Hiya! Welcome to Chapter 12! Not only is this my lucky number, but for those who played Kingdom Hearts, you'll know why I love this number. -winks- Anyways, be warned of flying wrapping paper in this chapter :D And here is the Birthday Cake for those who reviewed!! -hands out cake-

Disclaimer: You know the drill

So, here is Chapter 12!


Mitsuki skipped into Toshiro's room, refreshed from last night's sleep. Grinning at him, she noticed he was doing paperwork again, but he hastily set it aside as she entered. "Want to help me open the presents?" she asked.

"Sure." He replied, and they raced each other to the pile. Grabbing the nearest box, Mitsuki ripped off the paper and peered inside. Frowning, she pulled out a smaller box, than opened it to reveal a small pin. It was shaped from a sliver metal, spinning around and looping to form an intricate rose. Checking the tag, she saw it was from Assistant Captain Ise- smiling, she tucked it in her pocket.

They went through several presents, and with disgust Toshiro noticed that a lot of the boxes contained some sort of alcoholic beverage. Snorting, he put it in a separate pile to give to Matsumoto later.

Besides the occasional offensive gift, Mitsuki had gained several good gifts. Besides the pin, she had a picture frame made of a sturdy, reddish wood that had carvings of the moon and stars given to her by Matsumoto, a pale blue headscarf from Renji, and a pair of delicate silver earrings from Hisagi. There were several others from people she didn't know, but they were all treasured in their own way.

"Where's your present, Toshiro? I didn't see it." She asked, searching among the gifts to find one with his name on it.

"I haven't given it to you yet- I wanted to do it in private." He replied, blushing slightly. Going over to his desk, he pulled a box out of one drawer and handed it to her upon returning. Curiously, she examined it, and then slowly opened it. Under the carefully wrapped paper, she saw a plain white box, and opening it up, she gasped as she saw what was inside it.

"Oh, Toshiro! Thank you!" She cried, hugging him tightly. He smiled, returning the embrace. "Glad you like it." He said, sounding relieved.

Mitsuki looked into the box again, and then reached in and pulled out a delicate silver necklace. Holding it up, she watched as the charm spun slightly.

It was a silver dragon, wings outstretched, the head lifted in rapture of some unknown feeling. Its tail was curled around its body, the tip of it curling toward its chest. It seemed so innocent, so peaceful in its captured joy, and it brought tears to her eyes when she realized what the gift meant. It was hers- and it also contained a piece of Toshiro's heart as well. Gently, she clasped it behind her neck, and felt it fall against her chest. She hugged her boyfriend again, smiling.

"You're welcome." He replied, laughing. Grabbing a wad of torn paper, he teasingly bounced it off Mitsuki's head. She shrieked slightly, pulling back. "Why you…" she started, grabbing a wad herself and chucking it at him. He ducked neatly, retaliating with his own wrapping paper wad. Soon, Mitsuki was being pelted with what seemed like a never-ending supply of paper wads, and she scrambled about, finding her own ammunition to fire back at him. A full-out Wrapping Paper Wad war ensued, with both sides laughing and chucking paper at each other.

They were interrupted by Yachiru, who came crashing through a window, jumping onto Mitsuki. "Happy Birthday, Mi-mi!" she called, smiling hugely.

"My birthday was yesterday, Yachiru, but thank you." She giggled, dodging a paper wad. Yachiru jumped into her lap, holding up a folded piece of paper. "Here, I drew this for your birthday." She said, and smiling, Mitsuki took the piece of paper. Unfolding it, she saw that Yachiru had drawn a picture of Mitsuki in a field of flowers, with Yachiru beside her, holding her hand. Underneath it the words "Friends Forever" were scrawled messily, but to Mitsuki, the picture was worth more than most of her presents combined. Hugging the little Assistant Captain, she said, "Thank you, Yachiru." Grabbing the picture frame, she gently placed the picture inside of it. "There. I'll look at it every night before I go to bed."

"Yay! Mi-mi likes it!" Yachiru bounced up and down, clapping her hands, and hugged Mitsuki. At the same time, they heard the familiar bellow of "Yachiru!!" and the pink-haired girl bounded out the window. "See you later Mi-mi, ok?" With that, she left.

Toshiro looked after her, eyebrows raised. "Seems she likes you. Did you give her candy or something?"

"No… Though that's a good idea." Mitsuki replied, then sneakily grabbed another paper wad and threw it at him.

Soon, the room was filled with flying paper wads once again.

o0o

The shinigami scooted around the corner, avoiding the eyes of the patrols. Hastily, he ran a little ways down the street, than quickly ducked into a small building. Already, there were several there, and when he sat down, the meeting began.

In a monotone voice, the tallest spoke. "The master has given me the privilege of using the orb." Producing a small blue sphere, he held it in his hands and it began to expand. Muttering a command, it floated to the center of the circle and a figure formed within it. "Hail Ryuu, our King." The assembled Shinigami said, bowing.

The figure grinned wickedly. "I see you have all assembled. Good. Now, how many new recruits have joined our noble cause?"

"Thirteen this week, Lord." The tall one said.

"Good, good. We're growing stronger." The figure hesitated for a bit, than looked around. "Have any of you seen Mitsuki Noukon?"

"No, lord, but we have heard of her. She's a new recruit in the Tenth Division- there are rumors that she's going to get a seat soon, as well."

Ryuu nodded. "Alright. I want you to spy on her- figure out her weaknesses, strengths, and any other secrets she might be harboring. Contact me three days from now. You are dismissed."

"Yes, our lord." They chimed, and the sphere shrank. The tall one grabbed it lovingly, than tucked it in his pocket. "We have received our orders. We must not fail."

Silently, they slipped out, and headed off in different directions to spy on Mitsuki Noukon, their master's enemy.

o0o

Ryuu looked away from his orb, satisfied. Though he had just started experimenting with the possession, he was pleased with the results. Looking at the figure in the corner of the room, he gestured with his hand. "How's it going?" he asked.

Ryuu's second-in-command didn't even look up. One foot propped up against the wall, he shrugged. "She's the same, but breathing still."

"Make sure she wakes up soon." Ryuu snarled. "We need her to finish this job."

The man nodded. "I'm giving her another dose tonight. I'm confident she'll be ready in time."

"Good. Oh, and Kiyoshi- make sure that you don't mess this up."

"I wouldn't dare. Resurrection is my specialty." Kiyoshi replied, and silently turned from the wall, going through a door to a side room.

Ryuu watched the man leave, a faint smile hovering on his lips. Things were falling into place, and all it needed was a gentle push in the right direction.


Wow, this was a wierd chapter to write..er, type. Three different POV's...0.o Anyways, Kiyoshi is Ryuu's second-in-command, and his name means 'the silent one.' I'll describe him more later, but for now, that'll suffice.

So, please, R&R! The next treat is leftover Thanksgiving food...D: God, I've had enough turkey to last me a lifetime...