With the Bleach anime delayed, I'm sad and also hyped at the same time. I apologize for my absence, I touched up a bit on why I was gone for a while on "Friends and Siblings.' I'll spare you the details but it was a loss that hit hard. I'm just glad to be back and excited that you still care about this story. Kazui and Koemi's POV in this chapter. Hope you enjoy it and let me know, with leaving a review. Thank you.

-x-


Two years ago

Second-year of college, Kazui found that life was a bit smoother since his break-up with Ichika. She left three months after to return to Soul Society, he decided to meet with his classmates for karaoke, he knew since freshmen year. It was there he met, Okimi, the other boys were trying to get her attention, but for some reason, her eyes focused on him. Kazui could tell why some of his classmates found her attractive. She didn't have to wear a lot of make-up, she was naturally beautiful, only wearing eye shadow over her caramel eyes and pink lip gloss to cover her plump lips. Her hair was a chestnut color that matched her warm smile. She made it a habit to get his attention in between classes and heading to the commons area to sit with him during lunch. She confessed that she was interested in him, and he accepted by taking her out on a date.

He wasn't sure what to feel; he seemed to be attentive in her attention towards him—laughing at everything said, even when he wasn't trying to be humorous. She claimed to like how honest he was and how he wasn't like most of the guys she knew. As their relationship continued, he found he was falling into the same routine of being, who he assumed, would be the type of person she'd like. Normal. He was content with being someone else to keep her happy. In his mind, if he hid who he was, at least he was with someone who wouldn't break his heart.

He confided that he was a virgin. She was surprised at his confession and found it endearing. Six months into their relationship, she began to show signs of frustration. Mostly on his part, he would leave on specific dates, to take care of a hollow, sometimes when they were making out. He would try to ignore the spiritual pressure, shrugging it off that someone else would take care of it. After thirty minutes, he couldn't ignore it any longer.

They would argue, mostly about her not believing that he wasn't cheating on her. She claimed that the only reason he didn't want to go any further sexually was 'his slew of girls that he secretly visited and her being the fool that stayed with him.' The arguments only got worse when Ichika visited, even though her stay was short. Okimi found their closeness a little unnerving. When he explained that she was an ex and family friend, she would only feel more insecure. The soothing kisses and comforting hugs never helped for long.

Kazui presently exited class, Intro to Fiction, taking down the last-minute notes from his professor regarding books required to read. He made his way off campus, heading in the direction to meet Okimi near her dorm building. They had made plans to grab something to eat. He texted her, stating he was downstairs. Okimi made her way down, dressed in a floral dress, giving him a tight hug and kiss.

"Ready to eat, I'm starving," he claimed to her as she nodded and smiled.

They walked hand in hand as she began to tell him about her day as he listened attentively. It was then he saw a figure of a small bloodied girl, whose arm looked smashed in along with her whole left side. The young girl seemed to notice him noticing her as she waved while playing hop-scotch near the road.

"Kazui! Are you listening?" he heard Okimi cry out while he glanced at his girlfriend's angry features.

"I'm sorry. What were you saying?"

She rolled her eyes, glancing over to where he was staring to find nothing there as she pulled her hands free from him to cross her arms.

"I was asking where you wanted to go, but you're ignoring me. You're either blanked out or talking to yourself, Kazui. I'm starting to think you need help."

He could only chuckle as he held her in a hug. "I'm sorry, where do you want to go. It's on me."

Okimi looked at her handsome boyfriend's face and couldn't stay mad at him for long. She sighed.

When they passed the bloodied girl, Kazui glanced behind to see her saddened expression.

As they sat at the sushi restaurant, awaiting their food after ordering. Okimi kept talking, and all Kazui could do was think about the little girl's expression.

"Okimi?"

"Hmm?"

"Could you excuse me for a moment? I promise I'll be right back."

His girlfriend looked at him, so used to this routine that she pulled out her phone and waved him off. He made to speak to her, but she seemed to ignore him concentrating on angrily texting on her phone.

He ran in the direction of where he last saw the girl. He didn't see her and was about to leave when he heard her.

"So, you did see me!"

Kazui turned to find her small cute face, smiling at him.

"Yeah, I can see ghosts. How long have you been here?"

"Not long. A week, I think." She pointed to the dented wall beside her that looked like a car rammed into it. "I was playing hop-scotch, and I didn't see the car before it was too late."

Kazui nodded in understanding as he bent down to her level. "I could send your spirit to a better place."

"I know. A shinigami boy was going to send me to a place called Soul Society, but I told him that I needed to do something before I could go."

"What was that?"

"I wanted to meet my prince. It isn't fair. I always read fairy tales about a handsome prince. I said if I grew up to be a beautiful princess, I'd find my prince charming, and we'll live happily ever after. Except-"

He began to see the tears fall, and small little lips tremble. "Except I'm dead, and I'll never get the chance. It's not fair."

She cried being so heart-broken. Kazui shushed her, and when she stopped, he began to speak.

"What about spending the day with me? I know I'm not much of a looker, but I'll make sure we'll have fun."

"Sure! Even though you're not a prince, you're handsome." She giggled, beginning to blush.

"I just have to let my girlfriend know I'll be gone for the rest of the day. You wait here, and I'll be back."

"Is it the girl you were with? She seemed upset. I don't want you to get into trouble."

"Don't worry."

"Okay, Promise?"

"Promise," he patted her tiny head and headed back to the direction of the restaurant.

Okimi was still texting when he arrived. Their food had arrived, but she didn't seem to have touched anything. She glanced up to find that he was still standing.

"Let me guess. Something important came up?"

He nodded. "I promise-"

"-to make it up to me. Kazui's famous words. You've been nothing but sweet and have made it up to me, but frankly, I'm tired of this Kazui. Excuses after excuses that are so far-fetched, it's hard to believe you. Just be honest with me. Did you sleep with someone? I promise I won't get mad. Just be honest with me. Please!"

Okimi held Kazui's hands, her features hopeful and waiting for his response.

"The truth is Okimi. I can see dead spirits and talk to them."

Okimi roughly let go of his hand and yelled, "You're such an asshole. Here I am trying to be forgiving, and all you can do is mock and make jokes."

"I'm not Okimi." Kazui pleaded, reaching for her only for her to back away.

"Save it. I always knew this sweet boy virgin act was bullshit. I hope you have a good time, spending the rest of the day with whoever she is. Don't call me. EVER."

She left him there at the restaurant while he received a few unfriendly stares from strangers. He paid for both their meals and headed back to the spirit. He shrugged away his downcast demeanor as he put on a smile. The ghost girl didn't need to worry about his personal life, she needed to enjoy the day instead. He saw her at a distance sitting on a bench, her small legs dangling, patiently waiting for his arrival.

"So, you ready?" he hollered out.

She glanced up, smiling as she came barreling towards him. "Of course!"

-o-


Koemi leaned her head down to capture Kazui's lips with a kiss while he laid on her lap. She had been playing with his hair, while he talked about college, detailing what sort of classes he took and professors he enjoyed. He didn't mention any particular friends he spent time with, mostly keeping to himself, and hanging out with a few classmates. Ichika seemed to be his best friend due to her understanding of what others couldn't grasp in his world. Without her asking, he confessed to girlfriends that came and went. So when he had finished talking about Okimi, he was quiet for some time. It was then that Koemi decided to kiss him. She felt him lift himself and turn in her direction, to hold her close as he continued to recuperate the kiss.

He broke from her to glance at her face that she was sure was completely red. He was smiling at her.

"Thanks." He kissed her cheeks. "For listening."

"You're quite welcome." She was quiet for a moment, feeling his eyes on her as she spoke. "So, what did you do with the spirit child?"

Kazui grinned, as he glanced up in thought.

"We went to the playground, a place with equipment for children to play on. She convinced me to buy all her favorite candies and told me to leave them at the playground for other children when we were done. Before the day ended, we danced to her favorite song. I had found it on my phone. She thanked me and said she was ready to head to Soul Society."

"That was very princely of you," she teased as he smiled, tickling her for poking fun of him. "Stop, I am very ticklish."

"I know," he continued his onslaught but then stopped to kiss her cheek. He stood as he helped her up, watching her stretch and yawn. He knew she was tired. She had frequently been bombarded, calls on her wrist from other villages on their progress, along with issues they needed to confide with her. She continued to do her daily chores on top of what was placed on her. Kazui did his part by continuing to train the children in the village and helping her with her daily activities.

"I'm heading to bed, I have an early morning tomorrow," she kissed him before she left.

Every few days, she was up earlier than the time she was usually up, which Kazui found strange since she often woke up before everyone else did. But these particular days she disappeared and came back during the afternoon. He never asked her where she went; some people needed their space. But it bothered him that she hadn't mentioned it, and it was his duty to protect her. So he decided that tomorrow was the day he found out how she spent her time on these unexplained visits.

The next day, Kazui sensed her rising as she lightly tiptoed through the tent to head out. He waited for a few moments before he rose and began to follow her. He kept his distance, watching as she wore a cloth over her hair, following a trail heading away from the village. He noticed she held a massive basket of what looked like essentials and food. After several miles of walking, she came upon a small little home. She knocked. A man in his late twenties opened the door and smiled at the sight of her. He was tall, with black hair braided back in a long ponytail. She handed him the basket as he placed it down.

Kazui remained in the shadows as he kept to himself, keeping himself calm. There was a reasonable explanation he told himself. So he continued to view their interaction. They spoke for a bit, and it seemed the man was heading out to go somewhere as Koemi nodded and smiled. When the man left, Koemi entered the home. Kazui was about to walk closer, when the door opened to reveal Koemi, holding a small child by the hand. The small girl had dark purple hair while her skin was as pale as snow. Koemi played with the little girl who looked to be around the age of seven.

They ran, laughed, chatted, and ate by the time it was lunch. It was then that the gentleman came back, who seemed to be thanking her as he carried the small girl back to the house, not before they both happily waved goodbye to Koemi.

Kazui saw the smile that reached Koemi's ears as she grasped her basket and headed back to the trail. Kazui let her walk a reasonable distance before he swiftly shunpo'd behind her and gently covered her mouth before she could scream.

"It's me, Koemi!"

"Kazui?" she blurted, once his hands left her lips. She looked at him curiously and glanced back at the house. He remained silent when she sheepishly avoided looking at him. "I... I wasn't sure the best time to tell you. Especially with everything that's going on." She held her arms and sighed. Kazui continued to remain silent, just looking at her while she nervously swallowed. "I'm sorry for keeping this from you."

"What is this anyway?" he asked, as she beckoned him to follow him away from the small home and follow the path back to the village. She began to explain.

"The man that you saw is Bindusar and his daughter, Tara. He lost his wife two years ago, and I've been helping him ever since."

"And your father knows you come here?"

"Yes, it was my father who helped Bindusar and his wife escape from the Jade Citadel. Bindusar was under the Royal Fae army, and his wife, Sonja, was one of Mitsuhide's concubines."

"Why do they stay hidden and away from your village?"

Koemi started to fiddle with her braid. A little quirk she did, Kazui noticed whenever she was hesitant about something.

"Bindusar's wife, Sonja, was a Dark Fae from the Underworld," she whispered, causing Kazui to pause in his steps to look at her.

"I thought Dark Fae's are considered evil?" he curiously asked.

"Most of Shun Nya feel the same way. I don't blame them, considering we had been at war with them for quite some time. At a young age, I once believed they were our true enemies until my father introduced me to Sonja."

"I kind of understand," Kazui thought of his talk with Aizen when he was so young and naive of the world. "Someone told me a long time ago that the world wasn't black and white. We have wars in our society also, just because those that are in power and make decisions for a larger group, doesn't necessarily mean the whole group agrees with them. Shun Nyan people, I'm sure have a few bad apples, doesn't change my view that all of Shun Nyan are corrupt."

She smiled, exhaling with relief.

"When I met Sonja, her heart told me that she had been scared most of her life, but now she had found peace with the man she fell in love with. Part of the reason for her fear was the child that was growing within her. Fear that Prince Mitsuhide would find out about her infidelity. So they escaped with my father's help. Under his protection, they found a home with the fae that called themselves Tree Sprites. The village is secluded since their homes are built upon trees."

"Wait, you mean there's a village with treehouses?" Kazui eyes lit up, and Koemi couldn't help but giggle.

"Yes, if you're interested, we can visit," she smiled fondly at him when he nodded enthusiastically.

"So why did they relocate here?"

"The Tree Sprites at first were hesitant with Sonja, but they slowly warmed up to her and the child she gave birth to. It was Tara's powers that caused the turmoil between the people. At the age of five, Tara could raise loved ones from the dead, but only for a brief time. The villagers were constantly hounding the girl for a chance to see someone that they lost, upset with the poor girl when their time was up."

"Wow, Did it scare the girl?"

"NO, she only felt saddened that she couldn't give them what they wanted. Fuminori declared that they relocate and banned others from bothering the poor girl anymore."

"Were they okay being away from others?"

"It was mostly hard on Tara, not being able to play with other children anymore. She's such a smart girl. She understands the reason for the seclusion. They have my father and me to keep them company, though, which makes it a bit easier for them. Every couple of days I babysit Tara in the morning, give them supplies, and food. Bindusar leaves to visit the nearby villages for work. He's a carpenter."

They continued to walk in silence before Kazui asked the question that was plaguing his head.

"What happened to Sonja?"

"Pure dark faes need to visit the Underworld to recharge. Shun Nya's environment wears their bodies down, eventually killing them. Sonja was hesitant to go, it had been close to five years, and Bindusar could already see the effects on his wife's health. Bindusar pleaded and convinced her to go. She planned to sneak into the Underworld and leave before anyone could notice. Except she never came back."

"They killed her?"

"Tara tried to revive her mother, she knew it was for a short time, but she wanted to see her again. She couldn't."

"So that means she's not dead."

"Bindusar believes the same thing but fears the worse for Sonja. He was dead set on storming the castle until my father convinced the man that his daughter needed him more."

"Has Tara ever resurrected anyone for you?" Kazui curiously asked.

Koemi played with her hair once more before she answered, "No."

There was silence between them as she sighed. "I... I feared that if she resurrected my mother. I'd only be comforted by a stranger, and once I could comprehend who she was, it would be too late, and she'd be gone. I'm afraid I'd be exactly like those who tormented Tara to see their deceased loved ones. She doesn't deserve that." He saw the droplets of tears that began to fall down her features.

He held her and whispered on the tops of her pink hair, "I don't believe you'd ever do that to her."

"How do you know?" she mumbled into his chest, grasping the back of his shirt while crying.

He lifted to see her face that was a blubbering mess with pink hair strewn across her cheeks. Kazui moved aside her strands and wiped the moist surface. "Someone who eats as many White Dreams as you couldn't possibly be horrid to a little girl. It's impossible."

She chuckled, seeing the amusement on his handsome features. She leaned up to peck his lips. "You're so silly." She hugged him for good measure before they walked again. Kazui held her wrist before she took another step. She turned curiously as to why they stopped.

"I don't believe you could ever be selfish or rude, Koemi. It's not who you are. I don't need to be an Empath to know that it's true."

"Thank you, Kazui," she entwined her fingers with his.

"Although, I believe you have a hidden farm of White Dreams somewhere from prying eyes, so you can selfishly squander them."

"I do not," she giggled, holding him closer to her as they walked together.

-o-


Kazui stood by Tani as it was his turn to instruct the class. He would let all the children have their chance to teach the class. He believed in the study of students who spent time teaching others what they've learned go on to show better understanding and knowledge retention than students who simply spend the same time re-studying.

Tani nervously was about to explain how to defend your blind spot effectively when they had a visitor.

General Zyden coughed loudly, getting the attention of the other children and Kazui. Kazui had felt his presence for a while, he hadn't acknowledged him yet, because he didn't want to interrupt Tani. It most certainly wasn't that Kazui felt a sense of unease whenever he sensed his energy. He also never hated anyone, although Zyden was steadily climbing to be on that list like Mitsuhide.

"I was searching for Princess Koemi, and I happened to take an interest in your quaint army of children." The words dripped out of his mouth condescendingly, most of the younger children did sense it, but a few older ones did and didn't find it a bit humorous.

"Princess Koemi is dividing the inventory amongst the town. She didn't inform me that you'd be arriving."

"Simply a surprise. I wanted to be the first to inform her that the fourth of the soldiers have armor and only a quarter left without. Lothren has simply outdone himself." He puffed out his chest, showing off the newly constructed armor he was wearing. Darkened metal that had a colorful coating surrounding it, Kazui could only assume were the special jewels that were finely grounded for a protective layer. It was an impressive armor.

"Wow. Do we get armor too?" Haji asked, touching the armor, much to Zyden's irritation as he softly batted his dirty hands away.

"Unfortunately, we can't waste armor on 'pretend soldiers.'"

"We're not pretending, right Kazui?" Haji shot back, looking up to the orange-haired man for confirmation. Kazui was interrupted before he could answer.

"Listen, child. Once you've grown into a man-worthy soldier, you'll receive your own. Kazui understands this quite well. You'll forgive Lothren for not creating armor for a boy such as yourself."

Kazui felt heat seep through his bones as the man's brow rose along with a smirk.

"That's bullshit," Haji hollered as well as the other children that surrounded them.

"Don't worry, everyone. My father always says it's essential to not rely too heavily on armor. If you're in a situation without armor, it good to improvise, and with quick thinking, you can dodge any attack with skill."

"Is that so?" Zyden gestured, arms crossed, staring down at the Savior of Shun Nya's son.

"Would the children like a demonstration?" Kazui asked the children but focused on Zyden's tall form. The children all cheered, except for Tani, who looked worried until Kazui winked at her. Her face still held one of concern but with a brief smile.

"Of course," Zyden exclaimed proudly, "Rules?"

"You can use any form of attack while I dodge for...let's say five minutes. Simple." Kazui smiled, changing into his Shinigami apparel.

"I doubt you'd last for a second," Zyden stood at a fighting stance while Kazui pulled out his sword, ignoring the man's jab.

"Say when, General."

The General scoffed as he rolled his eyes, "Begin!"

Kazui stood, attentive of his opponent across from him. Zyden released his fairy. All Kazui saw was a huge dark red blade, twelve inches long that zipped straight towards him. Kazui quickly reacted as he dodged in front of him while holding out his shield behind him to block another oncoming attack from behind.

"See kids, that's a fantastic example of defending yourself-"

Another dodge from an attack above him, he quickly dodged, "-from a blind spot."

"Are you teaching or sparring?" Zyden spat.

"I tend to multi-task," Kazui added, glancing at the last moment to see the small red fairy with an angry look focused on him. The pint-sized warrior held a blade that was ten times as large as itself.

"I suggest you focus!"

"Relax, Zyden. It's well past a second." He backflipped to avoid the blade that sliced at his legs.

Zyden became more frustrated as Kazui jokingly evaded every attack he sent to him. He even went so far as to take out his shield to block him, but the young man was one step ahead.

"And time," Kazui relaxed, only for another attack to zip past, almost striking his face. "I said time."

Zyden seemed to ignore his protest, so Kazui could do the only thing to set the jerk straight. He ran at the man and faked left only to strike him with his shield on his right side. The General then fell as a collective gasp came from the children.

Zyden looked up to see a hand outstretched in his direction. Kazui was offering to help him up. He swatted Kazui's hand away as the older man rose, to glare daggers at the orange-haired boy. Kazui felt the intense heat within himself as he saw the angered scowl of the General directed at him.

"General Zyden? " they both heard the voice of Koemi, making her way out to the field towards them. "I wasn't aware of your arrival." Koemi only saw a few minutes of the fight and was almost tempted to interfere. She decided not to when she saw that Kazui was able to handle himself.

"I wanted you to be aware of the progress of the armor and weapons we've-"

"I was notified by Lothren and Vathyst of the progress. I see by your apparel that everything is in order." She glanced at Zyden's armor that held smudges of dirt that he was trying desperately to rub off.

"I also brought armor that Lothren made specifically for you," Zyden happily said. The children groaned and whispered the unfairness. Koemi glanced at the sour faces.

"You all look like you've eaten sour tafny fruit," Koemi giggled, shrugging the heads of a few saddened children.

"It's not right; we're soldiers too and in training," one of the children mentioned.

"I agree," the princess declared.

"You agree, Princess Koemi?" Zyden laughed at the ludicrous response.

"Of course, you'd also agree, General, if you saw how much effort they put into protecting their princess. So I notified Lothren in doing a small favor. Once, he told me of the armor that was made for me. I could only ask that my guards get the same treatment as well. Don't you think?"

The children hooped and hollered.

"That is absurd, wasting material on-"

"wasting? Lothren has more than enough material to make for our armies. The rest of the extra material is sufficient enough for my guards."

Zyden gritted his teeth and remained silent.

"So, that means we get armor?" Tani murmured, her small little face among the crowd of children.

"Yes, I'm afraid you'll have to wait til Lothren and his men finish with our armies first."

They all nodded their heads in understanding. They'd wait all year if it meant they'd be able to acquire authentic armor.

"In that case, you must all follow me so I can inform Lothren of your sizes."

All the children followed their princess. Kazui smiled, glancing at how they cheered and cried at having such a gift bestowed upon them.

"Our princess is quite the woman." Kazui heard the General say but he kept his attention on the princess and children rather than the man beside him. "You don't honestly think a pretty boy like yourself could ever please someone like that."

Kazui felt the black swarm gather around his irises so he closed his eyes to push down the feeling that was welling up inside him. When he opened them again, he saw the back of Zyden's form following behind the troupe of children. Kazui followed.

-o-


Koemi tried to articulate the sizes of all the children to Lothren as the older man chuckled, seeing the small faces and young adolescence fighting to be heard.

Once the crowd of children began to subside due to some of them leaving to head home. Koemi saw the bored expression of Zyden and Kazui's deep in thought.

"What are your measurements, boy?" Lothren called out, focused on Kazui. Kazui looked at the small device above his girlfriend's wrist.

"Huh?" he asked, confused.

"Don't look confused. We need the precise measurements for your armor," the older man chided.

"Just pick one of the adolescents you received earlier. I'm sure one of them would fit him." Zyden gave his opinion, only to receive a glare from the young Shinigami. The General only leaned against the wall to scoff, crossing his arms, making it a point to show off his muscular tone.

"180.33 cm (5'11") 66 kilos (145 lbs)," Kazui disclosed to the older man, who nodded and smiled. Lothren nodded to Princess Koemi and the rest of those still beside her before the call ended.

Koemi glanced at the two men who were both eyeing each other. She could feel the intense tension and detest radiating from both of them.

"Is there anything else I can help you with before you leave, General Zyden?" Koemi emphasized her dislike of his uninvited appearance through her annoyed expression.

"I wasn't planning on leaving today. The travel and the extensive training I have our armies go through had taken a significant toll on me. I wish to delay for a few days to rest. I hope you understand."

Koemi didn't believe a word of Zyden's excuse. His village was not even a half a day's ride, but there was no use in arguing.

"I'll find accommodations for you and your men."

She could tell from Kazui's facial expression that he didn't approve of the arrangement.

Zyden smiled and leaned up from the wall, to explore the village with the men that had accompanied him.

Koemi glanced at Kazui who was still eyeing the General with contempt. She poked his side, with a light chuckle when he seemed to snap out of his anger to give her a brief smile.

"Want to go somewhere?

His eyes quirked up a bit and nodded.

"I'll be right back."

Kazui watched Koemi, speaking to an older woman who nodded her head as she pointed to the General and his men. The elder smiled and grabbed the princess's face, and gave a soft peck on her cheek. Koemi rushed to Kazui's side, holding his arm as she pulled him to follow.

"Come on. I had Elder Kalise deal with Zyden and his men."

"What about tending to the farm?"

"I tended to that earlier with Aren and Caleb, you were having so much fun with the children I didn't want to bother you," she snickered.

"Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise. I've been so busy tending to the village and my duties. I really hadn't had time to stop, basically dragging you along, and it's not fair to you."

"You're not dragging me along, I enjoy helping you and with the children."

"I admit I enjoy having fun with the children, but sometimes I want to have more of these dates you've explained."

-o-


They had been distancing themselves from the village as the terrain descended more into the darkest part of the forest. The trees saturated the sky above snuffing out any light. The moss and mushrooms that covered the bark began to glow providing the only light source to guide them. Where that location led, Kazui had no idea, but he was curious as his heart raced with anticipation.

That's when his eyes beheld a sight only you could fathom in your dreams. He saw white glowing silhouettes the flew by and after he came closer, he saw wings on creatures that were shaped like horses.

"Pegasi?" whispered Kazui, staring so intently at the hundreds of them: small and huge, herds forming together in this dark cavern where the sun couldn't reach. Koemi giggled and the spell was broken. He didn't realize he looked ridiculous, he probably had the goofiest smile on his face and he hoped the dark was hiding his embarrassed expression.

"They are actually called Alostra... not Pegasi," she smirked.

"Pegasi is what we call these mythical creatures in Greek Lore. They actually don't exist in our world," Kazui explained to her, as she nodded in understanding.

"My father has said he enjoyed telling the Greek stories of Shun Nya," she sat down upon a dark patch of grass that had glowing moss, that defined the curves of Koemi's body. She beckoned him to come to sit beside her, while they watched the families of Alostries. He swallowed his nervousness and berated himself.

'You are 21 years old Kazui. Not a damn hormonal teenager,' he thought to himself as he followed Koemi's gaze to the smaller Alostries that were playing with each other.

"My father says not too many Shun Nyan's are allowed to enter this sacred place," she bit her lip and looked towards him.

"Why is that?"

"Alostra are pure creatures. I find it fascinating that they live in the dark, they thrive in it. Only those of pure intentions can see these creatures, that's why it's rare for Shun Nyan's to see them. They say if you see one in your lifetime, it's good luck. My father has only seen them once," she smiled sadly as she glanced at the smallest Alostra trying to push the bigger one into the pitch-black lake. "He used to see them when he was a little boy, he knew they still existed in places like this. He told me to follow the path to reach here alone. At first, I was scared. I was six years old facing the dark by myself having the vegetation as my only light source. My fear disappeared when I saw these beautiful creatures and I ran back to tell my father all that I saw. He couldn't believe I saw hundreds," her voice began to crack, as he saw her whip away the tears. "My father is still a good man to me even though his past prevents him from seeing them."

Kazui wrapping his arm around her to have her close to him. "Hundreds? I only see two?"

Koemi looked at Kazui with a smile as she shook her head. "I would have believed that lie if your eyes didn't shift all around."

"There was something in my eye, look it's still there," he pulled up his eyelids to show her as she pushed his face away. They both laughed.

"I'm glad you can see them all," Koemi sighed and glanced over at him, giving him a peck on the lips. They both stared at each other, Kazui glancing at her lips as he took the initiative.

He softly grabbed her chin and leaned in to kiss her lips. His tongue stroked her bottom lip causing her to sigh, opening her mouth. He used his tongue to find hers. He placed his left hand on her breast, to be met with the sound of a soft whimper that escaped her lips.

He abruptly stopped.

"Sorry!" He gasped, breathing heavily. He looked away, knowing his face was probably as red as Ichika's hair. He closed his eyes. Why was he thinking about Ichika at a time like this? He suddenly felt her hands take him as she placed it on her breast. He looked back in her direction, seeing her flushed features under the glowing light.

"I... I don't want you to apologize. I..." instead of finishing, she quickly kissed him back, forcing his mouth to open with her tongue. Her hands were fumbling around until it rested around his neck. Her tongue curiously explored his mouth wildly, until he calmed it down with his. He could feel her slowly lean back on the glowing moss, which felt extremely comfortable.

His fingers brushed across her nipple. He suddenly felt her flinch and her tongue still. Kazui stopped to glance down at her as he watched her swallow and nervously look up at him. He used his finger to massage her nipple again.

He watched as she closed her eyes, trying to contain the moan that she was trying to hide by biting her lip. She opened her eyes to glance at him, she didn't say anything only nodding her head. He decided to test the waters, he pushed aside her top that was covering her left breast. Her pink nipple pointed out, he curiously grabbed, feeling how soft her mounds felt. His thumb felt how hard her nipple felt.

Koemi's breasts were perfect nothing he has seen in the pornos Ichika forced him to watch, to embarrass him. He shook the thought from his mind. Upset with himself, he angrily leaned in kissing the tip, eliciting a sigh. He opened his mouth to find out what other noises he could cause from Koemi. He was not disappointed. As soon as his mouth covered her hard nip, tongue licking, and closing to suck. He caused her to arch her back and yell out. Her hand quickly went up to cover her mouth.

"Don't!" Kazui said.

Koemi looked down to find his eyes staring intently at her, his white irises filling black. She slowly removed her hand from her mouth to place it at her side. She watched him look down before she saw one of his pupils turning yellow.

Koemi closed her eyes once more as she felt his mouth suckling, she couldn't contain her moans. It only caused him to proceed aggressively when she felt a soft bite on her sensitive nipple. She shouted, but he soon soothed the dull ache away. She didn't realize he removed her top by unstringing it from her shoulders, both breasts were bare to him.

Were they going too fast? She wasn't sure what his world felt about what they were doing. She knew her village had rules, technically she wasn't breaking them. He wore the band. He was technically her husband, but she also knew that this was temporary. She didn't want this feeling to end, she didn't want him to stop. She could sense him staring at her, studying her, seeing if he should continue or stop. He flicked his tongue on both nipples before he stopped. He rose a little, glancing at her.

His eyes staring at her, one eye yellow the other his warm brown. His watery hollow voice spoke to her, but she could also hear the gentle voice of Kazui.

"I want to taste you but we don't have to do anything you don't want to." He declared with his brow raised, watching her, waiting for her answer.

She found her voice, "O... Okay!"

He grinned devilishly and she couldn't contain the feeling she felt between her legs. Her knees tightly closed. He noticed and he looked up to study her red cheeks. He smiled.

He leaned to kiss her, lips aggressively tonguing her, his tongue deep into her throat. She felt his fingers inch under her skirt. The cloth was quickly pulled down and she felt the slight breeze sweep between her legs. His knees pried her legs apart and she didn't fight. She could feel wetness slip between her untouched lips anticipating what would come next.

Koemi could hear her heart pounding as his fingers slowly crept, inching closer, only to stop. His eyes glanced up at her and she swore her heart stopped. After a moment of nothing happening, she swore hours had passed, his fingers inched closer.

Kazui's fingers drifted between her warm lips, he could feel her already wet as her chest rose up and down rapidly. She squirmed a little, moving forward, but his fingers moved away. He could see the disappointment as her brows turned down, but she didn't voice it. He wasn't going to deny her any longer, so he chuckled a bit before his fingers moved closer to that wet center. His finger found her hole, watching as her eyes opened a bit wider.

"Ah!" she voiced, her mouth opened. He covered her moans with his mouth as his finger pushed in more. "Mmmm," her voice vibrated, tickling his lips. One of her legs moved wider for him on instinct, her tight grip loosened just a bit. He could feel that she felt tight and extremely wet. It was only his pointer finger, he moved it out and then plunged it back in. He did this enough that he decided to use the wetness to touch her nub. He stopped kissing her to watch her reaction. He used the slickness of his fingers to circle her sensitive clit.

"Oh.. mmm," He watched as she contemplated on what to do with her arms, and she decided on grabbing his t-shirt. He knew he was uncomfortably hard, and she was aware of his hardness too. Her eyes reacted with surprise when he pushed his hardness against the leg that was close to him. He distracted her, by plunging not one, but two of his fingers into her. His middle finger joined his pointer into her sweet wetness. Her hips jerked up as she yelled.

"Mmm," she whimpered. He felt her tighten once more around his two fingers, her features concentrating. He used his thumb to massage her nub. He leaned in to whisper into her ear, "Is that better?" He felt her head move slowly up and down agreeing as her grip around his fingers loosened and he was rewarded with a gush of fluids.

"I'm sorry," she told him. She never felt anything so wonderful before. Why hadn't she touched herself like this before? The stress of the day was leaving her body, the worries forgotten from her mind, and the pain of the intrusion slowly drifting away to pleasure. She was embarrassed at how she could be so wet. Was that normal?

His fingers left between her legs. She opened her eyes, wondering why he stopped.

She watched as his fingers lifted to his nose to smell, his eyes closed, and then his fingers entered his mouth. She could feel the hardness between his legs grow as a deep growl came from within his chest.

"Mmmm Princess. There's nothing for you to be sorry about," He said, opening his eyes to look at her. He grinned again. "You should be sorry for tasting so good. You said you wanted to help my hollow, Kimi. Do you still want to feed it?"

Her lips quivered, realizing he had shortened her name, it sounded cute. She couldn't help but whine a pathetic, "yes."

He wasted no time by moving between her as her legs were opened wider for him. Her skirt moved higher. She watched him stare between her legs as both eyes became black and yellow. His chuckle more hollow-like, than human. He kept his eyes on her moist clit as he leaned down closer.

"Your hair is pink down here too, Princess," he whispered, she felt his breath between her legs.

"Is that bad?" she wondered. He answered her by enveloping her with his mouth around her sensitive nub. Sucking and licking it as his fingers entered her wet opening.

"Oh, Kazui... mmmm," she moaned loudly. Her face leaned to the side, glancing down at the Alostrai. They were still visible, even with Kazui's hollow presence. His tongue slowly licked her clit while his fingers caressed inside her in and out in slow motion. He removed them to quickly suckle her hole with his mouth, swallowing everything she leaked out. It felt embaressing and yet invograting. She didn't want to stop feeling this way. She didn't want him to stop making her feel good.

"Please..." she cried out.

Kazui looked up, his mouth still between her legs. He stopped and when she didn't voice anything he bit her nub, eliciting a small cry from her. Tears fell from her eyes, "Please, don't stop."

He didn't. He continued to eat between her legs. She placed her hands upon his orange hair, feeling the soft strands on his head. She closed her eyes and her legs wrapped around him. Kazui began to pull down his pants to get to rub the hard-on that had been consistent this whole time as he pleasured her. Koemi felt something growing inside her, a pressure she never felt before. She was shouting so loud wanting the pressure or whatever it was to release. The pleasure continued and it was driving her crazy. She heard the Alostrai, neighing, their hooves beating down on the ground as her whimpers were heard around her. Echos of her moaning, within this dark cavern. She finally let it go and screamed at the top of her lungs. Kazui continued to finger inside her as he drank every part of her sweetness. At that moment, he felt his own release, his liquids darkening the glowing moss.

She was so sensitive, trying to get him to stop, but he teased her by licking and causing her to shiver. She giggled like a silly girl as her body shook with whatever pleasure he gave her. He stopped his advances to lay beside her, she felt his lips gently kiss her shoulder, her cheeks, her forehead before he hugged her close.

"That was amazing," she said breathlessly with her eyes still being shut. She opened them to stare in his direction, gazing at his warm brown eyes. She smiled from ear to ear, pushing him on his back aggressively as she leaned on top of him. "Now it's your turn."

Koemi was kissing his lips before she started to explore his body. "Wait!" he grabbed her hands, preventing to go any further, startling her.

"I'll do my best to make you feel good, Kazui, just like you did for me," She confessed, her eyes determined, looking at him as he couldn't help but blush at how adorable she looked.

"I'm not worried about that, it's just ... I umm sort of did it myself," he confessed, fixing his pants as she looked down, reaching between his legs to find his bulge gone. "Hey!" Kazui hollered. She looked a bit peeved as she began to dress. "You're upset," he asked her while she tied the strings to the cloth that covered her chest.

"I just wanted to give you the same pleasure you gave to me," she looked up giving a pout, and Kazui almost felt his flaccid member begin to twitch and it becoming increasingly warm.

"I promise you'll get a chance to," he told her sweeping the hair from her face and giving her a soft kiss on the head.

"Tomorrow?" she interjected, pushing down her skirt.

"So eager," he chuckled, hugging her once she was finished dressing. "We should get back," he stated, taking her hand and found resistance as he looked back. She was waiting for something as she stared at him.

"Well?"

"Well what?" he curiously asked, as her pout resurfaced.

"Promise that I have permission to do it tomorrow?"

Yeah, it was definitely getting hot as he swallowed, if he didn't leave this place he was seriously going to do more than eat her.

"Okay, promise."

His words caused her to squeal in excitement and jump on him to give him a hug almost knocking him to the floor. Good thing he held himself as she pecked his face with a torrid of kisses.

-o-


Their walk back to the village was a sight. Koemi continued to laugh at some moments and redden on a few occasions. She talked about having to see the farmers as he washed his face and hands at the lake, they stopped at. She wondered what the cooks were cooking tonight, she was famished but still had a bright smile on her face. Kazui took pride in causing the usually smiling girl to be the cause of her huge smile.

Her smile soon ended and he glanced to see what was the cause of her distress. General Zyden made himself a bit too comfortable with tonight's evening meal. He was sitting along with his soldiers, laughing obnoxiously until he saw them enter. He placed his glass to his lips giving her a grin before drinking from his cup, eyes focused solely on Koemi.

"Come on, Kazui," she said wearily placing her arms within his, "Let's see what smells so good."

Her smile returned not as wide as before while she greeted the cooks and thanked them graciously for cooking for the village and also unexpected guests. They told her it was no trouble as they gave her an extra bread loaf, she graciously accepted. They decided to sit with some of the farmers as they explained to Koemi how their produce was doing and how they had enough to spare to the other villages in Shun Nya.

"That sounds lovely," General Zyden interrupted, sitting in between some farmers that were seated in front of the princess. "My wife Leilani appreciates this village's efforts in providing Forden Leis with produce, specifically White Dreams. Those fruits," he took the white fruit from the bowl provided to everyone, seductively biting into it, as some juices fell out of his mouth. " -mmmm have to be the sweetest in the land." He used his finger to swipe the mess he made on his face and sucked his fingers suggestively, staring at Koemi.

Koemi blushed and glanced at Kazui who was staring at General Zyden, his jaw set and his fingers gripping the utensil in his hand. The only thing that broke the tension was the sweet voice of Tani, who rammed her small body into Kazui's back in an embrace.

"Kazui, I need to show you something," she told him grabbing his hand with a pleading look.

Kazui looked at Zyden then at Koemi who smiled at him, "I'll be alright, just go. I'll be waiting right here." She leaned forward to give him a kiss on his cheek. The kiss causing Tani to embarrassingly look away while it caused the General to fume with hatred in his eyes. Kazui couldn't help but smugly glance in Zyden's direction before he followed after the little girl.

BAM! Zyden had hit the table with his hands glaring at Koemi. "Could you please leave me with your Princess? I need to consort with her in private." He growled to the remaining others at the table who looked wearily as they grabbed their plates to leave.

Koemi ignored the General's gaze as she continued to happily eat her food. He was silent for a while causing her to glance up to find him grinning at her. His gaze made her seem uncomfortable as she focused on something else, grabbing her cup to drink.

"How long do you think you're sexual euphoria is going to last?" he chuckled, seeing her face redden and angrily stared back at him.

"That's none of your business, General."

"Of course not."

He chuckled seeing her angry features that he found so alluring. He rather see her upset than the over-affectionate smile to that flaming-haired enigma. "You can't replace those he loves, when it comes down to it, he will choose them."

She wanted to shout at him that he didn't have to choose, but she felt something for the first time, selfishness. When it came down to it, after the war, Kazui would go back to his family. She wanted him all to herself and she hated this feeling. It felt wrong. She felt a tear stream down her face as she excused herself.

"Excuse me, General," she stated leaving his presence and her food left behind.

Zyden smiled, taking her unfinished plate, and began to eat. Kazui arrived back a little confused with the absence of Koemi. He cautiously sat down near his plate of food and looked around.

"I don't believe she's returning." He smiled popping a carrot into his mouth.

Kazui didn't like the smug look on his features. He ignored him in favor of trying to find his girlfriend. He ate what was left on the plate, lifting himself up to leave.

"Go boy, I'm sure you will cheer her up while you're still here."

He stopped to turn and glance at the General who ate the last of his plate and drank the rest of the contents in his cup.

"Still here?" Kazui asked him, his voice a bit offended.

Zyden stood preferring to showcase the boy his dominant height, he stared at the colorful necklace around his wrist, no doubt from Tani. He pointed at the jeweled item around his wrist.

"You're going to be a little heartbreaker after this war."

Kazui looked at the bracelet that small Tani gave to him, for being such a good teacher and how it fits nicely with the marriage bracelet from King Fuminori. He gritted his teeth and glared at Zyden.

"Whatever lies you said to Koemi. I swear-"

"Lies? Why lie when the truth is so much sweeter," he said while eating another White dream and smiling at him. "Unless of course, you aren't leaving when this war is over. A boy like you still needs his mommy, am I right?"

Kazui snarled and could feel the dark effects surrounding his eye, this guy was such an asshole. He opted instead of saying a few words before he went to find Koemi. He leaned against the table to look up to the towering man. He chuckled as he looked at the man, enjoying the fruit Koemi loved so much.

"You enjoy that fruit," the hollow's voice creeping into his own, " I've tasted something so much sweeter."

Zyden amusement changed into a frown as he understood Kazui's insinuation.

"Good night, General." Kazui smiled, his dark eye casually disappearing. Kazui satisfied with leaving the General in an upset state.

Kazui was trying to feel out her reiatsu, finding that she was somewhere away from the village. He followed a path that seemed to not be used very often, the vegetation grew more wilder out here. After, walking for some time he found a tree that covered a cave-dwelling. He pushed it aside and the glowing blue plants along the cave's path until he found the cave's end. Koemi was laying on the floor on a feathered bed, he looked around to find the room bare, with only storage crates. He heard her sniffles as he got closer, she lifted herself up to glance in his direction and looked away.

"I forgot you can sense wherever I go," she mumbled, sitting as she nervously grabbed her skirt.

"Were you hiding from me?"

"Sort of." She smiled a bit while watching him cross his arms and lean against the cave. "I just didn't want you to see me like this. I'm sorry for leaving," she confessed, quickly whipping her face and trying to smile.

"Do you want me to leave?" He asked her. The question he asked was innocent and instead of trying to answer, tears started to fall from her pretty features. She didn't want him to leave at all. Kazui seeing her cry bent in front of her as she shook her head and aggressively started to clear the tears away.

"I ... I don't want to ruin-," she tried to finish her sentence before Kazui held her as she cried on his shoulder.

"You shouldn't let what Zyden says get under your skin, just ignore him."

"Yes, I should ignore...," she didn't finish what she needed to say instead looked up at his face. "Can we just lie together, just the two of us for a moment?"

Kazui nodded as she laid back, moving in the corner so there was room enough for him to lay down. "What is this place anyway?"

He laid back as she scooched to lay her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arms around him.

"We have some hidden areas, in case of an emergency. I wasn't going to stay that long. I was planning on coming back, honest." She lifted her head looking down at him to show how serious she was.

"I believe you, it's okay to want to be left alone," Kazui told her pushing her head back down on his shoulder as she weakly nodded.

"Not all the time," she mumbled.

He could tell that after a while her breathing turned shallow. He found that she fell asleep so he decided to close his eyes and nod off until she woke up again.

-o-


Kazui found himself in his inner world. His dad had told him about his; the tall constructions that reached the skies as the rain poured showing his emotions. According to his father, he hadn't received the monsoon from his youth with Orihime currently by his side. His inner world was nothing like his dad's. He was always surrounded by multitudes of Giant Stars that could be seen in the distance, though their glare was bright enough to see. He walked along a surface that reflected the skies, it moved like water, even showing the ripples that ruined the reflected image.

He usually saw his hollow meditating in the small temple, the only construction created in this world. He walked closer to the shrine and then felt his presence beside him. He turned to find his image inverted, glancing at the Giants Stars above, but their heat never reached his skin and his world still remained dark, their lights flow unknown to him.

"That Zyden is an annoying asshole, but not much of a threat," his hollow explained as Kazui nodded his head in agreement. His father also taught him that his hollow wasn't something to be afraid of if he ever came face to face with him. Kazui first saw him at the age of 10, in small moments, talking to him like an old friend. As he got older, their talks were more frequent, Kazui soon found out that his hollow wasn't an enemy but a part of him. Something his father struggled with when he was younger, he was thankful his father warned him.

"He's no threat but he's useful if the enemy happens to attack," Kazui added.

It was then that his hollow nodded and smiled, this time turning in his direction. His yellow irises and dark pupils staring at him with a dark grin.

"Mitsuhide, I can't wait to see him again. He's a coward but also dangerous. He'll use her."

"I know."

"No, I don't think you know," his inverted self growled, moving closer to get in his view as his expression turned serious. "If you distract yourself with her, he'll use it to his advantage and kill her."

Kazui was meant to answer but his hollow's confused face looked around and closed his eyes. He was about to question him when he felt it as well. At first, it was just a tickle than a pleasurable lick.

His hollow smile widened, "Boy is she a lovely distraction."

Kazui closed his eyes and opened them again to find that he left the inner world and was now awake. He heard and felt the licking noises and glanced down to find Koemi staring and nervously licking his member. She saw her contemplate a bit before she widened her mouth and slowly started to take him fully into her mouth. He couldn't help the moan that escaped his lips as he felt her warm mouth enveloping him. He looked down to find her removing her mouth and shyly staring at him.

"You promised that I could do this tomorrow," her face was inches from his cock that started to grow with the sight of her plump lips.

"Okay," he conceded. She didn't need anything else as she engulfed him again, this time sloppily using her tongue as she did when she gave kisses. Both her small hands wrapped around what she couldn't fit into her mouth as she started to move up and down.

His right hand inched to her head as the other moved to grasp one of her small hands that were enveloped around him, squeezing it. "Tighter."

She complied by constricting her hold with her hands as her mouth suckled slowly before releasing him with her mouth.

"Like that?" she whispered, he moaned feeling her hands caressing him and her breath on the tip of his dick.

"Yes," he told her as she took the initiative swallowing him, only this time he felt the back of her throat. Letting go of his member to steady her hands beside his legs. Kazui's hands grasped her hair lightly as he maneuvered her head up and down. Careful not to force himself roughly down her throat, but she seemed to want to see how far she could go. He wasn't going to last very long.

"Koe...Koemi. I'm going to cum," he breathlessly whimpered. She lifted herself just enough as Kazui grasped his member before it unloaded. Some of it squirted on her face and on his chest. Her curious eyes glancing at the liquid on his chest, she reached the excess from her chin and placed it into her mouth. Kazui was entranced at looking at her tasting him. "It's nothing I ever tasted, but I can get used to it." She softly giggled, laying beside him.

"Seeing and hearing you moan," she kissed him on his cheek, "I started to become wet again." She was so blunt about the way she felt that Kazui couldn't contain how embarrassing her words were as he discreetly covered his flushed features with his hand.

"Is something wrong?" she asked him, noticing his avoidance.

"I'm fine. I just need to clean myself," he pointed out, as he rose up to gather his pants. She followed close behind as they found the nearest lake to wash up. He glanced at her as she washed her face. She seemed to be cured of what was bothering her so he hesitated on bringing up the conversation if it only caused her pain. He needed to know what caused her to cry, especially if Zyden was going to be here.

"Koemi-"

"I liked when you called me, Kimi," she interjected. He didn't know what she was talking about until he remembered his time with her and the Alostrai creatures. He began to feel himself become warm again. He needed to control himself. "Do couples shorten names in your world?"

"Yeah," he answered, causing her to look curiously when he didn't explain further.

"Why, wouldn't it be proper to call them by their accurate name?"

He couldn't help but smile, "Couples like to shorten or even give little pet names of endearment. For example, 'my love' or honey."

"Hun-nee?"

'Why was she so adorable?' He could feel his ears begin to burn, glancing at his reflection on the waters to see how red he was. Yes, he was crimson and he looked like a damn idiot, who couldn't control himself.

"What if I like the name you have?"

"Then you can just call me, Kazui," he simply stated. She was content with that until her features scrunched up in dissatisfaction.

She sat closer to him, both staring out at the lake's reflective surface. "I can understand the attraction of 'pet' names as you call them. The idea of you calling me something that no other person could, sounds positively special in a way." She glanced at him to give her a warm smile, kissing his lips. When she abruptly straightened up to stare at him with widened eyes. "I can call you my Prince."

"No, Kimi," He stopped himself liking the way the name rolled off his tongue. He couldn't help but smile seeing her face blush from embarrassment.

"W...Why not?" she mumbled, her mood deflated as she nervously played with her skirt.

"It just sounds too embarrassing," he confided, scratching the back of his head.

"You are a prince in a way even if we don't-" she stopped herself and glanced at the lake once more. "Y... Your mother is of Royal Fae so by birth you are a prince in your own right."

Kazui didn't also want to go into detail, how he was also of nobility from his father's side as well, but he didn't want to sound so arrogant. "Even if I am, I don't feel like I've earned the right to be called a prince."

Koemi nodded accepting his answer. They were silent for a moment accepting the silence and each other's company when she sat upright again. "KAZU!"

"Kazu?" he questioned, noting how ecstatic she was of coming up with a pet-name. "It short and simple. I like it."

"Kazu," she whispered to herself, giggling from how something so simple could cause so much joy. "Even if what Zyden says is true. We often skirt around the subject of you eventually leaving, know that I will treasure these memories forever."

He knew the General was blunt with his words, but it was another thing to be flat out harsh. Zyden didn't have to use him to hurt her. He already felt guilty, knowing this particular subject would always affect her, even if she hid it. He was about to say something when she placed her fingers against his lips to prevent him from speaking.

"Please let's not talk about this and enjoy what we have instead. Hmm?" She proclaimed. Kazui nodding in agreement.

"Of course, Kimi."

"Thank you, Kazu," she stated with a smile, leaning her head against his shoulders as they both glanced up at the stars. Both wishing that this moment could last forever.

-x-


Well, their relationship upgraded a bit. lol. I love this fluffy relationship, I mean the rating went up a bit, but it's still so adorable. Kazui's past I so wanted to mirror Ichigo, that little scene with Kazui seeing the bloody spirit is one of my favorite parts to write. Zyden is such a dick, but he's a good rival for Kazui. The next chapter will be what's going on at Hueco Mundo, I'm thinking of seeing the Quincy side of things, along with the others too. I thank you for being so patient and still invested in the story also.