After Ai had gotten dressed she and Sajin left the Sereitei, Sajin followed as Ai lead the way. By early noon they entered the Eastern Forests of the Soul Society. Not many Soul reapers or souls ventured into this forest, it was known for its dangers most people didn't even call it the Eastern Forests it was more commonly known as The Forest of Time. For it was quite literally untouched by Father Time's great power plants, animals, tress, and many other things lived here. The trees that grew here were ancient and huge, some of the trees were so tall that it was a good 20- 30 feet before you could reach the branches and the trunks were massive. A wide verity of trees surrounded them some so ancient that there names long forgotten in the passing of time. It was said that even the Hollows avoided this forest because of the creatures that roamed it, creatures said to be of massive sizes creatures said to eat both hollows and souls. Every one heard stories about this forest it was said when you entered the forest would shift swallowing the path leaving travelers to the fate of the forests' hunger. It was said that wild folk lived here and they were kept safe from the forest because they had given their souls to the trees and creatures that resided here. Some people would swear they saw the plants reach out and steal babies to never be found again. Sajin had come from the Forests of the West and even he had heard some rather disturbing stories when he still lived there with his family. He remembered a couple years back Captain Kurotsuchi had sent a platoon into the forest to scout it out and bring back samples of the plants and trees, they were also to catch live specimens if possible. But the platoon had disappeared their clothes covered in blood were found a week later at the outer most edges of the forest. Kurotsuchi had been livid and demanded that another platoon be sent in and find out the secrets that the forest had to hide. But the Head Captain had denied the curious Captain of Squad 12.

Sajin followed Ai they walked along a path although it the word PATH was used lightly it was little more than a long forgotten deer trail. He needed to be as alert as possible; there was an air of danger all around this forest. Sajin looked behind him at the receding path and it did indeed look like the trees shifted to swallow it. It also didn't help that all manner of plants grew over the path causing it to blend in perfectly with the forest floor. Sajin turned his attention from the grim thoughts of him and Ai never leaving this forest, he watched Ai. She made her way confidently and without fear along the hidden path they followed. There was no fear on her face if anything she looked… Content. "How is it possible for you to find your way around in here?" He whispered very quietly Sajin feared if he raised his voice the worst would happen. Ai stopped and looked up at her towering Captain she could sense the uneasiness pouring off him in waves. Ai smile at him with encouragement, "Don't worry Sajin as long as we stay together we'll be fine."

Sajin looked around fearfully she had said that as if they were back in the Sereitei, "But Ai don't you feel anything wrong about this forest? I mean listen what do you hear? Sajin whispered the forest was dead silent, "No birds, and no insects, nothing there isn't even any wind to stir the leaves with." Sajin had learned back in his own forest that if the trees were silent then something was wrong, for a forest was never silent. But this one was and it made Sajin uneasy, the trees also blocked out most of the sun. Even though the sun was at its peak today the forest was dimly light. Ai grabbed Sajin's large hand with both of hers and looked up at him fondly, "Don't take this the wrong way but the reason why you don't hear anything is probably because you're here with me. It doesn't surprise me you're a stranger here, I visit rather frequently but this is your first time here. But don't worry we'll be fine I promise you." Ai squeezed his hand reassuringly. Sajin nodded, "Alright then lead the way Ai."

Ai smile and continued on but her kind words did nothing for Sajin's wariness, there was a sense of foreboding in this forest and the stories kept echoing through his head.

It was now late afternoon Ai and Sajin stopped at the bottom of a hill "Alright my home is just over this hill." Ai said before she could lead the way again Sajin grabbed her shoulders firmly and made her face him. His voice was grave and firm, "Ai I know this may be your home but please stay close you may trust this forest but I do not!" Ai could hear the almost commanding tone in his voice she bit her lip and nodded. Sajin sighed in relief and released her she lead the way once more.

Ai lead Sajin up and over the hill which lead down into a large cluster of trees they were closer together then all of the other trees in the forest. Sajin walked carefully looking everywhere at once, it was still too quiet. They entered the tree cluster, Sajin took in his surroundings he noticed that there were what appeared to be tree houses in the canopies; they all were connected by bridges made of vines and planks. Sajin felt the uneasiness claw at his very soul once more this time with more force than before; he felt the hairs on the back of his neck prickle. Someone or something was watching them.

"HELLO!" Ai yelled loudly. Sajin lifted his hand and reached for her, so he could quiet his hand had just grabbed her shoulder and turned her around swiftly. Then it seemed as if all hell broke lose all at once. There was a yowl of rage and next thing Sajin knew he the trees began to rustle and shake violently. Sajin grabbed Ai into one arm and pressed her to him, while his other hand drew his zanpakuto swiftly. Howls, screeched, snarls, and many other animistic sounds sounded loudly.

"Alright show yourself!" Sajin yelled.

Figures descended from the tree tops swiftly it was like watching ants fleeing an ant hill, then a large shadow fell on them. Sajin snarled and turned and looked up in time to see something large crash into him from above, his zanpakuto knock from his hand. Ai was then ripped from him, bodies began to pile onto him.

"Alright you bastard lets see what color you bleed." a cold voice snarled above him. Sajin saw the flash of a blade being drawn, but Sajin was looking for Ai. He heard her scream something but he couldn't hear what over the sounds from the things piled on top of him. Sajin felt rage rush through him, he need to find Ai he needed to protect her!

Ai watched in horror as Sajin surged upwards through the mass of bodies roaring loudly, she saw him look around then his gaze feel on Ai. He charged to her more bodies flung themselves but he was unstoppable. Ai saw the dark form come between Sajin and her the knife flashed in the low lighting dangerously. Ai felt fear claw at her, she broke free of the restraining arms on her and rushed past the figure to Sajin.

Sajin grabbed her and held her tightly to him, his helemt was ripped off his head and gasps sounded all around him. But Sajin didn't care he bared his teeth at them and tried desperately to shield Ai with body Where is my sword? He thought looking for it.