Chapter Three

The next day Delilah woke up alone in Lieutenant Hisagi's bed with a note laying on the pillow next to her.

Good morning, Delilah

You're late for the first day at the Academy. Before you freak out, I've excused the first few hours. Breakfast is waiting for you.

Captain Suzuran brought your robes by. Shower and change. See you later.

-Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi-

"Shit!" She yelled out jumping out if bed, tripping over the blankets and falling to the floor. "OW! DAMNIT!" Delilah scattered, picking herself off the floor. Running through the hallway to the bathroom she slung the door open, sprinting for the shower.

Turning the water on, she heard someone clearing their throat. Turning around she saw Hisagi wrapped in a towel.

"I…um… Good morning, Lieutenant Hisagi."

"Suzuran, good morning. Please, get in the shower."

"Right!" Delilah exclaimed, reaching down to take off her shirt only to suddenly realize she was ready naked. "GAH! SHŪHEI! What happened?" Delilah tried covering herself, failing as she fell backwards into the tub.

"What's the last thing you remember?"

"Takin a few bottles of Sake from my aunt, beginning to drink… then going home. So how did I get here and why am I naked?"

"You were here when I got home. Drunk. On my couch. You fell into the bath water I was getting ready for you, so you needed to strip. You went to bed naked. Woke up the same way. And no, nothing happened. I respect you too much to do anything while you aren't sober."

"Thank you. I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused."

"Told you not to freak out. Honestly I expected you to sleep longer. You will only miss the first hour. Your first class starts in thirty minutes. Take your time, shower and eat."

"Why are you so calm? I'd figure maybe you'd be upset with me." Delilah looked down, hugging her knees to her chest. "Hey, wait… are you saying that if we were both sober you would?"

"Well, yes. It isn't like I'm not attracted to you."

"Good to know." Delilah grinned cockily at Hisagi

"You do realize you will have to address me by Lieutenant Hisagi once you leave my place?"

"I will try."

"Or you will be reprimanded."

"You wouldn't."

"But I would."

"Yes, Sir." Delilah's voice became low

Hisagi bit his lower lip, shook his head and left the bathroom.

(*)

"Shū…shit!" Delilah put her arm down, hiding her face. "Hisa-…damnit!" Delilah groaned in frustration. "HEY!" Delilah let out a loud groan. "This is going to be the hardest damn part." Delilah quickly turned around bumping into Captain Hitsugaya.

"Suzuran."

"Toshiro!" Delilah squealed his name in excitement

"It's Captain Hitsugaya."

"Ya know, since your growth spurt you've only gotten taller. Nothing else about you has changed. I like that."

"Are you flirting with me, Delilah Jaegerjaquez Suzuran?"

"i… no, Captain. My apologies."

"Remember your place while you train. You may have grown up around us, but we are still your superiors."

"Yes, Captain."

"You were calling for Lieutenant Hisagi? What do you need?"

"I need help on my swordsmanship. I have a lot of room to improve."

"Grab a bokken and take your stance." Captain Hitsugaya ordered

"But, Captain, you have an unfair advantage."

"Either you want help, or not."

"Yes, Captain! It would be an honor." Delilah ran to the barrel in the corner grabbing two bokkens.

"Toss me one, Delilah."

"It's Jaegerjaquez, Captain Hitsugaya." Delilah threw the second bokken to the Captain.

"Are you also renouncing your mother's name like Grace did?" Toshiro took his stance.

"No. Grace betrayed my family. I'm just afraid of failing and don' t want to bring down the legacy my mother has made." Delilah made the first move which was countered by the Captain.

"Tell me, how did you feel when Grace left with Ulquiorra?" Hitsugaya took a swing, making contact, pushing her backwards

"I felt like part of my heart died!" Delilah yelled, running towards Hitsugaya. "It hurts!" Delilah swung down forcefully.

Hitsugaya again countered, now hitting her ribs, knocking her sideways

"She chose the hollow over her family."

"She had a temporary lapse in judgment!" Delilah's swing became more forceful. Hitsugaya moved out the way quickly

"Why are you still protecting her?" Hitsugaya swung, hitting Delilah's leg, knocking her to the floor

"Because she is my sister. I still love her, even in her stupid decision." Delilah picked herself up, her eyes slightly glowing, her spiritual pressure slowly increasing.

"She left you, just like Ulquiorra. But not only that, she left you behind to be with Ulquiorra, the hollow that left you all alone."

"NGH… NO!" Delilah screamed out, rushing the captain, knocking him to the floor.

Delilah landed on top of the Captain, straddling his waist. Her bokken horizontally across his throat.

Hitsugaya grabbed the bokken, lifting slightly. "What are you really afraid of?" Toshiro yelled as he exerted his energy, forcefully pushing the bokken and Delilah backwards and into a nearby wall.

"That everyone I love and care about will walk out on me. I'm afraid to use force because I don't want to hurt anybody. But also I'm conflicted about protecting Ulquiorra and Grace. I don't know where to draw the line. My heart is confused."

"What else, Delilah?" Hitsugaya asked with sincerity

"It's my fault. I'm to blame for Grace leaving. I wasn't strong enough."

"You are not at fault, Delilah. What happened will never be your fault."

"You remember the Captain's Meeting and the events that occurred."

"Yes, what about it?"

"What if I'm not good enough?"

"The events would not have occurred if you were not."

"I want to become strong. I want to defeat Ulquiorra. I want to protect others besides my family, even if it means protecting them from my family."

"You would raise your Zanpakuto to your family?"

"If it is the right call, yes."

"Very well then. You'll be training with Captain Kuchiki."

"i… what?"

"You have no attachment to him or positive feelings to hold you back."

"Why not let me train with Renji? Byakuya scares me a little. He's quite intimidating."

"I guess that would do just as well. You won't use all of your strength with me. There's no use in continuing. I am unable to help you." Hitsugaya walked over taking the bokken from Delilah. "Lieutenant and Captain." He bopped her on the head

"Ow, 'Shiro!" Delilah rubbed her head

"Captain Hitsugaya!" He bopped her head again

"Jaegerjaquez!" Delilah pulled the bokken from his hands, using it to knock him off his feet.

"Mrs. Hisagi." Captain Hitsugaya teased

"Shut up." Delilah blushed a crimson red

"You're adorable trying to hide those feelings." Hitsugaya laughed

"Are you flirting with me, Captain?" Delilah asked with a straight face.

"Seriously, Delilah Jaegerjaquez? I watched you grow up, baby sat you and now I get to watch you hopelessly fall in love with Lieutenant Hisagi. No, I'm not flirting."

"Good, because, my husband would be displeased with you if you were."

Hitsugaya smiled slightly

"Oh my god! A baby somewhere just died.."

"wh-What?"

"You smiled… it's an occurrence that never happens…"

"Shut up, Jaegerjaquez before I teach you some serious manners by duel of Zanpakuto."

"Shidareyanagi!" Delilah slammed her palm into the ground.

"Oh?" Hitsugaya's hand moved to the hilt of his Zanpakuto.

"Hahanaru Shizen, rise up, and devour!"

Suddenly the ground beneath the captain caved in, enclosing around him quickly, burying him alive. Delilah waited a few moments, but the captain did not emerge. Quickly Delilah put her hand over the spot where she covered him.

"OPEN!" the earth immediately opened freeing a now filthy captain.

"Never.. do that.. again." He gasped for air.

"Are you okay, Captain Hitsugaya?"

"How did you do that?"

"Wall of earth, rise!" Delilah pointed outwards, a wall of rock and dirt formed. "Fall." Just as simply as it went up, it fell down.

"But… How?"

"Hahanaru Shizen, bloom with beauty, Cherry blossom." A small tree began to grow between the captain and Delilah.

"But…" Captain Hitsugaya tried making sense of what he was seeing

"Meadow." Instantly the floor been to grow moss and grass, small flowers began to grow and bloom.

"That… is a rare talent. Safeguard it with your life." The Captain looked around.

"Fuck it." Delilah held out her hand towards the outward wall. "Cero!" a burst of energy shot forward, making a hole in the wall. The setting sun fell upon the captain and Delilah, making the entire place feel peaceful.

"You realize your mother will be paying for the damage you've done?" He whispered in awe.

"Yes." Delilah cringed, face palming

"It really is incredible though."

"Thank you, Captain." Delilah whispered as she sat among the flowers.

Hitsugaya took a seat beside her, not saying anything, just watching the sunset, taking in the aroma of the flowers.

(*)

"Have you read the newspaper?"

"Can it be true?"

"I can't believe he's Been Snatched up."

"I wonder who she is."

"Who cares? She'll never be good enough for the lieutenant.

"If she's with him, I'd assume she must be." Lieutenant Kira's voice came from behind Delilah's classmates.

"Lieutenant Kira. It's a pleasure to see you."

"Lieutenant!" Her classmates gave a formal bow.

"I need to borrow Jaegerjaquez for the remainder of the day." Lieutenant Kira said directly to her teacher

"You're excused, Jaegerjaquez."

"Thank you, Sir." Lilith gave a bow before exiting the classroom.

"Delilah, Captain Suzuran needs you."

Delilah knew exactly what that. Her baby brother was on the way.

"Understood. Thank you, Lieutenant Kira."

"Jaegerjaquez, hurry." Kira was very serious.

(*)

Delilah walked into the house, hearing the screaming of the baby.

"Mom? Dad?" The screaming paused for a moment

"In here!" Lilith called from her bedroom as the crying continued

Delilah approached the bedroom carefully. "May I come in?" The crying paused again, then continued.

"Yes." Grimmjow called out, his voice sounded exhausted

Delilah cautiously opened the door, finding Abigail, and Kokoro surrounding Lilith, Grimmjow and the newcomer.

"How is he?" Delilah asked softly, the crying turned into a slight coo

"Delilah, come here and hold your brother for a few so I can use the bathroom. You're the only one he's not screaming at."

"Of course!" Delilah ran over to the bed, sitting down next to Lilith. "What did you decide to name him?"

"He won't accept any name we give him. He screams at every name. It's been quite the process." Lilith shifted, handing Delilah her little brother.

Delilah brought her knees up, bending them, laying him slanted so they could see each others faces.

"Hi little Jaegerjaquez. Welcome to the world." His face lit up and he cooed at Delilah.

"That's not fair." Grimmjow lowly growled. "He likes her more than me."

Delilah looked up, wearing a slight grin. "Help mom go to the bathroom."

Grimmjow rolled his eyes, helping lilith out of bed. "Be gentle with him."

"Duh mom." Delilah went back to looking at the little blue hair blue eyed boy. Gently she lifted him, holding him close to her heart. "Hello, Grimmjow." The baby screeched and cooed. "That's fitting, little man. To be named after your father. He's strong, arrogant, lovable. With the right guidance, you will go far in this world. And I will help you." Delilah kissed his forehead.

"You're going to make a great mom someday." Grimmjow spoke from around the corner. "So now the world has two Grimmjow's. That's' just a little scary." Grimmjow peeked his head out. "Why is he so quiet with you?"

"I don't know." Delilah was gently rocking him. Junior closed his eyes and began to drift off to sleep.

"He wouldn't even do that for Lily." Grimmjow scowled deeply

"Dad, shut up. My lil man is trying to sleep." Delilah whispered, holding the child close to her bosom.

"That is NOT YOUR little man." Grimmjow whispered fiercely

"Grimmjow!" Lilith hissed. "Grimmjow!"

"What woman?!"

"Let her try out motherhood for a day or two." Lilith smiled widely. "I've raise four wonderful children. Let her see what it's like to be a mother."

"But I.."

"Grimmjow." Lilith lightly touched his arm. "He isn't going anywhere. It's cute that he already likes Delilah"

"Yeah well, us Panthers have to stick together." He rolled his eyes

"Grimmjow?"

"mmh?"

"Marry me." Lilith held her breath

Grimmjow turned back to Lilith, eyes wide. "What did you just-?"

"Marry me." Lilith grinned, pulling out a silver ring, the edges were a sapphire blue

"You must have hit your head when you gave birth. Are you feeling alright?"

"Grimmjow, I love you, and have since Hueco Mundo." Lilith knelt to the ground

"Woman, get up. You're in no condition to be kneeling."

"I see you as my best friend, my partner in crime, the one I want to wake up to every morning and fall asleep next to every night. Marry me, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez."

"But what about-?"

"Panthers mate for life. And you have chosen to stay by me for the past eleven years. Please, I won't ask again. This floor hurts. Either say yes or no Asshole."

"God you have a way with words. Yes!" Grimmjow picked Lilith off the ground pulling her into a deep kiss. "I will always be your Asshole." He whispered, grinning.

"Aww, finally making it final!" Abigail squealed, startling Junior awake. "It took you two long enough. Just sucks that mom had to be the one to ask your stubborn ass."

"ABIGAIL!" Delilah scolded her younger sister

"It's true. But honestly, Dad would have never made the move. He would have waited until he was dying.. Maybe not even then."

"Guys, come on." Delilah sighed loudly

"She's right though." Grimmjow came around the corner with Lilith sporting the ring on his finger.

"Delilah, Happy birthday. We love you."

"Your engagement was my birthday surprise?" Delilah's voice became flat

"No, that was really an in the moment type of thing." Lilith said kindly and softly. "You're going to the world of the living tonight. With a few ranking officers."

"But why?" Delilah was suddenly confused

"Because you are learning a lot faster than even the advanced class. You're doing very well, and they see a lot of potential in you."

"So my skills are going to be tested?"

"In a controlled environment, yes." Grimmjow added, taking Junior from her arms. Immediately he began to cry out. "And hurry back safely. This kiddo really likes you."

"Don't worry about coming home tonight. Just make sure you are in good company." Lilith added

"Yes Mom, yes Dad. Thank you. I love you all too. All five of you." She hugged Kokoro, and Abigail. "You two are the best brother and sister anyone could ever ask for." Then hugging Lilith. "Mom, you're the best. I'm so glad that I get to call you my mom. I would never want to change that." Then looking to Grimmjow and junior. "Dad, thank you for trying and making an effort. I know it wasn't an easy adjustment. I love you, and it's an honor to call you my father." She gave Grimmjow a kiss on the cheek. "And you, little man," Delilah moved closer. "Be good for Mommy and Daddy until I come back. I love you, squirt." She kissed his forehead.

"Delilah, go shower. They will be here in an hour to pick you up."

"Mom... Who is they? Who all will be accompanying me?"

"You'll have to wait and see." Lilith grinned widely

"SHŪHEI!" Delilah jumped out of the bed, running out of the room

"IT'S LIEUTENANT HISAGI!" Lilith yelled after her

"She really likes him, huh Mom?" Kokoro inquired

"She loves him, Kokoro. He may not know it, but she would do anything for him."

"Does that mean I have to give him my blessing?"

"No, Kokoro. That's Grimmjow's job. But your added blessing would be very sweet." Lilith took Junior from Grimmjow. "If you both would please excuse me, I need to feed your little brother and put him to sleep.

"Yes, Mom." Abigail and Kokoro said in unison, leaving the room

"I gave him my blessing last night. The Lieutenant and I had a long talk about where he and my daughter are going." He looked down at his son. "Having children has made me soft." He added annoyed

"You're not soft, Grimmjow. You're just not as much of an asshole as you used to be. That's really not such a bad thing, ya know."

"I would do anything for this family, I will protect them until the day I die. I will protect them with my last breath."

"I don't think your breath will save them unless you ate a shit ton of garlic and the opponent just really didn't like garlic."

"Shut up, Lily."

"Oh but you love me." She grinned

"Yes, I do." Grimmjow kissed her again, passionately

(*)

"Delilah, we need you to acknowledge these rules before we go. Do you understand them?" Captain Kuchiki asked in a serious manner

"Yes, Captain Kuchiki."

"Repeat them to me."

"I am in no way, shape or form to take on more than one hollow alone. If there are multiple hollows, I must call for assistance. Don't be a hero, be a zero. Don't try to save someone else's life, blah blah blah. Yes, Captain, I got it."

"Suzuran-!"

"Jaegerjaquez."

"Delilah Jaegerjaquez, you should heed the captains words." Ichimaru slyly said. "We wouldn't want our precious cargo to get hurt on her birthday."

"Mmh, so precious, Uncle Gin." Delilah rolled her eyes. "Listen, Captain Kuchiki, Lieutenant Hisagi, Lieutenant Abarai, Third seat Ichimaru, Third seat Madarame, Fifth seat Ayasegawa. I understand the rules, but when you are faced with multiple opponents the rules are not what pop into your mind. It is the well being and safety of others. It is protecting those you care deeply about as well as those that are innocent. I will keep the rules in mind. I promise."

"I don't know if I want to call your reasoning childish or wise, but let's do this anyway." Ayasegawa said, opening a portal to the world of the living. "Does everybody have a hell butterfly?"

"Yes!" Everybody but Delilah answered

"I don't have one."

"Walk with me." Captain Kuchiki ordered at her side.

"Yes, Captain."

Captain Kuchiki and Delilah were the first to walk through the portal, followed by the rest.

"You seem nervous." Kuchiki noted

"This is actually a controlled environment, right?" Delilah asked wearily

"No. This is the real deal. We've been tracking a sighting of hollows through Kisuke Urahara. You've been doing so well in your classes that we thought it'd be of use to see what you're made of. Exceed here and you will be on a fast track for schooling. Fail, and you stay in school for another three years stuck in the advance class."

"Captain, staying in the Advanced class doesn't bother me. So either way it's a win-win."

"If things do go south, your safe haven is where?"

Delilah said nothing

"Jaegerjaquez."

"Either with Ichigo Kurosaki or Kisuke Urahara, Sir."

"Very well. Just keep that in mind as well."

"Why do you purposefully intend on forcing me to use my brain?!" Delilah groaned

"Because in battle it has to be clear and stay sharp, but you also have to be able to think quickly."

"Yes, Captain. Thank you."

"I have high expectations for you, Delilah."

"Sheesh, no pressure." Delilah said sarcastically

"You are a first to prove themselves of your kind. This, today, is what not only separates you from the rest, but what will either make you rise to the top or plummet to the bottom. I wish you luck, Delilah."

"Thank you, Lord Kuchiki."

The Captain gave a nod as the doors opened.

The wind was slightly stirring, the breeze rolled along the grass by the river. The sun wasn't far from setting.

"Happy birthday, Grace." Delilah whispered, shedding a tear for her seemingly fallen sister. "I hope you're okay."

"She'll be fine. She's an Ayasegawa." Yumichika stood next to Delilah

"Let me tell you what I know about being an Ayasegawa. You leave when times get tough. You don't care and you're completely set on your vanity. You are a horrible father and she should feel no joy in holding your name. You should have been there to guide her and help her, but now she looks to a greater evil in the world. I blame you for that. I wish you would have stayed. Not for me, but for Grace. She resents that you didn't stay and that you didn't want her. She now has father issues and a complex beyond repair."

"Hey! Watch who you're talking to!" Ikkaku yelled out

Delilah looked Yumichika in the eyes. "My sister deserved to have a father in her life. Someone who would stay. Someone who she could depend on. But she hates you for never trying. I dislike you because you made it seem so easy to just walk away."

"Obviously Grace isn't the only one with Daddy issues." Yumichika brushed his hair backwards.

"I don't have 'Daddy Issues'. I have Trust issues. You walked out, my father wasn't seen until I was 5. Ulquiorra left without warning. My father picked up the slack. The people who were supposed to protect me and help me grow up left me alone at the worst times. I now have a little brother, and I swear on my soul he will never feel the pain of being abandoned. He will never be unloved. He will never be subjugated to the prejudice that my siblings and I have had to endure."

"Why couldn't you be my daughter?" Yumichika rolled his eyes, "I got your rotten sister instead."

"I never in a million years want to be your daughter. I am proud and honored to be a Jaegerjaquez." Delilah suddenly became defensive

"Even though your father is an Arrancar?"

"I don't care that my father is an Arrancar, an Ex-Espada. My father has been there for me for the past eleven years, and that's more than I can say for you. Next time you look at Grace, try not seeing a hollow. You're defining her by something she isn't. Try seeing her as your daughter." Delilah stormed off

"So, just in case you didn't already know, Grace is a sore subject for her, as is where or what she came from." Gin smiled at Yumichika. "But she's right, ya know."

"Shut it, Ichimaru." Yumichika walked off towards Urahara's store

"Hey Ikkaku, let's go get some grub." Renji called out following Yumichika

"Lieutenant Hisagi. Go find Delilah." Captain kuchiki's eyes followed her path

"Yes, Captain!" In a flash Shuhei was gone

"Well then, Captain, what do we do now?" Gin asked, rather bored

"We find Ichigo Kurosaki."

(*)

Hisagi found Delilah at the top of a tree by the graves.

"Well this isn't a morbid place to be."

"What better place for a hollow to show up then a cemetery full of dead?" She said blankly, staring off into the sky. The sun was beginning to set and the sky was washing with many colors.

"Did you get a soul pager?"

"No."

"How will you know when a hollow shows up?"

"Instinct."

"What, the sense of your Pantera?"

"Yes."

"Delilah, stop giving me short answers."

"Lieutenant, I don't feel like talking. You're bothering me. Please, leave me alone. If I need help, I'll be sure to scream or something as childish." Delilah lept from the high branch onto the ground, flashing away.

Hisagi stood on the branch, dumbfounded, wondering what had gotten into her. Soon he gave chase to finding Delilah again.

Delilah stood by the water way where they entered the world of the living. Sitting at the edge of the wall, she dipped her legs into the water, instantly calming her mind. She closed her eyes, taking in the smell of the evening air. Her skin felt the last rays of the setting sun, warming her core. Soon the sky was covered in stars. Delilah laid back, her feet still in the water.

Hisagi found her again, this time not saying anything, he took off his sandals and socks,. Sitting next to Delilah he put his feet in the water and laid back next to her, his arms supporting his head.

"I'm sorry." Delilah said quietly

"Shut up. You're ruining the moment." Hisagi said as he stared at the stars. He opened his right arm. "Come here, Delilah."

Delilah scooted closer, resting her head on his bicep. Hisagi pulled her closer so now her head rest on his shoulder. His arm wrapped around her shoulders.

"I've been doing a lot of thinking."

"Shūhei, that's horrible. The last time you thought around me I wound up naked and in your bed."

"Delilah, I'm trying to be serious with you."

"What am I in trouble for this time? What did I do?"

"Delilah Jaegerjaquez Suzuran. I want you to be my wife. No, I need you to be my wife. You complete me. You make me happy. Though you can be difficult, you are level headed and strong."

Delilah sat up. "Be clear about what you're saying, Shūhei Hisagi!"

The lieutenant sat up, pulling out a small box. Opening it there was a small ring, flat and defined by small jewels. "Will you marry me?" Hisagi smiled at Delilah, reaching out, wiping a tear from her face.

"Shū..." She whispered."I love you. Yes, A million times, yes!" She wrapped her arms around Hisagi kissing him softly.

"Happy Birthday, Delilah." He whispered, kissing her back, his hands holding the back of her head and the middle of her back. "By the way," Hisagi leaned back. "You talk in your sleep. You've been telling me you love me for the past few months. Or you'll call out to me when you have a nightmare."

"I'm not the only one that does it. When you think I'm sleeping and you finally unwind and curl up to me, you whisper in my ear that you love me before passing out."

Delilah turned around, sitting between Hisagi's legs, looking out into the water. Hisagi scooted up behind her, making contact, wrapping his arms around her. "I love you, Delilah." He whispered as soft as the nights wind.

"I love you too, Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi."

"Mrs. Hisagi." He kissed her cheek, making her giggle

"Shū?"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you." She tilted her head do it rest on his arm

"For what?"

"For making this the most memorable birthday ever."

Suddenly there was a shift in the wind. Delilah's body perked up. Grabbing Hisag's arm she threw him into the water, rolling out of the way just in time as a hollow's hand crashed down where they were sitting.

"What the-" Shuhei spewed water as he came up for air. Looking to Delilah there was a hollow standing above her.

"Shidareyanagi." She whispered, digging her fingertips into the earth.

"Delilah!" Shuhei began to swim to her

Delilah stood up, pulling her Zanpakuto from the earth. "Stay there, Hisagi. I've got this one. Isn't that what we came here for?"

Delilah made quick work, cutting the hollow directly in the middle of its skull. Delilah wore a smile on her face as she made her way to the river's edge, offering Hisagi her hand.

"Show off." He said as he grabbed her hand, pulling her into the water.

"Shūhei Hisagi!" Delilah yelled out as she surfaced, wiping the water from her eyes. "I'm going to find you a middle name and call you by it when I'm upset with you!"

Hisagi laughed, splashing Delilah.

"Lieutenant, stop." Delilah became very serious. "Get out of the water. There's another hollow." Delilah quickly pulled herself out of the water looking around.

"I don't sense it." He narrowed his brows

"Shuhei." She whispered very lowly. "Get the hell out of the water."

"Alright, alright." He sighed slowly getting out of the water. When he looked up there was a hollow standing in front of Delilah.

Delilah rushed in, grabbing her Zanpakuto as she went. Swinging her Zanpakuto, she quickly defeated the hollow. Behind her she heard Hisagi yell out as he was taken by surprise. The hollow hit him in his core, tossing him to the side. "LIEUTENANT!" Delilah yelled out, running to help Hisagi.

Three more hollows appeared, surrounding Shūhei and Delilah. Shūhei didn't move. Delilah began to run as fast as she could watching as a hollow took aa swing at the lieutenant, cutting his abdomen.

"Shūhei… no." She gasped in horror "CAPTAIN!" She screamed out. "BYAKUYA!" finally reaching Hisagi he tore his top half of his shihakusho apart, using it as a bandage to temporarily stop the bleeding. "It's going to be okay, Shūhei. I have your back."

Slowly the hollows began to close in on the two.

"Not today you don't. Keep your filthy grimy hollowness off my Husband!" She yelled out, cutting down each hollow one by one, earning a few cuts herself along the way.

When the last hollow had been defeated Delilah quickly went back to Hisagi. Putting her hands over him, a green light beamed as she began to slowly heal him.

All of a sudden Delilah was pulled back by her hair, a blade pressed to her throat.

"Happy birthday, Sis."

"Grace!" Delilah's eyes widened.