...Short chapter is short, sadly, even for a two month hiatus that I took. I do apologize about that everyone! The next couple chapters will speed us to the halfway point in the story, and I can't wait to get to that point :D

Also, Maria has grown on me as a character. I was not expecting that... hm, might do something with her later in the future :D

Do not own Bleach, do not make money off of this writing.

Kitty Kat

Chapter 36

Chase was more than amused when Maria completely ignored the males in the room and tackled Yoru in an ecstatic hug. Maria, becoming much more of a drama queen than Chase had ever seen the teenager become, started wailing at her sister about not telling her she was home, how she missed her, and next time give her more letters, she was lonely here without her!

All in all, a very amusing incident that came from a split second decision, Chase thought. She was then surrounded by her mates, who had gotten into the habit of making sure she was okay and that there were no bruises that were intentionally placed on her being.

Yoru glared at Chase over Maria's shoulder. Her friend only gave a smirk in response.

With an aggravated sigh, Yoru wrestled her way out from her step-sister's arms. It was nearly suffocating, and Yoru had nearly gone into a panic attack when that happened, causing Night to come forward and assess the situation.

Thankfully, her hollow self didn't think it pertinent (nor very helpful) to attack their step-sister and allowed Yoru control once more. Thus, where Yoru quietly berated Maria for touching her without warning her, that could have not ended well at all. But, Yoru was glad to see that Maria was okay, at least as okay as possible anyways, living where she did.

Chase went to the kitchen, frowning at the fact that once again she was reminded about the three missing cats in their midst. Very slowly, it seemed like her home was being emptied, and after living with these dorks for so long, Chase didn't like the feeling.

Toushirou and Rangiku jumped up on the counter, mrowing at Chase about something or other.

"Come on, I still don't understand you guys." The woman smiled, going over to the cabinet they stationed themselves under as she got her own pills out to take. They were normal pain meds, just in case something didn't heal or feel right after the sped up healing that Chase was born with. Besides that, she was getting a headache and wanted to stave it off before it inevitably became a migraine. "Though thanks for the reminder." Rangiku purred at the praise before moving off the counter once again.

Chase walked back into the living room to see that Maria had finally grasped the fact that she was surrounded by very strange looking men and women and dozens of cats. "Um..."

"I wouldn't ask questions, and you wouldn't get confused." Chase said, plopping herself into Grimmjow's lap for cuddles and warmth. The panther-like hollow was the touchiest out of her three mates, and Chase was trying to accommodate that by initiating any touch as often as she could do so. He seemed to appreciate it, if all the purring was anything to go by. "Besides that, it is way too long of an explanation and I don't feel like going through it again."

Maria huffed at that. "Well, that's fine, I guess." She turned back to Yoru. "By the way, thanks for showing up at home!" Chase smiled, seeing the sarcasm in Maria's voice. It seemed that she had misjudged the cheerleader. It was nice to know that Chase was wrong about one person. She just hoped that Maria would stay pretty cool about everything. "Mom's waiting for you and Dad has been asking after you."

Yoru winced at that, just a bit. Renji and Byakuya twirled around her legs, giving her looks of comfort. "Sorry about that, Maria. I'll be home soon, I guess."

Her sister sighed, but nodded. She could accept 'soon' - it was better than never, after all.

"Cool." Maria smiled at Chase, her eyes flicking between her and the three males that had somehow draped themselves across her body as if she had a million questions (she did), before saying, "anyways, I have to head out. We have practice later tonight and I need to change."

Everyone waved her off, Chase watching her through the window as she walked down the street and left. She was thankful to see that the cheerleader hadn't immediately pulled out her phone and sqwuaked to the entirety of her team about Chase's current situation. However, not knowing the girl well, Chase still had a bit of wariness about everything. She definitely didn't want to go to school tomorrow.

"She has reiatsu." Unohana commented, sipping her tea and sitting across from Sui-Feng. Both women had stayed silent through the exchange, as well as Jushirou. The three of them had observed this Maria carefully. "Not anywhere near our capacity or yours, but she has a little bit."

"Does everyone in this town have reiatsu?" Ichigo asked, scowling as Rukia made herself feel at home right at his hip in the bean bag he situated himself in.

"No, I don't think so." Chase answered, scratching behind Grimmjow's ear, the blue-haired hollow continuing to purr under her hands. "Though I do suspect that everyone that came from the Brondale line has some kind of reiatsu. She might be one of my cousins."

Yoru frowned at that.

"Ya don' seem ta be worried, doll." Gin murmured, his hand tracing random patterns on her back.

Chase shrugged. "It's not like she can do very much." Her zanpackto agreed with her. "Besides that, it seems like most of the other Brondale women don't have enough reiatsu to make enough of an impact on me and the zanpackto."

"Ah." Yoru walked forward, handing Chase her phone, which had the calendar pulled up. "The banquet is in less than a week – are you ready?"

"Fucking no!" Chase untangled herself from her mates. "I hate the old hag, but I gotta go. If I'm gonna go, then I'm going to go in whatever the fuck I please."

Yoru gave her a look, her fingers drumming lightly against her wrist.

"Ugh, fine! I'll get a dress after practice!" Yoru's fangs flashed in victory. "Now come on, might as well get my ass kicked at least ten times."

Sui-Feng chuckled, being kind enough to put the dishes in the sink before the apartment's residents and creatures left. "It wouldn't be ten times, Chase."

"Oh really? And how many would it be?"

"My bet would be on fifteen." Yoru commented, grinning at Chase's attempts to attack her. The two girls used this opportunity to shun-po to their designated training area, the others looking on in amusement.

Ichigo groaned, having Zangetsu appear on his back. "Alrighty then."

Again, I do apologize about the incredibly short chapter after the very long wait. I'm hoping to get back into the swing of things soon :/ I finally have my inspiration back :D

Reviews:

DragonJinchuriki20 Lol, thank you :D I'm sorry that she seemed a bit OOC in this chapter? She wasn't cooperating very much with me, but the next couple of chapters should work out better. THank you for the review :D

AngelElmarlienHenning You're welcome and THANK YOU for the review :D I'm glad you're enjoying the story :) I also do apologize for the long wait, but I hope it was worth it, at least a little bit.

Tell me what ya'll think (and ask me any questions, I love those) in the reviews :D

Tiryn