A/N: Well after waiting a moment it appears that things have stepped up a notch, as Kousou's adventures in Hueco Mundo continue on his quest for increased combat potential, has he forgotten his true purpose of escape? Find that out and more in this chapter, now on the fic!

(End A/N)

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or any of the characters from the series, I just own my character Kousou Yuushin, his parents, and any other side characters I introduce not of the Kubo brand.

(End Disclaimer)

Chapter IX: The Rewards of Sacrifice

As the morning came (or what was the equivalent in Hueco Mundo) Kousou awakened to a clean feeling and the close warmth of something much warmer than a blanket. To his surprise he found Apache's arms around his midsection, her face pressed to the side of his hair, and a firm grip that had no intentions of letting him go even after he'd awakened. Kou decided to test this by squirming and found her face pressing into the back of his neck as he turned in her arms; she drew him closer instead of allowing him any space.

"Going somewhere Kou? You know very well that I said 'I can't wait until morning'; did you think that I was finished with you? Last night you were tired but that does not matter with today in mind." Apache said this with a grin while she gave his waist a soft squeeze.

He blushed at her actions and rubbed her arms, unable to think of anything to say at the moment, instead he pressed into her that much more and led his fingers to stroke along her side; he had already given up because he knew that if she wanted, she could easily overpower him she really wished. He couldn't escape and that's all the clutching was telling him right now.

She had Kou in her grasp and had no intention of releasing him, why would she allow him to walk off when he was here in her arms? Until he was needed for something, he was staying right here and it made her feel relaxed.

"I do not wish to ruin the mood, but this morning I am being summoned in a few hours, it is my time to show Harribel-sama my improvements." He said told her a fact that was later of the day.

Though truth had been told he was getting out some time before if this worked out so that he could challenge Kazashiryuu and defeat her in battle. He needed her power, he would put it all on the line this day; all of this training and the force he had endured up to this point. It would be his victory or a fate probably nearing death if he failed. If anything his Zanpakuto was extraordinarily effective at finishing a fight quickly as he'd found out in the past by sparring with her.

Though he was brought from his thoughts by another soft lick to the back of his neck while she held onto him, it was certainly enough time that she could enjoy feeling him close for a time.

"Then I will do you a favor, you're going to spar with me. Only then will you be leaving freely." Her words full of that usual resolve that she held but her face holding a rather wide grin, this reflecting a chance to remind him of who held his time right now.

Kou didn't bother to question her reasoning or whatever idea she might have; at the very least it would be something that he needed to warm up and this was a good chance. This would allow him to test his sealed form against her and his shikai, had he improved from the first time he faced them? He was able to stand against them briefly, then he had to release for the extra power.

While he knew that Apache trained rigorously day in and day out, he wanted to see if his steady momentum in his personal growth would continue?

"Just a few moments to stretch myself out and get ready, for that I would need to get dressed." Again he told nothing but a truth that she both knew and annoyed her.

Instead of demanding more time with him, she decided to be kind on this issue. Since he would give her something else that she loved to do, like spar, she could forgive his narrowed use of reasoning against her.

Leaving Apache the main room to re-dress, Kou went into the bathroom not only to change into the fresh pair of clothing that he picked out. Though he knew she was staring at him the whole time, he didn't let it pressure him any. He had been the object of two arrancar pretty steadily, he guessed that he was finally getting used to the looks.

However a swat on the backside sent him stumbling into the bathroom and made him blush. If it took him this long to get used to looks, then it would take longer for the swats and touches; that is if he ever really did.

After refreshing himself for the day and awakening himself completely, Kou took a few moments to stretch and once he stepped out of the bathroom and was met by a serious looking Apache.

"And now I want you to show me some of your power, I won't ask you go too far since Harribel-sama will want to your strength at full. But you are going to show me some of what you throw around. I've noticed that your style depends on your skill and technique, while you express your strength within limits. It is somewhat effective unless your opponent isn't going to allow it." Apache was basically explaining the difference between them.

Kou nodded to her words since that was his choice of battle-type, he preferred expending as little power as necessary and tried strategy or tactics in a bout. Spar or otherwise he preferred conservation.

"My whole point Kousou is that against most Arrancar you won't have that option. As you'll find out with me when we spar what kind of opponent most arrancar play as, heavy on power and very little worry about overall power. You are not one of us not nearly as resilient, but you are durable which probably comes from the hollow power freely flowing throughout your body. Learn that strength and you may yet become a better match for others like us." She grinned at that, holding pride in being what she was.

There was never any doubt with the arrancar and Kou found that admirable, it was a pride that was unlike anything he'd ever seen. It reminded him of something that his father had told him at one time.

'Son we are neither hollow or shinigami, we walk a strange path you and I. There are others like us, but again not quite the same. All I mean for you to understand is do not think of it as Black and White, but a stream of gray when wielding your powers. You never know, it might actually become more if you focus it.'

Those words didn't make a whole lot of sense then or now really. But he did believe he was starting to understand just what his father meant. Both powers were his to wield and in that right his duty to learn well.

With these thoughts behind him he walked to the open window and leapt onto the ledge and looked back at Apache before jumping down to the sand. He didn't have time for a long spar, but it would be enough for a few passes; it was all a matter of concentration given how close to the surface his powers ranged.

As he landed on the sand some odd feet away from the room he'd been staying at, he turned and prepared to engage in Hand-to-Hand to first things off; he would take this step by step and see just where he ranged in skill. As he noted Apache's presence and her ready stance, there was no other moment to wait as he watched her disappear in a raw flash of speed.

Her use of Sonido was flawless as she traversed the ground before her and appeared in the following instant; her fist launching at his face. The blow was well aimed, but since Kou had been aware of her movements, he managed to sidestep her punch and grabbed her arm, tugging down on it to use her own momentum to launch her.

The tactic had succeeded and Apache was launched if only briefly, as she skillfully twisted her body and straightened out in midair before landing on the sand. To her surprise Kou was already there and launching a blow for her midsection. Still she managed to align her body to the left of his punch and allowed it to pass harmlessly along her stomach. Sweeping her fist in a backward sweep aimed for his face, at this range she didn't imagine that she'd miss him. The thought was right since she was met by both of his forearms which sent him sliding backwards along the sand, while he ducked low and brought his foot into a rising arc aimed for her cheek.

The kick was easy for her to avoid and was easily dodged, to Apache's credit she had watched him enough times as he practiced the strange kata forms he had from time to time. She knew that it was not without purpose. He held a unique skill, but again he was trying skill to her power, she'd show him the error.

The strength difference became very clear as she batted him backwards in his tracks once again, as he blocked two blows and avoided another: a punch, a kick, and shoulder ram that grazed him. He wasn't bruising like he was earlier, but this wasn't doing him any good either.

"I will need to toughen up my body." He said as he released more reiatsu in that instant upon drawing his Zanpakuto.

The short match did continue on a different level, now his Swordsmanship vs. Apache's hierro. The testament would be that he could even in his sealed form cut through her iron-skin; it was something that she wanted to know. He was too soft to know what she had planned, but he'd figure it out when she stopped holding back. Was he strong enough to do so? If he could, then she would think that he had a better chance of survival and thus it was for his own good.

His zanpakuto was held at a length and the moment that she swept her fist at him, he blocked her punch with the flat of the blade and spun it lightly around the edge of her arm to thrust at her chest. Casually Apache's free wrist blocked the strike of the katana and then swept her knuckles to punch the blade down before moving in on him.

Ducking her up close punch as she moved in, he swept the sword at her face and aimed it for her neck. To the point, Apache avoided the zanpakuto along her armored wrist; the interesting thing was the fact that she was masterfully controlling his zanpakuto's aim, attempting to force him into a defensive point.

She locked him down and once again despite having fair skill with his swordsmanship; Apache was once again forcing him to draw back almost completely. This was becoming clear as each moment passed forward, his mind quickly retreated to one thought: his hollow powers.

Without a word while he drew back, his zanpakuto's tip glowing a soft navy if just for a second before his sword released a navy and gold edged bala, aimed straight for her form. It was meant to be a surprise, but since he'd learned that hollow powers were so similar to his Quincy in nature of being focused; it was only a simple matter of applying the rules to it.

The theory paid off, given that the bala struck home on Apache. She stumbled back a few times from the impact of the blast and growled. It was sudden and not very powerful, but it was enough to throw her off, it gave him time to thrust at her face; which she narrowly sidestepped and kicked at his feet. Kou leapt over her feet and nimbly jumped some few feet over her kick and flipped once before landing with his back to her.

As Apache took the bait and rushed him with his back turned, she was met by the edge of his sword, being used to guard his blind spot; she pretty much sliced her own left knuckle against the sharp end of his blade. The result was what she hoped, as the blow sent Kou into a somersault forward and caused him to land on one knee, with his zanpakuto directed to his right.

While she wished to continue it would simply have to wait until later. They had been sparring for about a half hour now and she knew that time was of the essence.

"Alright Kousou, not too bad with those tactics, it seems that you listen well. But we're not done here, I'll let it slide since you gave me a good rest last night." Her grin followed that up, before she kissed his hair and hugged him once.

It was strange to see her acting so affectionate, but the swat on his backside told him that she was still mostly herself. Still affected by the change of being with him, he didn't question it and instead just used Shunpo to find a quieter spot to claim his Bankai. There was nothing that would be peaceful about it, but he imagined that it would be fine in the long run.

-Somewhere in the desert—

After sometime of dashing Kou had found a good spot that was surrounded by dunes, he had about an hour before he would be his skills would be checked out by Harribel-sama. This was for his ability to protect himself, for the strength to defend those important to him; indeed how blurred that line had become since his arrival here.

Without a single word necessary to his zanpakuto, Kazashiryuu emerged from the sword and stood upon the dunes with a look in her eye that spoke of her intentions: she demanded a match to see who was stronger.

"Are you capable of controlling my powers? Come Kousou Yuushin, prove your power." she said while holding her hand out and forming the sword in hand, her released form, the ornamental chokuto held firmly in her grip as she started towards Kou in an instant.

Immediately a clash between the two resounding with a heavy echo of their matching zanpakuto meeting in mid-swing; as Kou had just barely kept up with her pace and released his shikai at that instant of seeing her adjacent sweeping blade. Almost immediately following the initial clash, both fighters disappeared in use of shunpo, another burst of reiatsu scorching the air from their meeting swords.

After about four more of these energetic crashes, Kou could be seen sliding backwards across the sand, trying to regain his footing as Kazashiryuu belted him across the face with her free fist, sending him into the air from the monstrous force behind the blow. As she gave chase, she found herself quite disappointed with his level of power, was this it? He was just barely stumbling about and he was supposed to submit her?

"Is this all the training has done?" she yelled after him, her face stern and her eyes cold. She would force him to show her his true powers; she could sense he was trying to conserve, this would not do if he were to control her powers truly.

Just the mention of his training had brought him back to his thoughts, he was a young man of many thought out plans, always one to think about the finer devices or skill required, even having the power he'd gained through his torturous training under Aizen's regiment daily, he hadn't lost that edge.

Now it was time to gain a new edge, he needed to surpass his formal self and knew that he desired some fighting edge personality. It was a method to surpass his old state from the day before; just thinking about it had made his mind tense with something he'd never felt before. There was a desire, something inside him that had begun to blossom since coming into the harsh environment of Hueco Mundo.

'You make me proud at times to be your other Kousou, to think…you're finally figuring out what I've been showing you!' The gleefully dark tone coming from his hollow half had brought him something else; a spark of anger that he rarely touched upon.

Even as Kazashiryuu pummeled his body, launching him into the air once again and striking him repeatedly; Kou's newfound feeling didn't dull down. It was a growing hint of something that he couldn't quite understand.

No words came from Kou as the last blow Kazashiryuu gave him, shot him deep into the sandy dunes; while she stood above in the air looking down at him and shaking her head.

"I'd always thought you to be stronger than this…you who learned my power, wanted to know my name…you who've been my friend as well as my partner for this long. To think I would crush you so easily, it saddens me Kou, but I will not take it easy on you; Prepare for the end!" her tone was full of just what she promised, his untimely death.

While she took the moment to surge with reiatsu, she had no time to respond to Kou's sudden appearance in front of her.

"Sokatsui (Blue Fire, Crash Down)!" the instant he appeared, the chantless spell hit her point blank and sent her flying backwards.

In that instant she tried to recover she sensed his presence behind her again, only in time to hear the name of the ending words of the chant; she quickly realized what kind of trouble she'd been in.

"…The sound of warring spears fills the empty castle! Hado#63: Raikoho (Thunder Roar Sear)!" at that instant the powerful, fully spoken words of the commanded destructive spell resounded.

A violent blast of the wave echoed out across the desert and could be felt by anyone who had any sensory skill of even the smallest kind. That instant that it hit off, it was clear that Kou was not where he said he was; still with little over 20 minutes his fight for his Bankai needed to be over.

These thoughts still passed through Kou's mind as he drifted downward, forcing his body to feel past the pain that rattled his body from the second point blank spell he'd used; Kou landed on his hands and knees. Feeling the shock of his smoking attire, that had been reckless move but he knew that his zanpakuto felt it.

He had to finish this with her before she had time to rise or recover at all: he was thinking now of a relentless assault on his sword as the best method.

"I didn't think you had it in you Kousou, that took guts…but you'll need more than even that to defeat me. Now come, we haven't much power left after that, so let's see how much more resolve you can show me." Kaza's voice was polite and full of surprise.

As he turned to his face Zanpakuto spirit, he saw her big smile and her acknowledgement at his surprising her. But this of course was over the moment she ended her sentence: this would be finished in the next few moves.

Again a short silence before Kou's use of Shunpo and a clash of their blades once again showed the re-initiation of their intense combat; unsuspecting eyes were upon him. While Kou's timing and even planning had been masterfully done, his absence had not gone unnoticed by his fellow fraccion. Both Mila-Rose and even Sun-Sun had come to see what the subtle elevation of reiatsu that had been so close to the palace compound.

Both had been surprised by the action they found upon arrival and while neither spoke of it, one could not deny the impressive sight of Kou's efforts. They had been joined by an annoyed Apache who had earlier on returned to her room, believing Kou was off to see Harribel-sama. When she arrived at the spectacle she was full of annoyance at first, but shortly seeing what the battle going on was about; was suddenly full of questions.

Who the hell was that with Kou? How did she have his sword? When did Kou become so bold? There were many but she left it alone really, there was no point to get into it if he were busy. The battle seemed personal and she could respect that, she did not get involved despite her feeling to protect what was hers arose.

While the fraccion viewed the battle, none of them ever noticed Harribel's presence. Being a master of her own powers she had easily masked her presence; keeping the reiatsu pressure so low that she seemed no different than the casual surroundings of sand and small creatures running about. While having never witnessed such a spectacle before, she came to some easy observations from the scene that told her what was happening.

This strange female that had showed up felt almost exactly Kousou reiatsu-wise with subtle differences, she wielded the same zanpakuto that he had at the same instant he did, and she mentioned wanting to see his power before. The answer was simple: Kousou was attempting to subjugate his zanpakuto spirit in order to gain greater power. The answer was simple based upon his current standing as her fraccion.

She was certain he knew that even with his Bankai and hollowfication that he couldn't defeat her, especially without the skill necessary. Even with that he was in a place full of Arrancar who were more than willing to crush him if he resisted, there was no way it was for resistance…the reason while simple did surprise her somewhat. He was challenging himself so hard, so that he might have something to show for all of his training. This desperate action was to pull his wait for his current standing as her fraccion. There were other reasons she applied to this, but none of this fit his person as far as she knew.

He wanted to better carry his weight and have something in reserve for himself. He had pride but this wasn't about that, perhaps some odd combination of planning to leave and still attending his duties while in Hueco Mundo; she was sure it was some blend of what information that was in her possession. But still, it was stunning to see him go so far out of his way at all.

"Yet another noble sacrifice Kousou." These were the words of her choice as she watched another explosion of light and power.

The sky over the two had become dark with the elements, crackling thunder and even rain was falling; the more it intensified the worse that it got. All observers noted the strange weather and each had their own responses, but remained focused on the battle at hand; while reaching its climax it became clear it was to end and soon.

The fight was in the final moments of clashing had come to an end as a crackle of thunder resounded into the surrounding space.

"You've given a good show Kou, but its time we end this." She said as her chokuto ignited in a blaze of electrical discharge.

The bright glimmer of her sword showed her feelings of the need to attack, her focus to shatter Kou's will and perhaps end him in the strike. This was met by a determined whirlwind, held in Kou's hand as he offered no words and just ran at her. Gripping the blade in a two-handed grasp, and with the strike of the glowing lightning and the violent whorl of the wind; the final pass had been made.

Kou's electrified body fell to the floor, in the rain of his blue locks falling around his body like some kind of veil. It was to say that the strike was mutual, as Kazashiryuu fell from the sky and hit the ground with a heavy thud. Her kimono tattered by the violent winds that hit home.

"C-Congr..atulations…K-Kousou…my power…is now…yours.." her words came off barely a whisper as she fell back to the ground.

As her body fell lax, her body disappeared in a soft array of blue light and faded back into the zanpakuto. Kou hadn't been conscious to realize he won, after being electrified his body had given way to the wounds and pain he suffered.

For all of the strength that he had shown, the sacrifice given to this whole situation, he had impressed Harribel greatly, and to her thoughts now seeing her fraccion safe so he could recover took precedence. She made her presence known to the three arrancar women who had been observing it from a closer position.

"Well don't just stand there ladies, go and retrieve Kousou. He must be treated for his wounds, then we shall learn what his reasons were for attempting such a dangerous task." Feigning that she didn't know why Kou had done so, she'd get the reason or reasons from his explanation.

It seemed somehow to even out, Apache and Mila-Rose went down to collected the thrashed shincy and his zanpakuto. Then returned to Harribel's palace to tend to his wounds and put him to bed so he could sleep. All the while he was being looked over carefully by Sun-Sun, who was surprised that such a prudent boy would be this reckless. She was surprised and touched by the action in a strange way. But with each holding their own thoughts they returned to the palace.

-Back in Kousou's Room—

As Kou lay in bed, several hours later he awakened to the sounds of voices in his mind. There he could hear laughing from his other, Yami-kou was laughing at his condition.

'Nice work kid, you managed to defeat our lovely lady of the wind and claimed your Bankai. I feel stronger, but I understand that you like her in the control of our overall power. It is my strength that I feel is greater, you've got more to learn about the power I have within, that we have in our heart. Our hollow powers go deeper due to your Quincy potential, so let's tap into that purity alright?' it was funny to hear those words.

Tapping into his Quincy powers? He hadn't done that in some time, aside from practicing various spells: he had never attempted to claim the power that many Quincy feared. It was the power of the Quincy final form, strength to fight at a level surpassing a captain it was said…could he handle it? Regular Quincy could not due to their physical limitations, but he was also a Shinigami. His body could handle the surge…right?

But one thought for another time and this was not one of them that he was going to entertain with his body in such pain, after what he'd done during the past moments he wouldn't be trying anything for some time now. He considered returning to sleep, that it until he heard a voice that was not internal.

"It is good to see you awake Kousou and good to know that your reiatsu is stable now. I just wanted to know exactly what led you to do something that dangerous as trying to achieve your Bankai?" her words were to the point, simply to find out what it was that he was dealing.

"..I apologize for the dangerous activity but it was a necessity. I understood that I would not be able to achieve much at my current strength, that I would not pose a serious threat to those I might be sent out to face. I want to make you proud and to serve you justly Harribel-sama, the only way this was possible was attaining the power I now have." The statement was indeed the truth, withholding the latter that she already knew.

She nodded to his reasoning and seemed to be surprised with just the amount of dedication that he had within his heart. He was dedicating so much and it just disturbed her thoughts, this same feeling was what had drawn in her other fraccion. She knew of his many strange if not numerous dedications to Apache, Mila-Rose, and Sun-Sun. It was a strange kind of exchange he had with them and an even stranger connection made.

But being in his presence she was able to see it and be pleased with it, it was very surprising indeed. Kousou was a very special young man; she for one could admit that he had a strange charisma about him.

"Your dedication to me continues to surprise me Kousou, but it will not go unrecognized and I have decided that I will train your skills personal. I will ensure your knowledge of your hollow powers proceed beyond what I have taught you. This path will be hard but…I will see how far these powers can be pushed within your body. Just how far can these abilities go? Even I wonder that." Unlike the prior lessons where she'd seen him the basic understanding, she decided that he would learn more in-depth skills.

Kou was taken aback by her words and felt nothing but humble emotion filling his weakened body, he was feeling much better versus what he felt earlier on; but now it was a matter of wanting to rise and begin as immediately as he could. Though as things stood his body was still a little weak from the battle, the fact he'd gained his Bankai meant a number of things would change. He would be rigorously trained to use it once Aizen had learned of this; there were many new variables to think about.

The words of his superior brought him back to the present, the choice of words are what most stunned him.

"I will be training your Bankai personally…perhaps I will not be able to help you learn its power; but I will be able to help you hone the skill. React to true combat of a superior component, your strongest asset is your mind Kousou; I will force you to sharpen it and react carefully. You have the great tools of conservation, skill, understanding of your power but what you have now defies all of that. But you will learn that on your own as we continue your training." Harribel's personal interest had surprised him and in truth it left him wondering.

He was also happy in another way; this meant more time in the company of someone he was starting to like, perhaps he'd learn more of her in this presence. This made him think about his emotions: how did he feel about his fellow fraccion he'd become intimate with? Did this affect how he felt when considering their emotions on this matter? He had way of understanding it, he still cared about them.

It confused him again, how did one react to living this strange life of being shared like this? He was not an arrancar and yet his life had become something complicated beyond his comprehension. A hand on his shoulder settled his wary mind and those issues that were going through his mind, he was likely just thinking too far into it.

"If you are ready then we will start with your basics, then tonight there will be a dinner in your honor. For such sacrifices do not go unrecognized by me Kousou. You are giving a lot more towards your position. For your status as my fraccion and your excellence…I will at least hold you in tribute for one evening as the least I can do." She put a hand on his shoulder and showed that she meant it.

These were not mere words but were in that light something that the humble shincy had not thought much of. Simply doing what he had to be recognized by others not himself. Kou nodded and gripped his zanpakuto, sore or otherwise it would be good to be out of bed again.

"I am ready when you are Harribel-sama." He said as he rose from the bed and took to his feet, stretching his legs out and getting ready for the test of his power, he was sure that it would be something that pushed his limit at the very least.

Harribel gestured to the window as an exit for the great desert space, she was going to see the growth of his skill with his hollow powers and whatever else he chose to employ during this little spar as a test. As the two headed for the desert, Kou's mind was simply on doing his best instead of any kind of attempt to impress her. It was a spar and as he'd learned from his father it was nothing to get cocky or proud in; just to do one's best in.

Kousou and the time passed with relatively good progress as Harribel would make notes of during her charge's practice with her, he'd come a good way with the little skill he had with Cero and Bala, their understandings, and methods of employment as well. As the match had only begun, the time would simply blur together as the two traded off skilled blows with one another.

-Some hours later—

After the lengthy spar held on a whim, Kou had returned to his room to rest and recoup from the spar. Harribel-sama did not take it easy on him despite his early struggles with his zanpakuto's spirit, instead the rather stern but gentle push for his improvement was something he was glad for. He was after improvement and that was his greatest hope.

"I can do this...its not too far off after all." he felt very complete after his work earlier, he finally defeated Kazashiryuu and attained his Bankai, he was able to be pushed even after just a few hours of rest and having his wounds treated.

He wouldn't be treated so kindly on the battlefield and so it would be wiser for him to truly learn the art of battle; from the side of the arrancars now.

'That's the spirit Kou! You learn the art of the hollow from me, the art of the arrancar from that Harribel chick and the other three, we'll be stronger in no time flat.' This word of surprising approval of Kou's actions caught him off guard for a minute.

Though he was quick to remind Yami-kou why he was after this power.

'Thank you for the praise and we will be stronger together, but its more than that...we will have improved all that we have as a power. This will be for the sake of serving Harribel-sama, until we part ways I will not break away from my duties to her.'

The word was something that was most true about him, his dependability was always something that many a person could count on, almost considered the greatest asset and weakness at times to the shincy.

'Just see that you don't attach yourself too much to them Kousou, I'd say that devotion can easily blind you from our escape. It's the greatest thing you can achieve, I need you to wait for the right time to leave...alright? Your parents want you safe and the arrancar's duties are to look after you...but do not forget they are also why you are here.' Kazashiryuu spoke nothing but the truth and her words made Kou stop to think.

There was enough truth in her words to ring home with him, as he thought about it all she said was dead on. He was unable to do anything short of soaking in the tub. He hadn't even remembered getting here but of course it was of the way; his body was torn asunder by the combat from his superior. What he was fortunate for was the fact that their medics were so efficient at fixing his wounds whenever he got that, what appeared to be difficult was of course managing the extra hollow reiatsu used to heal him. It was strange the way that it drew out more of his darker powers.

It wasn't to say that he rejected the power used, but it lurked and loomed over him fairly well. He shut his eyes and let his body submerge entirely, letting his thoughts end away immediately. There was no point in letting himself meltdown with thinking, he was supposed to be relaxing here and not in thought. For the next 15 minutes, he spared himself from his own droning thoughts.

After the soak, Kousou was dressed and brushing his hair down neatly, his appearance was often kept neat along with his attitude and manners. Those same locks that earned him looks and a mocking fan-club while at school, had been something that the arrancar women loved. They did not think it too long or too girly? He did not let any negativity stop him from keeping the hair at its ever growing length. Quite the opposite, any mocking made him determined to keep it for as long as he could.

This along with appearance wearing another new freshly cleaned pair of his fraccion attire was put on, while around his neck a small sash worn in a tie, something that his father had given him to wear once he'd gained his bankai. The Yuushin family mark worn on the outside of the scarf's edge, he felt more accomplished seeing himself in the mirror with it on, another tied at the end of his hair, bearing the mark of the Quincy as a mark that he'd received from his mother; she instructed him to wear it whenever he achieved a goal of his.

"It looks good on you Kou, those weird little scarves make your hair more visible." the voice soft and full of soft laughs as a pair of tanned arms wrapped around his midsection from behind.

Mila-Rose's slender, yet muscular frame pressed to the back of his lean body, her fingers idly rubbing against his stomach and one hand sliding through the ice blue locks of his hair. As her face appeared over his shoulder, the smile present seemed to be something Kou hadn't seen before. She was certainly happy about something and the shincy wasn't able to label just what it was.

Her touches were not sexual advances as much as they were just gentle petting, she rested against his back and let her face nuzzle into his hair. Unlike Apache, she made no attempt to hide that Kou had given her a nice feeling of ease that she did not have before. While she was just as likely to do something that Apache would, she was also more likely to show her true feelings.

"You really are a rarity Kousou, I'd have no one else this close to me that I could trust. I thought all males were useless, then I found that you were different so...I'm glad that you showed up." she spoke the truth about that situation.

She would never have released those pent up feelings and been able to relieve herself as fighting as she did with him. Sharing him was annoying perhaps, but she could understand that Apache and even Sun-Sun would similar releases as well. It was good that Aizen-sama had made sure he stayed here, it made all of this much easier on herself and the others, Kou was accessible at most times due to that.

Kou was blushing at her words, she was putting the truth out so casually about it and telling him how special he was? It almost made him feel guilty for the fact he'd be leaving at some point. He worried about this whole thing, but he couldn't let the thoughts haunt him, that much he knew for a fact.

'I musn't...I can't let this get to me.' he said as his flesh flushed a deeper red, her hug was genuine as seemed to be the words spoken.

He knew without the shadow of a doubt that she was speaking truth, he dared not say a single word. He didn't trust his voice right now, this was exactly the reason he was torn between leaving or not. Why did fate have to laugh at his situation?

'Not so tough a decision kid, just decide whether you stay or go.' Yami-kou did not see his entire reasoning behind the struggle, why think so hard?

'It is not so easy since Kou's heart happens to be much bigger than you'll know. He gets involved with whoever comes into contact with him.' a fact that Kaza knew from having lived in his inner-world, too sweet and to that it could be a failing.

Both thoughts were silenced by a gentle nuzzle to the side of his neck from Mila-Rose, as he felt her rubbing his stomach still before speaking.

"Well come on Kou, the dinner in your honor starts in 10 minutes. I came for you early to get you to come with me." she said before letting him go and moving to the door.

She gave him a small wink and disappeared from sight, while in a few minutes was followed by Kousou. All thoughts in a jumble, he went into the main dinner hall and sighed before heading inside. So many thoughts going through his head and yet he remained calm in his demeanor. Taking a few deep cleansing breaths he managed to keep himself together, being on edge was troublesome and so he would no longer think of it; he needed it not.

Finding himself in his seat, Kou came out of the mental stupor, with all eyes upon him.

"Are you well Kousou? Are you still troubled from our spar earlier this day?" Harribel's words were calm but obviously asking about his troubled look.

Kou's face flushed in embarrassment at the question, having an idea of just what he looked like.

"N-No Harribel-sama, I have just been thinking too much again. It happens to me often, when I look into something too much." the answer was directly true and was why he looked the way he did.

She seemed pleased with the response he gave her and nodded lightly, before continuing with what she had been saying prior; unbeknownst to Kou who had been thinking too hard to notice what she was saying about him this whole time.

"..and to our newest fraccion who in this short month and a half with us has dedicated himself to seeing our successes above his position as a captive has caught my attention. It is to this evening that I wish to pay him a small tribute, for his efforts towards growing: in his concerns for his duties, in his wishes to properly carry his weight while amongst our ranks, and in power so that he would better serve these efforts." her words had simply acknowledged all the sacrifice he put forth.

In her eyes they were the ultimate sacrifice...he was a captive who would be forced to do as he was told had he not did so willingly. Part of this sacrifice was towards his survival perhaps, but the heart that he put into this was beyond that. Commonly not one to observe such drive towards someone in his position, what she most admired was the will to persist despite what he was put through. Why did Kousou go so far? What was it that drew her fraccion to him, they took their time to share his company and share physical closeness with this boy.

There were so many questions that the Espada had put to thought and had no answers for, even with the fact that she knew her ladies never trusted males, as hollows they despised all males and followed her without question; while they still did this now...there was something else with them always, even Sun-Sun. That something was Kousou, as despite their regular demeanors carrying on, each had their moments of softness and she attributed this to one source; that was this young shincy boy in their presence right now.

Even with her understanding of natures and seeing right into Kousou, there was nothing that she could identify in his personality that showed what attracted her ladies to him. It had in fact if anything been something unwanted at first, that did not surprise her with Apache or Mila-Rose in the slightest given their natures were so similar. If either saw a quality they enjoyed in something it was pursued directly, but even Sun-Sun had been after his presence. Whatever Kou was, it was surprising that even the most refined in habits amongst her fraccion had become physically intimate with him.

As she watched Kou blush and look down from the words spoken, she saw it there slight embarrassment and a very humble spirit. What was it about this, she'd heard the statement used by Grimmjow another day in the hall when she questioned his attack on Kousou. He said it bluntly and rude, but it seemed to shine in this moment she witnessed Kou's meek actions.

'Tch. You asking me something like that? It's because he's so weak and innocent, like a little wimp should be, but his will is undeniable.' It was those words in her mind that made resonated with the moment.

So it was his innocence, something strange in purity that hadn't left his person and that purity defined by his will. She admitted that to herself, his will to strive for what he believed in and take the path that he thought best, it reminded her of something similar within her own personal code that she followed to the letter. A similar will...perhaps that what was Kou was so acceptable as a fraccion. While suspicious at first, she felt she could trust him, this was why she herself had regularly spoken with him at least two times a week (or said equivalent in Hueco Mundo) over a cup of tea.

He was indeed an enigma and even to her powers of observation; he was one thing that Harribel herself did not fully understand. Was there even a way to approach this properly? She really wondered how to proceed, her curiosity now was in this young man who had already forged 3 bonds unceremoniously with her fraccion; was that the only way to understand him? Talking with him only gave her a fraction of what she hoped to gain in understanding from this very strange boy.

With her examinations put to rest for now, Harribel had announced that he enjoy the meal prepared for him this night; it would signify his acknowledgment of growth and she briefly spoke of some plans to help his training. Though the feast was what was most important this night, it was the eve that he earned his bankai and that was a great cornerstone for him in the margin of growth. A surprising feat for his age that had not gotten him killed despite the very early attempt to gain this power.

He was very surprising indeed and those amazing abilities would not go unrewarded for such sacrifice was paramount and usually gained the greatest involved in future goals. He would help the world that could exist without the sacrifice of others. The dinner went on to be a joyous occasion, surprising to the fact that was how open Kousou was with each of them, sharing some attempts at humor from what he knew personally, for hours these attempts at humor from Kou and jabs taken at him idly by Mila-Rose, the occasional snappy comment from Apache livened it up. Sun-Sun remained refined and reprimanded them both, which often got a small chuckle from Kou and a responsive glare from both of the ones reprimanded. Harribel herself could not help but be amused and happy that they seemed so happy, surely these times would not last in the near future ahead of them with the coming winter as they prepared for war. When they went to battle with the shinigami and many a life would be lost for the world without sacrifices.

A battle that Harribel would prefer not to fight if it was a choice...how she would have preferred the option.

-Several Hours Later-

The festive meal had long since past and Kou was once more in his room, having awakened from his nap that was taken in an effort to recover some more energy from his earlier spar. He had no idea how effective the arrancar were truly without weapons, Harribel-sama had been a force that he could not contend with at all; even with his full array of powers at use. Remembering briefly how easily she overpowered him even when Hollowfied when using his shikai, she pushed him right into the use of his bankai and then all become a blur of how quickly he fell.

It was the facts that he put together, that despite the ability to summon his Bankai, he could not use it properly as the powers were vastly beyond anything he could consider. Certainly the output of reiatsu was tremendous and he had a new weapons he was not familiar with, the lack of his knowledge is what made it easy for him to be defeated.

"So...I must learn the basics of what powers I possess with this form, expand my field of understanding and then consider how things work. In theory if I can think this out, then give it a try...it should work better." these words obviously just thinking aloud.

As Kou went to the boiling teapot and sat down on the cushioned chair in front of it, he continued the thought. Attempting to visualize as much as he could remember from his loss earlier, it wasn't a big deal to him that he lost. He did after all attempt to wield something that he had no experience with in battle, such a move would cause anyone to lose. Kou thought nothing of the knock at the door and rose, he was hoping that it was Sun-Sun and they could share tea in part as they often did on a night like this. Taking with another keen mind would help him analyze the situation once he filled her in on the variables.

However opening the door had earned him a shocking surprise, as he found his superior standing before him with her arms resting idly at her sides. Her calm but calculative blue eyes resting upon him intently.

"Harribel-sama, what a surprise, what brings you here this time of evening?" his genuine surprise did not break his habit of using polite mannerisms when speaking with her. He hadn't figured why she had come, since normally she would come the following evening for tea.

"I have come with few questions Kousou, something that has caused my curiosity to rise once more in your human nature. We are so alike and yet so different; you Vizard and we Arrancar and these questions are a result of my wish to understand your people better." her words understandable, questions to pose about casual human behavior.

Nodding lightly to her, Kou stepped back and offered a kind gesture with his hand.

"Won't you come in, Harribel-sama? We can discuss this over tea, I was brewing some fresh to help my concentration on some thoughts. However, I can always think about that later; I shall answer your questions." it was fairly standard.

She'd come with questions in the past and he'd answered them, surprising but certainly not out of the ordinary. Kou was honestly glad to have company, it was almost strange not to have company for tea. He honestly preferred it and of course depending on the guest the talk could be more interesting and intellectual in nature.

As she sat down across from him and awaited the rise of steam from the kettle water, she thought over the order of the questions she wanted to ask and chose to begin as the kettle started to whistle. Once Kou started pouring their cups of tea, she chose to wait until he finished and was looking her in the eyes.

She thanked him for the tea and picked it up, taking the moment to sip it before setting it back down.

"Well the most interesting of questions I had for you, was how you define human innocence? The concept of it is somewhat perplexing and not very straight-forward. I'd like to know if you have a personal definition or understanding of this?" the question pointed out her concerns with the specifics attached.

The question wasn't easy to answer, but after a few moments of thought, Kou would give her what came to mind.

"There is never any one answer to that as far as I know Harribel-sama, but something that I come to understand of the meaning...I'd have to say that it would be a part of someone that remains unchanged despite whatever changes their exterior, way of thinking, or even demeanor. It is the one part of someone that seems devoid of negativity or perhaps...depending on the person, a negativity that cannot be altered. Perhaps best said as the part of a person that shines through as a defining trait, they are likely unaware of its existence and it is seen by others." this shot was the best that he could come up with.

Some moments passed as Harribel went over what he said in her mind, she gave a light nod to his definition. It was something that she could accept and in a way it was probably the reason that Kou didn't realize the effects on those nearest him now. It explained a lot towards his devotion and how he wouldn't find that he was betraying anything in his life; he was simply being guided by that innocence within his being.

It was something she admired and also saw was a weakness with him, he trusted in what he did and that he was doing what good that he could. He was not giving anything of his own away at stake and he was willing to sacrifice, almost blindly for what could matter most with it. It was a powerful thing and probably what helped his will to become so tempered; certainly a trait she respected.

"I see, interesting choice of words for it. My next question is: Do you consider bonds to be something fragile and simple to break or something that once is made connects you to another no matter what?" her questions were few today, but set wide to try and gain a better insight on his way of thinking.

Kou only paused for a moment, this question was not at all hard for him to think about; he knew where his heart lay on that.

"To me, a bond if very special and nothing easily broken. I wouldn't say that it's unbreakable as that depends on the bond and who its between; but it is something sacred that connects one to another and even if broken...there is something forever connecting the two even after the bond's passing. Something from within, it is not to be underestimated as a thought or ideal. I believe...that those who treat bonds as nothing but tools of control will find that their foundation is nothing but an illusion." his words spoken with a strength from within, his belief in bonds was certainly if anything without question deep.

This added another moment to her silence, his duty was unquestionably strong, bonds were highly important, sacrifice was something that was worth it if the belief is strong enough. A lot of his reflections were deeper than she thought, holding a fraccion in good respect was what made her successful with those she worked with. It wasn't about strength, but about forged bonds and how deeply rooted they were. Harribel was deciding that she was ready to reach out to Kousou, she could trust him to be true and try nothing funny. To her now he was a true partner in creating the world without sacrifice; perhaps not as much as Sun-Sun, Mila-Rose, or Apache...but certainly he had earned her admiration in his convictions.

Her silence had left Kou wondering if he said something foolish or funny? He hoped that he hadn't embarrassed himself, these were nothing more than his truths after all. What he felt to be self-evident as defining traits for who he was, it was what forged his pride of the Quincy, binding it to his duties as a Shinigami, and what kept his link to the hollows all focused towards one goal: meeting anything he set himself to.

"Kou my last question to you is personal, of a nature that you won't have to answer is too personal, do you understand?" the question was simple and directed to ensure that he wouldn't take it personal.

"Of course, thank you for offering that Harriel-sama." he was thankful, since she could have easily demanded the answer.

He awaited the question and she proceeded to ask the question. It seemed that no one could have seen the question coming, if anything else it was certainly unexpected and hit him like a literal ton of bricks.

"My question is about your relationships with the other fraccion, do you feel the bonds that you have forged are strong and as binding? Your bonds are clearly visible, so it has sparked my curiosity to this interest. Are these bonds between you strong?" she was not attempting to embarrass him, it was truth in wanting to know how close this coupling had brought them.

She saw the bonds they had and noted that she had nothing like this with Kou. He trusted her, he admired her, he harbored a crush or general liking of her. But still this bond was nothing as close as what he seemed to share with her fraccion, it wasn't out of envy but it was certainly out of wonder. Did their physical connection in the evening bring them as close as it seemed?

Kou was now a tomato red and looking down, it was out of shame? Not so much just really taken aback by the whole situation. The question was one of the biggest curves that he'd had in some time, his bond with those three arrancar women...it was as close as she was thinking. He felt for each of them in their own way, but none the less it was a feeling akin to adoration for each of a different kind. They had been forced and yet he did not choose to turn them away, it seemed to be due to his open heart and welcome to his affections.

"Um...well Harribel-sama, I can say that...we are for the intents and purposes closer. B-but..it was not just the act, but I suppose what became of us after that. Feeling a bond, a link, a responsibility to one another. We see each other and yet are as more.." he said it in his best words; since it was so confusing this was the best that he could do.

His response told her just how completely he meant it, so it was something of a responsibility? Though the way he spoke of it and blushed, it seemed to be more emotional than that. This was nothing she'd ever known and likely in thought, the first time that it actually had caught her interest completely.

"I see, thank you Kousou. Your answers were very informative." Harribel thanked him for his time and his answers.

While she sat there and contemplated something, since she trusted him as much as she did there was something that was coming to her mind. His closeness to her fraccion made it easier for him to work with them. She would be training him and wished for them to have a communication of a similar nature.

While she sipped her tea and considered what steps she could take to assist Kou better, Harribel found herself at ease. Entirely comfortable despite the silence and the occasional sign of Kousou's awkward feeling. She noticed her questions had left him reeling, it was amusing in a small way to see his reactions to them.

He was getting himself under control while she was amused but of course this was still the point of focus. Harribel was rare to show emotion of any kind, be it amusement or even a small smile. But she was showing both, it was a good sign really that if anything Kou was good for unwinding with as company.

As Kou finished his tea and set the cup down on the table his mind was still gentle, devoid of thoughts as he more or less sat there. Blushing ever so slightly he could not help but feel that Harribel-sama was anything other than wonderful, after all her praise of him at dinner and taking the time to stay after the tea and questions; it was all more than he expected. This was simply due to his crush, he was half expecting her to be different towards him some how, but she never was. There were no awkward moments and for that he was thankful, his crush would be kept quiet and be continued unattended. That was the plan for him, it was what he told himself every time that he'd seen her following.

She was his superior, an arrancar, and even the enemy. But his crush did not change...nor did his feelings for Sun-Sun, Apache, or Mila-Rose. He was involved with them and cared about their well being, he was almost literally taken by the enemy a fool binded by his choice of duty bound to crash and burn. If he was...then so be it, his convictions kept him going this far and he told himself that he wouldn't change them.

As Kou brought the kettle and both finished cups of tea to the sink area where he would wash them, he was too far gone in thought to do much more than wash the small dishes to a nice fit of perfection. Once finished he put them aside and looked back to see that Harribel-sama had still been in the room. He was wondering what kept her presence in the room, after all usually once tea ended his guest would either leave or depending on her mood (had it been Sun-Sun) stay for something more.

"Kousou, I have decided something while you were away and I wish to inform of my decision." these words spoken as she rose, each step taken towards him was nothing short of something monumental.

His heart gently began to race as she stepped towards him, he had no way of knowing what was on her mind, but he was almost hoping it was something more...the calmness before her made that almost impossible to tell what it was related to. But his silence and gentle nod spoke his feelings; it let her know he was ready to hear it.

"Kousou, I will look into these thoughts more, they are of significant interest to me. To believe that one's response is better due to a bond forged originally through physical coupling." she looked at his eyes and then offered him a soft pat on the shoulder before drawing away from him and bidding him goodnight.

The smile on his face spoke volumes of his happiness, it was to say a manner of being acknowledged by someone that you looked up to; this was half right in this case here, he also harbored a connection already. It was one way of having more than he expected really, in the pursuit of knowledge she asked him questions; while some were awkward it was alright to answer.

This helped him realize facts for himself of course, just how much in some way each of those arrancar women had come to make some significant meaning in his life; despite the origins of their bizarre relationships'. As he knew Harribel had left this meant he was alone and in time to think; it would be a good time to go over his battle again, to find out what presently he did wrong in the spar. That was just how he worked, calm and calculated whenever he got the chance.

The door eventually closed and Kou assumed he was alone, he started towards the couch where he could sit down and focus. Discussion was good and he had two other voices at which to do that with, those were of course his ever present powers. As he headed towards the couch, two arms slid around his waist from behind and started guiding him towards the wider bed styled region of the couch nearer the window.

"Now don't you think that you've had enough thinking for a while? You achieved something today Kou...and I intend to sample the success of your labors. Tomorrow we'll be sparring since its your free day at least until the afternoon, Aizen-sama will be checking your progress and he has no idea yet of your Bankai...I'm sure he felt it like we all did; perhaps he ever guessed on it. But no more talk now." the strength of the arms and gently rubbing along his sides seemed to clear things up, Kou knew who it was despite the darkness of the room.

(-Warning: Mature Content ahead-)

At some point the light in his room had become dependent upon the moonlight, but this did little to hide the scent that had become synonymous with Mila-Rose. She had something of an inviting spicy scent when she was excited, how could Kou really tell? He wasn't honestly sure when he began to notice it. Though he imagined it was a side-effect of all of the hollow reiatsu he'd been given in order to heal his body faster. Sure enough he had felt a little more durable after each time he came into contact with the bizarre methods of healing introduced by the arrancar.

As he was laid on his back, Mila-Rose was proudly mounted in his lap with a big grin on her face. Why was she so happy? He wasn't really sure as to why and of course as she leaned down to him, he rose up and met her halfway with a kiss. He had really come to accept her at times rough affection, the teasing, the embarrassment that came with it. It wasn't honestly so bad once you were used to it and to be serious she had calmed down since he stopped being as well and full of manners as he often was. He let it slip just a little bit when he was around her or Apache due to their preference.

She was done speaking and thought about what fun they should have tonight and how, she took care to slowly remove her top while grinding down on his lap in a teasing manner. She enjoyed putting the pressure on him, to feel his body warming up against hers that just made her feel really feminine. While she knew it to her core, it was getting to enjoy enticing another, but most of all it was feeling sexy.

For Kousou it was always a different trip whenever he was with one of them, for him it was to get over his meekness. For he knew Mila-Rose was playful but enjoyed being on top, Apache was one for her dominance, and Sun-Sun was situational; with the few times that they'd been together she was mostly on top but had allowed him to lead once, before taking over midway. It wasn't all that surprising to him since the traits of one another were bound to rub off; when you worked/lived/shared space near or with one another it was very bound to happen.

"Jeez Kousou, I'll never know how you find even a free moment to think, let me take your full attention." she said as she lay her body against him.

Now pressing her muscular form against his body, her face leaning closer to his and for a moment her eyes resting upon his. How like a victim he was since she found whenever she become more into the mood, he smelled that much better whenever he was even the slightest bit intrigued by her. Capturing his lips with her own, Mila-Rose pressed the soft kiss and slid her fingers back through his long locks.

Having grown to love the taste of his lips, Mila-Rose loved to kiss him whenever she got the chance. It was how supple and soft they were against her own, just the same how soft his body felt to the touch against hers. His hands were roaming again, she could feel his fingers over her back and up her sides; it was nice to be desired even if it was by the meek boy. She could sense the intention and his wish to make her feel good, she knew that since their first time together he'd been steadily growing to like the activity as much as she did.

She could feel his body's waking desire to be active, feeling a lump under her clothed heat made her grin wider, finally he was ready for play. Careful to consider that he'd had a rough day already, she would play it soft tonight with him and just enjoy something a little less rough than what she preferred. He enjoyed any of them either way, but of course now the point was to ensure in the morning he could spar with her. But of course pleasure before business...that was why she'd come just after she was sure Harribel-sama had left his room.

(-End Mature Content-)

As Mila-Rose and Kousou shared their evening together, the next day would only hold more thoughts in focus; what lay ahead of young Kousou's path was only more difficulty as things continued on their path. His duties as a fraccion and forgetting he was a captive seemed to be part of the result. Something that in his own understanding was not an issue, however when faced with the problem there was no way to know for sure; there was only enough to know that the road of difficulty had only begun.

"He's the perfect subject, Gin...if you would in the morning go get young Kousou, he can test the strength of our newest bretheren. We will see if Wonderweiss is strong enough to hold his special rank. He would be as fitting as I expect, but to be sure a live exercise against a Vizard will do." the order was given and given nodded with that same grin.

Ever changing both Gin and Tousen knew that if that boy had any hope, it would be in Aizen's mercy and an order given to Wonderweiss to stop. For it would be Tactics versus a very estranged form of combat presented by Wonderweiss, would Kou survive? Only the new day would tell.

(End Chapter)

Sorry bout that heh, I cut out in the good stuff, but the reason being that I don't want these to be too full of mature content :o, I have quite a few of these scenes so far; I want to keep it evened out with a good chapter or two with as little of the love scenes as would be alright. Well for those who still read I hope you enjoyed it.

Till the next time I bid you adieu

-Quentix