Chapter 25:

Hitsugaya called both werewolves into his office for a meeting. He sat at his desk, head in his hands. "We can't let Byakuya gain any more high-ranking Soul Reapers, but there's nothing we can do."

"Not without consequence," said Shinji. "We keep him from getting blood, he starves. It would be great if he could take from the transfusion bags but with security being what it is, that's not so easily obtained. If we go there and dismiss the guard and take care of whatever Kido is in place, we'll be accused and rightfully so. Sabotaging them won't work either because we'll look bad and be blamed."

"Blood packs off the table, we've got to find a way to keep high-ranking Soul Reapers away from Byakuya."

"We can just tell them to stay away from him because he's in a mood," offered Hisagi.

"A lot of good that will do. I've tried that," said Shinji. "I told Rose and Kensei to stay away from him and only one listened. Besides, with his eye thing, a glance is all it takes for him to make someone come to him."

"But you resisted," Hitsugaya told him. "You weren't fully under when I tried to save you from him. There must be people who can resist him to some degree. People with strong wills. People with intelligence."

"Actually," Shinji corrected, "they say smart people are easier to hypnotize."

"Then what's that say about you?" Hisagi asked. "You weren't fully under."

Shinji shrugged his shoulders and smiled. "Intellect wasn't the issue. I have a strong will and it's difficult to disorient me."

Hitsugaya glanced at the empty space where Shinji's Zanpakuto would be on his hip if it hadn't been resting in his room at that moment. Given all their wolf activity, most of them would leave their Zanpakuto in a safe place lest it became a chew toy or something they wanted to bury.

"Let's face facts," said Shinji, getting back to business. "It's the same as before. There's nothing we can do without making this harder and more dangerous. Telling people Byakuya's a vampire won't work because they'd either try to handle it their own way or not believe us. Working out a deal with Byakuya won't do any good either because he can betray us and knowing we know his secret will put him on edge and make him more likely to target others, especially our loved ones."

"But it's just high-ranking Soul Reapers we need to worry about," said Hisagi. "We don't have to tell everyone, just them and convince them to stay away."

"You tell that to Soi Fon and see what she does," said Hitsugaya. "Every Captain here would try to handle it their own way. Too risky." During their Captains meetings, Hitsugaya often rolled his eyes at the older Captains arguing over a simple matter, making thing take longer and getting everyone angry. If there was ever a vote, some would vote the opposite just to spite the one who disagreed with them.

Shinji shook his head, frowning at the floor. "I should've bitten him when I had the chance."

Hitsugaya looked at him. "What did you say?"

Shinji looked at him. "The night of the full moon. I saw Kensei and he saw me. He attacked me. I attacked him. I had an opportunity to bite him. I didn't. Your howl called me away. But… There was an opening and I hesitated. Something was telling me to do it but I resisted." He scoffed angrily. "I should've done it. I could have saved him."

"Or enabled Byakuya to gain a werewolf servant."

Shinji shook his head. "In all the lore and movies I've seen, werewolves and vampires can't stand each other. I doubt Kensei would have bowed to him. It might have allowed him to resist Byakuya's charm."

"You don't know that."

"And our situation is kind of deviating from the lore in some ways anyway," said Hisagi. "What if it goes wrong?"

"I don't know," said Shinji. "I don't know if it was my gut or my instinct telling me to do that. But I did kind of regret it. What if it helped?"

"And what if it didn't?" asked Hitsugaya. "There's a chance it could have made everything worse."

"I don't see the point of this meeting," said Shinji. "We're going in circles. We've already established what we can't do, so why are we here discussing how to prevent something we can't?"

"We can do more than we have."

"Not without problems," said Shinji. "We can't follow people around all day to prevent something that might or might not happen. We got work to do and if it doesn't get done, that's our asses. If we stand guard outside Byakuya's office, people will know we're up to something, especially his servants. They'll either chase us off or report us."

"The only option is to immobilize Byakuya," said Hisagi. "But there's no way for us to do that. Not safely."

Hitsugaya nodded. "We could sedate him, but we don't know if our drugs will have the same effect on him. He would still need blood, so…"

"Plus, we don't know how his servants will react to seeing him in a coma."

"Caging him is pointless. Working out a deal is pointless. Fighting him won't end well."

"Why don't you freeze him with your sword while he's already asleep?" asked Shinji. "Vampires sleep during the day and that is when they're at their most vulnerable. Freeze him and that should, in theory, put him in a state of suspended animation. He won't require blood and would be rendered harmless."

"And his servants?" asked Hisagi. "They see him like that, how would they react? Chip away at the block of ice until their hands are raw and bleeding?"

"We might not know what drugs will do to a vampire but we know how they affect Soul Reapers. We'll just drug his servants. They're helpless if they're asleep."

"Aside from the issue of how we're going to drug them, there's a good chance Byakuya can break out of the ice," said Hitsugaya. "Byakuya's strong. As a vampire, he's even stronger. If he can break out of my ice in his usual state, there's a good chance he could and will do it as a vampire."

"That's why I said to do it while he's asleep and unaware."

"He could wake up. Before or after I freeze him. Too risky."

"So, once again, we're stuck." Shinji folded his arms.

"No, we just need to up our game. Make sure everyone eats plenty of garlic. Keep stashes different places, keep people busy so they won't go near Byakuya's office. Hold meetings outside during the day. Group activity outdoors. Things like training. Anything to keep Byakuya at bay."

"Our Squads will be easy because they're under our command. What about other Captains and Lieutenants?"

"Find a way," said Hitsugaya. "I can't come up with anything right now, but… We'll figure it out."

Shinji and Hisagi nodded while giving each other nervous looks. They knew what they needed to do but weren't sure how to go about it. This was indeed a challenge.

News of the discovered blood packs had yet to reach Byakuya's ears. Momo hadn't spoken about it since showing them to Soi Fon and Iba and they promised to take it from there. No other Captain or Lieutenant had been informed. Soi Fon told Iba that word of this discovery would hinder their mission so it was imperative that no one else be informed. They couldn't risk the culprit learning that evidence had been found.

Yumichika's song had only stalled the investigation, not stopped it. Once Soi Fon's men went inside the building to go over what they had, nothing interrupted them. They made a discovery and informed Soi Fon immediately.

One of the men turned over the blood-spattered paper to show Soi Fon the other side. "This document came from Kuchiki's office. The handwriting is also a match."

Though this was a huge break in the case, it wasn't enough for a verdict. Just enough to put Byakuya on their radar.

"It's not enough to prove guilt," said Soi Fon. "There are a number of reasons for that paper to be in that trash bin. Someone could have been in Kuchiki's office and spat blood onto his papers which he then threw away."

"Yes, Captain, but it's enough to question him. Kuchiki never reported someone being injured or…"

"It's still not enough. We need more." Soi Fon looked over her shoulder at another Soul Reaper who reminded her she needed to be elsewhere right now. She looked back at her men. "It's enough for questioning. But if you find anything else, anything linking Kuchiki to the missing blood, I grant you the authority to handle it without me. I'm too busy to hold your hands during this investigation. If there's enough evidence, bring him in and inform me after you do."

Soi Fon did not have to be with them in order for them to take action. She was granting them the freedom to carry out the mission without the leader present. She was so hands-on that this was a rare occurrence but not the first time she issued the order.

It also meant that she expected results. If they didn't find any new evidence soon, she would be cross and take charge in a very brazen fashion.

They looked more closely at the evidence and as night fell, they had all they needed to make a move.

Byakuya looked out the window of the neighboring office with a smile. Night had fallen and it was safe to leave his office. Everyone had already gone home. Well, almost everyone.

As Byakuya walked down the hall, he was followed closely by several of his loyal servants. Renji, Kira, and Ikkaku tailed him like children following their parent. Kensei was so unsteady that Byakuya sent him away to rest.

Expressing an interest to hunt, his servants followed to help select the perfect prey for him. Byakuya was a solitary hunter but involving his servants amused him so he decided to change things up tonight. Having them circle him and suggest different areas they could check out was very entertaining. It was also good practice for them since during the day, they would lure unsuspecting Soul Reapers to his office if they weren't strong enough to be fed upon so Byakuya could feed.

A building caught his eye and Byakuya started to wander away from the group, curious. This large windowless building should have been empty at this hour but he heard noises coming from inside.

Looking around, he entered the building slowly. It was dark and empty. No, not empty. He was sensing something. He felt like he was being watched. Anyone else might have fled from the unease but Byakuya saw no reason to, knowing whatever was lurking in the shadows was no match for him.

By this time, his servants noticed he wasn't beside them anymore and hurried to his side, asking if something was wrong. Giving no answer, he walked inside the building and stood in the center of a wide-open foyer, his servants never more than two steps behind.

There were several corridors but all were dark and empty. The domed ceiling was what interested him. It was supported by several tall pillars which he knew created excellent vantagepoints for anyone hiding atop them. He felt the eyes of several people upon him and stood very still, waiting for them to make themselves known.

The door was shut, causing his servants to gasp and spin around. Multiple figures dropped down from the ceiling and stood in a wide circle around Byakuya and his men who immediately flanked him.

"Byakuya Kuchiki," said one of the black-clad men, "you are hereby wanted for questioning."

Byakuya calmly looked around, unfazed. "For what?"

"Come with us," said the spokesman.

"I have a right to know what for," retorted Byakuya, keeping the same calm demeanor. "Not just out of courtesy but as a Captain and a noble."

"We have reason to believe you are involved with the missing blood packs from the sickbay. We need you to come with us."

His servants kept a tight formation around their master, unwilling to let anything happen to him.

Byakuya glanced around. "This seems like an awful lot of trouble to go through for questioning. Then again, your Captain isn't known for her subtlety."

"Come with us, Captain Kuchiki."

"Anything you wish to ask me you may do right here and now. Ask me."

The spokesman reached behind his back and pulled out an empty transfusion pack. "Why is your saliva on this blood pack?"

Byakuya's only response was an open mouth and no words.

"It matches the saliva we found mixed with the blood spatter on a document coming from your office with your handwriting on it. Care to explain?"

He said nothing.

"You're going to have to come with us."

Ikkaku stepped in front of Byakuya. "It was me. I did it. I planted that to make him look bad. It was a prank. Byakuya's innocent. Do what you want with me but leave him alone."

The men from Squad 2 didn't believe him. They only insisted the more that Byakuya come with them.

"He didn't do anything," said Renji. "Leave him alone."

Byakuya looked down, realizing his arms had been bound by Kido. Soi Fon's men weren't going to listen. Seeing their master restrained triggered his servants to attack. They pulled out their swords and began to slash wildly at their master's enemy.

There was a clear difference in strength and skill between every man present. Soi Fon's men had a specific fighting style to compensate for lack of physical power one might find in Squad 11. They would restrain their opponents first then decide what to do from there. In that sense, Ikkaku and his opponent were polar opposites. He tried to defeat his enemy with brute strength while the other man tried to restrain him or chip away at his strength by going for Ikkaku's weak points. Renji already unleashed his Zanpakuto's power and was swinging wildly at several men at once until his sword was knocked from his hand and was tackled from behind by two men and pinned. Kira knew he couldn't take on all these men but for Byakuya, he would find a way to win. He didn't care if fighting them would get him in serious trouble. He had to fight. He released his Zanpakuto's power and began slicing at their legs to double their weight. These ninja wouldn't be able to fight if they couldn't move their legs.

While the battle raged, Byakuya flexed his arms and easily broke the Kido binding him. As soon as he was freed, another Kido surrounded him. He broke that one, too. It was all too easy. They may as well have been trying to tie him up with thread. Every binding Kido was easily broken, offering little resistance to his power. Byakuya hoped they would try again to bind him, finding it fun to break free so easily. It was no challenge but fun all the same, like popping bubbles.

Realizing Kido wasn't going to do it, they tried a more barbaric approach. Two men grabbed Byakuya's arms and held him down. For all of two seconds. Byakuya lifted both men like a pair of dumbbells and threw them across the room and into a wall. More men tried with similar results. Byakuya was just too strong. Which left them with one choice: chip away at his strength.

Byakuya felt a sharp stinging sensation on his leg and looked down. His tendon had been slashed and blood was beginning to pool. Another pain on his left cheek. He brushed his hand against it and saw blood on his fingers.

The sight of blood caused his servants to get worked into a frenzy and rushed to protect him. Not thinking left them wide open to attack and each servant was thrown to the ground and pinned. Ikkaku screamed and yelled and tried to crawl to Byakuya with five men in his back. With so many weighing him down, he only managed to drag himself a few inches. Renji cussed them out until he was hoarse, desperately reaching for Byakuya. Kira still had his weapon but it was useless with his arms bound by so many strong hands. Those he had cut used their heavy limbs to weigh him down even more.

Another cut to Byakuya's right shoulder so he could not draw his sword, not that he would. Even if his sword was at his side, he wouldn't use it, favoring his newfound powers. He had been cut three times and was losing a lot of blood. Not enough to put him in any real danger but enough to weaken him and make him feel hungry.

Those who weren't holding down the servants closed in on Byakuya. He took a step and fell to one knee, remembering his tendon had been cut and could no longer support his weight. He looked up at the men closing in above him and did nothing, overcome with a desire to feed.

Blood to make him heal. Blood to make him strong. Blood to fill his empty stomach.

Their bodies were covered in black clothing but he knew there was supple flesh beneath and could tear through it to get at the warm copper blood.

"Leave him alone!" Renji bellowed. "Stop it! Leave him al-"

Screams sounded from where Byakuya knelt but they weren't his screams. A moment later, one man became airborne and all eyes looked to see what had happened.

One man lay at Byakuya's feet, desperately trying to stop the blood oozing from his neck with his hands. Another dangled from Byakuya's left hand by his head and the remaining man hung from Byakuya's mouth by his neck.

Everyone was shocked into silence.

Byakuya opened his mouth and the man fell limply to the ground. Byakuya licked his lips, standing above them with crimson eyes. He lifted the one in his left hand to his mouth and bit down on the man's neck as he screamed.

Those able to break free of their shock ran to aid their friends and Byakuya made short work of them. Smiling wickedly, Byakuya hissed and lunged at them on his newly healed legs. He slammed into one and bit his shoulder. Using the strength in his neck, Byakuya whipped the man around in his mouth and threw him into one of his comrades. He grabbed another by his neck and hoisted him up. He slammed him into the ground and bit him, his crouched body leaving him open but he didn't care. He wanted them to come.

He sprang into one man's chest and bit him as he fell backwards from the impact. Byakuya ran in an arch around the room, picking off ninja one by one. Some he bit, some he tossed. He grabbed one and took him to the domed ceiling to feed on in the shadows. They could hear his screams and drops of blood rained down followed by the man's body. Byakuya proceeded, headfirst, and tore into a man's arm as he tried to use Kido to defend himself.

At this point, there was no one left to restrain his followers and Kira began to look around for any stray enemies. He saw one heading for the exit and followed, using his sword to weigh them down. He cut down another man who was too shocked to move as he watched Byakuya's attack and was soon unable to lift his body which had doubled in weight six times in a matter of seconds.

Byakuya strode over to one injured man backing away frantically, dragging his bleeding legs. "No. No, please. Please, don't. Please, don't! No!" Byakuya clamped down on the man's throat and drank from him like a juice box.

Kira stood over the men he had managed to restrain and Byakuya took his time walking over to each one as they begged and threatened him.

Byakuya stood to survey his work, a dazed look in his eyes.

There were bodies everywhere and blood on the floor and walls. Byakuya was covered in blood was well and his hair was amess and sticking to him. His clothing was stained and torn.

"Master," said Renji, stepping over the bodies as if they were stray stones. "Master, you're filthy. Please let us clean you up."

Though he looked a sight and they knew Byakuya always wished to be presentable, they didn't really mind seeing him like this. The disheveled appearance with blood staining his face and clothes was somehow appealing to them. It made him look strong and dangerous. And oddly cute, like a dirty puppy they needed to take care of and clean.

The violent feeding frenzy hadn't fazed any of them. Though it was clear he was alright, they were more concerned about his wellbeing than anything else.

Byakuya stifled a belch and wiped his mouth off on the back of his hand which only smeared the blood as his hand was also covered in it. Byakuya was having a hard time standing because of his distended stomach. He had never drunk so much blood in one sitting. Granted, he took only a few mouthfuls from some men versus others, but it was still a lot.

He hiccupped and stepped to the side, feeling bloated. "I've had more than my fill tonight. I can't drink anymore. I need to rest."

"Understood," said Renji. "Shall I help you home?"

Byakuya knew he should return home but didn't want to be discovered in such a state. He removed his Captain's jacket and his fingerless gloves and handed them to Renji. "Have these cleaned and returned to me. I'll give myself a bath when I get home."

"Yes, master."

"As for the rest of you," Byakuya said to Kira and Ikkaku, "clean this up."

"Yes, master," they said and got to work piling bodies into a corner and washing the floors and walls. They couldn't have anyone discover this.

Gradually, the defeated Stealth Force members came around and helped with the cleanup, now devoted followers of Byakuya. Those who still lay unconscious were carried off by those who could stand, leaving no trace of the battle.

Rukia woke up ten minutes later than usual and hurried to get ready. She took a shortcut through the private garden, stopping outside Byakuya's bedroom. He had left his door to the veranda open, allowing her to see inside and discover him asleep in his bed. He rolled onto his side with a moan, pulling the blanket over his shoulder.

Rukia smiled, glad to see him. She decided not to wake him and continued on her way, letting him sleep.

Soi Fon demanded the Stealth Force's report and they told her they reached a dead end with their investigation. The possible lead they claimed to have linking Byakuya to the crime turned out to be false.

She ordered them to continue, oblivious to her men rubbing their necks as they thought of Byakuya.