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Hey everyone. Sorry for the delay for this chapter. I'll try to update again as soon as I can! Thank you all for reading and keep the reviews coming! I really appreciate it (:

Chapter Thirteen – Yashiro

Yashiro stood waiting for Ren and Kyokou outside of President Lory's office. He looked a little worse for wear with bags under his eyes and an unusual sluggishness lingered in his movements. He had gone into full panic mode when Ren and Kyokou both had turned off or lost their phones until the President had confirmed that they were safe and in good hands. Even so, until he saw them with his own eyes, he was the kind to worry.

It didn't help his mental state when Ren and Kyokou finally approached looking even more exhausted than he felt. Ren tried assuring him that he was fine, but Yashiro couldn't help initiating a full exam of their condition. "Have you been eating?" he demanded, poking Kyokou's ribs lightly. "How much sleep have you been getting? Why didn't you call me?"

Before Ren or Kyokou could answer, President Lory appeared and ushered them into his office. Yashiro sat down so that he could examine all of their faces, his knee bouncing nervously as he tried to assess the situation. The President was his usual cheerful self, holding a cup of tea and lounging casually on his couch. Ren and Kyokou both sat as though they were at ease, but Yashiro could detect the tension in their postures. Sebastian served tea to all of them and then quietly dismissed himself to give them privacy.

"I'm so happy you could make it," President Lory said, eyes glinting as he gazed at Ren and Kyokou. "And so, to our first order of business! Kyokou, you need a new phone."

Kyokou blinked in surprise when a small bag stuffed with tissue fell into her lap. She pulled out the phone and was startled to see a small sticky note attached to it saying: "From Kisuke, with Love." Kyokou ground her teeth and glared at the President. "Is this some kind of sick joke?"

President Lory shook his head. "I'm afraid not. He insisted that he replace your phone since it is he that broke the other one."

"What did he do to it?" Kyokou demanded, warily flipping it open and flicking through the settings.

"As far as I know, nothing," the President said, sitting up a little straighter, "but you are right to be wary of his meddling. Undoubtedly he's left a few other surprises. I've already taken the liberty to fill your directory. Unfortunately, I was unable to remove his number from the directory. Kisuke always was better at that kind of thing."

Yashiro tried asking Ren what was going on with just a look, but Ren was watching Kyokou intently, eyes flashing angrily every time the name "Kisuke" was mentioned. He had an inkling of an idea of who they were talking about, but he was still confused. "Pardon me, President, but are you speaking of Urahara?"

"Yes," the President said absently. "I did tell you that your clients were safe, did I not?"

Yashiro's eyes narrowed, suddenly understanding the aura of hatred hanging around Ren and Kyokou. "I believe you have a different definition of 'safe' than I do, President. In future, would you please tell me the truth straight away so that I can decide what is safe for my clients and what is not?"

The President stared at Yashiro, startled by the coldness underlying his tone, and then laughed. "This is why I assigned you to Ren from the very beginning. You really are incredible, Yashiro. I'm lucky to have a manager such as yourself in my employment!"

Yashiro ignored the President and turned to Ren. "You know about our world now, then? Urahara may be brilliant, but he definitely likes dramatics."

President Lory grumbled under his breath, "He wouldn't have even known about Ren if he hadn't interfered with Kyokou."

Yashiro sent the man a warning glance and looked back to Ren expectantly. "So, what has he told you?"

Ren took his time, glancing at Kyokou, then said, "He explained about K – about my inner hollow. He told us about a place called the Soul Society where something called 'Soul Reapers' train to kill spirits that have turned into hollows . . ."

Yashiro was surprised that Ren was still trying to hide Kuon, though it seemed as if his past was now common knowledge, unless . . . "Ren, did you explain about . . . does Kyokou know?"

"Know what?" Kyokou asked, snapping Kisuke's gift shut and looking between them. "I was with him the whole time."

Yashiro felt a chill run down his spine as Ren plastered on his best gentlemanly smile. How had he not noticed it before Kyokou pointed it out to him? "Mr. Yashiro is asking if I explained who Kuon was."

Kyokou's brow furrowed. "Your hollow?"

Yashiro felt as though he were frozen in a block of ice under Ren's gaze. Kyokou still didn't know Ren's past. Yashiro coughed and faced Kyokou, feeling Ren's eyes bore into him as he said, "Ah, yes, his hollow."

Kyokou looked to Ren, confused. His expression softened instantly. "You did tell me."

"Yes," Ren said, smiling gently at her before turning another chilling smile Yashiro's way.

"Back to business!" the President said, drawing their attention back to the meeting. "I have an assignment for the two of you, and I'm afraid there is no time to waste. I've been in communication with the Soul Society and have gained special permission to bring you to meet the captains and explain the situation and circumstances under which the two of you fall under. The Head Captain is aware of the purpose of LME here in the world of the living and has asked for a full report in order to, in his words, 'contain' potential threats to the soul society."

Yashiro squirmed in his seat, uncomfortable. He didn't much like the captains he had met on occasion when they'd come to inspect LME. "Is it really necessary? My clients' circumstances are unique, certainly, but for the Head Captain –"

"Our escort will be arriving any minute now, and you are expected to come along, Yashiro, since they are in your charge after all."

Yashiro cowered in his seat. "Is it really necessary?" he repeated weakly.

There was a light in the corner of the room, signaling that any further objections were futile at this point. President Lory stood up as the doors of the Senkaimon opened and pressed his handkerchief to Kyokou's head. Yashiro yelped in surprise as Kyokou's body collapsed against the couch and she sat before the President in full Soul Reaper's robes complete with a Zanpakto at her waist. The appearance of her soul form was not what Yashiro expected. It was Kyokou, but her hair was long and black. Ren was just as startled, jumping to his feet in surprise. Just then someone cleared their throat from behind the couches.