A/N: I promise action in the next few chapters. For now, though…fluffiness in chapters 3 and 4, since neither the Sixth nor the Eleventh are involved in the mission as of yet. Believe me, I'm excited to get them involved too, because I can't wait to show off Ongetsu's true powers. (And Jungetsu's too, but Jungetsu's true powers are sneaky and fun. Ongetsu's is just badass, haha. You'll also eventually hear the story about how Karin won the seat higher than Yumichika, straight from Yumichika's mouth because he's the only one that knows the true story. ^^)

pikachuhats, yes, Kohaku will be in Chasing. But Bleach has such a huge cast of characters that it's hard to include everyone in a single introduction chapter. Trust me, once things settle down with this whole Matsumoto thing, she'll make an appearance.

FeatherxDreams, no, I don't take classes. I'm actually taking a creative writing class this fall though. It'll be my first. I just imagine the scene, and then I write what I see in my head.

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach. At all.

Chapter 3: The first blooms of spring

The jigokucho that had carried the soutaicho's summons rested on his desk, flapping its wings lazily. Byakuya regarded it out of the corner of his eye, adjusting his scarf and making sure that Senbonzakura was secure in its sword belt. An emergency summons had not been called since the Winter War, but then again, it had been about that long since a captain or vice-captain of the Gotei 13 had been seriously injured by a known enemy during a mission.

The Winter War was almost a full twenty years ago, but it was not so long ago that Byakuya could forget its effects.

He frowned. The black butterfly had also carried instructions for the vice-captains of the Gotei 13, telling them to put their Divisions on standby and assume control. He was confident that his vice-captain had heard the summons. If she was at the Fifth, Hinamori-fukutaicho would have informed her of them. But his vice-captain had only been in her position for a month. She was untested in a crisis situation. As captain, it was his responsibility to train her in the proper way of assuming her duties.

He would assist her in preparing the men first, and then he would head out.

That in mind, he stepped outside of his office, heading down the hallway towards the barracks' main hall.

"Shirogane-san, please go gather those outside in the training yard, and tell them to wait in the barracks until further notice."

"Hai, fukutaicho," said his eighth seat, appearing briefly in front of his vice-captain before flash-stepping out of sight.

"Shiyougi-san, instruct the men to perform pre-mission inspections of their zanpakuto and gear."

"Hai, fukutaicho," said Shiyougi, heading for the door to the barracks where most of the men gathered.

"Koyanagi-san…" she began, rounding on his fourth seat.

Byakuya paused in the corner of the hallway, staring at the scene in front of him. Yuzu stood in the center of the room, the other seated officers bustling around her as they moved to gather the Division. There was a small amount of nervous energy around her, but her eyes were focused, and her orders clear and reasonable.

She was starting to look the part of a vice-captain of the Gotei 13…

He took a step back, moving out of sight before he flash-stepped out of the room, heading for the First Division.

"Then, we are decided?" asked Yamamoto, leaning on his staff as he stared at the assembled captains in front of him. The captains stood in two lines, facing him. None of them spoke, or expressed disagreement with the group decision.

"Very well."

Yamamoto's eyes opened, and he slammed his staff down on the ground.

"Dismissed!" he said.

There was a gust of wind, a blast of power, and then the room was empty again, the eleven other captains that had assembled disappearing into thin air, along with a single black butterfly making its way towards the Ninth Division.

The butterfly flew lazily through the air above Soul Society, its wings catching in the breeze as it glided forward, changing its course as it moved over the Sixth and headed towards the vice-captain of the Ninth.

A single white-gloved hand appeared, snatching it out of the air by the wings before disappearing from sight.

The cave was a temporary hiding place. It was not the spot that she would have chosen, but the walls of the cave were threaded through with Sekkiseki, the reiatsu-leeching stone blocking any attempt by their enemies to gain entrance. She sat with her legs folded neatly underneath her, the long skirts of her elaborate kimono spreading out like a puddle of water on all sides.

She barely looked up as a dark-haired Arrancar flash-stepped into view, his hands cupped protectively around a single black butterfly.

"What have you brought me, Siegel?" she asked, her voice soft and melodic as her eyes flicked towards him. The red-haired female Arrancar seated next to her looked up, interest evident in her gold eyes as her partner slowly unfolded his hands, revealing his prize. Sieg bowed deeply.

"Ojou-sama," he said. "I've intercepted communications from the Gotei 13. It appears they intend to send Soifon-taicho and a small group of people from the Second Division to infiltrate the site in Shibuya. The other Divisions have been told to stand down and await further information."

"Hmm…" She smiled faintly, her lips a bright blood red as she stared at the butterfly. "Yamamoto's playing it cautious, I see…" she said.

"Hai, ojou-sama," said Sieg.

"Release that thing," she said. "Allow it to deliver its message. We mustn't reveal our hand to them just yet."

"Hai."

Sieg bowed, disappearing from sight. The woman's eyes moved over to the Arrancar beside her, watching with some interest as she picked up her zanpakuto and slid it back into her sword belt.

"Catalina…" she said.

"Yeah?" asked Catalina, looking up.

"Go inform our allies of this new development. Tell them to lay low for now. And then come back. Keep yourself hidden. We'll let them run themselves ragged on this wild goose chase."

"Hai," said Catalina with a nod, disappearing from sight.

The woman ran one delicate hand over the katana that lay on the ground beside her, her fingers brushing lightly against the sheathed blade. Soon…she thought towards it. You'll taste blood soon…

And we'll be reunited once again…

The day after the incident dawned bright and clear, a calm day in the late winter that spoke of an early spring on the horizon. Kurosaki Yuzu slowly packed away her futon, getting to her feet and looking around her at the large room that was the vice-captain's quarters. There were still boxes from her old room in the corner that she needed to unpack. She had been meaning to get to that, but she hadn't been able to find the time to thoroughly sort through them in the month since her promotion.

She didn't think today would be that day either, considering the events of last night.

The captain's meeting had extended until almost sunset. It had been a tense four hours of waiting to see whether or not the Sixth would be sent out to deal with the situation. Finally, at sunset, Byakuya reappeared and announced that they could stand down, since the Second would start a preliminary investigation before any further action could be taken. After that, Byakuya had headed back to his manor, and the officers of the Sixth had stayed up practically all night after dinner, discussing the situation quietly amongst themselves as the rest of the men slept.

The other officers were worried. They all remembered the Winter War, and the confusion and terror it had brought to the Gotei 13. They talked about things like this not happening since then, and about how strong an Arrancar would have to be to take down a vice-captain as established as Matsumoto. Yuzu worried as well, for their reasons and for others of her own. She was especially worried about Rangiku. Yuzu had grown to care for Hitsugaya's vice-captain since first coming to Soul Society, and the thought of her lying unconscious in a room in the fourth was too much.

Yuzu had gone up against Catalina once before. She knew her strength. But that had been a full ten years ago. She had grown in strength since then. It was highly possible that the Arrancar had as well.

If you decide to fight, win…advised Jungetsu, the words appearing on the inside of her mind. If you decide to stand down, maintain your resolve.

I have a feeling things may be more complicated than that, Jungetsu-chan…said Yuzu, staring at the white-hilted katana that lay on the ground next to her bed.

She caught sight of Jungetsu's face in her mind, the face that looked so much like hers. There was a thoughtful frown on her zanpakuto spirit's face as she waved her hand, changing the words between them. They rippled like water, their form and shape becoming Jungetsu's reply.

The act of war can be elegant in its simplicity…she said. It only requires you to make a choice. To fight or not fight. If you fight, fight to the full. If you don't fight, do not. There is no compromise.

Yuzu did not respond. Jungetsu's frown deepened, and she went on.

I understand your desire to conceal me. To be concealed is in my nature. I also understand your desire to conceal the truth about those you hold in your heart. But I see the shape of our enemy. And I see that what has been hidden will soon have to be revealed.

I am your weapon, born from your soul. Use me as you see fit.

Jungetsu's image faded from her mind, the spirit retreating back into the inner world. The newly-appointed fukutaicho slowly got dressed, slipping out of her sleeping yukata and tugging on her black shikahusho. This late in the winter, the morning air was still cold and chilly, and she found herself grateful for the fact that her shihakusho consisted of two layers, and the top layer was a deep black that retained heat.

Jungetsu's words still rang in her mind, and she frowned, resting her hand on the hilt of the sword.

I understand…she thought quietly towards it, taking a deep breath. But now isn't the time.

Sooner or later…we're both going to have to stop holding back.

She placed her hand on the sliding door, stepping outside into the hallway. The sun had just begun to touch the eastern horizon, reminding her that it was still early in the day. The vice-captain stepped outside, a frown on her face as she considered the tense quiet that had taken over the Sixth Division. Most of the people were still in bed from a long night last night, and those that were didn't seem to be in much of a mood for levity.

She walked past the courtyard towards the mess hall to get some breakfast, and there she paused.

The captain of the Sixth sat outside in the cold morning air, sitting in seiza on the porch. His eyes were fixed on the small garden in the courtyard, a cold expression on his face.

It was early. Almost a full hour earlier than the time he normally came in.

"Taicho?" she asked, causing him to look up. He frowned at her, and Yuzu almost took a step back from the ice in his gaze. She had seen that glare directed at other people, but very seldom at her. She didn't know if she could say they were friends, but they had a good working relationship. She couldn't think of anything she had done wrong…

"What is it?" he asked.

"I-It's just…" began Yuzu. She took a deep breath. "You're here early today…I was wondering why…"

"Is there any reason why I should not be early, Kurosaki?" he asked. "Especially considering yesterday's events? My place is with my Division during a time of crisis, as is yours."

"H-Hai, taicho," said Yuzu quietly, lowering her eyes to the ground.

Byakuya frowned at her for a moment, before turning his eyes back towards the courtyard. "Leave me be," he said. "Instruct the men not to stray too far from the barracks, in case the situation changes."

"O-Of course," said Yuzu. She bowed politely, closing the sliding door behind her and walking towards the mess hall, Byakuya's tone still at the back of her mind.

Had she done something wrong? All she could think of was the fact that she had called out to him and asked him a question. But she had done that before in the past…She frowned in thought, biting her lip.

No…she didn't think his anger was directed towards her…but…

"You alright there, fukutaicho?" asked Shiyougi. Yuzu looked up suddenly, realizing that he was standing in the door to his quarters, frowning at her. She hadn't even noticed he was there.

He placed one hand on the doorframe, leaning against it as he studied her. "You look a little down…" he said. "It's too early in the morning for that."

"Ah, I'm fine," said Yuzu quietly. "The taicho seems to be in a bad mood today, though."

"Is he?" asked Shiyougi again, a curious expression on his face. He stepped forward, peering into the courtyard. A look of realization slowly spread over him and he sighed. "Ah, no wonder," he said.

Yuzu frowned, turning around and looking out into the courtyard as well. "What is it?" she asked.

"That plum tree is in bloom again…" said Shiyougi. Yuzu frowned, looking out the window as well. Sure enough, bright pink buds had started to appear on the small plum tree in the courtyard. One of them, on the farthest branch, had opened, its five-petaled flower bouncing slightly in the light breeze that blew through the courtyard.

Shiyougi sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Taicho always gets a short temper when that tree starts blooming," he said. "I offered to cut it down for him if he hates it so much but…" He shivered, holding his arms close to himself.

"…Let's just say I don't want to see that glare directed at me ever again."

"I see…" said Yuzu quietly, staring at the tree. She remembered the look on Byakuya's face as she watched it. He had seemed angry at her interruption, but before she interrupted him…

He had seemed quiet, contemplative…almost mournful…

…Like he was a million miles away, remembering something that cut him very deeply…

It was only in his eyes, though. The rest of his face had seemed as smooth and impassive as always. But the story in his eyes…

Suddenly, his reaction made sense. Yuzu had seen that look in her brother's eyes, in her father's eyes, and even her sister's. None of them liked to be interrupted at that time. She should have known better.

But she had never equated that look of grief with her stoic, regal captain. It just reminded her how little she truly knew about him…

"It should pass soon," said Shiyougi, patting her on the head. "Just stay out of his way until then, and you should be fine…"

"Hai, Shiyougi-san…" said Yuzu quietly. "Thank you."

"No problem," said Shiyougi with a shrug. "I'll tell the others to steer clear." He folded his arms, heading towards the mess hall.

Yuzu cast one last look out at the courtyard, eyeing her captain from the window. He was staring at the tree again, the anger seeming to have vanished from him as it was replaced by that same mournful look…

She shook her head, following Shiyougi down the path towards the mess hall.

Karin lay back on the rooftop of the Eleventh Division, her fingers laced behind her head as she stared up at the sky. Spring hadn't fully set in, so it was still a chilly day, but the roofing tiles caught sunlight and retained heat, so it was actually warm up here, besides the wind. Her gray eyes fixed on one of the white clouds above her, listening quietly to the usual noise of the Eleventh as the men joked with each other and occasionally started yelling arguments and taking bets.

It was never really quiet around here, not that she minded.

It just meant she had to get creative about sneaking away for jinzen, or knock a few heads until they left her alone.

The arrival of a white-haired shinigami next to her broke her train of thought, and she looked up, staring at Toshiro. Karin didn't sit up, looking back up at the sky.

"You know, if you stand here long enough, someone's gonna challenge you to a fight," she said.

"Are you offering?" he asked, sitting next to her.

She shook her head. "Not in the mood," she said. "And I'm not insane enough to go up against you. But a bunch of people are upset we didn't get called out last night. I know Zaraki-taicho's just itching for a match."

"You don't want me here?" asked Toshiro, glancing at her.

Karin sat up, shaking her head. "I do," she said, frowning at him. "How's Matsumoto?"

"Better," said Toshiro. "They say she's out of danger now. She should wake soon."

"Sou ka…"

"Soifon's team made contact," said Toshiro. "They've arrived in Tokyo. They'll send word when they find anything, and check in every two hours. We'll see where it goes from there."

"They won't find anything," said Karin. "If Catalina's smart, she's long gone. She'll know everyone's on her trail."

"It's not just Catalina they're hunting for," said Toshiro, sitting down next to her. "It's that human as well…"

"Figured…" said Karin, frowning. She paused, listening as loud voices seemed to rise up from the floor directly below them, interrupting their conversation. She raised her fist, banging five times on the roof.

"Oi!" she yelled. "Keep it down! We're talking up here!"

The voices hushed, dwindling down to angry murmurs. Karin sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Sheesh…" she muttered. "Next time, I'm coming over to visit you."

"My Division isn't much better," he replied. "…Not when Matsumoto gets back on her feet anyway."

"True," said Karin, folding her arms.

"You seem to be growing into your role, though…"

"What? As Fourth Seat?" asked Karin, glancing over at Toshiro. She shrugged. "Ikkaku and Yumichika can be idiots, but I guess it's fun sometimes. Can't live with them, can't live without them?"

"Sounds about right…" said Toshiro quietly. He stood up, glancing over at the flags that marked the Tenth. "…I should head back to my Division."

"You'll keep me posted?" asked Karin, looking up at him.

"Of course," he replied. "I'll come by as soon as something changes."

"Thanks," said Karin, giving him a small smile. He nodded, looking back towards the Tenth and flash stepping away.

TO BE CONTINUED