Finally, this is the end of my story. I hope you've enjoyed it and please leave a review. This Chapter is much longer than the rest but I was attempting to wrap everything up in one go and try to tie up any loose ends. Fair warning, there is a lot of lemony sections in here... and I do mean a lot.

Shunsui sat quietly, weeks had passed since the invasion but still he found himself here every day. His eyes traveled to the bed where she lay, beside her sat her father. He never left her side once he finished dealing with the remaining demons, all had left within days of the incident. All eager to return to homes and loved ones that had been forgotten, all but him. He refused to leave her side, shunsui had thought that on the 3rd day with no food he would at least eat something but he refused that as well. He feared she would waken when he was gone but that was just a father blind devotion.

She was not taking the treatments well, in all the time spent here in the infirmary she did not so much as twitch a finger. Despite Retsu's healing abilities she could only heal part of her, the shinigami half. The part of her that was tengu rejected the treatments, so only her body was healed but her spirit was beyond mending... Beyond their ability at least. Utatori claimed that his tribe could restore her soul but it was not something that could be done easily and there was no telling how long she would have to stay with them. Far away from the soul society... He remembered Kenpachi's face when the option was brought up. He never thought he could see that man with such a hopeless expression but there it was. Hell, he couldn't say he liked the idea any more than him but what options did they really have now?

"Captain Kyoraku?"

The soft voice surprised him, he turned to see Retsu looking at him. He didn't even realize she had come in and next to her was Akon. "Sorry, seems you caught me daydreaming."

Akon lifted up a computer tablet for him to see. "We are ready to try and lower her restraints again today. Do you want to stay here?" He doubted he needed to ask, the answer was always the same.

"Yea..." His eyes went to the door way, he could see the side of Kenpachi as he waited outside with his back to the room. So he was here for it too. Her spiritual limiters were still set to 100%, every time they attempted to lower it her condition worsened as if the spirits inside of her where still fighting for dominance. Her father never stopped chanting, trying to build barriers inside her mind to keep Shoushin Konton at bay. He only prayed that it was working because they were running out of options. They didn't want to try moving her to the world of the living while she was unconscious but it was beginning to look like that's what needed to be done.

Outside the room Kenpachi kept his eye closed and listened to what was going on in the room, it was just like last time. Akon would lower the restraints by a percentage and Retsu would remark about her stability, it was frustrating being able to do nothing but wait but he had no place in there. All he'd do is take up space and being out here was no better, usually he would only come at night when there were less prying eyes to intrude on his time with her. Not like it was anything special. He never spoke soft words like her father, never stroked her hair like Shunsui. He still lacked all the emotions needed to be the type of man she deserved.

"Aren't you going in there?"

His heartbeat faltered for a moment when he heard her voice, he opened his eye and looked across from him. The thing that had Chitsuki's face and voice, Maneru is what they called it... "No." He gave her a low growl as he looked away, he didn't like her. Once all the commotion from the invasion was dealt with all of Squad Twelve's dirty little secrets came out about her implants and the mod soul they created. Apparently Akon managed to save the pill by mending it with his own reishi, he even modified her body. She no longer had the ruby jewel in her forehead and she cut her hair drastically short. It helped to make her look different but the face was still hers.

She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms in front of her chest, it was a well-known fact that she was not one of the more favored of people here in the sereitei solely because of what she is. It infuriated her, Nemu was an artificial woman as well so why did they treat her different? "Well we have high hopes she'll awaken soon." She walked to the open doorway and watched them work for a moment. "Her readings have been gradually stabilizing..." She continued to talk even though she knew he was barely listening but she was used to it by now. She listened to them work on lowering the restriction levels, between the demon's chants, the captain's healing ability and Akons adjustments they should be able to lower the restrictions to a safe level. She arched a brow when Akon turned towards her and gave a gesture for her to come in. "Come on." She spoke to the Captain again. "There's been a development."

He looked over in time to see her walk in and he followed but he didn't stray far from the doorway. Just far enough to hear them better.

"Her readings are holding steady at 90%." Akon wrote a note down in here medical papers that where on the nightstand before he turned to her father. "Your chants seem to be working, I think if we can get her back down to 85% of her power then she will have enough energy to wake up."

"Thank you..." His voice was harsh from going too long without liquid to moisten his throat and lips but he did not care. He was grateful for what they were doing for her and allowing him to stay.

Retsu handed the man a glass of water. "You need to drink before you lose your voice." She was impressed that he could go for so long with nourishment. His devotion to the child was a credit to himself.

He took the glass from her and sipped the water, allowing it to moisten his lips before he drank it down. He sighed deeply, he was worried for her spirit. Even with the barriers he was creating that blade's evil was strong. "I'm afraid you are wrong though..."

They all gave him a puzzled look. "What do you mean?" It was Maneru who spoke, she had been reviewing Akon's data along with him, there shouldn't be any reason why the girl shouldn't wake up.

He let out a heavy sigh as he rubbed his eyes. "Because she can't regain what isn't there... I'm afraid that when Chitsuki struck the final blow he managed to devour some of her soul before my wife could take control..." He took her hand in his and kissed it gently.

"Isn't there some way to get it back?" Shunsui took a step forward. "That thing is a part of her so shouldn't the lost part of her soul still be inside of her?"

"No..." He stood and walked towards the window, his eyes looking out at the vastness of the Soul Society. This place was a good world for her to learn many things but he wanted to teach her the arts of the Tengu. To let her fly in the mountain's air, to taste its sweet spring water and eat its delicious fruit. A world he dreamed of showing her the moment he knew of her conception but now...

"Can we replace the part of her soul that's been lost with another?" Kenpachi spoke at last which shocked them all, he had barely said anything when he was here. Even the sour expression did not change but at least now there was a little hope in his eye.

Akon thought for a moment. "It's plausible if we use the reishi transfusion devices that Captain Unohana has here in the hospital..."

"We can modify the devices." Maneru finished his sentence as she began to think on the adjustments needed. "But even then it's no guarantee."

Utatori looked at the faces of the two scientists, they were dead serious. He couldn't believe they could talk about a soul transfusion like it was a simple project. "You realize that the donor would be put in danger as well, for that person to give up that much of their own soul they could very well slip into a coma as Chitsuki is now."

"I agree with him. The risk, however could be minimized by taking from multiple donors." Retsu looked thoughtfully at the girl, she held a place in many hearts so there was no doubt there would be volunteers. "I am certain that Captain Kyoraku and Captain Zaraki would both be willing, yes?"

"Of course." Shunsui looked over to the other man as he nodded in agreement, they may have been at odds for the time being but neither could deny each other's desire to save Chitsuki.

"I will as well." Utatori returned to her side and stroked her hair, he allowed so many horrible things to happen to her. This was the least he could do for her and the first of many he hoped.

She nodded in acceptance to their decision. "Very well, I will inform the Head-Captain of our plans. Akon I would like you and Maneru to get started on the modifications so we can begin immediately. I will leave you until then." With that she left them in silence.

Kenpachi turned to leave as well, he didn't know how long it would take to fix up the equipment and hanging around here was causing too much stress.

"Aren't you going to stay?" Shunsui spoke to him as he noticed the man turning to leave, it was getting late and he knew this was typically the time he would stay with her.

He grumbled slightly as he turned just enough to look at him from the corner of his eye. "No. She'd have a better chance if more people where here to help." He turned away and continued walking, not stopping as he finished his sentence. "So I'm going to find some volunteers..."

With that he was gone and Shunsui sighed a little, when did Kenpachi become the more level headed out of the two. He looked up when he felt a warm hand on his shoulder and into the golden eyes of her father.

"I appreciate all you've done for her." He had yet to tell any of them this, they provided her with so much in the short amount of time she was here. "You and the other man care for her deeply, yes?"

He gave him a pained look but attempted to smile. "It's that obvious huh..." He sighed again and walked over to her, laying a hand on her head and stroking the hair gently.

"That's good." He took note of the sorrow in his face, his aura shifting in and out of hope and sadness. "Her soul will be more accepting to those she has a meaningful connection with. I believe she will come back to us..." He looked at her once more, he didn't think it possible to merge souls like they were speaking of but it gave him hope.

"If this works will you still take her away?" That was still weighing heavily on his mind as well, he did not want her to go. He was afraid that she would choose to stay, he was afraid that she will forget him...

He sighed heavily, he knew that they did not want her to go but alas... "Yes. She needs to know who her people are, only the shaman can properly heal her as she needs to be. The clan will take care of her until she is ready to come home."

"You don't think she will want to stay with you?"

He shook his head sadly. "Perhaps if she was born on the mountain she would have a desire to stay there but her heart is here. We will teach her our ways while she recovers and that will have to suffice." He did not want to mention that the clan may not welcome either of them, they did not approve of him taking Kyuuketsuki as his wife and the news of the child's conception was not happily received either but it did not change the fact that she needed them or else she would never truly be healed.

Shunsui took a deep breath as he mulled the information over in his head, he knew he had to have faith in her. "Alright, I now she's in safe hands with you here. I need to find some volunteers myself." He knew he could only ask those people she held close to her heart and there honestly weren't many in the soul society who were.

Utatori gave him a slight bow as the man turned to leave. "I will take this time to prepare her, if I can open the gateways of her chakras she should be able to accept the... Soul transfusion better." He was still having trouble accepting such a thing but he was willing to try anything. Everything in this place is made up of spirit energy so maybe, just maybe... This will actually work.

"What!?" Renji exclaimed with his eyes wide, he had not been expecting Captain Zaraki to come to his home... Ever, but there he was. Leaning against the wall with his arms crossed in front of his chest and a look that said he was dead serious. A soul transfusion? Was that even possible? "I'm not saying that I wouldn't be willing to try but..." He let out an aggravated sigh and looked down at his still bandaged hands from where she stabbed him. "Do you think it'll work?"

Kenpachi took a deep breath that almost sounded like a growl. "I'm not sure... But it's not like we have a lot of options." He didn't want to give his hopes up, he knew it would only hurt that much more to go thru all the effort only to fail but this was one of those times that he had to have faith.

The red haired man opened and closed his hands a few times, letting the sting of the wounds help him think. She had tried so hard to better herself, to do right by the squad and to do everything he and the Captain had asked of her... This was the least he could do. "Alright, I'm in."

"I can't..." Dokuja gave the two Captains an apologetic look. When Captains Kyuoraku and Ukitake showed up at his door the servants and advisors where all in a tissy. Even he was confused by their arrival and now they were asking him to give up part of his soul?

Jushiro wasn't surprised by his answer but still it was heart breaking. "I understand but should you reconsider then your presence would be welcomed."

"She doesn't have many people that are close to her." Shunsui spoke, sounding a little defeated. He had gone to Jushiro first for help and was not surprised by his willingness to help their cause, the only other person he could think of that would be close to her would be this man before them but he had his reasons for denying them.

Dokuja sat down his tea with a sigh, he wished he could be of help to her. She was a good person but that didn't change the fact that his priorities were elsewhere. "I would not suggest you keep your hopes high Captain. To put it simply, Suzaku is the most important person in my life and this procedure is experimental at best. I can't risk something going wrong and being unable to care for her. I'm sorry."

Jushiro put up a hand to dismiss the apology. "There's no need to apologize, I thank you for considering it though. If you'll excuse us, there are still things that need to be done."

"Of course." Dokuja stood up as they did to give a bow. "Thank you for stopping by at least. It does mean something to me that you would consider me important to her."

The two gave a simple nod in response as they took their leave. They said nothing as they left the estate and began to walk back to the fourth division, it was not until they were a good bit away from the sixth division compound that Shunsui finally spoke. "Thank you for coming with me."

"You know you don't have to thank me." He gave his old friend a pat on the shoulder for reassurance. "I know how important this is to you... How important she is to you." He looked at him with sad eyes, such a cruel fate indeed for him to love so deeply for someone he only had for a moment.

Shunsui said nothing, he had already decided that he wouldn't come in-between Chitsuki and Kenpachi. They both deserves to be happy, they had both gone too long with the feeling of loneliness... There would be someone for him one day just not this time around.

Yamamoto sat quietly, Retsu had come to him with an idea he found troubling. So many things could go wrong with this procedure and it was not just the girl at risk. Two of his Captains already planned to take this unknown risk without a moment of hesitation or care for the consequences.

"With the help of the demon I am certain the transfusion will work." Retsu continued to speak, she understood the Head-Captains reservations but there were not many options at this point. If they wanted to help the girl then they had to be willing to take the risk as well.

"When will the devices be ready?"

"Akon assures me they will be finished by tonight."

He let out a small grumble, he knew if he did not allow this to take place Shunsui and Kenpachi would disobey orders and do it regardless. "Very well, you have my permission."

"Thank you Head-Captain." She gave a slight now and turned to leave, she wished to prepare what she could to give the girl the best chance at surviving this as well as making sire the donors survive as well.

The moon had risen by the time all the preparations had been made, Renji looked around the room at the three Captain who all stood silently as Akon and Captain Unohana prepared her body. The Tengu had drawn symbols on her figure that he didn't recognize, it wouldn't have bothered him too much if the lowest symbol was not painted dangerously low on her abdomen in bright red paint. The cloth that was used to cover her womanly parts only cancelled the lips of her womanhood and just barely at that. Even her breasts where scarcely covered to allows the symbols that ran along the center of her body all the way to her forehead to be exposed. He did his best not to look at her for fear of staring too long, he didn't want to seem like a pervert. He'd never seen this much of her before, this was the first time he'd been able to see the scars that covered her body and now there was a fresh one in the center of her chest from her fight. He didn't get to see it for himself but he heard how she tore her zanpakuto out... He was almost grateful that he didn't witness it.

"We are ready."

Retsu's voice drew their attention followed by the shifting of feet, Utatori stood and directed them to their places. "Zaraki. I want you to place your hand over her heart chakra...the green symbol here." He pointed to the mark in-between her breasts. "It is the place for ones love." He did not doubt that this man was the one she truly loved and that he loved her just as fiercely. That bond would be very important here. He motioned for Jushiro to step closer. "Place your hand here, on the third chakra." He pointed to the yellow mark just below Kenpachi's hand. "It honors one's life force, I believe you are best suited to empower this area." Next he turned to Shunsui and guided his hand to the sacral chakra which was just below her belly button. "This is the center of her sexuality..."

Kenpachi let out a low growl, he didn't want to think about the relationship they had but it was like fate was throwing it back in his face.

"Please." Utatori tried to calm him, he could feel the tension beginning to grow. "We can't take negativity into this, I know about what has happened but you can't dwell on it now."

"I'll deal with it." He growled thru clenched teeth as he closed his eyes and tried to push the thoughts of them out of his mind.

He sighed a little as he turned his attention to the red haired man. "Now for you, place your hand on her first chakra, the root."

Renji looked to where he was pointing and his face turned just as red as the mark he was supposed to touch. He was really supposed to put his hand there of all places? "Are you sure?"

"Yes, it rules the primal instincts. Out of everyone here I believe you can more easily access her primal life force." With that he moved back to the front of the bed she rested on and stood with his hand touching the indigo mark on her brow. His position was the third-eye chakra, that which is her spiritual connection. With these people infusing her chakras with their own spirits it should ease the transition. "Captain Unohana, they are ready for you now."

She walked forward carrying a box, Isane stood at her side with an identical box. She opened the one she held to show the small acupuncture needles within. "Isane and I will place three of these in the back of each of your necks where the skull and spine meet... "

Akon stepped forward, tablet in hand to finish the explanation. "I've modified each needle with nano-chips that will link up to the ones already inside Chitsuki's body. The needles will act as transmission devices while her chips will act as the receivers."

Maneru was beside him and began keying in commands on her own tablet. "Once we begin we can't stop, do you all understand."

A collection of yes's where the response, no one was attempting to move too much as the needles where pressed into their respective bodies. Once completed Retsu and Isane took their positions on either side of her, their hands positioned over her body with a faint green glow surrounding them. "We are ready..."

"You must concentrate on the good memories of her." Utatori closed his eyes, allowing the warmth of her spirit fill him. "Focus on her love, her happiness, her passion and determination. Let your minds think of nothing else."

Akon and Maneru began to key in commands simultaneously on their respective hand held computers, making adjustments as needed to raise or lower the transmissions. Maneru could hear the demon chanting some mantra but she didn't know the language, as he did the symbols on the girl's body began to glow. That combined with the healing kido and the blue lights emitting from their devices it was like a small aurora had formed above her body. This was, to her knowledge, a first attempt at combining science, kido and spirituality together for a common goal... Fascinating.

Kenpachi filled his thoughts with that sweet smile of hers, the one she gave only to him. His memory of her body close to his, the warmth in her touch. That was all he allowed himself to dwell on now, he wanted those moment back. He wanted to smell her odd scent and see the look of hunger in her eyes again.

Jushiro could almost hear her playful laughter in his ear, the goodness of her presence that always made him smile. He remembered the way she was as she played with Yachiru, that wonderful innocence that made her beam. He wished to see her smiling again.

Shunsui allowed himself to re-live their last moment of pleasure, that desire that burned in her eyes and the soft moans that escaped her lips. It made his body ache but he held on to that feeling and let it fill him, he wanted to feel her soft touch again.

Renji could feel the heat coming from her body, it reminded him of their time training in the world of the living. He grasped to that memory, she had been fueled by a desire to become stronger. The determination in her face made him a little proud to be her teacher, he wanted to experience that pride again.

"Can you hear me child?..."

Chitsuki opened her eyes, she thought she heard someone calling to her but she couldn't see anything. It was so dark here...

Arms reached out from the darkness to hold her from behind but there was no warmth in the embrace. "Ignore it my love... It was nothing."

It was the dark man, he kept coming to her when she stirred. Holding her and caressing her gently. "I thought I heard someone... It sounded so familiar..."

He turned her body to him, grabbing her chin to direct her face towards his. "It was nothing..." He whispered it again before kissing her deeply, snaking his tongue into her mouth.

"He is lying to you child!..."

She pushed him away gently. "I know I hear something..." She looked up into his crimson eyes, the black sclera made them seem odd. Something about them created a feeling deep within her but she couldn't figure out what the emotion was...

"Go back to sleep my love..." He spoke to her in his hollow voice and stroked her hair tenderly.

His long black hair tickled her nose as he bent over her, he was so much taller... So much stronger than her. She could feel his weight upon her, pushing her down. The bone jewelry he wore clacked together as he moved... The sound was rhythmic and calming. It made her so tired...

"Don't give in to him!..."

Her heart beat heavy, the sound... It was a voice within her own mind, she knew it... Sounded so familiar. His cold lips where on her again stealing her breath away, distracting her...

"Please Chitsuki!... Hear me!"

She could hear it a little more clearly... A woman's voice...she knew that voice from so long ago..."Mother..." She barely whispered it when a frigid hand closed around her throat.

"You stupid girl." Shoushin Konton tightened his grip with an aggravated sigh. "All you had to do was listen to me..." His free hand worked its way under her top, fondling the soft flesh. "I can show you pleasure you've never dreamed of."

Her eyes where wide, his cold hands shocked her system as his grip prevented her from breathing. She struggled to push him away, to get him off of her but he did not budge as he tore at her clothes. The sensation bringing back cruel memories, feelings she wished never to experience again. His hand moved lower, threatening to penetrate her with frozen fingers and she cried out with tears burning her eyes. She didn't want this, she didn't want to feel this.

"Call out my name!"

Again her heart beat so hard it reverberated throughout her entire body, she could hear it clearly now. The voice of her spirit, the voice of her mother. "Help me!" She cried out with every ounce of energy she had, her voice was broken from his grip but still she called to her. "Tengoku Namida!"

He growled at her, raising up his free hand to slap her violently but from the depth of his black world a hand shot out and grabbed his wrist. He looked back with a wicked grin at the blue eyes so filled with hate. "It's so good to see you again, Master." He spat out the word as he swung around with the hand he had been holding the girl down with.

Suddenly free, Chitsuki scrambled away coughing as she tried to regain her composure. She gasped for air and held a hand to her throat, her skin still chilled by his touch. Her eyes focused on her savior, the woman she had forgotten for so long.

Kyuuketsuki had dodged his swing, circling around him to stand between him and her daughter. "You will not have her." She growled at him, she will not let him take her daughter like he took her.

He stood up, licking his lips as he eyed the girl. "I've grown tired of you old woman, your spirit has long dried up but hers..." He sniffed the air, drawing in a long slow intake of the girls scent. "She is so fresh, so young... I can make her so much stronger."

"The price you ask for power is too high." She drew up her fists into a fighting stance, she didn't need to beat him. She just needed to give Chitsuki time... "Child... Can you feel it?"

Chitsuki looked up to her, confusion in her eyes.

"The warmth of their love, the people you've opened your heart to are opening up their souls for you." She didn't look at her, didn't dare take her eyes away from the deadly parasite across from her. "Run to them."

She watched her mother bolt forward, taking the initiative with her opponent. Chitsuki turned and scrambled to her feet, she didn't bother to look back. She could hear the sound of fists meeting flesh and tried to drown them out with the sound of her feet pounding against the ground. She ran into the darkness, she couldn't see anything but she could feel it. That radiant warmth, she could feel them. Her father, Shunsui, Renji, Ukitake and Kenpachi. All of them, their souls reaching out to her like ghost hands. She grasped out and felt the tendrils touching her, wrapping around her fingerings and holding onto her. Leading her back to where she belonged. "I'm coming." She whispered as she closed her eyes and let their souls embrace her.

"She's stabilizing…"

"Can you hear me…"

"Please open your eyes…"

"Lowering restraint levels…"

"Remove the transmitters…"

"You can do this…"

"Come back to me…"

"I love you…"

Echoing voices filled her mind, slowly growing louder. They comforted her and grounded her mind as she focused on them. Separating which ones belonged to who, gradually they became clearer and her eyes peeked open. One at a time, wincing at the harsh light of morning.

"She's waking up!"

She recognized Ukitake's fatherly tone, her eyes shifted to him and she managed to work out a faint smile. She attempted to speak but her mouth was obscenely dry and the words wouldn't form, then she felt a warm hand on her shoulder and her attention transferred to her father's caring gaze.

"Can you sit up?" He had a glass of water in his free hand and with the assistance of the lady Isane who managed to slip a white robe around her shoulders to cover her bare body, they got her up right into a seated position. "Take small sips." He raised the glass to her lips and allowed a little bit to flow, being careful not to pour too much.

The water was cold and she could feel it going down her throat as she slowly sipped the liquid until the glass was half empty. When she took a moment to breath she was able to find her voice again but the words wouldn't form, she didn't know what to say or how to react to waking to all the loving, yet tired, faces of the people she held dear.

"If we're done here then Akon and I will leave you be." Menaru broke the happy silence, everybody looked like they wanted to say something but nobody was doing a very good job at forming words and putting them into sentences.

Akon gave them a nod. "We'll continue to monitor her from R&D but it looks that she is hopefully over the worst of it." There were still significant reading of the other two souls inside of her but it seemed that Kyuuketsuki had gained dominance for the time being.

Retsu gave them a slight nod. "Your assistance was invaluable in this task, I am glad our combined efforts could provide such a favorable outcome."

"The same to you Captain." Maneru gathered up the transmitters so they could review the data in them once they got back to the lab, she had no doubt that they were able to store sufficient info on the respective users. She failed to mention that the transmitters also served as medical scanning and recording devices, there's no telling when that kind of information would come in handy. "We'll store these in the lab, gods forbid we will ever need to use them again but better to have them and not need them."

"Thank you." Chitsuki whispered it but it didn't go unheard as her former gigai gave her a nod before exiting with her superior in tow. She was shocked when she first met the woman but it somehow made her happy to see the being with her face. She turned her attention to her friends, smiling at all of them in turn and taking Kenpachi's hand in hers. She knew he wouldn't say anything right now but having him beside her was good enough. "You all look so tired." She gave them an apologetic look, Shunsui seemed the most drained. She raised her free hand and cupped his cheek. "When was the last time you slept?"

He put his hand over hers and closed his eyes, relishing in her touch. "Don't worry about that, I rested when I could." He moved her hand away and took a step back, he knew if he stayed like that then his heart would only ache more. He turned slightly and patted Utatori on the shoulder to move him up. "He's the one who never left your side for the last four weeks."

"Four?!" She exclaimed as she looked about a little wide eyed. It didn't seem like that much time had passed, was she really sleeping in that place for a month.

"Yes." Utatori smoothed her hair affectionately. "You regained your strength as we healed your body during that time then last night we began the procedure to heal your soul." He had to admit that is was physically draining, they all entered a meditative state. They were lucky to have the two scientists there to wake them or else they would have remained that way until one of them passed out from exhaustion.

Ukitake smiled as he patted her knee. "It is so good to see you awake." He transferred his hand to his old friends shoulder and squeezed it gently. "And as much as we would all like to stay with you, it is time that we rest." He gave her father a look that said 'that means you' considering he had gone inhumanly long without nourishment and then turned his attention to Renji. "Thank you for helping, you've earned some rest as well."

Renji was still blushing a bit as he rubbed his hand, it still felt warm and he couldn't quite get over the fact of where his hand was resting. "Yea, I'll be seeing you guys." He looked over to her and saw the 'thank you' in her eyes, she still seemed weak but at least she was awake now. "I'm glad you're back with us."

Shunsui gave the red head a nod as he left and turned to her. "We'll be back tomorrow, I'm pretty certain I'm going to spend the day sleeping." He smiled to her and relished in the one she gave him. "He wanted to stay with her, to rest at her bedside until he fell asleep but he knew that would only cause issues. "Get some more rest yourself." He said to her as he and his companion followed Renji out.

"I will send someone to check on you later." Retsu gave her a slight nod as she turned away and smiled at Isane. "You have worked very hard, you deserve a rest as well." Together they left the room that had occupied their evening, both where very tired but they did well not to show it.

That left only Utatori and Kenpachi standing at her side, her father stroked her hair loving and kissed her forehead. "I must rest as well my little karasu. We have so much to catch up on." He wanted to stay but he knew his strength was almost up, going for so long with no rest and pouring his spirit into his chants had taken its toll. He needed to recover his energy. "The healer has given me permission to rest in the room next door so I won't be far if you need me."

"Alright." She hugged him unexpectedly, she didn't know why she did but it felt right. She held onto him tightly and buried her face into his shoulder, the feathers of his hair tickling her nose. "I'm sorry..."

"Shhh." He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly, to think she would want to apologize when she had nothing to apologize for. The things she said to him during the fight are things she had every right to say. It was him who had so much to apologize for but it would have to be another time, he doubted he could stop from crying if he didn't collect himself. He pushed her away gently with one last stroke of her hair. "I will return later this evening, I promise." He kissed her head once more and walked away, giving the tall man a parting nod and the slightest of smiles before leaving them alone in the room.

They waited until they heard the click of the door closing before they made eye contact but still did not speak, she took his hand in hers and brought it to her face. Holding his palm against her cheek and closing her eyes with a sigh. "I missed your touch."

He pulled her into him slowly, trying to contain his relief and crushing her with a hug. He knew he should be saying sweet things but the silence seemed fitting, they never really needed words anyways. So many things could be said in the quiet moments where words just weren't enough.

She slid her arms around his waist and breathed in deeply, she missed his scent and his warmth. To think she was so willing to give up her life, and this, so effortlessly. "I'm sorry Kenpachi… I was ready to throw away my life with you…"

"Shut up." He spoke softly as he separated from her, he sat down on the bed. "I'm glad you're awake." He sighed a little as he took her face in his hand, rubbing her cheek with his thumb. He wanted her but he held back, her body may be healed but she was still stricken with unseen wounds.

She gave him a worried look, she knew something was wrong but she had no idea what it could possibly be. "What's wrong?"

He grumbled a bit, he wasn't very good at hiding his emotions. "You have to leave the Soul Society." It was something that she had to be told about eventually and it might as well be him.

Her breath caught in her throat when he said that but she composed herself, she shouldn't have been too surprised. "It's because of Shoushin Konton isn't it… I'm too much of a threat." She clasped her hands in front of her and steadied her breath. She should accept it…

He poked her in her forehead with a grumble and smirked a little as she rubbed her brow with a pout. "Don't assume things. The monk, your father, said that only your people can finish healing your soul."

"My soul?"… She put a hand over her chest where the new wound still ached a little, she wondered about the scar. The other times she released her zanpakuto it healed afterwards, was it different this time because Tengoku wasn't a part of her at the time?

"Yea, it was damaged pretty good but everybody worked hard to get you patched up." He sighed a bit and rubbed the back of his neck, he didn't like explaining things. "But we can only fix the Soul Reaper half of you, that's why you need to go see your people so they can fix the demon side."

The word 'demon' still bothered her, she wasn't ashamed of it per say but it reminded her of her difference. So she couldn't even be healed normally. "How long will it take?"

He shrugged a little. "I don't know, I don't even know when you'll be leaving since you seem to be doing fine." He was hoping they'd let her stay and regain more of her strength before they made the journey but she seemed pretty strong as is.

She mulled the information over, she felt well enough. There was a warmth in her core she could feel now, a glow that shifted and with each wave a memory of someone flashed. One of the many people that where in the room. She wondered what it is they had to do to 'patch up' her soul but no idea came to mind. She did, however, have a thought of something she would like to do. "Hey…" She grabbed the collar of his haori and pulled on it gently. "Come here."

He moved closer like she urged him to, bringing his face closer to hers. Her scent filled him and made his body ache, that look in her eyes… how long had it been since she looked at him like that. "Chitsuki…" He whispered her name as their faces drew closer, he knew what she wanted and he craved it just as much but could he control himself from doing more?

Their lips came together in a long over-do meeting, both expected some kind of disturbance to happen at the last second. Someone to come knocking at the door and intrude upon their time but there was no one, it was a time of day where everyone would be busy with their own duties and no time to spare for a visit to a hospital. So this was just for them.

His mouth was hot as their tongues mingled beyond the threshold of each other's lips, she kissed him deeply with every ounce of desire that she had pent up inside of her. She should never had waited this long to express how much she loved him.

He held her close as they expressed their passion with this simple action, he could feel her fire filling him and it made his yearning all the more demanding. Why did it take him so long to do this… but still. He broke their kiss, taking a moment to breathe as he touched his forehead to hers with fingers tangled in her hair. If he continued there would be no stopping his lust, he craved her touch and her taste… but not here. She deserved better than to have his desire pushed upon her in the bed of a hospital.

"Kenpachi." She whispered his name as she took his face in her hands and laid a soft kiss on his lips, she refused to wait any longer. She would not risk the unexpected coming between them again, slowly she sat back and brought a hand up to the collar of the robe that hung loosely on her shoulder. Brushing it aside the fabric fell from where it rested, exposing her breast.

He saw her moving to remove the other side and grabbed her hand. "What are you doing?" He breathed the words as he kept his eye on hers, he feared if he witnessed any more of her uncovered body his self-restraint would be completely lost.

She continued to remove the robe and he did not try to stop her this time. "That's a stupid question." She teased as she took his hands in hers and guided them to her body, her heart was racing and could not help but feel nervous. It was not because she had doubts but because it was something she could hardly believe she was doing, never would she had thought it would be her urging him but given their surroundings it was at least reassuring to know he had restraint in a less than desirable setting. She should show the same self-control but when was the next time they'd be alone like this, especially with her impending departure.

Slowly he took her waist in his hands and pulled her onto his lap, free of the robe and sheets she was naked in his arms. His lips met hers again as his hand traveled up her belly to her breasts, stroking them and exploring them. Fondling her nipples in turn before lifting her once more and set her body so that she straddled him, his lips and tongue continuing the work his hands began upon her chest. He wanted to leave his mark on her neck but he fought against the urge, he wasn't sure how forceful he could be without reminding her of the things that had been done to her.

She gasped at his touch, he took control so quickly and she didn't complain. She liked his desire, this is the side of him that she wanted to experience. Her fingers slipped underneath the layers of his haori and shihakusho to move them back and undress him, her fingers traced the long scars on his chest while her lips left butterfly kisses along his collar bone. She could feel him below her, it wasn't like before when she sat on him like this. The bulge beneath her was much larger and it excited her to feel him like this, deft hands worked to eagerly release the member from its cloth bindings.

A pleasing growl escaped his throat as he felt her hand wrap around his manhood, her strokes felt amazing and it had been so long since he's had a woman doing this to him. He breathed heavily as she worked him while his hand kneaded the soft flesh of her rear, he wanted to feel every inch of her body and commit it to memory for those impending nights of wanting her while she would be away. He had no shame in that aspect, he was a man after all and taking care of his own urges while she wasn't around was much better than going into the outer districts and bedding some whore for money. Another growl worked its way out as her sex rubbed against his and moistened it with her wetness, he wanted her so badly. "Are you ready?" He spoke in her ear softly as he took his member from her, positioning it for her.

"Slowly." She rose herself up and steadied herself above him, his tip massaging her entrance enticingly. She took a deep breath as she lowered herself down, he was so much larger than any she had been with before. It took a moment before she fully mounted him with little gasps as he slid into her, gently she began to sway her hips allowing her body get accustomed to his feel as she moved.

He couldn't resist it any longer, his hips thrust upward and he suddenly felt her teeth on his shoulder to muffle her cry so the people just outside the door would not hear her but the bite excited him even more. "Don't do that…" He breathed as he tried to maintain his pace, he didn't want to be too rough with her for their first time. Mainly because he knew she'd cry out even more and he didn't want them to be discovered, he didn't want anything to interrupt them especially not like this.

She smiled as her breath became heavy, so he liked a little bit of forcefulness. She couldn't deny that it excited her too, maybe it was a little bit of her training with the old Master that did it to her or maybe it was something she would've liked regardless. There was no telling now, still there would always be those times that she wanted to be touched softly but right now she wanted to feel the extent of desire. "Keep me quite." She whispered in his ear before she nibbled at and slowly drug her nails along his spine playfully.

'Wicked girl' he mused to himself as a growl grew in his throat. He stood up with her legs wrapped around him, the bed would make too much noise if they continued on it. His hands held tightly onto her rear as he thrust into her, silencing her with his mouth as best he could. He didn't want this feeling to stop, knowing what her love was like was something he felt himself becoming addicted to. "I'm going to…" He snarled in an aggravated tone, it was too soon. It had been too damn long and she felt amazing tightly wrapped around him.

"Do it." She wanted to feel his seed inside of her, to complete their union. "I'm going to… too." She was finding it hard to form words as her body trembled, the wetness beginning to drip as her climax started. Her arms tightened around his neck as she buried her face into his shoulder, biting her own lip to keep her moans at bay.

He hugged her body close to him as he released inside of her, thrusting a few times at the end before he sat down with her body still tangled on his. It was an odd feeling for his legs to seem so weak but it was quickly forgotten as she moved ever so slightly on his overly sensitive area. His arms held her tightly as they just sat there in silence with the sensations of their orgasms washing over them, the scent of their sweat and sound of their labored breathing filling his memory for another time.

She breathed heavily as her womanhood quivered from the experience, gently squeezing the member that was still inside of her. "I love you Kenpachi." Her eyelids seemed so heavy now as she rested her head on his shoulder, she could not recall ever experiencing this feeling of complete satisfaction before. The sound of her heartbeat reverberated in her ears and acted as a lullaby as she closed her eyes, just for a moment…

He smiled as he moved her body back onto the bed, she had almost completely passed out on him and only offered up a few whimpers as she was moved. He should've known it was going to take a toll on her and now there was a mess to clean up so their actions wouldn't be realized. He sighed as he looked at the rainbow smear on both of their bodies from the marks that had been painted on her. Luckily there was a wash basin for him to use.

A gentle knock on the door stirred them, Kenpachi had fallen asleep in a chair beside her bed since it was much too small to accommodate them both. He grunted a bit as he looked over to the clock, it was shortly after noon and they had both been resting for a couple of hours. He was still tired but it looked like nap time was over.

Chitsuki sat up, pulling the robe back around her, she noticed that the sheets where slightly damp. He must have washed her after she passed out, the painted marks weren't on her anymore but she smiled to herself as she noticed he only cleaned the marks off. The rest of her would need washing when she had some privacy. "Come in." She took his hand as he stood, the memory of what they did made her little smile grow. It wasn't the romantically expected outcome but she wouldn't have changed it, now she was truly his and they would have many more opportunities to attempt romance.

The door opened slowly and it was Retsu with a nurse in tow. "I didn't realize you had stayed Captain Zaraki or I would have had a meal brought for you as well." She motioned for the nurse to come forward, a tray in her hands with a bowl of what smelled like miso soup as well as a glass of water.

"Bullshit." He mumbled under his breath as he looked away, there was no way in hell she of all people would lose track of him. No matter where he was.

Chitsuki arched a brow at the exchange, the smile that Captain Unohana was giving seemed very unsettling. It made her wonder what the history was between them but now didn't seem like an appropriate time to ask so instead she took the tray from the girl with a smile. "Thank you." She inspected the soup, she didn't mind the bits of tofu and rice floating in the broth but she couldn't help but wish there were more hearty ingredients. Still, it wasn't surprising considering she was still on the mend.

"Akon informs me that your readings have remained stable with exception to a mild fluctuation earlier this morning but he says it was nothing to worry about."

'Damn those implants…' Was their combined thought as Chitsuki took a sip from the bowl to divert her gaze and hide her reddening cheeks.

"Has my father woken up yet?" She honestly expected him to be the first to come see her.

Retsu shook her head slightly. "No, he is still resting deeply. We can do nothing for him to help recover his energy but allow him to rest as long as he needs."

She nodded and continued eating, so maybe she would have a little more time to spend here and getting her things. At least until her father woke up, she really wasn't sure how soon he would want to head out. There where so many details she needed to get sorted, like telling her dear Captain about her leave of absence and who would tend to her plants.

"I assume Captain Zaraki has informed you on your status?"

"Yes, I need to finish my healing with… my people." That last part was harder to say than she expected.

"Yes, I have cleared you for release. Once you finish eating you are free to go, I'll have a fresh uniform brought to you since your other one was quite torn. Your tekkou and scarf have been washed and will be brought along with your new uniform. I will leave you to finish your food." She gave a slight smile as she turned and exited the room with the nurse in tow.

She fidgeted with the bowl for a moment, still mulling over the thoughts. "So what should we do now?" She was honestly lost, happy to be awake but terrified of knowing she'll be leaving.

He took her chin and turned her face upward, kissing her deeply and almost spilling her tray. "You are going to eat, get dressed and get the hell out of here then come home. I'm going to tell Yachiru that Byakuya is hiding candy from her so she'll be gone for the rest of the day." He began walking towards the door with a wave. "I have a performance I need to make up for." He didn't stop to look back but he could swear he felt her smiling.

"Perv." She joked as she watched him leave… now how soon would her clothes be brought to her?

Utatori opened his eyes slowly, he had been meditating deeply for the last hour or so. Reaching his mind thru the realms, searching for his peoples light. It had taken awhile but he felt his grandfather's pull, it was a surprise and relief to know the elder was still alive.

They talked at length about what had happened, there were many details he left out but enough for his grandfather to understand the urgency of taking Chitsuki to them. He knew the laws, he knew how much outsiders where not welcomed… especially the abominations. Half-breeds where not welcomed in his world… his only saving grace was his position in the clan and even that wasn't a sure thing anymore after he's been missing for so long.

He stood and walked to the window, stretching his limbs with a sigh. It was a troubling circumstance, his grandfather would allow Chitsuki to be brought to the village for treatment but there was no telling how long she'd be allowed to stay to recover. That would be up to her and her ability to win the hearts of her clan… not an easy task.

He smiled to himself, while it seemed unlikely he had high hopes that she would win them over just as she did these people and it wasn't like he was asking for her to stay forever. Even if he did want her to live with him, there was no way she would leave her lovers… such an odd way to put it. He approved of both those men, as unusual as it may be for a father to say of his daughter but… he truly wished that she could be with both of those men. He considered it rather unfortunate that polyandry was frowned upon, he had even offered the option to his wife… which he was soundly slapped for but he had only did so to give her an opportunity to carry a child. He knew she wanted one… but that was before their miracle.

He shook his head, he didn't need to be reminiscing now. He sighed a little as he wondered where his daughter had gone, he hoped that she would wait for him to wake but sadly she was gone. Granted, he shouldn't be surprised considering those two didn't wait very long to consummate their union after they were left alone. He almost didn't separate his psychic link to her in time before they began, now that would have made for an awkward morning. It would serve as a lesson learned to not pry into her mind without permission.

With a smile he turned to leave, there was no doubt that his little karasu would find him when she was ready. So until then he wished to stretch his wings, for the first time in too long he would fly free.

Byakuya sat back in his chair, reading the combined report of the Second Vice President of Research and Development and Captain Unohana. They both wanted to urge the allowance of a sabbatical to allow his sixth seat proper time to heal…

"So, what's up?" Renji was leaning against the wall with his arms folded in front of him, he came here to give the Captain his report but he had been busy reading that paper. He looked like it was something that bothered him, most people couldn't tell the subtle changes in Byakuya's facial expressions but he doubted anyone outside of the Kuchiki family knew him better than him.

He set down the paper and closed his eyes to think, how long did it take Rukia to recover her spiritual energy when it was lost? He could only assume the type of recuperation the girl needed would be the same. "We will need to inform our 23rd seat that he will be expected to perform his duties on his own." He reached into his desk and pulled out another form that he began to fill out. "I'll need you to bring this to the Head-Captain."

"Oh?" He looked over the Captain's shoulder to peek at what was being written. "A temporary discharge from the squad?" So she really was going to be leaving, he had been told that she might still have to leave the soul society to finish healing but she seemed like she had gotten a lot better after the soul transfusion. He looked down to his hand, clenching it a bit… it still had a warm feeling to it. Maybe it was just his mind playing tricks on him but still… The memory of where he was touching flashed in his mind and he could feel himself blushing. Damn it, why was he letting it bother him so much?

"Yes, I decided on a temporary discharge so she can focus on healing. If she left while still a member of this squad I have no doubt she will rush her recovery to return to duty whether she is fully healed or not."

He couldn't help but smirk at that. "Yea… you got that right."

A knock on the door caught their attention, Renji arched a brow as he stood up. "Yes?"

"Sir! A messenger from the Kuchiki manor has arrived." The voice on the other side of the door spoke in a rather un-reassuring tone. "They say that Lieutenant Kusajishi is at the manor destroying the place demanding Captain Kuchiki's new stash of sweets."

"What the hell?" Renji gave a dumbstruck look as he turned to his Captain.

Byakuya continued filling out his report, pausing for only a moment. "Tell them I will return shortly to deal with it." Something told him that this wasn't a random event.

The room was hot, their bodies dripping with sweat. Chitsuki didn't have to hold back her moans and Kenpachi didn't need to hold bake his desire, he had made it very clear he didn't want any Squad members in the compound for the rest of the day. This was their time.

He knew he should slow down but her body felt too good to take it easy, his stamina was better now but he could feel his limit coming if they stayed in the position they were in. He had mounted her from behind, the view was inciting as he gripped her rear to force himself into her and her back was arched just right…

She let him take full control, allowed him to explore every inch of her. His hands moving across her body did not bother her, even as his fingers trailed along scars and the forsaken tattoo. It was like they didn't exist anymore and she felt free, lost in the pleasure of his touch. Her body moved as he shifted them, pulling her up and on top of him as he laid back on the floor. She knew he needed to switch positions or else he'd finish, part of her wanted him to. She wanted him to fill her with his seed and quench all the yearning he had held back for so long. Every last moment of spare time she had left until she leaves would be devoted to satisfying him, her hips moved in a swirling motion, up and down ever so slightly. She changed the pace to a much slower tempo, wanting him to experience everything subtle movement of her body.

He breathed heavily, trying to steady it as he held onto her hips as she moved. That crystal gaze of hers filled with such longing, it excited him in a way he never thought possible. He'd never been looked at like that before; fear, disgust, even drunken lust by other women but never that. Never with so much love... He reached to cup her cheek, thumb rubbing against her lips. Gods she looked so good, her hair was unbound and tickled his body wherever it touched. It had reverted to his feathery state when she was in her half breed form, she didn't seem to notice and he didn't mind at all. It made her all the more exotic, all the more desirable to have her true uninhibited state. He sat up, wrapping his arms around her and thrusting once more into her womanhood. His lips hungrily pressed against hers as their tongues wrestled for supremacy, he couldn't hold back any longer…

Her body quaked as she felt his arms tighten around her and that labored growl start to escape his throat, she knew he was reaching his climax and she welcomed it. She was still overcome with the residual effects of all the orgasms he had already caused. Her fingers tangled in his hair as the feeling washed over her, she would never get enough of his feel.

He held her close as he rested his head on her shoulder, he never got tired of this feeling. Of having her in his arms or being inside of her, he wanted is to last forever. "Chitsuki…" He spoke her name softly as his hand moved to the pile of clothes nearby, his haori had started off as a blanket for them to lay on but it got moved aside in their shifting.

She sat back a little, his member was still inside of her but she could feel it slipping as it grew soft. Her legs still trembled so she didn't want to attempt moving off of him just yet, her eyes followed his hand as it rummaged thru the clothes. "What are you looking for?" Her voice a whisper as she tried to catch her breath.

His fingers grazed the stone and he grabbed the trinket that had been hiding away. "I have something for you." He pulled it free and presented it to her, it took him a while to decide on what to do with the bracelet. It was much too big to fit properly on her slender wrist so he decided he needed to let go of the past, just a little…

She looked at the bit of jewelry, it was a fire opal held by two lion heads on either side and a long thin chain from there. "A necklace?" she picked it up and examined it, the stone was mesmerizing. "It's beautiful."

He took it and slipped it over her head, the clasp was too small for his large fingers to fumble with but luckily the chain was long enough so he wouldn't have to.

She lifted her hair free of the chain after he put it on her, only then realizing that her strands had reverted into feathers. With a slight frown she closed her eyes and began to concentrate on changing it back…

"Don't…"

His voice stopped her as he stroked her hair, opening her eyes to his odd smile. "You… don't mind?" She had still not fully accepted her demon heritage and being mid-way between her human and half-breed forms was a bit odd.

"Nah, I kinda like it." He took a lock of her hair, caressing a feather with his thumb. He thought it was pretty interesting honestly and he wanted her to know that he really didn't give a damn about the demon blood she felt so uneasy about.

"Thank you." She kissed him on the cheek before she admired the pendant once more, she was glad to be taking along a gift from him. Now she would have something from the three most important people to bring along… "We should get cleaned up, I'm certain my Captain has thwarted our little sugar fiend by now and I have arrangements to make. The sooner I leave the sooner I can come home."

He chuckled at that, there was no doubting it and he knew damn well that neither of them would want her barging in on them like this. He also knew that he couldn't continue to be selfish and steal all her time away… just some of it. "Meet me later, on the hill."

There was no need to ask what hill he was talking about. "At sunset." She kissed him again before un-mounting him, smiling as he winced from the sensitivity. "I think it would be smart if we both visited the bath houses before talking to anybody." She picked up her clothes and began to dress. "We both smell of sex." She joked.

He watched her dressing with a shark's grin, watching her getting dressed was almost as arousing as undressing her. "I'm looking forward to it."

Dokuja read the report casually, it had arrived only moments ago and interrupted his afternoon tea. It was good to know that she recovered… he was unexpectedly saddened though. He didn't care much for the idea of being left to his own devices while she would be away, having her around always made things interesting.

Suzaku came up behind him, reading the letter from over his shoulder. So the woman would be leaving, a shame. Her uncle seemed to enjoy that woman's company… and not for any lecherous means which was a miracle. She made a few fluid motions with her hands…

He arched a brow at that. "And what if she gets stronger while she is away? She's already much stronger than me." He took another drink and stared into the brown liquid, saying that left a sour taste in his mouth.

She rolled her eyes, she knew that look but he was just being stubborn again. If he didn't get serious about growing stronger than he will be left behind and no longer be able to fight at her side, and that is exactly what she told him in a flurry of hand motions.

"Alright, alright." He set down his drink and held her hands, when she got upset she 'talked' so fast he could hardly understand her but the message was received. "I suppose it is time that I act like a proper shinigami." He stroked her hair affectionately, for someone who did not speak she could certainly voice her opinion rather loudly.

She smiled, brightly. An action so rare that the shock in her Uncle's eyes almost made her laugh. "I, too, will be a proper shinigami."

He could feel his heart stop in his chest. "You… you spoke!"

The ladies gossiped amongst themselves while the steam of the bathhouse rose to the blue skies, Rangiku sighed as she stretched her hands above her head being carefully not to knock down the hair she had put up in a messy bun. "I'm so glad all this crazy stuff is behind us."

Nanao gave her a scrutinizing look, her stretching was causing her chest to come dangerously close to falling out of her towel. "Yes, the damage that happened during the attack is almost repaired or cleaned up."

"And you said that Chitsuki is all better now right?" Kiyone looked to her sister, who was sitting on the edge of the bath.

Isane nodded. "Yes, it took a lot of effort but we managed to stabilize her. She left the hospital earlier this afternoon." She, herself, had been so worn out from the experience that the Captain told her to go to the bath house to relax. She invited her little sister and was surprised to see the other girls here as well.

Rangiku lifted herself up beside Isane and leaned in close to her. "I still can't believe all the effort it took to get her healed, she must've been really hurt." She had a sad look on her face when she thought about it, she didn't get to see anything that happened at the Obon festival. All she knew about what happened to Chitsuki and her transformation was hearsay, she was really worried about the poor girl but everybody but a select few was barred from visiting her in the hospital until she woke up… which reminded her. "So why do you think only Captain Kyoraku and Captain Zaraki where allowed to see her?"

Nanao wondered the same thing, her Captain had barely been seen during those weeks and when she tried to go to the hospital to talk to him she had been told that he was with Chitsuki and told everyone he didn't want to be disturbed… What was really going on between them?

"I… I'm not really sure." She was curious herself, everybody knew that she was close to Captain Kyoraku but it was strange to see the Captain of Squad Eleven there every day as well and he never had Yachiru with him so it wasn't like he was there to bring her along.

"I heard my Captain talking to himself one night…" Kiyone piped up as lifted herself from the water to sit on the other side of Isane. "That there's something going on between all three of them."

"No way!" Rangiku exclaimed. "What did he say exactly?"

Nanao inched closed, wanting to hear this too. It could explain why her Captain was in such a depressed mood before the festival.

"He said 'It's just not fair for two men to love one woman' and then he sighed really heavily."

For once, they were all speechless… but that, of course, didn't last long with Rangiku.

"You mean that she was in a relationship with both of them?!"

"No…"

A voice came from behind them, startling all the women in turn. They didn't need to guess who the voice belonged to, she had a knack for sneaking up on them when they were gossiping about her.

Chitsuki slipped into the water, sighing with relief as the hot water crept up her legs as she sunk into the bath till she was submerged up to her neck.

The girls exchanged nervous looks as they watched her, she seemed different. This was the first time all but Isane had seen so much of her, the scars… and her hair. Even though it was put up, much like Rangiku's, it looked like… feathers.

She smiled at them as she repositioned so she sat on a rock just below the water. This bath house was nice, it was the first time she had been… still, it reminded her of the secret place her and Shunsui had… "I'm not upset about what you were saying." She reassured them, it was only natural after all.

"So…" It was Nanao that spoke up surprisingly. "Would you mind telling us what he did mean then?" She hated to admit it but she really needed to know what kind of relationship they had.

She licked her lips with a sigh, she could always say it was none of their business but it would be easier to get the rumors under control now. She didn't want anything bad to be said about those two men. "Shunsui and I… Did have more than platonic relations and I do love him very much but my heart was always with Kenpachi." She shook her head a bit, that really didn't make it sound any better. "I love them both, very much… and if circumstances where different then I'm sure that I would have chosen Shunsui…" No, that didn't sound any better at all. She sighed again and held her face in her hands. "I'm a terrible person…"

The sound of water being splashed as someone entered the pool made her lift her face, just in time for Rangiku to smack her lightly on the head.

"Enough, we get it." She sat down next to her and hugged her gently. "Trust me, I can understand."

"We're not judging you Chitsuki." Isane spoke softly, she knew better than any of them the feelings those two men had from how they acted when she was hospitalized. No, Captain Zaraki was not as doting or tender but she could tell how worried he was… Who would have ever thought that man capable of such feelings.

Kiyone splashed some water at her playfully. "We know better than to think you'd intentionally hurt anybody."

Nanao was the only one that did not come over to her, she couldn't help but feel a little upset at how her Captain seemed to have been treated. Despite how she acted, she did care about him and care if he got hurt. "So, have you settled everything?"

Chitsuki looked to her with an apologetic look, she could tell that she was less than satisfied when the poor explanation. It was her Captain, after all, that was being troubled. "Almost, I planned to talk to Shunsui before I left."

"Left?" Rangiku asked. "Where are you going?"

"My father is taking me back to his clan in the world of the living."

"So we were right?" Isane asked worriedly. "We weren't able to completely heal you."

"You all did everything you could..." She placed a hand over her chest where the new scar was. "But only demons can heal demons." This was the first time she spoke about her true self to anyone other than Kenpachi and she really wasn't sure how they were going to take it.

"So what everybody said about you is true." Rangiku wasn't at all surprised, she wanted to ask her about those particular rumors herself but she wasn't sure how to go about asking. "A lot of people saw you change at the festival and your hair is quite the fashion statement." She teased.

Chitsuki blushed, she wondered if they noticed. She kept her feathers to try and get used to them, she wanted to try and stay in this midway form when she was in the Soul Society. Maybe it would help her to embrace her demon side. "You guys aren't freaked out?"

Another splash of water in her face was the answer. "We're your friends!" Kiyone shouted at her. "It'll take a lot more than that to get rid of us…. Right Nanao." She singled her out, they all knew that she was taking the news about Captain Kyoraku different than the other.

She sighed a little but offered up a smile. "Right." She readjusted a bit, they needed to get off these depressing topics. "Will you tell us about your people then?"

A combined affirmation nudged her into giving in. "I can't really say for sure since I don't know a whole lot myself but I can tell you a few things I suppose…"

Shunsui sat in the darkness of his room, his breathing a bit heavy as he stroked himself. Flashes of her filled his mind, his yearning had become unbearable and so he found himself here on his bed listening to her sweet moans that he committed to memory. He knew that doing this wouldn't help get over her but he didn't care right now.

With a relieved sigh he finished, the warm liquid making a mess on his sheets and some dripping onto the fingers still wrapped around his member.

"Chitsuki…" He breathed it, her name never stopped sounding good as it rolled off his tongue. Hell, how many times had he said it when he was choosing her name so long ago? He spoke it over and over, loudly and softly in so many variations. He wanted to make sure it always sounded good no matter how it was said, was that when his obsession first took hold? And more importantly, when will he be able to get over this addiction of her? How many more times will he find himself here in his room, quenching his own hunger in a less than satisfactory manor… but what else could he really do?

A knock at his door startled him, he tucked his manhood away quickly and tried to make it seem like he wasn't doing anything he didn't want people knowing about but then he felt it… her presence on the other side of the door. What did he do in a past life to warrant this bad timing?

"Shunsui?... I'm coming in, ok?"

He attempted to say something, anything… but he just watched the door slide open slowly as she poked her head in. They made eye contact and he could tell that she knew exactly what he had been doing moments ago.

As soon as she stepped a foot inside she knew what he had been doing, she knew his scent and it stirred her. She shut the door behind her, taking a deep breath to steady her heart. She knew she could do this… she just had to tell him about leaving and settle things between them. That was it… so why did his scent have to drive her crazy like this. She knew that she still felt strongly for him but she didn't expect this feeling… maybe it was a bad idea to come here right now.

"What did you need?" He knew that came off much harsher than he expected it to, this was just so awkward. His eyes moved to the mess he made on the sheets and quickly moved to cover it up, if he was thinking properly he would send her away till he was more composed but he couldn't deny he wanted her here. It was the first time she had ever been in his home before.

She sat down in front of him, her heart racing. "I wanted to talk to you… before I left…" Her eyes lingered on his hand where bits of his seed unknowingly clung to his fingers, he most likely didn't realize it yet considering it seemed she walked in on him at the very end of pleasuring himself. The thought of it enticed her, damn her perversions… damn the way she was raised and trained, how long would it be before her body stopped reacting in such a way?

His heart sank, so there wasn't going to be much of a grace period. "How much time do we have…" His eyes followed hers, he noticed she was focused on something and his cheeks became hot when he realized the remnants of his actions where there. Announcing his depravity for her to see. "Damnit…" He went to wipe it off but her soft touch on his wrist stopped him and his gaze traveled to hers once more, to that look of lust in her eye. So even she was fighting her desire, so his feelings weren't one-sided after all.

She knew she shouldn't have reached out but she was compelled to sate her wicked yearning, she brought his hand to her mouth and licked at the remains slowly. Savoring the taste she knew so well, salty and almost bitter from consuming too much sake but she never minded it. Was it her that he was thinking about when he did this? The thought pleased her in a strange sense, she was no saint herself. On more than one occasion she found herself alone in her room self-satisfying her desire for him… Why did things have to be so complicated… and why could she not control herself despite her longings for Kenpachi?

His hand was at her mercy, the feel of her tongue running along his fingers to clean away his mess wakened his member once more. The glazed look in her eyes told him that if he made the move than she would fall into him once more and gods how he wanted it, his body was aching right now and he could hardly stand it. "Enough… I can't take it anymore…" He pulled away his hand, no… he couldn't let it happen. Not anymore, they made the agreement that they wouldn't cross that line again… and worse. If she welcomed him with her body then there would be no holding back, he'd take her and enter her completely…. An action that he had been able to restrain himself from doing up until now.

She had realized that she fell into a trance almost, working his fingers with her tongue… her cheeks reddened as she turned away. "I… I'm sorry… I didn't mean… I mean I didn't…" She covered her face with her hands, trying to regain control. She was about to lose it again, gods she was still so weak.

He cursed himself, he didn't mean to upset her but what could he do? His body wouldn't listen to anything his mind told it too and his heart made him move now, leaning forward and turning her face to his. "I'm sorry…" his fingers played in her hair, damp and scented. Her smell enticed him and the feel of her hair was soft, it was only then that he noticed that it was different. "Feathers?..." He stroked them tenderly, so she was embracing her demon side. "They're beautiful…"

She placed a hand over the one cupping her cheek, he was so close now and his petting felt wonderful. He was always so gentle with her, she knew that he would never hurt her. Even just now, when he took away his hand she knew he wasn't speaking in a way to upset her… he felt the same things she did. The longing and pain of wanting to meld their bodies once more but knowing that it was wrong and not sure whether or not they cared in this moment. "You've always been so good to me Shunsui…" Her lips trailed against his wrist, her mind remember all the times before. "And all I've done is cause you pain."

He closed his eyes, allowing himself to enjoy the feel of her touch. "You've never done anything to me that I haven't allowed." He reassured her as his fingertips grazed her ear, he could feel them falling… entering once more into a place they should not go. His member was throbbing now, if he didn't do something then he'd likely explode. If he convinced her to leave now then he could satisfy his urges himself and they could talk later… possibly outside, surrounded by lots of people… "If we don't stop…"

Damn his touch, the most subtle of movements against her skin drove her insane. She knew he wasn't doing it to seduce her, it was their natural state. For too long they tempted each other with harmless flirting and playful strokes… it made their bodies so easily aroused by the other. "I know…" Her hand found its way to his chest, fingers playing in the course hair… His top was barely on as it was, loosened by his own antics early so that is took the gentlest of pulls to fully open his shirt and expose the toned body beneath. She kept telling her body to stop but her mind was no longer in control, it was her heart that moved her now.

He took her chin and raised her face so that their eyes were locked, he had to know that this is what she wanted because he would not hold back this time. "I won't be able to stop myself…" His other hand slowly moved to her sash and began to pull it away, if she wanted to stop him then he'd let her. "I'll take your body this time… completely."

Her heart was pounding now but she did not resist, they needed this. Everything needed to be laid out on the table, she had denied him wholly on claiming all of her body and not once did he complain or try to force it. She felt the sash fall away and her top open up, in a smooth motion she shrugged it off so her upper body was naked and the leggings barely clung to her buttocks as she knelt in front of him. "I love you Shunsui…" With that she leaned in and kissed him just as passionately as she did in the pool of their training ground, she loved this man. More than she knew she should but she could not stop her heart from feeling what it did. She loved Shunsui.

Her words were like an ignited fuse that quickly burned down to his loins and caused an explosion of desire that he had been trying to hold back. She loved him… the words played over and over in his mind as he kissed her almost overpoweringly, their hands tearing away at each other's clothes until the where both naked on the floor. Bodies held tightly to each other as their tongues wrestled for dominance, his member rubbing against hers as he rolled on top of her. He wanted her, to hell with foreplay… "Are you ready?" He lifted her leg slightly and positioned himself at her entrance, the head slowly pushing in.

She gasped as she felt him entering her before she even responded but she didn't mind his enthusiasm. "Yes..." The moment her affirmation left her lips he thrust into her and it made her cry out at the unexpected action, he wasn't holding back at all. He plunged into her with hard, swift strokes and her voice rang out loudly in gasp and moans. She had no idea that he had this animalistic side of him, there was no shifting of positions at all or playful nibbles on her ear and neck. Just raw emotion.

The only sound he made was grunts as he slammed himself into her, for a moment he thought he was hurting her but the sounds coming out of her mouth where not pain filled exclamations. She liked the roughness and her moans drove him to move faster and harder, her leg still in his hand as he positioned it up so he could drive himself into her freely. He never thought that he would ever be driven to dominate her like this but all the built up desire and frustration was boiling over and expressing itself now. He could hear her orgasm but he was not sated yet, his hips continued to move, his member working her insides vigorously as her body trembled below him. His eyes moved over her flesh, taking in everything he saw and committing it to the deepest reaches of his memory. The way her breasts bounced with each thrust, the way her mouth looked as she moaned his name. Gods, she looked so unbelievably sexy and it was driving him to his limit. "I'm going to… inside you…" He breathed the broken words, he wasn't asking for her permission. This is what he wanted.

Her fingers where tangled in his curly hair, her body overwhelmed by the tremors he forced out of her and now he would fill her with his seed. Just thinking about it caused another wave to wash over her, she wanted to share this final orgasm with him. "Do it." She told him as she wrapped both legs around him. "Do it Shunsui."

He buried himself inside of her as deep as his body would allow just as the sensation came flooding over him, he felt his essence pouring into her and her body drank it up. Gods, this feeling was amazing… He rested his weight on one elbow so he didn't press down on her too heavily, her legs where still wrapped around him as she clung to his body and he did not attempt to move her. His lips met hers again as they laid there, relishing in their sin once more. "I love you Chitsuki…" He spoke between kisses, he covered her face and neck with pecks as she released him from her embrace so he could sit up and stare down at her glorious form beneath him. He reached down and stroked himself a few times to work out the remaining semen, his body wincing a bit as he did due to the tenderization of the aftermath.

Once again she took his hand after he dirtied it once more, she pulled him back down to bend over her as she cleaned his fingers. Licking his seed hungrily, she wanted more but she knew that they couldn't. They shouldn't have even done this but even so, she didn't regret it.

He breathed heavily as he watched her play with his hand, tongue running along his fingers once again and he could not help but feel the urge to go again building up. He didn't dare allow himself to go past being an urge though, they shouldn't have done this but he was weak. He knew now that he would never deny her, no matter how good of a friend Kenpachi was… he would never turn her away if she came to him. He loved this woman and he would always love her, even if that love led him straight to hell. "How much time do you have?"

She looked up to him as she finished cleaning him and directed the hand to fondling her breast. "I have another hour or so…" By that time she needed to find her father and speak to him but until then… she would secure her place in hell and fall into this man's embrace. Her hand reached down and touched his still sensitive member, smiling as he winced. "I'm yours until then…"

He smiled as he positioned himself once more above her, for just a little while longer… he'll be content to pretend like she was his and only his. "I love you so much…" He whispered into her ear as he felt his manhood wake once more beneath her touch.

Damn their hearts… and damn themselves.

Yamamoto pressed his seal into the paper that had been brought to him, Chojiro had delivered it directly to him when Renji had handed it off. He must say that he was not surprised that Byakuya came to the decision to relive her of her duties so easily. The question though… was should he allow the girl to return once she left?

The threat of the collector was still a possibility, he had escaped in the confusion after the demon fife had been broken and it wasn't like all of the slaves had been freed. The Tengu had enlightened him after the girl had been taken off the battle field to the realization that not all of the beings the collector had under his control where forced into doing his bidding. Just as many of the served under their own free will through agreements or being born into servitude and raised to revere the man… while the girl resided in the Soul Society the possibility of another attack was very real.

At the same time, what trouble would he have to deal with if Shunsui and Kenpachi where to know that he banished the girl from returning? He sighed heavily as he rubbed his temple, already imagining those unruly boys doing everything they could to bring her back. Like a couple of spoiled brats…

He picked up another paper that had come to him earlier, one from Akon and the Kaizō Konpaku woman who have seemingly taken over the girls monitoring since Mayuri seemed enthralled in a new project. They reported that there had been no readings of Kyuuketsuki or the cursed zanpakuto within the girl after the Soul Transfusion procedure. Which begged to question if the girl still had her shinigami abilities at all or, in a more unsettling possible turn of event, they were more powerful due to the donors of the souls…

A troubling thought indeed considering her, already, promising attributes. If she proved to develop into too strong of a person that Central 46 deemed a threat then the decision to banish her would no longer be in his control.

Hanataro hummed to himself as he watered the many plants in Chitsuki's room, he had taken it upon himself to care for them when he learned that she was unconscious. He knew how much they meant to her and even though he couldn't help her while she was in the hospital he could at least do this for.

"Hanataro?"

He made a yelp as the voice behind him startled him from his musings. He turned to see Chitsuki standing in the doorway looking shocked to see him in her home. "Oh! I didn't know you woke up!" He set down the watering can and ran over to grab her hands in relief. "I was really worried about you."

She smiled at him sweetly, she could tell that he had been taking care of her things while she was away. "Thank you for doing this. You've taken care of the place well."

He smiled as he stepped back with a blush. "It was nothing, I remembered how important these plants are to you and keeping your place clean so I figured I could take care of it for you."

She went over and inspected some of her herbs. "You did a good job." She was actually wondering what she would do with her things while she was away and this was a perfect solution. "Can I ask you a favor?"

"Of course, anything." He was focused on her hair, usually she had it tied up but it was let down right down and seemed a lot thicker than before. Something was different but he couldn't quite place it.

"Will you continue to look after my place while I'm away? I can pay you for the trouble."

He put up his hands and waved them frantically. "No, no. You don't need to pay me anything I wouldn't mind at all… wait. You're leaving?"

She chuckled a bit, it was sweet that he cared. "Yes, I need to spend some time with my… family for a time." She wasn't sure how many people knew about her blood line and she really wasn't too frisky about explaining it right now.

"Oh." It made him a little sad to know that she'd be leaving for a while, he really enjoy spending time with her. She was always so nice and didn't treat him any different because he was a member of Squad four.

"She shouldn't be gone for any longer than a few months."

A voice from the doorway startled them both and they turned to see a tall man smiling warmly at them.

"Father." She smiled a bit, she wasn't expecting him to show up here but she welcomed it. This saved her from trying to find him. She put a hand on Hanataro's shoulder to let him know that it was ok. "This is my father, Utatori… uh…" She fumbled with something to say, only just now realizing she had no idea what his surname actually was and how very little she really knew about him.

He smiled and extended his hand for the young man. "My name is Utatori Hoshoku."

"H… Hello." He took the man's hand and shook it nervously, so this was her dad. He looked a lot different than anybody he had seen in the Soul Society before. "My name is Hanataro Yamada. It's nice to meet you." He blushed a little as he averted his gaze, he was only wearing a long loincloth to cover himself. It was certainly more revealing than he's seen any man in the Seireitei wearing.

"Likewise." He looked around her room, smiling gently at what he saw. She lived modestly and she was very good with plants, which was excellent to know. "I'm appreciative for you being such a good friend to Chichi."

Her eye twitched a little. Since when did he decide to call her that?

"Oh, it's quite alright." He blushed even more, this man had the same kind look in his eyes that Chitsuki did. "I really don't mind helping her at all and…" He turned back to her. "I'd be more than happy to continue carrying for your plants while you're gone, I've even been reading a book about drying herbs so I can do that for you too."

"You don't have to…" She tried to tell him that he didn't need to over burden himself for her sake but he waved his hand a bit with a smile.

"I know I don't have to but I'd really like to help." He moved to the door with a bow. "I'll be seeing you! Bye!" He ducked out the door quickly before she could argue anymore, he really did like helping her and having the extra chores didn't bother him at all.

Utatori couldn't help but laugh as he watched him leave, that boy was a fine young man. "You have gathered a wonderful group of friends here." He turned to her with a father's loving gaze. "I'm so proud of you."

She blushed a bit and turned away, pretending like she was inspecting her plants so not to make eye contact. This was still all so knew to her, she was used to his empty gaze watching her… and now the eyes she learned to hate where staring at her with so much love in them. "I… I was going to come find you shortly."

He hugged her from behind, ruffling her hair with his nose affectionately. "It's fine, I know you were busy with that Captain so I didn't mind waiting till you were done." He was impressed that she had such stamina… huh. "What's wrong? You went rigid."

She realized that she was completely frozen but… did he seriously just admit to knowing about what she and Shunsui did… So nonchalantly. Shouldn't a father be more… protective of their daughters with matters like this? "You… how did you… know?"

He smiled a bit before letting her go and sitting down, patting the ground beside him so she would do the same and relax a bit. "We have a bond, it would be easier to explain it with the rest of the clan present but… I can always feel you and feel the things you're feeling if I focus hard enough." He put an elbow on his knee so he could rest his chin on his hand as he watched her with a smile. "I checked in on you occasionally and sought you out when you weren't with one of your lovers."

One… of my… "You kn… know about…"

"Kenpachi-kun and Shunsui-kun? Yes. I couldn't be happier that you found such wonderful mates." He smiled brightly. "I can't wait to see the grandchildren they will give me."

She was fairly certain that no blood was reaching her face because her heart had most decidedly stopped beating, she may not have had any experience with father/daughter relations before but there was no way that this conversation should be happening right now.

He couldn't help but chuckle at the terrified expression she had on her face, he knew he shouldn't tease her like this but he couldn't help it. Her expressions where just so cute. "There are many differences between Tengu and Human relationships. First and foremost it is common for us to have more than one partner. Before I met your mother I had many different woman for mating season."

Please tell me I am not listening to my father's exploits… She rubbed her temples, this was not how she envisioned their first real talk going. "Can we move on to a different topic… please?" She wasn't ready to try and have this particular conversation with him.

"Alight." He sat up straighter with a sigh, teasing aside he did have an important question to ask. "Have you spoken to your mother since the incident?"

She was shocked a little but it made her realize something… "No, I haven't." She placed a hand over her scar, she had been so busy full-filling her carnal needs that she didn't even think to see how Tengoku… no, her mother was. She tried to call out to her now but she couldn't feel the familiar warm presence, her heart started pounding as she felt the panic rising. It was his hand over hers that calmed her.

"Relax. There's nothing to worry about, Kyuuketsuki is strong. The strongest woman I've ever known and Shoushin Konton is no match for her stubborn ways."

She took a deep breath as she steadied her nerves and smiled just a little, he was right after all. She had to have faith in her… she felt his hand on her head, petting her hair and she closed her eyes with a sigh. It really did feel nice.

He admired her hair, the color of her feathers was so pretty. "I'm glad you are showing your feathers, you always had the most beautiful that I've ever seen."

She could feel her eyelids becoming harder and harder to keep open, she must've worn herself out… her body felt like it was moving but she wasn't sure anymore.

He moved her gently so that she was laying down with her head on is lap, he could tell she was exhausted. Her body was still on the mend and she over exerted herself with the other man. He would talk to her for a little while when she woke up, allowing her to nap for a half hour or so wouldn't hurt anything. They had plenty of time to talk about her heritage on the journey and while she healed.

He started to sing softly to her as he continued stroking her hair and just a few tears escaped from his eyes as he did. At least his time they were ones of happiness. He was finally going to have his family again.

Akon sat back in his chair, flipping through various reports that scattered his desk. Some were research notes passed along to him by the Captain and his new specimens, others were from Hiyosu about the girl's scans concerning the currently dormant souls inside of her… He looked up when he heard his door open.

Maneru walked in, a cup in each hand. "It wouldn't hurt you to take a break." He had been going for the last 24 hours or so without so much as a nap, even she laid down for a bit when they finished the procedure.

"I will…" He took a cup that was offered to him, coffee with a bit of cream and no sugar. It's how she liked to drink hers and apparently her way was now his way.

"You say that and yet I don't believe you." She pushed aside papers to clear a place for her to sit, disregarding the look on his face as she jumbled together all the papers even worse.

He set down the cup and attempted to put the papers into a pile, he'll sort through them later. "You love making a mess of things don't you."

She arched a brow and snatched the papers from him, throwing the stack over her shoulder so they scattered all over the floor. "And what is that supposed to mean?"

He sighed heavily and sat back in his chair, he really wasn't in the mood for this. "Why are you being so confrontational Maneru? Did the Captain upset you again?" He took out a pack of cigarettes, pulling one out and lighting it while he looked at her with obviously agitated eyes.

She took a sip of her coffee and poked at him with her foot. "No but I'm certain our wonderful Captain is building up to it." She set down the cup and used her foot to pull his chair closer, its wheels rolling freely against the tile floor and he didn't resist. "What I came to discuss was you falling in love with me, I can't have it effecting our respective projects and I need to know you can maintain a professional demeanor here in the lab."

He blinked… a few times. "What the hell?" That was the last thing she expected him to say, of all things she could have possibly said. "Where the hell did that come from?"

She tapped the side of her head where a small incision was tapped up. "I decided to modify this gigai a bit, I used the Captain's nano chip research to develop a system connected to my optic nerve to I can scan heart rate and hormone levels via corresponding nano chips in my hands and view them directly and discreetly." It was a bit painful implanting the chips and she would have to wear gloves from now on to control the scanning but she felt it was a decisively good upgrade to discern a person's true feelings and motives. A person's mouth may be able to tell lies but their organs and hormones cannot.

"Impressive but that doesn't explain your 'fallen in love' comment… at all." He tried to wrap his brain about it but it decidedly caught him off guard, he never if entertained such a thought.

"Then you haven't been paying attention." She grabbed his hand in hers and pulled him closer. "By touching you like this your heart rate has speed up considerably from its resting rate and your vasopressin and testosterone levels have been on the rise. All clear indicators of being in love." She let go of his hand and picked her cup back up. "So I ask again, can you maintain a level of professionalism while we are working."

He took a moment to take a few, much needed, drags from his cigarette. Trying to wrap his head around her scientific breakdown on love, he never even thought about it before. Plus, she was just as guilty as he was for starting things while they were working. He's not even sure which of the utility closest haven't been marked by them yet and more than enough of the labs as well. He sighed as he rubbed his head, he knew it was best to just give in to her and amuse her when she does things like this. "Yes, fine. I can keep things professional."

"Good." She set down her cup and smiled wickedly, she let this game go on long enough. In a smooth motion she slid off the desk to kneel in front of him, one hand slipping underneath his shirt to play along the smooth skin and the other caressing his member through the cloth. "So how about we do something un-professional to tire you out so you can sleep."

He jumped a little at the sudden change in her attitude and met that fiery gaze of hers, he smiled a bit followed by an 'I'm going to kill you' chuckle. "Damn you." He had fallen for another one of her teasing games, she really went all out for this one too. "You're too cruel to me and after everything I did to fix you up." He shifted a bit, getting into a better position to let her play. He certainly wasn't going to argue letting her service him, he never did.

"Because you expected anything less from me." She worked him more, moistening her lips as she felt him harden. "And this is my way of saying 'thank you'." She really did appreciate the effort he put into mending her pill form, he fused his reishi with it and locked it into this gigai. So now only she had the ability to remove the pill, it gave her a sense of freedom and security. Feelings she never had before and it was because of him, he never treated her like just another mod soul. She was his equal and for that she could never repay him… but she knew a good place to start.

"I like your way of saying it." He smiled as he stroked her hair, feeling her deft finger moving fabric aside to reach her goal. "You know I'll have to pay you back for this." A muffled response was his only answer as she wrapped her lips around him, he gasped a little and closed his eyes to relish in the feel.

He never put much thought into it… but he could see himself loving her.

Kenpachi sat at the edge of Sokyoku hill, staring off into the distance yet again. The sun was already beginning it's decent below the horizon, he was hoping she would be here waiting for him but that wasn't the case. He wasn't upset, just impatient.

Then he felt her, it was odd, he always would smell her scent before he saw her but it was different this time. He looked up and found out why, a smile crept along his face as she descended towards him. Her wings shinning in the suns dying light and her hair unbound, beautiful.

She saw him standing up to greet her as she landed, her wings spread wide to act as a wind break and slow her so she could land with a few ungraceful hops. There was still a lot she needed to learn about flying but her body seemed to know what it was doing even though she didn't. "I'm sorry I'm late, I fell asleep and my father didn't want to wake me." She had been to hurried she almost forgot to clean herself up from her betrayal with Shunsui… she still couldn't believe how easily she did it but she pushed it out of her mind. Not now. She didn't need to be thinking about it right now.

"New outfit?" He admired the view of the open sides that showed off more of her plump breasts then he would guess that she liked. It looked like an outfit that Soi Fon wears with the back completely open.

"Yea." She felt a little odd in it but her father insisted she should get used to it, she could understand the benefit though. Wearing this she could freely use her wings when needed but still… it left her scarred body awfully exposed. She focused on returning her arms to normal, changing only part of her was hard and it would take a lot of practice till she could do it smoothly like her father. "It was either this or get used to wearing a loincloth like him." She joked partially, her father really did want her to wear an outfit like that to experience how 'free' it felt but she declined. Wholeheartedly.

He grinned pulling her into him. "I like that idea."

"You would." She wrapped her arms around him, breathing in his scent. He smelt like soap, so he did end up bathing as well.

"Did you get everything squared away?"

"Yea." She took a step back and turned a little to watch the sunset. "We leave tomorrow morning. He says we have to go immediately, before the clan changes their mind about helping me." She frowned a little, he explained how they were most likely not going to be impressed by her arrival and far from welcoming with open arms. That detail wasn't making leaving any easier to stomach.

"Then we should make the most of it." He turned her around and lifted her up, smirking at her little yelp. "I'm not going to let you leave without leaving my mark on you." He turned away from the edge and carried her back toward the bit of trees at the opposite end of the cliff.

She blushed at that, he was so straightforward about his desires now. Even as he carried her, a mischievous hand fondled her rear. She knew that he would always be hers and hers alone… so why couldn't she do the same for him? "Kenpachi…" She wanted to tell him… but did she really want to leave with him knowing that she once again betrayed him? No… there had to be a better time to come clean…

"Yea?" He stopped and set her down, showing her the little surprise that he had planned.

She was going to say something but then she noticed the blanket he had spread out with lit candles dripping wax all over the fabric. She smiled at his attempt to be romantic, not sure what romance book he took his cues from but the thought was still sweet. That's when she decided that she wouldn't ruin the moment, instead… "Lay down."

He felt her gentle tug and did what she asked, he had thought that he lit too many candles, he assumed he read the instructions right in that smut book Yumichika loaned him… maybe he did because she seemed really into it. Her hands where all over his groin, causing him to get excited quickly. It seemed like she was going to take the lead this time, and he wasn't complaining in .the least. "Somebody is eager." He teased.

"Shut up." She joked as she pulled his manhood free. "Just let me do the work for a little while" She wanted to do this for him, the other times it was him doing all the work so it was her turn to take the lead. She'd service him until he came then go from there, this was their last night together for a very long time. She wanted to make sure he was left with the best of memories… and not the truth of the person she really was.

He laid back as she began to work him with her mouth, this was a feeling he could really get used to. He wasn't sure what had gotten into her but he wasn't sure he really cared, making her happy was what mattered right now. He didn't know when he'd see her again so letting her do as she pleased was the best option he had to go with.

Morning light held no real comfort for anybody, it was much too early for most of them… All except Dokuja and Utatori, both seemed far too chipper for the early hour.

"You really aren't a morning person are you darling." Dokuja teased her, he had gotten the hell butterfly from his lieutenant last night on where to meet to say their goodbyes and luckily it was in the Squad six court yard. "Nice outfit by the way."

Chitsuki rolled her eyes, she had been getting looks all morning. She still wasn't comfortable with everybody seeing the scars or that damn tattoo but her father wouldn't let her cover them up because it would interfere with her transformations. At least she could still wear her scarf and hand coverings. She'd hate to leave without the gifts that where most important to her.

Shunsui was trying his best not to sway, after she left him there was a slight possibility that he started drinking… heavily… alright, there's a large possibility. Still, he wouldn't miss being here for anything.

Kenpachi stifled a yawn as discreetly as he could, they were up a lot later than he thought they would. Even going so far as to pass out on the blanket right there on the hill… thank the gods nobody found them like that.

"Are you ready?" Utatori cupped his daughter's cheeks, pinching them a little to wake her up.

"A moment." Dokuja interrupted them as he took her hand to lead her a little off to the side. "I promise I won't keep her long." He smiled at the man, he had to admit that her father looked positively delicious in nothing but that cloth but he had to refrain from thinking such scandalous things. Sleeping with the parents of friends just didn't sit right with him.

She allowed Dokuja to lead her a short distance away from the group without saying anything, she figured out a while ago that if there was something he didn't want the others to hear than she was better off waiting for his cue to say anything.

"Here." He handed her a small envelope inconspicuously so the others did not see. "This has information on an acquaintance of mine in the world of the living. His name is Ayzel Kurrgan, charming fellow but very distrustful of new faces that come to him out of the blue. There is a smaller envelope inside this one I want you to bring to him but make sure you don't open it."

She turned the little package over in her hands and smiled a little at his kiss mark left on the back side, still it was curious. "What is this for?" She tucked it away in her inner pocket as best she could without the others seeing.

"For you darling." He smiled as he took her hand once more. "Since you are no longer an official member of the Gotei 13 you don't have a Soul Pager assigned to you for this trip. Just think of Ayzel as a special type of mail man, any letter you give to him while in the world of the living he can have delivered to whomever you like here in the soul society. Best part being is no one would be the wiser, he's very discreet in what he does."

She couldn't help but smile, he really was good when it came to information and knowing who's who. "Thank you." She squeezed his hand a little as they made their way back.

"Anytime darling." He turned and gave her a kiss on the cheek before letting her hand go. "I hope you enjoy yourself while you're away."

The others couldn't help but arch a brow in unison, nobody really sure what they had been talking about out of earshot but it wasn't a matter that really deserved too much attention.

Chitsuki turned to make her round of goodbyes, starting with Shunsui. She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him. "Thank you for everything Shun-chan." She buried her face in his neck, his flowery scent mixed with the smell of sake… she breathed it in deeply. She was going to miss him so much

He sighed as he wrapped his arms around her waist, doing his best to ignore the fact that Kenpachi was standing not too far away. "It was my pleasure…" He wanted to caress her cheek, kiss her passionately, do all the things that a man saying goodbye to his woman should do… but he knew he couldn't. He knew she wasn't really his… but it didn't stop him from wanting to.

Kenpachi kept his eye closed as they said their goodbyes, it still infuriated him about their secret relationship but he wasn't going to dredge it up now. Even if the doubts that they still had something going on nagged at the back of his mind, he'd deal with his insecurities later. A touch on his hand brought him out of his mental ranting's, he looked down to see her in front of him now.

"Hi." She smiled a little, she knew that look on his face and she knew it was because of her.

"Hey." He sighed a little, this wasn't the time to be thinking on crap like that. He cupped her cheek, rubbing it with his thumb. This was their first time showing affection to each other in front of others, a slow start but it would work.

She took his hand in hers as they continued to look at each other silently, they never really did needs words. They expressed their feelings thoroughly last night so now there wasn't much left that needed to be said. "I'll be back before you know it."

"You'll have to make it up to me. Yachiru is going to be a real pain in the ass because you left without saying good bye."

She laughed a bit. "Sorry, tell her I'll bring her back some sweets." She was a little sad about not being able to see her before she left but it was a bit short of notice to try and track her down. She wouldn't even be able to say goodbye to Jushiro since he wasn't feeling well this morning. There where so many people she wanted to see still but this might be better, it was hard enough leaving with just these few.

He let her go and took a step back, he didn't need to keep her any longer. The sooner she headed out then the sooner she'd be able to come home. He knew he should say all the proper things a guy should say to his woman, he should hold her tightly and kiss her… but that just wasn't their style.

She backed away and returned to her father's side. "I'll be back before you know it." She smiled once more as she looked at each of their faces, who would've thought she'd make such amazing connections in the short amount of time she'd been here.

Utatori didn't mind letting her take the extra time to say her farewells, when she stood beside him again he concentrated on the dangai precipice entrance. There was a strong enough gateway here to allow them both safe travels, he knew he could have used the Soul Reapers gates but those wouldn't bring him close enough to the mountain.

With a snap of his fingers the air seemed to fracture and glow with a blue light, the cracks opening wider till a jagged door way bathed in the light was formed with enough space to allow them to walk through. He looked down to her and stroked her hair affectionately, delighted in her beautiful feathers. "Let's go." He looked back and gave a bow to the men who helped his daughter grow, who protected her and loved her. "Thank you…" He whispered as he turned into the light, disappearing into the glow slowly.

Chitsuki took a deep breath to try and steady her nerves, so this was it. She looked back, only for a moment… etching their faces into her memory before fading into the light after her father.

"This story is not yet over… my child…"

END