Here's the second chapter. Hope you like it. Please, let me know what you think.

Chapter Two—Ken Davis

Komamura paused to take a calming breath as he finished his report to Captain Yamamoto. The other captains and lieutenants were assembled in the room, and Yamamoto seemed to be considering what had been said. Komamura looked around at the other captains. Captains Hirako, Muguruma, and Otoribashi seemed to be concerned, exchanging nervous looks. Captains Kuchiki, Zaraki, and Soi Fon seemed relatively apathetic, but the others were interested, particularly Captain Kurotsuchi, who had that frightening look he always wore when he found a new subject to experiment upon.

"I understand why you brought him here," Yamamoto said finally, "as he is a danger to the World of the Living. However, we cannot keep him here, where he could pose a threat to the Seireitei. If he is, as you suspect, a Vizard, then he has no training to control his inner Hollow."

"Sir, if I may," Captain Hirako interjected. "Controlling his inner Hollow won't be easy, but it's not impossible. I've done it." Hirako pressed his hand to his head and, in a brief flash of light, his Hollow mask appeared, slightly off-center as Hirako peered at Yamamoto. "Kensei and Rose and I can teach him how to control his inner Hollow."

"And if he fails? If he cannot control his Hollow, he is a danger to everyone around him," Yamamoto responded. Hirako's mask vanished in golden light and he was scowling. "He is the strange presence that Captain Kurotsuchi had noticed before and now that I know who he is, I understand that he is dangerous." Yamamoto paused for a second before continuing. "Captain Kurotsuchi, I believe you wanted a test subject to study the Vizards?"

Captain Kurotsuchi's eyes lit with excitement. "Oh, yes, sir. I thank you for this chance."

"I must disagree," Captain Ukitake interrupted. "He is just a child. I believe that he can be an asset to us rather than a danger. It's true that he can't control his Hollow, but he can be taught to not only control his Hollow, but to be a Soul Reaper as well. If you're worried about him losing control, I'm confident that any seated officer could hold him back."

"And if they can't?" Yamamoto challenged.

"Then I'll take personal responsibility for any damage caused," Ukitake persisted.

"It is my responsibility, Captain Ukitake," Komamura stated. "Any damage he does is directly caused by my bringing him here. I shall handle him."

"Why worry about it?" Kurotsuchi asked. "Give him to me and I can promise you that he won't cause any harm."

"Are you certain that you can teach him to control his Hollow?" Yamamoto questioned Hirako.

"Yes, sir."

"And you can teach him to be a Soul Reaper, can you not, Captain Komamura?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then he will work with both of you every day until I'm sure he is not dangerous," Yamamoto announced. "He will officially be placed in the Seventh Division."

"But—" Kurotsuchi began.

"Dimissed!" Yamamoto insisted.

Kurotsuchi and his lieutenant were the first to leave, angered by their loss of a test subject. Komamura felt a small bit of pride in the knowledge that he'd most likely saved the boy's life. Ukitake and Hirako approached him with Hirako patting Komamura's shoulder.

"So, what's his name?" Hirako asked.

Komamura paused, looking at his lieutenant, who shrugged. "Shortly after he Hollowfied, he was unconscious. We never learned his name."

"Where is he now?"

"At the Fourth's barracks, recovering."

"Then let's go," Hirako suggested. "I'd like to meet this young man."

"I wish I could, but I've work waiting for me back at my office," Ukitake said.

"I see," Hirako said. "Thanks for your help, Jushiro."

"Anytime, Shinji."

The boy was awake when Komamura entered the room. He was sitting upright, looking slightly disoriented as he peered out of the window. The sound of the door opening drew his attention and immediately, he fell backward, letting out a shout as his head hit the floor.

Already, the boy looked different. Dressed in a white robe, cleaned, and hair (now washed) pulled in a ponytail, he did not look like that street rat that Komamura had brought back. His blue eyes, bright and full of life, were focused intently on Komamura.

Komamura sighed heavily.

"It's you!" the boy breathed.

Hirako walked in behind Komamura, clearly suppressing the urge to laugh. "Don't worry, kid. I know he looks scary, but he's really just a puppy on the inside."

Komamura let out a small growl.

"Step back, Sajin. I think you scare him," Hirako suggested.

Komamura was going to reply, but the boy did something odd. He stood up and walked over to Komamura hesitantly and slowly. He reached up, standing on the balls of his feet. Just seconds before he did it, Komamura realized what he was going to do. It damaged his pride to allow it, but he tilted his head downward to allow the boy to pet him, praying that it would prevent any further outbursts.

"You're real," the boy gasped, stepping back. "Holy—You're awesome!" Komamura and Hirako paused, amazed by the sudden display of interest. "You're like a big, fluffy, teddy wolf!"

This time, Hirako actually did laugh, unable to suppress the amusement that only a moment like this could provide. The laughter only grew when the boy attempted to hug Komamura. Clearly unsure of how to react, Komamura simply stepped backward, eyes focused on the boy.

"I am Captain Sajin Komamura of the Seventh Division. I have a proposition for you."

The boy's smile faltered. "You talk? For real?"

"Yes, I talk," Komamura huffed.

"Well... I'm Ken Davis," the boy answered.

Hirako sat down on Ken's bed, patting the spot beside him. Ken sat down, still grinning. "Can you tell me about yourself?"

Now, Ken's smile vanished immediately. "I'm just Ken."

"Well, 'just Ken', do you know anything about Hollows or Soul Reapers?"

He shook his head. "I honestly don't."

"Hollows are a kind of... monster," Hirako stated uneasily. "Ordinary people can't see them, but you can, can't you?"

"You mean those things, those monsters with the white faces?" Ken asked.

Hirako nodded. "You do know what I'm talking about."

"I guess..."

"We are Soul Reapers," Hirako continued. "It's our job to defeat the Hollows and save as many people as we can."

Ken's eyes narrowed. "Is that what the swords are for?"

"Yes. They're known as zanpakuto. They're special kinds of swords that can do amazing things and cool things." Hirako studied Ken's expression. "You look lost."

"I am. This is... confusing."

"Well, let's make it simple. Do you want to be a Soul Reaper?"

"I don't even completely understand what that means," Ken admitted. "But do I get a sword?"

"...Yes, but it's not about violence," Komamura said. "It's about—"

"When do I start? When do I get my magic sword?"

"I'll let you field that one, Sajin," Hirako laughed. "I've got work to do. Have fun, teddy wolf."

Komamura growled, and Ken flinched.

"So... when do I start?" Ken asked.

"So, this is my room?" Ken asked, surveying the room with interest. Plain walls, window, bed, bathroom. "Looks like a hotel room."

"Rooms like this are offered for higher-ranking Soul Reapers," Komamura said.

"What's my rank?"

"Right now, you aren't ranked. Technically, you aren't a Soul Reaper yet," Komamura explained. "You have far too much work and training to do to even be considered a Soul Reaper. This is a special case."

"What makes me so special?"

"I think you know," Komamura stated. Ken winced. "You have a special ability, don't you?"

"I-I don't know what you—"

"You're lying to me," Komamura noted. Ken looked away. "What aren't you telling me?"

Ken didn't answer immediately. As he spoke, his voice started to break, tears welling in his eyes. "There are times when... I pass out. I black out and when I wake up, everything's—I've hurt people, Mr. Wolf!"

"Firstly, you will address me as Captain Komamura," Komamura stated. Getting called "Mr. Wolf" was annoying. "Secondly, Captain Hirako will work with you in order to ensure that you won't hurt anybody else."

"Sometimes, I hear a voice in my head. It's scary and weird and it keeps saying weird stuff."

Komamura nodded, listening intently. "Do you listen to that voice?"

"I try not to, but it doesn't go away."

"Is it normal for a Soul Reaper to have that voice?"

"No, but Captain Hirako can help you."

"What about you? Why can't you help me?"

"Why are you so fixated on me?"

Ken shrugged. "I like dogs."

Komamura snapped. "I'm not a dog. I'm a wolf."

Ken smiled. "Well, Captain, when do I start training."

"Tomorrow morning," Komamura answered. "It's late. Get some rest."

"But I'm not"—Ken yawned—"tired."

"Get some rest, Ken Davis. We'll begin your training tomorrow at sunrise."

Okay, here's chapter two. Hope you like it. Let me know.