When Shinji awoke the next day, he was glad to have returned to the present day. He hung an arm across his face trying to ignore the nagging throb from the back of his head. "Ugh...Damn memories...", he mumbled. That day Misako came home with the Vizoreds. Hiyori made sure her sister settled in while Shinji spoke with Urahara in hushed tones. "Do you understand what I'm saying?...I know it won't be easy, but - " , began Kisuke. "I get it. Besides, nothing about this has been 'easy' ", replied Shinji. Glancing over to the girls, he added "...But it's worth it."
Kisuke grinned to himself and wished them luck before leaving. The day passed slowly and quickly at the same time; Hectic and yet dragged. So much still had to be done. Misako was set up in her own room, next to Shinji's, where she could rest. Everyone took the time to come see her. She was glad to see so many old friends and it truly helped lift the burden she had caused. Kensei sat and spoke with her for some time before Hiyori kicked him out. When the night finally settled in, it was almost as if the entire base sighed in relief.
The ungodly hours slowly crept into the Vizored home. Shinji had finally passed out, one arm hanging from the bed. A knock on the door woke him. He looked up hazily, barely making out the face peering in. Propping himself up, he ventured, "Misako? What is it?" "May I come in?", she asked meekly. "Do you really have to ask?", he replied with a grin. She quietly slid into the room, closing the door behind her. Scooting over, he said, "Come on." She smiled as she snuggled against him in the warmth of the blankets. "You're freezing!", he exclaimed. "I stood in the hall for a while...I didn't want to bother you", she ceded. Shinji sighed. "I see your shyness has returned in my absence", he said.
She suddenly embraced him tightly. She was shaking. Holding her near, he asked, "What's wrong?" "A nightmare. It was that night...all over again...", said Misako. With those words, the memories washed over him as well. Shinji pressed her closer. "That was long time ago. It's over now", he assured. Misako shook her head. "No...It isn't", she mumbled. "Don't worry about the hollow. We're taking care of everything. Urahara's researching a way to fix - ...", he trailed. His hand slid over her stomach. The wound was rather distressing. "I know", she said quietly.
A few minutes passed by in silence. Misako suddenly pulled away, worry across her face. "Shinji-kun...Do you still love me?", she whispered. He was nearly aghast at the question, but tried to lighten things up. "What kind of question is that?", he said. Her eyes widened, waiting for a response. "Of course", he replied. She smiled and cuddled back into his arms. "Will you hold me forever?", she sighed. Shinji shifted his gaze cautiously. He knew they weren't alone. They had been waiting for just this moment. "Only to drag you to Hell", he stated coldly.
Her eyes flew open as blades were drawn. Hiyori stood on the bed behind the would-be Misako, Kensei and Rose just to either side. Each was eager for an opening. Dropping the guise, the hollow pierced her claws into Shinji's chest. "One move and I'll rip out his heart", hissed the hollow double. "Try it", sneered Hiyori. The door flew open. The real Misako struggled to stand, her blade steaming in her hand, Lisa just behind her. "Get away from my husband", said Misako, glaring at the beast.
Hiyori was fighting to contain herself. Seeing her wrist start to shake, Kensei reached out. "We need it alive", he said. "But you don't need this one alive, now do you?", taunted the hollow. With a malicious grin, she drove her fingers deeper into Shinji's flesh. Hiyori took off its hand in one slice. It hissed and tried to back away, only to find Kensei's blade against its back. Shinji pulled loose the hand and threw it aside, ignoring the pain. Forcing a grin, he said, "I'd say that went rather well." "You're bleeding, Idiot", retorted Hiyori.
Misako took a few steps before collapsing. It took everything she had to summon her zanpaktou back to her side. Lisa helped her up as they maneuvered the beast into holding. Once it was bound it properly, they took it to a supervised holding barrier underground. Misako carefully sat on the bed. Holding her steady, Shinji chided, "That was pretty stupid, you know." She grinned meekly despite his stern gaze. He seemed oblivious to the punctures in his flesh that seeped blood over his extended hands. Hiyori sighed; They were both hopeless.
Later, in Misako's chambers, she dressed Shinji's wounds. He sat silent, knowing that he'd never win the argument. They had both taken risks, but it had worked out in the end. Tying off his bandages, she said, "You shouldn't be so reckless." She turned to set down the supplies and he drew her up against him. Her shoulders rested against his chest and he nuzzled to her ear. "I could say the same for you", he replied.
Relaxing, she leaned into him. Shinji glanced across the room at her recovered sword. "How did you manage to get your blade back?", he asked. "It's probably only superficial...It doesn't feel the same...", ventured Misako. He shifted, slightly wincing. "I'm hurting your wounds, aren't I?", she asked. "It's nothing", he assured. She turned to face him, concern in her eyes. "That thing drove its fingers into you clear to its knuckles. I wouldn't call that 'nothing' ", she stated. He grinned, abashed. "Still, you should have stayed put. Leaving the barrier Hachi set for you could have revealed your position. It could have just as easily turned and gone for you instead", he replied. "But - ", she began. Grasping her shoulders, he exclaimed, "I won't lose you again!"
The words echoed across the room. They'd come out harshly. Realizing his tone, his expression softened. Pulling her close, he softly uttered, "I don't think I'd make it a second time..." She clinged to his shoulder, knowing she could say nothing to make things better. "I'm not sure how I made it before...No, that's not fair...Hiyori, Kensei, the others...", he trailed. "Please don't say any more...If I'd have known what would happen, I never would've - ...", began Misako. Shinji pushed her back to meet his eye. "Never would have what? Made it possible to meet again? I don't care about the hollow or any other lurking consequences. What you did that night brought you back to me here...I wouldn't trade that for anything", he said. She wiped a stray tear and tried to smile. "I didn't know any of this would happen...I just wanted to save the rest of you from that beast...I already knew I was spent. The only thing I could think of was to take it down with me...I'm sorry", she said.
Shinji grinned warmly. "That thing may have some of your memories, but it doesn't have any sense of you now", he ventured. She shied her gaze, raising his concern. "Does it?", he asked. Misako shook her head. "I don't think so, but - ...", she trailed. "...But?", he repeated. She sighed. "I remember some things she experienced once we separated...It was just after we emerged from our time-ridden cocoon within the Dangai. I fled and somehow ended up here, but she managed to end up in Hueco Mundo...And someone found her", she replied. Shinji eyed her carefully. "Her? You're making it sound like it has feelings", he said. "It does", she said despite herself.
Down in the training grounds, the hollow-Misako sat tightly bound inside of a barrier. Lisa, Love, and Rose watched it from the stairs. "Did she really manage to call back her sword?", asked Rose. "Somehow...But I thought - ", started Lisa. Hiyori stepped between them. "Thought what? That thing was her sword? We don't know what it is, but the way it looks at me with that face really pisses me off", she grumbled. "You contacted Urahara?", asked Love. "Yeah. We'll take it over in the morning", she replied. "Why not now?", he asked. Begrudgingly, she said, "Not my call."
They looked up the steps to find Misako weakly holding onto Shinji. "You should be resting", said Lisa. "I have to talk to her", replied Misako. "And say what?", snorted Hiyori. "Imoto-chan...Please. It's important", replied her sister. With an irritated sigh, Hiyori went passed them back into the main building. "Do whatever you want", she grumbled. Noting Misako's expression, Shinji asked, "What are you grinning about?" "I'm just glad to see she hasn't changed. That's all", replied Misako.
Shinji led his wife down the steps to the edge of the barrier. "Is it safe to talk to it?", he asked. "It shouldn't be able to move, but don't let her go in alone", replied Hachi. "Right", said Shinji with a nod. Hachi made an opening for the pair to enter. Misako drew up her remaining strength and strode toward the hollow without support. Shinji stood near, watching every movement keenly. "Why are you doing this?", she asked the beast. "Why?", scoffed the hollow. "You're afraid of him, aren't you?", inquired Misako.
"Him?", asked Shinji, intrigued. "I don't know what you're talking about", replied the hollow, turning away. Stepping nearer, Misako said, "I think you do." "Don't get too close", warned Shinji. He was surprised that neither being was bleeding despite their proximity. Kneeling, Misako said, "You're in so much pain, aren't you?" "I'll cause you pain, you little shit!", snarled the hollow. Misako smiled warmly. "I understand. You're scared. I felt that way, too, once", she said. She sent a glance toward Shinji. He watched in interest, completely lost as to what was happening.
Lisa stood beside Hachi outside the barrier. "What are they saying?", she asked. "I'm not sure", he replied. The hollow tried to squirm against the restraints. "It's a little different in your case. You fear for your life, but you also long to please him in earnest, don't you?", prodded Misako. The hollow spat at her. "You think you're so smart. You don't know anything!", snapped the hollow. "Probably not, but I know what happened initially", replied the soul reaper. "You couldn't possibly", said the beast, glaring. "I remember what happened to you just after we split, just as you remember what happened to me. That's how you found me, isn't it?", asked Misako. "You think you can talk your way into getting information about him? Don't make me laugh", said the hollow. "Who are you talking about? Aizen?", asked Shinji. "That swine can die with the rest of you!", snapped the captive.
With a sigh, Misako slowly rose and walked toward her husband. "The poor thing's in love with an espada", she said sullenly. Pointing, Shinji exclaimed, "You mean to tell me that *thing* actually has feelings?!" "Say another word, Wench, and I'll kill you where you stand!", threatened the hollow, livid. Misako sent the hollow a sad smile before leaning onto Shinji's arm for support. "Let's go. I think I've over done it...", she said weakly. "Are you all ri-?", asked Shinji. Before he could finish, Misako swooned and fell. Just managing to catch her, he glared at the hollow. "What did you do?!", he demanded. "Don't be stupid. She fainted. Your little lovebird's going to die if she keeps pushing herself like that", replied the hollow smugly. Lisa ran toward them, blade drawn. "What happened?!", she asked. Despite himself, Shinji replied, "Nothing. She just passed out...I shouldn't have brought her down here." They left quietly, the hollow sneering after them. How did she know? She'd been so careful to hide it! Damn that soul reaper...
Misako later awoke in her bed, Shinji beside her. He stared over her form, watching for any signs of change. "You okay?", he asked. Raising a hand to her head, she said, "I think so..." "Explain how you talked me into taking you to see that thing again", he said. She grinned wanly as she met his gaze. "It had to be done", said Misako. Shinji studied her expression carefully. Propping himself onto his arm, he looked down into her face. "Are you sure you're all right?", he asked with worry. She took his free hand and held it tight. The strength of her grip relaxed him slightly. She would pull through. "I had to be sure those were memories and not dreams", she said. "That thing is seriously in love?...You're joking", he said. Reading her eyes, he added, "...You're not joking." "It's clear that even hollows, arrancar or not, have feelings and emotions. You can see it in how they treat the world and each other", replied Misako. "Who found her? You said she fell for an espada, right?", inquired Shinji. "Yes", she said. It slowly dawned on him. "It just had to be him, didn't it?", he said flatly.
The next day, questions drifted across the table at the Urahara Shoten. "How is that even possible?", asked Ichigo. "Don't be stupid. Anything conscious will eventually float toward its own kind", said Rukia. "But she's not an arrancar...Right?", he replied. Entering the room, Kisuke interjected, "We don't know yet." "I take it you've got everything under control?", said Yoruichi. Taking a seat, Kisuke replied, "Tessai's handling the containment field. We'll begin observation soon." "May I continue?", asked Shinji. The others looked at one another, seeming to have forgotten he was there. "All I can tell you is what Misako said. She's not strong enough to travel right now", he added. "Did she really summon back her zanpaktou?", asked Kisuke. "Something like it, at least", replied Shinji. "What do you mean?", inquired Ichigo. "It looks right, but she's not sure it's the same blade", replied the vizored. "Understandable. With her diminished reishi, it's impressive she got it back at all", commented Kisuke.
"Kisuke, there's been another development", said Yoruichi. Glancing over, Kisuke replied, "I heard you mention something about the espada." "One of them found it, after it had split from Misako, in Hueco Mundo", said Shinji. "And?", said Kisuke. Shinji shied his gaze. "Apparently, it's in love with him", he muttered. "What's surprising is why he didn't kill her. It's obvious that whoever it was isn't exactly loyal to Aizen, or he'd have had her by now", said Yoruichi. "Even if he found her interesting, he'd eventually kill her, right?", asked Rukia. "That's true. After all, I find it hard to believe this particular espada would care for her in return", replied Kisuke. "Who are you guys talking about?", asked Ichigo. "Grimmjow", stated Yoruichi. "What?!", exclaimed the young soul reaper. "We have an idea of what happened, but we need more information. Even if it's true that she does actually care for Grimmjow, he wouldn't spare her unless there was something in it for him", explained Yoruichi. "But what could she..", said Shinji. Correcting himself, he continued, "*it* possibly give him?" "That's what we aim to find out", replied Kisuke. Tessai popped into the room. "Everything's ready, Boss", he stated. "Ichigo, you've fought Grimmjow. What do you think he would want from her in return for his protection from Aizen?", inquired Yoruichi. Still floored, he said, "I don't know." Rising with Kisuke, Yoruichi told him, "Well, think about it and get back to us."
Once they had left, Rukia checked her soul pager. "I'd better get going. I have a lot of ground to cover. Keep me posted", she said as she rose from her seat. Ichigo nodded and waved her off. He glanced over toward his friend, still confused. "Do you really think it's possible?", he asked. Shinji shrugged and said, "Who knows?...But Misako never lies and if she's right, thing's just got a lot more interesting."
Back in Hueco Mundo, Grimmjow stood at an empty meeting place. "That idiot", he sneered. A slight shuffle of the sands made him glance across his shoulder. "What are you doing out here, Grimmjow?", asked Ulquiorra. "Nothing that concerns you", replied Grimmjow. "I know you've been hiding something", said the fourth espada. "And?", glared number six. "Just know that I'm watching", replied Ulquiorra. He turned, stalking out into the rising windstorm. Grimmjow grit his teeth as he watched his comrade go. He was getting close...
When Shinji arrived home, he found Misako cheerfully reading in her room. "Glad to see you're feeling better", he said. "Shinji-kun, you're back", beamed his wife. He sat beside her and kissed her cheek. "How did everything go?", asked Misako. Shinji sighed. "It was a major pain", he said flatly. Chuckling, she said, "I'm sorry. It seems I have a knack for causing you trouble even now." "You'll just have to make it up to me, I guess", he taunted. She leaned toward him with an flirtatious expression. "What did you have in mind?", she teased. He fell backward off the edge of the bed in surprise. Peering over, she asked, "Are you okay?" Staring upward blankly, he said, "Just fine." Misako poked him playfully. "Do you plan on staying there?", she asked. He grinned as he sat up. Taking her hand, he said, "You just surprised me, that's all." She blushed faintly, averting her gaze. "I was only teasing...", she uttered. He sat next to her, turning her face gently in his palm. "That's too bad", he said as he leaned in close. She grinned as she mirrored his movements. It had seemed like this moment would never come and as their lips met once more, an eternity of pain and confusion melted into the background. They sat, hands intertwined, with their foreheads touching, and shared a soft smile. "I missed you...", she whispered. Squeezing her hands, he said, "I missed you, too."
The next day, Ichigo was surprised to find Misako in the training grounds when he arrived. She was sitting on a rock, curiously turning Shinji's mask over in her hands. Ichigo grinned. "Looks like you're feeling better", he said. "Just a little exercise to get me back on my feet", she replied. Shinji turned with smirk as the mask evaporated. She looked to her hands as if she'd somehow dropped it. "That and another history lesson", he stated. "So I see", replied his young friend. "Urahara wants to set up an experiment...", said Shinji. Pulling his blade from the sand, he added, "I can't say I'm too thrilled about it." "What kind of experiment?", asked Ichigo. Misako smiled warmly. "Nothing to worry about, I assure you", she said.
Ichigo would have asked another question had he the chance. He landed face first in the dirt. Sitting up, he turned quickly, pointing an accusing finger. "What the Hell was that for?!", he exclaimed. Hiyori stood smugly. "You're late", she stated. Holding the back of his head, he replied, "I am not!" Hiyori crossed her arms. "Then consider it ambush training!", she retorted. Misako chuckled at their antics. "I see you've taken up beating on someone other than Shinji", she said. Shinji was ready to add a comment, but held his silence at Hiyori's menacing grin. "Just practice. I save the good moves for Baldy", said Hiyori. Misako looked toward her sister in confusion before it dawned on her. "I get it...Because his hair used to be so long, right?", she ventured. Shinji stuck out his tongue at her. Hiyori's eye twitched as she readied her fist, but was more amused by Misako's response. She grabbed the end of his tongue and stared at the ring. "What's this?", she asked. He playfully glared, knowing he couldn't respond. Hiyori snickered. Letting go, Misako asked, "Didn't it hurt?" Wiping his mouth, he replied, "Not really." "Yeah, he really needed another hole in his head", taunted Hiyori. "Uh...Guys?", said Ichigo. They all blinked in surprise. It seemed they had forgotten his presence. "Ane, get back to bed", said Hiyori. Pointing with her thumb, she added, "I gotta train Dumbass over here." "Hey!", said Ichigo. Shinji helped her up. "She's right. You should be resting", he said. Misako waved them off as she headed for the stairs. "I'm going."
The next morning, in the Vizored base, Misako rested peacefully in the arms of her lover. A knock on the door finally stirred the two. Hiyori entered room, saying, "Hey, it's time to change your bandages and - ..." She eyed the two with disgust. "Not again", she groaned. Misako blushed brightly. "Hiyori-chan, nothing happened", she said. Hiyori turned to set down some supplies. "Like I care. You're still married...even if it is gross", she said. "Ha ha", said Shiji flatly. "All right, Baldy, out", said Hiyori, pointing to the door. Shinji eyed the bandages. "I can do that", he replied. Nervously grinning, Misako said, "Shinji-kun, I'm sure Urahara has some things to talk about. Why not call down and see what's new?" "Are you trying to get rid of me?", he asked. Dragging him by the shirt, Hiyori exclaimed, "Yes!" She pushed him into the hall and slammed the door before he could respond.
Gathering the supplies, she sat beside her sister. "Why don't you let him do this?", asked Hiyori. Misako touched her shoulder without thought. "It's a scar. Everyone has some", said Hiyori. Readying the new wraps, she added, "Besides, it just proves who you are." Misako set her hand upon Hiyori's, stopping her motions. "It's gotten worse", she stated grimly. Hiyori watched as her sister divested. It really had worsened. At first, the scars looked like any other, but now... Now they had a sheen to them, a telltale sign of the scales coming through the skin. Black lines radiated outward as if something was deciding where to break out. Misako stared down into her lap. "It's hideous, isn't it?", she said.
Hiyori looked over Misako's shoulder and the scar that striped around her abdomen. There were the lines that told the horror of days gone by. The arm had been torn and the torso rended in two. The scars merely outlined the pain the flesh had once suffered. "It's not that bad", said Hiyori. Unwrapping Misako's belly, she said, "It's amazing you healed at all considering - ..." Her words trailed off. She didn't want to remember what she had seen all those years before. There was no way anyone could have survived that...Was there? "Just be glad you're back in one piece", she said. "I guess...", said Misako meekly.
Silence drifted in, but was quickly dispelled. Hiyori concentrated on her work. "That idiot still loves you. He never stopped...and if you think something so superficial would affect that, you've forgotten who he is", she stated. Misako smiled wistfully. "You're right...I'm sorry", she replied. Chuckling, she added, "It's good to hear you actually stick up for him." "Shut up!", cried Hiyori, slightly red. Misako sighed. "It's not that, though", she said quietly. Hiyori kept at her work, simply listening. "It's not that I think he would recoil from me. It's just...", trailed Misako. Fingering the scales, she said, I don't want to remind him of that thing any more than I already do...I know how much it hurts for you all to see me again..."
Hiyori slapped her hard across the face and glared with damp eyes. "Snap out of it! You think coming back was a bad thing?! Do you have any idea what it meant when we first saw you again? Do you?!", she exclaimed. Misako touched her cheek in shock. "I'm sorry." "And stop apologizing!", she added. With a wan smile, Misako replied only, "Yes." "Look, I'll shut up about all this, but you're going to have to show him sometime...(turning) Just watch, he won't care and even if he does, he'd never show it or I'll kick his ass!", said Hiyori. "You're right...", said Misako. Hugging her sister, she added, "Thank you."
Later that day, below the Urahara Shoten, nerves were on high. It had been decided that Misako would face her hollow twin alone within the barrier. Shinji watched every movement, ready to intervene. "Is this really a good idea?", asked Ichigo. "Don't worry. Everything will be fine", assured Kisuke. Shinji glared at the hollow. "Why alone?", he asked. "It might the only way to get information", replied Kisuke. Yoruichi gently touched Shinji's arm. "Relax. Tessai's restraints will hold it", she said.
Inside the barrier, Misako sat patiently across from her double. They seemed to be communicating without speech when the hollow finally smirked. "So, is that it? You think one tiny detail is enough to save you?", sneered the hollow. "I'm trying to save you, too", replied Misako. "Why? You wouldn't have faltered to slay my original form", retorted her double. "That was a long time ago", she said coolly. "Hmph. Time is meaningless", replied the hollow. "Then why do you miss him?", asked Misako. The hollow snapped her face toward her captor with a seething gaze. "Miss who? Your darling little Shinji?", it said. Smirking, it added, "Does it hurt knowing you're still apart?" "What do you mean?", asked Miskao cautiously. "He may have loved you back then, but you said it yourself - 'That was a long time ago' ", mocked the hollow. "He is still my husband", stated Misako. "Is he? I thought the vows broke at 'death'. You've already died, my dear", said the beast coldly. Misako shook her head. "No, I slept...We slept...", she uttered.
"Who are you trying to convince?", teased the hollow.
Grasping the hilt of her blade, Misako risked a glance back to the others. The beast was getting to her. "Thinking of waving your toy sword? What good will that do? It'll break as soon as it hits me", taunted the hollow. Several paces away, Shinji was growing impatient. "She's been in there too long", he said. Carefully eying the hollow, Kisuke replied, "She's fine." Pointing, Shinji asked, "Then why did she look at me like that?" "Shinji, calm down. We all have to face our demons", said Yoruichi. Hiyori stepped beside them. "It's messing with her head, Stupid", she stated. Turning, Shinji began, "When did you - ?" She ignored him and strode forward. "Hiyori, don't", said Ichigo. She smirked across her shoulder. "I just wanted a better view", she said confidently.
Ichigo wondered what she meant, but let it pass. "Hey, remember the old days?", asked Hiyori. Shinji scanned the situation. "I was afraid of that...", he sighed. "What are you guys - ?", started Ichigo. The ground shook, interrupting his question. "It's about time she woke up", grinned Yoruichi. Ichigo looked back to the barrier. There was no way to tell what was happening. The entire field was obscured in blinding lights. Shielding his eyes, Shinji said, "I guess it's the real deal, then." Squinting, Ichigo asked, "What is that?!" Hiyori smirked. "Her shikai", she stated.
The group stepped forward as the dust settled. Ichigo tried to make out the light source, but it was no use. Tessai's barrier creaked under the strain, but held. Ichigo studied the field. "Are they...in slow motion?", he asked. "You could say that", replied Shinji. The hollow had been knocked backward and stared up in delighted horror. The lights took a shape and began walking toward her. Kisuke put his hand in front of Ichigo. "It's not really him", he stated. A shimmering outline of Grimmjow stared down at the hollow-Misako in disgust. Shinji grinned. "Her blade's a kido type. In shikai, it slows down time in a confined area. Then she uses kido. This one can project things from her opponent's mind", he explained. "We're seeing just what the hollow's afraid of", added Yoruichi.
The glamour reached down and grabbed the hollow by the throat. It shuddered as a shimmer of itself was then lifted away. "You're pathetic. I give you one simple task and you fail miserably", said the image. The hollow watched in shock. "No...", it gasped. The glamour ripped apart her shade with amusement in its eyes. Having consumed the pieces, he took a deep breath of satisfaction when finished. Looking over to the actual hollow, he gave an evil grin with the blood fresh on his lips. The fake Grimmjow pointed. "You're next", it said. The glamour faded and Misako collapsed to her knees, fatigued. Time returned to normal. The barrier was dropped and Shinji stepped gingerly around the terrified hollow to retrieve his beloved. Hiyori glared down at the beast. "That's it? Hmph, you really are pathetic", she taunted.
Seeming to snap out of it, the hollow howled, catching everyone off guard. The restraints shredded as it lunged. Traces of movement followed in the dust. It was changing rapidly. Spiritual pressure flooded the area. "Don't touch the tail!", cried Shinji. With those few words, the hollow had lashed him across the face, throwing him a few feet. A completed mask glimmered in outlines around the thing's face and it took on a malicious smile. "Just like old times, eh little one?", teased the hollow. Hiyori, Ichigo, and Yoruichi stood ready. "A lot's changed", said Hiyori. "I agree", replied the beast.
Without warning, it flicked its tail, sending spikes toward the trio. They dodged, expecting to find the beast preying on Misako, but it had gone after another victim. When all had turned, the beast held Shinji tightly in its grasp. Slowly, talons extended from its fingers. Kisuke stood just behind them, Benihime at the ready. "That's no way to play nice", he chided. Ignoring him, the hollow said, "A trade - Him for the girl." Misako hazily looked up, taking in the situation. Surprisingly, Shinji didn't look the least bit upset. He sat with a overly bored-out-of-his-mind expression, blood trickling down his face. "Just kill it already", said Hiyori. "Not my job", shrugged Shinji. "What?!", she cried angrily.
Misako struggled to her feet. "Shinji-kun...Stay very still", she said. The beast pressed a spike against his neck, infuriated at his devil-may-care attitude. "I wouldn't do that, Soul Reaper", it said. Misako gave a slight nod. A moment later, Kisuke was gone and Shinji rolled forward as a blast disintegrated part of the beast's face. It stood aghast, not having yet registered the pain. "What the - ?", gasped Ichigo. Kisuke calmly grinned. "A good show, don't you think?", he said. Misako knelt beside her husband, making sure he was all right. The beast roared with coarse laughter. "Of course! Why didn't I see it?!", exclaimed the hollow. It locked its sights on Misako and Shinji. Raising a hand, it said, "Let's test my theory." Time seemed to skip. Another glamour arose. It was the bloody scene from over a century before. Holding the wound, the hollow attempted to run into Hueco Mundo, but Tessai had been waiting. The beast was subdued and its wounds treated to keep it alive.
Later, the group took up discussion on what had transpired. "That was a cero", said Ichigo. "Yes", said Misako, blushing faintly. Shinji grinned. "I've always tried to be a good teacher", he said. "But - ", started Ichigo. "Obviously, they can draw power from one another...An interesting development", observed Kisuke. "At least we confirmed some things", added Yoruichi. "You mean that was all planned? Do you know how dangerous that was?!", exclaimed Ichigo. Hiyori listened outside the door. She still didn't like being under the same roof as Kisuke. Furious, Ichigo grabbed Shinji's collar. "Are you trying to lose her again?!", he cried. They held each other's livid eyes until Misako grabbed Ichigo's wrists. "Please, it was my idea", said Misako. Ichigo glanced up. "What?" Shinji pushed Ichigo away. "You think I liked watching that?...What do you know?!", he said.
"Stop it. Both of you", said Yoruichi.
After a brief glare, they resumed their seats. Misako kept her face downcast, knowing the damage that had been done. "It was risky; No one's debating that", stated Yoruichi. "But now we have a few more clues", said Kisuke. "What kind of clues?", asked Shinji. Yoruichi and Kisuke exchanged glances. "Ever heard of the Secret Sealing?", she ventured. Shinji slowly turned his gaze to Misako's shivering form. "...I have...", he trailed. "What is it?", inquired Ichigo. "A forbidden kido technique that was thought to be lost millennia ago", replied Yoruichi. "Even Tessai had only heard stories about it until - ...", said Kisuke. Shinji stared at his wife in disbelief. "But how?", he uttered.
She could no longer hide what had been done. All eyes watched her intently. "I'm sorry", said Misako quietly. "How did you - ?...When did - ?...", asked Shinji, exasperated. He sighed, frustrated for words. "I stumbled upon it in a forgotten chamber under Central 46...It was an old scroll, hidden away in an odd place", she explained. "And you never thought there was a reason for that?", asked Yoruichi. Ignoring the comment, Misako continued, "The paper started falling apart as I opened it. Once I saw the symbols, I knew what it was, but - ...I couldn't look away." "What happened to the scroll?", asked Kisuke. Misako sighed. "The ink vanished as I read it...It said it would stop an enemy at the cost of one's own life, but it never mentioned anything about this... I didn't have time to tell anyone about it before I was deployed to investigate that cavern", she said. She looked up, her eyes red and her cheeks moist. "I knew that thing would have killed everyone. I had to take the chance and take it down with me...It was the only way to - ...", trailed Misako.
Sliding the door open, Hiyori finished, "To save us." Turning, Misako said, "Hiyori-chan...I'm sorry." "Sorry? You saved all our asses. There's no telling what could have happened if it'd gotten into the seretei", replied her sister. Shinji squeezed her hand. "She's right...Besides...You're here now", he said. He forced a smile that he hoped was reassuring. Quiet passed through the room. It seemed as though no one could look anyone else in the eye. After while, Kisuke cleared his throat. "Just look at the time! I bet you guys are exhausted. You should probably be getting home, hmm?", he said. "But - ", started Misako. "Misako, you've done nothing wrong. Your actions saved lives. You had no way of knowing that the current situation would come to pass. Just be glad you're back among friends to help you handle it", said Yoruichi. Misako bowed slightly. "Yes, Ma'am."
Shinji slowly got up and offered his wife a hand. "You've had a rough day. Let's go home", he said. "I'm staying here", said Hiyori. Everyone blinked in surprise. "You are?", uttered Kisuke. "I need to know more about what's happening", replied Hiyori. Pointing an accusing finger, she added, "And don't give me that stupid look!" Hiding behind his fan, Kisuke innocently said, "What look?" Across her shoulder, Hiyori said, "Ane...Don't forget what I said." A shy nod was the only response and everyone went their separate ways.
At the Vizored base, the door slid open. Lisa looked up in interest. She'd been waiting for them to get back. "Where's Hiyori?", asked Lisa. "She opted to stay behind", replied Shinji. "That's unusual", said Love. Ichigo and Shinji balanced Misako between them. She was weak. The cero had taken much out of her. "Don't tell me she over did it again", said Kensei. She smiled sheepishly at the concerned faces before her. "What can I say? She's hopeless", teased Shinji. Straightening her glasses, Lisa replied, "That explains how she ended up with you." Ichigo quickly muffled a laugh under the intent glare coming from his friend. Shinji shifted Misako's weight back to his side and nodded toward the training grounds. "Go on. Mashiro's waiting", he said. "All right", said Ichigo. Smiling softly, he added, "Try to take it easy." Misako nodded as they parted. Shinji started up the stairs with his love, but paused upon hearing his name. "I did what you asked", said Lisa. Shinji grinned across his shoulder. "Thanks."
Below the base, Ichigo practiced hollowfying. After while, the group took a breather. Mashiro idly stared off while Hachi poured glasses of water. Rose polished his blade in silence. "Is it true?", inquired Hachi. Ichigo wiped his brow. "What?", he asked. "Is Misako's power really returning?", asked Rose. Ichigo glanced between the keen faces. "Yeah, I guess so", he said. "That's great!", cried Mashiro. "How did - ?", he began. "We all felt a spike in her spiritual pressure", explained Hachi. Laying back to relax, Mashiro said, "Kensei was worried, but I told him to stop being so serious all the time." "Let me guess. He hit you?", teased Ichigo. Mashiro sat upright. "Yeah! It hurt, too", she saiad, rubbing her head. Ichigo retrieved his sword. "He has every right to be worried", he stated. "She's not out of the woods yet, is she?", asked Rose. Ichigo paused in consideration. "I don't know what she was like before...but if I'm any judge of expression, I'd say Hiyori's worried sick", he replied. Rose grinned wanly. "She'll never admit it", he stated. "Yeah...Come on. We need to get in more practice before dark", said Ichigo. Slightly grumbling, Mashiro heeded and the spars continued into the evening.
Late that night, Misako laid beside Shinji in his quarters. He knew she wasn't asleep. Something was bothering her, but he didn't want to press the issue. Eventually, she shifted to face him. Warm eyes and a soft expression awaited her. Grasping her hand, her asked, "Ready to talk now?" Misako blushed faintly. "You knew all along", she said. Shinji grinned. "Of course I did. You didn't think I'd forgotten how to read you?", he teased. Snuggling closer, she said, "No...It's just..." He held her tightly, patiently waiting for the words that would explain so much. "Did that hollow say something?", he ventured. "I guess it got under my skin worse than I thought", she ceded.
He shuffled a short distance to look her in the eye. Cupping her face in his palm, his eyes begged her to speak. Shying her gaze, she uttered, "It's nothing...Stupid, really." "Humor me", he said. She sighed with a slight grin. There was no getting passed this. "It said some things...Things about us", she explained. "Like what?", he asked, concerned. He remembered the words that had stung him when the beast tried to take him before, but shook it from his mind. "...'Til death do us part...", she said quietly. The words hit him hard, but he tried not show it. Pressing his beloved close to his chest, he softly kissed her brow. "You're not actually considering listening to that nonsense, are you?", he said. She gripped his shirt in her hand, unsure how to respond.
"It got to me, too, you know...", he ventured. Glancing up, she asked, "When?" "The night we captured it. It sneaked in here, trying to act like you...Tried to seduce me, I guess...It asked if I still loved you... It stung...", he said. She shifted onto her arm, looking longingly into his face. He tried not to meet her gaze, but when their eyes met, he couldn't look away. Misako stroked his cheek. "I'd never - ...", she started. Shinji smiled faintly. "I know", he replied. He grasped her hand and held it tenderly against his skin. It seemed like so much time had passed since her return, and yet... "I'm sorry I've been so foolish, my love", she said. He gently toyed with a lock of hair framing her face while searching her expression. Misako sighed deeply. "There's something I have to show you...", she said. Slowly each sat up and nervously matched gazes. Shinji grinned assuringly. "What's got you so worked up? You know you can show or tell me anything... None of that's changed", he said.
Biting her lip, she nodded. He watched in keen interest as she began pulling loose her shirt. Hesitating briefly, she slid the sleeve from her shoulder. Even in the dim light, the dark lines seemed to pulsate the light captured by the scales. He eyed her skin carefully. She shuddered as he lay his fingers upon the marks. "Does it hurt?", he asked with worry. She silently shook her head, but looked up in surprise as he chuckled to himself. "That's what you were so nervous about?", he teased. Pulling her into a warm embrace, he said, "Did you think I'd run away or something?" A deep breath escaped her lungs as she eased into his arms. It all seemed so silly now. "It doesn't...bother you?", she asked cautiously. He softly kissed her shoulder where the lines began diverting. She trembled beneath his touch. Whispering, he stated, "I would never willingly leave your side...You know that."
Finally breaking, she held him tight and sobbed into his shoulder. Stroking her hair, he rocked her gently until she calmed. After a short while, she pulled carefully away and searched his eyes. He smiled gently as he carefully felt her abdomen. "You're healing well", he said. Misako blushed. "I've had a lot of help...", she said. He suddenly looked down with an odd look. "What is it?", she inquired. He pulled her shirt completely open and scanned every inch of her skin. "I don't believe this...", he gasped. At this point, she leaned back and looked herself. Amazingly, the dark semicircle had changed. Part of it was missing as if someone had cut it away like a piece of pie. She gingerly felt the new, healthy skin and smiled. Looking up in confusion, she uttered, "How?" Shinji fingered the remaining darkness. "...The cero...", he said. "What?", she asked. He looked up with a grin of relief. "When you crossed into each other's power...It must have shifted the balance", he explained. "You mean - ?", she began. "We'll find out", he replied.
Each glanced away, deep in their own thoughts. Oblivious to the look in Shinji's eye, Misako said, "Shouldn't we call and ask if - ?" Meeting his gaze, she shyly said "...Oh..." She reddened once again and shied her face away. She had completely forgotten that she was basically in her husband's lap with her top undone. "Shinji...You're making me blush", she said quietly. Tilting her face toward him, he grinned. "I'm good at that." She matched his grin as they both leaned toward one another. They had kissed since she'd come back, but not like this. The moment their lips met, emotions long left behind raced through them. She nuzzled into his neck, warm with passion. "You do still love me...", she whispered. "Was there ever a doubt?", he asked. Pressing herself closer, she replied, "No." She unbuttoned his shirt, kissing along the newly exposed skin. He laid back as she moved lower, shivering below her lips. She gazed up with a smile a she fingered his belt. With a knowing grin, he teased, "Well?" She crawled over his body, carefully pressing herself into any possible crevice. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he let out a content hum as she began nibbling his collar. "This is a treat", he taunted. She met his eyes with a faint blush which soon faded as she slid her hand down his belly. He shuddered as she made contact. It had been more than a century since he had felt her touch and the sensations were rapidly catching up with him. Subtle movements passed as the pair disrobed. Finally, she pressed her loins into his, reuniting what was lost long ago. It would be a night of healing old wounds. They shared one another several times as the stars flew passed and no one dared bother them.
It was turning to the afternoon hours when the couple finally stirred. Misako cuddled to her husband's chest in greeting. "Good morning, Hirako-san" said Shinji. Misako lightly giggled at her reclaimed title and stroked his face. "I don't think it's actually morning anymore", she ventured. Shinji glanced at the clock. "Details...", he muttered. Each stretched deeply before settling closer once more. Shinji reached under his pillow with a grin. She watched him, knowing he was up to something. Carefully untying the small bundle, he watched for any flicker of expression. She was awed at the sight of what laid inside. Tears welled up in recognition. Lifting the necklace, he said, "It's a bit shorter than it used to be...Lisa gathered the beads after - ..." He let the sentence drop and held the necklace up. She turned and smiled warmly as he tied the symbol of their bond around her slender neck. "She managed to put it mostly back together after I drew a diagram...We'll have to thank her", he explained. Misako fingered the beads. "I wondered what you were talking about yesterday", she said. She looked it over, amazed to have it back. "It's not perfect, but - ...", he said. Blushing, she replied, "It's beautiful just the way it is... Thank you." She kissed him softly. Shinji grinned. "I thought you might want it back", he said.
She slipped into his arms, enjoying his embrace. "You kept it all this time?", she asked. He smiled wistfully. Knowing the subject was painful, she knew not to ask any more. The silence was broken by the sound of his breath in her ear. He nimbly kissed all the right places and she crooned to his touch. Glancing across her shoulder, a knowing look awaited her. Their weight shifted as he bore her down to the bed once more. The couple finally emerged around three and everyone quickly found something else to look at as they descended the stairs. No one made any mention of the happy glow about them, simply knowing what had transpired. They were glad to see their friends reunited as one. Lisa smiled at the necklace as Misako caught her eye. Blushing faintly, she nodded in thanks.
To be continued...