Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.

Note: Thanks for the lovely reviews! Actually, I have just finished chapter 31, so now' the time to get this chapter up.
I got inspired to one scene by a line from Manson's "If I was your Vampire". Anyone who knows the song might know which I mean^^.
Now please enjoy!

Chapter 27:

Shihana jumped, when she heard the sound of the door opening. Who would be so rude to enter without knocking?

Abarai Renji stepped in, a serious look on his face. He was wearing his black shikakusho and his hair was bound up tightly, the tattoos hidden by a piece of black cloth.

"Good day, Shihana-san", he said. "Mind if I join you for a while?"

A slightly panicked look passed over Shihana's face.

"Has something happened, Renji-kun?" she whispered. "The servants are acting strange, but nobody tells me what's wrong. Please, let me know what happened!"

Renji bit his lip. What to do? She might still be unstable, what if this sets her over the edge? But making up a quick lie?

"Um, there was some kind of accident and taichou's been hurt", he managed to say. "But he's all fine now", Renji added quickly.

"Oh, so that was it?" Shihana sat down reluctantly.

Still, why were there blurry images drifting inside her head? Why couldn't she remember anything from last night from when she'd seen Byakuya in the garden? Why had she woken up beside a river outside in the cold?

Shaking her head to clear it, she looked up to see Renji still standing a little awkward by the door.

"I am very sorry, Renji-kun. Where are my manners. Do come in and have a seat, I'll ask for some tea."

Renji watched her pass into the next room. He heard soft voices talking, then she appeared again.

He hastily sat down and grinned apologetically.

"I haven't really properly apologized for beating up that Reki-guy yesterday", he said. "You're not pissed at me any more, are you?"

"Sure not, Renji-kun", Shihana smiled. "And Reki has already forgiven my silence."

"R-reki has...?" Renji stuttered. Then he quickly closed his mouth. Now was not the time to think about that. Taichou had given him an order. And to judge from appearances, Shihana really seemed a bit off.

Come to think of it, she was still standing by the other door, keeping away from him.

"Um, Shihana-san, may I ask, is there a reason for you remaining standing?" he asked.

Shihana's eyes widened slightly. "No, there isn't. Silly me, I was just lost in thought."

She slowly walked over towards the small table.

"My my, Abarai-kun. What d'ya think ya're doing, bringing your Zanpakutou into this innocent lady's house?"

Renji jumped up and pulled Zabimaru out in one fluid movement. He whirled around.

Only there was no one there.

The cruel laughter of Ichimaru Gin echoed in his ears. "Where are ya looking, Abarai-kun. I'm right here, ya know?"

Renji realized too late, where the voice was coming from.

Shihana took a flash step and appeared right in front of him.

Before Renji could move, she had gathered Zabimaru in her hands, gripping it tightly. Blood oozed forth and Renji knew that if he pulled back now, he would cut her to the bone.

She placed the sharp tip over her heart and said: "Kill me now, Renji. Kill me before I kill you. It will be for the better." Behind her eyes seemed to flicker an eerie red light. Her hands trembled and her face was screwed up in deep concentration.

I can't hold out much longer, Shihana thought. The deafening voice in her head grew louder and louder. She saw Renji through a veil of red. Please hurry up and do it!, she thought desperately.

Renji's thoughts raced. What to do? Giving in was no option, yanking the katana back neither. Suddenly an idea sprang forth.

He had never been good with kido, but now desperation lent him the concentration he needed.

"Carriage of thunder. Bridge of a spinning wheel. With light, divide this into six. Bakudo #61 Rikudou Kourou!" he screamed.

Shihana went rigid. She wasn't able to move a finger.

Gently, Renji pried her fingers open and extracted the blade. He carefully resheathed Zabimaru, then he took hold of Shihana's arms.

"You know, right? That it was not really you who attacked Kuchiki-taichou last night. It's only Ichimaru trying to twist this all around. Whatever stupid trick this is, I'll figure it out and break it. Understand, Shihana-san? Don't give up yet!"

He shook her slightly as if to wake her from a dream.

Her eyes still stared at him, the pupils dilated by fear and panic. His binding kido began to shatter, as he had known it would all along. Still Renji held her firm.

Suddenly he noticed, that probably from the shunpo and his shaking, her kimono had slightly slid down, revealing a part of her upper chest.

The marigold-shaped scar was deep red as if burning.

Curious, Renji let go of Shihana's right shoulder and briefly touched his fingers to the scar.

He flinched back immediately, it was really burning hot!

Then a thought flashed through his head.

Clenching his teeth, he pressed his full hand against the scar.

Muhahaha, such a mean cliffhanger! I hope you like it nonetheless! Keep reading, there'll be some action coming up!
As always, I looove reviews!