Authors note: 3 chapters of main story to go! Just a small warning that there is a mild description of drug use (last time)…don't do drugs though kids, seriously. Ha :')

Chapter 25. Neon Lights.

I can't believe he pushed me away like that…Is this karma?

Jin was sitting at the sidelines with her fellow squad members, as two opponents sparred each other in the centre of the training room. She watched on absentmindedly, focusing in on the thoughts in her head instead.

Did I come on too strong? No, that's silly given his behaviour…He thinks I've lost it. Thinks I don't take him seriously…or myself seriously? He thinks I'm too sweet…or he's scared of me falling in love like a madwoman? Maybe-

"Good morning Captain!"

The unified call of Squad 11 interrupted her thinking as the man himself entered the room, sliding the door open.

"Yeah, yeah, morning." Captain Zaraki scratched at his arm, hanging as usual in the inside of his robe.

Jin froze, still feeling a sting of humiliation from their last encounter. But it was different this time. It felt final, like he drew a line. She couldn't help but think the right choice was to give in to his demands sooner…

I'm such a fool.

As Jin sat scolding herself, Kenpachi wandered over to where she, Ikkaku and Yumichika were sat. The Captain didn't want their relationship to end, he wanted to make sure she was ok first. He was well aware of the kind of guy he was, and that it wasn't a decision to take lightly. Jin was fragile and sensitive. Was she in her right mind to choose him? Of all people? Seems overtime he was beginning to finally grasp the potential problems of their relationship. Or maybe he just cared about her more…

He hesitated slightly before speaking up.

"Hey."

"Morning Captain! Any plans for today?" Ikkaku asked cheerily.

He grumbled, "No. Do I ever?"

Ikkaku and Yumichika winced a little at his tone. Obviously he's still in a bad mood.

The Captain glanced over to Jin, noticing her cold demeanour. He spoke directly to her.

"Hey." He repeated a little louder.

Jin kept avoiding his gaze. She was furious (though mostly at herself). Kenpachi growled to himself in defeat. He really fucking hated this.

Kenpachi snarled as he left again, "Fine. Screw you then!"

SNAP.

He snapped the door shut loudly, to make his displeasure known. Jin felt a small pang of guilt, he obviously felt hurt. She didn't think he'd react so strongly to her aloofness. Both Ikkaku and Yumichika glanced at each other knowingly, as they sensed the unpleasant tension between them.

"Did something happen between you two?" Yumichika inquired, turning towards Jin.

She sat looking ruffled, staying silent a short while before getting up to leave too.

"Mind your own business Yumichika." She said coldly.

The two friends looked on as she left, wondering what in hells name happened.

Ikkaku mumbled, "You think it's our fault?"

"You mean your fault, Ikakku." Yumichika sassed.

—

"Jin? I'm not sure that's a good idea-" Kenpachi contended.

"Jin Shika will be sent, the hollow needs to be exterminated quickly and she has the right skills to make sure the job is done." The Captain Commander slammed his cane to the ground as he spoke with certainty, "No arguments. She'll leave at once."

It was a standard Captain's meeting with the Old Man and his words were final. There was a hollow in Karakura Town that had been causing trouble for lower ranked Soul Reapers already on duty there. Supposedly, Jin was a top candidate to make sure the job would be finished quickly. Kenpachi didn't like the sound of sending Jin away, he wanted to keep a close eye on her. For the first time ever, he was actually concerned one of his members might cause trouble. She was pissed and just about willing to do anything to only have fun he bet…specially if it pissed him off in the process too. He knew how easily swayed she was by 'having a good time' and she always spoke fondly of exploring the World of the Living.

This isn't good.

As the other Captain's were making their way to leave, Kenpachi felt a strong hand grasp at his shoulder in reassurance.

"Jin's a smart woman…strong too, she'll be just fine." Shunsui soothed.

"Of course she will be! She's one of mine." He rebuked sharply.

As he marched on in discontent, Captain Ukitake of Squad 13 went to stand by his old friend. They chatted briefly as they watched a disgruntled Captain Zaraki leave.

"Aaah, wondered if he's figured it out yet." Shunsui mused, "What do you think Jushiro?"

"I'm sure he will sooner or later." He said, laughing a little nervously.

"Well, best get going…that sake isn't going to drink itself now, is it?" Shunsui pointed out.

—

Jin was stood by the Senkaimon gate, all ready to leave in her 'Gigai'. Kenpachi was there too, giving her the last of her orders. Jin wasn't entirely sure why they chose her, but she was looking forward to spending time in the World of the Living. It was a first for her, and she always wanted to go. She had spent many days researching what it was like in the hopes she might get a chance one day. Today was her chance.

And it was a good chance to clear her head and get away from her troubles too…

"You come straight back when you're done. Alright?" Kenpachi instructed firmly.

Jin rolled her eyes, "Pfft what are you, my dad?"

Kenpachi narrowed his in response, "No, but I'm sure he wouldn't be happy with whatever you're thinking of doing."

"Right. Cause I'm 'too much' or 'too naive' or some shit? Sorry, I forgot." She sneered.

He pleaded with her in irritation, "Just don't do anything stupid. You got that?"

"Do something stupid? Yeah, got it, Captain." She retorted, saluting mockingly.

"Jin." Kenpachi glowered, "I'm serious."

"Ooooh you're serious are you? Why didn't you just say so?" She spoke sarcastically before muttering, "The hell do you care anyway-"

"Fine, I don't care!" He snapped back.

"Right..." Jin looked a little saddened, "Bye, Captain." She said softly.

Her sudden dampened spirit took Kenpachi a little aback. Jin's attitude was really pissing him off, he couldn't understand why she was being so damn difficult. He wasn't good with people, he tended to say things thoughtlessly whatever the situation. He watched her silently as she turned to walk through the gate.

"Hey!" He tried to stop her, "Wait a minute-"

But she had already gone.

—

"Bite, Kageitachi!"

Jin's zanpakuto's second command, 'bite', shot a single blade from the sword itself. It was extremely high-powered and incredibly fast, when landed precisely it could instantly kill, but it had to have the opportunity and aim to strike a weak spot perfectly. Something Jin was naturally talented for, the high power in its strike helped to accommodate her lack of physical strength too. It could pierce through almost anything.

The hollow she was ordered to 'cleanse' was taken down quickly. The blade had shot its way directly through its hand to its head, as the creature attempted to stop the fatal blow. It's body dissolved into the air, leaving no trace of itself behind. Jin stood puzzled.

"That was a little too quick, is that really the right hollow?" She pondered as she glanced at her Soul Pager to check. "Hmmm…well, that was easy."

She stood still in the middle of the road with her sword still in hand, the tip of her blade just grazing the surface. It was afternoon in Karakura Town, and she could see the kids starting to walk home from school. Something so simple looked a little strange to Jin, she supposed 'high school' was sort of similar to the Soul Reaper Academy she attended. The thought only made her want to explore more of what happened here.

"I'm sure I can be let off for just making sure the areas clear...people like a thorough job don't they?" She said, trying to convince herself.

Jin would only half-heartedly check for any more hollows of course, there were still other Soul Reapers on duty to take care of those so she didn't have to worry. No, Jin was going to seize the opportunity to have fun. Of course she was…

Jin called her Gigai form over so she could get back into it. It looked just like her, except for the fact she was wearing 'human clothes'. She never used a Gigai before, and it was bizarre to see her self so easily from all angles. Once she was back in, she gazed at her reflection in a shop window as she adjusted her oversized denim jacket. The casual jacket contrasted the elegant crimson dress and little black boots she wore, Jin thought it made her look kinda 'cool'. Not that she had much idea of what was currently really 'cool' mind you.

It was the 80's in the World of the Living. Jin found herself entranced by the strange electronic music, bright colours and neon lights. The atmosphere was vastly different from Soul Society, it stimulated her senses to no end. There was a real buzz of excitement in the air. Her worries almost seemed to melt away as she drifted from place to place, fascinated and in awe of the world around her. She went to the local shopping district and cafes, eavesdropped on passerby's conversations, all the while sampling new and interesting foods. As the night began to draw in, she browsed and played at the arcades and hopped though the local bars.

Now this is fun.

Jin's Soul Pager was turned off in the meantime, she figured she could come up with some lame excuse…like it broke or something. After a few cups of sake between different bars and talking to locals, she found herself in some sort of club. The music was loud and thumping, her heart beat in excitement as she felt the vibrations in the floor. It was dark but illuminated with flashing lights.

Why is there nothing like this back at home?

She completely let herself go, surrendering her self to the moment as she danced with the people around her. The new 'friends' she made were in a dark corner, looking a little suspicious…Jin had to investigate.

"What are you doing?" She asked nosily.

"Oh Jin! It's just a bit of snow. You can try some of mine, it's ok!"

The man in question was pretty young, probably a student or something. He seemed friendly enough, though a little reckless.

Jin hesitated, "Is it…you know…ok...?"

He waved his hand in reassurance, "It's fine! We took some yesterday."

Jin stood thoughtful for a moment, she wasn't entirely sure what it even was. It wasn't like Akon's drugs that he made, at least she knew they were fairly safe. But they said they took it yesterday and they all seem fine sooooo with that terrible careless reasoning Jin replied…

"When in Rome I guess."

—

Jin felt high; she was over brimmed with confidence and excitement. It was late at night and she left the club on her own to run down to the beach. The moons rays shone on the water, it looked so inviting. Contemplating on what to do, she took off her boots to feel the fine sand between her toes. Then decided to take everything else off too. Running into the water felt fresh and cooling to her bare skin, it made her feel alive.

There was no one around, just her and the beach. No Soul Society, no Seretei, no Captains to order her about, no Kenpachi…

She floated on her back, on top of the oceans waves. Gazing up at the few stars that remained in the sky, thanks to all the lights down here that shone brightly. The water gently lapped at her sides, embracing her tenderly. Her thoughts only drifted back to her Captain.

I miss him.

—

The hell is she? Why isn't she back yet? Damn woman.

Kenpachi was sat in his living quarters with a bottle of sake, gazing out at the moon. He was agitated. The hollow was reported to be taken care of, so where the hell was Jin? Was she alright? Or did something happen to her?

The Captain silently cursed under his breath. Yachiru was sat nearby drawing childish pictures of his infamous battles.

"You seem sad Ken-chan." She pouted.

He groaned, "I'm just fine, Yachiru."

"You miss Jin-Jin, don't you?" The little girl tilted her head, "You worried?"

"No."

"She'll come back to visit Ken-chan, you'll see~" She reassured.

"Why you think that?" He questioned.

Yachiru spoke almost in disbelief, "Isn't it obvious? She loves you Ken-chan!"

Kenpachi stopped his drinking to look at her, "What makes you think that?"

"I can tell! The same way I can tell you love her!" She declared.

"Eh? How'd you come to that conclusion?"

Yachiru frowned, "I told you Ken-chan! I'm not stupid like you!"

"Jeez, thanks kid."