NaClO (By invitation, otherwise CLOSED)

[HookerBoots]

The food had been eaten - though destroyed might be a more accurate term. There were only scraps of vegetables hiding in the corner of one container, and smears of sauce on the bottoms of a few others. Amaya flopped back on the couch, one hand over her stomach. "Ohhh, that was tasty, but I'm so full now!"

Isamu nodded, rubbing a hand over his chin. "It was a lot, especially on top of what we'd already eaten." He licked his lips. "But that beef was sooo good." He sighed and kicked his feet up to the edge of the table.

Unohana wiped her lips delicately, then placed the napkin over the nearest empty container. "It was all very good," she said, grabbing the bag of medicines they'd picked up today and leaning back. One hand sorted through the assorted bottles. "And you did very well with these - more than I expected you to get." Her smile was like the sun coming up. "I'm very proud of you two, thank you for your good work."

Both of the younger shinigami beamed. Amaya blushed a little, looking at her hands. "It was our pleasure, Unohana-taicho. If what we did today will help my captain, I'm glad I could be of assistance. I haven't been with Squad 13 very long, but Ukitake-taicho was very kind even to let me join his squad." She took a quick glance at the captain. "Unohana-taicho, may I ask . . . do you believe you'll be able to cure him?"

The raven-haired captain looked up, her face serious. "I think I will, Kuragari-san. But it won't be as fast as we might hope. He's been sick a very long time, and I'll have to take some time to adapt the drugs so that they work on spirit bodies." She made a little face. "I may even have to ask Kurotsuchi-taicho for resources. But when it's all done, I believe that we'll be able to cure Ukitake-taicho. As well as hundreds of other shinigami."

Sighing, Isamu looked toward the window, out into the light-riddled night of Tokyo. "Taicho . . . will it only be shinigami?"

"What do you mean?" Amaya asked, though she had a suspicion what he meant.

His gold eyes were lit from within as he looked at both of them. "Will the only people who benefit from this new technology be shinigami? Will the regular people of Soul Society, the people who live in Rukongai, be left behind because they aren't . . . powerful, or just because they aren't . . . like us?"

There was silence for a moment. Amaya turned to look at Unohana, her eyes filled with the same fire and questioning that Isamu's were, and the captain was reminded with a jolt that the pink-haired girl had also come from Rukongai. "I don't know," she said honestly. "I never thought about it . . . but I didn't become a healer to treat a fraction of the people who need it." Her eyes shone as an idea occurred to her. "I can't promise that they'll get the same attention as the shinigami do. But I'm sure I'll be able to find a way to let all the people who need it benefit from what we've found out."

 

[Armphid]

After that exchange, the trio fell silent again. It was a comfortable silence for the most part; each lost in their own reflections of the trip and feeling more full than they should. Unohana just covered it better than the other two.

The dark haired captain carefully watched the younger shinigami from under her eyelids. Something had happened today. They were different. He more than her but there was a change there as well. She smiled and spoke softly, "I'm glad we took this trip." The other two turned their heads to look at her. "And not just because of how we will change Soul Society with it. It has been good for you both."

Isamu blinked. "Taicho..."

She nodded, "You are both clearer from doubt than you were before. And I sense a stronger or renewed dedication in the two of you." Her smile became more sweet and gentle, "It's very pleasing to see. I feel very good about the future of the Gotei 13 having spent this time with you both."

The two younger folk were blushing. Amaya nodded, "Arigatou, Unohana-taicho. That's very generous."

"Is it?" Her eyes were mysterious now, if no less kind. "I think you two will become far more than you are now and make a great difference in the Gotei 13. But I don't know that you should call me saying so "generous" for such people often have troubled lives."

Isamu grunted and then looked over at Amaya. The busty beauty smiled and nodded. The half-breed looked back at his captain, "We wouldn't want it any other way."

Unohana's eyes grew no less enigmatic. "We will see. I do not think you will fail at the test but that's many years off yet." She hoped. She rose from her seat. "I am going to retire to my room. Don't stay up too late. We have to catch the train back to Karakura in the morning."

~~~~~~~​

The porcelain tea pot lifted with a faint clink from the serving tray. Hands with the odd fingerhooked guards handled the vessel with care and poured a rich, dark brew into a fine cup that sat atop a delicate saucer. The cup was lower than a normal Soul Society teacup but broader, with a narrow bottom and rounder, wider top, and a handle on one side. "Would you like sugar or cream in your tea, Yamamoto-soutaicho?"

The speaker was a tall man for a Japanese, about 5' 10" tall, with a lean and athletic build. His hair was silver and well combed, parted in the middle with slightly longer bangs and short elsewhere. His eyes were amber and a thin, well groomed handlebar mustache sat on his lip. He wore a white sleeveless tabard of sorts over the normal shinigami uniform and on his left arm was tied a badge of office with a single stroke kanji. Choujirou Sasakibe set the tea pot down. He was pleased his captain and friend, as much as one could befriend a superior officer, had come to visit him in his quarters.

"If that is how it is taken," Yamamoto nodded. He looked dubiously at the concoction before him. He was still...unsure of this black Western tea. The taste was not bad but it was very different. Too different. It was more that it was a change from tradition that he disliked than the material itself. He cracked open one eye as he sat in his chair, watching his lieutenant at work. He never should have sent him on those missions to...what was that place? England.

"Unohana-taicho will be back tomorrow," Sasakibe commented as he stirred the Captain-Commander's drink and handed it to him. He could tell the man needed to say something but it often took an indirect prompt to get him going.

Yamamoto grunted. He took a sip of the tea. Hmph. Not the dignified flavor of green tea at all. "Yes. I am sure that despite what Kurotsuchi-taicho may hope for, Unohana-san will return exactly as she said she would."

The younger man ran a finger over his mustache, smoothing it. "Then, my friend, what is it that you are worried about?"

Yamamoto would have chided him for speaking so to his superior. But they were in private and the truth was that Choujirou probably was the closest thing he had to a friend these days. The others...gone long ago. "When she returns, things will change. It will not be helped. I have read Kurosaki-taicho's reports of how the outside world has changed in technology and many other...newly adopted Western ways of doing things." The gleam in Choujirou's eye couldn't be missed. "But I ignored them. The old ways are best, I have always thought. But if her mission is a success..."

"It will prove some new ways are better." The Western culture enthusiast poured his own tea, adding in generous sugar and cream.

"Hm. Yes." The old man sighed. "And I know they will be but...I still do not like the idea of much change." He drummed his fingers on his walking stick. "There is a man, Sasakibe-fukutaicho. In Squad 4. He is a Westerner."

"What?" Choujirou almost dropped his tea cup. "That's amazing! Where is he from? Is he the one who-"

"Yes. I am sure he precipitated this." Yamamoto took a deep breath. "This man...I have looked at his records. Squad 4's lieutenant thinks he should be in the Maggot's Nest for the danger he presents to Soul Society. Part of me...agrees."

Sasakibe shook his head, "Yamamoto-soutaicho, has he committed any crime?" The old man shook his head. "Then why?"

"Because he wants to change things. And he is very capable of doing so. I could not imagine Retsu Unohana doing such a thing as this without an influence like this stripling." He stroked his beard with one hand. "The chance of such change as he represents could be dangerous to Soul Society."

Sasakibe crossed his arms over his chest, "Then you should put Kurotsuchi-taicho back in as well. And Unohana-taicho, whose medical brilliance changed Soul Society. And Kyouraku-taicho and Ukitake-taicho. And yourself. Did you not change Soul Society forever from how it was?"

The old man rumbled deep in his throat and for a moment the junior officer thought he may have overstepped. But he just couldn't let a real Westerner be imprisoned! Not before he got a chance to talk to him! "Peace! I have considered that." He was quiet for a few moments. "...I want you to watch him, Choujirou. Keep an eye on him for me."

Choujirou would have beamed save that he mastered himself before doing so. An order to do exactly what he was going to do anyway! "Hai! I shall monitor him and make recommendations accordingly, soutaicho."

"Good." Yamamoto then looked at a baked good on another saucer next to his teacup. "...Now then. What is...this?"

"A scone, soutaicho."

"Hmp."

 

[HookerBoots]

Amaya was thrilled to ride on a train again, even if it did signal the end of their trip. The others were going to be waiting for them at Urahara-san's shop, so that they might use his senkaimon to return to Soul Society. It was a more sedate trip this time; Unohana was making notes in her neat hand in a small notebook about the research she'd done while Amaya flipped through a glossy fashion magazine she'd bought at the train station and Isamu looked out the window, watching the countryside go past.

When the train finally pulled into the station, they gathered their things and moved to the exits, carrying all of their luggage off the train and through the station, where they found a taxi to take them to the shop. As Isamu paid the driver, Amaya and Unohana started to unload their suitcases until Tessai and Renji ran out, muscles flexing. "Please, Unohana-dono, Kuragari-dono, let us carry these for you!" the tall man said, taking a suitcase in each hand as though they weighed nothing at all. "It's unseemly for ladies to struggle with luggage so."

Unohana smiled at him. "Ah, Tessai-san, it's kind of you to offer." She let him grab more of the bags, tilting her head. "We will have to handle some ourselves when we go through the gate, however - you can't come with us there."

He sighed. "Alas that I cannot be of more help, Unohana-dono, but you are correct." With a bow, he turned back towards the house, moving quickly.

Amaya watched him walk away, then whispered to the raven-haired woman, "Unohana-taicho, why can't Tessai-san and Urahara-san go back to Soul Society? What happened?"

Smiling a little sadly, the older woman shook her head. "A story for another time, Kuragari-san. We're running a little behind schedule at the moment, and this wouldn't be the right place for that story."

"Okay," the pink-haired girl agreed readily. She did want to know what had happened, but she trusted Squad 4's captain, and was willing to learn the truth in time. "So let's go back home! I have lots of cool things that I want to show people - Kuchiki-san will love this bunny hairband!"

~ ~ ~ ~​

Their re-entry to the spirit world wasn't as triumphant a return as one might have hoped. Urahara's gate landed them in western Rukongai, and they had to walk the rest of the way to the Seireitei. There was a little chat about what had happened while they were split into two groups, the Karakura team mostly sad that they hadn't been able to see what Tokyo was like. Renji was wearing the glasses they had bought him - more stylish than what he could afford here, and cost less.

By the time they reached the gate, they could see the black-clad shapes of a group of shinigami coming out to meet them. At the head of it were two people in white haori, one tall and one short. Unohana sighed and squared her shoulders, walking to the head of their little pack. "Good afternoon, Kurosaki-taicho, Soi Fon-taicho."

Isshin bowed. "Welcome back, Unohana-taicho. It's good to see you back on time." He barely avoided glancing at Soi Fon, whose face was as dark as a thunder cloud. "Squad 10 was asked to greet you upon your return, but Soi Fon-taicho insisted on coming along, since you were using a senkaimon that belonged to an exile - worried you'd bring a criminal along with you, I suppose."

The petite woman sniffed, her almond-shaped eyes narrow. "That's part of it. Yamamoto-soutaicho wants to see you directly, Unohana-taicho. If you would come with me, please."

The very mildness of the healer's voice declared her feelings on the matter. "Am I under arrest, Soi Fon-taicho?" The group behind her shifted, fighting stances being taken by all of them. It was clear that, whatever happened, they were willing for a fight.

"Of course not," Isshin interjected, earning a glare from Soi Fon. "The head captain merely wants an explanation for your, ah, hasty departure, and a report on whether you were successful before he makes any decisions."

"That's comforting," Amaya muttered, then blushed when everyone looked at her. "Gomen," she murmured.

Soi Fon eyed her for a moment, then sniffed again. "The rest of you can go to your squads. If criminal charges are to be leveled, you'll be notified there. You will have to report to your captains, obviously, and accept any discipline they choose to give you." Her tone brooked no argument, and the others all headed off towards the Seireitei.

~ ~ ~ ~​

Kaien intercepted Amaya before she got through the door of the Squad house. "Kuragari! You're back!" He bowed to her, lower than he should have given that he was her superior, and stepped close, his voice low. "I have to take you to see Ukitake-taicho as soon as you get here, but before I do . . . was it . . . I mean, did you . . . was it a successful mission?"

Amaya looked at him almost helplessly. "Unohana-taicho says she believes she'll be able to cure him. That's all I know, Kaien-dono."

He sighed, his face relaxing - she hadn't realized until then how tense he'd been. "That's all I can ask for. If she thinks so . . . well, we'll have to see, won't we?" He clapped his hands together. "Come on, Kuragari. The captain's in his office today, so you'll get to make your first formal report."

 

[Armphid]

The lean man stood in the arid badlands landscape. His green clothes were a stark contrast to the yellowed brown of the dirt and rock around him. He was tugging on the brim of a somewhat floppy white and green striped hat.

"So they're gone?" The voice was warmly masculine and issued from the man's feet. He looked down at the black cat that was sitting beside him; the creature licking a paw and raising it to smooth back fur ruffled by the light breeze.

"Ahh, Yoruichi-san, welcome back." He nodded. "They left not long ago. Tessai was very disappointed; he'd baked cookies." Urahara looked down at the cat. "I was surprised by their mission. And some of the members."

"Yes." The cat seemed to nod. "Those three are uncommonly strong for this point in their career. And the one..."

"The spiky haired redhead," the store manager said.

"The chesty girl with the pink hair," said the cat at the same time.

Both looked at one another. Urahara spoke up, "Surely you felt the potential of the redhead. He could actually go that far."

"You weren't paying attention, Kisuke." The cat shook it's head. "The girl and that gaijin could too; the feeling was very strong to me. But that girl...she has a very strong power. A dangerous one." The man looked somewhat baffled. "Luck, Kisuke. Chance was whirling all around her."

"Luck, hmm?" He pulled a paper fan from one sleeve and snapped it open and began to fan himself. "Maybe so. Do you think that man will notice?"

"Of course. And he'll keep her as far away from him and his plans as possible." The cat chuckled, "Luck and random chance are two things that he can't manipulate. He can't even outright deal with her for fear of something unexpected happening before he's ready." The feline stretched. "I may have to keep an eye on her when I make my forays to Soul Society."

Urahara hid his face behind the fan, "Ah, Yoruichi-san! What a splendid thought. You will take pictures, I hope?"

"...Kisuke..."

~~~~~~~~~​

"I'm glad you're back, Takeuchi-kun." Izuru Kira was lugging one of the medicine filled bags into the largest of Squad 4's labs.

"Arigatou, Kira-kun." Isamu set a similar one down on a bench. The lab was already full of most of the others. "Missed me that much?"

"The cats did," Kira said with a shrug. "I'm glad because it made me money. I took up a running pool, 50 mon each person, on whether you'd return or go AWOL."

"...Thanks for having faith in me, I think." Isamu gave his friend a sour look. Izuru didn't exactly smile but his face wasn't in it's usual melancholy frown either. "It wasn't ever a serious thought. Not really."

Kira shrugged. "I trusted you. And Momo-chan was adamant you'd be back. Even Kuchiki-san got in on the betting on your behalf. I have to split the pot with her."

"Wait, Hinamori-chan bet against me?"

"She didn't bet," Kira shrugged. "She said that Aizen-taicho never gambles."

~~~~~~~​

"As to the matter of Ukitake-taicho and his illness," Yamamoto rumbled. He, Kurosaki, Soi Fon, and Kyouraku were the only ones in on this little meeting. "What have you discovered?"

Unohana's eyes were bright and determined. "I can cure him." She said it without a hint of a waver, total confidence in her gentle voice. "It will take time because he has been infected so long but the treatment will work."

There were a few moments of silence while that sank in. Yamamoto's head was bowed, Soi Fon's eyes were wide, Kyouraku and Kurosaki were pensive. After a moment, Kurosaki spoke up, "Then the mission was a success."

"And she returned right when her paperwork said she would," Kyouraku added. "Sounds open and shut to me."

"There's more." All of them looked startled now; save for Yamamoto who was suddenly reminded of a very strong willed girl who'd stood before him centuries ago with that same determined expression. Her hair was shorter then but it was as if the clock was turned back. "With the other advances we have discovered in medicine, in materials, in basic medical theory, I can deliver a larger and healthier Gotei 13." Unohana looked right at Yamamoto when she spoke. "With what I have right now, I will be able to reduce our casualties by 25%." There was a stir from the other captains. "Once the medicines are properly adjusted to work with spirit bodies, I estimate that rate will increase to a 60% reduction."

"Just what are you saying, Unohana-taicho?" Soi Fon looked staggered.

"I'm saying that in a few years, perhaps seven at most, if a shinigami can be brought to Squad 4 for treatment still alive...that we will be able to save their life and heal them to the point where they can fight again."

 

[HookerBoots]

In a rare moment alone, Sosuke Aizen was sitting quietly in his office, the only light the sunlight muted by the paper screen over the window. He was pensive. If what they'd been told was true, Unohana's trip could change the game he was playing, and not by a little. If she'd been late - even later in the day - it might have been easy to spin, but they all came back, and all on time, in the middle of the day. He wasn't even able to get Gin or Kaname out to greet them, to get a feel for the situation.

Something would have to be done.

His fingers drummed on the desk, hard enough to rattle the glasses he didn't need from where they sat next to a stack of reports. The woman was a thorn in his side, and had been for years. Would be, probably, until everything was done. A little revenge that would also weaken the squads wouldn't be amiss in this case. He'd also have to do something about the others involved. Unless she could work miracles, Ukitake would still be weak for years to come, and most of the other captains were too absorbed in their own petty bullshit to be any danger to him. Kurosaki was the exception, however, and it had been the man's speedy reaction to the senkaimon opening that had kept Aizen from inserting one of his pawns into the group. Something would have to be done, that was sure. But before he set the thing up against a captain, he'd have to make sure it would work.

Two ideas came together in his mind with an almost audible click, and he smiled. That would do perfectly. He would have had to get rid of Shiba anyway - the man was too sharp by half, and too powerful as well - and if the little pet he was making worked against someone like Squad 13's lieutenant, it would do at least passing-well against Kurosaki. This was almost more fun than he'd anticipated the end game to be - experimenting was always a joy.

~ ~ ~ ~​

The room was cool and dark, and Amaya stepped in through the screen almost timidly. "Ukitake-taicho? Shiba-fukutaicho told me to report?"

From behind the desk, the white-haired shape moved, startling her. She'd thought he was asleep. But she could see now that he was bent over some paperwork, a pen in one slender, pale hand. "Yes, of course, come in." He turned up the lamp on the desk, brightening the room, before setting down the pen.

She shut the door behind her and knelt down on the opposite side of the desk, hands pressed flat against her thighs. "I'm glad to see that you're feeling well, taicho."

He raised an eyebrow. "This isn't a report on my health, but thank you, Kuragari-san." Ukitake rested his hands on the desk, his eyes intense. "I know that Kaien-san gave you the order to leave, so you're not in trouble. When I'm ill, he's the acting captain, with all the authority that goes with it."

Amaya sighed a little. "Hai, taicho." It was a relief to know she wasn't going to be reprimanded. But she wasn't at all sure she was willing to tell him what she thought he would want to know.

Brushing a strand of snow-white hair from his face, Ukitake looked at her firmly. "I do, however, want to know what was urgent enough to cause him to let you go without even consulting me."

"Well, you see, Ukitake-taicho," she said, swallowing hard, "Takeuchi-kun . . . Isamu Takuchi, that is, from Squad 4," he nodded, and she went on, praying that she could stop stammering, "had been doing filing, and found your file, sir." Her fingers twined together. "You know, of course, that he's from the human world, and not that long ago, and when he saw your diagnosis . . . he ran to get Unohana-taicho."

A puzzled frown appeared on his face. "She knows what the diagnosis is - she was the one who made it. Why would that be news, or cause such an uproar?"

Amaya's mouth felt dry. "Because, Ukitake-taicho, in the human world, they . . . can cure it. They have been able to for years."

Silence in the room, and she risked a glance at his face. Ukitake's face was as white as paper, his eyes wide and distant. For a moment, she was worried, but then he swallowed and looked at her again, a terrible hope on his face. "It . . . it's curable?" he asked, his voice no higher than a whisper. Then the hope broke into shame, guilt, and a little anger. "That was it? That was why Unohana-taicho went to the human world in such a hurry that it almost broke apart the Gotei 13? Because of me?"

"I . . . gomen, taicho, I don't know." She looked at the floor, the tatami beneath her knees suddenly hard and uncomfortable. "I was merely told to come along, not the reason for the suddenness of the trip." He snorted, and she flushed a little. "She says . . . she says she can cure you, taicho," Amaya added. "And use the medicine we found to save other lives as well."

"Well," he said in a voice ripe with bitterness, "at least the blame isn't all on me for this." A heavy sigh came from his lips, and he rubbed a hand over his forehead. "So, what . . . how . . . ." He wanted to ask what sort of hellacious treatment he would have to endure to be in control of his body again, but he couldn't bring himself to ask the girl - even if she knew, it wouldn't be appropriate. "You'll write up a full report by the end of the week, Kuragari-san." Just then, there was a knock on the door, and a straw-hatted head poked in.

"Konnichiwa, nii-sama! Sempai's back, and she . . . oh." Kyouraku spied Amaya and smiled. "Ahh, a lovely visitor, fresh from the human world." He stepped inside and sat down. "She can tell us about the fashions the ladies are wearing there now - are mini-skirts still in?"

Ukitake looked sourly at his friend. "You knew, didn't you?"

"What did I know? Mini-skirts? Of course I did, you'll love 'em." The veneer was broken after a few seconds of Ukitake's firm gaze. "Hai. I knew, and I didn't tell you. Because you'd have only felt bad, and you were already feeling terrible." He turned to look at Amaya. "Tell you what, pretty. Go on and get re-situated in your room while your captain yells at me for not telling him things he didn't need to know, and we'll talk about clothes later."

Amaya stood gratefully, bowing to them both. "Arigatou gozaimasu, Kyouraku-taicho, Ukitake-taicho." As she slid the door closed behind herself, she heard Ukitake saying fiercely, "If it was my fault, you should have said something!"

 

[Armphid]

Isamu looked out at the group of men and women assembled in the yard. It had been a week since their return and things were...not quite back to normal. He had re-assumed his duties, of course, and there was no disciplinary action taken against him since he'd been obeying his captain's orders. As far as he knew, no action had been taken against any of the small group.

Captain Unohana, Mitsukake, and most of the seated officers had taken over all but the most rudimentary of the Squad's labs. They'd borrowed several high ranking members of Squad 12 and the Shinigami Research Institute as well. Captain Kurotsuchi had reviewed the data that had been brought back and declared it "uninteresting and boring" so was not involved himself.

The highest senior officer not in the labs was Isane Koutetsu, who was now de facto running the normal operations of the Squad. Assisting her was the Squad's new 10th Seat, Izuru Kira. And assisting him was the new 15th Seat...

Isamu sighed again. He'd made up his mind to leave Squad 4. But now...they'd promoted him. Not only that, they'd even given him a specific job to do! How could he leave now? Unohana-taicho had seemed understanding but now...it was like she'd nailed his feet to the floor.

"Your students are waiting," Kira commented. The blond haired youth was almost smiling. "Why the long face? I thought you'd be happy with promotion and the chance to infect some others with your crazy ideas."

Isamu shook his head, "Nothing." The truth was that Kira was just too Japanese to understand his problem. It could wait until he could talk to Amaya. The American squared his shoulders and opened the door into the courtyard, "All right, fall in!"

There was a scurry of motion. Standing at attention in three rows of seven was a group of Squad 4 members, male and female. All bore their medical kits and their swords at their sides. Isamu looked them over. Most seemed apprehensive. "Squad 4 is changing," Isamu said, "So is all of Soul Society, but it begins with us." He stepped down onto the ground of the courtyard. "Up until now, it's been acceptable for members of Squad 4 to have no more combat training than a "Meets Expectations" score at the Academy. Those of you who've gone on patrols or seen the injured from missions brought back know that this...this is not the Academy."

He crossed his arms over his chest. Behind him, Kira had stepped out to watch. "You're all healers, yes, but you're also shinigami. Gods of death. And the fact of the matter is that a person in a combat group who can't fight is a liability. So. I am going to teach you to fight. How to use your swords better and how to use the supplies you carry with you as weapons."

There were some doubtful looks. Isamu picked someone at random. "You!" The person started and gulped. Initially, Isamu thought it was a girl...but it was actually a guy. "What's your name?"

"H-H-Hanataro Yamada, sir," the younger man quailed. "I'm new to the Squad."

Isamu jerked a thumb behind him. "Think you can take Kira-san, Yamada?"

Hanataro's pale face grew even paler. "Wh-what? Me? N-no way! I wouldn't have a chance!" The young man waved his arms. "He's a high seated officer and I'm just...I'm just nobody!"

"Yes he is. And yes, you are." Isamu's face split in a wild grin. "But by the time I'm done with you, every one of you will have a chance at fighting those stronger than you. Even better, you'll know how to stall and buy time; for yourself and your patients in the field."

~~~~~~~​

Steel rang on steel and mingled shouts filled the air amid the stink of sweat. Ikkaku Madarame tilted his head to one side as he slid back. "Your sword..."

"What about it?" Isamu was stripped to the waist, squaring off with the bald-headed fighter. Off to the side, Amaya, Yumichika, and Renji watched.

"I feel something different when we cross swords. There's more determination there. Frustration too." Ikkaku tapped the back of his sword against his shoulder. "Something happened out there in the human world, huh?"

Isamu quirked his eyebrows. "Yeah, it did. Don't think I'll tell you what. It won't interfere with my training. In fact, I want more."

Ikkaku grinned, "Then it doesn't matter what it was! Good! Come on then!"

~~~~~~~​

"Ah, Takeuchi-san, konnichi wa!" Kaien Shiba grinned at the gaijin as he entered the Squad 13 complex. "You've become a regular here almost. Here to see Kuchiki and Kuragari again?"

"Hai, Kaien-san." Isamu could see the two girls across the courtyard. They appeared to be stretching. He took a moment just to watch. "I have the day off but...they're training?"

"Yeah." The laid back lieutenant shrugged, "Kuragari's been more interested in it since coming back. She and Rukia do at least a little kido work every day now but when they have time they do sword work too. Sometimes that girl from Squad 5 comes over." He thought a moment. "You know...Yakitori."

"Hinamori," Isamu supplied. "Good. I wonder if they'd let me join them."

Kaien looked over at the younger man. "I hear you're working pretty hard with the Squad 11 guys. Most who do aren't interested in kido."

The half-breed snorted, "Fools." He couldn't say it with the same delivery as Rukia but it was true. "I am. If I'm going to make captain, I'll need it." He shook his head, "I've been training on my own but it's slow going. I can use eisohaki with a lot of the low number spells but they're so weak as a result...watch."

He pointed at the far off girls. "Hado no ichi, Sho!" Amaya suddenly jumped into the air, rubbing her rump. Isamu moved his hand to point at Rukia's rear, "Hado no ichi, Sho!"

Rukia let out a yelp and jumped forward as the spell effectively slapped her ass. She turned on the spot, "W-who did that?" Her eyes fell on Kaien and Isamu. "K-Kaien-dono?"

He waved his hands in front of him, "Not me, Kuchiki! Takeuchi here was showing me his kido and-" His sentence was cut off as Rukia barreled past him with a flying kick.

Isamu vaulted away and landed on top of the wall to the complex. The dark haired pixie-like girl growled up at him. "Isamu Takeuchi, you'll pay for that, fool!"

He grinned down at her, "You'll have to catch me first, Rukia Kuchiki!" Then he leaped away in a blur of shun-po.

Rukia snarled and leaped after him, blurring away as well.

Kaien stared after. "Huh...he'll train his shun-po that way too. If he lives."

 

[HookerBoots]

Amaya had started when a phantom hand smacked her bottom, but Rukia looked around, incensed. Until she spotted Isamu. When the dark-haired girl headed after him, Amaya watched, her eyes speculative. He'd done that to both of them, eh? If Rukia caught him, he'd get what-for. But he seemed to be out-running the petite shinigami, even if he seemed to be having to work for it.

So she leaped into the fray, skipping ahead of Isamu. "Takuchi-kun," she sing-songed, "it's so good to see you - you should stand still and let Rukia-san say hello." Her eyes were teasing, and he'd skidded almost to a stop when she'd appeared in front of him before taking a sharp turn to the left.

"Gomen, Kuragari-chan," he yelled over his shoulder, "I don't think she'll be able to catch me before she tires out!" His long hair was ruffled by the speed with which he was moving, and Amaya sighed for a moment before heading after him again. They darted around the courtyard, throwing out taunts and challenges to each other, flash-stepping from one place to the other, even up onto the walls on occasion. But none of the three of them were willing to violate the 'rules' of this 'game' enough to leave the confines of the courtyard.

Kaien watched, a small smile on his face as they chattered and laughed. He couldn't remember the last time he'd seen Kuchiki smile like that - maybe she'd never done it in front of him. And laugh . . . it was good for her to have friends, friends who would let her relax a little. Then his face turned a little pensive, and he sighed softly. If her brother didn't have such a stick up his . . . it wasn't appropriate to think of a captain like that. True, but inappropriate.

From behind him, he could feel a warm presence and half-turned, smiling, as his wife wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "They're so lively," she murmured, her eyes following the blurring speed of the young shinigami with ease. "I'm glad that she's found some people to laugh with, Kaien."

He nodded. "I was just thinking that myself." One arm snaked around to wrap around her waist. "Anything special bring you here, Miya-chan? Or just my astonishing good looks and animal magnetism?"

She hefted a book with her free hand. "Time for lessons." She pulled a face at him. "But they can wait - they're having too much fun." Miyako tilted her head. "Who's the boy? He's handsome."

"Hey! I'm standing right here!"

~ ~ ~ ~​

Amaya sat down on her futon, toweling off her wet hair. She and Rukia were sort-of roommates - the dark-haired girl had a room, because she was part of the squad, but spent half of her nights at least at the Kuchiki estate at her brother's wishes. It was a waste of space to have a room that was only used half the time, so Amaya was moved in to make use of the space full-time, with Rukia as a part-time resident. The pink-haired girl was willing to admit, however, that the little room felt nicer when the other girl was there.

For her part, Rukia was tidying up her little corner of the room, putting away her sketch pad and setting the bunny headband Amaya had bought her in the human world on top of it. If she noticed a change in the atmosphere in the room, she wasn't going to admit it. It was mere coincidence that she was spending more nights here than before, nothing else.

"We did pretty well," Amaya said, grabbing a wide-toothed comb, "chasing down Takeuchi-kun today."

"Not bad." Rukia turned around, stretching her arms over her head. "I probably wouldn't have caught him without you tumbling into him, though."

Amaya flushed, tugging at a stubborn tangle in her hair. "It was an accident, but . . . we might not have, you're right." She sighed. "What do you think, should we let him join us for kido practice?"

Rukia thought for a minute or two, her dark, luminous eyes distant. "I do. He'd give us something to practice binding on when we can watch each other's technique. And," she smiled wickedly, "he's sassy, so we can joke around with him as well."

"Okay, good!" Amaya put down the comb, leaning back slightly. "It'll be interesting to see how he does - he wasn't in any of my kido classes at the academy."

 

[Armphid]

Isamu was in his room alone. Now that he was 10th Seat, Kira had his own larger quarters and as a seated officer, even if a low one, Isamu had been given their room to be his own. Well, his and the chicken and the three cats that he hadn't been able to give away.

He was seated on his futon, legs crossed in a lotus position, nude. His bare sword was laid across his knees, one hand rested on the hilt, the other cupped the blade near the tip carefully. His eyes were closed, his breathing steady.

Isamu turned and watched the ball of ice as it slowly spun past his head, trailing particles and dust behind it in a long tail. He was in the cosmos, immersed in it yet outside it, large in a colossal scale.

He was not alone. Hitoshirezu Daimyo stood beside him; the fabric of his raiment the very cosmos itself, save for that mirrored mask over his face. "Welcome, Isamu, son of Nobiyuki and Anne. I have watched your deeds outside and seen that your star has begun to rise. The path is well begun, so now, take care! Do not stumble after so strong a start."

Isamu inclined his head. "I do not intend to; yet many things happen that no one intends and I am not wise enough to see all ends or turns this path may take."

Hitosirezu Daimyo gestured, Isamu noticing for the first time that the zanpakuto spirit wore gleaming plate gauntlets like a knight of old on his hands. The two began to walk through the universe; planets and stars spun on their ways about them, vast nebulae shining and burning. "You have come for counsel once more, as you have so often of late. I will give it and perhaps more; leave that for the space of our speech together and we will see."

"So be it." Isamu drew a breath of nothing and everything before speaking. "I feel firmer now in my way than I ever have. But I find an obstacle before me that I do not know how to overcome for it is placed by one whom I love and honor."

"You have been given higher station and feel the duties and charges of it have chained your feet to the floor just as you were ready to run," the voice behind the mask replied. "Is that not of what you speak?" The young man nodded. "Think you, Isamu, on the airborne cavaliers of the modern age. Those great behemoths that plow the oceans to bear them are high. Yet, why not make them low?"

Isamu blinked. Aircraft carriers? "Because the higher position makes a successful take-off more likely." Then he blinked again and the meaning of the question and answer struck home. "I see. Already you ease my heart; and I am ashamed to have doubted one who has my best in her mind."

"She is not alone in this; though you have many foes arrayed before you, even those you cannot imagine as of yet, know as well that you have allies, many also still unknown and unlooked for." The spirit halted. "I have given counsel, yet not with that alone will I send you hence. For I am pleased with you, and as a just ruler ought, have gifts with with to reward you."

Isamu turned to face the zanpakuto. "Generous are you, indeed, and I do not deny that I have desired this. Bestow on me what you will and know that I shall not cease my efforts even for the bounty you show now."

"Well do I know it." The mask nodded. "You have used the meanest of your powers already, though you know not it's proper name. This is a mistake, even made unknowing, for the power of a technique without a name and one whose name is known and used is like a pale candle flame before the roaring blaze of the bonfire. The name of this power is Kokuo no Te (Hand of the King)."

Isamu felt...something change as soon as he heard those words. It was subtle and unseen but potent nonetheless. "Kokuo no Te; I will remember and use it well."

The mask nodded again. "There are other gifts I may give you. And so I shall. One more I bestow on you, though not yet it's name. Once you have gone further on the path, then you may know it."

"I understand." Isamu bowed. "Then I take my leave; for there is yet much to be done and the hours never cease."

"Yet they are not come to the test. Not yet. Do not look to the end so much that you see not what is before you. Go forth."

Isamu's eyes slowly opened and he breathed out.

~~~~~~~​

Isane yawned, stretching her arms over her head. She was alone in her office and it was late. Before her was a stack of complete paperwork. It was amazing how much there was to do in running the Squad. She was fortunate to have competent officers under her or it would be even worse.

The silver haired Amazon rose glancing at the last report with a smile. Takeuchi-san's class was going very well. It was an experiment they might have to expand if this continued. Still it was only a month old; very early to draw any conclusions.

She was debating taking the time to walk home or just using the room provided to her here when the door to her office slid open. "Uwa! Unohana-taicho!" The ageless beauty entered with a smile, closing the door behind her. "You're out of the labs but...taicho, you should be resting."

Unohana inclined her head, "Arigatou, Isane-san, for your concern. But I have something I want to get started tonight. I think it's been long enough but if I wait much longer I am...concerned about others acting." She held out a folded document.

Isane took it curiously and opened it. She stared a moment as she read, "This is..."

"Hai," Unohana nodded. "Please see to it, Isane-san, in good order. I have already completed my part and signed it."

"Hai, taicho!" Isane snapped to attention...and then relaxed at the other woman's amused expression. "So it will finally be ending then."

Squad 4's captain nodded. "And then you will have a decision to make, Isane-san." The taller woman blushed and Unohana's smile became a bit impish. "I suggest you allow yourself, if you'll take my advice. The experience is a good one." Then she inclined her head, "Good night, Isane-san."

"Good night, taicho," Isane said as she bowed. As the door shut, she thought of what Unohana had said. "The experience is...wait! Does that mean that..." Isane put a hand to her mouth, thoroughly scandalized, "Unohana-taicho!"

~~~~~~~​

"Hanataro, move your feet," Isamu growled. He stepped over to where the timid boy was squared off with another squad member. "You're standing still and if you can't give your opponent that edge unless you've got something really strong up your sleeve. Here, watch."

From the upper floor of the building, Mitsukake watched the practice unfold. His arms were crossed over his chest. He had a rare break from the labs and thought he's see this with his own eyes. That...that mongrel insurrectionist given rank and duties...even to teach others!

It could not be borne.

Unohana-taicho was too distracted by what could be done with the technology and medicine the boy had made them aware of to see his danger, that much was clear. She would not act to deal with him until it was too late. To save her face and the honor of Squad 4 and the Gotei 13, he would have to do it for her.

That would be the best way. Just as Ichimaru-taicho had suggested. He would make the arrangements today.

~~~~~~~​

Isamu sighed. He'd been watching Amaya and Rukia practice kido for half an hour. But whenever he tried to join in, one of them would tell him to wait, it wasn't his turn yet.

It was fun watching them, sure. But he was also getting bored and frustrated. He was sprawled on the grass on his side, one hand propping his head up. As Rukia concentrated and released Hado no Yon without the incantation, he yawned.

The girls looked at one another and then Rukia nodded. Amaya looked over at him and beamed, "Takeuchi-kun, get up! It's your turn."

Rukia brushed one of the curves of her hair back over a slender shoulder, "You wanted to be involved and all you've done is lay there."

"Hey, you said...eh, never mind." He rolled to his feet. "Good, my turn. So, what do you want to see first? I'm pretty good with-"

"Bakudo no Ichi, Sai!"

Isamu's arms suddenly twisted around behind his back and locked together at the wrists, as though invisible handcuffs had been snapped into place. "H-hey! What's the big idea?"

Rukia just smiled. "What do you think of that one, Kuragari-san?"

"Your form was good, and you didn't have to use the chant, but I wonder how strong it is." Amaya studied the stunned Isamu for a few moments. "I think he could get out of it."

"What the hell is this? You're damn right I can get out!" He growled and set himself, increasing his reiatsu and pushing it down his arms and out. His arms began to move, slowly, jerkily, "And then I'll spank your ass red, Rukia Kuchiki!"

Amaya shook her head, "See, I'd try this one instead." She snapped her fingers through a few gestures, "Bakudo no Kyuu! Geki!"

A red light suddenly engulfed Isamu, locking his whole body in place. "Gnnh! Kuragari-chan...you...too?"

"Ahh, sugoi!" Rukia clapped her hands together once. "Last time you couldn't do that one without the spell, well done!"

"Arigatou," Amaya said. "But it's a lot weaker as a result. So I'm not sure if I should do it that way until I get stronger. But I'm glad I can!"

"Gggk." Isamu was struggling against the magic, able to twitch, fidget, and speak but no more as of yet. "When...I get...out of here..."

Rukia nodded, "It's an accomplishment still. Let's try this one together!"

"Hai!"

 

[HookerBoots]

Amaya, Rukia, and Isamu were sitting in the mess hall of Squad 13, the two girls tucking into a hearty lunch while Isamu picked at his. Finally, Amaya looked at him and set her chopsticks down. "Takeuchi-kun, we didn't mean to make you feel bad." She sighed. "I guess we should have told you before we started to use our kido on you."

He looked at her, a sour expression on his face. "It would have been nice." Her face was so sweet and concerned that he found it hard to stay upset. "But I suppose I can forgive you." He picked up his chopsticks again, starting to eat his lunch. "Not you, though, Kuchiki-san."

The dark-haired girl looked at him, indignation on her face. "It's not my fault you didn't ask what you were going to be doing, fool!" She poked a morsel of chicken into her mouth, chewing it quickly before swallowing, and then she sighed. "I suppose next time, we'll let you cast, too," she said reluctantly, her eyes dancing.

Isamu rolled his eyes. "Such a kind, heart-felt apology, Kuchiki-san. I accept." He crunched down on a vegetable, smirking insolently at her. Amaya giggled, then took a drink of her tea. Isamu smiled, savoring the taste of the food. "This is really good - we don't get food this good in 4."

~ ~ ~ ~​

Amaya stood in the middle of the courtyard, her sword in her hands, the blade gleaming dully in the moonlight. What a long, strange trip it had been. They were almost settled back into their lives here, and Unohana-taicho had said she'd be ready to start treating Ukitake-taicho soon. But it didn't change what needed to be done.

She had to become stronger. Had to. If she was going to be useful to others, to make a positive impact . . . she had to be stronger. The gleam on the blade caught her eye, and suddenly, she was in a landscape she'd never seen before.

The air was dry and hot, a bright sun overhead - that wasn't the color the sun should be. It was a deep orange-red, and the plants were nothing like what Amaya had ever seen. The leaves on the trees were lemon yellow, the trunks pale blue. The grass was still green, but the stones she was standing on were the deep purple of amethysts without the sparkle. Slowly, looking around at the land, her green eyes wide.

There was a sound behind her, scales moving on scales. She turned slowly again, looked at the spirit behind her. "Konbanwa," she said softly. She shouldn't have been surprised at how it looked, but she was, a little. The snake was hovering in mid-air, twining its coils in complex shapes, bright pink feathers rustling along with the dry sound of scale-on-scale. The red sun beat down on her, and the snake, but neither of them seemed to notice the heat.

"Good evening, princessssss," it hissed, the triangular head staying still to look at her, even as the rest of its body kept in constant motion. "Ssso, here we are. What do you want?"

She shifted a little, looking at it with a steady gaze. "I need more power. Please."

It chuckled, an almost-humorless sound, which was at odds with the amusement that seemed to roll off of it. "Do you, now? I ssee." A forked tongue flicked out, tasting the air. "Very well, bossssy, I'll give you sssomething. But only one thing."

Amaya nodded. "Thank you."

The eyes narrowed a little. "Do not thank me for giving you accesssss to power that wassss already yoursss." The tongue flickered again. "Next time you asssk, don't assssk. Tell me, demand what you want."

"All right." Amaya paused for a moment. "If I demanded now, would I get more?"

This time, the chuckle was louder. "Not thisss time. Next time, perhapsss. If you're lucky."

Her lower lip went out in a pout. "Fine. So what will you let me have this time, then?" Her hands went to her hips. "You're taking long enough to get to it!"

The snake moved, surging forward to wrap around her body, the scales sliding over her body. "The ability you have ussed, a glowing ball of energy that causesss a change in whatever it hitsss . . . it can be more powerful. Usse it next with its name, call it Jikoku-yo - Arrow of Time."

She nodded, one hand reaching out to stroke the scales. "Tell me what it does. It looks like it causes . . . aging."

"Of a sssort." The snake moved away again, but not as far as it had started out. "Look into entropy - I won't give you any other cluesss."

She frowned. "But . . . tell me what it is!"

With a jolt, she was back in her body and in the courtyard. Amaya lowered her sword, sighing. "He never told me what it was," she muttered.

"What was that, Kuragari?"

Her head snapped up. "Nothing, Kaien-dono! Just working with my sword a little."

He stepped into the yard from the doorway he was standing in. "Good. But it's past curfew, so . . . in you go."

~ ~ ~ ~​

The alley was dark, and the three Squad 11 members leaned against the walls on either side, looking at the man who had called them there. "You say you can help us get back at him. How? He . . . cheated and beat us up last time."

The man's deep voice spoke from farther in the alley. "Yes. He's on probation - he can't fight back, or risk being thrown out of the Gotei 13. You could ambush him, and the problem will take care of itself."

A cruel smile spread over the leader's face. "Good. Thank you for telling us. We'll see if we can't take care of things."

 

[Armphid]

Isamu stood in the middle of the street. His face was pensive and his eyes were hard and seemed to look ahead at nothing.

"Is everything all right, Takeuchi-san?" The clean up crew he was with has paused in their work. It was a small group, all unseated members. The girl who's spoken held a broom and was looking up at him with her head tilted to one side. "You were talking and then you just...stopped."

Isamu shook his head. "I just noticed something, that's all. You guys go on ahead."

The girl blinked, "Eh? But, Takeuchi-san, that's not procedure and we're near Squad 11's area, so..." She blushed, "I'd really...I've heard what they do to Squad 4 girls."

That rumor. He was sure it was just a rumor because he knew Unohana-taicho wouldn't stand for it. But he also knew that the Squad 11 thugs propagated it to scare the female shinigami. "Goto-san." She perked up at his knowing her name. "You're in my class. If they show up, you know what to do, right?"

"H-hai, but..."

"Go on ahead, I'll catch up." He looked at her and his eyes were set and serious. "All of you, go ahead. That's an order."

"Hai!" The four others bunched together and moved up the street warily, as though expecting an attack at any moment.

Isamu watched them go. Then he sighed. It didn't feel like they were being pursued. "This matter should be just between us, don't you think?" Silence met his statement. "It's no use hiding. I know you're there."

He turned his eyes to a particular section of wall. A few moments later, three figures came over the top of it to land on the street in front of him. "At last, Isamu Takeuchi, we meet for the final showdown!"

The half-breed was looking at them curiously. "...Do I know you?"

The one with the mohawk spat, "Sure you do! You broke my nose after cowardly countering my attack!"

"Yeah," said another, somewhat round in shape, "How could you forget your greatest enemies?"

The leader sneered, his pudding basin hair cut jiggling slightly, "He's blocked it out, he's so scared of us."

Isamu looked at them for a few moments. Then he snapped his fingers, "Ohhh, you guys. Right, I remember now. You were picking on some of the others and I kicked your assess so hard you ran whining back to Madarame-san."

"You know about-I mean, shut up!" The leader growled, "You cheated last time and used some tricky kido tricks! Well not this time!"

"Yeah," the mohawk guy sneered. "We know you can't fight back. Not without being kicked out or thrown in the Maggot's Nest! So now, we're going to pay you back!"

"So, that's his play, huh?" Isamu raised his eyebrows. "Not a bad move. So did he tell them too?"

The leader looked suddenly shifty. "What do you mean?"

"You know." Isamu pulled his sword, scabbard and all, from his sash. He lifted it up, "Them." He swung his sword seemingly at thin air by the nearest wall. Reality bunched up on the blade and was pulled back like a curtain to reveal a handful of other male shinigami hiding within the illusion. The spell broken, Isamu shook it off of his scabbard and returned it to his sash. "Or aren't they with you?"

"You jerks!" The mohawk guy jeered at them, "I thought you were going to stay hidden as insurance!"

"We were," one retorted hotly, "And you, gaijin, when did you see us there?"

"Tch." Isamu relaxed, shifting his weight and smirked. "Since you got up this morning." His smirk faded somewhat, "But I don't know you. What's your deal in all this?"

The tallest of the newcomers laughed, "We're from Squad 3 and we heard there was going to be some trouble, so we wanted to see if it would be any fun."

"Squad 3, huh? So who told you about me?" That was a new wrinkle. Had he made enemies in Squad 3? Not that he knew of. Wait, maybe him. "Ahh, right. That guy. Tsukibari."

"Don't talk about our 15th Seat that way," another Squad 3 member shouted angrily, "You're the one who got him busted down! So we're going to make you pay!"

Tsukibari could have told them about him but he wouldn't have known about Isamu's probation. "I'll have to have a talk with him later then."

"After you get out of the hospital," jeered the leader of the Squad 11 group. The rest jeered in agreement. He reached for his sash and pulled out a knife.

Isamu's eyes went flat. "You draw your swords on me and that's a crime."

"Nah, we won't use our swords. This is just for once we've knocked you out." He licked the edge. "For that pretty face of yours. I think I'll start with giving you a Shanghai-" The rest of his words were cut off by Isamu's foot crashing into the side of his face and knocking him sprawling.

Isamu spun out of the roundhouse, sliding into a wide stance. The mohawk man looked down at his comrade. "What but...but you can't fight back!"

"That's not what probation means." Isamu was smiling. The smile was terrifying; toothy and wide, a joyous snarl. "It doesn't mean that I can't fight. It just means there are consequences if I do. And the thing is, there are always consequences when you fight. You learn that in Squad 4. The problem with you guys...is that you don't understand consequences. Not in battle." His eyes shifted to the group from Squad 11 and they took a step back. "Or for cruel mischief." His eyes shifted to the Squad 3 members. "But you're about to."

~~~~~~~​

Isamu crouched in the street. All around were the sprawled and unconscious bodies of the men who'd meant to ambush him. Well. This was it. Unohana-taicho hadn't transferred him and Mitsukake had made his move. Maybe he shouldn't have fought. He'd thought about it for a second. But he'd be betraying everything he believed in.

"Takeuchi-san, you're hurt."

He looked up. The cleaning crew had come charging into the fight as the sheer numbers began to turn the tide against Isamu. Their mops and brooms had swung and men just dropped over. "It's not much." The Squad 11 guy with the knife had stabbed him in the shoulder. Isamu stood up and looked around. "...You guys shouldn't have gotten involved."

The girl he'd spoken to earlier shook her head, "You wouldn't leave us! You always stick up for the rest of us, so...so we have to do the same for you. And each other!" The three men with her nodded agreement.

He laughed and shook his head, "Can't win an argument with fools." He rolled over one of the bodies with his right foot. "Out cold. What did you do?"

She blushed, "We, uh, we dabbed the ends of the brooms with Shinten, so..."

"Ha! Brilliant." Isamu grinned. "I'm proud of you all, good thinking."

Suddenly there was a surge in the spirit particles of the area, three powerful reiatsu rolling over the group. Isamu just sighed, "Here already. So, did you watch, Mitsukake-fukutaicho?"

"My actions aren't the issue, criminal," Mitsukake replied. The tall, burly man was standing in the street behind Isamu. He was flanked by an anxious looking Isane and a grim faced Kira. "You have violated your probation, clearly laid out by the rules of Squad 4 and the Gotei 13. You will come with us to be brought before the captain for your judgment." He smiled and laid a hand on the hilt of his sword. "If you resist..."

Isamu turned and looked him in the eye. "You'd love that, wouldn't you? You shouldn't. You should pray, Mitsukake-fukutaicho, that a day never comes that we cross swords." Their gazes locked. "On that day, your blade will be broken." Isamu reached for his sword and the taller man flicked his thumb to click his blade free of his scabbard. Isamu pulled his weapon free and held it out in both hands. "I surrender myself to you. Today."

Mitsukake took the weapon with a sneer. "You don't have many days left, considering you just threatened a senior officer as well. Koutetsu-san! Bind him."

"Hai," Isane looked like she wanted to cry. "Face fear and tremble, solace flees in the face of truth, the wolves cry out and the grass withers, Bakudo no Yon, Hainawa!" Isane swung her right arm out wide, a ribbon of bright, glowing energy lashing out to wrap around Isamu's arms and bind them tightly together. The end remained in her hand. "Follow me, Takeuchi-san."

Kira said nothing. His face was tense and tight. This...this was the way. His friend had broken the rules and he had to be punished. As an officer he had to see it through but this...this was his friend. If he did this...what kind of person was he?

They did not use shun-po to return. Nor did they take the most direct route back to the zone Squad 4 controlled. Mitsukake lead them on a winding course, making sure that as many people as possible saw Isamu being taken in.

"What the hell?" Renji Abarai stared as the little procession made its way past. "Takeuchi? What's going on?" The half-breed just shook his head. "Kira! What the hell is this?" Kira looked at his friend and his gaze was hard but he said nothing, following along behind. "Shit." Renji looked down at his sword for a moment. Then he gasped, feeling an almost overwhelming reiatsu. Byakuya Kuchiki stood beside him; watching the retreating group with his cold eyes. The gaze strayed to Renji and took him in. "K-Kuchiki-taicho..."

"To be expected of such a low creature," Byakuya said. Then he continued on his way. Rukia would be upset but she should know better than to associate with such a mongrel.

They walked on, others calling out to the group, some cheering Mitsukake or jeering the prisoner, others asking for an explanation. They were almost to Squad 4's compound when the path was obstructed. "Yare, yare! What's all this then?" Gin Ichimaru walked up; his fox face as happy as ever.

"Escorting a criminal, Ichimaru-taicho," Mitsukake said with a smile. "A lowlife who just can't follow the rules."

"Ara! Well, don't let it get you down, Takeuchi-kun," Ichimaru shrugged. "Maybe you'll get lucky and they'll just lock you up." He patted the younger man on the shoulder, "You know how lenient the rules are on these things!"

Isamu felt like he'd been splashed with ice water. He'd never considered...they could kill him. He could be executed for this. He'd thought of punishment, expulsion, imprisonment, but the truth was...if he was going to be expelled, they'd kill him. No one with shinigami powers was allowed not to be a shinigami.

Ichimaru waved, "Bye bye! Good luck, Takeuchi-kun!"

"Takeuchi-kun!" That voice made Isamu's heart ache. He didn't want her to see this! Not her. He looked back to see Amaya standing just beyond Ichimaru. Her eyes were wide and shocked. She rushed past her former captain, the slender man's smile growing a hair wider.

"Kuragari-chan," Isamu said. He was still moving forward. They were into Squad 4's compound now, just past the gate.

"Kira-san," Mitsukake growled, "go tell that girl to mind her own business."

"H-hai, fukutaicho." Kira stopped in front of the gate and turned to face the oncoming Amaya. His face was paler than usual.

"Kira-kun, what's going on? Why are they-let me past!" Kira put his hands on her shoulders and shook his head. Amaya craned her head past him and caught a last glimpse of Isamu as he was led into Squad 4's stockade; then the door was shut and he was gone.

 

[HookerBoots]

Amaya watched almost helplessly as the door shut behind Isamu and his escort. When it shut, she glared up at Kira. "Kira-kun, how could you?" she asked, her eyes hard. "He's your friend, why didn't you stand up for him?"

The blond man looked at her, the usual melancholy on his face almost swallowed in fresh sorrow. "I'm sorry, Kuragari-chan. Mitsukake-fukutaicho told me I had to, and I . . . I couldn't defy him." He looked down at the ground. "I'm sorry."

She stepped back, her face cold. "So am I. I'll see you later, Kira-san." Without another word, she turned and flashed away.

"Kuragari-chan . . ." he said, looking at where she had been. Dammit. Suddenly, a tall figure loomed over him, and he looked up. "Oh, Ichimaru-taicho. I'm sorry, I can't let anyone in."

The smiling man's smile just broadened. "It's all right, Kira-kun. I don't want to go in, just tell you it'll be all right. Amaya-chan'll get over it soon - she's fiery, but she forgives fast." He folded his arms, hands tucked in the wide sleeves of his kosode. "I also wanted to tell you that I appreciate how hard this must have been for you. If you would ever want a transfer . . . I'd never put you in the same place Mitsukake-kun just did."

~ ~ ~ ~​

Amaya didn't cry on her way back to her squad - this wasn't time to cry, since she didn't know what the problem was, and she wouldn't . . . she wouldn't let herself cry, since that would be like saying that something terrible would happen.

Instead, she stormed into Squad 13's barracks, heading directly for Ukitake's office. She knocked, then opened the door without even waiting for an answer. And stopped, realizing what she'd just done, when she saw Ukitake and Kaien sitting there, pens in hand. "Gomen nasai, taicho, Kaien-dono. I didn't mean to . . . ." She couldn't lie, and she had meant to interrupt.

"It's all right, Kuragari-san," Ukitake said, smiling a little. Just a little - he wasn't mad at her, but could tell this was serious. "What brings you here in such a hurry?"

Her fingers twined together at her waist. "Takeuchi-kun, he . . . he's been arrested."

"What?" Kaien's face showed disbelief. The boy was a scrapper, no question, but what could he have done to warrant a formal arrest. "Was it the Onmitsukidou?"

"No, his vice-captain . . . and Koutetsu-san, and Kira-san . . . they had him in a binding kido, and were taking him to their holding cells." Amaya looked down at the floor. "I don't know what happened, but I'm sure . . . you both know him, he wouldn't do anything to get himself in trouble like this!"

The two men exchanged looks. There wasn't much they could do if it was an in-Squad problem. But they did know Takeuchi, and he wasn't someone they would have thought of being arrested. "Well, Kuragari-san, we'll do what we can." Ukitake stood up, brushing off his haori. "I'll go talk with Unohana-taicho, and see if we can't figure out what's wrong."

~ ~ ~ ~​

Isamu had only sat in the holding cells for half an hour before Mitsukake and Isane appeared again. The bulky man had Isane use binding kido again before muscling Isamu out of the cell and up the stairs. "Now," he said with an obvious note of pleasure and schadenfreude, "you get to go in front of Unohana-taicho, and she'll pronounce your punishment."

The golden-eyed American bit back a sneer. "We'll see what happens, Mitsukake-fukutaicho." His voice was even, but inside, he wasn't too sure. Even if she was lenient, this was still a serious violation of his probation. At best, he'd be broken down to unseated. At worst . . . at worst he'd be sent on his way to rebirth sooner than he'd thought.

The room they took him too was small, with two tiny windows on either side of the chair where Unohana sat, her pale face smooth and expressionless. Mitsukake pushed Isamu in front of the chair, then stood, his arms folded and a smile that was just this side of triumphant on his face. "Here he is, Unohana-taicho." His voice took on a firm note. "Isamu Takeuchi was placed on probation, contingent on his good behavior. This afternoon, he attacked several members of Squads 11 and 3. This is a violation of his probation, and I call on you to hand out justice, and his rightful punishment as a member of Squad 4."

Unohana looked at him for a moment, then turned her gaze to Isamu. "I don't think those bonds are necessary. Koutetsu-san, please remove them." As the silver-haired girl released the kido that bound Isamu's arms, Unohana kept looking at him. "Takeuchi-san, is what Mitsukake-fukutaicho says the truth?"

Rubbing his shoulders a little, the brown-haired half-breed nodded. "Hai, taicho. I was with my assigned cleaning crew, and sent them away when I felt the others approaching. Words were exchanged, and I threw the first punch." He almost smiled. "First kick, I suppose."

"I see." Her voice was as impassive as her face, and she shook her head. "This is a very serious thing. The terms of your probation were strict, Takeuchi-san. Were you unaware of the consequences?"

"No, taicho. I knew that fighting was a violation. But I would not stand aside and let myself be beaten up by those bullies." He stood there, proud, and she felt a swell of pride. He was so strong, and she was glad that . . . that there was a way out.

Sighing, Unohana shook her head again. "I am sorry about this. It is my duty to hand down punishment to members of my squad who violate the rules." Mitsukake's smile turned into a grin. "However, I believe that, in this case, I cannot."

"What?! Taicho, what do you mean?" Mitsukake's face had fallen as though someone had cut the strings on it.

A voice from behind him came, "Because Isamu Takeuchi is no longer part of this Squad." The dark-skinned blind man stepped into the room, his face as impassive as Unohana's. "He's a member of mine."

"T-tousen-taicho," Mitsukake stammered. "I beg your pardon, sir, what do you mean?"

Shuuhei Hisagi followed his captain into the room. "This incident happened an hour ago. Two hours ago, Isamu Takeuchi's paperwork was signed." He held up the form. "When this fight occurred, this shinigami was not part of Squad 4 and thus not bound by the terms of the probation from Squad 4."

Mitsukake blanched, his face turning red. "Unohana-taicho, why wasn't I notified about this transfer?"

She smiled a little. "You were busy doing your other duties, Mitsukake-san, so I asked Koutetsu-san to assist me with the paperwork."

The man was nearly spluttering, and couldn't even form words. Tousen stepped forward, between Isamu and Mitsukake was an accuracy that was surprising. "No matter whether you knew or not, Mitsukake-fukutaicho, the fact remains that this man is no longer under your - or your captain's - jurisdiction. And as there is no rule in Squad 9 against thrashing people who deserve it, he will be escorted to collect his things, and then to my squad's barracks."

 

[Armphid]

Unohana nodded, "Well then, this matter is concluded. Mitsukake-san, I commend you for acting so diligently on what you believed to be the welfare of our Squad." The man still couldn't speak but he bowed low. "Koutetsu-san, will you assist Takeuchi-san in removing his belongings?"

"Hai, taicho." Isane's eyes were bright. She wanted to cheer or cry and she wasn't sure which one. She also was glad for the opportunity to get away from Mitsukake. He looked like he might blow up.

Tousen turned to Unohana, "We'll take out leave, Unohana-taicho." He inclined his head to her and Hisagi bowed. Isamu followed suit. As he rose and looked at her his eyes were shining. She was...he couldn't even think of words grand enough. "Takeuchi-san, please show us to your room."

"Hai, Tousen-taicho." He led the way out of the room, Tousen behind him and the other two a few steps behind.

As the door shut, he could hear Unohana. "Mitsukake-san, you look strained. Please sit down and I'll make some tea."

~~~~~~~​

"It's large." Isamu was standing in the middle of his new room. It was bigger than his old one by half again and was partly furnished. There was a desk and a chair, as well as a small table and a pair of sitting cushions. There were two windows, one on each of the outer walls. "Tousen-taicho, am I really in a place like this?"

"Of course." The blind man set down the boxes he'd been carrying. Despite the protests of the junior officers, he had insisted on actually helping with the move. There wasn't much to take, of course, so it was easy enough with the four of them and Kira who'd shown up later. The expression of sheer relief on the pale boy's face was almost alarming. "I'm sure you can set everything up to your liking." He nodded, "I leave the rest to you, Hisagi-fukutaicho."

"Hai!"

The dark skinned man nodded and made his way to the door. He paused at the threshold. "Takeuchi-san. I'm sure you'll perform your new duties well. From all that Unohana-taicho has told me, your heart burns for justice in this harsh world. That is what our squad strives for as well. I only regret that we did not find you sooner."

"Arigatou gozaimasu, taicho," Isamu responded. He wasn't sure what to make of Tousen. The man seemed cold and yet he'd personally helped carry the belongings of one of his squad members, someone he didn't even know, across the Seireitei.

Tousen paced off, leaving Isamu with Hisagi, Kira, and Isane. Hisagi smiled, "That's our captain. You'll find your officer duties are a little light, he doesn't like to delegate and does most of the work himself."

"My duties?" Isamu took a box from Isane and set it down on its side carefully before opening it up and stepping away. A moment later, two feline heads nervously emerged. "I'm sorry, Hisagi-fukutaicho, but I assumed that, well, due to the way I entered the Squad..."

Hisagi laughed. "Are you kidding? The way you entered, you'd be promoted higher if it were possible. As it is, you'll be coming in as 10th Seat."

"10th..." The golden eyes were wide and incredulous.

"Congratulations, Takeuchi-kun," Kira said with a hesitant smile. Amaya's words still rang in his mind and he...he needed to show his support for his friend somehow, after the way he'd betrayed him.

"Hai, congratulations!" Isane was smiling as well. "We should celebrate soon." She thought a moment. "Maybe I'll tell Rangiku-san, she planned Kuragari-san's party."

Hisagi grinned, "I'll handle that, Koutetsu-san, I'm going over to see her tomorrow." He looked back at Isamu. "Anyway, the full orientation and testing will be tomorrow. For tonight, just get settled in and unpacked." The punk lieutenant clapped Isamu on the shoulder, "Welcome to Squad 9, Takeuchi-san. Like the captain said, I think you should have been with us from the start. We appreciate a guy like you around here."

Isane coughed, "It wasn't as though we didn't, it's just..." She didn't want to actually say it but it wasn't as if Squad 4 was bad to him!

Isamu nodded. "I'll always think happily of my time in Squad 4, Koutetsu-san. I was able to meet you and work by your side, after all." She blushed prettily and he grinned. Behind her, Hisagi gave him a thumbs-up. "I'll come to visit when I can and perhaps we can see each other outside of work too."

"H-Hai, o-of course." Oh! She was so...oh! Isane smiled; her cheeks still painted scarlet. She remembered what Unohana and Kuragari had said to her and in her mind, the decision was made. "I would enjoy that." She looked down at Kira. "Kira-san, we should get back."

"Hai." He shuffled his feet. "Takeuchi-kun...I..."

"Don't worry about it." Isamu shook his head.

"You aren't angry with me?"

"Of course I am! I'm mad as hell, and we'll go round and round about it sometime." Isamu then shrugged and sighed, "I'm saying "don't worry about it" right now. Or for the future, we're still friends." He would just whup Kira's ass and it'd all be even. ...Maybe he'd do it twice.

"All right." The blond nodded. "I'll take good care of the chicken and the other cat. Takeuchi-kun, before you turn in...you should go find Kuragari-chan." His pale face was guilty and anguished. "She was very worried and afraid for you."

Amaya. "I will."

~~~~~~~​

"It'll be all right, Kuragari-san." Rukia was sitting up with her friend in their room. A teapot was steaming on the table in the middle of the room. The petite shinigami was sitting on one side of it. "Ukitake-taicho will speak up for him and Unohana-taicho is very kind, everyone says."

Amaya just shook her head and returned to pacing. Ukitake and Kaien had left soon after she'd filled them in. They had, however, ordered her to stay in the barracks. Kaien had commented that he was fairly sure she'd attack Mitsukake if she saw him; which while fair and hilarious, would not help matters.

She'd been in her room ever since. Rukia had arrived and the two had commiserated over the awfulness of it. Since then, Amaya had taken up the pacing. Rukia was fairly convinved she was going to wear a furrow in the floor if she kept it up.

She sighed and took a sip of her tea. Not bad...but it wasn't as good as Nii-sama's. What was she doing wrong? "Kuragari-san, please sit and have some tea. Worrying about it won't help." She felt hypocritical saying it. She was worried too. Very worried. She had thought of asking Nii-sama but...she knew he would likely think Isamu was getting what he deserved for his low breeding. "It'll be all right," she said for the 61st time.

Amaya continued to pace.

Rukia sighed. Then her head perked up. She could hear a familiar voice coming down the hall. "...Glad it worked out that way. You deserve it, if you ask me. Now normally, we wouldn't let some guy in with two of our prettiest female members this late, so behave yourself. Later!" A moment later there two staccato raps came on the door. Amaya was there before the second had even finished and flung it open.

Isamu stood in the hallway. His heart was in his gold eyes as he drank in the sight of Amaya. Now, standing here, he was aware how close of a call it had been. And of what he could have lost. "Kuragari-chan, Amaya, I...it's all right." He didn't know what to say or do right now. She was looking at him so intently...and those eyes were so...there was such emotion in those emerald orbs. "I'm here, and I'm safe, and I'm...I'm happy that I will be able to keep being here with you."

 

[HookerBoots]

Amaya bit her lip, then threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "Takeuchi-kun, don't ever ever scare me like that again!" Her voice was a little muffled by her face being pressed against his chest, but she didn't care. She was also making a spectacle of herself and didn't care about that either. She sniffed a little, and suddenly realized she was crying.

As she pulled back, wiping at her eyes with the sleeve of her kosode, she saw Rukia stand up and pull back a fist, punching him in the arm, hard. "Ow! What's that for, Kuchiki-san?" He rubbed the spot where her little fist had struck, smiling a little. He hadn't been sure that she'd ever have the chance to hit him again.

Her eyes were a little dewy. "That's for getting into trouble, and making both of us worry!" Rukia said fiercely. "I should hit you again, but Kuragari-chan is so happy you're safe that I'd feel bad."

Isamu resisted the urge to smile knowingly. They both had worried so much for him, but Rukia would never show it. "I see. Well, in that case, I appreciate it." He turned his smile to Amaya, who was still wiping moisture from her face. "I promise," he said seriously, "never to make you worry that much again, if at all possible."

Amaya nodded, pushing her hair back from her face. "Good. Come sit down, tell us what happened!" She grabbed his arm and tugged him to the small table and sat down. "Are you going to be peeling potatoes, or crushing pills for Unohana-taicho to analyze for the rest of your life?" she asked, resting her chin on her hands.

~ ~ ~ ~​

Looking at the trio of men standing, or leaning, in front of him, Ikkaku sighed and scratched his head. "Lemme get this straight." He pointed at a man with a drooping mohwak. "You decided to attack an unarmed member of Squad 4, three of you, and five from Squad 3."

"That's right, Madarame-san," the mohawked man said, wincing as a cut on his lip opened back up.

"And you knew that this guy was the one I've been training with almost every day. And that he'd kicked your asses before he started training with me." Yumichika yawned from where he was sitting, legs crossed.

The man flushed a little. "H-hai."

Ikkaku raised an eyebrow. "And you're coming here to tell me about it, so that I can file a grievance, like you did last time. Even though last time I basically told you to fuck off."

The flush turned into a full-on scarlet face, and the other men started to scuff their feet on the floor - the one standing on his own did, at least. "B-b-but, Madarame-san . . . ."

The bald-headed man snorted. "Get the hell out of here before I finish what Takeuchi started, you dipshit!" He turned away. "Besides, I might have to tell the captain that you all got your asses handed to you by a member of the clean-up squad. And he'd probably throw you out on your lazy asses."

They gaped. "But sir, we thought . . . ."

Ikkaku spun to face them, his eyes intense with fire. "You should have thought about training to get stronger than him! If you weren't lazy asshole bullies, you'd have realized that you can't just go picking fights without getting stronger!" He pointed one finger at them. "If you don't learn from fights you lose, you keep losing! Start training, and start fighting one-on-one, and maybe you'll be able to hold your own someday, instead of running to your superiors and wasting their time! I'm not going to hold your hand," he made a prissy gesture, meant to show their weak-willedness, "and bandage your knees! Get out in the courtyard and start working on getting better!"

They hung their heads. "Hai, Madarame-san."

He scowled. "I meant that! Get out there and start running in place!" Their faces jerked up, and he pointed to the door. "Run until I come out and tell you to stop! Because then the work will really begin!"

They filed out of the barracks, and Yumichika made a clucking sound with his tongue. "They never learn, do they? If they lose, you always punish them."

Ikkaku grabbed a bottle of sake, pouring some into the saucer he favored. "Only when they act like fucking babies about it." He downed the sake, then poured more. "How long should we make them run?"

"We?" The pretty young man wrinkled his nose. "I'd never do something so crass; have you seen how they look - and smell! - when they run?" Studying his nails, he shrugged. "But if I were going to do something like that, I'd say at least until you finish your second bottle."

~ ~ ~ ~​

"He is under my control."

Aizen nodded. "Good. Find out if he'll be useful, Kaname." One finger tapped the desk. "If we need another fighter, I suppose he'd be good."

The blind man shrugged. "As long as he fights on the side of justice, I have no problems." He stood. "If you'll excuse me, I have to meet with Hisagi-san about something - I believe he wants to interview me for the paper."

Aizen grinned, knowing the other man couldn't see it. "I see. Of course, we'll talk later. Have a good evening." As the door shut behind Tousen, Aizen picked up a piece of paper, looking at a student report from the academy. A prodigy indeed. Gin might even be jealous. But so much power so young . . . perhaps the boy could be molded.

From the report, however, he didn't seem to have the edge that Gin had had. It would bear watching. There was a knock on the door, and his head snapped up. Putting his glasses back on, and tucking the report underneath some other papers, he called, "Yes?"

The door slid open, and Hinamori poked her head in. "Gomen nasai, Aizen-taicho, but I saw that Tousen-taicho had left, and wanted to make sure you didn't want more tea, or a snack."

He smiled warmly. "I'm all right for now, Hinamori-san. But I could use some company, if you wouldn't mind."

 

[Armphid]

"Uwaa!" Rukia blinked. "10th Seat?"

"Yeah." Isamu smiled, his cheeks a bit flushed. "I didn't expect that. Hisagi-fukutaicho even hinted that I could go higher."

Amaya set down her teacup. "I can't believe it was so close!" She still felt upset over it. What if...if Unohana-taicho hadn't been so prepared...Takeuchi-kun could be...and she'd never...

Isamu noted the way she was looking at her cup; her large green eyes dewy once more. "But it all worked out. I'm in Squad 9 now and Mitsukake's options in coming at me have been cut down a lot."

"You still should address him respectfully," Rukia said. The small woman sighed, "But I understand why you won't. Do you think that he'll still be your enemy?"

Isamu nodded. "Until one of us is dead, I think. It won't be as bad now because I won't be messing up "his" squad but...yeah. I'm sure as hell not going to forget it." He shook his head, "I didn't realize it until Ichimaru-taicho pointed it out as I was being taken in...they could have executed me. I'm sure that was what Mitsukake wanted."

At the mention of her old captain, Amaya shivered. "He spoke to you? Ichimaru-taicho?"

The half-breed grimaced. "Uh huh. He acted like always but he was just rubbing my face in the situation and being sure to point out the worst possible outcome."

Rukia shuddered, "That man...I..." Her voice dropped, "I hate him. He comes to talk to Nii-sama all the time and he's always polite but...I feel like he's..." She shuddered again.

Isamu sighed, "I'd heard the rumors about the men of Squad 3 being mischief makers and cruel at heart but since Kuragari-chan and Michiru-chan were there, I didn't believe it. But now..."

The three sat in silence for another few minutes. After a while, Isamu drained his tea cup and set it down. "Arigatou, both of you. I feel...well, it's just good to know that...someone would have missed me if, well. Anyway. I should get back. Tomorrow's going to be a long day."

He stood and walked to the door, Amaya beside him. She slid it open and he stepped outside. "Kuragari-chan," he started, "I wanted to say that..." He couldn't. It wouldn't be fair; not after the roller coaster of emotions today. "It means a lot to me that...I mean, I'm sorry that you were upset, but..."

Amaya smiled. "Fool. Kuchiki-san's right about you." Then she leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. Her cheeks were prettily stained with pink as she set back down. He was floored. His eyes were wide and his mouth was slightly agape. She felt a little rush of triumph at that. "I'll hold you to your promise, Takeuchi-kun."

"H-hai." Isamu didn't know what to do or say or...wow, her lips were so warm and so soft! How did she do that?

Amaya stepped back, "Good night, Takeuchi-kun. Don't forget, this doesn't let you out of kido practice either."

He smiled back at her. "I won't." The door closed. Isamu leaned back against the far wall of the hallway, looking up at the ceiling. He'd had a chance there. He could have taken it. But somehow...it didn't feel right. He sighed and stood up. He did have to head back. "Okay then. Next."

~~~~~~~​

Unohana smiled as she felt him approach. "That will be all, Mitsukake-san." She smiled at her lieutenant. He was acting like a sulking teenager at the moment; but trying to keep it inside. She felt a bit worried. This incident could cause his feelings for Isamu to become real hatred. "You did well today."

He looked at her, his expression almost a glare for a second. "...Arigatou, Unohana-taicho." Inside, he was seething. He was sure...sure that Unohana would never have cut him off like that on purpose...yet she must have. Had she been so thoroughly poisoned? If so..."May I be excused? My wife will be wondering where I've gotten to."

"Of course." She nodded. He stood and bowed and went to the door, "Ah, Mitsukake-san. Please tell him he may come up when you see him in the hallway."

He paused and inclined his head. "Hai."

Unohana waited a few minutes. Then she spoke, "Come in."

The door to the office slid open. Ukitake stood there with a slight smile on his face. "I still can't sneak up on you, Unohana-taicho." He came into the office, sitting down as she gestured to the chair in front of her desk. "...My 9th Seat, Kuragari-san burst into my office earlier."

Unohana shook her head, "Poor Kuragari-san. I had the situation handled, thankfully. Takeuchi-kun was transferred to Squad 9 officially two hours before the incident, so..."

"I see." Ukitake breathed out. "Good. I hope he comes by to see her. I've never seen Kuragari-san like that." He scratched his chin idly. "I wonder if either of them knows..."

"They suspect," Unohana replied with a knowing smile, "but neither of them has admitted it to even themselves yet."

Ukitake shook his head. "Young love." His eyes seemed to almost glow as he looked at her. "...Sempai. About your journey to the Human World. You shouldn't have-"

"Kiss me, Ukitake-kun."

He blinked. She had shifted forward in her seat, slightly leaning over the desk. Her lips...lips that looked so soft and inviting...were parted just a bit. Ukitake looked down, "I...I can't. If I did, you might get infected, you know that."

"I do." She leaned back in her seat. "So yes, I should have." She reached out to lay a hand on his. "Ukitake-kun, the results are good. And the adjustments and trials have gone faster than I thought."

He looked up suddenly. His dark eyes stared, his face almost afraid to believe. "Do...you mean?"

"Yes." She smiled, her glorious eyes shining with happy tears. "I am ready to begin your treatment. In two years time, this terrible nightmare will be over."

"Two years...after so long..." He shook his head. "It seems...I'm almost afraid to acknowledge it. That this is somehow a dream." She tilted her head. Then she smiled impishly and yanked one of the fingers of his hand back. "Uwwaaa!"

Unohana released him with a smile. "See? You're not dreaming."

Ukitake shivered. "Sempai...you're still as merciless as ever." He huffed a bit. "And picking on a sick man too."

She smiled. "When you get better...I'll make it up to you."

 

[HookerBoots]

There was a muffled sound, like the sound of a body hitting a futon, from the other side of the closed door. The young man stopped outside of it, his hands full of papers. Hesitantly, he shifted the stack of filing to one arm, and knocked on the door. "Matsumoto-fukutaicho? Are you all right?"

"Hai!" Her response was quick and perhaps just a little too loud. "Everything's fine! Hisagi-fukutaicho just slipped and fell onto the futon, we're fine here!" This was followed almost immediately by a giggle.

The young man sighed and headed back to his work, trying not to think of his lovely vice-captain doing what she thought the entire squad didn't know that she did.

Inside the room, the two vice-captains were still dressed - for the most part. Rangiku's pink scarf was tossed aside, the sash holding her uniform mostly undone, while Hisagi's kosode was open - not showing more of his body than it usually did. He looked at her, a little sourly. "Ran-san, you couldn't say you fell? He's going to think I'm clumsy!"

She smiled. "But, Shuu-kun, all my subordinates love me so much that if he'd thought I'd fallen, he'd have rushed in to help me!" Rangiku licked her already-glossed lips. "Now, before we get going for real, you had something to ask?" She leaned forward, her breasts pressing against the confining fabric of her uniform.

He swallowed hard. "Y-yeah. Takeuchi just got a transfer and promotion." He sighed as her hands pushed the kosode away from his body. "So we - I - was thinking that you might throw a party for him."

"Hmmm." She leaned forward, kissing his neck gently. "I think I could do that - you know how I love to throw parties." He nodded, and she guided his hands to her waist. "But maybe you should persuade me, just in case."

~ ~ ~ ~​

Amaya watched as Rukia approached her, the smaller girl's eyes searching. "Huh. That's very interesting. Try and move, Kuragari-chan."

The pink-haired girl struggled, and managed to wiggle her fingers, but nothing more. "Mmmf!" she said, blinking twice.

"Are you sure?" Rukia looked at Amaya, her face a little concerned.

"Mmmmf! Mmmmf hmmm fmm!" Rukia shrugged and headed back to where Isamu was waiting. "She wants to try and break it." Her gaze slipped to the still figure of her friend. "I think we've got plenty of time to relax."

Amaya huffed out an indignant breath, her fingers wiggling like mad.

Rukia and Isamu sat down. "How did you ever think of that?" she asked, one hand reaching into a pocket and pulling out a pair of mochi, handing one to him. "I've never even tried blending two binding spells."

He shrugged, biting into the mochi and finding out that it was filled with savory bean paste. "It really started when I screwed up a chant - and tried to fix it." He looked at Amaya, struggling to break both Geki and Hainawa at the same time. "Turns out to be useful, I guess." She'd easily broken each one by itself before - even earlier today - and from each of them. But this was taking a lot longer.

Pulling another mochi from her pocket, Rukia turned to show it to Amaya. "Kuragari-chan, I brought you one, too!" She wiggled the snack at Amaya. "But you can't have it unless you break the spell. Otherwise . . . well, I'm hungrier than usual today."

Amaya's eyes gleamed. For a moment, her struggles increased. Then, suddenly, she stopped. Rukia looked puzzled. "You gave up?"

Amaya's eyes closed, and she took a deep breath, then another. There was a strange, sudden change in the feel of the air around them. It took a moment for them to realize what she was doing, but then their mouths dropped open. She was concentrating her spiritual pressure, pulling all of it that she could into her aura and . . . at the same time the red light around her shattered, the band of light around her arms shimmered and vanished.

She shook her arms out, walking over to the other two and grabbing the third mochi from Rukia's hand. Amaya say down as she bit into it, looking at their surprised expressions. "What?"

Rukia shook her head. "I didn't know you were that strong, Kuragari-chan. That's all."

"It's not that big a deal," she said, shrugging as she chomped into the rice cake. "You've both done it before to break spells."

"Not two at once, full cast, by someone as strong as Takeuchi-kun is." Rukia shook her head. "No wonder you've moved up so fast."

Amaya shrugged again. "I dunno that you're being fair. But we've all been practicing, so . . . it's natural that we'd all be getting stronger."

 

[Armphid]

Isamu glanced back over his shoulder. His golden eyes scanned the street behind him and then moved up to survey the rooftops. This district of Rukongai was briskly active; people moving to and for, carrying belongs or goods for sale, children romping about. Everything seemed normal.

There was a curious hum beside him. Momo Hinamori's gentle eyes followed his gaze, “Is something wrong, Takeuchi-kun?” The petite brunette tilted her head and smiled up at him. He was reminded again of her wholesome prettiness and his worry eased.

He shook his head. “I'm just being paranoid, I think. I've been feeling like I'm being watched lately and it was really strong just then.” Was he being paranoid? Or was it a mistake to let down his guard? “It's probably nothing.”

“I felt something too though,” Momo said. Her face was troubled. “It disappeared as soon as you looked back. It felt like another shinigami but I just thought it was someone else off duty.” She looked up at him. “Do you want to look for them?”

Isamu smiled at the thought of cute faced Momo mercilessly hunting someone down. “No. If they have something to say or do, they'll say or do it. I won't let them spoil my day off.” He turned and started to walk again.

She fell in beside him. “I don't know. When you know who your enemy is, you should pursue him relentlessly and strike him down.” After a pause she added the inevitable, “That's what Aizen-taicho says.”

Despite their recent strain, Isamu felt a momentary sympathy towards Kira. Momo's continued infatuation with and references to her captain had to get old. “Assuming it's an enemy. I wouldn't be surprised if it was a friend making sure I didn't get into trouble.”

Momo giggled, “That's not a bad idea, knowing you.”

He gave her a sour look and then shrugged. “Anyway, thanks for coming along with me, Hinamori-chan.”

“I'm glad to. It's been a long time since I've seen you, after all.” She sighed a little. “With everything that's happened recently, we've all been out of touch. I sometimes wonder if we'll all ever be together again.”

“I know the feeling.” Isamu shook his head. “I've been training with some of the others but I haven't seen Kira since my transfer.” A moment of grim silence fell between them at that. He went on, “And longer than that since I saw you.”

Momo nodded. “Other than training with Kuragari-chan and Kuchiki-san, I haven't seen them either.” She rubbed the back of her neck. “We're all getting so busy...”

“Yeah.” The auburn haired man squared his shoulders and looked down at his friend. “It just means we'll have to make up reasons to get together. Busy or not, we can make it so that we don't drift any further apart.”

“Hai!” Her happy answer and beaming smile brightened the whole area. “So then Takeuchi-kun, what are we doing out here today?” Her hands were clasped at the small of her back and she leaned forward a bit.

She was so adorable at that moment that he couldn't resist. “I'm taking you for dinner and then to a love hotel to, you know.”

Momo blushed brilliantly red, “Takeuchi-kun!” Then he started to laugh and she glowered at him before she laughed herself. “You'd like that, wouldn't you?”

“We both would, ideally,” he answered with a grin. “But actually, we can grab something to eat but I need to pick something up from one of the seamstresses out here.”

“What is it? Did you need something mended?”

He shook his head. “I made a special order. Now that I'm a seated officer I make a lot more money and I'm allowed to have a little more variation in my uniform.” Momo nodded; 13th Seated officers and up were allowed to personalize their looks to a greater extent than other shinigami. It was considered something of a reward and an incentive...though it also served to help distinguish them from the rank and file since only actual lieutenants had any kind of rank insignia. The rules were somewhat relaxed on that score for female shinigami, due to the efforts of the Shinigami Women's Association but men still generally had to be seated before doing anything of the kind.

“I get to see it first!” Momo tilted her head to one side. “Are you going to go sleeveless too? That seems to be a Squad 9 trend.”

Isamu grinned, “Sure am. I've seen the way you and the other girls ogle Hisagi-fukutaicho.” The faint color on Momo's cheeks made his grin wider. “I need to get in on that action.”

“I didn't know he was your type,” Momo said with a giggle.

Before Isamu could answer, they were in front of the shop and a smiling middle-aged woman stepped up to them and bowed. “Ah, Takeuchi-san, welcome! And to your pretty friend as well!” She gave the young man a knowing smile, “This isn't the same one as last time. How many girls are you stringing along?”

Isamu sighed. He'd come here with Amaya last time and the woman had teased him then as well. “She's just a friend, ma'am, same as the last one.” Momo was grinning and he had the sneaking suspicion that word of this exchange, or part of it, would get around later.

The older woman's expression was skeptical. “Of course, Takeuchi-san. Well, come in and I'll give you the ones we have ready.”

They had him try on one of them. Momo and the seamstress waited, sipping tea while he changed behind a screen. “All right.” He stepped out. From the front, it looked no different than any other kosode, albeit well made and well fitted.

The seamstress looked pleased. “Doesn't he look good?”

Momo nodded, “But it doesn't look any different.” Her voice was a little disappointed.

Isamu grinned and turned around. “You think so?” He jerked a thumb over his shoulder to point at his back.

“Ahh, sugoi,” she responded. On the upper back of his kosode was, to the eyes of Soul Society, a most unusual design. There was a blue rectangle high and to the left; spangled with many small, white stars. From the right side and beneath of the blue field was a set of horizontal bars of that alternated in color, first a red one, then a white one. There were thirteen bars in all; and all ended at the same point on the right side. “It's so exotic! What does it mean? Thirteen bars...oh, for the Gotei 13, right?”

The older woman smiled, happy at the reception of her work. “He said it was the symbol of his homeland.”

Isamu nodded. “That's right. The thirteen stripes are for the thirteen states that came together to form my nation originally. The stars in the blue are the number now.” He turned back around. “But now, it's more than that. It's a reminder of my ideals and where I came from; and of what I want to foster here.”

“I like it.” Momo beamed at him. “It's very striking and unique too. It reminds me of you, Takeuchi-kun.”

There wasn't much he could say to that.

The seamstress rose. “It turned out very well. I'll go and wrap up the others.” She bustled out of the room.

Once she was gone, Momo looked over at Isamu. “They put sleeves on it.”

“I know,” he grimaced. Then examined one of them, holding his right arm out. He took a deep breath and then grabbed hold of the cloth near the shoulder and pulled. The seams ripped and tore with a horribly loud sound of sundered cloth.

“Takeuchi-kun, what are you doing?” Momo hopped to her feet, looking at the door in alarm.

“Fixing it.” He ripped the other sleeve off, holding the fabric loops in one hand. They had not torn entirely cleanly; leaving the holes for his arms somewhat ragged looking. “What do you think?”

She sighed. “You look like a barbarian.”

He thought a moment. “...I can work with that.”

~~~~~~~~~​

Choujirou Sasakibe stroked his chin as he watched young Takeuchi and the girl from Squad 5 left the tailor's shop and made their way back through Rukongai. They'd sensed him earlier; an impressive feat from shinigami who had only been in service a few years. But they were unusually powerful and gifted. From his checking of the American's friends, he had seen that it was a pattern. There was an unusual number of young shinigami with high spiritual power. It made him wonder if fate wasn't stacking the deck against some brewing crisis.

He felt it was almost time to make contact with Takeuchi. Sasakibe was a cautious man and even though he had wanted to rush out as soon as he'd learned there was a Westerner in the Gotei 13, he had restrained himself. Observation was essential first, so he had made himself keep his distance and watch. Now it was time to take action however. But how to introduce himself?

His hazel eyes slid to the right. “If you wish to sneak up on me, Matsumoto-fukutaicho, you'll have to repress your reiatsu better than that.”

“I wasn't trying to sneak up,” the busty blond smiled. He was so serious! “I was looking for you and I saw you spying on those two, so I thought I wouldn't blow your cover.” She walked up and looked down the street at the backs of the two young people. “Stalking Hinamori? She's taken but if you like girls with small chests, you could always go after Kuchiki-taicho's sister.”

“Th-that's not-I would never-!” He coughed and composed himself. That woman! “I am investigating someone on the soutaicho's orders, that is all.” He turned back to face Rangiku. Even if she was a torment, she was very enjoyable to look at. “Did Kurosaki-taicho need something?”

She shook her head, “No, this is for me.” She smiled winsomely and leaned forward. “I need a favor. I'm planning a little party for a friend of a friend, Takeuchi there, and since he's American,” whatever that was, “I thought we could use a few Western touches. And that's when I thought of you and your obsession!”

His mustache twitched. He was not obsessed! He was just very intersted. But this would be the perfect chance to meet Takeuchi and show off his self-taught mastery of Western cuisine! Then they would all see that he wasn't a fool! They'd all see! The fingers of his right hand came up to twirl the end of his mustache.

He smiled and straightened his shoulders. Then he reached out to take a shocked Rangiku's hand. He bowed over it and pressed his lips to the knuckles, “Matsumoto-fukutaicho, I am at your service.”

~~~~~~~~~​

"I hate this part."

Isane Koutetsu blinked. "Ah, but, Ukitake-taicho, to cure your illness..." The towering and busty healer had a syringe in one hand; filled of a potent antibiotic solution. She and Ukitake were in one of the open-air pavilions in Squad 13's compound, suspended over the water.

The treatment had been going for about two weeks now. The captain took several different pills a few times a day but his case was so severe and long untreated that Unohana had deemed that it would be necessary for him to receive two daily injections as well.

Ukitake sighed, "I understand, Koutetsu-san. I just hate needles."

She blinked again. Ukitake-taicho, one of Soul Society's most senior and powerful captains, was afraid of getting a shot? "It really will just be a brief sting, taicho."

He sighed and held out an arm across his desk. "...All right. Go ahead."

Suddenly there was a series of splashes across the surface of the water and a moment later, the grinning visage of Isamu Takeuchi flashed onto the railing of one of the walkways. "Too slow, Rukia Kuchiki! You must not want these then." He held up one fist; it appeared to be holding some balled up fabric of some kind.

Rukia appeared on a lower walkway, breathing a bit heavily. Her face was flushed. "You...! H-How dare you? When I catch you, you'll wish you'd never been born, you pervert fool!"

He threw back his head and laughed. "If you catch me, and I don't think you can," he teased. "Don't worry, Kuchiki-san, I'll put these to gooood use."

She gaped at him and then launched herself forward again, "You...you foolishly foolish fool!" The pair blurred and re-appeared to the right, then off to the left, up in the air, skipping over the water. Ukitake followed the spectacle with wide eyes. "What on earth...?"

Suddenly, a new player joined in the fray, "Takeuchi-kun, how could you?" Amaya sprang into action, chasing down her madly grinning friend. "Stealing those from Kuchiki-chan!"

"Don't worry, Kuragari-chan," he winked and lifted the other hand, "I've got yours too!"

"Uwaa!"

The trio flashed and zipped around the area. Ukitake's eyes followed easily. It was impressive. Bizarre and loud and just...insane but impressive for their level. Finally the young man was trapped between the girls and Rukia dealt him a high kick that sent him sprawling onto one of the walkways. At once, she and Amaya were on him.

"Give them up, Takeuchi-kun," Amaya implored, her face flushed and cutely upset.

Rukia punched him in the stomach, "Now, you perv!"

He coughed, "You're so upset...what's the big deal?"

The dark haired girl grabbed him by the front of his kosode and hauled him up to her face level, "The big deal? You stole a pair of our p-"

"Handkerchiefs." He held up his hands and let them fall. "...So, who's the pervert, Kuchiki-san?"

Ukitake leaned back. "Those three...I suppose it is training of a kind." He shook his head. "Well, anyway, let's get on with it, Koutetsu-san."

He looked over to find her packing up her bag. "...I did it a few minutes ago."

 

[HookerBoots]

The party was perhaps a little later than Amaya's had been, but the feeling was the same: Celebration, not quite for its own sake, but close. Rangiku had commandeered one of the large courtyards, and at Squad 1's vice-captain's urging, hung up brightly colored strings of lights that glimmered in the growing dusk. She'd wanted lanterns, but he'd told her that Westerners didn't use those, and these would be far more appropriate.

The tables were covered in red-and-white gingham cloth, topped with silver candelabrum which held kido-fueled lights. The walls around the courtyard were covered in rich-looking blue damask, making the space look almost as if it belonged indoors. In a 16th century bordello. In the Old West. They had also left a wide space open in the center of the area for dancing, where a stage was set for a shamisen player. The man, an unseated member of Squad 4, looked petrified at the sheet music that Sasakibe had pushed into his hands, and was sitting there reading it with his eyes wide and his fingers moving over the strings, unsure how he was going to get those sounds with his poor, battered shamisen.

On one side of the area was a grill, where Sasakibe himself was setting up an assortment of foods to be grilled. He wasn't at all sure that he felt right doing this to some of these foods, but . . . he wanted to prove that he knew what he was doing. There was a pile of steaks - which had cost him a sum he didn't want to think about anymore than he wanted to explain to his captain why he'd spent it - and a pyramid of prepared quail, asparagus, that went with a carefully prepared sauce which was sitting in a pot over the heat. He'd even gone so far as to get some corn on the cob, and had one of the bakers in Rukongai make him a dozen apple pies.

Rangiku walked into the space, looking around. "Good, they did what I told them to." She, having had to get dressed properly for this party, had done what all good leaders had to. She'd delegated. She looked around, one hand stroking over the jeans she was wearing. "Oh, Sasakibe-fukutaicho, it looks great, doesn't it?"

He smiled proudly, his mustache almost quivering. "It looks quite grand, Matsumoto-fukutaicho. As do you." He wasn't at all certain that her outfit looked totally authentic, but it looked . . . it looked very good. In addition to the jeans, she was wearing a pair of lace-up black boots and a corset in pink silk that seemed to push her assets to the point of bursting.

She smiled at him brightly, stroking a hand over her hair. "I hope it's all right. You look quite stylish as well. I bet Takeuchi-kun will feel like he's back home again!" He was wearing a plaid shirt with a bolo tie - fastened with a silver chrysanthemum for his squad's insignia - and a pair of dark brown, snug-fitting trousers and a pair of delicate shoes that looked as though they might have been worn last by Louis XIV.

Amaya walked in, her head down as she looked at her own outfit. "Ran-san, I don't see why I have to wear this when you . . . oh, gomen, Sasakibe-fukutaicho." She started to bow, then changed her mind and curtsied. She'd been forced into what looked like a strange fusion of western clothing. Her top was a corset similar to Rangiku's, but made in indigo denim, over a skirt that was yellow with red flowers on it and stopped just high enough to show off a pair of the shoes she'd taken home from their recent trip to the human world.

The older man smiled at her, bowing in return. "It's quite all right, young lady. I hope you enjoy the party - I take it you're a friend of Takeuchi-san?"

Rangiku walked over and put an arm around her shoulders. "This is Amaya Kuragari, Sasakibe-fukutaicho. She's one of Takeuchi-kun's best friends - and the one who gave me the idea for the theme of this party." The two women made their way to where the older man was poking at the coals of his grill.

He looked up, the metal implement still in one hand. "Ahh, I see. Are you also a fan of Western things, Kuragari-san?"

The pink-haired girl nodded. "I only just had Western food recently, sir, but I enjoyed it a great deal. We had . . . milkshakes, and what are called hamburgers?"

Sasakibe nodded sagely. "I have heard of those, but never had them. Were they good?"

She grinned and nodded enthusiastically, and he decided that, despite her outlandish hair, he liked her. "They were great! You should ask Takeuchi-kun to make some for you sometime!"

~ ~ ~ ~​

Several cups of fruit punch laced with sake in, everyone was having a good time. The food was going over quite well - more people were going for the steak than Sasakibe had even hoped, and the vegetables and pies were vanishing quickly as well. The shamisen playing wasn't going over as well, but the boy was getting more comfortable the more he played.

Finally, a tipsy Rangiku stood up on the stage. "Oi, minna-san! It's time for the presents, and then we'll get to dance!" She wiggled her hips, causing the eyes of some of the men present to bug out. "Takeuchi-kun, get up here and start opening these gifts!" She pointed to the side of stage piled high with wrapped gifts.

Isamu looked up from the conversation he was having with Rukia. "All right, I guess." He chugged the rest of his drink and made his way to the stage, sitting on the edge of it and grabbing a package and tearing into it.

~ ~ ~ ~​

Having enlisted several people who weren't interested in dancing, Rangiku was making them clap a beat while she herself called the dance. "Now swing your partner, do-si-do . . . dammit, Kira-kun, I said do-si-do!"

The melancholy blond looked up at her. "I don't remember what you told us that was!"

 

[Armphid]

Isamu felt more than a little embarrassed by all this. He was well aware that he didn't know most of the people here and they didn't know him. He was aware that no one was really here to celebrate his promotion; they were just here for the party. But it was still...he was uncomfortable with this kind of positive attention. He wasn't here to be liked. He was here to piss people off and change things for the better!

This was seriously messing with his dangerous rebel image.

...Was it wrong that he felt that way?

"Ne, Takeuchi-san, don't you agree?" Isamu was aware that he hadn't been paying attention to anything around him. He blinked and noticed that he was in a discussion far above his head. Captain Kyouraku was looking at him from under his hat, his eyes appealing for support. Across from the stubble-faced slacker, Ukitake was rubbing his chin with one hand. Unohana smiled, her eyes twinkling merrily.

"Uh...Yes?"

Kyouraku smiled, "There you have it, it's even supported by the rank and file officers." He nodded. "Thus, starting tomorrow, I will submit the request to change it so that all female shinigami must wear those shirt things that Matsumoto and Kuragari-chan have on. And miniskirts!"

There was a sharp snapping sound and his head jerked back. Nanao Ise seemed to have appeared out of thin air. "Kyouraku-taicho! You will not do such a thing!"

"Oww, Nanao-chan, that was too hard." He rubbed at his cheek, looking injured. Then he blinked. "Wait, I thought you said you weren't coming to this party."

She blushed deeply. "I...I had...to keep an eye on you, of course!" She adjusted her glasses. "Otherwise, I would never...it would be improper to engage in such things, as I've said before."

Unohana nodded, coming to the other woman's support, "He does need looking after, doesn't he, Ise-fukutaicho?"

Kyouraku pouted. "Ara, come on, sempai! Just imagine how much more comfortable and feminine you'd feel in those clothes?" He sighed and smiled. "Ahhh, just imagining you and Nanao-chan...mmm...."

Isamu backed away slowly, careful not to draw attention to himself. He did not want to be even close when the combined wrath of those two rained down. Although, privately, he did agree with Kyouraku.

Movement out of the corner of his eye drew his gaze. Ukitake was doing the same thing as he was. The white haired man nodded and whispered, "You're wiser than a captain already, Takeuchi-san. One of us, anyway."

~~~~~~~​

The last of the pinatas broke loudly, candy scattering everywhere from the force of the blow. "Ha HA! Remember, pinata! The name of the man who killed you, Ikkaku Madarame!" The bald man pulled the blindfold off with a sneer.

Renji stood with one eyebrow raised, "Ikkaku-san, did you just tough talk paper mache?"

Yumichika tapped his lips thoughtfully. "I wonder if Kuragari-san will let me borrow that when she's done. It's fine on her, but on me..."

~~~~~~~​

"It is best, don't you think, to celebrate in traditional ways?" Yamamoto poured a cup of tea and passed it across the table.

Byakuya Kuchiki nodded. "Of course. For men of our station, this is the only acceptable manner."

The two men say alone outside. The noise of the party a courtyard over was clearly audible and mostly consisted of cheers and laughter.

"...Yes. The happiness of such times is apparent."

"Indeed."

A pink haired head suddenly popped up beside their party, "Ne,ne, Byakushi, Gramps, there's a party! With candy!" Yachiru Kusajishi tilted her head. "Don't you want to go? It's fuuun!"

"...The stars are fair."

"Indeed."

~~~~~~~​

Isamu shook his head, "No, this isn't really Western music, I'm telling you."

Sasakibe grimaced, "I assure you, it is. The sheet music is authentic!"

"Hai, Sasakibe-fukutaicho, but it's being played on a shamisen! That's all wrong." The American shook his head. "Besides, Western music is written octaves, not quintets, he's still trying to shove it into an Eastern style."

"That's true...but I'm afraid there was no other option." The older man stroked his mustache. "But I'm not a musician myself, so..."

Isamu sighed, "If I had a guitar, I could show everyone what it's supposed to sound like. I mean-"

"You can play guitar?" Shuuhei Hisagi was grinning from ear to ear. "Excellent! You'll have to teach me, Takeuchi-san! I have one myself, brought it back from a trip to the real world. Several other instruments too." He set his plate down. "Hold on, I'll go and get them."

Isamu watched his superior leave. "Does he...intend for me to play?"

"I'm sure you'll do well, Takeuchi-san," Sasakibe nodded. "We're counting on you!"

"Wait, isn't this supposed to be my party?" Isamu frowned then he felt eyes on him. He turned to see Amaya smiling at him. God almighty. That top was just..."Kuragari-chan...I know I said it a few times already but you look...you look really good tonight."

"Arigatou, Takeuchi-kun!" She shifted to look at the dance floor. "Rangiku-san just announced they'd be doing some dance called a waltz and.." She shuffled her feet, "Umm..."

"Kuragari-chan," he smiled, "would you dance with me?"

She flushed happily, "Hai! Let's go!" She grabbed his hand and almost jerked him off his feet pulling him to the dance floor.

 

[HookerBoots]

This music seemed to lend itself better to the shamisen, though it was still not quite right. But it was slower, and was harder for the player to push into a style that didn't fit. Amaya smiled gamely up at Isamu. "So how does this work, Takeuchi-kun?"

He smiled back, his golden eyes glowing in the light. "It's pretty simple." Isamu reached one hand out and placed it on her waist. "I put my hand here, and you put yours on my arm."

She nodded, her small hand resting on his arm. "Okay, that seems easy enough. Then what?"

"Now give me your other hand," their fingers laced together. "And now . . . follow my lead." He started to move slowly, letting her get used to the rhythm of the dance. And thank god mom had insisted on him learning how to dance, so that he could do this with her now.

Amaya spent most of the first few measures watching their feet, getting a feel for how she should be moving. But in a surprisingly short time, she was dancing with relative ease. It was hard, after that, not to stop moving, to let him step into her and lift her lips for a kiss. The small but constant contact was more than she was used to having, and it was . . . wonderful. But the dance was fun - bouncy and paced just fast enough to keep her interest.

They weren't the only ones dancing, but they were the only ones who had even one party that knew the steps without watching. So for a few moments, the two of them were the only dancers in the open area, the lights shining on them, before the others joined in.

~ ~ ~ ~​

Hisagi had returned, carrying a cherry-red and cream electric guitar by the neck in one hand and the amp that went with it in the other. Everyone stared at him as well as the items he was carrying, some girls eying it almost as much as they usually eyed him. He marched up to the stage and set the amp down, leaning the guitar against it. "Oi, Takeuchi!"

Isamu looked up from where he was standing, chatting with Rukia about something. He rolled his eyes. "I'm sorry, Kuchiki-san, I've got to go help my fuku-taicho." He made his way through the crowd, stepping easily onto the stage before he saw the guitar. When he did, he stopped, looking at it with an expression of wonder. "Oh, my. She's lovely, Hisagi-fukutaicho."

The tattooed man shrugged. "I've got more, but I didn't think they'd be necessary. I'm not even sure that thing is," he pointed at the amp. "The man I bought it all from said it was with the guitar, but I think it looks more like one of the drums."

"You didn't hit it, did you?" Isamu asked, his eyes flickering to Hisagi's face.

"No. Should I have?"

"No. No no no." Picking up the guitar, Isamu stroked a hand over it. "This'll do just fine, Hisagi-fukutaicho. Do we have a place to get it hooked into a plug?"

 

[Armphid]

Momo sighed as Isamu and Amaya left the dance floor. She shook her head as she took a long drink of fruit punch. It tasted a little funny...almost like it had sake in it but sake wasn't Western. She must just me imagining it.

Kira looked down at her, "What's wrong Momo-chan?"

"It's just those two, that's all." The petite brunette looked up at her friend and lover. "They're so obviously...well, you know!" Her cheeks were slightly flushed.

Kira stared at her blankly.

Momo sighed, "Never mind, Kira-kun." If only Rangiku-san were here, she'd understand. It really was obvious. How could they not know it? But then...she looked back up at Kira. Maybe you had to be on the outside to see it.

"...Momo-chan, is there something on my face?"

~~~~~~~​

"Matsumoto-san, no, forget it, I was just going to show Hisagi-fukutaicho how to set this up, that's all." Isamu was standing on one side of the stage. The guitar and amplifier were in place on the stage. The shamisen player had taken a break, the young lad being congratulated by Kyouraku for his inspired playing and looking as though he might faint.

"Now, now Takeuchi-kun," the chesty lieutenant waggled a finger at him, "You said yourself this music wasn't right, didn't you? So get up there and play!"

Isamu crossed his arms in front of his chest. "One guitar? I mean, maybe if there was the rest of a band to play with-"

"So usually many people play together? And that's called a band?"

Rangiku frowned a moment, "Don't interrupt, Shuu-kun." The strawberry blond then smiled at Isamu. "You'll play for me, won't you, Takeuchi-kun?" She leaned forward just slightly.

Isamu blinked. Good God. That corset thing she was wearing...it really made them even...and her shoulders and the tops all bare like that...and when she leaned over...he swallowed. Strength, man. "I...no, no, I said, I said forget it!"

Rangiku pouted arching her back just a bit. "Please?"

"Ggg, so...I mean, no!"

"Takeuchi-kun." Amaya came up beside Rangiku. "I heard you might play some "rolling rock" for us." She beamed and leaned forward in exactly the same manner as Rangiku. "You will, won't you?"

"..." The two of them...those pretty faces, imploring eyes, and all that...those sumptuous, majestic peaks...right there. "...O...Okay, Kuragari-chan."

"Good man!" Rangiku slapped him hard on the shoulder and then whipped him about and pushed him up on the stage, following behind. "Get all set up and start already!"

Isamu grumbled but he caught Amaya's smiling face out of the corner of his eye. Damn it. Damn it to hell. He just couldn't stay pissed off when she was doing that. He slung the guitar over his shoulder, then leaned over and turned on the amp. The good news was, most everyone was already in their groups chatting or eating or drinking, so no one was probably paying attention.

He turned around. Everyone was looking expectantly at the stage. Well, not everyone. But everyone that mattered. Fuck. He swallowed; feeling an anxiety unlike any he'd felt before. What the hell was wrong with him? He'd been in, literally, life and death situations and not felt like this. He felt frozen in place. All of the songs he'd learned to play in all those hours when he was alive seemed to have flown out of his head.

"Oi, Takeuchi-kun!" Kyouraku waved a bottle of booze from near the stage, "Play something romantic for me and Nanao-chan!" Then he grunted as she snapped a hand backwards and up, catching him under the chin with a folded fan.

Isamu grinned in spite of himself. And...yeah! He could remember that song! "I've got just the song. This is going to be a little different from what Yamada-san was playing. That was Western music from a few hundred years ago. This is a little more current and a little more populist."

He smiled. It was an unusual smile for him, with a bit of curl in the lip. "This one's for you, Kyouraku-taicho and Ise-fukutaicho."

"Don't you encourage him!"

He started to strum out the lead in of the song, energetic, wild, sounds unheard of before in Soul Society. He began to move with the rhythm in his mind, one foot tapping it out on the stage.

"Well, you know I can be found,
sitting all alone,
If you can't come around,
At least please telephone,
But don't be cruel...
To a heart that's true..."

Hisagi was staring wide eyed. "That sound...it's so..."

"Baby, if I made you mad,
For something that I said..."

Ukitake was grinning at his friend, "Fitting, isn't it? Very-"

"Please forget the past,
The future's right ahead..."

"Happy," Momo smiled. "My feet just...they just want to move. Come, dance, Kira-kun!"

"But don't be cruel,
To a heart that's true..."

~~~~~~~​

His fingers hurt and his throat was starting to get sore. He'd played more Elvis, a little Jailhouse Rock, an All Shook Up, followed by a slower Are You Lonesome Tonight and Can't Help Falling In Love. Then he'd done Roy Orbison's Pretty Woman, with a meaningful dedication to the ladies of the Gotei 13 that had earned him both smiles and scowls.

The crowd had shifted around considerably. Many of the younger shinigami present were closer to the stage now. Some of the older ones were there as well, but a number had also drawn away. Several of them were looking with disapproving expressions.

Now that reminded him of ho...of his old home.

"I think I'm about done, folks," he said with a smile.

"Not yet!" Hisagi shook his head. "One more, come on!"

"Hai, onegai," Amaya bopped up and down.

Isamu flushed. He hadn't expected, or wanted, any of them to pay this much attention. "...All right. One more." There were some cheers, some boos, some clapping. He thought a moment. "...This is a little different from the others I've played. But it might be the best song of them all." He cleared his throat, "And I'd encourage all the officers present to listen carefully to this one."

This would piss them off. Some of them, anyway. He thrummed out the simple, folk melody and started to sing,

"Come gather 'round people,
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone.
If your time to you
Is worth savin'
Then you better start Swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin'..."

 

[HookerBoots]

At the end of the last song, there was a moment of silence. Then Amaya started clapping, her eyes fixed on Isamu and his guitar. Slowly, the other, younger shinigami, even the ones who were seated, started to clap as well. Some of the older officers shook their heads, but the captains present - Ukitake, Unohana, Kyouraku, and Kurosaki - clapped as well, if a bit more slowly.

As Isamu lowered the guitar, Hisagi jumped up onto the stage, clapping a hand on the half-American's shoulder. "That was . . . amazing, Takeuchi-san! You've gotta teach me how to do that," he wiggled his hips slightly, "that thing you did."

"Don't be silly," Rangiku said from the edge of the stage, "I'm sure you already know how to do that, Shuu-kun!"

From the crowd, there was a girlish cry, followed by a thump and a male grunt. Yachiru hopped over half of the group to land on Hisagi's shoulder. "Uwa, that was great!" Her eyes were wide as she looked at him. "That music was awesome, Mutt! Everyone loved it!"

~ ~ ~ ~​

It was getting late, but the party was still going. And, much to Isamu's chagrin, he'd been cornered by Choujirou Sasakibe. The older man was sipping a cup of fruit punch, stroking his bolo tie with excitement. "So you see, Takeuchi-san, it's an idea that I've been thinking about for a while."

Isamu didn't want to tell the man that he was a little crazy, but . . . the idea was nuts. "Honestly, Sasakibe-fukutaicho, I don't know that I'll have time."

Just then, Amaya bounded up, a half-eaten corn cob in her hand. "Ohhh, are you telling him about your Western club idea, Sasakibe-fukutaicho?" She bit into the corn, eyes wide and excited.

"Hai, Kuragari-san." Sasakibe's mustache twitched a little. "It would be a big hit, don't you agree?"

She nodded enthusiastically. "I'd come to every meeting!" She glanced around. "As long as they don't interfere with Shinigami Women's Association meetings. Kusagishi-fukutaicho gets very upset when people miss meetings."

"Of course," the older man said, nodding sagely. "I've heard this about Kusagishi-fukutaicho. We'll work with the schedules." He glanced at Isamu. "And I'm sure we'll have lots of the ladies attending if Takeuchi-san agrees to join us as well. Especially after tonight."

Hisagi made his way over, clapping a hand on Isamu's shoulder. "It sounds like a great idea, and our band can play some of the meetings!"

 

[Armphid]

Isamu was trapped. They were going to do this and make him part of it, against his wishes. "First of all, what band? Second, there won't be any club anyway." He shook his head, "We'd need a captain to sponsor it, remember? I don't think we'll have any volunteers." Safe!

"I think I can help with that," came a lazy voice. The whole group turned to look. Captain Shunsui Kyouraku was leaning against the wall nearby. He pushed his hat up from his face with one finger. "I'd sponsor your Western club. On one condition..."

Isamu's eyes narrowed and shifted to Amaya. He better not-

"I want to be in the band!"

"WHAT?" Isamu gawked.

"Waa, seriously?" Amaya clapped her hands over her mouth.

Sasakibe flinched. Once Yamamoto heard about this..."T-taicho..."

Hisagi laughed and crowed, "Deal!"

"Good." The brawny sluggard smiled, "I'll get the paperwork in right away. Or Nanao-chan will." He gestured with his cup, "I'll spread the news! Oh, and I'll have to learn how to play, but you can help, right, Takeuchi-kun?"

"...Hai, Kyouraku-taicho."

Amaya giggled, "You'll do a good job, Takeuchi-sensei, I know it."

He'd have been more annoyed if she hadn't been handling corn on the cob in an outfit that showed that much Amaya. "Arigatou, Amaya-chan." He winked, "You know, the best bands have cute girls singing back up vocals."

~~~~~~~​

Amaya took a breath and let herself relax, leaning against the wall. The party really had gone well. And Isamu had a good time, she knew it, even if he blustered about the club and the band. That music though...it was so neat and...the way he's swung his hips around...

"Kuragari-san, good evening!" She looked over to see Kaien Shiba grinning at her, his lovely Miyako with him as well. "Nice party!"

"Matsumoto-san told us you helped with the planning, Kuragari-san," Miyako said. "I think the two of you should open a business party planning."

Kaien nodded. "You'd get a lot of customers, especially dressed like that." He took a drink from his fruit punch. "So...how long have you been in the scene, anyway?"

She looked at him blankly.

"You know. That corset. You're part of the scene, right?"

Miyako sighed, "Kaien, honestly."

"What scene, Kaien-dono?" Rukia's large eyes were curious.

"Ahh...well..."

~~~~~~~​

"More!"

"Not now."

"More!"

"Not right now."

"Moooore!"

Isamu sighed as Yachiru cartwheeled through the air over his head again. He was sitting by the stage and the tiny vice-captain had appeared out of nowhere. "Kusajishi-fukutaicho, I'm not playing anymore tonight, I mean it."

She landed in front of him. Her pink eyes were huge and dewy. "Not...even...a little? Onegai, Mutt!"

He gave her a level look, "Tell you what, Pinky." He reached back to the small pile of gifts he'd gotten. Where was...ah. He pushed a pumpkin bucket full of candy into her arms. "Why don't you take that and a rain check?"

"YAY!" She bounced up and kissed his cheek, "Okay! And your first gig, I'll make all of the Shinigami Women's Association go!"

Isamu grinned as the little girl rocketed off to hide her bounty. "All of them, huh? That'll be interesting." At least he'd managed to get rid of some of the stuff Ukitake-taicho had given him. Though where the man had found Easter chocolates and candies in Soul Society...

~~~~~~~​

Isane watched Isamu as he sat on the stage with Hisagi, Kyouraku, and Renji around him as he showed the basics of a guitar's structure and the idea of how to play.

His performance earlier...it had been everything that she liked about him, all at once. With hip thrusting. It was so new and strange, so wild, so bold, masculine, and so...it was...she flushed to even think the word. It was sexy. Really sexy.

She'd made up her mind. Tonight.

The others had moved off. Now or never, Isane! Her hands trembled a bit as she approached the group. Her hands were rock steady when working on a patient, but now. What if he...or it wasn't...she took a breath and nodded. Remember what Amaya had said. She wasn't all gangly. She was pretty.

"Congratulations, Takeuchi-san!" She smiled, already starting to blush.

He looked up from his fingering, "Koutetsu-san, I thought you'd left." He smiled, "I'm glad you haven't, I wanted to at least say hi." He stood up, "I miss seeing you everyday since I've been in Squad 9."

"Oh! Oh, r-really?" She blushed brighter. "It's not the same without you either."

He grinned his wolfish grin, "Quieter, I bet."

"Mm. It's not always a good thing." She swallowed nervously. "I forgot my present for you though. It's still at home."

Isamu shook his head, "Don't worry about it. You don't need to give me anything, Koutetsu-san. Just seeing you is a gift."

She blushed rosily, "Oh, but...but I really want you to have it. Why don't you...I mean, maybe you could...um, walk me home after the party so I can give it to you? I'd like that."

 

[HookerBoots]

The other men had stepped back quietly, knowing when to stand back and let things happen. Renji looked over to where Amaya, Rukia, Kaien, and Miyako were still talking, and sighed. There was a lot of gorgeous over there, but he . . . he couldn't. He wouldn't. Kyouraku, however, walked over and put an arm around each of the two younger girls. He said something, and both Rukia and Amaya blushed brightly. Then, and he could only see it because he was at this distance, Renji saw Nanao dash in from the side, fan at the ready. She whacked Kyouraku's knuckles - each hand- sharply and he pulled his arms back.

The scene then devolved into Nanao scolding him fiercely while the other four tried desperately not to laugh. Renji smiled a little along with them, until he felt a presence at his shoulder. "Konbanwa, Ikkaku-san, Yumichika-san."

"Don't look so damn melancholy, Abarai." Ikkaku's voice was slightly tipsy, and when Renji turned to look, he saw that the bald-headed man was standing slightly unsteadily - an act, he was sure. "Leave it to the blond with the forelock, he's better at it."

Sighing, Renji straightened his shoulders. "I'm not melancholy. I'm just . . . thinking." He ran a hand over his hair. "I'm probably going to head back to the barracks. I'm tired." As he started walking, he felt the other two fall into step. "I don't need an escort."

"We'll head back, too." Yumichicka glanced around. "This way, what's-his-face will have to escort the vice-captain back."

Renji spotted the little girl, joining in Nanao's scolding of Kyouraku by tugging on the man's hakama as though she were trying to scale him. "Good idea. Let's go."

~ ~ ~ ~​

Hisagi walked over to the little group, smiling a lopsided smile. "Tonight has been a great night," he crowed, throwing triumphant arms up. "I will learn the guitar, and then . . . then things will happen!"

Kyouraku grinned. "Too bad, Hisagi-kun, it looks like my things involve getting scolded. Take care the same doesn't happen to you." Nanao frowned, pushing her glasses up her nose, and he smiled disarmingly at her.

Beaming, Amaya interjected, "I'm sure it won't! Hisagi-san's already way more popular with the girls than . . ." she stopped, coughing. "Than most of the male shinigami." That was what she meant to say. Yes. She may have had too much punch.

Rukia hid a smile. "We'll see what happens, I suppose. The band will probably be a big hit, though, from the way people were reacting." She looked around. "Where did Takeuchi-kun go? We were going to ask him to walk us home."

The tattooed lieutenant looked around, then leaned forward. "He was walking with Koutetsu-san back to Squad 4 - she had forgotten his gift, and asked him to come with her."

Amaya looked up, her eyes sharp. "That was very kind of him," was all she said, her voice tinged with just a touch of sadness.

"Never fear!" Hisagi's lips curved in a smile. "As Takeuchi's vice-captain, that means I have the pleasure of discharging his duty for him." He held out both arms to Amaya and Rukia, then glanced at Kaien. "Unless your own vice-captain would like the honor."

Recognizing game when he saw it, Kaien shook his head. "I've got my own beauty to walk home," he said, wrapping an arm around Miyako, who nudged him. "Get them home safely, Hisagi," she said before they flashed away.

"Well?" Hisagi said, still smiling. "What do you say, ladies? Don't leave me looking a fool like this."

Rukia and Amaya looked at each other, then smiled. "All right, Hisagai-fukutaicho," Rukia said. They each took an arm, and he guided them from the courtyard.

~ ~ ~ ~​

Isane's fingers twined together in front of her. "You know, Takeuchi-san, I've been thinking a lot . . . ."

"About?" He looked over at her, noticing how striking her features were in the moonlight. She also looked so nervous . . . why? His nerves went on alert. Was Mitsukake using her as bait for some kind of trap?

"About you." She bit her lower lip, looking up at the night sky. "I . . . I've missed having you around. The squad is quieter without you. But I find that I miss that noise." She smiled a little. "I know that Unohana-taicho does as well, even if she never says so."

He smiled a little. "It's nice to know that someone misses me. Especially two someones as lovely as you two." Squad Four's barracks loomed next to them, and Isamu looked at it fondly. "Did you want me to come inside, Koutetsu-san?"

"It would . . . be easier, that way I won't have to walk all the way back outside." She was blushing, she could feel it. She hated that!

 

[Armphid]

Isamu felt an odd tension in the air. It wasn't a dangerous feeling but there was...something there. Between him and Isane. The Amazonian healer was nervous, he could tell. She often was; which was a pity. Her nervousness could be cute but she was so strong and capable...with a little confidence, she'd be amazing. "Koutetsu-san, is something wrong? You seem so tense."

She shook her head, "No, nothing's wrong, exactly, Takeuchi-san." She swallowed as she reached the door to her quarters. She slid it open. Her heart was pounding wildly in her chest. "Please, come in."

"Arigatou, Koutetsu-san." Isamu stepped into her room and went a few paces in. She entered behind him, sliding the door closed. Her room was larger than his was, since she was a higher seated officer. It was neat and tidy; with decorative mats on the floors and a simple but elegant color scheme in the drapes and linens. It was feminine but not frilly, much like it's occupant. There was a raised area by the door, the rest of the room a bit lower. "Wow. Your room looks great."

She smiled, "You think so? It's very plain, really."

He shook his head, "I don't think so. It all looks very welcoming and warm. It suits you."

"You're very sweet, Takeuchi-san." She was starting to feel a little...different. Now that they were here. The fear was still there, the nerves, but they were less. Now there was more anticipation. "I, um, I'm sure you wondered what I have for you."

He nodded. "I'm curious, sure. But I really don't think you had to do anything for me. I mean, you've already done a lot for me."

"I want to do more," she said. Isane paced across the room. "Takeuchi-san, um, I actually have two presents for you. One is for your promotion but the other...I...I've wanted to give you for...for a long time now." She lit two candles on sconces high on the wall. She turned to look at him and her expression stole his breath. She was warm and happy, nervous and eager, hopeful, and above all, there was a gentle but unmistakeable want. "I haven't had the courage though to give it to you. Until a friend helped me see..."

"Koutetsu-san..." The light from the dancing candle flames cast her features into shadow and illumination in a startling way and her eyes shone with both eagerness and fear. "Are you..."

"You...you're so different from all the other men," she threaded her fingers together, hands in front of her, and she looked down at them. "In so many ways, so wild and bold and brave, so strong and determined but kind. But mostly...different because you look at me and I feel...I feel beautiful and feminine."

"You're both," he answered. "And more people see it than you think." With a figure like hers, how could they not?

"Maybe but...but you're the first to ever make me feel that way." Isane slowly walked towards him. "And I...from the first, I found you to be handsome, and exotic, and I wondered what it would be like..."

She paused a foot or so in front of him. He was on the raised area still, making now a few inches taller than her. She looked up at him. "I wanted to be with you. But I was afraid you'd...because I'm so tall and..."

Isamu reached up to cup her chin. "Koutetsu-san...Isane." She took in a halting breath, her eyes bright in the dim light. "I like that you're tall. I like that you have such a body; big in all the right places, curvey and sexy." Her cheeks colored. He felt an odd pang in his heart. This...he wanted this. He'd wanted Isane almost as soon as he'd met her. But Amaya.

Isane took a half step closer, "I almost believe it when you say it." Her hands undid the sash holding her kosode closed. The garment began to part under the pressure of her curves almost immediately. "My gift...will you take it?"

He did not answer with words. He moved forward and his hands slipped over her waist beneath her kosode and pulled her to him. Their lips met and her arms slid up his chest and around his neck.

 

[HookerBoots]

It almost seemed, on the walk back, that Amaya and Rukia had switched personalities. The petite brunette was chatting easily with Hisagi about all sorts of things, even the band that he was sure was going to form, while Amaya walked along, her mind elsewhere and her silence almost audible. She wasn't even paying attention to where they were going until they stopped. "Oh."

"Gomen, Kuragari-chan," Rukia said, disengaging herself from Hisagi. "I haven't slept at home even twice this week - nii-sama will be upset if I don't stay here tonight." She waved at the other two and disappeared through the gate of the Kuchiki estate.

Amaya looked at her escort, her face apologetic. "I'm sorry I've been such bad company, Hisagi-fukutaicho. I've been a little preoccupied."

He smiled and patted her shoulder. "It's all right. I'll give you a pass this time." They started walking again, and she looked down at the ground. "What's wrong? I'm a senior officer, I can help," he added to try and coax her to talk.

She sighed and looked up at the sky. "It's nothing important." When all he did was look at her, she sighed again. "It's just . . . I thought things were one way, but I guess . . . have you ever wanted something, but the timing never worked out?"

Thinking for a moment, he nodded. "It seems like that happens a lot. I know for me . . . well, that's not important."

"Did you give up?" Amaya looked up at him, her eyes looking almost silver in the moonlight.

Hisagi ran his free hand through his hair. "No, not really. I mean, there's always hope, right?" His smile was wry. "But after a while, it does start to seem like . . . like the time will never be right."

Amaya nodded. "It's hard. And . . . well, maybe I should . . . maybe I should make my own time." They were quiet a while, and finally she asked, "Who is it?"

Flushing, he glanced at her. "You'll . . . of course you won't. Rangiku."

Nodding, Amaya scuffed one foot on the paving stones. "She is rather . . . something special. I'm sure you already know . . . ."

He shrugged. "Takeuchi. Yeah." There was another moment of silence, and as they approached Squad 13's barracks, he said suddenly, "I think we both have a chance, you know."

They paused for a moment, and she looked at him again. "You may be right. But . . . I know how he feels about . . . never mind. It's not important. It'll be the way it's supposed to be, right?" There was another silent moment, and she smiled at him. "Would you like to come inside? I don't really want to be alone with my thoughts, and I . . . I have tea. And snacks, and some sake."

~ ~ ~ ~​

A quiet knock at the door brought the head captain's head up. "Come in, Choujirou." The door opened, the slender, mustached man slipping inside carrying a bag. Yamamoto took a second look at his vice-captain's outfit. Most unsuitable. "So," he said slowly, setting down his pen, "how did it go?"

At least the other man still sat in the proper style. "Quite well, soutaicho. I have learned a great deal about the young man already, and have arranged a way to learn more."

"Oh?" One gray eyebrow went up. "What might that be?"

Sasakibe coughed delicately. "Soon, soutaicho, you will receive a request from Kyouraku-taicho about the formation of a Western enthusiasts club."

Yamamoto looked steadily at his vice-captain. He should have known. "I see. I take it that it would be advantageous for me to approve it. No matter how outlandish the idea seems."

"It would provide a way for me to monitor the boy without sparking too much suspicion by follow him." The head captain nodded, almost resigned, and sighed. "Oh, I almost forgot, soutaicho!" Sasakibe pulled the bag out in front of him. "I saved you some of the food from the party!" He set the bag on the desk, grinning from ear to ear.

Yamamoto looked at the bag suspiciously. "That was very kind of you, Choujirou." He lifted the bag to the side. "I'll try it later - I had a large dinner this evening with Kuchiki-taicho."

"Oh, of course." There was a hint of dismay on Sasakibe's face, but he bowed. "If there's nothing else, soutaicho, I'll take my leave. A formal report will be ready late tomorrow." He stood to leave as Yamamoto nodded.

As the door shut, the old man opened the bag, pulling out a seemingly innocuous bento box. He slid the lid off and blinked. Steak, and asparagus, he recognized easily. A little bird he'd heard of - queel, he thought - and corn. Sasakibe had pulled out the stops for this party. Peering into the bag, he saw a sealed jar of a red drink and set of Western-style utensils. Yamamoto sniffed. He would eat it because Choujirou had given it to him, and would ask how it was, and he wouldn't lie, or hurt the man's feelings by refusing to eat it. But he didn't approve, not one bit.