A short chapter, yes, but reading the reviews I am given always empowers me to write, and I could not ignore the urge. Rest assured, dear readers, Somnus will be completed. I promised myself that it would. I have the ending and next few chapters in mind already, so there is that security, at least.

-Nir

Winter wore on. Kuukaku had to take down the banner that usually hung in front of her house because the ice kept threatening to tear it. Even Bonnie with her thick, bristly coat refused to leave her warm stable. It was just as well. Ganju didn't have anywhere to go.

He'd never gone back to the hospital room. He always feared that when he got here he'd be told Hanatarou was dead, and he just didn't think he could face that. He was well aware of how cowardly that was. A real Shiba man wasn't afraid of death, his or anyone else's. All the same, he never returned.

--

"What must we do?"

It was a small meeting, this one. Only three spirits had gathered in Itegumo's snowy realm. A pink basilisk, a black rabbit, and Itegumo himself. Though she was welcome in this place, Tobiume still felt the sting of the falling ice against her scales, a testament to Itegumo's nervousness. In this state he could not control the snow completely, but she was willing to tolerate it for the sake of this meeting.

Sode no Shirayuki, on the other hand, was used to the weather. His own realm was covered in deep drifts of snow and sheets of ice. This did not stop him from sensing the heightened feelings of the others though, and to him it was far worse a discomfort than a little chill. He had been the one to ask what Itegumo expected of them. Quick to take charge and quick to act, as usual.

The griffin shifted, his nervous silver gaze flitting from snake to rabbit. "We must confront Hisagomaru. It is not a matter of Isane's safety." It said as Tobiume opened her mouth to remind him of their previous conversation. "It is a matter of Hanatarou's. Already I've waited far too long to do anything, and we still may not be able to make up for lost time, but to simply do nothing would-"

"Does Isane know?" Shirayuki asked suddenly.

Surprised by the question, Itegumo stuttered. "Er… know what?"

"Does she know you're putting yourself in this kind of danger?"

Itegumo shifted guiltily under the rabbit's dark, scrutinizing gaze. "I…"

"You haven't told her? Have you even told her what happened to your ear?"

Sheepishly, Itegumo shook his head. His ear had already grown back. Just as a zanpakuto's blade will repair itself, the spirit is capable of healing any damage done to it. Shirayuki scowled. "And if something were to happen to you? You know full well how dangerous Hisagomaru is. You are not only risking your own life, but your wielder's. She may not die, but for a Shinigami to lose the use of their zanpakuto is a fate almost as terrible. If you are really determined to do something this selfish, the least you can do is inform her of it."

"You're right…" Itegumo agreed quietly after a few minutes of thought. "I… I really should… but…"

Tobiume spoke now. "Both our wielders care about Hanatarou. That is why we are here. We have their permission to risk ourselves. However, we cannot carry on if our leader does not have the same level of confidence…" She bowed her large head. "I'm sorry, Itegumo. Please call upon us again when you feel you are truly ready."

"Ah… I understand." Itegumo hung its head. "Please forgive me for making you come all the way here for nothing."

Shirayuki's sharp gaze softened. "Itegumo… Just the fact that you're concerned for this boy on your wielder's behalf is extraordinary. Most zanpakuto would not even consider it. I am honored that you asked for my help… So, please, call on us again when you feel you are ready."

"I wouldn't wait too long." Tobiume said. Though she was blindfolded, Itegumo got the impression that she was looking past him. Looking for something to appear. Hisa, maybe, but Hisa could not possibly know about this…

"I know." There was no need to explain why waiting was a bad idea. "Again, thank you both…" Itegumo had inquired of almost every zanpakuto in Fourth company, and all had turned him down. He could not blame them, though. It was a zanpakuto's duty, first and foremost, to be there for its master. He himself was being incredibly selfish, going against Hisa when he knew it could have killed him very easily last time they'd met. With Tobiume and Shirayuki they would have a better chance, but then they'd be fighting in Hisa's realm where it would be strongest.

Even if they did manage to defeat Hisa, there was no guaranteeing that it would treat Hanatarou better. Itegumo didn't even know for sure how Hanatarou was feeling. He might not be that miserable after all. There might be no point in this endeavor…

It was these sorts of doubts that Itegumo would have to sort through. For Isane's sake he had to be sure Hanatarou was okay. The effort would be worth it. It had to be. He had to serve his master, and that meant giving her peace of mind. He would not allow Hisa to stand in the way of Isane's happiness.

Tobiume had already turned away and was slithering gradually back toward her home realm, her thick body parting the drifts of snow. Shirayuki hopped agilely beside her. Itegumo watched them go, thankful that, when the time came, he would not have to face Hisa alone, and at the same time disgusted by his own selfishness and cowardice.