Why hello there! I know, I know, I'm a lazy bum who hasn't updated for a while ಠ_ಠ... Forgive me? Of course you will, because look! A chapter has appeared! Hooray ^3^! NOW READ!

"Officers of the ranks fifth seat to captain, report."

Rangiku looked at Ryoko and whispered, "Are you going to tell him?"

"Not now, not with this many people," Ryoko replied.

"Why does that matter?" Rangiku said quizzically.

"Because, then I would have to reveal my old occupation," Ryoko explained with a look of desperation.

Rangiku looked at Ryoko with concern but said no more. They walked into Squad One apprehensively.

"As you have probably heard, there has been an attack at the Red Hollow Gate (A/N: That is the south gate, yo) and the Soul Reapers that were sent to investigate were ambushed. We need to take action immediately, so each of you find a partner to help you stop and or investigate future ambushes."

The room became alive with sound as the ranks sought out partners. Ryoko stood motionless as she watched the crowd mix.

"Ryoko?" Rangiku called, from a little ways away, "Why didn't you come to be my partner," she finished with a pout.

"Oh-uh, I didn't think you would want to be my partner," Ryoko answered with a sheepish smile.

"Nonsense," Rangiku said bring Ryoko next to her in line. The rest of the Shinigami already had their partners and were in formation, Shuuhei and Kira, Hitsugaya and Momo, Ikkaku and Yumichika, and Kyorako and Jushiro, and so on.

"You may proceed," Yamamoto ordered.

Ryoko and Rangiku sped quietly to the southern gate of Seireitei quietly, well Ryoko was anyway. Rangiku was rambling about what was going to happen when they got there.

"Matsumoto," Ryoko said interrupting Rangiku's sprawling, "Why are we going to the southern gate if the enemy supposedly left the sight."

"Because exactly that, they 'supposedly' left, we don't know if they really left."

"But there was no spiritual pressure signature there anymore."

"Ugh, Ryoko. Why are you being so dense? They can hide their spiritual pressures, remember?"

"Oh, yeah," Ryoko said distantly.

Rangiku looked at her worriedly, wondering why her quick witted friend was acting strangely.

"Are you sure you want to take part in this, Ryoko. I'm not even sure you can, because you haven't told the Captain Commander your ties to this case."

"Absolutely!" Ryoko exclaimed, startling Rangiku, "And I'm sure the Commander knows my ties already, he knows everything..."

"That is true," Rangkiu agreed, "But a better question is, why do you want to? Wasn't he your friend?"

"That's why I want to -no- have to. Because he is my friend, I have to be the one to stop him, whether that's death for him, binding, or even death for both of us, I have to stop him," Ryoko said quietly.

Rangiku ran quietly for the rest of the way. She was surprised how strongly Ryoko felt about it, and was scared at what Ryoko would do to stop her friend.

They arrived at the south gate a little while after they talked. It was eerily quiet, not event the wind was blowing, this put them both on high alert.

"Ryoko... I don't like the vibe I'm getting from this area," Rangiku warned.

"I know I don't either."

They were both creeping quietly when there was a big crash from where Rangiku was positioned. Ryoko ran over to Rangiku's area, and saw the back of a faceless creature.

"Matsumoto!" Ryoko cried watching helplessly as Rangiku struggled with the creature, but before she could help her, she felt more than saw, a presence from the corner of her eye.

She drew both of her zanpokuto blades from their sheaths and blocked the attack right before the creature's blade pierced her.

"Ryoko! Are you alright?" Rangiku yelled while blocking another attack from her assailant.

"I'm fine," Ryoko reassured, "Focus on yourself, I've had experience with these things."

Just as she finished her sentence another being attacked her from the side, only to be blocked by Ryoko's right sword.

"Since when did you have two swords?" Rangiku called questionably, all the while blocking attacks.

"Always!" Ryoko answered, ducking under another attack. Just as she came up there was a heavy reiatsu present. She didn't want to believe who it was but she undoubtedly knew.

The creature backed off as the spiritual pressure became more defined. Ryoko spun around to meet the gaze of none other than Akio Ishikawa.

"Long time no see, eh Ryoko?" he said with a grin.

In different circumstances Ryoko would have smiled back to her good friend, but all she could do was stand in fear, fear what would happen to her, fear of what would happen to Seiritei, and fear for the ones she cared for, including him.

Before she could say anything back, Rangiku ran from behind her.

"Is-is this him, Ryoko?" Rangiku said apprehensively.

"Yes," was her simple answer, "We are going to need back up."

Ending it there, so sorry, I've just had horrible writer's block :S But I probably will get inspiration in the middle of the night, so look for a new chapter soon. Anyway some things: Yes, Ryoko has a two bladed zonpokuto, there are only supposed to be three people like that I think, but I don't care! I thought it was cool so there you go. Another thing, to me, and probably to you, it doesn't make since that Yamamoto would ask everyone to pair up but, again, it's for the story, and I couldn't think of a better way for a lieutenant and a fourth seat to be paired up, ya know? Anywayz, have a happy summer, bye!