I know I keep saying this, but I'm sorry for the delay... The truth is, things have been incredibly hectic in my life. My 95 yr old grandfather, who's been in poor health and increasingly sever dementia, died the same month as my 32nd birthday. The funeral was held in mid September, and I ended up being let go from my job on the first day back at work. So, yeah, that's what's been going on with me...

On another note, I want to thank RG-Guest and LHisawesome4ever for reviewing the last chapter. And to RG-Guest, I'd like to say that I'm working on a new full-length chapter (to be posted in the near future) that will address your questions about the Quincy that the Shinigami are holding as prisoners. Oh, and in case you're still wondering, Candice Catnip is still alive. As for Ikumi and Ichigo... Well, you'll just have wait and see.

TO FORGE A
BETTER TOMORROW

Chapter XXXII:
"Of Women & Bestias"

Soul Society, Twelfth Division HQ...

The female Shinigami- with her dark hair worn distinctive braid, serene smiling expression, and clad in her flowing white haori (the "shi" character on the back) - was none other than Captain Retsu Unohana. While she had married into the prestigious Ukitake Clan, thus making her Retsu Ukitake, both herself and Jushiro had agreed that she would continue to use her maiden name in public.

However, such a convenience wouldn't be an option for much longer, not after the discovery that she was pregnant with Jushiro's child. If the fact that Retsu was pregnant wasn't a significant enough event- given the low birth rate among their kind, and her age- there was also the fact that she was carrying the future head of the Ukitake Clan. It was this development, more than anything else, that had changed things. It was no longer just the two of them, they had a third life to consider now.

She wasn't just the wife of Jushiro Ukitake. She was the mother of his child, the one who would give birth to the future head of the family. This meant that despite having only just recently married into the family within the last year, she was now effectively the Ukitake Matriarch!

At present, Retsu was close to two and half months into her pregnancy, and yet, because of the heavy robes she wore, any changes in her body were still imperceptible to those not in the know. But soon, it would be impossible to conceal the fact that she was with child. And so, there were numerous issues to consider. She was a Captain, but it would only be a matter of months before she was unable to lead her Division. On this point, Isane was more than ready to take command in her absence.

But the more immediate concern was insuring the health and well being of the child. So when she had been approached by Nemu (on behalf of the Captain of the Twelfth) about allowing them to monitor the development of the life within her, she had accepted the offer, seeing it as the best opportunity for their unborn child, as this was going to involve modern up-to-date equipment and knowledge.

The Captain soon found herself in the waiting room ahead the Captain's office. Almost as soon as the doors slid shut behind her, the ones at the far end opened- revealing the Twelfth Division's Lieutenant, Nemu Kurotsuchi, standing in the now open doorway.

"Captain Unohana." Nemu greeted, giving her a polite nod. "I take it by arrival, that you must be here for your appointment with Szayel-sama?" The Lieutenant asked.

Unohana smiled and nodded, and the woman continued. "Please make yourself comfortable." Nemu offered, gesturing to one of the chairs. "I'm afraid the Captain is busy with Division. However, he will be here shortly to speak with you in person." She went on.

"Thank you." Unohana replied, taking her seat.

"Not at all." The purple-haired woman replied politely. "I was just about to make some tea, so I'll be back shortly with refreshments." Nemu revealed, giving a small bow before leaving.

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Huecco Mundo...
Las Noches – North Quadrant...

Work on construction of the Fourteenth Division was underway, though it would still to be some time before the grounds became habitable. Considering all the time and resources going into converting the Las Noches Dome, it was decided that it would be mutually advantageous to both the Squad Members and their Arrancar allies to construct the the Fourteenth in the 'shadow' of the massive dome.

At the moment however, Blue Lieutenant Lisa Yadomaru was presently making her way through the grounds of the partially constructed facility. Being a Vizard- a Shinigami tainted by Hollow energy- as well having served as the former Lieutenant of the Eighth Division, Lisa was in the unique position of appreciate the duality that defined the nature of the Shinigami/Arrancar force. She paused to adjust her glasses, as she 'zeroed in' on the distinctive energy signature she was looking for.

That reiatsu was unmistakable- Red Lieutenant Katsuro Onigiri. The Arrancar, with his piercing blue eyes and blindingly crimson hair, and the array of varied katanas he carried, was hard to miss. And yet, she'd recently learned that he was quite adept at evading detection when he wanted.

If construction remained on schedule, thenn Captain Nelliel and the other senior officers would be able to move into the grounds and directly oversee the remaining work.

"Lieutenant Yadomaru," Apacci began. "Do you require my assistance further?" The heterochromatic Arrancar asked the other woman. She was dressed in a modified Shinigami uniform- black robes over white, with a red sash tied around her waist, and her Zanpakuto Cierva clasped around her wrists.

The Fraccion had applied to the Fourteenth to serve as a "Scout"- as someone who moved ahead of the main force during missions and gathered information (regardless of danger). Interestingly, Apacci had seemed excited at the prospect of risk that invariably came with the position.

Lisa shook her head. "No, you can return to base camp." She instructed. "Right now, the less people we have wondering around this place, the better." The bespectacled woman continued.

Apacci nodded and disappeared in a flash of sonido. Now alone, Lisa reflected on the fact that she was actually interacting with and giving order to an Arrancar- to Hollows!- and yet, she understood that one of the things that Arrancar implicitly understood was power. And while she wasn't a Hollow herself, she was always radiating Hollow reiki to some degree, even without her mask unsealed...

After just her first meeting with the former Tercera Espada, Lisa had been impressed with the warmth and gentleness of the green-haired female Arrancar, which wholly supported the first-hand accounts by Ichigo Kurosaki and Orihime Inoue, detailing the events during the latter's rescue. As a Vizard, she had been subjected to a process that she- like all Shinigami- had accepted as the beginning of the end.

And with good reason. After all, what was a Hollow, but a Spirit that consumed itself?

In the end, she had realized the truth- that Hollowification was neither certain nor fatal. Lisa had been forced to adapt, live with, and ultimately to accept the truth... Her Inner Hollow was like a devil on her shoulder, a voice in the back of her mind, trying to lead her astray. And yet, while she had been able to resist the allure of damnation, she also understood just how easy it was to succumb to it.

And in the process, she gained a greater respect for those who had 'lived' all of their existence with the urge, and yet who had made the choice not to give in- to fight, in one form or another.

"Onigiri..." Lisa called out. "Lieutenant Onigiri! Can you here me?"

Along with their Captain, the two Lieutenants had come to this realm to check up on how work on the Division facilities was coming along. However, Lisa had soon realized that the unstated subtext of their expedition was to serve as a reminder to the Arrancar that the Shinigami they'd allied with were here to stay, and would not abandon them to the wilderness of Huecco Mundo.

She eventually managed to find him... The Arrancar was seated, his legs crossed, on the floor of one of the unfinished rooms that overlooked what would become the "courtyard". Onigiri had situated himself in the middle of the room, his robe and sash discarded and his katanas- still in their sheaths- laid out in a circle around him and positioned so that the tips were all pointed outwards. It looked almost as if he was meditating, but Lisa didn't recognize the discipline.

As the Shinigami ventured further into the room, she observed- through the flowing curtain of his long bright crimson hair- that his entire back, as well as his shoulders and arms were covered in elaborate tattoos of serpentine dragons (not unlike those sported by samurai or yakuza). His lower back was covered by a sarashi, and his hands and forearms were also wrapped, but it was obvious the inked images continued underneath.

"Onigiri-san?" She inquired.

Growing even more curious, she made her way around in front of him. She was about to speak, but she was startled when his eyes suddenly opened, revealing his startling blue orbs as he smiled.

"W-what are you...?" Lisa started, only for her words to trail off as she took a step back from him.

"Communing." Onigiri replied simply, as if the answer was obvious. "This land, it speaks, but only if you know how to listen." The Arrancar remarked cryptically. "But to the present, seeing as you've gone to all the trouble of locating me, is there anything in particular you need?"

Lisa composed herself. "Yes..." She began. "I've narrowed down the possible candidates for the seated officer positions from the list I was given. And I wanted to see if you'd made any progress on your end, because I'd like to cross-compare our findings to help with the final choices."

Onigiri nodded. "Dutiful as ever, I see, eh Lieutenant Yadomaru?" He replied, unfolding his legs and getting to his feat. The Arrancar paused, noting that the Shinigami woman was looking intently at him, then flashed her a devious smile. "Like what you see?" He asked teasingly.

The female blanched slightly at the suggestion, as he calmly went to retrieve his robe, then turned back to her as he slipped it on. "You wish." Lisa countered coolly, while adjusting her glasses.

This only seemed to amuse him, as he just smiled and laughed in response to the woman's rebuttal and continued dressing, folding his kimono in front across his chest double-wrapping his heavy sash around his waist and tucked the small case holding his pipe inside his robe.

"Well said, Yadomaru-san." Onigiri complemented as he collected his katanas and tucked them neatly into the heavy sash- three on the left, three on the right, and the other two in back. "Though, if you should happen to change your mind, I'm always available- should the need arise."

Lisa smirked at this. "I'll be sure to... keep that in mind."

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Mila Rose stood in the courtyard of the Shinigami Academy...

In place of her Las Noches uniform, she instead opted to wear a modified (and slightly less revealing) version of the Shinigami ensemble: a black kimono that reached midway down her thighs- bound up at waist the with a sash- a set of white cloth forearms and hand guards, and matching leg guards, with the outfit completed by a pair of straw sandals and white tabi.

The Arrancar's distinctive, broadsword-like Zanpakuto Leona was tucked at her side, and she had an instructor's badge fixed to the armband on her left sleeve.

After their mistress had approached them with the suggestion of pursuing endeavors of their own, Mila had given the matter some thought and reflected on their circumstances. And in so doing, she reminded herself that she was already coaching the female students in using weapons. With that in mind, she had applied to become an official instructor... And to her delight, she was accepted.

Another benefit of this particular arrangement was that there was much easier now for Mila to be able to spend time with Kyoko, as the Fraccion worked in the same building where her girlfriend was being trained as a Shinigami- in addition to the fact that they already both lived in the same place!

Elsewhere nearby, Hiyori Sarugaki exhaled and placed her hands on her hips irritably as she scanned the area for the dusky-skinned Arrancar. The small Vizard glowered in annoyance (as usual). She'd kept her medium-blonde hair the same way she wore it during her exile in the living realm: twin short spiky ponytails, and her bangs held back with hairpins. Aside from this, she'd traded in her red tracksuit for the black robes she'd worn previous- except this time with the addition of an instructor's badge.

The petite Vizard had grown increasingly dissatisfied with her situation after returning to Soul Society, and soon found herself feeling restless. It was her hope that by becoming an instructor, she would have an outlet to focus her frenetic energies. Her sealed Zanpakuto, Kubikiri Orochi, was slung across her back and she held a drink in one hand as she made her way across the grass.

"Oy, hey, Mila Rose." Hiyori called to the taller, more buxom woman. "Enough dawdling around," she continued in her usual surly tone. "Break time is almost over, it's time to get ready."

Mila regarded the smaller woman for a moment. "Oh sorry, no problem." The female Arrancar replied with a smile. "But tell me one thing," the Arrancar continued. "Are you always so on edge?"

"Of course!" Hiyori snapped bruskly, brown eyes twitching. "When you've lived surrounded by idiots and jokers for as long as I have... Well, then you might understand my position a bit better." She reasoned to the other woman, taking a swig from her bottle as she turned on her heal.

"Oh, that's good." Mila replied as she moved in alongside the smaller woman. "To be honest... I was worried that you might have a problem with my, er, lifestyle choices." She explained with a smile.

"Whaaat?!" The tainted Shinigami countered, her brown eyes widening. "I couldn't give less of a shit about who you're shacking up with, as long as you're able to carry out your duties." Hiyori declared firmly.

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Fourth Division HQ...

Hanataro Yamada was one of only a handful of people who knew about the 'state' of their Captain, and so was in the know about the immediate future of the Division. As such, as the Third Officer, he would soon be called upon to assume greater responsibility as time went on.

At present, however, he was kept busy with his current responsibilities. Normally, while in the line of his duties, most days, he usually only had to contend with the presence of the smaller female half of the Primera Espada, Lillynette Gingerback. However, as of late, there was the addition of another Arrancar presence within the grounds of the Fourth, and another female to boot.

None other than Cyan Sungsun, one of the Tercera Espada's three Fraccions...

Among the Tres Bestias, the soft-spoken Arrancar was regarded as the most demure of the three, being inclined towards a more unimposing disposition. While Mila Rose was large and imposing, and Apacci was loud and boorish, Sungsun was of a far more elegant and feminine disposition... That is, at least in her outward appearance, as all three of the Tercera's Fraccions would need to be quite powerful in their own right to serve under the powerful Espada without being crushed by the force of her reiatsu.

For reasons that Hanataro wasn't totally certain of, the Serpentine female had appeared one day at the gates of the Fourth, requesting that they find some use for her. And while volunteers were never turned away, as the Medical Corp was always in need of another pair of hands, the Third Seat Officer couldn't help but think that Sungsun was selling herself short- that her energy could be better harnessed.

And so, he had requested that Sungsun pay him a visit, so that they might have a chance to discuss her future within Soul Society. Hanataro had been present for the end of the Winter War, so he was hardly a stranger when it came to interacting with the Arrancar, as the young male Shinigami male already had countless experiences in dealing with them by this point.

Considering that their 'Mistress', Tia Halibell, was often sought out to assist in security matters- when not away on missions- had recently become a liaison to the Ninth Division... Well, it left Hanataro with the feeling that the female Arrancar had greater potential than was being presently utilized.

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Captain Unohana looked up, just as Nemu returned to the waiting room- tray in-hand, baring a kettle and two cups upon it. The Lieutenant paused at the table setting the tray down, then went about filling the cups with hot tea. She offered one of the cups to the Captain, who accepted with a polite nod, then took her seat beside her on the couch- never spilling a drop as she moved.

Gingerly holding the polished mason cup between her hands, the older woman watched as little puffs of steam arose. "I hope you will find the tea to your liking." Nemu began. "There are still a number of duties that would otherwise normally be expected of an Officer." She explained. "Because of my past, I still find myself lacking in a number of my duties, so I will keep any feedback in mind."

Unohana smiled and shook her head. "Not at all, I'm sure the tea will be fine." She replied, taking a sip of the warm liquid. "Ah yes, excellent, and this flavor is familiar... Nicely citric."

Nemu nodded. "It's mandarin spice." She revealed. "I've been experimenting with various flavors, and so far, I've found those with a citric fruit base have yielded the best results."

"How interesting." Retsu remarked, taking another sip. "Tell me, Lieutenant Kurotsuchi," the woman resumed after a moment. "How have you been fairing lately?"

"Captain?" Nemu inquired.

"What I mean is," the other woman began. "It could be argued that you have experienced the greatest change of circumstances." She continued. "After all, by your own admission, your time serving under the previous Captain was- well- quite... limited. Whereas, now, you're an active participant, engaged in the matters of your own life." Retsu elaborated. "That's a remarkable... metamorphosis."

"Interesting..." Nemu mused, an enigmatic look on her face. "Your choice of words in describing me, as undergoing a 'metamorphosis'... Szayel-sama regularly makes the same allusion- likening myself, as well as the changes I've undergone- to the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly."

The female Captain nodded. "It would seem an apt metaphor."

Just then, the doors to the waiting room slid open, revealing Captain Ukitake as he entered the room, followed by a woman- dressed in a 12th Division lab coat, sporting a pair of glasses and her sandy hair in a bun (held in place with a pair of pencils). The purple-haired Lieutenant recognized the woman as one of the recent appointees to the Seated Ranks, Akemi Sanota.

"Jushiro?" Retsu spoke, before getting to her feet. "What are you doing here?"

Nemu smoothed the fabric of her short kimono before she stood up, giving a short nod to Sanota, who swiftly returned the acknowledgment with a small bow of her head.

Jushiro quickly moved in toward Retsu, taking the dark-haired woman's hands in his own and smiling warmly at her. "Retsu, my dear, how are you doing?"

She gave a look of mild bewilderment. "But Jushiro..." The Captain entreated. "There really is no need for you to be here." Retsu continued, her expression softening. "It's still far too early on for you need to take time away from your Division, especially as this is just a consultation, at most."

Still smiling, he shook his head. "Nonsense, Retsu, I'm the father, so it's only natural for me to take an active interest in my wife and child." Jushiro explained. "I want to be involved in the process, as much as possible... No matter how mundane some of it might otherwise seem."

Retsu blushed faintly at the declaration, but smiled nevertheless. Sanota just smiled, hands tucked into her pockets and watching the two as she stood a few feet back, near the door.

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Nelliel Tu Obberschank, former Tercera Espada and now the newest Captain of the Elite Court Guard, relaxed in her chair as she looked over the personnel files submitted for her mixed Shinigami/Arrancar Division that she would be leading in the near future.

Her Red and Blue Lieutenants, Lisa Yadomaru and Katsuro Onigiri (Respectively), had stopped by her office earlier in the day to present her with their finalized selections for the candidates to fill the Seated Officer Ranks. The mint green-haired female took a sip from her cup of tea. As requested, the two had provided her with a list of five Shinigami and three Arrancar...

Some of the names were unfamiliar, but then, that was only to be expected- especially given that she was still familiarizing herself with finer details of Soul Society. However, Nelliel did recognize a few of the names on the lists- including a certain Ylforte Grantz, one of the Sexta Espada's Fraccions that had survived the devastation in the final hours of the Winter War.

"Interesting," she remarked, setting the files down. "If Grimmjow, of all people is willing to allow one of his Fraccions to possibly serve in the Division..." Nelliel thought aloud. "Than he must think that he stands to gain something in the process." She concluded with a smirk. "This definitely warrants looking into."

Nelliel then turned away from her desk, toward a nearby satchel. She picked it up and removed a bottle and glass from it, setting the latter down before opening the bottle. With that out of the way, she quietly filled the glass with the contents of the dark green bottle- the unknown liquor possessing an aroma that was potent, yet still pleasant to the senses as she took a moment to savor it.

"Well, if there's one thing that can be said about the Sexta," the woman started as she brought the glass up to her lips and downed the contents. "Is that he's a man who enjoys the company of women." Nelliel remarked slyly as she poured herself another drink. "This should be fun." She commented to herself as she drank the contents of the glass- before slamming it back down. "Oh yes... Very fun."

Nell smiled as she poured herself another drink, her cheeks becoming flushed...

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

Sungsun was calmly sorting and organizing medical supplies- making sure that everything ended up in the correct place and was properly documented.

She'd been at the task for a while, and her back felt a little stiff, so she stood up to stretch her muscles, with the idea that she would go get something to eat in the cafeteria before returning. No sooner had the petite Arrancar exited the supply room, that happened to run into the Division's Third Seat Officer.

"Cyan-san." He acknowledged.

"There's no need to be so formal." She replied. "I'd prefer it if you just called me Sungsun."

A moment passed between them, then he gave a nod. "Well then, if you don't mind me asking... How are you finding your time spent in the Fourth?" The young man asked.

She regarded him for an instant. "Fine... Is there some issue with me being here?"

The Shinigami shook his head at this. "No, not at all." He assured. "It's just that... Well, I figured that someone of your standing and ability- as a Fraccion- had more potential, that you could harness your energy and drive toward something more." Hanataro explained to her.

The female Arrancar regarded him for a moment. "And what is it, then, that you're suggesting?"

"While the Fourth is part of Soul Society's Elite Court Guard... Beyond that, first and foremost, its true purpose is that of a medical corp." Hanataro explained to her. "This Division does the most good not as soldiers, but by healing the sick and injured." The young man went on. "Right now, what Soul Society needs more than troops and volunteers, is medics- both on and off the field."

"Why are you telling me all this?" Sungsun asked, quirking a brow.

"Because, I believe that the fact that you're here right now- volunteering- shows that you want to make a difference, that you want to be part of something more." He replied. "And as the Third-most Ranking Officer of the Fourth, my recommendation would be enough for you to be accepted for training to join the Auxiliary Medical Corps." Hanataro continued.

"It's a relatively new program, based on medical ability rather than spiritual powers, that would allow people to serve in the Fourth Division without having to be a Shinigami."

Sungsun looked at the dark-haired Shinigami for a moment. "You'd saying that you'd really be willing to put your name on the line for me- a Hollow- just like that?" She asked.

He nodded. "If I've learned anything since the end of the war, it's that the nature of what you are doesn't matter in the end, especially when weighed against who you are." The Third Seat replied.

After a moment, she smiled, and approached him. "Looking at you," Sungsun began, placing a sleeve-covered hand on his shoulder. "I can see you're going to be a good man." She replied.

. . . ...o.o.o... . . .

The door slid open, and Szayel Grantz stepped into the waiting room. "I really must apologize for my lateness, and for leaving an expecting mother waiting." The pink-haired Arrancar offered the others as the door shut behind him. "Now that I'm here," he continued with a smile. "I'm quite eager to make up for lost time and speak with the involved parties."

"Sonata-san," Szayel continued, turning to the woman. "You have my utmost thanks for seeing Captain Ukitake here in a timely fashion." The Espada went on. "And Nemu, my dear, I'll hear your report later, so you'll excuse me for the time being while I attend to the expecting parents?"

"Of course, Szayel-sama." Nemu replied, giving a small bow of her head as she turned to leave.

With that done, Szayel then turned to the two Shinigami, gesturing for the Captains to follow him into his office, as the purple-haired Lieutenant and Akemi Sonata took their leave. The waiting room's inner doors smoothly parted for them as the three stepped inside.

The bespectacled Arrancar took his seat behind the western-style desk that dominated the center of the room, while his guests occupied the empty chairs before it. On the wall behind him, was a reproduction of the baroque landscape painting, Bentheim's Castle, by 17th century Dutch artist Jacob van Ruisdael.

"Now," Szayel started, addressing the two. "I'd like to preface things by saying that this visit is merely a preliminary consultation, in order to inform you of some of what awaits you..." He explained, calmly adjusting his glasses. "To begin, I would like to say that construction of the monitoring equipment is well under way, and will be ready in time for you next visit."

"By that point, you should be far enough along into your first trimester, that we can carry out a proper transdominal ultra-sound." Szayel continued, addressing the mother. "However, before then, I'll arrange for Lieutenant Kurotsuchi to visit you in the lead-up to provide you with the relevant information." The Arrancar revealed in an even tone. "With that said, I would like to know what measures you've taken in order to facilitate the forthcoming birth your cub- er, rather, perhaps I should say child?"

Both the white-haired man and dark-haired woman exchanged looks. "We're already in the process of moving Retsu into the Ukitake Estate." Jushiro explained. "The household has dwindled markedly over the years. After all, it has been many years since the passing of my parents, and with my sisters having married and left to start lives of their own... Well, there was hardly any need."

He cleared his throat as he continued. "However, in light of recent events... I've already begun making the necessary arrangements in order to ensure Retsu is properly taken care of, as she progresses further along in her pregnancy." Jushiro added. "I don't foresee any issues arrising in the near future."

Retsu smiled at this. "I have full confidence in the arrangements... But then, it's not as if Jushiro is the only one taking an active interest in mine and my child's welfare."

"Oh?" Szayel asked, interested, leaning forward. "Please, do continue."

She chuckled softly. "The Ukitake Family Estate has already gained two noteworthy additions, in the forms of the Primera Espada." Retsu began. "Ever since learning of my condition, Lillynette was quick to offer the protection of both herself and of Stark-san." She explained with a smile.

"Offered?" Jushiro repeated, smiling himself. "More like, she insisted on it... Not that I'm complaining, as it means that my wife and unborn child will likely be the most protected people in the realm."

Amusement flickered in Szayel's golden eyes as he gave a small smile, nodding slightly as he relaxed into his chair. "Yes, well, as a Hollow, I can understand the underlying sentiment. Still, while much has been said- deservedly- of the viciousness and brutality of our kind..." He paused. "That's only one side of the coin. That same relentlessness is also the driving force behind a powerful protective instinct."

"An instinct to protect the members of their pack?" Jushiro asked the Arrancar.

He nodded. "Yes... Though, I suspect in the case of the Primera- both of them- that there's a far deeper motive at work than ensuring the survival of their own." Szayel replied. "As the embodiment of Death by Loneliness, I imagine that they would do anything to protect the pack that's taken them in."

"A fortunate turn of events..." Retsu mused.

"Indeed." Jushiro said as he looked to his wife. "In fact, I'd say that we've all been fortunate."

(- End of Chapter XXXII... -)