Chapter 16 : New Beginnings

Jonouchi held her close to him. "Were you that worried about me?" he asked her, grinning.

"Yeah, I was worried!" she shouted. "Both your Soul Chain and Soul Sleep were destroyed! You were going to die! You're really lucky Kou-san showed up!" Jonouchi looked to Koukeisha.

"So, it WAS you?" he asked, smiling. She just nodded and looked away. Jonouchi laughed. "I guess I owe you." he said. "Not too often does the Captain get his life saved by his subordinate." Kalinda moved away from him, and winced in pain. Her wound was deep and bleeding badly. Jonouchi gasped. "What happened!?"

"I was trying to save YOUR ass."

"Lay down and I'll take care of you." Captain Unohana said, smiling sweetly. "It's not a bad wound, so it shouldn't be any kind of problem." Kalinda did as she was told, and very quickly her wound was healed. Unohana and Kalinda moved over to the unconscious Kaze Akurei. They had almost forgotten about him in all turmoil. Jonouchi and Koukeisha stood back a distance and watched.

"So, what did you do to save me?" Jonouchi asked. Koukeisha remained silent for a moment before speaking.

"Rapid Regeneration..."she said. Jonouchi looked confused. "It was the only way I could keep you alive." she sighed. "I'm sorry." It took a few seconds before in sank in.

"Rapid Regeneration is an ability Hollows have, not Shinigami." he said. He thought back to what went on in his head and remembered the visit from Koukeisha. "But... How did you... That mask..." Koukeisha turned her back. "You're part Hollow..." Jonouchi gasped. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"You really think Soul Society would accept me if they knew?" she growled. "Do you really think YOU would have accepted me if you knew?" there was a small trace of a tear in her eye, but she wouldn't let it out.

"Of course I would have." he replied. "I'd have been happy to have you in my Squad, just as I was when you first came to us." Koukeisha remained silent. "Now I know how you breezed through the academy." he laughed.

"Don't fucking make jokes about this!" she shouted, drawing attention to their conversation. Both Unohana and Kalinda turned their heads. Koukeisha roared and rushed off.

"I'll be right back. Just wait for me, Kalinda." he told her, following Koukeisha. He followed her into the forest at the edge of the execution grounds, hopping tree to tree, branch to branch. He followed close behind her. "Wait!" he shouted, closing in. Koukeisha breathing was getting heavy, and she stopped, leaning against the trunk of a tree. Jonouchi stopped behind her, catching a hold of her shoulder. "You don't have to run from me!" She grabbed his hand and tossed it aside, glaring at him. She looked him in the eyes, the pupils were glowing a bright yellow and the rest of the eye had a cloud of black covering them.

"I need to rest..." she growled, laying down against the tree. Jonouchi took a seat next to her, eyes not leaving her. It was a good few minutes before her eyes turned back to normal. "Do you think this is easy for me?" she asked, angrily.

"I don't know anything about it." Jonouchi replied. "I truthfully don't know."

"Well, it's about time you learn." she looked away. "Jou... The only thing I could do to save you was to give you a trace amount of my energy. As you said before, Rapid Regeneration isn't an ability a Shinigami can just learn. But a Shinigami can gain these powers. It's normally a difficult and deadly road. Those who have these powers often cast themselves out of Soul Society. They are known as Vizard, Shinigami that have crossed into the Realms of the Hollow to gain these traits and abilities."

"So, you're one of these Vizard?" Jonouchi asked, although he already knew the answer. Koukeisha nodded and continued.

"I couldn't save you by normal means, so I had to do the only thing I could. I had to force you to regenerate your Soul Chain and Soul Sleep. I took some of my powers and placed them into you. When you were struggling while unconscious you saw me, correct?"

"Yes."

"That was the energy I had placed into you, taking shape. My own energy dissipated after a moment, when your own overtook it."

"My own?" Jonouchi asked, confused.

"Jou, you have to be very careful from now on. You have to keep a strong mind. You can't let him take over."

"I have a Hollow inside of me..." he gasped. Koukeisha nodded and he remained silent for a moment. He remembered the shape it took after he got close enough to it. It looked just like him.

"As long as you stay stronger than him, he shouldn't be a problem. I have always had trouble controling my inner Hollow, but only when I'm severely injured, or use a technique of hers, as you just saw. I'm guessing it will be the same for you." There was another pause before she continued. "You can learn to use these powers to your advantage, but I can't teach you. There are other Vizard out there. A whole group of them. I'm not sure where they are, but you don't need to find them. They'll find you. But they can teach you what you need to know to control your Hollow. I'm sorry I did this to you... But it was the only thing I knew I could do... Please forgive m-" Jonouchi placed a hand on her shoulder, interupting her.

"Don't worry about it. I'm really grateful you helped me. I'll learn to handle this, just as you have. It might be hard, but hey, you know damn well I'm not one to turn down a challenge." Koukeisha smiled and stood.

"We better get going, Kalinda is waiting for you."

"Yeah. Let's get out of here."

They took off in the direction they entered the forest, and in a moment came out onto the execution grounds. Jonouchi and Koukeisha both gasped when they burst from the forest. There was a large gathering on the battlefield. Everyone had returned, and were gathered around talking. They could see Squad 4 rushing around, healing the wounded. They walked into the crowd and were instantly greeted by Kalinda and Kaze Akurei. Kaze Akurei just paused, pointing back and forth between the Koukeisha and his Captain, a blank expression on his face. Jonouchi sighed and ignored him.

"Hey, Jou!" he heard someone shout, and he looked over. It was Ichigo Kurosaki, waving to get his attention. Instantly, Jonouchi rushed over. He looked pretty badly beaten. His robes were torn, but his wounds were obviously healed. "I heard you had a rough time." Ichigo said, frowning.

"Eh, no big deal. I'm okay, as you can see."

"You were almost killed. I heard everything from Kalinda. You fought Tosen and easily defeated him. I felt when his spirit pressure lowered, and yours was still rising. Then it died just suddenly died." Jonouchi remained silent. He knew what he did was stupid, and that he would be suffering for it. He sighed, and there came a booming voice. Yamamoto had begun to speak.

"There will be an immediate Captains meeting held. All available Captains head there now. Captain Unohana will remain here to help her Squad with the injured. All other Captains leave immediately." he slowly walked to Jonouchi and frowned. "YOU as well. We have something we must discuss." Jonouchi's heart sank. He had just remembered he had destroyed the Soukyoku's cross and damaged the Zanpakuto. He said goodbye to his friends and arranged to meet them at his house afterwards. He did as he was told, lagging behind a bit. He entered the room and was shocked. The only Captains in the room were Yamamoto, Kyoraku, and Ukitake.

"Where's everyone else?" Jonouchi asked, standing aside.

"All of them have sustained serious injuries due to Aizens traitorous actions and YOUR uprising!" Yamamoto growled. Jonouchi could tell he wasn't very happy.

"All three of you have gone against the Soul Society! Kyoraku and Ukitake, stopping an execution! Unexceptable! And Jonouchi. Damaging the Soukyoku. That is even more a crime than why you were put on death row!" Yamamoto voice was loud, echoing. Kyoraku, Ukitake, and Jonouchi looked to one another, innocent smiles planted on their faces. "BUT..." Yamamoto continued. "We must prepare for war." Jonouchi's eyes widened.

"War?" he asked.

"Yes... Aizen has stolen a very important artifact, the Hougyoku. This item is very dangerous, and in the hands of that traitor, nobody is safe. We have to prepare for an attack. There is no telling when he will strike."

"What is the Hougyoku?" Jonouchi asked, confused.

"The Hougyoku..." Ukitake started. "...is an invention of Urahara Kisuke, former 12th Squad Captain and the founder and first president of the Shinigami Research Institute. He was exiled from Soul Society about a hundred years ago for the creation of the Hougyoku. This small sphere dissolves the boundary between Shinigami and Hollow. A very dangerous act." Jonouchi instantly thought of Koukeisha and frowned. "In more simple terms, Aizen can use that sphere to allow Hollows to gain the powers of Shinigami. I've heard it also works the other way, allowing Shinigami to gain Hollow-like abilities. Of course, that research was banned, so we never knew one hundred percent what it was capable of."

"War is coming, we know this much." Yamamoto replied. "So we must prepare. At the moment, six Captains are out of action, two have fled the Seireitei, and one has been sentenced to death. Leaving only three Captains to defend all of Soul Society." Jonouchi growled.

"You mean you're still not giving up on that!?" he shouted. "This has proved I'm innocent! Aizen wasn't really dead!"

"Let me finish." Yamamoto spoke firmly. "I am going to allow you to return to your Captain possition. With eight Captains missing, we need all the help we can get." Jonouchi couldn't help but smile.

"You... You're serious?"

"Yes." Yamamoto replied. Jonouchi bowed his head, a large smile crossing his face.

"Thank you, sir!"

"Settle down. We are still not through here. Two Vice-Captains were also killed in the combat. Both Hinamori Momo, and Hisagi Shuhei. 12th Squad has confirmed death by suicide."

"What!? Suicide!?" Ukitake gasped.

"There were large bite marks found on the necks of both Vice-Captains, I was informed..." Kyoraku replied. "So could it have been poison?"

"Squad 12 is still investigating. So far, it looks as if it is suicide." Yamamoto replied. "So we must find replacement Vice-Captains as soon as we can." There was a quiet silence in the room. "You are dismissed. Be on the lookout and instruct your Squadron on what needs done. There will be another meeting after more Captains have recovered."

"Before we leave." Ukitake spoke. "I have a suggestion for a Captain. There was a young Shinigami who had been placed in the 12th seat position in Squad 5."

"I am not giving this position to a 12th seat, Jushiro."

"With all due respect, sir. He IS the reason Captain Kuchiki is out of action." Captain Kyoraku said. "He has two reccomendations."

Yamamoto frowned. "So be it. I must get four more reccomendations from any other Captains, and three approvals. Unless he can show me a Bankai."

"Sorry, sir... But make that three Reccomendations." Jonouchi grinned sheepishly.

"Very well. What is this boys name?"

"Sanosuke Inohata." Kyoraku replied.

The three Captains left and went their seperate ways. Jonouchi knew the first thing he was going to do. He had to go meet everyone at his house. He opened the door and was greeted by several familiar faces. Kalinda glomped and kissed him as soon as he walked through the door. "Congradulations!"

"For what!?" he laughed.

"You've got your Captain's position back." Koukeisha laughed, motioning to his Captains attire.

"Haha... Yeah." Jonouchi explained the whole situation. The war, the Hougyoku, and the need for two other Captains. In some way, Jonouchi was glad all of this happened. If it hadn't he would still be a fugitive, or dead. He smiled.

A few hours passed and night fell. Everyone was exhausted and sleeping, awaiting further orders. Jonouchi was the only one to remain awake. He stood outide, gazing up at the full moon. He took a deep breath of fresh air. He jumped when he heard footsteps behind him. He drew his Zanpakuto and turned, ready to defend. He let out a sigh of relief when he saw who it was.

"Ooooh, scary." Kalinda laughed, wrapping her arms around him. He pulled her close to him and kissed her. Both gazed at the stars in a trance. They talked for a bit of the events that had took place. They couldn't help but laugh.

"I'm just thankful that we get this new beginning." Jonouchi smiled. "If it wasn't for you, I would be dead on that cross. I had no intention of fighting back against the Soukyoku."

"Have some faith in yourself." she laughed, kissing him.

"Want to go for a walk?" Jonouchi asked.

They walked for a bit, watching the stars. It was surprisingly quiet. In war time, people should be up and about. But not a soul was wandering. They came to the park and Kalinda leaned against the large cherry tree. Jonouchi kissed her passionately and she giggled, returning the kiss. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her neck and she sighed. "Jou-kun... No. Not now." Jonouchi just smiled and gave her a quick peck on the lips. Kalinda ran out into the moonlight and smiled. Jonouchi followed behind and wrapped an arm around her waist. "Brings back memories..."

"Sure does." Jonouchi agreed, making a fist with his hand. He closed his eyes smiling. Kalinda noticed this and wore a puzzled expression.

"Jou-kun, what's wrong?" He took a deep breath and let it out. He faced her and opened his palm. It took a moment for Kalinda to see what it was, but when she knew, she gasped.

In Jonouchi's hand laid a ring made of ice. He smiled and held it out to her.

"Marry me?"