Disclaimer: - I don't own Bleach. Kubo Tite owns Bleach.

WARNING MASSIVE SPOILERS

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Midnight Rendezvous

The next morning, there was a knock on the door, signifying the arrival of guests. "Captain Abarai, Kuchiki-sama, Ishida-san, Asano-san. Please come in," Hyou bowed politely as he answered the door. "Sorry our room is so small."

"It's alright," the Quincy answered as he raised his hand, waving off the apology. "We won't be long."

"I'll be with you in a sec!" Ichigo called out, hunched over his table, folding letters into the three envelopes on the side.

Looking around the small room, their eyes rested on a small altar by the door. "Kurosaki, may we?" Ishida asked.

He nodded in reply, as he turned around and got up from his seat. One by one the guests paid their respects to Kon. Hyou looked on in wonder. This religion seemed to be more widespread than he thought, adding on to the list of things to look into. Saito looked up from his bed over the text book he had been reading, only to meet the piercing glare of Kuchiki Rukia. He turned back hastily to avoid her death stare, keeping his face devoid of any emotion.

As Ichigo finished his offering, Renji noticed that someone was missing. "Where's Ganjyu?"

"He won't be back till much later, Captain Abarai," Hyou answered.

"That's fine then. We gotta go on a mission now anyway," he motioned to Rukia.

Rukia took the letters from Ichigo's hand and tucked it in her kimono, knowing that it was for his sisters and his father.

"Thanks Rukia," he murmured through a slight smile.

"No thanks needed, Ichigo," said Rukia as she turned around to leave with the red haired Captain. "You just owe me for this, you owe me big."

Rushing out the door, Ichigo remembered one last thing. "Oi! Rukia!" she turned around inquisitively. "Get me a box of pens, okay!"

She smiled. The Ichigo that always thought about his friends, in his round about way, hadn't changed, not even in death. "I'll think about it," she teased as she marched off after Renji. Ichigo smiled inwardly, he knew she would.

"Come with us," Ishida flat voice rose behind him. "We need to talk."

Ichigo glanced at Saito, lying in bed reading and nodded his assent. As Ichigo left with Ishida and Keigo, no one noticed as Hyou walked off into the night, alone.

It was late when the three of them finally made their way to a grassy outcrop, on the outskirts of Seireitei overlooking the great wall. The warm night blew in a gentle breeze from Soul Society's eternal spring.

"It's been a while since we sat down and talked like this," Keigo commented as he brought out bottles of sake from his knapsack and passed one to each of his companions.

"Yeah," Ichigo stared off into the distance, beyond Rukongai. "What is it you really want?"

Ishida adjusted his glasses. "Something big's happening in Soul Society Kurosaki, and we want to know what it is."

"Is that why you came?"

"No, this was purely a diplomatic and political visit, fleshing out the Real World Treaty. It's the way Soul Society is doing it that's making me suspicious," Ishida gave an expectant look to Ichigo, hoping he would add a piece to the puzzle.

"What did they tell you?"

"Not bloody much!" Keigo answered contemptuously.

Ishida scowled as Kiego took a swig from his bottle. "There's been Arrancar attacks directly in the real world and in Rukongai. How they're getting into Rukongai, I don't know. But your Vizard friends are working overtime in Hueco Mundo, trying to find out how they can open portals to here. But what's alarming is the Arrancars are coming with Hollows. Their attacks are very organized and consist of mostly hit and runs, not very Hollow like behaviour."

"Could be Ulquiorra or Grimmjow, they're still around," Ichigo added hopefully.

"That doesn't explain the portals or the subservience of the Hollows." Ishida said, irritated by Ichigo's optimism. "Before, they were fighting randomly, as if purely for fighting's sake, but now they're like a guerrilla unit attacking in an organized fashion, and worse…"

"Worse?" Ichigo raised an eyebrow. What was worse than the Arrancar's becoming smarter and getting organized?

"I spotted a new Espada level Arrancar in the real world. Not a reiatsu I've seen before. Massive and dark." Keigo added and took another swill from his sake bottle.

"How?"

"We met him in the real world."

"He'd just Cero'd a shopping mall and then left when we got there," Ishida added. "It seemed very out of character. Normally they're more than happy to stay around and fight to the death. Based on all the recent activity, I believe there's more than what meets the eye."

"Those bastards have made it hard for us to act!" Keigo complained loudly, "They only seem to come during day time now and we're not invisible. News crews are all over Karakura!"

"On top of normal Hollow eradication and soul burials, Soul Society and our resources are stretched to the limit," Ishida gave a stern look to Ichigo. "They wouldn't release you to us for active duty claiming you haven't completed the academy yet. I'm surprised you haven't proven your worth to them."

Ichigo looked away guiltily and chose his words carefully. "It's not that simple. They want me to complete the academy officially, so no one will complain when they appoint me as a captain."

"Since when did you care about those things?" Ishida questioned, not buying his answer at all. "And why do you seem to have a body guard?"

Ichigo focused, and found the familiar reiatsu of Saito sitting 300 yards away, "Oh him… he was assigned. Not my choice, bastards more annoying than anything." Ichigo stretched uncomfortably. Changing the topic he asked, "So what's in the treaty?"

Ishida gave his friend one last suspicious look before taking a deep breath and adjusted his glasses. "The usual fine points to any bureaucracy, who does what, when. Jurisdiction points, meeting arrangements etcetera. We're also trying to establish a permanent Senkeimon (1), complete with Reishihenkanki (2) from Urahara's shop to Soul Society. However the demands that they have made are very unusual," Ishida passed his full bottle over to Keigo who had just finished his second. Looking up at the stars, he began to recount the points. "One, they're trying to gather the original five noble houses and reinstate them. As you know the Shiba clan has been reinstated already. They want Yoruichi-san back to re-instate the Shihoun clan."

Ichigo nodded as he took a draught of his sake, staring towards the stars as well.

"Two," Ishida continued. "They want to create a universal detection and communication network between Soul Society and the Real world. This we have no problems with."

"What did you use before?" Ichigo asked, out of curiosity.

"Urahara had created a small private mobile network for us which detected the opening of gates. Soul Society's detection method is based on tracking hollows and reiatsu and is independent of ours so they couldn't contact or inform us directly. They want to collaborate on that and I have no problems with it."

"The last points a bitch!" Keigo growled. He was lying down now, looking at the stars, having finished his third bottle.

Ishida looked hard at the ground before him, his face scowling in slight anger. "They want to limit Quincies."

"Limit? What do you mean?"

"They want me to agree that there shall be no more than four Quincies in existence at any one time. One in Soul Society – "

"Whoah, woah, one in Soul Society?"

"Yes. Permanently stationed here, meaning they'll eventually lose their link to the real world and become a permanent spirit," Ishida turned to face Ichigo. "It's not that bad. Just like you, they'll still keep their Quincy powers and have the longevity of spirits. It's the three in the real world I'm worried about."

"Why?"

"Well it'll be a succession line, Grandmaster to Master to Apprentice. No new apprentice can be trained until one of these three die. This way, the Quincy power will never disappear and Soul Society gets a permanent executioner. The concern is the fineness of this succession line, but it is easier to monitor with less people," Ishida expression changed to one of worry and deep sorrow, unusual for one usually so confident. "I don't like the idea of signing on behalf of future generations, making up their choices before they can. If anyone in the future decides to train extra apprentices or train people in secret…"

Ichigo waited a while but Ishida didn't continue. "What happens then?"

"Soul Society will kill every last Quincy and send the executioner to train a new line for succession," Ishida replied flatly. "More Quincy blood."

"For the balance of the two worlds huh?" he whispered bitterly.

"Yes."

The warm air became sand paper in Ichigo's throat and the three companions sat quietly for a while. Looking to breaking the stifling silence, Ichigo turned his attention to Keigo. "I heard you started to train seriously. What happened?"

Keigo mulled over the question, one hand unconsciously rubbing the stubble on his chin. He seemed to be remembering something horrible, his face went pale before relaxing slightly. He scowled, a rare expression indeed, before finally opening his mouth. "I was stupid. I knew they were coming but I was too late. Mizuiro died in my arms… I should've died with him, but I was spared," he paused, then finally whispered. "Everyone was fighting their hardest, but I was lazy… and weak." His eyes became focused, but his voice was stronger and more confident. "I swore that day that I would never be weak again. I swore that I will never let my friends die again." Keigo turned to Ichigo, his eyes burning a flag of determination. A look he's often seen before, in his own reflection.

"Just don't do anything rash and get yourself killed," Ichigo spoke seriously. "We're your friends, you nakama. (3) When we swore to protect, we swore to protect you too."

They stood up slowly and brushed the grass of their clothes. It was time to head back. Ishida took a few steps toward Ichigo, till they were side by side. "I know you're hiding something," Ishida whispered, barely moving his mouth. "Just like the time you went off to train to become a Vizard. Whenever your ready to tell us," he adjusted his glasses before continuing, "Just don't do anything rash and get yourself killed… We're your friends, you nakama. When we swore to protect, we swore to protect you too."

Hyou entered the cavern to find Yukino already practicing Hakudo by herself. He watched her kata (4) in fascination. Her moves were flowing and circular, not like the harsh, jarring moves of Ichigo and Ganjyu. He stood on the side and waited till she finished "Yamada-san, that was very beautiful."

She smiled and bowed then walked over to meet him.

"Would you like a drink? You can rest while we wait for Shiba-san," Hyou offered.

She gratefully accepted the drink and sat down against the cavern wall while taking small sips and fanning herself with one hand. Hyou sat down beside her, his mind running though all the events that had transpired over the past week. His kept returning to one thought, Kurosaki Ichigo.

"What do you think of Kurosaki-san?" Hyou asked with a wry grin, feeling the need to confide in someone.

She turned to look at him through crimson eyes before taking out her brush and scroll writing out two words, 'good man'.

Hyou smiled back. "I know, but doesn't it seem like he's mysteriously powerful or experienced or both?"

She shrugged and wrote down, 'doesn't matter, he's our friend and classmate'.

Hyou could only nod in agreement. "I heard you met him in the hallway. Why did you decide to greet him?"

Her eyes dulled a little. 'He was picked on, so was I'.

He could imagine what the life of a mute was like in Rukongai and he didn't like it. The subject looked like it pained her so he decided to go no further. He realized he didn't know very much about his companion, through no fault of her own, yet he felt he could trust her.

"Can I talk to you and can you keep it a secret?"

She gave him a look of curiousity before putting her hand across her chest and nodding vigorously.

"Thank you" Hyou was genuinely grateful.

A dam burst as all his thoughts struggled to flow forth. "When I first met Kurosaki-san he seemed to know a lot of people, for a freshman." Yukino nodded in agreement. "I also thought maybe he was some noble's pet project. He was very close to Kuchiki-sama and was very informal around her, and Shiba-san," He paused to collect his thoughts. "But then I heard about his duel. To be honest, at first, I wasn't so surprised he'd won. To get noble sponsorship you would have to have some talent, although from what I heard he was too much for Tsukimoto-san."

She nodded, obviously she had heard the rumours as well.

"Then I met his friends. And you know they turned out to be? They turned out to be the Representatives of the Real World."

The look that came across her face expressed pure shock.

"When they talked, he was very informal with them. It's obvious he knew them for a long time. It was also obvious that they had fought together in the real world."

Yukino looked at him curiously before wetting her brush again, 'Maybe he's a real world warrior who's been buried?'

"That's what I thought at first," Hyou nodded. "So I checked up the burial records at the academy library to find the Zanpaktou that buried him. He wasn't listed. So I checked under souls buried by unnamed or unknown Zanpaktous and he wasn't there either. According to Soul Society records he was never buried so how did he become a Shinigami?" Yukino couldn't hide the surprise on her face and merely shrugged.

Hyou scratched his head. "Then there was that game of Onigoto. No one can deny Kurosaki-san's performance was high level. He out stepped the 10th years with not a problem at all. Then he paced against The Shunshin Yoruichi. I counted roughly 250 steps each, judging by their reiatsu pulses. I did some researched and apparently that's seated class Shunpo skill. But the way they were both using it, even though I can't prove it, I get the feeling he's above that level as well." Yukino nodded slowly, absentmindedly sucking on her wet brush as she followed his train of thought.

"Then there was the time that I joked about Bankai to Shiba-san and Kurosaki-san and there was a very short pause as if I'd stepped on their foot. Do you think they'd let a Shinigami who can do Bankai into the academy?" He suddenly asked.

She shook her head and wrote on her scroll. 'They'd make him a captain or vice captain'.

"That's what I thought too," Hyou said slowly. "I know he was in the recent Arrancar war, fighting in the real world. When I went to research, all the information was classified. It was open to seated Shinigami only. I have no way of finding out anything. I'm not sure how involved he was or who he fought but it think from the conversations with the Shihoun-san he was fairly involved."

"But the weirdest thing is, Kurosaki-san has an altar in our room with a plush toy on it."

Yukino looked confused and reached down to her scroll. 'Maybe he likes plushies'

"It's a death altar and they make offerings to it everyday without fail. Not just Kurosaki-san or Shiba-san, but Kuchiki-sama and Captain Abarai too. So did the Representatives of the Real World. It's like some sort of new religion or cult. Sometimes I wonder if that's the source of their powers."

Yukino stared off into space, thinking during long during the silence that followed. 'I don't think it matters if he's strong or powerful or weird. I think what matters is if he's good and if we can trust him.'

Now it was Hyou turn to ponder. "I think he's a good person. I think we can trust him. The Kuchiki clan seem to trust him and Kuchiki-sama seems very close to him."

Yukino gave him a warm smile through charcoal lips and splotchy black teeth, nodding. The sparkle had come back into her eyes as she wrote, 'Don't worry so much'.

They sat in silence for a few more minutes before a familiar voice boomed out across the cavern. "Yo! Sorry I was late. Had to go to the 11th Division to borrow some Bokken (5) for us," upon seeing Yukino's face Ganjyu couldn't help but splutter. "What happened? You look like you ate your ink stick!"

Tsukimoto Kenjimaru prostrated himself on the ground before the grand lady. It was late and he came to the mansion in secret. "Kuchiki-sama, I have come to give my report."

"Go on." Kuchiki Megumi answered, taking a sip from her teacup.

"Kurosaki Ichigo is very strong, his reiatsu and reiatsu use is above my own. Forgive me for being rude Kuchiki-sama, but I believe it's even beyond your son, Kuchiki Minosuke-sama." Kenjimaru stated.

"I didn't ask for your opinion," she snapped, patiently finishing her tea before continuing. "Did you find out why my dear nephew is using so much of the head family's resources to protect him?"

"No Kuchiki-sama."

"What else?" She asked as she calmly eyed the man before her.

"He seems to know the Representatives of the Real World and is on very good terms with Shihoun-san. He also seems to know Captain Abarai very well and on investigation, demonstrated known association with 11th Division seated officers, Madarame Ikkaku and Ayesegawa Yumichika."

"Them," she snarled, tapping a finger against her cheek. "Anything else?"

"No, Kuchiki-sama."

"That is all then." As Kenjimaru took his leave, someone else stepped into the room. "Did you hear all that?" she asked.

"Yes mother," replied Minosuke, with an icy tone that matched his mother.

"It seems he is the one from the reports," her voice, merely a whisper.

"Most likely."

"Now why would your bastard cousin protect someone who defeated him?" she wondered out loud.

"I have men trying to answer that question for you mother," he replied in an even tone. "I find that interesting as well."

"He seems like the kind of boy who will do exactly what you tell him not to," she thought for a while. "Do you think they're trying to use him as a show piece for the old man?" referring to her father. "Will he get in the way of our plans?"

"Does it matter?"

A wicked smile curled up her lips. "What do you suggest?"

Minosuke match his mothers grin. "Why don't we just include him into our plans."

"You really are my son," she said as she got up and left with him into the darkness.

End Chapter 7

A/N: I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Shannon for being my editor and being great at it! I really think the story will sharpen up a lot more from now on! Everyone please, a round of applause 'clap! clap! clap!'

(1) Senkaimon – A gateway to Soul Society from the real world that Urahara can create.

(2) Reishihenkanki - A material to spirit converter that Urahara layers on top of the Senkaimon to allow solid bodies into the spirit world as spirits. The manga never explains how they get back into solid bodies though. Maybe it's innate when moving solids from spirit world to real world or maybe Soul Society gates are more advanced and have some sort of inbuilt converter as well as enough intelligence to determine what to convert and what not to convert.

(3) Nakama – Comrades but a lot closer. It's meaning is contextual and can vary from friends to comrades to lovers depending on circumstance and person. In this case it's comrade in arms (and shame on all those who thought lovers!). Think One Piece.

(4) Kata – Martial arts sequence of moves. Generally used for training purposes and perfection of technique and body control.

(5) Bokken – Wooden training swords. Usually wooden katana's but it's Zanpaktou's in Bleach I guess.