A/N: Hello everybody! I hope you all been enjoying the story so far. As always I hope you like and Thanks for reading!

©Bleach and its characters don't belong to me. They belong to Tite Kubo and Shounen Jump. Only Hibiki, Mitsuru, Anna and Hanabira belong to me

Chapter 26: Before Disaster

"Good! Great stance, now do it again." Mitsuru observed as Kugo slashed the dummy hollows with ease.

"How's he doing?" Jyushiro stood beside him.

"Really good. He's a natural."

"That's nice. I'm sure he'll do an excellent job for the time being. Make sure he keeps the pass nearby. We wouldn't want accidents to happen."

"Sure thing."

As Jyushiro left, Kugo had finished his training. The dummy hollows had been defeated, and it had taken him less time to bring them down.

"Excellent work. Go take a bath and we'll go back to Naruki."

"You ok?"

"Yes. I'm just sleepy. I'll meet you at the senkaimon gate."

Once he was alone he took out the pendant. "Any progress Anna-san?"

"I'm afraid not, information about fullbringer biology is very limited. I require time, lots of it. Maybe one or two years."

"You'll have them. I'll look over them in the meantime."

"Look after yourself too kiddo. I mean it."

Running around after hollows wasn't fun when she was alone, but now that Kugo teamed up with her, it was all the better.

"Two down and one to go. These things are slippery." Masaki protested. " Maybe it's camouflaged?"

"It's likely. I can feel them walking nearby. Stay behind me and when I lure him out, shoot it."

"Gotcha."

They followed the plan, once the boney lizard detected Kugo's presence he charged at him. Only to be pierced with one of Masaki's arrows.

"That's the last one. Let's get back to the club before Hibiki starts getting worried."

Masaki smiled as they arrived at the familiar building. 'Once I'm old enough, I'll come here every day.'

The usual group was inside having lunch, it was almost a ritual by now that when the club was closed the fullbringers would just use it to hang out.

"Hey, you guys are back! How was it?"

Jackie came out of the kitchen. From the flour in her hair, Masaki could tell she had been cooking.

"Lunch will be done soon. Hope you all like stuffed potato balls.".

"I've always wanted to try those. Thanks Jackie."

Jackie winked at her and the trio sat down at one of the empty tables. "I didn't think it would be so easy to get used to Japan. It's only been a month and I've already grown attached."

"It's a pretty place. And the people are irreplaceable." Kugo smiled widely as looked at the others.

Masaki knew what he meant. The fullbringers came from all over the world to train here and many had chosen to stay, just because of how close they've grown to each other. Even she, a quincy, had been accepted into that makeshift family.

'I am going to miss this.' she thought. The talk of wedding plans was getting to her.

"Masaki? Are you ok?" Jackie asked, having noticed her sudden shift in mood.

"No, it's nothing. I just had an argument with my parents. Happens often."

Jackie nodded. "I can't say I relate, given that I didn't argue with my family much when they were alive, but I do suggest you talk to them about it."

"Jackie is right. Your folks are really dense sometimes but I can tell they love you. It's probably for the best if you remind them that, and that you love them as well."

They were probably right. She might be sick of all the pureblood nonsense her folks cared about so much, but she knew they loved her too.

"You're right. I'll talk to them today."

Masaki hadn't noticed Hibiki and Mitsuru talking down at the bar. They looked a little closer than usual "Since when has that been happening?"

"A while ago."

"If they keep it up, you might be an uncle soon." she joked.

Ginjo sighed. "I am not ready to change baby diapers."

"Stuffed?" Hibiki heard Masaki's voice as she was falling asleep.

"Too stuffed. I feel like I'm going to explode." She giggled. "Are you staying over tonight?"

"No. I have to talk to my parents tonight."

"That's good." Hibiki patted her on the back. "You go and tell your stuffy folks you love em."

Masaki laughed. "I will. Now, what about you?"

"Hmm?"

"You and Mitsuru are awfully close lately. Should we be concerned?"

Hibiki couldn't tell if it was the food or the drowsiness talking but she rambled on.

"Mitsuru is really cute, and I like talking to him. If only he didn't have to leave..."

"Guess only time will tell."

Hibiki nodded and stood up. "C' mon pretty lady, let's go train with the others."

"I do not know why, but dealing with the arrancar it's like babysitting murder happy children."

"You were a murder-happy child yourself!" Kaname told Gin.

The two of them had been tasked with taking over the arrancar's training. From what had occurred so far Kaname could tell they were making progress.

"Ne, Kaname-kun I never asked ya. Why did you join Aizen-sama?"

Kaname raised an eyebrow. "Why do you ask, Ichimaru?"

"Curiosity."

"Long ago there was a woman I loved. She wanted to change the Soul Society for the better, she especially wanted to address the problems within Rukon. So, she worked hard to into the academy and then in Squad 9. Soon after she got married."

"Ouch, how'd ya take it?"

"Strangely enough, I was happy she found someone. She loved him, and I knew he could give her more than I ever could... Instead, he just gave her death."

He heard Ichimaru gasp. "You don't mean..."

Kaname nodded. "Her husband killed her, and he was not punished. Just because he's from house Tsunayashiro."

"I'm sorry to hear. That's quite unfair. If you don't mind me asking, what was her name?"

"Kakyo. Kakyo Tsunayashiro."

"I won't forget it."

"Thank you...What about you Ichimaru? Why did you join us?"

"Same as you. I did it for the woman I love, she doesn't deserve to cry anymore."

Kaname smiled. "I'm sure Rangiku-san would prefer having you with her, instead of playing vigilante."

Gin sighed. "Perhaps, but that's not something I can do. Not when there's a lot that I need to get back for her."

"Fair enough. Just be careful, I'd like it if we were both alive by the end of this."

"Let's hope so."

3 Years Later

Sosuke yawned. He'd been doing paperwork all morning, but at last, everything had been taken care of.

"Hinamori-kun, you may take your break now if you please."

"But Captain, shouldn't you take a break as well?"

"I'm alright. I'm waiting for someone to arrive. Don't worry, I shall eat soon."

The young lieutenant nodded and reluctantly left the room. Her loyalty was the reason Sosuke had chosen her as Gin's replacement when he became Captain of Squad 3.

'It keeps her from asking questions, but she certainly will fall apart once we leave.' He'd have to think of a solution before departure was imminent.

"Captain Aizen, can I come in?" Mitsuru's voice could be heard on the other side of the door.

"Yes, Mitsuru-kun come in."

The shinigami looked tired. From what Anna had told him, Mitsuru had been trying to find a way to save the Fullbringers. Sadly, today that would be put to rest.

"Anna told me to come see you. I should have known you'd be aware that she was alive."

Sosuke smiled. "Yes well, it's not like I hid my grief for what happened. She might be alive but that evening was one of the worst we've experienced."

"I can't imagine what it was like, I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. You were a child back then. If anything I am thankful you're trying to make a difference now."

Mitsuru smiled. "Thanks, my family doesn't seem to think that way."

"As much as I may respect Captain Ukitake, he's not known for challenging the system. I doubt he'll start now. Especially since I am bearing bad news."

"Oh no, what is it?"

"Ever since you met Anna three years ago we been researching fullbringers, and what to do in regards to the purge. Unfortunately, we've discovered that we cannot take away their powers like a shinigami or quincy.

Fullbringers are more human than spiritual being, and as such taking away their power could be detrimental to the subject in question."

"I see. So how do you suggest we proceed, Captain Aizen?"

"I think the wisest decision would be to relocate the fullbringers. Those that are in Naruki for training should return home, and those who live in Naruki should stay away for at least a week. The division in numbers might dissuade the Soul Society from purging the fullbringers."

"I guess it can't be helped. I must tell Hibiki-san about this..." The way Mitsuru bit his lip, was enough to tell him the shinigami was scared of how the others would react. "I can't believe it, just because they're scared of numbers..."

"I'm afraid this is not the first time something like this has happened. The quincy, bount and mod souls are proof of that."

"You're right." Mitsuru sighed. "It's a never-ending cycle."

Mitsuru stared at the river. He had been feeling hopeless since Sosuke had told him the news. In hindsight, he should have seen this coming. Fullbringers were much weaker than quincy, taking their power would do more damage than good.

'I have to tell Hibiki-san...' he thought.

It was terrifying. He'd known the woman for three years, to a shinigami that was very little time, but not to a human. In those years they'd grown close, closer than he thought they could become. He was also fond of Kugo, who became something of a little brother to him. Even the community of fullbringers that lived in Naruki warmed up to him very quickly as well.

'I shouldn't have gotten so attached.'

"Hey, cutie! Doing some sightseeing?"

He turned his head at the sound of Hibiki's voice. She sat beside him at the edge of the river. "Didn't think you'd go all the way over to Karakura."

"I needed a change of scenery," he told her. "I've always liked this river."

"Yeah, Kugo and I always came here with our parents to fish."

"You must miss them terribly."

She nodded. "I do. It's always worst during the winter, no one else was around except me and my lil' bro. Until we began training other fullbringers. Now it's sorta like a new family."

"I see what you mean, it's easy for all of us to grow close very fast." He sighed. "Hibiki, I have something to tell you. I'm not sure how I'll react."

"What is it?"

He explained everything from start to finish and waited for a reaction. She had both betrayal and sadness written on her face.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I did not know what to do. I was hoping to tell you that we found a solution but alas there is nothing."

"So, it was all a lie? Turning Ginjo into a shinigami, all the time you spent with us was just an experiment?!" By now she was crying and it was hard for him not to do the same

"No! Not at all! The whole incident with my powers wasn't something I expected. Even if it granted me time to get in contact with those who could help stop this. I genuinely enjoyed the time I spent here with the rest of the fullbringers, with Kugo and with you. That wasn't a lie. I simply didn't want to alarm you if we found a solution quickly. I'm sorry."

"Ok. I may not be thrilled about this, but you were trying to protect us. Anyone else would have just done what they were asked to. Let's go back to Naruki."

Hibiki took his hand as they walked to the train station. He could still feel her worry, but despite the initial shock, Hibiki didn't hate him. That was more than he expected.

Mitsuru nuzzled close to her and she chuckled. "You're feeling affectionate?"

"Yes. Thank you for believing in me."

"It's strange that there hasn't been a single hollow appearance as of late."

Ginjo looked out the window, it was getting dark, he'd have to open the nightclub if Hibiki didn't get here soon.

"Perhaps you have taken care of most of them, master Ginjo." Giriko was setting everything up in the bar for the coming shift.

"Maybe, but I feel like there's something wrong. I'll talk to Mitsuru later."

"Five minutes to opening! Places people!" Rajah told the group as he walked down the stairs. Everything was ready for opening. Ginjo stood up and got to the door. Almost on cue Hibiki and Mitsuru arrived.

"Thank goodness. I thought you'd make me run the club alone."

"No way in hell little brother. You'd just tell the DJ to play Pink Floyd."

"They can be danceable." He protested. "You two look tired. Please tell me I will not be having a nephew soon."

Instead of smacking him or yelling Hibiki just gave him a concerned look. "We need to talk."

He nodded. "Jackie, can you take care of the club for a bit?"

"Sure, leave it to me."

The trio retreated into the dining room of the house. Kugo could tell there was something wrong.

"What happened?"

Mitsuru and Hibiki looked at each other. They began telling him about a plot the shinigami had to eliminate all fullbringers, and that Mitsuru was supposed to carry it out but refused and was firmly on their side.

"I... It's hard to believe. Are you sure you want to help us Mitsuru-kun? Your family might not forgive you."

The shinigami nodded. "Perhaps, but now the fullbringers are my family. I've lived here with you for three years. You welcomed me, helped me and even took on shinigami duties when you didn't need to do so. I'd be crazy to overlook all that."

"Thank you, I promise I won't let you down. Now, what will we do?"

"I have allies that will help us escape. We have at least two weeks before the purge is to be carried out. My allies have advised for us to disperse, given that what the Soul Society fears is the strength in numbers."

"And for that they want us wiped?" Kugo asked.

Mitsuru nodded. "Idiotic, I know. Still, it is an order from the Soul King himself, as such no one will stand against it. Those of us who do are at risk of death."

"Then we must move fast. I'll alert everyone."

Before they could walk away, he noticed the Soul Reaper pass eyes glowing on the table. They were shining white and when he attempted to pick it up the wood was hot to the touch. 'This isn't normal. It's not an alert.'

"Break it open." Mitsuru was wide-eyed and terrified. Kugo did as he was told and broke the small pass open. There was a device inside.

"What in the...?" Hibiki was surprised as well. Kugo turned towards Mitsuru, he didn't need to ask.

"It's a spying device. They have been listening." Mitsuru looked furious

He almost fainted. "For how long?"

Mitsuru examined the device before crushing it to bits with his hand. "If this has been activated since the day my brother gave it to you. It's likely they were spying on us since then."

The worry was replaced with rage. How dare they!? He knew that he was a stranger, a human that suddenly got soul Reaper powers and was forced to adapt, but that was no excuse. Mitsuru was there keeping an eye on him, teaching him. Unless...'They don't trust him either.'

"I must talk to them."

Before Kugo could get away he almost bumped into Jackie. "Oh sorry! There's someone here to see Mitsuru-kun."

Mitsuru raised an eyebrow. "Me? Who is it?"

"A lady named Anna."

He sighed in relief. "Alright. I'll be right there."

He turned towards Ginjo and Hibiki. "Come with me, there's someone I want you to meet."

Anna was waiting for them at the bar, she had her hair in a side ponytail and a glittery blue dress with long sleeves. From what he could see she struck up a conversation with Giriko whenever he wasn't serving anyone else.

"Hello, Anna. Jackie told us you were here."

"Hey, guys! It's good you're all here." Anna smiled at Hibiki and Kugo. "Nice to meet you both. My name's Anna Maria."

After introductions were made Anna explained in more detail what Mitsuru had told the group. When he told her about the pass, Anna looked taken aback.

"I shouldn't be surprised, but damn." She drank a shot in one sip. "Fucking creepers."

Hibiki laughed at that. "How shall we proceed Anna-san?"

"We must move everyone as soon as possible. You must inform everyone and let them pack. Going back to their home countries might put the foreign fullbringers in danger, I'm sure the shinigami might try to keep tabs on that aspect. I would suggest moving into a close familiar country but not go back home right away. At least until we know the Soul Society won't do anything else. As for those who live in Japan could scatter around the country, and I could take some of you to my home country too."

"That seems like a good idea. I'll inform everyone. Thank you." Kugo stood up and walked away.

Mitsuru looked at Hibiki. "He's going to go rage at my brother."

"Probably. I say let him or he'll just get worse. They know we caught em anyway."

He sighed and sat with the woman. Giriko passed him a cup full of beer.

"Thanks."

The trio talked about other things as the night went on. He was pleased to see that Hibiki and Anna became fast friends.

"I'll be back soon, Jackie might need a break."

Once Hibiki was out of earshot Anna spoke to him. "When are going to tell her you're head over heels in love with her?"

Mitsuru choked on his beer. "Pardon?"

"You like her. She likes you too. I say go for it."

"It is not that simple. We have been friends for three years and I do have feelings for her, but we still must deal with this who fullbringer purge and...I don't know if I'll ever see her again afterward."

He knew that either Ginjo would be forced to give him back his powers and he'd return to the Soul Society or that he might die in this mission. 'Our ending, won't be a happy one.'

"All the more reason you should treasure your time with her. Trust me dearie, I would give up anything to spend one more day with people long gone." Anna stood up and placed some money on the bar table. "See ya tomorrow." With that, she disappeared.

Mitsuru finished his glass. Little by little the club was being emptied out, even Jackie and Giriko had left. It was just the two of them now.

"Though night, huh?"

"Yes, I didn't say goodbye to Anna. She's really nice."

He nodded. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. It's been three whole years and well... I have been an idiot."

"It's alright. I was angry before and I guess my lil' bro was too, but I know why you did it. You wanted to protect us, and you needed time to solve this."

"It's not just that."

"What else?"

"I was scared of losing you."

She sat down beside him on the bar benches. "Really?"

"Yes. I mean back at the Soul Society I have my brothers and sisters but truth to be told they don't seem to like me much, I'm like black the sheep of the family. Then I came here trying to help you and the other fullbringers, you let me stay and here and treated me like family. Everyone else has been so welcoming, working with Kugo has been loads of fun too and well a part of me wishes I had been born human here, that I could've had this from the start."

Hibiki took his hand and kissed it. "You're not going to lose us. We'll be your family regardless. I gotta tell ya when we first met I was skeptical. Kugo having to do all that extra work, and well we didn't know each other at the time, but you managed to prove me wrong." she chuckled. "As the days turned to weeks and the weeks to months I grew to love you. First as a friend and now as a partner. I have feelings for you Mitsuru, I've had them for quite a while now."

He wanted to say something, anything, alas words never came easy to him. Actions, however, were easy by second nature.

Mitsuru cupped her face with his hands softly and brought her close for a kiss. The moment their lips touched he felt like electricity consumed him.

"That was much better than expected." He joked.

"Hell yes."

He knew how to act. How to make everyone think he wasn't angry and that led him right into the 13th Squad's office. Jyushiro was waiting for him.

"I know you're aware of what the pass was."

Ginjo sighed trying to stay calm. "Why? Why would you do something like that? I am aware that a human agent might be reckless and risky to deal with, but you had Mitsuru watching over me."

"I didn't want to use it. The Head Captain ordered it, given that Mitsuru-kun has a tendency to stray from the orders he's given."

So they knew. They likely knew since they sent him to Naruki. "You invaded your brother's privacy out of mistrust that he's not going to willingly kill innocent humans. That's pretty low for someone who he greatly admires."

"I didn't choose this Kugo-kun! and if it were up to me none of this would have happened, but I must obey."

"You don't have to. Just fight it."

"I cannot do that, and neither should any of you."

"You want us to let them kill us? Over what?! When has a single one of us done anything that would warrant mass execution?! You're all just afraid of anyone else having the smallest speck of power. And if this is all you'll do in about the matter then we have nothing else to discuss."

He headed for the door. Knowing full well that it was now up to him and Mitsuru to stop the purge.

"I've told you before, I can't dance!" Mitsuru tried to in vain to get away from Hibiki's grip.

"I won't play disco. It's just slow dancing. I can lead if you want."

Realizing that this was a losing battle he gave up and let Hibiki drag him towards the dancefloor.

She pressed a button in a remote and the music started playing, it was a soft ballad that he really liked.

"I can't believe you remembered. " He smiled.

"I don't ever forget the musical tastes of my loved ones," she told him.

Hibiki led him in a soft dance as the song played. She was a good teacher, after the second verse he caught on and began to lead. As the song ended the clock struck 12.

Mitsuru fished out a small box from his pocket. "Happy birthday darling." He passed the box onto Hibiki's hands. "I wanted to be the first to wish you a good day."

Hibiki blushed and opened the box. She gasped at the contents, it was a necklace with a music note.

"It's beautiful. Thank you so much."

The couple shared a soft kiss. Afterwards, the club's phone started ringing. "It must be Kugo."

Hibiki answered it, after a minute she hung up. "Kugo is going to stay out for a while we have the house to ourselves."

The flirty look she gave him made Mitsuru blush. "That's bold of you Hibiki-san. You are not aware of what I might do with you."

She grinned, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I intend to find out."

Hibiki kissed him again. They didn't let go of each other until they were in her bedroom. Hibiki locked the door and dined the lights. "Are you sure you want this?"

"Yes. I don't care what happens tomorrow, or what may happen to me because of this, all I want is one night of bliss with you."

With that said he pulled her close and kissed her again. Wishing the night wouldn't end.

Kugo was never fond of walking at night. Once he called Hibiki at a payphone he headed for the river.

The sound of the water flowing was calming and helped soothe his headache. Perhaps he shouldn't have mouthed off, but there wasn't much he could do about it now.

Mitsuru had often warned him that he wouldn't want to live in Sereitei, and he believed him now. 'I don't think I could keep quiet about all of this.'

A faint scent of smoke distracted him. It looked like there was a fire starting at the other edge of town.

"Kugo!" Anna had tapped on his shoulder. She was now in full battle attire. "We need to go, it's an emergency!"

"What happened?"

"They moved the attack to today. They're going to kill everyone."

The pair rushed towards Naruki. Ginjo gripped his sword tightly. Praying that they would get there in time.