Chapter Fourteen: In Storm's Shadow

"Well, so far and so good, I suppose, regarding the second years."

Kazoe let out a sigh, settling himself in an empty space within the staff study and taking a sip of his steaming green tea. "Right now we haven't had to go in to do any kind of emergency rescue – so I suppose that means for the time being, nobody has died."

"I'm keeping a close watch over them – metaphorically speaking." Genryuusai said comfortably. "Plenty has happened, from what I can tell – but no, I think they're doing all right. To learn to make their own decisions is important, after all."

It was three days into the camp assignment, and late in the evening now. For the students still within campus, curfew had long since been observed and the building was quiet, yet kidou lamps still burned in the staff study as Genryuusai and his teaching acolytes settled down to discuss business without the constant interruptions that usually dogged such matters during the day. They were all there that evening, Genryuusai mused, for he had taken the gamble and withdrawn Kazoe from his interim task of keeping watch over the camping students. Yet although there was nobody actively at the main campsite, his own senses had been carefully monitoring each and every movement, and at the slightest sign of trouble, he knew that he and his companions would soon be on site to sort things out.

After all, he reflected wryly, he had taken the right precautions to ensure it.

"Well, the sooner some of them learn it the better." Minabe said frankly now, tapping her sword against her leg as she lounged in the doorway, a resolute look on her fierce features. "Spoiled Clan children with nothing more than their own pride to back them up, some of them – it's about time they realised that the Gotei isn't all about whose family owns what land."

"I think you are too harsh on them, Ayame." Genryuusai said lightly, shaking his head slightly as he gestured for the Kenjutsu mistress to come and join the group. "They are very young yet – all of them. They still have time to make mistakes before they reach the level of the Gotei."

"The second year are an interesting bunch." The final member of the group, and the newest member of staff, Hohou teacher Uebashi added his part to the conversation at that point, setting his own mug down on the low-pitched wooden table with a sigh. "And that is the only word for them, I have to say. Of all the classes I took over last autumn, it's the second years who provide my most enterprising set of students by far. And, if I may say it, the most wide-ranging in terms of ability."

"Meaning some are hopeless and some are overachieving." Minabe said darkly, and Uebashi shrugged.

"Not hopeless." He said cautiously. "But speed and movement are never going to be their natural gifts. Next semester they should begin to learn the basics of practical Shunpo – and while some of the class will pick it up right away, others will not."

"And one at least already knows it." Kazoe said acerbically. "Although he's done a good job of concealing it thus far."

"One of the second years? Other than my niece?" Uebashi was taken aback, and Kazoe nodded.

"Yes. I've suspected it for a while…but my suspicions were confirmed a couple of days ago when I was patrolling the campsite and keeping tabs on their progress."

He glanced at Genryuusai, who smiled.

"But I imagine you're aware of it, Genryuusai-sensei?"

"Yes." Genryuusai agreed. "It's a talent the boy came to us with, and one he has had no compunction about using when the situation has been right. The student we are discussing is Kyouraku Shunsui – and for that reason, I have decided not to curtail his activity too greatly on that front."

"Kyouraku, huh?" Minabe snorted. "It figures."

"He does have a natural talent for my class." Uebashi admitted. "But that he already knows Shunpo…"

"A basic, bastardised version – as he himself says. He didn't learn it, but began to use it on instinct – at least, so he told me." Genryuusai responded. "And I have not discouraged that instinct. It is, after all, his shinigami instinct – and that is something that he needs more than anything else."

"It was that instinct again the other day." Kazoe sighed. "Ukitake and Endou fell in a river and got wet – Kyouraku ran to see if they were all right. Even though they belong to different squads, Kyouraku is always unnaturally interested in Ukitake's well-being – or so it seems to me."

"The more time he spends with Ukitake, the more bearable he is to teach." Minabe said flatly. "It's not something I'd discourage, since Ukitake actually bothers to work even if he's running a fever. Especially of late – he's been coming on leaps and bounds and is beginning to fight on a par with some of the more experienced members of the class when it comes to the asauchi. If Kyouraku follows his example, we'll all be a lot happier."

"I think Ukitake and Kyouraku are very good for one another." Genryuusai said gravely. "And if Kyouraku is concerned, I think it must be because of the changes in Ukitake's reiatsu of late. We have, after all, all discussed it – that his spirit power is once more evolving and that his physical body is having trouble keeping up."

"Do you think there is a genuine danger to the boy's life, Sensei?" Uebashi looked startled, and Genryuusai nodded.

"I've seen far more of the Ukitake-ke's track history than any of the rest of you, so I know better than you all what a risk it was to bring him here." He said soberly. "We all know how powerful a young man he is – and that his attitude and his potential already scream Gotei, even at this stage. However…"

"However?" Minabe gazed at him quizzically, and Genryuusai nodded.

"I have spoken to Retsu-dono and she agrees with me that despite Ukitake's apparent improvements in health, they are somewhat of an illusion. In fact, his body is growing weaker." He said quietly. "More and more he's being driven forward by spirit power, not genuine, natural energy. I knew it would probably come to this at some point, but perhaps not quite so quickly. I have already mentioned bits and pieces – but now we are all assembled, I will share with you the little I know about it."

"You're saying the boy is on limited time?" Uebashi was horrified, and Genryuusai sighed.

"He's been living on borrowed time since he was born." He said matter-of-factly. "From Retsu-dono's testimony, his disease – haibyou - is genetically inherited, and as such, both incurable and chronically severe."

"Which is why you were so adamantly keen on us not using physical punishment to discipline him." Kazoe said slowly. "I remember that quite clearly – that you felt with his health concerns, at least to begin with, the rigours of training would be enough physical strain."

"Fortunately Ukitake is not the kind of student who needs many beatings to keep in line." Minabe reflected. "If it had been Kyouraku, that would have been different."

"But either way, Ukitake's health is always a concern for us, despite his hard working attitude." Genryuusai continued. "He was saved at birth by the efforts of his mother Raiko, a talented if barely trained descendant from a broken Kuchiki-ke line. Because of what she did then, Ukitake survived and grew – and because of that, he is still alive today. But the seal she put over that spirit power had to be so strong it cost her her life to cast. And the truth is that Ukitake's native power supersedes even Raiko's greatest effort. Now he is of an age to use it, it's only a matter of time before even the last fragments of that seal are burnt away."

He hesitated for a moment, then,

"The one hope I have is that the boy has heard already what I believe to be the voices of his zanpakutou spirit." He added solemnly. "And that they have been there, protecting and guarding him for a lot longer than any of us have. It is a gamble, but…I believe that if Juushirou was to summon his sword, his life would not be quite so imminently in danger. If he managed that, then he would no longer be using all of his energy to suppress his spirit power and instead that power would come to bolster him and make him stronger. It is a fine balance. He is only a second year and he lacks a lot of the preparatory training for this. But the truth is that we're already…running out of time."

He sighed again, shrugging hunched shoulders.

"I think Kyouraku realises it subconsciously, even if he doesn't know it actively." He said at length. "And for that reason, he's worried about Ukitake. So he should be. So am I."

"A second year summoning a zanpakutou is unprecedented." Minabe said quietly. "Even among the most elevated of Clansfolk. For it to be a District boy…it will create ripples, Genryuusai-sama. Great ripples indeed among the Eight Houses."

"But if the boy's life is at stake, the Clans are not the issue." Kazoe said frankly. "You know that as well as anyone, Minabe. Ukitake is a student and as sensei, we guide and protect him as much as any of the others. Regardless of what the wider Clan community think of it – if pushing ahead with Ukitake's training can preserve and steady his life, then of course he must undertake it."

"The signals are not quite there yet – he is not entirely ready." Genryuusai said cautiously. "But I do want to have the support of my staff before taking action in that department. I already have it well in mind what I would do –and will do – where Ukitake is concerned. But I would have you behind me, all of you. Because it will mean, as Ayame said, unprecedented disruption to his class schedule."

"I agree with Kazoe." Uebashi said simply. "His life comes first. He's a good student. The kind the Gotei needs."

"I also." Minabe nodded her head. "There's no contest from us, Genryuusai-sama. Unlike some of the Clan brats in Class 3, Ukitake is a good, solid student and deserves the chance to push forward. We'll be behind you – whatever comes of it."

"Well, I may be wrong." Genryuusai rubbed his beard, relief clear in his dark eyes at their words. "But I have a feeling those decisions will be made in the next few weeks. This camping trip has already put considerable pressure on his abilities and I made him Captain in order to bring about that very thing. His sword spirits have not trusted him fully yet, and till they do, there's no more that the rest of us can do. With any luck, the camp exercise will help to forge that bond – and from then, we can work at training him into the Shinigami we all want him to be."

"All the preparations are done, Taichou. Things are tidied away and everyone is present and correct."

As Ryuu stood before him, saluting his Captain resolutely as he gave his report, Juushirou offered his friend a faint smile, nodding his head and gesturing for his classmate to stand at ease once more.

"It's been a busy day." He observed, stretching his arms over his head as he gazed around the camp. "We've built our shelter completely now, and finally we're starting to get into a routine when it comes to food and water. Everything is flowing quite nicely, don't you think so? We're doing all right. Toutai have pulled together and everyone is helping out."

"Of course." Ryuu dropped down onto the grass in front of him. "Some logical structure facilitates such things – and as you say, the squad have worked together. We do well, I think. We will definitely pass at this rate. We have not, after all, needed to go for help."

"No…" Juushirou shook his head. "No."

He sighed, biting his lip as his gaze fell on Mitsuki, busy settling her sleeping blankets with Chiyoko across the other side of the copse.

It was five days now since the incident with the river. Even now he had not managed to find a way to speak to her and inwardly, he had berated himself many times for his cowardice. He knew all the more with every passing moment that he was being irrational and hesitant, and that the longer it went on, the more difficult it would become to say anything at all. Yet even so, he had been unable to form the words. Mitsuki was his friend. He wanted her to stay his friend. And so he had kept silent, inwardly feeling guilty at not being able to express the things he was thinking.

Instead he had used the position of Captain as an excuse, throwing himself instead into the organisation and running of his squad and, with Ryuu there to assist him, such measures had gone smoothly. Yet even so, he had not spent more than a few minutes in Mitsuki's company since that night – and aside from her asking about his health and offering him her herbal remedy, he had managed to avoid any meaningful conversation on the river accident or the embarrassing aftermath.

Still, even so, I can keep putting this off forever without getting anywhere. It will just become more awkward, otherwise. I need to find a moment to talk to her…perhaps in the morning. Maybe then, before other people are up.

"It's my look-out tonight, first of all." Ryuu broke through his thoughts once again, looking pensive. "Then I will wake Fujiwara and he will wake Saitani when it is time for her shift. So far the rota has been working well and nobody has fallen asleep during their shift – another sign that Toutai can work well as a team."

"Mm." Juushirou nodded his head. "Tomorrow I'll take first shift, Ryuu-kun. You've done two out of the last three nights and one before that – its not good for it always to be on your head."

"Maybe, but you…" Ryuu faltered, and Juushirou frowned.

"I'm recovered, now." He said lightly. "I slept the first two nights through and needed it, but really, now it would be all right. Have some faith in me, all right? I know my limits and as Captain, its part of my job."

"I know." Ryuu reddened, then bowed his head. "I'm sorry, Taichou. I didn't mean to overstep the mark."

"You didn't." Despite himself, Juushirou grinned, clapping a hand down on his companion's shoulder. "I'm glad to have you as my Vice Captain and I wouldn't have anyone else in the role. Okay? But I really am all right now. The fever's subsided. I'm okay."

"All right." Ryuu nodded, looking relieved. "In which case, I will go and assume my post. Good night, Taichou. Sleep well."

With that he got to his feet, padding across the campsite to the cluster of rocks that had unofficially become the 'lookout point' in the few days that they had been staying there. It had almost become a home from home, Juushirou reasoned ruefully, stretching out on the grass and reaching absently for his blanket as he did so. Even though it was basic, makeshift and poorly furnished – it was Toutai's, and for that reason, it felt safe.

He closed his eyes as sleep swept into his senses, seeping through his exhaustion and pulling him further and further into a deep dream-like state. He did not resist its call, knowing that he had worked hard enough for two Captains that day and that his body probably needed the rest far more than his mind did. As he relinquished his grasp on his consciousness, however, he felt an all familiar image beginning to haze into view, and he sighed, feeling the uneven softness of sand beneath his feet and seeing the lapping waves trickling up against the shore.

It was peaceful by the sea.

Over the water, birds wheeled like tiny dots below the sun's rays, and Juushirou stood there for a moment, watching them arc and swoop as they courted and called to one another in the azure blue sky. The sun's warmth enveloped him in a comforting aura and for a moment he leant back against the sheer face of the overhanging cliffs, closing his eyes as he enjoyed its gentle lull.

Could he sleep even in his dream-world? Perhaps he was about to find out.

As he sank deeper and deeper into sleep, he found himself sent further and further back into his past, until he could see himself as a small boy perched on the uneven rocks by the water's edge, watching his splashing siblings as they played in the sea pools beyond. He had always envied them, he remembered, feeling the wistful regret stir in his young heart as the shrieks and shouts of the twins' boisterous game made him yearn once more for the chance to swim with them, like a normal local child.

He had never been allowed to enter the water, and even in this illusive state, he knew that if he reached out his hand, there would always be someone there to stop him jumping in.

But there was nobody to stop you at the river, Juushirou. You finally jumped in. And, for the first time, understood.

The voice was haunting and lilted against his senses – words spoken and yet not spoken, as though he had said them to himself but without knowing he was uttering them. The panic of the river flooded through him suddenly, and he found himself choking and grasping at his chest as he felt as though once more he was on the verge of drowning. Then, in the next instant, he was back on the beach, gasping and panting for air and clawing at the sand between his fingers as he struggled to get a grip on that fear.

For an instant he felt totally alone, and then, out of nowhere, a hand brushed against his shoulder.

Still trapped in the mind and body of a young child, he turned, fear in his hazel eyes as he stared, uncomprehending at the woman who now stood over him. She was familiar somehow, with long, flowing dark hair that was teased by the gentle wind that had begun to swirl around the seascape, and a pale, almost doll-like complexion of cream and rose that made her appear both real and unreal at the same time. As he gazed up at her, she smiled, a faintly wistful expression touching beautiful grey eyes.


They were the colour of storm-clouds, Juushirou realised absently. And yet, even so, they were not threatening or angry. Rather, there was something in them which made him feel safe.

"Juushirou." She murmured now, and the child held out his sand-spattered arms, not knowing who she was but still knowing deep down that he wanted her comfort now that the world around him had begun to grow cloying and thick with electricity.

"I'm sorry." The woman wrapped her arms around him, lifting him gently as though he weighed no more than a feather, and holding her close to her body as she offered him a sad, bittersweet smile. "You've waited for me too, haven't you? For all of this time, you've waited too."

In that moment, Juushirou knew who she was, and he slid his arms around her neck, clinging on to her tightly as if afraid to let her go.

"Hahaue." He choked, his voice hoarse as his throat tightened with emotion, and the woman sighed, ruffling his thick dark hair with her gentle fingers.

"So you do know." She whispered. "I'm sorry, Juushirou. So much time has passed, and inside of you there's always been this hole - the one that I've never been here to fill, after all."

"Haha...ue." Juushirou stared at her, a million questions flooding his mind as he struggled to form even the most basic of words. Fire surged up inside of him and he choked, closing his eyes tightly as he anticipated a rush of blood to come surging up through his vocal chords – yet it never came, and in that moment he felt the sand once more beneath him - the gentle touch and reassuring presence gone as swiftly and silently as they had come.

Once more alone, Juushirou got unsteadily to his feet, no longer the child as he gazed out in trepidation towards the swirling sea.

The wind was rising now, and he stepped closer to the edge of the white-tipped waves, feeling the prickle of energy dark through his body as the water lapped teasingly against his toes.

You don't need to be afraid, you know, Juushirou.

In's voice echoed gently against his senses, yet still he hesitated, aware of the suddenly darkening sky that had made the bright, sunny scene seem heavy and foreboding.

Slowly he shook his head.

"I don't...think I want to." He murmured, and he was vaguely aware of In's presence against his thoughts once more.

The water isn't your enemy. You know that, don't you?

That was You, his tones slightly sharper than his soft-spoken partner, and Juushirou nodded.

"Yes." He admitted unwillingly. "But here...I don't feel...if I enter the water now...that I can...breathe."

He knelt down at the water's edge, running his fingers absently in the rippling surf.

"In the river I felt like I was choking. Drowning. Like I couldn't get away from it, no matter where I went." He whispered. "I know the water has always been my friend. I know I've never been afraid before. But now I am. This time...I'm afraid of what might happen if I step into the water."

Juushirou.

You's feathery tail brushed against his thoughts, then,

This place is inside of you. Here, at least, you can't die. Or have you forgotten already, how it was you came to escape the river?

"I escaped because Ryuu-kun helped me. And… because…you both did something to me."

It was your power. No one else's.

"But even so…this is how I feel."

If you let yourself begin to be afraid now, you will frighten yourself more. If you back away, you will make it harder. Or don't you remember the first time we drew you here? How you were, in the water, until you relaxed and let us in? And how you were in the river, when you let us guide you through?

"I...I remember." Juushirou nodded, his mind flitting back to that first meeting. "I was ill and feverish, too, the first time we spoke to each other. But I'm not, now. I don't..."

So that's it.

You sighed.

You've found a comfortable plateau and you don't want to push on. You feel better than you have in a long time, and you want to stay there, because it's safe. You think that if you stop, you won't have to fight any harder. Is that it? Have we not taught you anything about your spirit strength, Juushirou? That kind of thinking isn't like you - it isn't like you at all.

"I don't like being ill." Juushirou defended himself, feeling wretched and cowardly at the fish's bald observations. "And more, I don't like making other people worry. I want to be useful, You. I don't want to be an invalid who's always coughing up blood and being a burden on the people around me. I'm not learning to be a Shinigami so I can always fall apart whenever there's trouble. I want to be able to show people that I...I'm someone they can rely on."

Juushirou...

In's voice sounded despondent, then,

You and I care for you very much. Even when we're cross, or disappointed, or upset - that is always the truth. We're part of you, after all. We want you to be strong, too.

Her words were faintly soothing to Juushirou's jittery senses.

But you have to understand - this is only a false calm - as you said it yourself, the calm before the storm. You can't escape from the curse you've been born with. Your challenges are yours to face and to fight against. If you stop now, you will not be strong enough to face them as time goes on. Complacency is your enemy. That's why we're here, now. We need to push you - even if it means we cause you pain.

"Pain?" Juushirou's eyes widened, and You brushed against his mind again.

Your body is weak and flawed. You can either let it confine you like a living coffin or you can learn to use it as best as you can. I believe your will is stubborn and fixed - just like your father's was when it came to looking after you. This hesitation is a blip. You have to push on. And that means we have to push you.

So far you've only touched on your spirit power. Didn't we tell you that already? This is only the basic level.

In's voice chimed in now.

We've protected you this far - but it's time you learnt to use it to protect other people instead.

She paused, then,

I'm sorry, Juushirou. For your own good, we'll have to release those limits sooner or later. You have to make up your mind to face up to it - otherwise it will be much more difficult for all of us.

A hot, stifling sensation ran through Juushirou's body as she finished speaking, scalding through his lungs and causing him to choke involuntarily, putting his hand instinctively to his lips. Overhead, the clouds thickened and grew darker, and as he felt the flare of his spiritual energy rip through his frail body, he felt prickling electricity in the atmosphere, tiny pins stabbing at his skin and teasing at his reiatsu as the wind swirled yet harder across the lake.

"What are you...trying to...do?" He managed, swallowing hard as he felt bile rise in his throat. "In'you...please...stop it! I don't want to...please...don't!"

Don't beg. It's pitiful. It's not in your character.

You's response was firm and unyielding.

This is who you are, after all. The true root of your power. If you don't face it now, you'll have to face it later - and it will only get harder, the longer you push it back. Your body won't suppress it forever, Juushirou. If you want to live, then you have to keep moving forward. If you run away, then it will engulf you. And when it does - you have no idea how much pain will come then. How much what you've suffered so far will pale in comparison. You have no idea, after all, how much power we've been keeping from you.

"Power?" Juushirou whispered, and In brushed against his mind.

The power to live. The power to protect. The power to be Ukitake Juushirou - and bear both the burden and the honour with pride.

At that moment, there was an ominious rumble of thunder and a flash of lightning split the sky over his head, suddenly illuminating the murky seascape. As the white glitter of energy zig-zagged down towards him, Juushirou drew breath sharply, finding he was unable to move out of its path.

There was a storm the day you were born, Juushirou. A storm Raiko-sama stifled - but a storm nonetheless. That storm was your storm - the storm that still rages inside of you. Until you're ready to learn to control that storm...neither In nor I can tell you our other name, nor help you face your true strength.

You's words echoed through his head.

It's up to you in the end. Raiko-sama is no longer here to shield you. You have to do it yourself now, Juushirou. You have to do it yourself.

"Ukitake!"

Ryuu's voice broke through the dreamscape and as the vivid images faded, Juushirou's eyes snapped open, meeting the anxious grey ones of his classmate's with surprise and confusion.

The young Kuchiki was unusually flustered, his hair loose around his shoulders and his robe tied hastily at his waist, and as he registered this fact, Juushirou pulled himself upright, brows knitting together as he registered the sudden, strong smell of burning wood on the night air.

"What the...?"

"A storm, I think. I'm pretty sure I heard thunder, and then there was a flash." Ryuu spoke in low, harried tones. "The trees are on fire and it's spreading. We have to get everyone up and out of here – if we can get to the spring, I think it'd be okay."

"Fire?" All other thoughts fled from Juushirou's head at this and he threw back his blanket, scrambling to his feet in a moment. "Did you wake anyone else? Or just me?"

"You first. It literally just happened, but everything is dry as can be right now. I don't think that it has become a full scale blaze yet, but there is a good amount of smoke and I am sure that our campsite was hit -or nearby was - by a bolt of lightning."

Ryuu shook his head, dark hair flying out across his shoulders. "I thought it would be worst of all for you, even if it is just smoke - because of your chest."

"Forget that for now." Juushirou instructed. "I'll wake this side of the camp, you take that. We'll get everyone out of the immediate risk zone first - anything else can wait till after we know nobody's in danger."

"Got it." Ryuu nodded, immediately turning to carry out his classmate's bidding, and Juushirou hurried down between the sleeping Mitsuki and Chiyoko, shaking each awake with one hand.

"Ukitake...kun?" Mitsuki blinked at him sleepily, and Juushirou bit his lip, feeling guilty yet having absolutely no idea why he should feel that way.

"Fire." He said shortly, pulling her and the still drowsy Chiyoko into a sitting position. "Grab your robes and get out of the copse – head right for the spring and don't look back. Don't wait to ask questions!" As Chiyoko's lips parted. "With any luck it'll rain soon - just go outside and stay there until Ryuu-kun or I give you instructions. All right?"

"Yes, Taichou." Mitsuki's eyes widened, but she nodded, grabbing Chiyoko by the hand and pulling her towards the gap between the trees that as yet was not completely obscured by thick black smoke. In the darkness, the glow of amber spreading closer and closer seemed ever more ominous, and Juushirou knew that with the hot, dry weather, the forest hereabouts was most likely little better than tinder waiting to be set ablaze. With the girls gone, however, the Captain shifted his attention to Kira, who was still sleeping in the furthermost corner of the campsite. Across the ground, he could hear Ryuu waking Hirata and then Kamitani and Aki, driving them mercilessly in the direction Mitsuki and Chiyoko had gone with sharp hisses of "don't dawdle! Get outside now!"

Thank God for Ryuu-kun.

Juushirou bent down to shake Kira awake, but as he did so, a large, amber flame seared through the branches of a nearby tree, flaring across the makeshift shelter Toutai had relied on for shade and protection from any summer rain. The fire devoured the dry materials easily, tearing the blanket-and-plant cover almost entirely across from one side of the camp to the other. Now their base was clearly ablaze, and Juushirou cursed, grabbing Kira by the shoulders and shaking him with more force than he had intended.

"Kira! Wake up! The copse is on fire - wake up, dammit! Wake up!"

At first, Kira didn't respond, and Juushirou stifled a cough, realising that the air in the tent was thick with smoke even despite the huge hole that had been ripped through their makeshift cover. He could not see the moon above them, and for some reason that gave him chills.

A storm happened when I was born. A storm tonight, too, after that dream. Is that a coincidence? Or...?

"Ukitake-kun?"

Finally Kira's blue eyes opened, widening with fear and panic as he saw the state of the tent. "But...what the...how...why...?"

"A storm. Lightning. Get outside, now." Juushirou snapped at him, his tones brief as he fought against the spasms that the smoke had begun to spark in his sensitive chest. "Now! Don't stare at me! Get...up and go!"

"But..."

"Don't but! Just...go!"

"The...the squad log is..."

"That's paper and ink. You're alive. If it burns, it burns. Go join the others at the spring!"

Kira eyed him like a frightened rabbit for a moment, then, as a piece of flaming branch broke and fell to the floor, sending a flame surging across the boy' blanket he shot to his feet, fear giving him extra speed as he charged towards the exit.

Juushirou made to follow him, but the cloying smoke was getting thicker and more acrid now, and his eyes watering, he put his hand over his nose and mouth in a futile attempt to keep from choking.

If I start an attack now, I won't get out. I have to...outside. The others...waiting. Must not...panic. Must..get out.

Gritting his teeth, he forced himself forward, his body becoming heavy and dizzy as the air quality worsened and spasms wracked through his chest, prompting him to cough violently. Pain wracked through him, but he kept going, putting one hand resolutely in front of the other and then dragging his knees behind him as he somehow managed the short crawl out into the smoke-filled night.

"Ukitake!"

All assignment formality forgotten in his anxiety, Ryuu was at his side in a moment, putting a strong arm around him and hauling him further from the copse that now blazed strongly with orange light. Somehow between them they made it to the spring, and once clear of the blaze, Juushirou sank down on the grass, coughing violently as he struggled to catch his breath.

"You were in there too long. I told you, didn't I? That I woke you fast because of your chest." Ryuu sent him a black look. "Haven't you put it under enough strain already with your river heroics? What was the use of giving you advance warning if you're going to be the last one out?"

"I'm...Taichou." Juushirou managed, and Ryuu sighed.

"I should've known that." He murmured in resignation. "Still, the wind is blowing away from us, so it shouldn't reach us here."

"But can we put it out? Should we try?" Juushirou struggled to gather his wits, and Ryuu shrugged.

"I don't think it's something we can do." He said gravely. "Even if all our supplies and belongings and clothing are in there – we can't go back because it's too dangerous to risk."

He faltered, then,

"Kazoe-sensei's been patrolling this area in the last few hours – I sensed his reiatsu earlier. I don't think he's far away, so I…I sent Kira to find him. The fool was jittering around like anything and I thought he should make himself useful. The camp's properly ablaze now - so I don't know where we'll sleep tonight. If it rains...we have a problem. And in this circumstance, we have to admit defeat."

"If it...rains...the fire will...go out." Juushirou murmured, and Ryuu nodded.

"Kazoe-sensei may know how to put it out, anyhow." He said dismissively. "So don't think about moving anywhere. Not until you start breathing properly, in any case. You're only just getting over the river escapade, after all. As your Vice Captain, I may be superseding my rank. But protecting the Captain is part of my duty too - so I hope you won't decide to discipline me."

"Ryuu-kun..." Juushirou drew a shaky breath into his lungs, then, "Thanks to you...we all...got out. I'm grateful. N..n...not angry."

"Ukitake-kun!"

"Ukitake-kun!"

At that moment, Hirata and Mitsuki came hurrying across the grass towards them, but Ryuu turned to glare at them, immediately the Vice Captain once more.

"Don't crowd him, either of you." He rapped out, holding up his hands. "He needs to breathe air, not be smothered by people fussing. Mitsuki, I told you to check the other members of the squad for burns, didn't I? Have you done so?"

"I..." Mitsuki pinkened, and Ryuu's eyes narrowed.

"Then go now and do so. I will expect you to report those things to Kazoe-sensei when he comes." He said dismissively. "And as for you, Hirata, stop looking anxious and go and find a vessel of water for your Captain. He'll be fine - and panicking about it isn't going to help anything."

"Ryuu-kun..." Juushirou looked startled, and Ryuu offered him a rueful smile.

"I seem harsh, perhaps." He admitted, once the two were gone. "But both were near tears. I wish to snap them out of any hysteria - Hirata is stronger than he was, but he is fond of you and your adventures in the river are still foremost on his mind. And as for Mitsuki..."

He sighed, then,

"She does not deal with it well, when you are hurt." He admitted. "It is foolish, but true nonetheless. Her healer instincts get the better of her – so I think it better I send her away."

"Yes…maybe." Juushirou frowned, remembering what he had overheard once more, and nodding his head.

"Perhaps it is cruel of me. But I feel she is of better use deployed – and I can keep an eye on you quite well for myself."

"It's because...in a crisis...you're a good person to have as right hand." Juushirou offered Ryuu a faint smile. "Thank you, Ryuu-kun. I'm grateful…yet again for…your strong and decisive…leadership skills."

"Leadership skills." Ryuu looked rueful. "My sisters would more likely term it 'being bossy'."

"Your sisters…have obviously never…taken you camping, then." Juushirou replied wryly.

"Ukitake! Kuchiki!"

Before Ryuu could respond, the sound of the Kidou sensei's voice broke through their conversation, and relief flooded through Juushirou as he registered the presence of their teacher on the scene. Kira scuttled in his wake, eyes big and frightened, and as Juushirou watched, Kazoe drew his sword swiftly from its sheath, holding it out so the blade tip pointed towards the blazing copse.

"Suikonde, Seidoiki."

He murmured, and as the students watched, from the tip of the blade came a glittering shower of what seemed to be azure ash, scattering out across the blaze and binding with the flames. In an instant, the fire began to stutter and die down, and as it quieted, Kazoe lowered his blade slowly.

The tip still sparkled with discharging reiatsu, and half-mesmerised, Juushirou stared at it in fascination.

Kazoe-sensei has a zanpakutou. A zanpakutou that can put out fire.

He bit his lip, slightly unnerved at how much his senses had reacted to what had been, in the end, a low-level, non-combattive release.

Almost as though there was something in it…that I wanted…or needed…to see. Something that…In'you needed me to see? But whatever it was…even I don't know how to explain it. Seimaru's zanpakutou didn't make me feel like this – nor did Midori-sama's, when I saw her release it. But right now my senses are buzzing as though they've seen the secrets of the universe in that one spiritual release. What on earth has gotten into me – why do I feel as though I'm picking up some signal that even I can't fully understand?

"Sensei!" Ryuu got to his feet. "Sensei, everyone is unhurt. Ukitake and I made sure...but Ukitake has been coughing because of the smoke. He was the last one out."

"I see." Kazoe pursed his lips, sealing and then re-sheathing his sword. "Good work, both of you. Ukitake, can you stand? You look very pale - you didn't get burned?"

No...no, Sensei." Juushirou managed a faint smile. "Just a little...breathless. That's all. It all...so suddenly."

"I thought it was going to burn us alive." Kira murmured. "If Ukitake-kun hadn't woken me..."

"Nobody was...going to be...left behind, Kira." Juushirou assured him.

"But what caused it?" Chiyoko wrapped her arms around her body, shivering as a cold wind whipped through the forest clearing. "The sky is heavy and clouded, but..."

"I heard thunder, and I think I saw a flash." Ryuu turned to glance at her. "It came out of nowhere, but I think it must have crashed down close by. I didn't see its precise trajectory, yet even so…it must have been quite near to where we were camping."

"I'd say so, looking at the state of this." Kazoe said grimly. "You were all very lucky. You acted so quickly, nobody was hurt - even a moment of hesitation might not have brought such a happy ending."

He frowned, then,

"Nothing is going to be salvaged from that mess." He said quietly. "For the time being, you will have to return with me to the campsite and sleep for this evening in your old tent. Genryuusai-sensei would say the same – if there is a storm rolling around and a possibility of rain, he would want you to be somewhere safe."

He frowned, gazing up at the sky.

"Particularly a storm that came from nowhere. Such a thing is an unpleasant omen – and one that should be heeded."

An omen.

For some reason, this cast a chill through Juushirou's young heart.

No kidding.

"How will we get back, though, Sensei? We're quite some way from the main campsite, here." Aki put in tentatively, and Kazoe nodded.

"And none of you are trained in shunpo, so you will have to simply follow my lead." He agreed. "Are you all together? Good. Then stay so…and follow me when I tell you to. Understand?"

There were murmurs of assent, and Kazoe drew his weapon once more from his sheath, thrusting it forward and muttering a soft spell too quiet for Juushirou to make out the words to. As he did so, patterned panels seemed to appear bit by bit before them, as a gateway slowly took form, and as Kazoe turned his blade to the right, the panels parted, revealing a dark tunnel beyond.

"What the…" Kira's eyes became huge, and Kamitani let out a gasp.

"Senkaimon?" He whispered, and Kazoe turned, nodding his head.

"I should have known an Urahara would be familiar with the concept." He agreed briskly. "Yes. Exactly that. Though it is a work in progress…this one was placed here by Genryuusai-sensei in case of any unforeseen emergencies by which you needed to be brought back to camp at speed. There's one in the mountains too – to act as a similar protector for Katai's troops."

"A senkaimon?" His doubts momentarily forgotten, Juushirou said the word softly to himself, even as the teacher replaced his weapon a second time, flicking his fingers into a ball of reddish flame to light their pathway through the strange opening suspended in thin air. "I've never heard of it…what is it, Sensei? What is a…a senkaimon? Is it a…spell?"

"It's a gateway device generated by the Urahara-ke some two centuries ago." Kazoe shook his head, as they trudged their way through the dark, shapeless world that now surrounded them on all sides. "Follow me and stay close together – it would be easy to get lost and none of you have the requisite experience to safely exit on your own. Mostly they were designed for speed and ease of transport among the Clans – they require a certain level of spirit power to operate, so you probably won't ever have seen one in the Districts, Ukitake. Their original intention was to build them as a safe form of passage to the Real World – though the success has been mixed since again, only the strongest Shinigami are able to make it through the tunnel without getting hurt. It's another reason why till now the Gotei has demanded such high levels of spiritual strength – although the Urahara are still working on a solution, they haven't yet found one that's entirely foolproof."

"But within Seireitei, they work fine." Kamitani added hurriedly. "Most noble houses who have active Shinigami use them to get between different areas of their land…at least, so I believe."

"But as yet they can only be operated with a Shikai level zanpakutou as the key." Kazoe replied. "Which means that they aren't as widespread as originally the Urahara-ke hoped."

"The Kuchiki certainly have them." Ryuu nodded his head. "Though I have never walked through one before."

"Is it really safe?" Kira was anxious, but Kazoe nodded.

"Within Seireitei, there is no risk." He said evenly. "The danger only comes about when crossing the divide to the Real World, Kira – it's a place built on entirely different fundamental principles, and so there are many problems with making the transition. But you should save that for your next Sakusen class. No doubt Genryuusai-sensei will be able to give you a far clearer idea of their many uses and purposes, if you ask him."

He flexed his fingers, the ball of shakkahou energy dissipating into the atmosphere around them, and as he did so the tunnel seemed to open up on the other side, revealing the campsite beyond. Slowly the dazed and shivering students stepped through into the night air once more, all of them viewing the familiar sight of the tents with varying levels of relief.

"For the time being, there are a few spare blankets in the mess tent and tomorrow I will see what to do properly about this." Kazoe decided. "But now it's late and the danger has passed. I think that the best idea would be to assess this reasonably in the morning, since nobody seems hurt."

"What if the storm comes back, Sensei?" Kira asked apprehensively, and Kazoe shook his head.

"The storm has passed by. The sky is beginning to clear, and there's no sign of thunder." He responded. "I'll strengthen the barrier here, too, to try and give added protection against sudden inclement weather. Calm yourself, Kira. It was unfortunate, but it is over. And everyone reacted properly - so nobody was hurt."

Juushirou nodded.

"We should do as Sensei s...says, too." He said quietly. "Go back to...our tent… and try and get some sleep for the r...rest of the night."

He glanced at Kazoe.

"Sensei, your sword...stopped the fire, didn't it? So...if it did happen again..."

"My zanpakutou manipulates air currents. It stifled the air powering the fire, and stopped it from burning." Kazoe nodded. "You needn't worry, Ukitake. The same thing will not be able to happen again."

"Right." Juushirou gave him a rueful, troubled smile. "Then that's what we'll do. For now, we'll all go and try and get some sleep."

"We were going to recall both squads to Camp tomorrow, anyhow." Kazoe assured them. "Toutai won't be failed on account of a freak moment of weather."

With that he was gone, leaving the eight students alone once more.

"Well, that's something at the very least." Ryuu observed. "All in all, I believe as a squad we managed quite well."

"We did." Juushirou agreed. "And…we'll keep doing…that, too. Fujiwara, K…Kamitani, Kazoe-sensei said there w…were spare blankets in the main m…mess tent. Go fetch as m…many as you can find, all right?"

"Yes, Taichou." Aki nodded his head, grabbing Kamitani by the arm and hauling him off towards the mess tent.

"But our log was destroyed, Taichou. Everything I wrote is gone." Kira said despondently, and Juushirou sighed.

"I know, and I'm s…sorry you had to l…leave it." He said apologetically. "How m…much can you remember?"

"Most of it, I think." Kira considered. "But I might not have time to write it all again. Still, if Sensei wanted me to…I think I could report quite accurately from memory, if need be."

"Then we'll rely on you for that, Kira." Ryuu said firmly. "And for now, call it a night. Tomorrow we can settle whatever needs to be done – but for now, let us all get some sleep."