Here it is, everyone, the Golden 50th Chapter!

First off, I'd to start off by giving a shout-out to the person who initially inspired me to write this story- the wonderful and talented NovaAlexandria. Her 'PoV' and 'Crossbreed' series were major stylistic influences on me while writing this. The former is why I'm such a huge fan of the whole Jushiro+Lillynette/Stark 'family' dynamic. The latter is the reason why I'm a Lillynette/Hanataro shipper. And both are to blame for why I like Ggio so much- so you can blame Nova if any of you don't approve of the way I write 'Ggio-kitty' (lol). I like to believe that PoV and this series are both possible alternate realities in the 'Multiverse'.

Also, to "Jaqen H'Ghar" and darkmachines, I hope you two have stuck around for this chapter, because I think you two will like it. Now, to RG-Guest: I have to say, your insights are really keeping me on my toes. Do you know how hard it is addressing all those plot points you keep bringing up? (lol) ...Anyways, I admit that I particularly enjoyed you observations about the "Anti-Light" (as you so wonderfully put it), and I'm glad that you picked up the whole matter/antimatter allusion. And while I admit it's almost a throw-away line, Orihime does interact with The Man in White- when she asks him if he's "an angel", and he replies "to some".

Warning: This Chapter contains explicit (consensual) Sexual Content.

TO FORGE A
BETTER TOMORROW

Chapter L:
"The Lives of Others"

Soul Society, Division Twelve HQ...

Seated before his personal Computer in his (and Nemu's) private quarters, Szayel typed commands into the keyboard, bringing up the 'secret' files of the previous late Captain of the Twelfth Division.

The Octavio Espada grinned at that thought, recalling how pleased he'd felt when he'd finally put that cretin Mayuri out of everyone's misery. The only thing that he could recall- certainly in recent memory- that brought him even greater pleasure was his darling Nemu... his Butterfly.

Back in reality, he selected a folder entitled 'Psychological Profiles', opening it up to reveal a number of sub-folders and files. He then selected a file entitled 'Senior Officers- by Divisions'. Clicking it opened up a new window, showing a drop-down list of files, representing the (then) Thirteen Elite Court Guard Divisions within Soul Society, followed by the name of their Captains...

Psych. Profiles

(+)Div01: Capt_Yamamoto
(+)Div02: Capt_Soifon
(+)Div03: Capt_Ichimaru
(+)Div04: Capt_Unohana
(+)Div05: Capt_Aizen
(+)Div06: Capt_Kuchiki
(+)Div07: Capt_Komamura
(+)Div08: Capt_Kyoraku
(+)Div09: Capt_Tosen
(+)Div10: Capt_Hitsugaya
(+)Div11: Capt_Kenpachi
(+)Div13: Capt_Ukitake

Expanding the files listed would further reveal a drop-down sub-directory, listing the top three to four Officers serving under of the respective Captains: starting with the Lieutenants (save for the Thirteenth Division), followed by the Third, Fourth (and in a few cases) Fifth Seats.

Szayel randomly decided to click on the "Capt_Unohana" link, prompting a new window to appear, displaying a (typically serene-looking) picture of the female Captain, along with an accompanying text blurb- which appeared to a summery of the woman in question.

Retsu Unohana: In a word, dangerous. Her outward manner belays a formidable and vicious nature, hidden beneath a well-practiced veneer of refinement and calm authority. Experience has taught me to never underestimate her, as the true extent of her abilities is unknown.

She has been and remains a constant thorn in my side. Almost from the moment I took command of the Twelfth, she has confounded me and my efforts. And always, she does this from an sickeningly arrogant assumption of moral superiority, and with a smiling visage that mocks me. What use is morality, when weighed against the chance of furthering knowledge.

Addendum: I have since confirmed that she is in fact 'seeing' the Captain of the Thirteenth, Jushiro Ukitake. I will need further details regarding the extent and nature of their relationship, as exploiting this may be the means by which I can gain an advantage over the woman.

The golden-eyed Arrancar smirked, chuckling as he read the summery. "You really hated that woman, didn't you?" He mused aloud. "It must have pissed you off, to constantly be outmaneuvered."

Interestingly, the one point about the Captain he was spot-on about was her "calm authority". Case in point, the Fourth Division's Third Seat Officer, Hanataro Yamada, had related an example of this- one which would prove to be a pivotal moment in his life...

The Aftermath of the Winter War...

Hanataro stood amidst the rubble, the young Officer watching dumbly as he followed his Captain and Lieutenant as they rushed to assist a small group of individuals.

It turned out that group was composed of the Captain of the Thirteenth, as well as the Captain and Lieutenant of the Eighth. His heart had perilously kipped a beat when he realized that the others were none other than both manifestations of the First Espada- neither of them looking much worse for the where- and the female Third Espada, who looked to be injured.

"You're such a bad liar!" Lillynette chided the fallen Captain Ukitake. "You were coughing up blood only a few minutes ago, Shiro-san." She added haughtily, attempting to feign indifference, even as she hovered protectively around the white-haired man, her hand on his shoulder.

"I will attend to Captain Kyoraku," his Captain began, before she turned to address her subordinates. "Lieutenant Kotetsu, you will please see to Halibell-san's injuries." Unohana instructed the tall silver-haired woman matter-of-factly, in her usual serene tone.

"And you, Yamada-san," she spoke, looking directly to him. "You will oversee triage."

"M-me?" Hanataro asked nervously. "A-are you certain, Captain Unohana? I-"

Unohana held up her hand, causing him to fall silent. "Yes." She replied firmly. "Many of the Fourth's Seated Officers did not survive the initial attack- including Iemura-san." She explained. "And so, as an Officer and a Medic, this responsibility now falls to you." The woman stated.

"But I-" He tried to protest.

"Yamada-san," again, she silenced him. "As of this moment, you are now the 3rd Seat Officer of the Fourth Division." Unohana informed him, her tone gentle but commanding. "I am sorry to thrust this upon you, but I have faith in your ability, and am confident that you will rise to the occasion."

It took him a moment, before he composed himself. "Yes Captain." He replied, straightening himself out and bowing respectfully. "I... I understand, Captain Unohana, thank you." Hanataro replied before departing the scene to carry out his commanding officer's instructions.

Szayel relaxed back into his chair. If the decidedly acerbic tone of the file was any indication, then the pink-haired Arrancar was even more curious now to read the lunatic's other assessments. Adjusting his glasses, he selected another file, this time: the "Capt_Ukitake" link...

Jushiro Ukitake: Highly respected, even among his peers within the top echelons of the Gotei, and seemingly 'beloved' by those serving him. He is also the patriarch of one of most powerful families in all of the Seireitei- with a directly link to the bloodline to the Soul King.

In terms of power and abilities, the only real limit to this is his long-standing illness, which manifests in coughing fits and- in extreme cases- bloody vomitus. The most common catalyst for these attacks are extended period periods of physical and/or psychological strain. However, he remains a man not to be crossed, as his popularity makes him all but untouchable. Like so many others, he is sanctimonious, and so he cloaks himself in a garb of supposed moral superiority.

Addendum: Since confirming his relationship with Captain Unohana, I have attempted to covertly monitor both parties, in order to gather useful information. It would be fitting if the two were ultimately the cause for the cause of the others undoing. Though, as of now, this remains unlikely.

Again, the bespectacled Espada smiled. As before, while it may have been for the wrong reasons, the late Mayuri Kurotsuchi had correctly noted one thing about the man: the fact that Captain Ukitake was an easily likable individual. One need only look to the two halves of Primera Espada to see this...

Shortly after the start of the Ceasefire...

In spite of her posturing and fervent denials, it was clear that Lillynette had become oddly attached to Captain Ukitake. And he had quickly picked up on this- hidden within her boasting during the post-war hearing, just as he remembered the way the girl had lingered protectively at his side immediately after his coughing fit- when he'd pleaded for the others' lives.

"Stark-san, Lilly-chan." Ukitake had begun, approaching the two. "Given your desire to remain here in Soul Society, you'll need a place to stay." The Captain continued. "There are rooms to spare back at my family's home, and I would welcome you as guests of the Ukitake Estate."

Coyote Stark placed a hand over the mouth of his counterpart, Lillynette Gingerback, before she could reply on their behalves. "Are you sure about this?" The tall Arrancar asked. "Won't it cause problems for your family- having the two of us around the house?"

"Not at all." The white-haired Captain replied with a smile. "It's a big house, far too big- and far too quiet- for the few people now residing there."Ukitake continued gently. "When I was young, it was full of life, but now... Well, there's no use dwelling on the past."He reasoned, slightly melancholic in his tone, though still smiling. "And frankly, this old man could do with some company."

"Shiro-san," Lillynette began, grinning. "You're not old, you just feel like you are right now cuz you're tired from all the fighting and your sickness." She offered him with a broad smile, as the two Arrancar followed in step with him as he walked the path back to his home.

Ukitake paused, then smiled at her. "Yes, perhaps you're right, Lilly-chan." He replied. "Unohana-san does often says something similar to me- that 'you're only as old as you feel'." The man recounted, still smiling as the three of them walked. "And, now that I think about it, I am feeling much better."

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

The Living Realm, Karakura City...

The trio of women were seated around a circular table. If Orihime was in the '12 O-clock' position, then Tatsuki and Rangiku were sitting at the '4' and '8' positions, respectively.

The redheaded girl had been looking forward to this, as it a chance to get together with (arguably) her two closest friends, without having to worry about the men for a change- as it were. Speaking of which, that was a subject she was eager to discuss with the two- the subject of boyfriends.

Each of the three women was coming to this differing perspectives. For Orihime, the young redheaded woman had gone for pining for one person, only to end up falling for arguably the most unlikely person possible- the individual who'd abducted her. And over time, a bond had formed between them- perhaps partially because of circumstances, but still a bond none-the-less.

By comparison, Tatsuki and Uryu had become a couple almost out of necessity- in their cases, it was simply that neither of them wanted to be alone. Of course, they'd been able to fill in the 'gaps' as they'd grown close and gotten to know each other, with the benefit of time.

While in Rangiku's case, Toshiro and herself were still coming to grips with the subtle intricacies of their relationship, as well as the emotional/psychological baggage they both carried with them. And as frustrated as she felt at times, she was genuinely happy with the place that two of them were at.

"It's been way too long." Rangiku remarked, smiling. "I've missed you, Hime-chan."

Tatsuki covertly watched as he friend smiled at the other woman's comment. For a moment, glancing back and forth at the other women's chest, the dark-haired girl couldn't help thinking how unfair life could be sometimes. Though, she was quick to squash further thoughts along those lines.

The dark-haired tomboy had been friends with the redhead for several years, at her side through both good times and bad. And during that time, she'd watched as her childhood friend had grown from a shy and reserved girl when they first met, to a cheerful and outgoing young woman she now knew. And yet, Tatsuki couldn't help but still feel protective of her best friend (at least to some degree). After all, it was no small task for a person to change their way of thinking after so long.

"...You're telling me that he's one of them? One of those monsters that kidnapped Orihime?!" Tatsuki asked, upon being formally introduced to Ulquiorra, before she turned to glare at him.

"And you," Tatsuki continued, angrily. "You've got some nerve, showing your face after all the trouble you caused!" She stepped forward, pointing a finger at him. "Why the hell are you here?" She went on to demand. "Have you come back to brag, eh, you smug bastard?!"

"Tatsuki-chan." Orihime intervened, stepping forward. "Ulquiorra is here, because..." She hesitated, blushing. "...Because I want him to be." She insisted. "He- he's with me."

The admission, at the time, had been enough to make her livid, and what made it worse was that he seemed totally indifferent in the face of her ire. "Wait, you can't be serious!" Tatsuki fumed. "H- how could you feel something for him- he's one of the monsters who attacked us and kidnapped you!"

Uryu, ever the diplomat, had tried to intercede, but she was in no mood to be reasonable at the time and so had pressed on."What's going on here...? No, you don't think I can handle the truth, do you?" Tatsuki asked, her tone becoming dark. "Why not just have my memory wiped by your friends?"

"Tatsuki-chan, you don't understand-" Orihime attempted, trying to assuage her.

"No, I understand well enough." Tatsuki interrupted. "My best friend is kidnapped, and I'm left in the dark- while the rest of you are risking their lives." She replied with a glare. "Then, you come back, and I'm supposed to accept some hand-waving explanation that things will just work themselves out?!"

She closed her eyes, taking a breath. "I- I'm sorry, Orihime..." Tatsuki added, reigning in her anger. "It's just, this whole situation has been pissing me off... And the truth is, I worry a lot, I don't want to see you hurt..." She explained, taking the other girl's hands in hers. "I may not like the situation," she continued. "But I trust you... And if you trust him, then I can learn to live with it."

After a moment, she glared at Ulquiorra. "As for you, I still don't like you, and I don't trust you, so I'll be keeping a close eye on you." Tatsuki declared adamantly. "And if I- ever!- find out that you've done anything to hurt Orihime... I will find you, and see that you regret it!"

Tatsuki smiled inwardly, reflecting on the extent of how things had changed... She wasn't the same person she'd been two years. Just her relationships with those around her were no longer the same any more- from her deepening friendship with Orihime, to her growing feelings for Uryu, and even her begrudging respect for Ulquiorra in light of everything that had happened.

"It's good to see you too, Rangiku-san." Orihime replied softly, still smiling. "I hope thing's are going well for you." The fiery-haired teenager continued. "Especially between Toshiro-kun and yourself."

The older woman's reaction piqued Tatsuki's interest, causing her to subtly perk up. "Well, I-" She hesitated, visibly blushing. "That is... Things are going well between us." Rangiku continued, after a moment's hesitation. "Toshiro isn't always the most... expressive, or emotional... And yet, in spite of that, I know he cares, and knowing that is the most important thing, for me."

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

"Good grief, what a mess..." Szayel muttered, tapping his hand on the arm of his chair. "Looking at these things..." He mused wryly, rubbing his chin. "They read less like formal documents, and more like entries in someone's private journal." The Octavio remarked.

He'd just finished reading the "Capt_Kuchiki" file, and- somewhat disappointingly- he found it to be rather clinical, especially when compared to the tone of previous two files. In the case of the ever-stoic nobleman, it seemed that his predecessor didn't possess any strong feelings towards the man, one way or the other... Except, perhaps, that there was little of use (as far as Mayuri thought) to be gained from him, and therefor even less motive to try and manipulate him through some convoluted scheme.

The Arrancar had learned, through observation, that there was a great deal more depth to the Captain than he outwardly let on. This, of course, was to be expected, considering both his upbringing and the environment he would have grown up in. Kuchiki possessed a keen intellect, and a keen eye, which in turn endowed him of an unparalleled mind for matters of tactics, strategy, even politics...

"...While this council was formed in the absence of the Central 46, it has more than proven to be an effective means of governing the affairs of Soul Society." Byakuya stated calmly. "Just as it shows that we- the Officers- are the most qualified to make the necessary choices."

Szayel watched, curious, as a ripple of murmurs arose from the others. "Surely, you're not suggesting what I think you are, Kuchiki-san...?" Rose asked, giving voice to their concern.

"The Nobles who formed the Central 46 were meant to serve as oversight for the Court Guard Divisions... And they were slaughtered, like helpless cattle." Byakuya countered. "I believe an elite Officer and Warrior would be much harder to assassinate. The three or four senior-most Officers from each of the Divisions would serve as the members greater Gotei Council." The noble added.

"Without the Central 46, governing power would shift exclusively to the warrior caste, not unlike the Japanese Shogunate." Unohana remarked. "Which would effectively reduce the civilians to to a form underclass... Surely you see the inherent problem in this- why would the people accept what, to them, would surely seem to be nothing less than exploitation."

"On the contrary." Byakuya replied evenly. "The Shinigami are hardly exclusive to the nobility, they are the very people they are tasked to protect." He continued. "More than half of the graduates come from the 'lower classes'." The Captain remarked. "In fact, some of our most distinguished Officers have come from the slums of some of the impoverished districts."

Despite some reluctance, the other Captains would later agree to the proposal. But, perhaps, the even more impressive fact was that the Kuchiki nobleman wasn't finished. It was in that same meeting that he went on to formally propose the formation of what would become the Fourteenth Division.

"And yet, in spite of the conventions of good taste," Szayel commented. "I simply can't help myself." The Arrancar remarked with a smile, before turning away from the computer and rising to his feet.

Just then, the door to his office slid open, revealing Nemu, a file in her folded hands.

"Ah, what perfect timing, my dear Nemu." Szayel remarked, his golden eyes lighting up upon seeing her, as he gestured for her to step inside. "Now, now, there's no need to dally there like that... After all, I'm always happy to see you." He added, making his way over to a tall cabinet.

At this, her posture relaxed and she ventured inside, the door sliding shut behind her.

"So then," he continued, opening it. "What brings you here, my darling butterfly?" The Arrancar asked in the usual affectionate tone he used with her. "No troubles, I hope?"

The purple-haired woman shook her head. "No, Szayel-sama." She replied evenly, as he turned away from the cabinet- a bottle in one hand and a pair of glasses in the other. "I simply came to inform you of the annual results regarding the studies of the general population."

"Goodness, so it's already been a year..." Szayel commented, setting the sleek bottle and glasses down upon the counter top. "Well, don't let me hold you up then." He prompted, flashing her a smile as he leaned back against the lip of the counter. "Or, am I to wait in suspense?"

The green-eyed woman blushed faintly, then nodded. "Of course, Szayel-sama. Regarding the studies of the status general population," Nemu began. "Our field operatives have recorded a 27% drop in the transmission rate of sicknesses amongst the population, and a 29% drop in malnutrition rates."

"Really?" The Espada replied, accepting the file she held forth. "Even accounting for a reasonable margin of error, that's still well ahead of projections, in both cases." He remarked as he eagerly looked over the data contained within the pages. "If these findings are correct, then the vaccinations and the other assistance programs have reduced sickness and hunger by a fourth!"

"I'll relay this information to the other Captains." Szayel went on excitedly. "As of this moment, we need to redouble our efforts..." He continued. "Just imagine it: If we can continue at this rate, perhaps we might even be able to cut both cases in half... Now wouldn't that be something?"

"Indeed." Nemu replied with a small smile. "A noble aspiration, Szayel-sama."

Szayel grinned at this. "Then, perhaps we should drink to its realization." He suggested, removing the cap from the bottle, and filling the two glasses. "I find this wine to be of a particularly good stock, and I think you'll find it just as pleasing." The pink-haired man offered. "Won't you join me?"

Without further prompting from her Captain, the female Shinigami moved to accept the cup offered to her. After sipping from the glass, she smiled prettily and took a proper drink. As Szayel drank from his own glass, Nemu took note of the data displayed on the monitor.

"Szayel-sama, those are... Mayuri's files." Nemu remarked idly. "You're reviewing the psychological profiles he compiled on the other Captains and Officers of the other Divisions."

"Yes. It took me a while, but I broke the encryption some time ago." Szayel answered coolly, taking another drink. "And so far, they're proving to be most entertaining reading." He added, before reaching down to move the mouse across the screen. "Let's see what else you're hiding..."

The Espada then clicked the "Capt_Soifon" link, prompting a corresponding window to appear before him, displaying a now (rather amusingly) outdated picture of the Captain- outdated in the sense not just by her now-anachronistic appearance, but her scowling expression (which had visibly 'softened' as of late). And of course, there was also the accompanying text blurb to go along with it...

Soifon: Surname unknown. Commander of the Black-Ops Division (aka, the "Assassination Squad"). A retainer, and later protege, of the former Captain- the so-called 'Flash Goddess', Yoruichi Shihoin. It is perhaps of note that despite being trained by and her association with such an infamous individual, Shihoin's famously chaotic nature did not become ingrained upon her.

On the contrary, since taking command of the Second Division, Captain Soifon is fanatical, humorless, and rigidly authoritarian in her leadership style. It is rumored that the only known exception to this is in matters regarding Yoruichi Shihoin. Soifon's behavioral issues likely stem from a psychological/emotional schism. While she holds a deep admiration (likely, with latent homosexual undertones) for Shihoin, she also harbors a deep resentment for her- specifically, an Abandonment Complex.

Addendum: As the head of a covert assassination group, Soifon is extremely dangerous, and not to be underestimated. However, her background, and emotional issues leave room for possible manipulation in the future. Though, as of now, further information and correlation is needed.

"Well now," Szayel started. "We have unresolved trauma from youth, a fear of abandonment, and of course, lest we forget, there's the lesbianism..." He recounted, grinning. "How positively Freudian."

"To bad you lacked the same enthusiasm for self-insight." The Octavio continued. "But then, god-only-knows what the good Doctor would have made of you, Captain."

"Szayel-sama," Nemu spoke up. "What do you think Freud would say of Mayuri and myself?" The woman calmly asked, her tone measured but also somewhat curious.

He exhaled. "In your case, my dear, you'd be better off positing that question to Jung." Szayel started, his hands in the pockets of his white coat. "As for Mayuri... If I were to hazard a guess, I'd image that Freud might suspect his mother didn't hug him enough- among other things."

"And now, my dear," Szayel continued, filling the glasses with wine. "Why don't we make ourselves more comfortable and settle in for some further reading?" He went on, taking his seat in the chair and motioning for her to take her place- like so many times before- in his lap.

She blushed, but nodded. "Of course, Szayel-sama."

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

Second Division, Officers Quarters...

Ggio Vega smiled as he ran his hands up Soifon's slender hips, eventually stopping at her waistline. The petite woman smiled back at the Arrancar, before leaning in to kiss him. The lips of the cat-like Hollow tasted strangely sweet to her in the moment. The Shinigami Captain wasn't sure if she was intoxicated by lust, or just lost lost in the moment, and truthfully she didn't care...

After a great deal of internal debate with herself in front of a mirror, Soifon came a decision. Taking a moment to fortify her resolve, she'd invited Ggio into her quarters to see her. Not that the Fraccion ever really needed an excuse to see her- being so devoted, as he was.

At the moment, the Captain's thoughts were more focused on the set of underwear (or nightwear) she was now wearing: comprised of a rather risque silk chemise- that hung diaphanously off of her slender figure- and a matching pair of lace panties and stockings. The flimsy ensemble was a cool blueish-gray color, with dark blueish-black embroidery along the edges and lining.

Soifon's cheeks burned pink at the thought that she was actually wearing such an outfit... But then, the set had been a 'gift' from Yoruichi-sama (no surprise there, she thought), and who was she to turn down such a gift, especially when it was more than living up to the claims that her former mentor and Captain had laid out when presenting it to her: chiefly, that it Drove. Men. Wild!

Well, if the cat-like Arrancar's immediate response upon seeing her dressed in it (blushing, a shy but inviting smile on her face) was anything to go by, then that statement certainly wasn't a lie. He'd scoped her up into his arms, which was the explanation for how she now came to find herself seated on his waist as he knelt down the futon laid out in her private quarters...

There was a familiar twinkle in his golden eyes as his smile turned devious, and Soifon's couldn't help but shiver slightly as she felt his hands moving skillfully up her sides. She let out a faint gasp as she felt his hands move upwards, her skin prickling as his palms glided ticklishly across her. The next thing she knew, they were at her chest. She couldn't suppress a moan as he teased her flesh, her rosy nipples hardening into stiff buds as he massaged her smallish breasts with great care.

Already, she felt a now-familiar ache between her thighs. And, she had a feeling that her partner found himself in a similar predicament- especially if the telltale bulge in his hakama was any indication! But then, it wasn't difficult for him to turn her on, given how reverent he was when it came to touching her. Soifon smiled, brushing a hand through her dark black hair- which had grown out nicely over the past year and a half, to the extent that it now reached mid-way down her back.

She reached out and cupped his cheeks, before leaning in to kiss him passionately. At the same time, she pressed herself against his lean wiry frame, eliciting a muffled grunt from Ggio as he returned the kiss, the lithe Arrancar having already discarded his coat in anticipation of what was to come. The next thing they knew, his hands were upon her shoulders- as the tiger-like Arrancar gently (but persistently) pushed the slender woman onto the bedding amidst a rustle of fabric.

His fingers moved the lacy straps of her panties adorning her slender waist on either side. He hooked his thumbs under the elastic and proceeded to draw it down her hips, before slipping the flimsy garment off of her entirely. Not needing any prompting, Soifon smiled demurely at Ggio, sitting up and drawing her slinky nightgown up over her head and tossing it aside with a little flick of her wrist. The only thing she was wearing now were the stockings that had come with the set.

"You're such a tease." Ggio murmured softly, while nibbling her ear.

"And yet, you seem to like that." Soifon countered coyly, thrilled by her own boldness.

"Of course, Miss Soifon." He answered, a boyish smile gracing his features.

The female Shinigami blushed, feeling her heart flutter. He always had this effect on her whenever he slipped back into the polite tone he'd used when he'd first began 'courting' her two years ago. However, that was an inadequate way to describe what had transpired between them. After all, he'd managed to both infuriate her, while being adorably endearing (perhaps more in hindsight, she reflected).

The dark-haired woman rallied quickly and composed herself, then wrapped her arms around his neck as she drew him into a passionate kiss. Ggio moved to capture her tongue with his own, causing his partner to moan into his mouth in response. After several secants, they broke away from each other, to catch their breaths, allowing a pause for him to ease back from her and undo the sash around his waist. After he'd discarded his hakama, Soifon crawled onto his lap, positioning herself over him...

Taking a breath, she slid down onto his length in a slow deliberate motion, giving off a satisfied little moan as she took him in. Ggio had to struggle to maintain his composure, given how incredibly warm and wet Soifon felt around him as he sat there- buried to hilt inside of her.

They'd discovered, over the course of multiple trysts, that this position- with her on top- was something she seemed to particularly enjoy. And Ggio certainly wasn't going to argue, given the rather lovely view that this arrangement offered to him as a result.

Soifon looked to her partner, noting his skin was slightly flushed and glistening in the low light, the same as herself. She reached out and gently brushed her fingers along his cheeks, before snaking them into his jet-black hair, smiling as she met his golden eyes with her dark ones. He gave her a quick peck on the lips, his hands on her hips to help steady them both as he gave an experimental thrust.

The woman, now astride him, bucked and let out a small cry. At this, Ggio began moving inside her, at a slow deliberate rhythm. After a bit of this, the Fraccion was satisfied, and began to gradually increase the pace and intensity of his thrusts. He was rewarded by increasingly pleasured cries from Soifon. As this went on, the Arrancar couldn't help but think how gorgeous she looked- with her eyes closed, and her soft lips parted- moaning in time with his thrusts as she rode him...

Ggio began to move a bit harder and faster, hitting deeper into the welcoming tightness of her passage, drawing a throaty moan from Soifon in the process. After a few more particularly nice thrusts from her partner, she leaned forward, resting her forehead against the face of his skull-like mask fragment. The smooth, cool surface felt nice against her sweat-slicked brow.

Realizing that both of them were nearing their limits, Ggio redoubled the intensity of his thrusts, in an effort to ensure that both of them came when he finished. While on her end, Soifon was already feeling the tension in her body beginning to rise within her, as the pleasure increased. The Arrancar arched his back and put all his strength into his remaining thrusts.

It wasn't long after this that her entire body went rigid and she arched her back, letting out a cry just as he buried himself within her. Ggio felt the Shinigami's tight insides clamping down on his length as she came- screaming out his name hoarsely as she climaxed around his pulsing member. And a split-second later, he felt his lower body spasm as he came inside her- filling her with his seed.

Ggio slumped back down, the two of them now reduced to a single breathless heap. In spite of the haze of pleasure clouding her head, Soifon was still aware enough to register that they were still connected and that he was still cumming inside of her, even as they lay gasping for breath on the futon!

The last thing Soifon could remember, as she lay there with the equally breathless Ggio, was that she really should make a point of properly thanking Yoruichi-sama for the gift...

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

"I hope thing's are going well for you. Especially between Toshiro-kun and yourself."

Tatsuki silently watched with interest, first as Rangiku had initially faltered a in her response to the younger woman's comment. However, she quickly composed herself and smiled warmly- still blushing, even as she spoke. "...Things are going well between us." The strawberry-blonde answered.

Appearing to relax a bit after this, as she continued. "Toshiro isn't always the most... expressive, or emotional... And he lives up to his ice nature a lot of the time." Rangiku went on. "And yet, in spite of how he can come across... I know, deep down, that he does care." The woman added softly, giving a thoughtful smile in the process. "It's not really something I can put simply into words."

"I understand," Orihime offered sympathetically. "I've learned over time that arguably what's most important isn't what a person says or does on a day-to-day basis." The sunset-haired girl remarked. "But rather, what what they say and do when it really counts: that's what matters."

Rangiku nodded. "That's certainly true..."

During the Sternritter Attack in Karakura...

"We do the only thing we can- take the fight to them." Toshiro proclaimed. "I'm the Captain, so it's my responsibility..." He insisted to Rangiku and they stayed hunkered down, avoiding enemy fire.

"Toshiro!" she exclaimed, catching his slender wrist in her hand and stopping him from swallowing the candy. At this, he looked to her and their gazes locked- his sea green and her stormy blue- in that moment, before she leaned in to kiss him passionately on the lips.

He seemed taken back by the sudden kiss, but did nothing to stop her. Then, almost as if by reflex, he returned the feelings with his own, deepening the kiss...

She drew back, both of them blushing. "Please, be careful." Rangiku pleaded with him as she looked into his eyes. "I- I don't think I could survive loosing you, not after everything that we've been through together... You've become more important to me than ever. ...Toshiro, I-"

He silenced her with a kiss. "I know, Ran, it's the same for me." He replied, caressing her cheek as he looked into her eyes. "And... the truth is, I feel the same way." Toshiro confessed, his cheeks flushing at the admission. "But I made a promise that I wouldn't ever leave you... And a man keeps his word."

Rangiku blushed, shifting restlessly in her seat as she recalled the exchange between the two of them, made in the heat of the moment. That was the very first time he'd let his guard down and addressed her in a completely informal manner- when he'd called her "Ran".

"Well then, Orihime," Tatsuki spoke up, eager to shift the focus to another topic that she was curious to know about. "How about you and Ulquiorra, how are things going with the two of you?"

As expected, Orihime blushed at her friend's question, as she found herself the focus of the attention for the two women seated across from her, both of them looking on expectantly.

"Uh, thing's are good." The redheaded girl replied vaguely.

Tatsuki arched a brow at this. "Good?" She repeated incredulously. "From what you told me recently, I'd say that things are going better that just 'good' for the two of you."

"Tatsuki!" Orihime hissed, growing even more embarrassed.

"Oh... Oh. My. God." Rangiku started. Thanks to her own life experience, the curvaceous strawberry-blonde recognized the nature of the girl's embarrassment. "Well now you have to tell us more!"

Orihime looked up, her hands bound, as dust fluttered from the rafters. Just secants ago, both Uryu and herself had felt as the entire building had shaken. The leader of their Captors was furious, though just as confused, as he turned to one of the nearby guards for an explanation.

The whole time, the young woman watched as the Sternritter Commander furiously barked out orders to his subordinates. Orihime now knew Ulquiorra was coming to save her, just as she'd predicted. She would have smiled, if not for the fact she also knew that people were dyeing...

Then, a voice came on over the com-system, unfamiliar to the Quincy but known to her- his voice.

"I don't know if you can hear my voice, and I don't care... but you should care, because I'm coming for you. You invaded my home, and have endangered someone very important to me. I will find you, and I will repay the damages you caused us- blood for blood."

She knew it was crazy, but hearing the bloody declaration had made her heart race. Deep down, she'd instinctively known that Ulquiorra would do ANYTHING for her. But to actually be there, to witness it as he assaulted the Sternritter- alone!- all to save her... Truthfully, it made her knees weak!

It wasn't long before she saw Ulquiorra, manifested in his terrifying Segunda Etapa form, a clawed hand around the throat of the female Sternritter who'd callously struck down her best friend and killed her beloved birds with a bolt of lightning... And yet, as her inhuman lover seemed fully committed to squeezing the life from the belligerent woman, she called to him. "Ulquiorra!"

Hearing Orihime's voice, calling his name, was enough to divert Ulquiorra's attention. The 'demon' cast the woman aside and turning his uncanny eyes her way. He slashed through the bindings around her wrists with a precise swipe of his razor-sharp claws, and drew Orihime to her feet.

Without comment, Ulquiorra drew her to him- eliciting a yelp of surprise from Orihime- and silencing the young woman as he captured her lips in a heated kiss. Her head spinning with emotion, she eagerly returned the kiss, moaning into his mouth as she pressed herself against him...

When he'd come to her rescue, it served as a potent reminder of just what exactly Ulquiorra truly was... A testament to the nature of the beast, as it were. Orihime could certainly relate to her Shinigami friend's statement regarding open displays of emotions. He could be stingy with his affections at times, but that by no means meant that he was incapable of expressing himself- as he'd more than proven on multiple occasions- many of which, she had been the central focus of!

"Let's just say..." The still-blushing girl started, managing a sly little smile. "Things are going well, in more ways than one. I can't remember ever feeling as fulfilled as I am now." She continued. "I have good friends around me, a partner I want to spend the rest of my life with, and my birds doing great."

"So, in order words," Tatsuki began, smiling. "Things are good."

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

Division Six, Officers Quarters...

Renji looked down at his arm, clenching and unclenching his hand. "It's incredible..." The Shinigami remarked aloud. "I still can't fully get my head around the fact that I lost my arm."

The Lieutenant had stopped by the floating platform that Szayel and his team were always using to study the "Oken Anomaly" (as people had taken to calling it). "Ando-san," the crimson-haired man had started to say. "Can I talk with you for a moment, I-"

Before he could finish his sentence, he was interrupted by an audible beeping from the instrument in the technician's hand. "Huh, what's that sound mean?" Renji had asked.

"Captain Grantz..." Kenta Ando began, not looking away from the device. "I'm registering a rise in the energy readings- it looks like the output is increasing." He continued.

"That's odd, I wonder what it could mean?" Szayel mused as he turned to address him.

Almost as soon as he'd said that, Renji saw something crackling before Ando- like lightning, except it was pitch black- before bouncing off of the antennas of the device. The pale, clean-shaven Shinigami's eyes went wide in surprise. "Captain, the readings I'm getting are off the charts..."

"Ando, be careful..." Szayel cautioned, advancing toward him. "One wrong move and-"

The platform suddenly shook, as a much larger arc of energy crackled to life before the startled technician- leaving the others to look on in confusion- as it surged forward, leaping out and striking the man. "Ando?!" Renji yelled, getting back to his feet. "KENTA?!" The tattooed man screamed in horror, as the dark energy appeared to engulf him- turning him into a 'shadow'.

Without thinking, he ran to Ando (now looking something like a living shadow)- he had to something! He grabbed him by the shoulder, but as soon as his left hand made contact, the energy arced outward from Ando's prone form, to him. Renji cried out, staggering back. Simultaneously, the darkness began spreading, encompassing his left hand and forearm- filling him with pain!

He was so overcome by pain, that he didn't even register that the platform had descended. The last thing Renji could remember was of Szayel and Nemu, as the two rushed to his side. The Arrancar did something to him, to make him loose consciousness...

Moments later, he'd lost his arm to the darkness.

Arachne took her seat beside him. "I think what's really incredible is the fact that that human girl was able to bring it back- as if it was never gone." The female Arrancar offered. "Honestly, looking back on it... It really is nothing short of a... well, a miracle." She added, leaning against him.

"Yeah, Inoue-san is pretty amazing." Renji answered after a moment. "And yet, as grateful as I am for everything she did for me..." The crimson-haired man went on. "There's still a part of me that can't help thinking about what happened to Ando... The fact that I'm still here- sitting in this room, talking to you about it- while he's gone." He continued. "What am I supposed to make of that...?"

Arachne wrapped her arm snugly around his own as she leaned into him, nestling her head against the crux of his shoulder and neck. "I... don't know what to say," she started. "Other than, maybe... if there's one thing I've come to realize, is that not everyone can be saved." The female offered.

"Renji..." She went on softly, turning to look into his eyes. "As a Hollow, I've learned to rely on my instincts, and they tell me one thing: that each and everyone of us is fighting a battle for our survival." Arachne offered. "But, after spending so much time at your side- getting to know you, and how your kind think- I've realized that survival isn't enough." She admitted.

"Arachne..." He murmured, looking into her garnet eyes.

"The truth is... I want to live, but more than just that, I want to be with you." She continued, before leaning in to kiss him. "No one person's life is solely their own... There are people who care about you, people who need you- people like me." Arachne offered. "So, please try not to be too hard on yourself, for surviving... Not when a selfish creature like me would miss you so much."

Renji managed a smile after a moment, then moved to kiss her back. "Don't worry, I have no intention of leaving you alone." The tattooed man answered. "After all, I couldn't bare the thought of you being sad, especially if I was the cause of that." The Shinigami Lieutenant added affectionately, as he took her delicate hands into his own and leaned in to kiss her once again.

(- End of Chapter L... -)

When it came to writing this chapter, I decided that it was important to look back on everything that had lead up to where the story is at the moment, and to spend some time with several of the characters- including some you might not have seen for a while. Also, when it came to the flashbacks, I actually went back and re-wrote them (to varying degrees), such that they would more reflect the perspective of the person recalling them or who was the focus in them.