Sins of the Unholy

Chapter 6: Faded

The next day, mid day, the meeting hall fills. At the head of the table sits Hitsugaya in a nagani in teal blue. A white sash crosses over his belly while his Captain's haori hangs up just behind him, Squad 10 symbol displayed proudly. To his right sits Matsumoto along the long end. Next to her Tsuki, the blonde boy fridges as Rangiku teases him.

Ichigo sits just in front of Matsumoto while Saki sits before Tsuki. The table is laid out with finger foods and drinks. A few others of the household take up the rest of the table and Toshiro simply grins at the collection of people.

"As much as I like this little get together, where's Juno?" Askes Ichigo as he sets his tea cup down and simply looks at the food on the plate. He, like Toshiro have been picking at the food before them.

"Sleeping still Kurosaki-san, she woke up again in the night crying out. We believe this dream may be stronger to rise from." Saki is the first to speak up as she reaches for a piece of fruit off her plate. Many at the end of the table nod, one or two of them helping throughout the night to keep her calm.

"We've locked Kieichu away to try and give M'Lady Juno a reprieve. The commotion from the Captain's arrival may have caused the dream to come on strong." Tsuki speaks up as he looks at Toshiro. They lock eyes for a moment and Tsuki seems to square his shoulders more. Saki's words from last night ring and he sits up straighter.

"Locking it up wont last for long." Speaks up Rangiku as she looks to her Captain.

"We did that last time and Kieichu called Juno like a hallucination. If he's truly going out of control, maybe it's best we bring her back to the Head Captain. Captain Isane could help to put her under to keep them both sedated." Ragiku looks at the rest of the household and many faces change. Worry and sadness written all over.

"Surely with Captain Hitsugaya here, things can balance out. Hiyorinmaru has always been able to calm Kieichu, why would this time be any different?" Askes someone from the household. A few agree as they nod and look at Toshiro.

"Unfortunately, as much as Hiyorinmaru has been able to, I believe, this time around he may have caused it. The reishi passed between them gave Kieichu enough energy to drown Juno in these dreams. I sent a hell butterfly to the Head Captain, I believe we have something. Only problem is getting it." Speaks up Toshiro as he tries to ease the pains of the household. He looks to Saki and gives a slight nod, she rises slowly and bows before heading out of the hall.

"Continue as you all have, I trust you all to keep as normal as possible. This is our home, I'd never dream of taking Juno away from it." Toshiro watches as a few bow low to him before rising and following Saki out.

"How long do you intend to keep me here, my fear?" Juno wanders along the clearing. The fog rests low along the floor as the meadow seems brighter and liveler. Along the tree line she can see Kieichu prowling like a tiger in a cage.

"They've pulled you away from me."

"Well of course they would, you've kept me too long under." Juno's words seem frantic as she moves to get closer. The fog rises up before getting to him and pauses her movements. Kieichu growls out and looks at her finally.

"War is on the horizon and you worry about being awake!" Kieichu's voice distorts and squeals as if pulled from deep within him.

"I worry about being able to stop it Kieichu, the sooner we tell them. The sooner our world can change. You want to be connected yet, you're acting more and more like a child. I thought we were past this?" Her question seems to soften him and sorry etches itself across his face. A whine echoes and she sighs.

"Make them bring me back to you."

Juno wakes again, this time day light shines in from a cracked open shoji door. Voices in the hall draw her eyes away and she slowly moves to sit up. Slowly the numbness from her inner world clears and she rubs at her cheeks and eyes. Taking a few deep breaths she feels her stomach knot a bit before giving off a growl.

"I come home after being gone for a few weeks and you sleep through it. One would think you'd fallen out of love with me." Sarcasm drips from Toshiro's words as he comes in. Juno blushes as she looks at him and frowns just a bit.

"My Love, have I been out long?" She asks as she pulls the covers off a bit. Toshiro moves to sit beside her, running a hand along her hair trying to tame the messy locks.

"A night and half a day. We just finished a house meeting, everyone is worried Kieichu had devoured you." He chuckles as she turns to look at him. Dressed down and home, she curls close and nudges her head up into his chin.

"He's unhappy with the distance, but he understands I need to relay the dreams." She smiles as his arms wrap around her and squeeze her tight.

"He is sorry, but I don't think he could control what he did. It's been brewing in him for a while and we've been deprived of reishi, he was low." Juno chuckles as pulls back to look up at him.

"He has a crappy way of showing his displeasure, Hiyorinmaru is quite cross. He'd like it if we could all communicate before going back to the Soul Society. The Head Captain has requested your presence." He runs delicate fingers over her cheek and neck, while mapping out the pale skin of his lover.

"Even I have a request to have you alone." He smirks as she catches his eye, blushing under the gaze.

"I wish we all could have that time. But we don't have much time for anything now. We have a month's time to prepare." She leans up to kiss at the tall man quickly before pulling away and standing.

"I need Kieichu, I promised him to be back at my side." She moves to grab her yukata top and pull it on. A hand stops her and pulls the coat away.

"He can wait a moment longer, you are mine for the moment and preferable with less obstacles between us."