AN: Not much to say about this chapter other than it's all SS related, the next chapter will go back to Byaichi. I'll be responding to reviews at the end of the chapter. Please review and follow!

xXx

Paranoia is in bloom,

The PR transmissions will resume

They'll try to push drugs that keep us all dumbed down

And hope that we will never see the truth around- Muse "Uprising."

xXx

Uprising

In the courtyard separating the eleventh and twelfth division, there were looming trees surrounded by an array of obelisk. Ikkaku sat idly against the stone edifice while running his fingers through his companion's amethyst coiffure.

Laying on the blades of grass, his head propped up on his lover's lap, Yumichika used a pair of chopsticks to pick up the last piece of sushi, but before he could move the sustenance to his mouth, a fierce grip found his lithe wrist. As he looked up to his companion's severe orbs with a dubious glare, Ikkaku challenged, "I'll fight you for it."

Yumichika's eyes almost rolled out of his head as he jabbed the sushi-wielding chop sticks towards Ikkaku's mouth. With an air of condescension, he griped, "I swear, you're such a brute. Only you would want to fight over a piece of raw fish." Lifting up his head, he took a seated position beside Ikkaku while letting out a sigh of contentment.

Chomping his canines down, he spat through bites of food, "I always want to fight," before moving his still full mouth to steal a kiss from Yumi.

The beauty's face twisted with revulsion at the gesture, and he swatted Ikkaku's graceless face elsewhere. "This is how you repay me for making you lunch," he complained halfheartedly, "by trying to beat me up and then attacking me with morsels of spit-covered sushi?"

Swallowing the lump down his throat, Ikkaku threw an arm around Yumichika's shoulder and smirked. "Yeah, pretty much."

He just gave an amused huff before resting his head on the man's shoulder. He replied, "I suppose I wouldn't want you any other way."

Throwing his lover a sharp sideways glance, Ikkaku grunted, "You've never had a problem with my spit before." Tilting his head slightly, he brought his lips to Yumichika's compliant ones before he beleaguered him with kisses.

Biting his lip slightly, forgoing his lustful cupidity, Yumichika countered, "If you keep this up, someone will catch us."

Growling slightly, his eyes filled with eagerness, Ikkaku cursed, "How many times do I have to say it? Fuck em'."

With a knowing smirk, Yumichika admitted, "I just don't want them giving you a difficult time. Now that everyone knows about my Shikai, I'm certain my popularity has degraded in the eyes of the squad."

Ikkaku gave an indignant grunt while affectionately rubbing the feather-festooned face. "Yeah well, if it has, they've all got enough brains to keep their mouths shut about it."

With a smile, Yumichika quipped, "I'm glad to know they don't all have a death wish." Ikkaku was by far the strongest in the squad, only seconded to the captain, so Yumi knew that if the sword-happy man caught wind of someone soiling his name, there would be blood, lots and lots of blood. "I'm sure they all have their opinions though," he added.

"Tch-" spat Ikkaku, "I don't think you're as hated as you think. You know Captain, he doesn't bite his tongue for no one, yet he hasn't said one word, good or bad, about you." Stretching out his arms, he supported his head with his interlocked hands. "I think he keeps his mouth shut out of respect."

Rising a doubtful eyebrow, Yumichika speculated, "For you, perhaps."

Pursing his lips and with a dissented shake of the head, he disagreed, "Nah. If he had something to say, he'd say it. Especially because he knows he's the only member of the squad I wouldn't step to. Maybe he doesn't like your powers, but after all that time, he can't help but respect you."

For a short moment of silence, Yumichika laid his head back in contemplation before his train of thought brought his eyes to the clock tower situated in the middle of the courtyard. "Oh rats," he said with a yawn, "It's almost time for round up." He rolled his eyes. "And I was so enjoying my day off."

Smacking his gums indignantly, Ikkaku replied tempestuously, "Fuck those guys, man. Treating us like little kids, evading our privacy, it's enough to m-"

Jolting slightly, Yumichika narrowed his brow and put a finger over Ikkaku's lips. "Shh," he whispered, quickly looking over his shoulder. "Saying stuff like that is a good enough reason for them to arrest you- You know they don't need a lot."

The irascible man let out a susurrus of nonsensical grouses, his eye brow twitching in frustration. "Let em'," he muttered. "These new rules are fucking ridiculous."

Putting a comforting hand over his lover's hand, Yumichika moved close to his ear and pleaded in a whispered, "We just have to be patient. You being dragged off by the Retrieval Squad won't help anything." Putting on a more placating look, Yumichika bit his lip slightly and said, "It would only succeed in making me dreadfully worried."

Pursing his lips, Ikkaku's face seemed to vacillate between pissed and defeated. Finally, with a scowl and in a contained voice, he asserted, "Yeah, well it's not that easy when you gotta' watch them take your squad members away for no damn reason. They took Ito-san yesterday all because one of those," his voice patronized as he said, "retrievers overheard him making some dumb joke about Central. And you know the guys in our squad, so he put up a huge struggle and got the shit beat out of him. Tch-" He sneered. "How fucking humiliating."

With slightly gaped eyes, Yumichika added, "And by members of other squads, no less."

"You're telling m-" Ikkaku's statement was cut off by the clamor of an alarm sounding throughout the Seireitei. It was time.

Looking over to his lover with a cocked eyebrow, Yumi asked, "So I'll see you tonight?" When Ikkaku nodded his head, both stood up and flash-stepped to their prospective divisions.

A few weeks after the defection of Byakuya and Ichigo, along with news about a nefarious group of separatists, Central had released new laws under the guise of uncovering and retrieving these treacherous Soul Reapers. They'd told the assemblage that this was a matter of upmost importance and that the existence of these traitors was a threat on everything the Gotei was. Because of this, harsh laws were put in place. The most imposing and hard to swallow one was what they called round up. Basically, every member of the Gotei who was within the Seireitei at the time was accounted for and had their rooms ransacked by a special team of handpicked elite Soul Reapers. These reapers continued their normal work but also worked to police the denizen of the Seireitei. The laws of going and coming from the human world had become much stricter also. In fact, unless a reaper was on a mission, they were prohibited to leave the Seireitei at all. Along with a set curfew, Central was acting like preposterously paranoid parents who watched one too many sixty minute specials, searching for a cache of illicit items that never existed.

Not only were these laws humiliating and seemingly unscrupulous, it also left most of the Gotei feeling quite divided. A general suspicion filled the air with tension and gave way to doubt. Of course, Central scapegoated the defectors and separatists, wiping their hands of all blame. Overall, the entirety of the Gotei seemed split on the matter; half were filled with chagrin and determination, ready to catch these so called traitors and skin them for causing such an eruption in their lives. The other half took issue with Central's way of dealing with the situation, feeling as if they were degrading the integrity and pride of the Gotei, which led to murmurs and rumors of veiled intentions. Yes, tumult had taken over the members of the Gotei and there wasn't a single person who wasn't effected.

Though, for some members of the Gotei, this had only solidified how few rights they had, just a myriad of cogs in a machine, all working for the agenda of Central. Before, because of their hands-off approach to dealing with the Seireitei, it had seemed almost unnoticeable. Never had they intervened in the lives of Soul Reapers unless someone had broken one of the rules, which wasn't all too often. Now law abiding, dedicated, vigilant Soul Reapers were being treated as if they were criminals with no precedent, getting their rooms searched like they were children. As people started to become suspects for even vocalizing a negative opinion and their world melted into this George Orwell-esque dystopia, it was becoming all too obvious that they were at the mercy of the only law, the only opinion, that matter or counted, and inevitably, had little to no control over what happened in their lives.

Though Central had hoped this would deter any further opposition to their power, for some, it was like oxygen to a flame.

xXx

Juushiro stood looking over Shunsui's shoulders, letting his cheeks brush against the frayed strands of chestnut ponytail. "What's that?" he inquired, noting the papers in the Commander's hand and the disparaging look on his usually intoxicated and jaunty face.

Turning his face slightly, his blood-warm breath adding crimson to the crystal-toned skin, Shunsui put on a feeble half smile. "Orders from Central. They want me to send another platoon to search for Kuchiki-san and Ichigo-san."

His face waffled from troubled to placating as Juushiro reiterated, "Ah, another one."

With his sake-jaundiced lips millimeters from his lifelong companion, he gave Juushiro an affection pat of the hair while donning his normal buoyant grin. "Don't worry so much," he comforted, "I have a feeling they're not going to have too much luck."

This earned a knowing smile from the crescent-haired Soul Reaper. He returned the affectionate gesture by cupping the scruffy face and mouthing a barely audible 'thank you'. Taking advantage of the amorous moment, the two shared an epoch of earnest gazing, only to be interrupted by the bellowing siren that signified their thrice daily puerile ritual.

Letting out a deep sight, Shunsui sighed and stood, roving around his desk with a lackluster saunter. "Let's get this done with," he proclaimed as the two of them walked towards the door.

"Yes, let's," Juushiro concurred.

No sooner did they walk outside and to the first division barracks did an abrupt vociferation molest their ears. The commander's face twitched at the sight of one of his platoon members getting hoisted up by the pits by two of the Special Forces Soul Reapers who each donned a badge to boast their false sense of authority. "Move it, you pestilent pig," bellowed one of the Soul Reapers.

At the sight of the woman's face gaping with abject terror, about to act as target practiced for the man's fist, the Commander swiftly flash-stepped to intervene, grasping the overcompensating fist with a rather gentle grip and a jaunty smile.

As the indignant eyes went to meet his own, the Commander noted, "Now, you really shouldn't hit a lady."

Puffing his chest out in a grandiose display caused by a nimiety of pride, the retriever shook off the grip. Gritting his teeth, he warned, "Don't think I can't take you in just because you're the Commander." Pausing, he gave a wolfish smile that lit up his twisted face, "In fact, I was given orders to take meticulous care of searching your living quarters."

With a somewhat mocking grin, the Commander gave a masculine giggle. He reassured, "I have nothing to hide. All that you'll find is affirmation that I truly am a drunk." Juushiro, who had been standing by with a troubled expression actually gave a lighthearted smile at the Captain's buoyant yet intimidating demeanor. "You may want to be more careful with your cheeky threats." He cocked an eyebrow at the man. "It's more your style to take on people who are weaker than you. So primitive, dont'cha think?"

The man's grunts and supercilious response was cut off by the woman supplicating for forgiveness. "I'm so sorry, Commander, I swear, I didn't do any-"

Her pleads for atonement were cuff off by his smile, met simultaneously by the sensation of the two retrievers hardening their grips as they began pulling her forward. Before he stepped aside to let them pass, he assured the girl, "Don't worry, I'll have you back here in no time."

With that, he let the two pass with the woman. As they left, his smile melted into a frustrated scowl. Juushiro stepped beside his companion and chided softly, "Shunsui, please be careful to not be too vocal about your distaste. I find this just as abhorrent, but if we're too outspoken, it could ruin our progre-"

He was cut off by the dismissive wave of the commander. "You should be going back to your division to make sure they're all okay. Besides, we shouldn't be speaking of this out in the open like this." He paused and gave his friend a tentative look of affection, "Please, be careful tonight."

With a resolute smile, Juushiro nodded and flashed away.

xXx

A cloak-clad figure crept through the still crepuscule. The double-dealing black cloak bordered by royal purple stripes swayed against the darkness, able to cause its wearer, and the cloak itself, to be completely invisibile as soon as the cloth hit the skin. Surely a marvel and exemplification of the Shihoin Clan's treasured tools. As irony would have it, a piece of equipment created by one of the Four Great Clan's had become a corner stone in the fight against the clan elders that constructed Central.

As the imperceptible man walked with haste, finding himself now in the underground tunnels of the Soul Society, he reached into his cloak and from it he pulled out a branchlet burgeoned with two withered sakura blooms. On the miniature branch was a sliver of coiled white paper, that when uncoiled, read simply: meet tonight.

Sighing in resolution, the hooded man quickened his steps as he moved towards his destination.

In the beginning, there truly was no resistance group, only the reform movement that titled themselves 'The looming hand of the sakura,' paying homage to the ideals of Byakuya, which had began this reform. It was made up of humble soul reapers only trying to better the fetid existence of the denizens of the Rukongai by helping them become self-sufficient; it was never in their goals to endanger the world by taking attention away from Soul King or their duties, but to provide enough resources, guidance, and education to help the district develop a structured government that could depend on itself. It wasn't until Central had flexed their authority and made false accusations of a resistance that one actually began to form. It was not the fraudulent group of separatists that Central had dreamt up, if only as a scapegoat for their actions, but a group of soul reapers who truly saw the nefarious motives of the group. It wasn't in their interest to dismantle the Gotei nor the Seireitei in the slightest, no, their only true goal was to illuminate Central's wickedness and overturn it, replacing the jaundiced government with a government that acted out of the interest of the Gotei.

When word started to spread of the separatists and the new decrees started effecting everyone's lives, people were equally addled and embittered. There was a myriad of harassment, arrests, and even executions, leading to increased agitation and the transformation of the reform group. Although, to be honest, Urahara had expected this, if not almost hoped for it, for without this development, there would be no way to shine the light on Centrals wrongdoing and bring back Byakuya and Ichigo. Yet, they still had to combat the distortion of their mission by the hands of Central. Juushiro, Urahara, and the other array of trusted Soul Reapers who'd amalgamated themselves with the cause, tentatively, yet furtively started to spread rumors of the real reform/resistance in the form of hearsay. 'Did you hear's?' filled the milieu of the Seireitei, dropping little bits of the truth behind the reform movement, now turned resistance, here and there. Of course, most people dismissed the rumors at first, but over the last seven months, and as the tenacity and desperation behind Central's actions had increased, the seeds of doubt started to sprout. The members of the Gotei were all relatively intelligent, especially officer-level members, so with all these pieces that just didn't seem to come together, skepticism was alive and well.

Members were told to keep their ears open, listening to anyone who seemed to have an unalloyed contempt or a zealous doubtfulness for the actions of Central. These people would receive the tiniest of sakura branches adorned with a message. These messages would always read something rather vague or cryptic, for instance, "remember who your real allies are," or "don't trust 46," or, "believe the rumors." This would, or course, pique the interest of the reader, who would be watched over the next couple of days, securing they made no moves to inform Central of the message. Then, the messages would become increasingly less vague, the next would usually read, 'If you're willing to protect the integrity of the Gotei, leave the branchlet here.' Though some were thrown off by the ambiguity of the message, most were shrewd enough to concern that, if such a resistance existed, they could not so freely show their faces. No, only extremely trusted confidences were allowed into the delphic and much rumored inner circle of the veil society. Discretion was why they imbued this form of contact, and such contact was how they counted their followers, people who would stand with them when the time came. To show their continued devotion to the cause, the receivers would obtain messages instructing them to help with the cause in various ways. Nothing too perilous, yet actions that became a cornerstone in the resistance. Because of this, they not only gained more support, but they gained eyes and ears everywhere, not to mention hands. They had connections within the jails, the kido corps, the council headquarters, the guards to the gates, the tamers of the hell butterflies, wherever, however, the resistance, much like Central, were pulling strings. This pivotal network of vigilant Soul Reapers webbed together the foundation of the resistance, becoming the soundless battle cry of these defiers, making the resistance grow daily. More so, it was making it seem like they just might win.

The veiled figure's footsteps came to an abrupt stop under the illumination of a singular lightpost. Quickly, the figure entered into the shadow casted against the edifice. One benefit was reaped from the Quincy war: the exploration and implications of the shadow dominion. For years now, Soul Reapers, like Urahara, had been diving into the cache of potentiality that access to such a world meant. After figuring a way to not only enter, but manipulate such power, it became another big player in the resistance. One could navigate through the shadow world, dexterously moving from place to place completely unperceived. However, merely entering into a shadow would lead into what appeared to be a pocket universe that expanded into blinding whitness. The alabaster vastness was stretched tightly over foreseeable miles, only ending as one's line of vision did.

A heliotrope hued ripple jaundiced the unwavering whiteness as a figure stepped through, only to take in the already de-hooded figures of their comrades standing against the incessant background.

The murmurs of about forty plus people talking amongst themselves could be heard, none really taking too much notice to the new arrival.

"Yumichika-san," Juushiro greeted him with a warm smile as the lithe man uncloaked himself, allowing his long violaceous braid to sweep across his shoulder.

"Captain," he exclaimed to his new superior, greeting him with an equally warm gesture. Ever since Yumichika had switched squads and found himself the third seat of the thirteenth division, Juushiro took meticulous care in being a mentor towards the younger man. How his teaching style differed vastly from Zaraki's. Juushiro was a pertinacious and demonstrative teacher, so mesmerized by the pure staunchness of Yumichika's vines that he made it his mission to aid in the nourishment of this power. The younger Soul Reaper was as retentive as a sponge to the gentle yet judicious and resolute teachings of his captain. His powers were now thriving, flourishing even. It was such a thing he had never experienced in his days of being the fifth seat of the eleventh division, though he'd never regret those days and looked upon them with fondness, now he could see his life no other way, for being in the eleventh division was like a rose bush trying to bloom in the desert, futilely withering away without the proper nourishment. But like a tender and loving horticulturist, Ikkaku had uprooted the beauty and replanted it where it could thrive, stretch, breath, and just exist. Through the aid of his new captain, as if he was the water and sun to his dormant powers, Yumichika had grown to new heights. This was his rewritten curriculum vitae, and he was infinitely grateful to his lover and new captain.

He remembered the moment he'd showed his new captain his powers, which was also the day he'd become involved in this movement.

xXx

Lithe vines swept across the blazing sky with agility, the iridescent shimmer cascading across the flat dirt-covered terrain of the thirteenth division training ground. The desolate ground lit up like jewels gleaming with a deep scintillation as Yumichika aimed his beautiful scythe towards a tree, absorbing the reishi of the timber. When the flowers began to bud and then burgeon, the wielder felt the tickle of a smile pull at his crevices. This was the first time he had used his power without any reservations or paranoia: it truly felt like the real first time he'd used his power, and it was ineffably freeing and beautiful.

His eyes went from the blossoms and back onto his seasoned mentor, only to notice his gaze fixated on the spectacle and his verdigris eyes opaqued with the shimmer of wetness. Like a translucent gemstone, a single tear glided down his pearly cheek.

"Captain?" Yumichika called, his face twisting slightly in confusion at the unexpected reaction.

Juushiro merely wiped the tear from his opalescent features and allowed a tender and tranquil smile to illuminate his emerald orbs. "Ah yes, Yumichika-san, please don't take offense in my reaction." Taking one last look at the recoiling vines, he asserted, "It's just, I believe that's the most beautiful shikai I've ever had the honor of seeing."

Yumichika actually blushed from the recognition, especially from such an esteemed reaper as Juushiro. For a moment, he tried thinking about what Zaraki would have said if he'd ever seen his true shikai, only to push the masochistic thought out of his head. He understood and accepted that he'd never be appreciated like that by his old captain, but refused to let his own worth be defined by such. "Thank you," he replied. "That means more than you know."

Standing beside his new student, Juushiro expressed, "It's hard to believe you kept something so all-encompassing held within for so long."

Despite there being no malice or judgment in the captain's words, a shard of shame stabbed at Yumichika. Basking in his true crux, it baffled him how he he'd been able to suffocate such a thing for so long. How he wished he had of been honest with Ikkaku sooner. Hanging his head slightly, he went to speak, but as if his captain had been reading his mind, he interrupted him.

"Don't feel as if I'm chastising you, Yumichika-san. If anything, I'm praising you," the always astute Captain clarified. "Your ability for self-sacrifice is one of the facets that makes you you, that grants your soul with such a staunch and pure power. It's both a flaw and an attribute, your best and worst part, if you will, but nonetheless, a part of you. Being able to contain a power of this level with such grace and patience is truly a testament to the vigor of your soul."

Heat was exuding from Yumichika's chest at the carefully cultivated wisdom from his mentor. Feeling more jaunty, he teased, "Well, it certainly takes a man with a high level of patience and decorum to deal with the ruffians of Squad Eleven."

"You excel in both," the captain agreed with a soft smile. "Which is why your powers will be so essential to deal with the tumult within the Soul Society as of now."

With a slight look of confusion, Yumichika asked, "What do you mean exactly?"

A dolor seriousness marred Juushiro as he explained, "Well, with all the clamor going on about these separatists and the defectors, we're going to need strong Soul Reapers to fight for the integrity of the Gotei."

With a placating tone, his wisteria eyes gaped slightly. "Captain, you don't truly believe what is being said about Kuchiki-san and Ichigo-san, right?"

Cocking an eyebrow at the younger man, Juushiro inquired, "You don't?"

Without hesitation, Yumichika replied resolutely, "Not for a moment."

With an amicable smile, the Captain said, "It is truly hard to believe, but despite how displeasing it is to go after two people I hold so closely to my heart, as representatives of the Seireitei, we mustn't overlook it."

Yumichika had always been the shrewdest of all his comrades within the Eleventh Division, and it didn't take him very long to discern that something was awry. The claims had been baseless at least, not to mention the odd rumors flying around, but more so, despite not knowing the two on an intimate level, he knew his comrades well enough to know when someone was trying to soil their good names. Yumichika was truly a respectful individual, especially to those who he considered his superiors, however, his astonishment at his captain's declaration stopped him from biting his tongue.

"You can't truly believe that, Captain. With all due respect, just because Central declares something to be the truth doesn't make it so. Without out a shadow of a doubt, I believe in their innocence, and I'm honestly surprised that you don't, knowing them as well as you do. Along with these rumors about a reform group and these feeble accusations that have been thrown around, it seems the only ones with something to hide is Central."

At how earnestly and tempestuously Yumichika expressed his concerns, the captain's eyes gaped as he smiled inwardly. "You believe the rumors about this reform group?" he questioned.

Pursing his lips in contemplation, Yumichika poised, "I'm too skeptical to believe hearsay, but the rumors are stating that this reform group had been merely trying to help the district become self-sufficient and only turned into a resistance because Central has been attacking innocent Gotei members for unknown reasons and their own self-preservation, and somehow Kuchiki-san and Ichigo were caught in the middle. Central has made a lot of accusations and stated that they're only trying to protect us, but the only ones I see hurting us are them." He took a sharp sigh before concluding, "All I'm saying is, as I can't just believe in the reform movement without proof, I can't believe Central without proof, and honestly, the rumors about the real resistance and why those two defected seems much more likely, from what I know about the situation."

Somewhat cryptically, the captain smiled and noted, "That is another great virtue to have, the ability to think for oneself and not blindly follow." Turning on his heels, he started to walk away as he said, "Come, let's head back to the division."

That night, Yumichika received a sakura branchlet along with a cloak sitting in his room. Unlike most, he has been propositioned to be within the inner circle of the reform movement, a circle that was only forty strong. Some reapers, after continued illustration to their allegiance with the society, would be allowed to enter into the circle, though this was a rarity. Perhaps it was because Yumichika had already worked closely with Urahara and Juushiro on a myriad of occasions and they already could attest to his character that he wasn't made to jump through these same hoops.

He took no time in informing Ikkaku, for he always knew Ikkaku's only true alliance lay with his comrades and his Captain. In fact, if Zaraki had propositioned the whole squad to leave the Seireitei, Yumichika was sure he'd follow. Though, it wasn't until recently that Ikkaku had been granted within the inner circle of this elusive group, or that he'd even had a desire to be, but as the decrees and dictation melted their world into a tyrannical wasteland, Ikkaku too wanted to be involved in the eradication of such villains.

xXx

With a lowered brow, Juushiro asked, "Is Madarame-san not with you?"

Giving a slightly troubled glare, Yumichika replied, "He's supposed to meet me here, I'm not su-" The reaper was cut off by the same clamorous ripple opening behind him, "Speak of the devil," he noted as Ikkaku disrobed his cloak.

Crossing his bulky arms across his strapping chest, he narrowed his severe orbs in scrutiny as he glanced over the void and stood next to his lover.

"Ah- It's nice for you to join us, Madarame-san," Juushiro auspiciously greeted, looking so humbled without his captain's haori and his tied up hair.

Once again looking over the trifling attendance, Ikkaku gave a captious glare before leaning in slightly closer to Yumichika to denounce rather rudely, "Some resistance."

Yumichika took no time in lambasting the man with an elbow to the side, earning a deep scowl.

A regal man who looked close in age to Byakuya with azure-hued hair and the most piercing golden orbs Ikkaku had ever seen stood quietly beside the frost-haired captain. He was the only unrecognizable person in the room, but his looks gave the impression that he was from a well-to-do family. Those xanthous orbs that were burnished by a scintilla of emerald specks were enough to demand attention. The debonair man spoke up, "Don't let our size fool you, we have hundreds of followers. We're just rather selective over who we allow within out direct circle." An impish grin gaped his opalescent skin before he continued, "We find discretion to be more imperative than popularity. So you're rather lucky to find yourself among us."

The oddly attractive stranger placed out a hand for the brusque man, to which Ikkaku glared at rather dubiously before returning the gesture begrudgingly. He thought about ignoring it all together, but would rather not received another death glare from his partner. "I'd say you guys are the lucky ones." He quickly shook the hand before asking, "Who are you? I've never seen you around?"

In a placating tone, Juushiro interjected, "Where are my manners? Madarame-san, this is one of my most trusted and long known colleagues, and one of the biggest movers and shakers in the reform and resistance movement, Konoe Ryunosuke."

Ikkaku's glare went from choleric to stupefied in an instant as he asked, "Woe, wait, you mean like the Konoes, as in one of the four noble households Konoe Clan?"

With a somewhat devil-may-care tousle of purple-blue shoulder length hair, he confirmed, "The one and only. I'm a clan elder."

This only educed a more rattled look from Ikkaku. He took no time in bombarding the man with questions. "Wait? I thought clan elders made up Central? Yumichika told me you have no clue why Central's acting this way, but you've got an inside guy? That doesn't make sense."

Giving a somewhat wolfish laugh, he turned to his seasoned comrade and noted, "How precarious and ardent these youth are these days."

Juushiro gave a concurring chortle. "Perhaps, but we need a zealot like Ikkaku-san. He's the type that, once he believes in something, is quite tenacious."

Ikkaku wasn't particularly fond of two men he barely knew making any types of assumptions about him, though it wasn't as if Juushiro was wrong. He had always been loyal above anything, and after months of his comrades being arrested and prosecuted without just cause, a man of his pride couldn't sit back and do nothing, especially when his own lover was fighting against the malfeasance.

"Madarame-san," the elder explained, "things are not that simple. True, Central is made up of house elders, and in a perfect world those seats would be divided evenly. Although, the Kuchiki clan has held the majority of its seats since the creation of the Seireitei, seeing as the Kuchiki clan and their soldiers was the true founders of the Seireitei. They've always held the most power. They hold twenty six seats in all, using their elders and members of their sub family. Whatever they want to happen, happens without opposition. In fact, the rest of the clan elders have no idea what the Kuchiki Clan's true motives are. We're just as in the dark as the rest of the Gotei."

Konoe put on a placating smile as Ikkaku became seemingly less addled and speculated, "So it's not really Central we're after, but the Kuchiki clan?"

Giving an introspective side glare, the elder clarified, "It's still more complex than that. The rest of the elders have sat around complacently. It's much like the saying 'If you're not with us, you're against us.' Though they may not be directly involved in the Kuchiki's furtive strategies, they would rather tumultuously follow the Kuchiki's rule than risk their comfy positions. It's neglect at the highest degree."

Brazen and fight ready, Ikkaku nodded to signified his understanding, and declared, "Right, so when does the action start?"

A playful grin pulled at the elder, who stood jauntily in his royal blue kimono bedizened with golden leaves. Before he could respond, a serious and berating voice chimed in.

"That would be the first thing on your mind, you oaf," Toshiro affronted as he walked up with Shuuhei and Shinji at his side. "This is a resistance of patience, not brute force." For the first time, Ikkaku truly took in the face of the attendees. All were high ranking Soul Reapers. All the Vizard, along with a multitude of officers, even the brainiacs of Aiko's team who all wielded bankai, were apart of the assemblage.

Continuing on his diatribe, Toshiro added, "You help by keeping an ear to the ground, by discreetly gathering intel of the enemies and enlisting others to the cause."

Juushiro merely nodded in agreement as Ikkaku scoffed, "I didn't get involved to wait around. I'm just not the type to do nothing."

This earned a chortle from Shinji. "Yo, Ikkaku-san is right, he's not exactly the shrouded in darkness type, more the jump into action type."

"That will be equally needed, all in good time," Juushiro reminded with a somewhat wary glare.

"Well," the devil-may-care elder poised, "We have been wanting more information on Kuchiki Naomi. Perhaps he'd be of some use with that."

Juushiro gave the elder a look of apprehensiveness and said, "Now Ryunosuke-san-."

With a flippant shrug of the shoulders, he interrupted, "What? The boy doesn't want to merely sit idly on his hands." With a cocked eye brow, he practically hissed, "Let's give him a challenge, shall we?"

Ikkaku had to wonder how a man like Konoe had become so deeply involved in this movement or how he'd become friends with Juushiro. On the surface, he seemed rather indifferent, overtly playful, and aloof. Though the same could be said about the Captain-Commander. Perhaps Juushiro has a type.

Yumichika's narrowed his eyes at the group, addled by the suggestion. "Kuchiki Naomi? the new Sixth Division Captain? But why?"

Pursing his lips to veil a smirk, Konoe rolled back and forth on his heels like an eager child while nodding his head. "And the head of the Kuchiki household. I think our audacious Madarame-san would be the most likely to win over the Kuchiki's trust."

With an almost amused cock of the eyebrow, Yumichika asked, "Isn't that a lot like asking a coal miner to set a flower arrangement?"

"Hey!" Ikkaku bellowed as Yumichika interlaced his lissome fingers with Ikkaku's leathery ones.

"I'm merely assessing your attributes. Kuchiki's are known for refinement and coldness. You're much too…" He searched for the right word, "spirited to gain the trust of their clan leader."

Snarling, Ikkaku muttered, "Sounds like your nice way of calling me a brute."

Squeezing the hand affectionately, with a smirk, Yumichika asserted, "Don't be silly, if I wanted to call you a brute, I just would."

"The Kuchiki name may be synonymous with refinement, but Naomi is the black sheep of the family, you could say, or more correctly, another piece in the collection of Kuchiki secrets, probably the most valuable piece." With a wiggle of the eyebrows, his smile could be seen in his vivid animated orbs. "There is very little couth to that woman. Though she appears stoic and with a somber disposition, she's rather bloodthirsty, almost maniacally so. More so, she's known for being quite the troublemaker, never to back down and completely rash, not to mention she has a few screws lose up there." He pointed towards his noggin as his eyes gaped, as if to say 'yikes.'

"A few?" Juushiro questioned, his voice filled with the hum of amusement, "That woman is deranged at best."

"Ah yes, you could say Naomi's savoir-faire is somewhat putty. Though, she's known for her immense amount of spiritual pressure and intelligence, fierce and completely mad," he shook his head at the chilling thought, "a frightening tonic. In fact, it's said that her true power is bounds above Byakuya-san."

"I find that hard to believe," Ikkaku spat flatly. "If she's so strong, why haven't I heard about her before she came out as the new captain of the sixth?"

"Did you not here me say she was their most valuable secret?" He yawned slightly, his demeanor tittering on the edge of indifferent, which threw Ikkaku's stomach into shambles. "That's not what's important though. The important part is that she may have more insight onto the true motives of the Kuchiki clan elders, which is imperative to our mission. Madarame-san is such a simpleton, she'd never expect an ulterior motive, and knowing her, she would find kinship in his crazed mannerisms." Ikkaku just sneered at the scrupulous comment, but refrained from a response as the man continued with a sly smile, "Are you a drinker, Madarame-san?"

Allowing himself the smallest flicker of a smirk, Ikkaku answered, "Only second to a fighter."

"Well, so is Kuchiki Naomi, a hard one. She spends a lot of time away from the manor and at local pubs getting drunk by herself." Cocking an eyebrow, he said leadingly, "Perhaps you should give her some company."

Sneering slightly, Yumichika emoted, "I don't like this idea; it seems dangerous."

Juushiro added, "It does seem rather big a risk. Naomi-san is very intelligent, like you noted. If she realizes what he's doing, she won't hesitate to have Madarame-san arrested."

Twisting his pursed lips, Konoe reasoned, "I'm merely suggesting he earn her good graces, not infiltrate the manor." His eyes flicked impishly towards Ikkaku, as if he was trying to tell him something telepathically. "But it's truly up to Madarame-san."

Without hesitation, Ikkaku narrowed his eyes resolutely and affirmed, "I'm in. I'll do it."

"Ikkaku!" Yumichika incipient protest was cut off by the stanch and unyielding glare of Ikkaku.

"I won't hear it, 'Chika. You know I'm not the type to patiently wait around and do nothing. If I'm helping, then I'm going to do something. If she knows something that could help, then it's worth the risk." At his lover's continued solicitous glare, Ikkaku wished everyone else could just disappear so they wouldn't see this more sentimental side of him. "Everyone here is here because they're willing to risk their lives for this, just like how we risk our lives fighting every day. I know you're worried. I don't want anything to happen to you either, but it's what we have to do. We can't let the fear of losing each other hold us back."

Everyone had the good enough sense to keep any comments to them self, besides Konoe, who smiled hugely and giggled, "How adorable."

Ikkaku just snarled, and Yumichika squeezed his hand tighter before nodding and conceding, "You're right."

With this, Juushiro and Konoe stepped away to talk to some other members. Toshiro followed, but not before giving an genuine warning. "Madarame-san, this truly isn't to be insulting, so don't take it as such, but be careful. Naomi Kuchiki-san is fiercely intelligent, bounds beyond yours and probably mine. Not to mention, she's as mad as a hatter. One misstep and you'll be found out."

Shinji speculated with a halfhearted smirk, "Maybe it's all that intelligence that makes her so mad. When all you can do it think about everything, it must be pretty daunting."

Shuuhei, arms crossed, his austere face silently observing, spoke up, "I'm pretty smart and I'm not crazy."

Nudging his friend slightly, he teased, "Yeah, but you're not that smart."

The punk-esque reaper gave something between a huff and a smirk as he countered, "I was smart enough to be one of the first of the Gotei to realize something was up with Central."

Yumichika let a slight smile tickle his features as he confirmed, "Hisagi-san realized something was adrift before anyone else in the Gotei and started sniffing around himself." He giggled slightly. "Captain was so worried that he'd get himself exposed working alone that he took him into the circle immediately."

"And you know me," Shinji interrupted, "Once a defector, always a defector. Plus, it's the least I can do for Urahara-san and Ichigo-san."

"I think we all feel that way," Ikkaku responded gruffly.

His usually deadpan face assuaged as he cocked an eyebrow towards the heliotrope-haired beauty, stepping a bit closer. "I'm just glad we have your true shikai on our side. Ever since you used it on me, almost sucked me dry, I knew it was something special."

With a supercilious chortle and a slight turn of the nose, Yumichika countered, "I'm surprised you even remember, considering I left you barely with your wits, Hisagi-san."

Giving an evocative huff, Hisagi retorted, "No need to be so formal, call me Shuuhei, Yumichika," he practically purred, making Ikkaku's blood curdle. He did not like the overt sexual implications in this guy's voice, nor would he stand for someone using Yumichika's name in such an intimate manner. Not that he gave a shit about honorifics, but the absence of one in this guy's mouth was just sickening after the way he eyed Yumichika.

Ikkaku stayed static in his spot but his face vacillated into a threatening glare. "Unless you want him to be calling you dead, don't use Yumichika's name lightly." To this, his lover merely pursed his smirking lips and averted his eyes slightly as he let out an amused huff.

Shinji was looking away awkwardly, humming as he slung his torpid arms into his pockets. Hisagi just nodded and smirked before returning his face back to its usually severe state. "Right. We wouldn't want that." Both of the men turned away as he concluded, "We'll see you two around."

"That fucker has some balls, and right in front of me too," Ikkaku grunted.

"Oh, it's harmless. Besides, no one really knows about out entanglement," Yumichika cajoled before giving his lover a somewhat sensual brush of the shoulder, "Though it was precious seeing you get all territorial like that."

Was it not some unspoken rule that those two belonged to each other exclusively? Ikkaku thought so. Not that he thought of Yumi as something that belonged to him, like some object, but their most intimate parts were reserved for each other. At the almost mocking tone in Yumi's voice, Ikkaku rolled his eyes and said, "Yeah, so fucking cute."

Smirking slightly, he leaned in close enough for his tepid dulcet breath to be felt on Ikkaku's earlobe. "What's the matter, do you want me to suck you dry too? I'll be more than happy to wrap you up in my vines," he purred.

Ikkaku groaned before he turned his head and placed a tender kiss on his suggestive lover's temple, right above his ear. His voice was somewhere between a whisper and a growl as he responded, "Maybe later, I have some business I have to attend to."

The lustful look waffled back into a trouble glare, but Yumichika merely nodded and responded with a sweet smile, "Right, me too."

With that, Ikkaku sauntered away, moving through the moxie of reapers and Seireitei dwellers alike before he found who he was in search for. Despite what people conceived Ikkaku as, he was far from some brainless sack of muscles. No, he too had his own plans for how to deal with the new head of the Kuchiki household and he was going to do this is way. Being in his squad, dealing with crazy was somewhat his expertise; if anyone could do this it would be him.

Selim, who was anchored beside her twin, Jessie, gave Ikkaku an abrasive look as he walked towards them.

In his usual rude and thoughtless manner, Ikkaku greeted, "Poison-chick, I need to talk to you for a bit."

Jessie just averted his eyes and chuckled, knowing no one who wanted anything from his sister would get it by being so brazen. His brotherly impulse wasn't ringing any bells; Selim was complete savage and capable of caring for herself.

Barely dignifying the man with a look, she retorted, "Come back to me when you have a different personality."

Undeterred, he stayed anchored, "Can't, I don't have an eternity. I need your help."

When Selim continued to ignore him, he set his jaw and rolled his eyes. Irately, he added, "It's for the resistance, Selim-san."

Giving his a dubious glared before tapping her chin thoughtfully, she pondered, "What could you possibly need from me?"

Sighing in relief, he asked, "Can your poison only be used through your zanpakutou or can you-?"

He was cut off by a particularly creepy smile stretching the girl's frosted skin and the sound of her amused chuckle. "Oh my, Madarame-san, you want to poison someone?" She batted her eyelashes in a sultry manner. "A man after my own heart." She flicked her tongue slightly before giving a supercilious tousle of the hair. "Every poison type zanpankutou has the capability to withdraw the poison and use it without the sword. It's all about the relationship you have with your sword spirit and if they'll let you have it, seeing as the poison runs through their own blood." Placing her lithe poisoned jaundiced fingers on her chest, she mused, "Me being the strongest poison zanpakutou wielder, you've made a good choice."

At this, Jessie eyes almost rolled out of his head while Ikkaku said, "It's not like I had many choices."

Jessie gave her a reprimanding glare, but still wore his smile. "Now Selim, stop being so arrogant."

Boasting, she gave a scoff and raised her eyebrows. "It's true, most wielders only control one or a two poisons, where as I have a myriad of poisons, and that's only in my shikai form." Letting her tongue roll over her maniacal smirk, she added, "You don't even want to see my bankai." Her eyes widened, as if the thought tantalized her. "It could take out whole cities."

Despite Ikkaku being a sword-happy fighter at his core, he wasn't some sicko who found joy at the idea of killing innocent people, so the way the girl talked about such a thing in such an adventitious manner gave him the creeps.

"Excuse me," she giggled slightly, "Being around Aiko so long made me a-"

Cutting her off, Ikkaku insulted, "A crazy bitch?"

Smiling brilliantly, she corrected, "I was going to say a zealot, actually."

Through clenched teeth, he muttered, "If this chick is as crazy as they say, I don't see why they didn't just ask you. You guys seem like you'd have a lot in common."

Unfazed by Ikkaku's cleverness, she said matter of factly, "Oh, I'm much too intelligent." Giving him a once over, as if she was sizing up his attributes, she concluded, "No, someone of your mental inferiority is much more likely to succeed."

Ikkaku had had it with shots at his intelligence. He was one pointed comment away from releasing his shikai on the poor soul who said it. "I'm plenty smart enough to do what I have to."

With the cool guy smirk and his causal blitheness, Jessie cajoled, "Don't get so worked up, big guy. It's only the truth. Selim, Ulter, and I are all certifiably genius. Captain Hitsugaya-san also, even Hisagi-san is extremely intelligent. As for everyone else, their personalities are just not compatible. You don't look or act like the type of man who'd be knee-deep in a resistance, and if rumors are correct," he added smugly, "you're quite the rowdy one yourself. You're the optimal choice."

Before Ikkaku could retort, Selim quipped humorously, "So, Ikkaku-san, what's your poison?"

Rubbing his head thoughtful, his nostrils flaring as he gave a contemplative huff. "Just something to make her fall asleep."

Poking out her lip slightly, she whined, "No fun. Well, I guess it would be wrong to hurt her." Shaking her head slightly, she merely touched the hit of her sword and released into her shikai. Her hair turning a vibrant green that was only highlighted by the entirety of her eyes turning into blinding alabaster.

As she closed her eyes and rubbed her temples, she fell into a prolonged epoch of silence. "What's she doing?" Ikkaku pondered.

"Meditating. She's asking her spirit for its poison. I don't know why, but she has to do it in her released form."

Ikkaku simply nodded and waited in anticipation. After a few more moments, Selim's eyes opened and her form changed back to its normal appearance. Uncoiling her hand, a singular needle was carefully perched on her palm. Ikkaku, without forbearance, held out his hand and let her roll it into his.

"Don't let it prick you, fool," she chastised.

"Yeah, that was exactly my plan," he replied sardonically.

Smiling up at the man, she explained, "Just stir this bad boy in her drink and she'll be out within seconds."

Nodding to signify he understood, he simply said, "Got it, thanks," before turning on his heels to leave.

Throwing his sister a dubious glare as she hummed slightly, rolling back and forth on her heels like a devious child, Jessie asked, "Shouldn't you have told him that stuff only last like fifteen minutes?"

Batting her eye lashes, the impish girl shrugged her shoulders. "I didn't want to make things too boring for him."

xXx

Jazzybella: Thank you for your support! I'm glade you're enjoying it because this story is my total baby. Please keep reviewing love. 3

Siwon611: Thanks baby doll! I appreciate the support. I really love Portland because its nick named the 'city of the weird' and every time I read about Portland in the news, theres always something crazy going on, like men wearing glitter in their beards or mysterious sex toys showing up on power lines all around the city. I thought it would make for come good comedy later.