So, I was going through my list of things to update, and I saw that I hadn't updated this for two and a half months. Two and a half freakin' months! Thanks for waiting….or cursing me out for being so lazy.

The Moon

Leo watched his youngest, yet most powerful slayer hurry back and forth between homes. It seemed that he never got a break. He had futures to read, people to heal, students to teach…With the war coming, he was moving about even more.

Yamamoto knew despite his order, Cancer was still having trouble accepting his duty. Even though he hated killing other beings, the boy was very protective and therefore wouldn't be able to stand watching from the sidelines quietly. The old man sighed…if only the kid had been born into another time maybe then he wouldn't have to hold all that weight on his shoulders.

Well, back to the war…who was this stranger? How was it that he could control the Hell Hutterflies that listened to only the moon? What did he want with Ichigo? There were so many questions that needed answers, but they had to wait. For now, all Yamamoto could do was prepare and wait.

Ichigo could tell that the Sotaicho was watching his work. He'd flit from one place to another, and he'd always feel that tingling feeling. The orangette was tired, but said not a word of complaint. People needed his help and he was willing to oblige. Though he knew that he wouldn't be able to help in a couple of days. His mind was set. He was going to surrender to the enemy…for Sereitei's sake. If it at least settled a little peace, then he was fine with that. As long no one shed any blood or pain for him, he was fine.

The orange head finally finished his rounds for the day (actually smacked over the head by Rukia and told to rest) and went to his "cupboard". Once there, he carefully labeled all his new potions and wrote warnings for them. Sereitei would need them.

He set out new charms and cards, healing items and spells, and a silver Yokan Mirror for his single divination student. She was a promising kid, and knew how to work the premonition mirror well. Ichigo had never bothered because he preferred his own visions to scrying from what the mirror would reflect.

When he finished, Ichigo sat back. The day was ending and the moon started to shine, illuminating his aquarium once again. This was it. He was leaving, tonight. He knew he would be bringing peace, and saving his friends…but he still felt so empty. His slender face turned toward his deity, the moon. "This is the right thing to do. No one with suffer."

Something ruffled his hair. Ghostly hands settled on his spiky locks and gave a reassuring pat. Ichigo closed his eyes, leaning into the soft hands that tousled his hair. When he felt surer of his plan, the hands traveled lower to brush along his collarbone. The boy shivered, longing to be touched more, to be able to know who touched him so. His skin tingled as those hands went beneath his cloak and black shirt to tease the trembling abdomen there. They moved upwards to tease sensitive nipples, causing Ichigo to moan. A near silent sigh filled the air.

"Come to me." That faint breathy voice called to him once again. "…Ichigo…"

Cool fingers circled the soft nubs before tapping at them, teasing slowly. A soft moan escaped the boy's lips. The aching emptiness that had been growing was eased, filling instead with another unknown emotion. The fingers pinched then flicked the pink nubs causing Ichigo to twitch, biting his lip so he wouldn't make any embarrassing noises. In response to his quietness, the fingers hovered over Ichigo's nipples. The orangette squirmed, knowing, and feeling those slender fingers just hovering, less than a centimeter away from his nubs. The boy arched his back, desperately trying to come in contact with those ghostly hands, but they refused, torturously teasing Ichigo.

"P-please…" The boy pleaded, to whom, he wasn't sure, but he pleaded nonetheless. As soon as the single word came out of his lips, those hands pinched and pulled both Ichigo's nipples. The boy let out a gasped moan, the note lingering deliciously in the air. He was pushed back suddenly, onto his bed, and light fingers stroked his clothed thigh. Through the sleek black cloth of his pants, Ichigo could feel the slight heat of the invisible hands that caressed him. They moved higher, slowly, and then they reached the V of his hips. His pants and underwear were pulled down, sensually brushing against his long legs. Ichigo let out a moan when those hands ghosted along his erection.

"Ichigo…" Whimpers and gasps left his lush pink lips as a hand wrapped around his rigid length and started stroking. Heat surged throughout his entire body and pleasure raced in his veins. His gut clenched and Ichigo could feel his climax approaching when all movement stopped. Confused, the boy opened his deep brown eyes. He couldn't feel that calming presence nor the hands that had touched him. The only evidence that the ghostly presence had been there was Ichigo's hard erection dripping precum. The orangette sighed and brushed a hand through his hair. Was he going crazy? As a psychic, it wasn't unusual for him to feel and sense things others couldn't, but wasn't feeling pleasure from something…otherworldly a bit crazy? While pondering over this, the boy fell into an uncomfortable and light sleep, confused and frustrated.

Ichigo woke in the middle of the night and donned his usual attire. He packed a small pack of food, extra weapons, and potions. Once finished, the boy looked about his room. Everything was set in place, ready for others to use. His eyes gazed at the aquarium, the clear blue waters shimmering from the light the moon cast upon it. Colorful fish swam about, always moving and wiggling here and there. How sad it must be for them to be always cooped up in a tank…but it was safer. Just like Sereitei. Here, he was always cooped in and limited because of his powers. It was like a constricting leash keeping him from straying too far, yet it was safer here because of the protection and slayers that surrounded him.

The boy lifted a hand, the corners of his mouth curling a bit. The water in the tank formed into one single ball, the fish still swimming around inside. The slayer then let his arms sail through the air, and the water transformed to his will. When Ichigo went to the door and opened it, he looked back again. Tunnels of water curved and twisted around the room, his colorful fish wiggling happily inside.

Cancer cloaked himself in the same misted shield he had used in his vision. He ran swiftly, careful to make no noise. His feet carried him through the winding streets of Sereitei until he stood before the Sotaicho's building. He stopped and bowed, thanking the old man for all he had done. For his life, his powers, and this family. Though he hated the fact they killed for so called 'peace' he couldn't help but think of the slayers as family.

"Goodbye." Even faster than before, the slayer ran to the end of the place that had been his home for nearly all his life. He felt free of the weight of his duties lift from his shoulders, but inside, he felt empty and alone. But that was how Cancers were supposed to be. Knowing too much distanced them from others and being able to see different beings was also another wedge. Isolation and surrendering was the only way to save those he loved. The boy stepped toward where he knew where the stranger would be without a glance back. Though, he did think that he felt a slight brush through his hair and a soft caress on his cheek…but it was probably his imagination…right?

Shiro opened his eyes to reveal golden eyes that glowed in the darkness around him. Hell butterflies fluttered freely around him. A broad smiled made its way to his face and he laughed.

"So he comes. My prize has come to spare Sereitei." The vampire stood and the butterflies transformed into his mysterious shadowy creature once again. "I shall claim what's mine. If the boy comes willingly, there is no need to attack. Probably."

His eyes glinted manically and he rode on, fully ready to take the slayer on his way towards him.

I'll update as soon as all my tests and my science stuff is done! I'm so angry that didn't update this in so long, and when I do, it's a half assed short chapter. I need some cheering up…perhaps ice cream and…..mumbles on*.

Please Review!