A/N

Even though I said I needed some time to reread the Dante books so I could prepare the last two parts of the story and make sure everything fits into place, some people can't be patient. I don't appreciate being called names when I am doing my best to make sure the story fits together nicely. And I will say now that it will not be tolerated again. I'm posting this chapter to buy myself a little time. It wasn't one I had intended on posting because it's so short. And it may be the last one if I am treated the way I was treated again. I hate to punish everyone for one bad egg but I think you would do the same in my position. I apologize again for the shortness of the chapter, again it wasn't one I had intended on posting.

Chapter Eleven- Guardian of the Gates

The guide led them threw the door into a forest. The cool air outside was a nice change from the icy pits of Hell. It was easier to breath as well. The smell of the grass and trees was a smell that he had taken for granted before. He could honestly say he would never regret that smell ever again.

His eyes took in everything. Every leaf on the trees. Every blade of grass on the ground. All of it had almost been lost from his sight forever.

He looked behind him. Scarlet eyes open as well. Not taking in the surroundings. Only looking at him. Yes. Gin was a precious thing that he almost lost as well. He had taken his silver haired companion for granted a few times before. Never again.

"I have never taken for granted my remaining senses," spoke Tousen softly. "But never have I appreciated them so much as I do now." the dark skinned man took a deep breath taking in all the clean air he could.

While he did that Aizen reached out towards Gin. With a smile Gin took his hand. "We were almost lost." his red eyes filled with fear. "We still might be."

Yes. That was true. They could very well end right back where they had been. Aizen looked sadly at the pale tear stained cheeks. Tears that had been shed while he hadn't been looking.

And it was unfortunate that he had no words to comfort Gin with. He traced the tear stained streaks that could be seen clearly now in the brighter light, that came with being outside. Gin insistently leaned into the touch wanting more than grazing fingertips.

Aizen cleared his throat letting the words come to him. "There aren't words to describe how brave you are, Gin."

Ichimaru snorted. "I wasn't brave."

"On the contrary for someone of your age to face what you faced. It was most impressive."

Red eyes glared at him. Unimpressed by his words.

"I forget how young you are. And so do you." Aizen looked back at the guide waiting patiently for them. "Please, don't forget how important you are. To me." He looked back at the silver haired man. Ruby colored eyes watching him carefully. "Were out of there. I won't let us get dragged back in."

The trademark grin slid so perfectly in to place. Believing every word. Hoping that it was true. Trusting him with those words. Hoping that they would make it. Live another day. Even if it had to be an eternity in the human world. As long as they could live another day together.

Gin suddenly stiffened. He glanced behind him. The doors that they had come looked as if they had been carved out of the rocky mountain side. The words carved in Latin above the doorway. And sitting above that, was a large white panther. Large bright blue eyes starring intently at them.

Gin fearless walked up to the large creature.

"Wait," warned Aizen. Tousen stiffened his body rigid.

"Guide." he asked. "How did he not end up inside."

The guide looked up at the beast. "One could say it was a request."

Tousen and Aizen both looked at her.

She shrugged her pointy teeth showing as she smiled slightly. "He was asked to be spared. Of course a creature like him, that could not be down, but this was the best we could do. He is a guardian of the Gates of Hell."

Gin reached out carefully to the beast.

The large white creature seemed to roll it's eyes but leaned down to allow it's ears to be scratched.

"Guardian of the Gates, eh?" asked Gin. "Make sure we ain't allowed back in, kay?"

A purring noise came from the beast.

"Come." The guide pointed past the trees. To a large mountain in the distance. "That is our next destination."

Tousen followed the Guide who was already walking away.

"See ya, Grimm-chan."

A growl and a snap was heard immediately after those words.

"Do we have all our limbs?" asked Aizen.

Gin chuckled rubbing his hand. "Somehow."

The time they had might be short. Of course he would plot away on how to get out of this terrible situation but while they were in it, every moment they had needed to be treated as their last.

He took Gin's almost lost hand and held it tightly. He could never know if would be able to hold it again. Wither it was lost to a grumpy panther or if the body it was attached to was taken away altogether.