I wasn't sure what to make of what happened when I posted the last chapter... I'm not upset, just uncertain. I'm not sure if you guys didn't like the chapter, or if it was just a fluke that it received so little response from the readers. If there's something you guys think is wrong (or just plain bad), then please go ahead and let me know. Anyway, I'd like to say thanks to UlquiHime7980 and Princess Miele for their reviews.

TO FORGE A
BETTER TOMORROW

Chapter IV:
"Devastation & Deliverance"

Szayel was examining the generator under the Central Chamber. "Yes, upon inspection, this appears to be in working order." He remarked. "Something must have tripped the master circuit... It should be a simple task to manually reset it." The scientist Espada reasoned.

"I'll look into it at once, Szayel-sama." Nemu replied.

"Wait," The pink-haired Arrancar called, prompting her to stop. "Nemu, why are you doing this?"

"Doing what?" She asked. "Have I done something wrong?"

He turned away from the machinery. "No, quite the opposite, and that's just it," the Espada began evenly as he approached her. "You don't owe me anything, and yet you seem content to simply remain at my side and follow my instructions." Szayel continued. "Why are you so openly affiliating yourself with one the very creatures your kind are pledged to destroy?"

She hesitated, a flicker of genuine uncertainty playing across her features. "Then, by that logic, why are so willing to trust me, knowing who and what I am?"

"A fair question." He replied calmly. "To begin with, I find you intriguing- you're intelligent, attractive, a skilled lab assistant and researcher, and loyal to a fault... And yet, all these qualities were lost on your former Captain." The Arrancar explained to her. "A real scientist would not strike his highly-qualified assistant simply for questioning his actions... Nor, would he constantly verbally and physically abuse her simply because he could. Those are not the actions a scientist."

He reached up brush a hand against her cheek. "I, on the other hand, am a scientist, and I'm intelligent enough to appreciate what you are." Szayel paused. "And yet, I'm not so detached from reality that I'm unable to also appreciate who you are." The Arrancar went on. "To that man, you may have simply been a construct, a tool to suit his needs... while I see so much more."

"Now then, Nemu, tell me something." Szayel instructed softly. "Flattering as it, my ego is no so great that I should not again ask: what compels you to trust me?"

"I want," she hesitated, before bringing her hand up to cover his, as if afraid that he might suddenly withdraw the pleasing warmth of his touch. "I want... more, to feel alive." Nemu replied, looking into his golden eyes with her dark green orbs. "Regardless of the circumstances, you freed me when you killed Mayuri... You've given me the chance to find out who 'Nemu Kurotsuchi' really is?"

"An admirable desire," he commented softly, his free hand moving to join the other, cupping her jaw and holding her gaze as he looked into her eyes. "I can be many things for you- your partner, a guide, your lover... But I refuse to be your owner." Szayel paused. "There is no right to deny freedom to an object with a mind advanced enough to grasp the concept and therefor desire the state."

"Asimov?" Nemu replied, getting a small nod from the Arrancar. "Then, help me learn how to be more than just someone's property." She requested.

"It would seem that the caterpillar if finally ready to become a butterfly." Szayel remarked, a hand moving to the curve of her back, pulling her smaller body against his. "No mere object could ever be so alluring... You, woman, are a temptress." The last word lingering on the Espada's tongue as he spoke, a devilish smile playing across his face. "Are you willing to accept the consequences of your actions?" He asked, his voice little more than a breathy whisper.

Nemu nodded, a small, knowing smile gracing her face. That was more than enough prompting for the Arrancar, as he pulled her into a heated kiss.

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

For Ichigo, it wasn't a matter of remaining conscious, it was more about trying ensure that the periods of lucidity between the black-outs were longer. However, he was in the middle of a particularly long period of consciousness when the group of Captains and Lieutenant appeared.

Someone, he suspected it was Captain Unohana, but he wasn't totally certain, was healing him while he watched several people gather around what was left of Aizen. Byakuya, Toshiro Hitsugaya, Captain Ukitake, and Captain Kunomaru appeared before him- varying looks of disgust and disdain on their faces as they looked at their former comrade.

"Is this really all that's left of him?" The wolf-like Captain asked.

"Don't let his silence fool you," A monotone voice remarked. "I assure you he's very much alive, he's just unwilling to speak to those he's so long considered to be beneath him." Ulquiorra explained, stepping forward to join the group of onlookers.

"Et tu, Ulquiorra?" Aizen finally spoke up. "But no knife, I see?"

"I'm no Brutus, just as you're no Julius Caesar," Ulquiorra replied. "But rest assured, if I could take your life, my blade would come from the front, and you would know it."

"I would say I was saddened it would come to this," Ukitake remarked. "But how could I compare the thing before me to a man that... that never really existed." He lamented.

"If the bastard can't die," Kenpachi began. "Then I say we string 'em up and leave him out for the crows to peck at him- that's all he is now, after all, just carrion."

"No," Hitsugaya remarked. "The 'Mighty Aizen' will be performing one last illusion." The young Captain remarked. "He'll fade away into obscurity and never be seen again."

"Fools," Aizen mocked. "Don't even pretend to understand me, you, who will never-"

"Enough," Byakuya interrupted calmly. "The Officers of the Gotei 13 have no time to spare for the rambling words of a corpse." He continued. "Have this thing sealed and bound- the depths of the Mukin await him, and his entombment cannot come quickly enough."

With that, Ichigo tiredly rose to his feet. "It's over..."

Orihime looked at him. "You did it, Ichigo, you stopped Aizen, you really did it!" She declared happily with a bright smile. "You really are the strongest!"

"Ichigo, not 'Kurosaki-kun', eh?" Rukia noted idly.

"Not any more, at least..." Ichigo replied, with an unsettling smile. "When I cast my final attack with Mugetsu, I put everything into." The orange-haired teen added. "I'm already feeling the effects..."

"What are you talking about?" Rukia began. "Stopping being so cryptic, you're just exhausted from all the fighting that's happened... Seriously, you-"

"You don't understand," Ichigo interrupted her. "When I say everything, I mean everything." The teen explained with the same unsettling smile. "You see, it was all or nothing, and I made a choice, that last attack was a one-shot deal- it took all my power to stop him, and there's nothing left now."

"Wait, you don't mean..." Rukia hesitated. "You're saying that you've lost your Shinigami powers?"

Ichigo nodded. "Not just that," he replied, his almost giddy now. "My Hollow powers are gone too, I can't sense him inside me at all..." The teen paused. "Actually, now that I think about it, I'm having a hard time sensing any of you guys at all."

Orihime covered her mouth in shock as he nodded, while Rukia paled.

Before anything else could be said, Ichigo's eyes rolled back in head, his body going limp and dropping to its knees, before toppling forward!

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

There was little they could do with him, other than to get him away from the wreckage and moved the security of the medical camp. It wasn't a matter of healing him, his body's own natural defenses would see to that. Sadly, it hadn't taken them long to realize his comments were true, their kido scans having failed to detect any more than the faintest hint of reiatsu within him. And this small reserve wouldn't last long once he regained consciousness...

Unohana frowned, looking down Ichigo, lying motionless on a cot. "I'm afraid that there's nothing we can do for him." She remarked with a frown. "As for his physical malady... We suspect that the strain on his body caused him to lapse into a coma." The dark-haired woman explained as she turned away from the teen to address the others. "Yamada-san thinks that it might be self-induced, at least on a subconscious level, and that he'll eventually awaken after enough time has passed."

"I can only apologize," Hanataro offered to the Captains. "There are just so many unknown factors regarding Kurosaki-san." He went on. "Even with the data from the files on the Vizards that Urahara-san provided us, we're still working off speculation and educated guesses." The recently promoted 3rd Seat Officer admitted. "His biology is simply too complex for our current level of understanding."

Hanataro paused. "Were he a full Shinigami with manifested Hollow powers, like the Vizard, or even an evolved Hollow with Shinigami-like powers, like the Arrancar... Then we'd at least have some basis to consider a possible treatment for him." He paused. "But the fact that he was also born part human means that he's a three-form hybrid... Something that not even Aizen though to create."

Urahara pushed the brim of his hat back. "Ichigo Kurosaki is unique, and the choice to empower him, as we did, was always going to be a gamble." He remarked with a sigh. "We chose to gamble his well-being on a theory... And in this, I too am culpable- we all chose to see his Human nature as simply a boon in making his a more powerful force."

The scruffy blond paused. "And so, whether through shortsightedness or willful ignorance, we failed to consider that a human body- no matter how strong- can only take so much abuse." Urahara explained to them in an almost weary tone. "So we fanned the flames of Ichigo's power, failing to realize that a fire always burns most brightly just before it extinguishes."

"Urahara-san," Captain Ukitake began. "There will be much to discuss in the days to come, and your input would be greatly appreciated." He continued. "But for now, we would be indebted to you if you would see to that Kurosaki-san is safely returned to his family in the living world."

"Of course," Urahara replied. "I understand."

Rukia had excused herself, running off somewhere to be alone. The action both concerned Byakuya and frustrated him- serving as another reminder of the relationship that seemed to been forming between his sister and Ichigo Kurosaki. In the end, the Captain pushed back his concerns to focus on the more pressing matters that currently faced them.

They would need to hold an emergency council of the heads of the Gotei 13 right away to handle the most urgent concerns. But given the magnitude of the problems, and the fact that five Captains were dead and two others were recovering from severe injuries... It would prove quite a feet if they made any headway at all. Still, in spite of everything, the Gotei 13 couldn't afford to loose face, and so the five Captains deemed fit for duty would be summoned- with Lieutenants deputizing in some cases.

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

The Central Chamber was full, the Emergency Hearing in session. A large table occupied the center of the room, shaped like a square horse shoe- with a horizontal section at the far end and vertical sections jutting out on both sides. Byakuya Kuchiki sat at the head, with Jushiro Ukitake and Retsu Unohana seated to the right and left of him- largely due to their seniority.

Without the Central 46 to turn to, it now fell to the remaining Captains to convene and pass judgment in the absence of the civilian court. Byakaya had been selected to head the the proceedings, his calm and rational manner making him best suited to the task. And while he had the authority to overrule any decision he deemed unsound, he was content to defer to his fellow Captains. Sajin Komamaru sat at the head the left arm of the table, with Toshiro Hitsugaya occupying the head the right. The five of them were the only Captains deemed suitable to be included in the Hearing.

While Zaraki Kenpachi was healthy enough, the idea of him being involved in the methodical work of the hearing was laughable. And while Soifon and Shunsui were technically well enough to take part in the proceedings, with Soifon all but insisting, it was decided that the sight of the two injured Captains limping into the Central Chamber would have only served to undermine the process.

Nemu was present at the table, deputizing for her deceased Captain, with Nanao Ise similarly filling in for the injured Shunsui. Chojiro Sasakibe and Shuhei Hisagi were present, representing the interests of their respective Divisions. Kira Izuru and Momo Hinamori were excluded, both of them considered emotionally unfit to take part in the events of the hearing.

Chad hadn't remained for long, being kept only for a fairly perfunctory session of questions regarding his involvement in the rescue of Orihime Inoue.

Ishida, by comparison, had found himself seated before the improvised council of Court Guard officers, for a series of interviews. They'd started by confirming his involvement in Orihime's rescue, appearing satisfied when his account conformed with Chad's version of events. After that, they questioned him about the circumstances of Mayuri's death. While badly injured, he was still able to recall how the late Captain and stabbed injected him, before blacking out.

"Your testimony would appear to confirm the testimonies gathered from Lieutenant Renji Abarai and Lieutenant Nemu Kurotsuchi." Byakuya observed dryly. "While tenuous, your account of the events leading to the death of Mayuri Kurotsuchi confirms Lieutenant Kurotsuchi's argument."

"In it, she maintains that because of the 'intervention' of Szayel Alporro-Grantz, his actions prevented four counts of murder- including herself- as well as charges of conspiracy with intent of imprisonment, seditious acts against the interests of Soul Society, and numerous violations of the guarantee rights of sentient beings- mortal and otherwise." Unohana recounted.

"Given the extenuating circumstances, and the ceasefire now in effect, it the decision of this panel that Szayel's status as a combatant is not relevant." Ukitake revealed. "As this is a civil matter, we find no evidence to warrant his detainment." He finished.

"Thank you Captains, you are too kind." Szayel offer with a bow, flashing a sly smile.

When it came time for Orihime to be questioned, Soul Society was eager to make some sense of the web of mayhem and intrigue she'd somehow found herself at the center of. It didn't take long to work through the layers of Aizen's scheme and conclude that the young woman was not the "defector" that she'd been set up as by their former colleague and his conspirators. And Ulquiorra's own admission to having personally overseen her abduction had also helped to clear any doubt of this.

"Regarding the charges of treason against Aizen, his guilt is beyond any doubt." Captain Komamura began somberly. "However, in regards to charges filed against the late Captain Ichimaru, we are faced with a difficult task- establishing the true intent of his actions, and by extension, determining how he is to be remembered." The Captain paused. "Captain Hitsugaya has personally requested that he head the investigation... It is not an undertaking that I envy."

The young captain cleared his throat. "Over the course of the last few days, a number of facts have been brought to light, including documents attributed to the man himself... These documents present us with a scenario in which the Captain acted to gain Aizen's trust- believing that the end result, in which he hoped to kill him, would ultimately justify the means by which he carried out this task."

He spared a glance to Rangiku before continuing. "As Captains, we are often faced with difficult and even painful choices..." Hitsugaya went on. "However, as Captains, we must be prepared to accept the burden that comes with making unpleasant choices- because we have taken oaths to put the good of those we command before that of our own." He reasoned. "And so, if ensuring justice and the continued unity of Soul Society means being hated, then I am prepared to shoulder this burden and live the consequences."

Rangiku felt her breath hitch, and had to struggle to compose herself.

Hitsugaya continued. "Given all this, I find myself in the difficult position of taking part in deciding the legacy of a man who was not simply a respected Officer, but someone who was regarded by many as a beloved friend- including my own Lieutenant." He paused again. "However, even knowing this, I chose not to recuse myself... Because the truth, no matter what form it takes, is what matters. And it is on this belief that I argued my case to my fellow Captains."

Ukitake then stood up, offering him a simple nod. "As Hitsugaya-san said, the mantle that comes with being the Captain of a Division is heavy one." He began. "The ultimate question is whether or not the ends justify the means." He then paused. "Did Captain Gin Ichimaru willfully go against his oath to Soul Society... Yes. Do these actions- in and of themselves- make him a traitor... No."

The older, white-haired Captain cleared his throat. "Gin Ichimaru will retain his rank as Captain, his name will be added to the Officers' Memorial, and he is to be buried with the full honors befitting his position and rank within Soul Society." He finished.

Hitsugaya briefly looked to Rangiku, quietly noting that she was smiling in spite of the tears running down her cheeks. Their eyes met briefly, and he spared her a small smile.

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Orihime hugged the crying Rangiku, offering both condolences and congratulations to the emotional woman as they embraced. For the moment, the hearing was in recess, giving the Officers a chance to get some air and commiserate with each other.

The two women turned to see the figure of Kira Izuru approaching them, the slender blond Lieutenant had a conflicted look on his face- clearly torn between his need to cry and wanting to show a brave face in front of Rangiku. Before he could say anything, Rangiku captured him in a crushing embrace that left him red-faced even as tears trickled from his eyes.

When the hearing recommenced, the Captains returned to the Central Chamber. The most pressing matter left to address was in regard to the Arrancar.

"While Aizen is finished, much of his legacy remains, not least of which being the Arrancar that we have come to know- both during and after the war." Ukitake began. "In the wake of this devastating conflict, Soul Society now finds itself humbled by our inability to see that one of the most evil and corrupt being to ever live was right in front of us, walking among us as one us."

"We cannot forget that Aizen was one of us, a man held up as a paragon of both what a Shinigami and a Captain of the Gotei 13 should be." Unohana began. "And yet, now, we have seen the true nature of this man- the essence of the monster that he is, twisted and empty... I think that we will all have to give some though to what evil truly is." She continued. "And while we have seen a Shinigami commit acts of great evil and cruelty, we have also seen that the Arrancar are capable of feeling compassion, honor, and empathy for others- traits I believe we share."

Nanao spoke up. "If the Arrancar and the Espada were the vicious monsters that we all assumed them to be... Then, I would not be alive, nor would Captain Kyoraku, Ukitake-san or Unohana-san, we and others would be dead... But we're not." She paused, collecting herself. "I, I apologize for speaking out of turn, and for overstepping my boundaries." The woman clasped her hand over her face to in an effort to hide the furious blush of embarrassment she now felt.

Bayakuya cleared his throat, gathering everyone's attention. "Clearly, we are all under a great deal of stress at the moment..." He began calmly. "So I rather doubt any one here will begrudge you for giving voice to your feeling on this matter." The Captain offered. "Now, with the ceasefire between our two sides now in effect, I feel it is time to address the matter of the Arrancar still within Soul Society."

Lilinette elbowed Stark. "Oh right..." He mumbled. "Aside from myself and Lilinette, Tia Halibell and her three Fraccions, Szayel, Ulquiorra and Ggio Vega... There are eleven Arrancar, most of them being either Numeros or Adjuhas level." He revealed with a yawn.

"The lesser Arrancar, what is there intent?" Hitsugaya asked.

Halibell took over for Stark. "They wish to return to Las Noches and rebuild... For them, it is the safest and most defensible place in Huecco Mundo."

"And you, Halibell-san," Unohana inquired in her usual serene tone. "Is it also your intention that you and your companions return as to Huecco Mundo as well?"

The blond Espada shook her head. "Huecco Mundo is not safe, especially for females, and I would not wish to place my three Fraccions in danger if possible."

Unohana was quiet for a moment. "Are you requesting... asylum in Soul Society?"

The Lady Espada nodded. "Yes," she replied. "In exchange, you may consider the abilities of myself and my three Fraccions at your disposal, should you need our strength- be it protecting your people and the city, or in hunting down wayward Hollows in the human realm."

"You would help us to kill the Hollows, are they not your own kind?" Lieutentant Sasakibe asked the tall female before them, his expression slightly aghast at the notion.

"I assure you, while we may have begun ours existence as mindless Hollows, our evolution places us as far above them as the humans are to an amoeba." Szayel interjected. "Given the opportunity, they would consume us just as they would Humans or Shinigami." He added. "My own research indicates that the Arrancar have the potential to become a sustainable species- it is my scientific opinion that our kind is becoming a race unto itself, divisible from the Hollows."

Everyone was taken back. "It's not common knowledge outside of Huecco Mundo, given the animosity between our people..." Szayel paused. "When we evolve to the point that we regain the sentience we possessed as humans, so too does our physiology mirror our human origins." The pink-haired Espada explained to them. "My own research on the Hollows revealed a number of common genetic defects within them- most notably a defective X-Chromosome and the absence of key protein strains."

Unohana stood. "While not a polimath scientist like you, I am a trained physician, and therefore am versed in the medical sciences- including biology." She continued. "By your own reasoning, am I correct in assuming that it is your assertion that the Arrancar are capable of reproduction?"

"Yes, Lady Unohana." Szayel replied with a respectful nod. "Though, such biological functions would be most likely present in the more evolved members of our kind."

"Stark-san," Unohana began calmly. "In your estimation, what would approximate the total number of Arrancar advanced enough to meet the criteria of his theory?"

Stark yawned, appearing to consider the matter. "Uhh... Well, If I had to guess," he paused, running the numbers in head. "Counting the remaining Espada and Fraccions, the Numeros and the unnumbered Ajuhas-class Arrancar..." Lilinette, sensing that he might drift off while counting the numbers in his head, preemptively elbowed Stark in the ribs.

"Ugh." Stark grunted dully. "Between here and Las Noches... I'd say it was somewhere between fifty and a hundred, give or take a few." He finished, shrugging his shoulders.

The female Captain sat down. "It would seem that there are larger concerns involved..." The woman remarked evenly. "If Grantz-san is correct, then we must pursue a permanent peace with the Arrancar as soon as is feasible, and take all possible steps to help stabilize their population."

"Captain Unohana, if I may ask..." Sasakibe began. "Why the sudden urgency, how exactly does this information change the timeline for establishing a peace treaty?"

"If the Arrancar are allowed to regress into a state of barbarism, it is likely that they conclude that we are a threat to them." Unohana replied evenly. "If what he says is true, then any further conflict with the Arrancar would be tantamount to the genocide of an intelligent species." She explained, her tone now much more serious. "However, if the Arrancar become a self-sustained culture, with a stable society of their own, then we could potentially eliminate a future threat and gain a powerful ally in maintaining the stability between the realms." The dark-haired woman reasoned.

Hitsugaya smirked. "Given all that has happened, perhaps a future with the Arrancar as our allies is not quite as impossible as it might seem- I would welcome their friendship, if only to avoid another such tragedy as the one we've all lived through."

"I believe that Szayel's theory bares exploring." Nemu remarked. "As the acting-head of the Twelfth Division, I am confident that our facilities would be ideally suited for the task." She offered the others seated at the table. "I need only your consent to begin at once."

"Perhaps, but for now, we still need to address the matter of the others." Byakuya replied, maintaining his usual air of composure. "Stark," he continued. "is it then also your wish that you and Lilinette be allowed remain here, in Soul Society?"

"Yes!" Lilinette answered for them. "Stark is so freakin' powerful that any place we stayed would be a hundred percent safe!" She declared. "Stark could drive off Hollows or any other threats in his sleep, in fact, that's what he usually does..." Stark groaned at this. "And don't forget about me, I'm really strong too! Just ask Shiro-san, the two of us had a great fight!"

Everyone promptly turned to Ukitake, with looks varying from confusion (Hitsugaya) to gentle amusement (Unohana), only for the Captain to shrug at hearing the nick-name.

"Er, yes, well that leaves Ulquiorra and Ggio Vega." Ukitake managed. "I already think I know what Ulquiorra's answer will be..." He added. "So then, what of you Vega-san?"

"Ah, me?" He asked, not expecting to be addressed personally. "Well, if it's alright with you guys, then I'll stick around and help out too." He offered them enthusiastically.

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

In spite of her posturing and fervent denials, it was clear that Lilinette had become oddly attached to Captain Ukitake. The white-haired Captain had picked up her efforts to impress him hidden within her boasting during the hearing, just as he remembered the way she'd hovered over him protectively in the wake of his coughing fit- when he'd pleaded for the others' lives.

"Stark-san, Lili-chan." Ukitake began, approaching the two. "Given your desire to remain here within Soul Society, you'll need a place to stay." The Captain continued. "There are rooms to spare back at my family's home, and I would welcome you as guests of the Ukitake Estate."

Stark placed a hand over Lilinette's mouth before she could reply. "Are you sure about this," the tall Arrancar began. "Won't it cause problems for your family to have us in the house?"

"Not at all," the white-haired Captain replied. "It's a big house, far too big and far too quiet for the few people presently residing within it." Ukitake continued gently. "When I was young, the house was full of people, but now... Well, there's no use dwelling on the past." He reasoned. "And this old man could do with some company," he continued with a wistful smile. "and there's a particular tree in the rear courtyard that I think would be well suited for you, Stark-san."

"Shiro-san," Lilinette began. "You're not old, you just feel like you are right now because you're tired from all the fighting and your sickness." She offered with a broad smile, as the two of them fell in step with him as he walked the path back to his home.

Ukitake paused, then smiled at her. "Yes, perhaps you're right, Lili-chan. Unohana-san does often says something similar to me- that you're only as old as you feel." He recounted, still smiling as the three of them walked. "And, now that I think about it, I am feeling much better."

And so, the Ukitake estate had found itself with two new unusual residents. Though Stark was more a decoration at times, preferring to spend his time sleeping in the shade of a large tree behind the house when not needed. Captain Unohana, while on regular visits to check up on Ukitake, had taken a quick liking to Lilinette- with Ukitake serving a second father figure to her, as she more akin to a wayward (preteen) girl that her fellow Captain had "adopted". Regarding Stark, the two Captains found it uncanny how much he reminded them of Shunsui Kyoraku- especially in his lethargy!

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

As for Halibell and her Fraccions, the four of them were content to take up residence in the unused rooms in the female dorms of the Shinigami Academy. Halibell had made it clear to the other three females that they were guests and therefor expected to behave. When not assisting the Officers in various duties, they could usually be found lounging around the grounds.

The young Shinigami women, while at first unsure of the imposing female Espada, eventually came to view the Tercera Espada and her Fraccions as a "protective" presence- a welcome safeguard against any Hollows that might find their way through the weakened barriers, into the Seritei. After a while, Sung Sun, Appacci and Mila Rose had actually begun "coaching" the female cadets in self defense and how to properly wield a sword. Halibell soon realized, after some consideration, that she'd unknowingly taken on the position"Den Mother" to the girls in the Dorm (her own and the Shinigami).

Ggio Vega had also taken up residence in the male dorms, though he spent most of his time hanging around the Division 2 Barracks, eagerly offering to help Captain Soifon in any way while she was recovering from her injuries. The cheerful Fraccion's presence had generated a mixture of reactions from those around her- ranging from muffled snickering, to knowing looks from her female colleagues in the Gotei 13. However, for the slender Captain, she would only blush furiously and issue sputtering half-threats to in response to the smiling Arrancar frequent offers of help.

She hated the idea of relying on a man- of any species!- for help. But the only reason why she couldn't bring herself to attack him outright was because she grudgingly realized that his drive to help clearly stemmed for a genuine desire to help- rather than the pity she suspected drove the men around her. And so, she'd found herself being carted around like luggage by Ggio- who insisted that it was the obvious duty of a male (man) to see to it that an injured female (woman) not be forced to limp about on her own. The most embarrassing incident came when he'd outright scoped her up into his arms- like a princess in a little girl's book!- and cheerfully carried her to her appointed meeting with her remaining officers!

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Szayel had taken up residence in the barracks of the 12th Division, effectively taking over the scientific facilities (with Nemu's full support). Despite the sudden change in leadership, the Division continued functioning just as it had before the war... Perhaps even better now, given the transformation that Nemu seemed to be undergoing- from meek, docile drone to a capable Second in Command.

Szayel had been inspecting one of the labs, when he sensed Nemu nearby. He turned around, a smile gracing his lips at the sight of the woman. "Nemu, my dear, there will be much work ahead of us in the days to com." The Arrancar began softly. "Are you ready to move forward- not as simply another assistant, but as my partner in this endeavor of ours?"

Nemu watched as he closed the gap between them. "Yes." She replied softly.

He gripped the sides of her shoulders and looked down into her eyes. "Excellent, my darling Nemu, I look forward to seeing how beautiful your wings will be."

(- End of Chapter IV -)

Final Word Count: 5,486

I decided early on to try to keep the chapters between 4000-6000 words (9-11 pages) long... So far, this hasn't been the case. I mention all this because I want to post on a regular basis, and keeping the chapter lengths within these parameters means that I can post more reasonably sized chapter more often then I could if the chapters were longer. However, this has lead to some interesting results, such as what was supposed to be three chapters ending up as five in the final draft! However, this also allowed a lot of scenes to get more attention then they would have originally gotten in the first drafts.

-Bojack727