't seem...worried. He isn't a shinigami, and yet he doesn't seem at all worried about being around all of the shinigami around him. observed a voice in her head.

But he doesn't seem to want to stick around. He's gone already. Hana said.

Yes, so it would seem. Oh, your "friend" is coming towards you.

She turned her eyes to Keiya making his own way through the crowd towards her. She continued walking, making it out of the clearing and away from the crowd. Hana turned to look at Keiya, who had followed her out.

"Need something?" she asked with a shy smile.

She paused.

"I would have thought you would want to go drinking with your squaddies to get drunk or something..." she murmured.

She blinked and tilted her head.

"Are you injured at all?" she asked, her eyes looking him over and not wanting to admit that she liked what she saw now that she had the time to actually look at him without worrying about the other man being around.

Yeah, the one that scared her near to death. She didn't know what she would do if she had to deal with him personally.

Or alone.

She blinked and shook her head, eyes looking at Keiya once more.

 

[knight713]

“ Yeah they wanted to but I can catch up with them later” He replied as he gave a sigh, He would catch up with them later and have a drink with them. But many would fined It strange that he would go up to another squad member and be friendly with them when they don’t really like any other squad members. Well except for a few of them were still on good terms with other squad members.

“ Oh No I’m fine just my eyesight is getting better slightly” Keiya replied as he ran a hand through his hair. “ The ladies attack messed up my eyes slightly its getting better if you want you can take a look” he added with a friendly smile.

“ You looked trouble so figured if you want to talk about it, it might help you relax that’s if you want to” Keiya replied as he walked with her to look for a private place to talk to one another.

______________________________________________________________________

He didn't kill everyone in the village just only a few of them which he figure had high reiatsu and drained them of all of their Reiryoku. He only left a few alive which now were his mindless puppets for him to control and play with. Only one got away just as he planed in hopes it would lure that person in so he could kill him.

" Well the stage is set lets see who will come to my show" the man replied with a laugh as he walked away from several bodies which soon rose up and sluggishly went back to their everyday things.

" I'll be waiting for you Keiya lets see hiw strong you have gotten" The man added as he vanished into a house followed by two female figures.

 

[lonely_shadow]

Hours had passed.....and finally, she was alone again.

She felt much better, much less muddled since Hana had restored her hearing. Compared to that, her cuts had been mostly minor, nothing that Mia's kido couldn't close.

Her friend had fawned over her, marveling as always how such a nasty looking head wound didn't bleed. No matter how many times she saw it, Yuri's biofeedback ability continued to amaze her best friend.

Fortunately she had calmed down after the horrible shock the meeting with her captain had given her. Enough so that when the redhead finally left for her own room in the Barracks, Yuri had sent along some of her hard earned salary with her......with explicit instructions on what to purchase.

She could only hope that Hana would enjoy the sweets she would come to find on her doorstep. Mia had initially thought they were a bribe for something....and Yuri wasn't about to tell her differently. She had no right to further worry her friend by telling her just how badly she had really been hurt on her mission.

But that was all in the past. For now....she had a promise that she needed to keep.

"Going somewhere?"

The rich feminine voice filled her with dread. Especially considering that it was the second time she had heard it that day. Even before she turned to gaze out on the open veranda, she knew who had spoken.

"C-captain...."

She looked amused. A soft smile played out upon full lips as the two women simply stared at each other.

"Come with me."

Yuri followed without argument.....though with a growing sense of dread. Few hung around to see them leave, and as they walked in silence, it was as if Yuroichi was measuring her up once more with her gaze......a difficult thing to do, as Yuri remained a step behind her at all times out of deference.

"You know I'm not your Captain. You don't have to show me such respect."

Yuri's head snapped up, she had been lost in her own thoughts.

"Th-that's not true, ma'am. All Captain's should be shown respect."

A wide grin split her dark skinned face, a glimmer of mischief in her eye as she spoke next.

"Is that what Zaraki taught you, when he kicked your ass?"

Yuri flinched as if struck, blushing profusely. It got worse when the woman before her stopped suddenly and started laughing right in front of her....AT her.

"Tell me what you know about Leo Kage."

Yuri's mouth slammed shut even though her heart raced. It was this all over again. It was just like when Zaraki had demanded to know the location of a rebel soul she had been ordered to observe......so he could fight and probably kill him. She hadn't given in.....she hadn't told him......and she was nearly beaten to death as a result. If Leo hadn't been there to save her.....

The memory was too fresh in her mind.....she couldn't repay such a thing like this!

"He was my student, you see."

That took the wind out of Yuri's sails.....the much younger shinigami staring incredulously at the Captain before her.

"Or perhaps you'd like me to tell you about him? His zanpaktou Tenebras? I helped instruct him on its use.....helped him develop its powers if you will."

This was bad. Just how much did this woman know?!

"And yours is Kiritonen, the Crimson Messenger, if I'm not mistaken?"

Yuri nodded dumbly. It was no surprise for a captain to know the abilities of her own weapon.

"Perhaps we can make a trade then. I doubt you've even scratched the surface of Kiritonen's abilities. You tell me where to find Leo Kage.....as it appears he very much doesn't want to be found right now......and I'll help you learn just a little more about what you can do. I'm sure your Captain would appreciate your hard work?"

"No."

Almond shaped eyes narrowed dangerously, and Yuri felt sick. Especially when she heard the angry hiss from somewhere nearby......the source completely unknown......which was disastrous given the talent of the Stealth Force for sneak attack.

"He saved my life."

That seemed to surprise her, and for a second those narrowed eyes seemed to gauge the words for truth.

"When I was defeated by Captain Zaraki....he didn't just beat me."

"I know. He shattered Kiritonen. I'm also aware of what happens to you if that occurs."

There was a hint of sympathy in the voice now.....a touch of compassion somewhere in those deep violet eyes.

"Leo is the one who found me. He cared for me until I was found by my Captain."

She shivered slightly as she spoke, her eyes downcast until the last few words when her head lifted to match hardened gaze with vibrantly defiant stare.

"I won't betray him. Not when I owe him so much. Not until you tell me what you want with him."

Again with that smile. It was unnerving. She could feel the riatsu of the lieutenant now, angry and poised to attack. Worse though....was feeling nothing from Yuroichi herself. Turning slowly, the Captain of the Stealth Force began to walk away, but not before shooting that smirk over her shoulder one last time.

"Come, Soi Fon. Let's leave her in peace. It seems she's had precious little of it these last few days. Oh, and Yuri.....you really should look into harder training with your zanpaktou....though perhaps you can ask Leo about that when you see him next. Don't worry, we won't be following you. We can find him at our leisure."

The dark haired surgeon stood still like a statue in the night. Had she said something wrong? Had she given him away? The whole brief conversation replayed through her head in an instant.....and still she saw nothing.

It was an hour before she was certain she truly wasn't being followed....having taken the long way in an attempt to take the most confusing, convoluted path there.

Finally.....she was there. Hopefully, he would be awaiting her.....as she gently rapped on the door.....

 

[LeoHawk35]

Leo

Leo blinked.

He was trying to remember.

Remember something.

Anything.

He knew the basics about his past. His name, his rank, his squad. He remembered that Yoruichi taught him personally. But beyond that? Nothing. He didn't remember anyone else from his past life. He didn't remember any of the finer details. He didn't remember what he ate every morning, who he dined with, where he slept, if he slept with a woman before, what he did daily. He didn't remember anything at all. He wanted to remember. But the problem was that only one person could truly tell him all of that. The person that he had been the closest to before...

Before he woke up.

And he didn't even know how he had remembered that. He found himself struggling daily with his mind, and yet it revealed nothing to him.

You know what I do when something doesn't give me what it wants? I beat it until it gives in. Oel commented.

And how do you plan on beating up my mind? Leo asked curiously.

Oel paused.

Good point. he muttered.

Leo shook his head to himself.

Maybe you should seek out Yoruichi. She might be able to help. Tenebras murmured.

I don't know. We'll have to see what happens. Leo said thoughtfully.

Indeed we will... Tenebras mused to himself.

Yes, indeed they would.

Well, what DO you plan on doing? asked Oel.

I plan on letting things play out as they will. I have no reason to seek her out as of now and no reason to make a different schedule than what I have currently. Which is, to say, none at all. Leo replied.

Should have more fighting in that schedule. Particularly between you and me. I need to make sure you aren't getting soft, or I will take control. Oel said simply.

And I'll win again. You know I will. Leo said flatly.

He is stronger than you, Oel. You can't win. Tenebras murmured.

Very well. answered the Hollow.

It was quiet after that.

Leo's head shot up at the knock on his door. He stood quickly and walked over to the door, opening it slightly, and then fully when he noticed who it was.

"Yuri." Leo greeted.

He stepped to the side.

"Please, come in."

 

[AngelLightheart]

Hana Hikari

Hana listened quietly to him.

"I suppose talking would do me some good." Hana murmured.

She looked over to Keiya and smiled.

"Come on. We can talk and I'll take a look at you back in my quarters." she said to him.

She led the way.


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She slid open the door to her room, letting Keiya in before sliding it closed again.

She gestured to one of the many cushions scattered on the floor, waiting for him to take a seat before she did just across from him.

"What was it you wanted to talk about?" she asked before hopping up with a start.

"Oh! I was going to check your eyes!" she said and stepped over to him.

She knealt down in front of him and looked into his eyes. She held a hand over his eye and waited for a few seconds before removing it, then did the same for the other eye. Focus was working well, and the eyes adjusted well to lighting change.

"Please, go ahead and talk, or ask questions if that's what you planned on doing." she said to him as she continued her examination.

 

[knight713]

“ Right” Keiya replied as he began to talk to Hana, “ I can tell your unsure of This Leo fellow as I don’t remember ever seeing him or meeting him.” He replied as he felt her hands over his eyes.

“ I know his abilities is strange and are different from many of the other shinigami as well.” Keiya said with a slight smile. “ Well I shouldn’t really talk as my own zanpaktou is considered strange in its own way.” He added with a slight sigh

“ I’m sure you know Yuri seems to trust him and he has yet to show any threat against us, But there is something I’m not quite sure of “ he replied as he placed his hands in his lap.

“ Thanks for the fix” Keiya replied as he was able to see better including Hana’s face “ I figure there might be something you may want to ask me” He added From where he was he had a good view to see Hana’s assets which were really nice, He just hoped she didn’t catch him staring at them for to long. Which he quickly looked back at her face hoping that she didn’t see him staring. Most any squad 11 member would jump at the site and wouldn’t mind doing her even if it was by force. But he wouldn’t do that which at times put him at odds with the others. But never the less they still respected him in some way or another.

 

[lonely_shadow]

"Yuri. Please, come in."

She was quick to do as he bid, perhaps a bit too quick, and not without a glance over her shoulder as the door closed behind her. As soon as it had, she let out a soft sigh.

Nothing had changed. It was still as she remembered it. The couch she had lain on, the warmth of the room's lit fireplace, its flames casting dancing shadows across the large room. The blaze itself providing the only light......

She moved slowly, devoid of the pain or weakness she had shown on their mission. Moved towards him until her head settled lightly beneath his chin, breathing softly as she held herself close to him.

"You smell nice."

A strange thing to say, but true. A musky, woodsy scent......very much male, and pleasant at least to her.

"Thank you for all your help, Leo. I hope you didn't compromise yourself too badly."

She didn't know why he stayed hidden, or why his riatsu seemed so different from her own. But she did know that he didn't have to come, just as Yuri knew that there was little chance of making him come if he had chosen not to.

She pulled away suddenly, looking up at him, into his eyes before playfully leaning forward and kissing the tip of his nose.

"You brood too much. If you think too much you're going to give yourself a headache!"

It was nonsense of course....but then....she was only trying to lighten the mood.

 

[LeoHawk35]

Leo

Leo looked down at her as she walked through, noticing the glance she aimed over her shoulder. He glanced out in turn before closing the door. He turned to her to see her taking in the room again, remembering the way it was the first time and probably noticing that nothing had changed. He then watched her slow, purposeful steps as she walked towards him, and he noticed none of the pain or weariness that would have plagued her steps when they first came back form the real world.

She leaned into him, her arms holding her close. He didn't react for a second or two before placing his own hands on her back.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**A conversation not for Leo's ears**​

Interesting... Tenebras mused to himself.

What's interesting? Oel asked.

The shadows seemed to turn to to the negative Leo, colors the exact opposite of the real Leo's.

He is...calmer around her. More at ease than with anyone else.

They paused.

Except, maybe, by himself.

It's to be expected. You don't go through what he has and then suddenly start trusting everyone. I'm proof of that. I tried to kill him. Oel said simply.

The shadows seemed to contemplate what the Hollow said.

So you did. they responded.

Oel nodded and held up Leo's mask.

And this? Who do you trust when you have the mask of a Hollow?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
​

Leo nodded simple acknowledgement of her thanks. And no, he hadn't compromised himself too badly. He had only revealed himself to the one person who would still recognize him and hunt for him in all of Soul Society. But it would be fine. She couldn't find him here, in the middle of nowhere.

He glanced down at her words and then tilted his head slightly after she kissed his nose, curious.

He didn't get the joke for a few moments before finally catching it.

So many years away from anyone does that to you. But it accomplished what it had meant to. It did lighten the mood.

Leo allowed himself a half smile. But that was all.

"Are you alright? From the mission, I mean." he asked.

 

[AngelLightheart]

Hana Hikari

Hana listened quietly as she continued her examination, giving him a light tap that evidently cleared his vision. She leaned over in front of him, unknowingly giving him a view down the front of her kimono as she looked him over once more.

She took a seat opposite from him.

"There wasn't really anything I had to ask you about. You've already said most of what I would have said." Hana started.

She paused, thinking.

"I'm just not sure if we should trust him. I know that Yuri does, but..."

Another pause, more thoughts.

"I just don't like him. The techniques that he uses, his reiatsu..." she trailed off.

Hana looked up at Keiya and noticed him looking down at her cleavage and her kimono hugging her curves. She tilted her head and then noted that he looked speedily back up to her face.

"Distracted?" she asked casually.

 

[lonely_shadow]

Yuri brightened considerably, even though it was just a half smile. It did her heart good to see him attempt a lighter mood, even if it was just for her. If all his smiles were just for her.....she could no doubt live with that.......

"I'm.....better. Somehow Hana was able to repair the damage done to my ears from that sonic attack. Honestly, I didn't know she had that ability......"

She lapsed into thoughtfulness for a second before shaking herself out of it. She hadn't come here to be overcome with the days events. She had come because it had been too long.......too long since they had seen each other. Too long since she had felt his lips tentatively brush against her own.

You draw strength from him.

The voice rang unbidden in the deepest recesses of her mind, and in an instant she sent a part of her subconscious back to her private place to respond to the red haired man she knew still leaned against a sakura......awaiting just such a response. His face was half hidden by a thick collar.....but his eyes never failed to hold her own when he wanted to.....

And he in turn takes from you.

A soft frown played out over her face for a split instant.

And what does he take? He has demanded nothing, while I ask everything of him.

A long silence......

You ease his pain.....

And he eases mine.

The thought was sent rather forcefully, and for the first time, he turned to look at her.....age old wisdom in those eyes.....as scarlet as the hair on his head......

And so you draw strength from him.

It had all happened in an instant, and Yuri was careful to not let too much show on her face other than what she already had. When she looked up and saw the concern on his face, her normally serious face broke into a wide grin as she leaned up onto the tips of her toes.......and kissed him soundly.

"You're so moody!"

And for a moment, her visage took on a look of revelation.....as if something had occurred to her, or in this case.....a question that perhaps needed an answer. Before she could think better of it, she drew in closer.

"You can smile more......or I just might find out if you're ticklish or not. I don't think I've ever heard you laugh."

The wide grin on her face left little doubt that she just might be crazy enough at the moment to try it too.

 

[knight713]

“ Oh what” Keiya replied when he heard Hana asked him something “ Only slightly” He added. As he looked back up at her giving her his full attention this time.

“ You right his techniques are different from any other shinigami around” he added, he was right the mans techniques were different but unique in its own way.

He could tell by the sound of her voice she didn’t like Leo, he didn’t really like him but for now they were allies. He seen the mans powers and deep down he wanted to face off against him to see how strong the man really is. He knew even Zaraki would like to face off against him. But if that happened then much of the soul society would get destroyed in the process. But it would be a fight to see in the end even with all the destruction it may cause.

“ So what would you like to talk about now” Keiya asked her, he was not sure if he should ask about her or tell her about himself.

 

[LeoHawk35]

Leo

Leo nodded, content with her answer. Nothing seemed wrong with her at first glance and her voice was devoid of pain. And she could hear. That was a good thing.

-------------------------------------------

A shadowy form stood in a forest next to a negative of Leo, the shadows having no defined form.

Is it now? Oel asked.

Yes, it is. Tenebras responded.

The Hollow turned to the shadows.

Hey, do you want some popcorn? This is going to get interesting. it offered.

The shadows seemed to turn to look at the figure next to them.

And where are you going to get popcorn? they asked.

A pause.

And what purpose would it serve anyway? We don't eat.

The Hollow raised an eyebrow.

I guess I never though of it that way before.

He looked up to the sky. Or, what could be seen of it through the trees. Which was nothing at all.

Well that sucks. it said dryly.

Yes, yes, we can talk about what we can and can't do later. I want to see where this goes, so please be quiet.

-------------------------------------------

"I don't think any of us did." Leo said to her, regarding Hana's ability.

He paused.

"She did well in hiding it. If anyone were to find out about her powers.." he trailed off.

He glanced down at her, noticing her facial expression before it turned into a wide grin. She leaned up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his. He returned the kiss, one of his hands trailing up her back to her neck. She pulled away too soon for his liking, but he didn't say a word or try to pull her close again.

Moody? He didn't see himself as moody...merely realistic. There was no sense in going around smiling at everyone and trying to make friends.

And then it turns out that he didn't have to pull her closer again. She drew closer to him with that crazy smile on her face to state a warning.

"You can smile more......or I just might find out if you're ticklish or not. I don't think I've ever heard you laugh."

He blinked and gazed into her eyes. He shrugged.

"You can try." he said simply.

And for some reason, he knew she would. Good thing he wasn't ticklish. And it was a good thing that the couch was fairly soft.

 

[AngelLightheart]

Hana Hikari

Hana smiled at Keiya as he was distracted yet again, looking up and replying clumsily and then moving on to another topic quickly.

The topic she didn't really want to talk about.

Thankfully the topic changed quickly, and he asked what she wanted to talk about.

"Tell me about yourself, Keiya." she said to him.

She idly trailed a hand along her kimono, straightening it out and smoothing it, opening the collor of her kimono slightly so she could breathe a little easier.

Don't lay it on too thick. murmured a voice in her mind.

Lay on what? Hana asked, curious.

You don't see what you're doing to him? the voice asked.

She tilted her head to look at Keiya, noticing how uncomfortable he was seeming to get and the looks he kept casting at her.

I'm causing that? she asked.

Yes. You should maybe let the sex appeal down a bit... it trailed off.

The voice paused.

Unless you're trying to get laid? it asked.

Well, it wouldn't be bad. It's been awhile, and he's cute. Hana reasoned.

Hana looked at Keiya and smiled again, slightly seductive, but only slightly.

 

[knight713]

“ I wont lay it to thick,” he said as he leaned forward to hide his embarrassment from looking at Hana.


“But I take it you may have heard rumors from other shinigami about me” Keiya replied as he thought back on the past. “ Many people still call me assassin from my time in the Punishment Force” he added. “ Plus the time I spent in the nest of Maggots” Keiya said as he looked up at the ceiling.

The moment he said the nest of maggots he peaked an slight interest from Hana, many people got interested in that. Mostly from squad 11 when he talked about having to fight to defend himself from the other prisoners. After 100 fights he won 50 lost 40 and 10 came out to a draw.

“ I got sent there because of a mission went bad do to lack of information, after years of imprisonment I was released and so far I went from two other squads to squad 11” He said as he leaned back.

“ Well you are beautiful “ Kieya replied as he looked at her smile

It has been a while since he was with a woman , he mostly focused on missions or further training himself to get better. There had been a few girls that were attracted to him but he was either to busy with other things to notice them at all.

“ What do you think you are doing you don’t have time for this Keiya” Kuzuryushin told him in his mind.

“ What do you mean I have plenty of time” keiya told him

“ If you want to survive your next encounter with that mysterious woman you must train harder thus you don’t have time for this” Kuzuryushin shot back.

" I'll have time later, then you can beat me up" Keiya added with a laugh, with that remark kuzuryushin became quite.

 

[AngelLightheart]

Hana Hikari

Hana smiled, leaning forward slightly, that smile still on her face.

Well he's rather dense, isn't he? she thought to herself.

She tilted her head, distracting herself enough that she could listen to him. She smiled again, laying it on a bit thicker.

"And what were the other two squads you were in?" she asked, leaning in closer, her voice low and husky.

You almost make me want you, little one. whispered the voice in her mind.

A light chuckle.

Almost. it repeated.

That's good. We can't have you wanting me when you're supposed to be focusing on our job. she replied, voice devoid of the seduction that was in it before.

She blinked and watched Keiya, waiting for his answer.

 

[lonely_shadow]

Yuri's lips pursed gently in thought at his words, nodding softly as she accepted the statement before grinning devilishly.

"Everyone's ticklish. Nobody has found your ticklish spot yet, that's all."

Her voice was cheery as she regarded him. He looked tense, no doubt preparing for her sudden attack. Well who was she to disappoint him? But she wasn't about to go on the attack without a plan. If he thought himself not ticklish.....he had no doubt had someone try before, or else how would he know? That left out the conventional spots.....his sides.....his neck.....most men she knew weren't ticklish in the neck anyway. She had been when she was a child....but had thankfully grown out of it. Still....the memory of her father forcing little giggles from her mouth by doing just such an act centuries brought a warmth, and perhaps a little more sanity to her smile................those had been good times.

She darted in quickly, pressing close, and when he raised his arms to resist her......Yuri found the opening she was looking for, grinning to herself as she ran her fingertips delicately across both armpits at the same time, heedless of how close she had drawn to him to get within the space of easy retaliation. If he wanted to ward her off, Leo would have to grapple with her, though she had little doubt of his superior strength. Still....she wasn't about to make it easy on him, not as determined as she was.

And just when he thought he had her under control, her head jerked upward, kissing him soundly and giggling seconds later as she pulled away to renew her search. It had been brief, but the passion behind the contact was hard even for her to disguise.......and in the back of her mind, she remembered her room.......Mia sleeping placidly on her lap.....and Leo had drawn the first kiss that had come from her lips in almost seventy years......

"Give up yet?"

She still hadn't gotten him to laugh. Yet she smiled up at him, noticing for the first time how well her body had molded to his own in her search......a coltish leg drawn upward along his thigh......suddenly very aware of just how male he was as the thin silk of her kimono did little to take away from that part of him. ....

 

[LeoHawk35]

Leo

Leo tilted his head to the side at her nod, and then noted her statement. He shrugged again. He wasn't ticklish and he knew it. So he let her have her fun.

----------------------------------------------------​

What's she doing? Oel asked.

Tickling him? Tenebras guessed.

The Hollow looked over at the shadow.

Is he ticklish? he asked, curious.

No. responded the shadows.

Good. That would have been bad. Oel said smugly.

Oel tilted his head.

He's letting her do it? he asked.

So it would seem.

Ah, there we go. Finally she is realizing that Leo does, in fact, have a penis.

So she is.

The Hollow turned to look at Tenebras. Or, what Tenebras was letting be seen.

You're no fun, you know that?

----------------------------------------------------​

Leo noted how close she had gotten to him...how her body seemed to mold to his own during her search. He was very aware of her slender leg drawn up his, her body pressed into his own as she looked up at him and kissed him. Brief, but the passion behind it was undeniable.

As she went on with her search, he wondered how he knew that he wasn't ticklish at all. Memories drifted past him, just out of reach like always. But one in particular decided to drift closer, so he could gaze into its depths...

It was Yoruichi, pinning him down and searching for a ticklish spot much like Yuri was now, except that Leo was telling her to get off instead of just standing there. Yoruichi would eventually stop and laugh, then stand up to talk to him, helping him to his feet. The words were lost to his ears, the memory not strong enough to stay with him.

Leo blinked and looked into Yuri's eyes at her question.

"Have you?" was his response.

He lifted her off the ground, one hand on that leg that had slid up his and the other on her lower back. He turned and laid her down on the couch quickly before beginning a search of his own.

He started at the neck, trailing his fingers over her skin lightly and finding that she wasn't ticklish there. He then trailed his fingers downwards, passing close to the mounds on her chest, to trail over her armpits, pulling a giggle from her. He kept going with that, making her giggle before trailing down to her stomach and her sides, pulling some more giggles.

With each of her giggles he felt his mood lightening further until that half smile crept onto his face again. He moved lower, his fingers trailing along her legs until he got to her feet, which he tickled relentlessly and took some measure of joy watching her giggle uncontrollably on the couch.

He stopped suddenly after several moments and kissed her, one hand on her side and the other on the side of her neck, his thumb trailing lightly across her delicate jaw.

The kiss deepened, and he didn't want it to stop.