Book One: Young Blood

Chapter III: My Own Life

A/N: And here's another chapter! I actually kind of love this chapter, my great friend Liz helped me write a certain part in it, that I'm sure you will all love! The next chapter should be about in about a week, maybe even sooner. Thank you all so much, and don't forget to review xoxo

Warning: Sexual Content

-:-

"She planned ahead for a year, he said, "Let's play it by ear."

She didn't want him to run, he didn't want her to fear

Nobody said it'd be easy, they knew it was rough

But, tough luck."

"Kana? Kana?" Renji knelt beside the sleeping noble, shaking her shoulder gently as he glanced around. How Kanako Kuchiki managed to fall asleep outside the Seireitei baffled him. But he had always heard the woman had a way of napping in any place at any given time, "Kana-san," He shook her again gently, and her eyelids finally fluttered open, her looking up at him, a bit confused, and her cheeks reddening.

"Renji," She murmured rubbing at her eyes as she looked around, noting that it was no longer day time, and her eyebrows creased together even more, "Where am I?" She murmured letting Renji help her stand up, and he seemed just as confused as her.

"You're just outside the Seireitei, in District 1" He stated, "Are you alright Kanako? Have you been drinking today?"

Kanako ponders it for a minute… she remembers going to Aizen's office, she remembered… She laughs suddenly, startling Renji, "I had some sake with Captain Aizen." She says as it starts to come back to her, Renji sighing as she remembers catching up with Aizen, trading in tea for sake, the two drinking together, her becoming very jovial while he just got red in the face, like always, "I must have drank a lot more than I realized." She said with a laugh, her hands going to her cheeks, "How did I even end up out here?"

Renji smiled shaking his head, "I have no idea, I just found you passed out against the wall."

Kanako nods and she looks around pursing her lips as she pushed her hair from her face, "Do you want… do you want to do something?" She asks, turning to look at Renji, before blushing, "…If you aren't busy."

Renji looked taken a back for a moment, it wasn't every day a guy like him was asked out by a noble woman, a member of the Kuchiki clan at that, "I… Sure." He said smiling sheepishly, "I was actually just about to go out anyways."

Kanako grinned, "Great!" She said and took a hold of his large hand making him blush, "I know exactly where we should go." She said, before using shunpo, surprising him with her speed.

Renji had gathered more information on Kanako after he was forced to leave her the other night, she was a master at all four of the combat techniques, but she excelled in Hohō, much like her brother. He hadn't heard much about her Zanpakto, other than its name, Ten Kōhai*.

She really was an interesting woman, nothing like how he expected, and she always managed to surprise him. Renji wondered exactly what the reason for the way he felt about her was, considering he had only just met her the day prior, but whenever she was near he felt like he couldn't think straight, it was driving him insane.

"Renji," Renji turned, raising his head as they landed on top of a roof, "We're here."

"Where is here?" He asked, and Kanako smiled, jumping down from the roof of the small shed, and landed on the grass.

"I come here with my recruits to train, and to meditate." She explains, letting out a big sigh, "It's just so peaceful here, much better then inside the walls of the Seireitei." She says moving to sit in the grass, stretching her arms out above her head as she looked up at the starry sky.

Renji smiled a little, and jumped from the top of the shed, and landed beside her, "Have a rough day?" He asks, sitting down beside her, his legs crossed as she nods turning her head to look at him.

"What I'd give to just be a regular person," She sighs closing her eyes, "No duties, nothing to be required to be done for the family… and no stupid meetings."

Renji frowned, nodding slowly as he placed his hand over Kanako's, and she opened one eye, "Does my being engaged bother you?" She asks suddenly, and Renji looks at her for a moment before nodding.

"It's not very fair," He says smiling a little when she laced her fingers through his, "For you to be forced to marry someone you don't want to be with, it's not fair at all."

Kanako nods, "Well, life of a noble is hardly ever fair." She sighs, "In fact… now that I remember, I was supposed to be somewhere right now." She says, looking over at him, "But I think I'd rather spend my night with you."

Renji smiled, "You hardly even know me." He says and Kanako shrugs.

"I'd like to know you though," She whispers, sitting up, bringing her knees up to her chest, "The other night…" She felt herself blushing as she remembered, "The other night when you kissed me… I liked it." She says looking over at him, feeling a little nervous.

Renji bit the inside of his cheek as he moved closer to her, moving so his legs were on either side of her, "What about Takahiro Saito?"

Kanako frowned, "Well… What he doesn't know won't hurt him." She says, smiling just a little and Renji nods, "I… I just want to live my life the way I want, just for once." She says, moving so she was on her knees in front of him, moving closer to him, and he blushed, "Before I have to give my freedom up for my clan." She placed her hands on the sides of his face, smiling, "If that's okay with you."

Renji placed his hands on her hips, "It's more than okay with me." He said, and Kanako smirked before leaning forward even more, their lips inches apart.

"Good," She whispered, running her thumb along his bottom lip, "You can't tell a soul." She says seriously, "If…If my brother, or any other nobles find out, my name will be ruined."

"What about that man?" He asks, and Kanako tilts her head, "Mori-San, won't he know?"

"Mori-Chan is a close friend," She said pressing her lips to his for a moment, smiling when he slowly started to kiss her back, "He won't say a word."

Kanako, despite her age, and what people said about her, wasn't very experienced in the romance world. She knew how to flaunt her body to get her way, and she knew how to easily seduce men. But she still couldn't shake her nerves when Renji's hands moved to her thighs, his lips on hers finally, and she felt the heat rising in her body from his touch. She had some experience with Ichimaru, but it was all so long ago, and it was her first time with anything intimate… and had been her last time. She hadn't realized how much she had missed the touch of man until now, and how eager she was becoming.

Kanako let out a shaky breath, Renji's hands stroking the back of her thighs making her entire body shiver from his touch. She wasn't sure how far she wanted to take this, but she didn't want him to stop touching her, she wanted him closer.

Kanako pulled back just a bit, laughing a little at the look of disappointment on Renji's face before she shook her head, moving so she sat in his lap, her legs on either side of him, and he pulled her even closer, making her let out a little gasp before his lips were on hers again. Renji had his hands on her hips now, his lips moving against hers, nipping and tugging at her lips as she went for that damn ponytail, and pulled his hair free from it, combing her fingers through his crimson locks, letting out a tiny moan when he bit down on her bottom lip, and gave him the opportunity to deepen their kiss even more.

She pressed closer to him, kissing him with a need that she hadn't felt in so long. Her fingers tightened in the strands of his hair while his fingers maintained a bruising grip on her thighs that only excited her more. Kanako could hardly take any more teasing so her hands moved down, sliding over his shoulders and down to the obi tied around his waist, quickly undoing it and pulled it from him. She grips the fabric of his Kosode, pulled the robes a part, doing the same with his under shirt, her hands moving up his bare chest now, feeling his muscles tighten beneath her touch. She had to see how far those tattoos went down, and she pulled back a bit, breathing heavily as he tilted his head back while she traced the lines of his tattoos with the tip of her nails along his chest, down to his pelvis, giggling a little when his hips bucked up from her touch. He gripped her hands, keeping her from touching him any longer, and she looked at him smiling.

"A-Are you sure you want to do this?" He asks, voice soft and husky, sending shivers down her spine.

"We're both consenting adults," She breathes out, pulling her hands from his hold, and moved them back down his chest, sliding her fingers under his Hakama, smirking when he moved his hips into her touch, leaning forward, pressing her lips against the side of his jaw, moving them up to his ear, "I want you." She rasps out, feeling him tighten underneath her, his hands on her hips once again as she pulls back, eyes shining with desire for him. He smiles, leaning down and pressing a kiss to her neck, feeling her tilt her head back to give him more room. He trails his lips down, his fingers going down to the scarf tied around her waist, and slowly untied it, pulling it, and her Zanpakto away, setting them to the side. Her uniform was a bit different, her Kosode and Hakama traded in for a dress, and when he pulled it open slowly, it left her in nothing but her panties, making his breath hitch at the sight of her. Kanako felt herself blush under his gaze, but she couldn't look away from his face. His hands slid up her thighs, making her tremble, his hands on her waist now, and up to sides of her breasts, his thumbs brushing against her nipples, her head tilting back as she let out a moan. Renji smiled a little, and slides his hands back down, gripping her hips as he moved her from his lap. He chooses then to push her back lightly now until her back was against the grass and he crawled over her, her legs on either side of his waist. She gives him a soft smile as he looks down at her, holding himself over her with his forearms and her hand comes up to caress the side of his face, thumb tracing his lower lip. He leans down, his lips pressed against hers gently, before moving them along her jawline, remember what that had done to her when he kissed them the night before. She breathed out his name, her fingers tangling in his hair, his lips continuing to move along her skin, down her neck, along her collarbone, and along the valley in between her breasts, which coaxed a louder moan from her lips, and he trails his fingers up the sides of her thighs until he reaches her panties and he hooks his fingers into the band, tugging down.

Kanako lifts her hips to help him, shifting her legs a bit to make it easier for him to pull them all the way off before her legs fall open again and he groans at the sight of her while his hands moved to his Hakama, pushing them down with her help, the fabric bunching at his thighs. His cock was hard and sensitive to the touch as he gripped the base and leaned forward again, bracing himself with his forearm. He guides himself into her and she bites her lip, whimpering at the initial stretch of him inside her but she soon got used to the feeling.

"Okay?" He asks voice tight with the effort to not just thrust into her because of how tight she was around him. She gives a quick nod, exhaling quietly and he bites his lip. "You gotta talk to me Kana-Chan. Are you okay?" He asks again.

"Yes," she breathes. "Yes just keep going," she demands, "Don't stop yet, please" and he chuckles. Her tone doesn't sound pained and at the most she looks only mildly uncomfortable but he knew that was normal. He leans down to capture her lips with his own as he pulls back and thrusts back into her, slowly picking up a rhythm.

"F-Fuck," Kanako squeezed her eyes shut, her moans loud. She tugged at his hair as she moved her hips up to meet his, moaning out his name as her head fell back. Renji began to move his lips along her neck, biting the skin there gently, her body trembling. She could feel the heat building up inside her, and felt another strange animalistic need deep within her as her nails dug deep into his back, drawing blood.

Their gasps and moans filled the air around them and her fingers dug into his back, his slight whines and grunts muffled into the skin of her shoulder where he'd trailed his lips to after their kiss had broken. "C-close," he breathes, knowing he couldn't hold out much longer.

"God, Renji, faster, please." Kanako cried out, her nails moving down his back, and to his hips, her back arching up into his chest, their hips moving together, moving faster and faster.

Renji's hips stutter and he comes with a loud groan, continuing his thrusting until he could feel her clench, an equally loud moan falling from her lips as the waves of her orgasm crashed over her. Renji pressed his lips to the side of Kanako's mouth, listening to her heavy breathing as he stroked her damp hair, before pressing another kiss to her jaw, pulling out with a slight wince, and fell onto his back beside her. She glances over at him, her hand falling to her chest, feeling her rapid heartbeat, and she laughed a little, moving to rest her head over his chest, trailing her hands up and down his torso, listening to his heartbeat gradually slow as his fingers brush up and down her arm, occasionally toying with her hair.

Kanako was in absolute bliss. Her entire body still felt like it was on fire, her head spinning as she shivered from his touch, his lips on her hair every now and again. "Amazing," He breathed out, making her smile turning her head so her chin rested against his chest, "You're absolutely amazing." He murmured again, his eyes closed and Kanako giggled, tilting her head to trail kisses along his chest. She moved so she saw on her knees, her hand moving down to Renji's hipbones, running her fingers along them, and across his pelvis, as her lips continued to follow along the curves of his tattoos, hearing him let out a few moans as she grazed her teeth against his skin, his fingers tangling in her hair as she trailed her lips even further down.

Kanako was close to giving Renji something she was sure he'd never forget when she felt strange suddenly, like nothing she had ever felt before and she sat up, her hand going to her forehead, Renji's fingers untangling from her hair as he turned to look at her, siting up slowly, "What is it?" He asked, pulling her hair from her face, running his fingers along her hot cheek, "What's the matter?" He whispered, and Kanako shook her head.

"N-Nothing," She stuttered, wincing as her head continued to pound, "I… my head." She cried out, her hands going over her eyes.

Renji looked at her, becoming very worried, when she let out a tiny little sob, "Kanako, are you alright?" He asked as he pulled his Hakama up, securing his pants around his hips again, "Can I help?" Kanako shook her head, pulling her hands away from her face. She began search through the grass, finding her underwear, and quickly pulling them on, wincing again when another wave a pressure hit her, feeling like her skull was being cracked open.

"No, no you can't." She snapped, her eyes widening a bit, she hadn't meant to sound so harsh. She frowned, "I… I'm sorry," She said, turning to him as she wrapped her dress around her body, "I'm sorry… I, I don't know what's happening." She says, her hands going to her head again, her dress falling open a little and Renji nods, seeing the tears in her eyes.

"Here, let me help you get back." He muttered as he grabbed the scarf, and helped her tie it around her waist, Kanako smiling a little.

"Thank you Renji," She whispered, adjusting her lieutenant's badge on the scarf before looking back up at him, "You're amazing." She muttered, her hands going to his cheeks, and he smiled, "That was… it was perfect."

Renji nods, going to say the same when Kanako's eyes widened suddenly, and she cried out, her body slumping forward, and he gripped her arms, her nails digging into his shoulders"Kana, Kanako? What is it? What's wrong?" He asked, shaking her as she began to wail, her head against his chest, her hands slipping down from his shoulders, and pressing against her temples.

"My head," She cried out, "It… get it out, get it out."

"What? Kanako get what out? What is it?" Renji panicked, his arms wrapping around her waist.

It felt like something, or someone one was inside of her head, scratching at the walls of her skull, prodding and puling at her brain, putting images in her mind, violent thoughts, blood, death, power. What was this? What was happening? She heard Renji's voice, and she felt his touch, but she couldn't do anything but scream, and cry, and before she knew it she was flying… It took her a few moments to register that she wasn't actually flying, but that she was Renji's arms, and he was hurrying back towards the Seireitei, her Zanpakto in his hands, and his Kosode open, the fabric and his hair flapping in the wind.

She could tell when his feet touched the ground, bringing her closer to his chest, and she curled up in his arms, crying against his skin as she rubbed her head, trying to get the pain to stop.

"What has happened? What is this?" Kanako distinctively heard Mori's voice, and she reached her hand out, trying to call out to him, feeling his hand wrap around hers.

"Her head, she said something's wrong with her head." Renji said, his voice cracking a little as Mori took Kanako from his hold, "We need to get her to division four." He said, and Mori glared at him shaking his head.

"No, no we don't." He said, "You need to leave, before someone sees you with her, I will take care of her." He said, and Renji swallows down the lump in his throat, watching as Mori shushed Kanako, pulling her hair from her face before he looked back at Renji, "I will make sure Kanako is safe, she will speak to you once she is better." He said, and Renji nods, Mori looking at the younger shinigami before disappearing through the gate, leaving Renji staring at the spot where he had been standing, Kanako's cries still echoing in his mind.

-:-

Manic laughter filled her ears as she knelt on the ground, her head hung low, staring at the blood that stained her hands, and her clothes. The laughter was so close, it was echoing throughout her mind, and all around her.

"You can't fight it, you can't, you can't, you can't, you can't!" The voice chanted, and cheered sending chills up her spine.

She had tried to defeat her, the woman with her face, her voice, but she couldn't she was stronger than her… she was faster. They had been fighting for so long, and her friends… they were all dead… she killed them all.

"They're all dead, all dead because of you." Her voice was so crazed, so light and cheery about their deaths and the laughter filled her mind yet again, "Weak little girl, you are nothing, you are powerless, give in, just give in."

Kanako's hand gripped onto the hilt of her Zanpakto, her eyes squeezing shut as tears slipped passed them, "Come on give up, you know you want to, just give up, give me power, let me in."

"No," Kanako said, raising her sword just in time to block to blow the other her sent her way, glaring at the creature before her, "I will never." She bit out, pushing the thing back, and flashed stepped back a few steps, pointing her Zanpakto towards the creature.

"Kagayaku*, Ten Kōhai."

Kanako's eyes opened, her vision blurred as she looked around the room, seeing splotches of color ever now and again as she sat up, rubbing at her eyes.

"Kananee-Chan," Kanako turned her head, hearing Byakuya's voice, and she saw splotches of black and white right beside her on the bed, and she smiled.

"Byakuya," She murmured, her voice sounded awful, and her throat was raw, causing her to cough. She felt her brother's hand on her back, rubbing and patting as he reached over to her nightstand, grabbing something off of it before handing it over to her.

"Here, drink this." He said handing her the steaming cup, and helped her bring it up to her lips, Kanako gagging as she swallowed.

"What the hell is that?!" She sputtered, letting Byakuya take the cup away as she wiped at her tongue, trying to get the foul taste from her mouth.

"Unohana brought it over," He muttered setting the cup back down on the nightstand, "It's supposed to help with alerting your senses when you woke up."

Kanako looked back over at him, noting now that he was less blurry, "What do you mean when I woke up?" She asked, and Byakuya looked at, the same calculating expression on his face, but she could tell something was wrong, "What do you mean Byakuya?"

"You've been in a coma for days," He said, watching as the confusion spread across her face, "Five days to be exact."

Kanako closed her eyes, pressing her palm against her eye, nodding slowly as she remembered what had happened, her meeting with Aizen, drinking, meeting up with Renji… spending time with him, and then her head… her head had hurt so bad. "Third Seat Hatakasan found you outside of the Seireitei, you were complaining about your head… and he brought you back here where you fell unconscious. "

"Five days?" She mumbled, Byakuya nodding, "Has anything interesting happened?" She asked, and Byakuya frowns.

"Mysterious deaths all throughout the Soul Society," He said, and Kanako frowned, "The body count is up to eight now."

Kanako closes her eyes as she shook her head, and leaned back in her bed, "Who's in charge of the investigation?"

"Head-Captain Yamamoto has division twelve researching the bodies." He started to explain as he stood up, and walked over to the wardrobe in her room, "He'd ordered each captain to send one of their recruits for patrol; Mori Hatakasan is currently on duty."

Kanako nods, throwing her covers off of her, Byakuya coming back over from her wardrobe with her uniform in hand, and laid it out on her bed, "Once you've cleaned up I want you to get dressed." He said, and Kanako nods, "Takahiro has been very worried about you." He said, and Kanako frowned, "We will visit the division then have dinner with the Saitos."

Byakuya watched her for a moment, glad that she was awake… those five days, though he remained calm as always, were very hard for him, having to see his twin like that, in bed, not giving him any sign that she was going to wake up ever again… He swallowed, "Hurry up." He said as he turned, and left her room, Kanako burying her face in her hands.

Five days, she had been unconscious for five days. She could hardly believe it, she was stuck in that dream for four damn days. Her dreams, nightmares really, had occurred ever night. Each night, she'd be drenched in blood, her own, and the blood of her friends, her family… and that voice, her voice and her face with its taunting and manic laughter always fought her. It fought her for days, until she finally managed to defeat it, and now she was suddenly awake. It had to mean something. Maybe Sōsuke would know.

Kanako reached over to the tea on the table, making a face before she chugged the rest of it down, managing not to throw up as she did, "Good god." She groaned as she stood shaking her head.

"Lady Kuchiki," Kanako turned smiling at her personal servant, Mai, who was standing at the door, "Lord Byakuya asked me to prepare you a bath." She said bowing and Kanako nods.

"Thank you Mai," She said, glancing at herself briefly in the mirror before following Mai towards the washroom.

Once Mai was sure Kanako was safe and comfortable in her bath, she left the noble alone, and Kanako sunk down in her tub, the warm water soothing her stiff muscles, as she finished rinsing the sweet smelling shampoo from her hair.

She sighed in content, leaning her head against the back of the tub, her eyes closing listening to the wind coming from outside. Everything was always so quiet at her home, considering she was the only one who lived there other than her brother and a few servants. She started to wonder why she didn't stay at the mansion more often; that is until reminded when she heard the ruckus going on outside her door.

"You cannot enter! Lady Kanako is bathing! She is indecent!"

"She is always indecent lady, now move!" Sakura sat up in the tub a little more at the sound of Sakura's voice.

If Kanako didn't stay at the barracks, the Sakura would come around abusing the servants verbally just like she had when she lived with all those years ago.

"I'm so sorry Mai-San, please excuse Sakura." Kanako heard a softer, raspier voice, and knew that Kimie must have tagged along with Sakura, and she smiled watching as the bathroom door slid open with a slam, a little Sakura standing on the other side, her short fiery curls in a messy braid on the side of her head, glaring at her. While Kimie stood at her side, her dirty blonde hair curled on one side, the other side of her head shaved, her tattoos curling around her ear, and down her neck.

"Kura-Chan, Kimie-Chan," Kanako said happily as she stood up, Sakura glaring even more now as Kimie blushed and turned away from the naked woman, "What a pleasant surprise you two." She said as Mai hurried into the room with Kanako's robe, tying it securely around her waist before handing her a towel and Kanako began to dry her hair. "How'd you know I was awake now?" She asked, and Sakura rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest.

"As soon as you woke up your Reiryoku flared." Sakura said, before throwing her shoe, the noble managing to doge it just in time. "What the hell were you doing out so late? You know it's dangerous for people like you to be out in the public so late! Stupid!" Sakura shouted making Kanako sigh as she moved passed her to enter her room again.

"Oh Kura-Chan, don't insult Kana-Chan, she just woke up, be nice." Kimie pleaded, gripping onto Sakura's hand to hold the girl back as she stormed after Kanako, ready to give the older woman a good beating.

"Mai-Chan, could you please excuse us?" Kanako asked as she sat at her vanity, Mai frowning a bit before she bowed, and left.

"Well?" Sakura spat, pulling from Kimie's hold, Kimie frowning as she crossed one arm over her chest, her other arm's elbow in her hand, tapping her fingers against her lips nervously.

Kanako turned to Sakura, a small smile on her lips, "I was spending time with Renji." She says simply, and Sakura narrowed her eyes.

"What do you mean you were with Renji Abarai?" Kanako bit her lip, averting her eyes as Sakura's jaw fell open, "You didn't." She breathed, and Kanako turned to look at her smiling.

"We did," She said with a nod, smiling like a fool and Sakura let out a frustrated shout.

"You're so stupid! You…You lecher!" Sakura shouted, going to throw another shoe at Kanako when she stood quickly, place a hand over the shorter girl's mouth.

"Stop, don't be so loud!" She demanded, Sakura glaring up at her, hitting Kanako's hand away with her sandal, the noble quickly pulling her hand back, rubbing the back of it as she pouts, "Byakuya cannot know."

Kimie looked at the two women, as they began to argue quietly with one another, Sakura calling Kanako a 'whore' while Kanako called Sakura a 'prude'. "Wait," Kimie interjected scratching at the shaved side of her head, "I'm confused…." Kanako and Sakura both looked at Kimie now, "Why does Kana hanging out with Renji make her a wh…. oh… OH." Kimie shouted as she finally got it, her hands going over her mouth as Kanako started laughing at her, Sakura even cracking a smile.

Sakura shook her head as she turned her attention to Kanako, who sat back down at her vanity, holding her sides as she continued to laugh, "What happened to you Kana?" She asks now, and Kanako looked at her now, wiping at her eyes as she shrugged a little.

"I have no idea," Kanako started, "After Renji and I had… finished," She felt herself blush a bit, Sakura rolling her eyes, and Kimie giggling, "I started to feel strange… and my head, it felt like something or someone was inside of it… slamming against my skull." Kanako closed her eyes, running her hands down her face, "All I remember is Renji bringing me to Mori, and then I woke up here."

Sakura nods slowly, sitting down on the edge of Kanako's large bed as she pondered what could have possibly happen, "You and Renji did nothing but… sleep together." She muttered, Kanako nodding, "What about before? What were you doing?"

"I was having a drink with Aizen," Kanako said as she stood, going over to her dresser, pulling out some underwear and excused herself into her bathroom, "Nothing strange happened, we just drank, and I woke up outside of the Seireitei, in district one." She called from behind the door, slipping her underwear on before walking back into the room, discarding her robe.

"You woke up outside of the Seireitei?" Sakura asks, turning to look at her as Kanako pulled her dress on, letting Kimie help tie the scarf securely around her waist, "How did you even get there?"

Kanako looked over at her friend, adjusting the badge on her scarf, "I have no idea." She murmured, sitting down on the bed, "I just remember drinking with Aizen, and then nothing." She placed a hand on her hip, "Renji found me, that's how he and I got together… He said I was just asleep against the wall."

Sakura pursed her lips. It wasn't like Kanako to forget things, even when she was drank herself into a stupor; she had always remembered what she did…. "You need to speak with Captain Aizen." Sakura said, looking over at her, "Maybe he has something to do with this." She murmured, she had always been wary around the captain of the fifth division, even after all those years of knowing him through Kanako.

"Aizen? Behind me being in a coma? I doubt it." Kanako scoffed as she slipped her sandals on, tying her hair in a messy bun on top of her head, "Alright," Kanako said as she walked across the room, picking up her Zanpakto, "I need to go with Byakuya to Division six."

Sakura nods, watching Kanako carefully as she secured her Zanpakto on her side. There was definitely something off about her; her spiritual pressure was off the charts when she typically was able to mask it, "Behave yourself." Sakura said as she and Kimie followed the woman through the halls of the Kuchiki mansion, "And be careful… I think something fishy is going on here," Sakura mused, Kimie and Kanako both looking at her.

"You're too paranoid," Kanako said with an eye roll, Kimie shaking her head.

"Captain Unohana thinks Kanako just drank too much," Kimie added in, "I'm sure the captain's judgment is the right judgment, and Kana-Chan, you really should speak to someone about your alcoholism."

Kanako glared at the girl, "I'm not an alcoholic!"

Sakura shook her head, interrupting the two, "Just be careful," Sakura said, the girls stopping once they were outside, Byakuya standing by the stairs looking at them, "Don't trust anyone, not until all this is figured out." Kanako nods slowly, looking down at the girl.

"I'm glad you're awake La-," Kimie blushed when Kanako sent her a look, "Kana-San," She said, bowing a bit, "I was so worried about you." Kanako smiled placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Thank you Kimie-Chan," She said reaching forward to wrap her arm around the girl, grabbing Sakura by the collar before she could escape her grasp, hugging her friends tightly, "I will come see you both soon," She said, pulling back, ruffling Sakura's hair, laughing as the girl slapped her hand away, "Be careful you two." She said, before hurrying down the stairs by her brother, the twins disappearing in a blink of an eye.

-:-

As soon as Kanako stepped foot past the gate of division six all of the recruits in the area gathered around her, welcoming her back, filling her in on what she missed, and asking her how she was doing. Byakuya managed to disperse the crowd that was forming with one glance, and now she was in the office she shared with her brother, looking at the stack of paper work on her desk with distaste.

"There is no way in hell I'm going to be able to do this." She said, pointing down to the stack, Byakuya looking up from the form he was filling out, blinking a few times.

"There's not even that much," He said simply, and Kanako scoffed.

"The stack is almost as tall as me!" She whined, flopping down in her chair, her arms hanging over the sides, Byakuya rolling his eyes at her.

"You're such a child," He murmured as he finished filling out the form, and placed it on the stack of papers that were to be sent out, "We need to head to the Saito mansion soon." He said, looking over at Kanako as she groaned, leaning her head back against her chair, "What is it?"

Kanako shook her head, standing up, "Nothing Byakuya." She muttered, looking at the stack of paper before picking it up. She balanced the stack in her arms as she walked over to his desk, and plopped them down on top of his in box, giving him a glare, "You stay here and do these, and I will go alone to go appease my fiancé, for you." She said bitterly, and Byakuya looked at her, feeling a little confused as she walked away, sighing to himself.

"Kanako," He grumbled as he stood up, managing to catch up with her in no time, making her groan, "Why are you acting so childish?"

Kanako rolled her eyes, "I'm not acting childish." She bit out, crossing her arms over her chest as she stood in front of her brother, Byakuya narrowing her eyes.

"Are you mad at me?" He could always tell, she knew that, and it just made her angrier.

"No." She grumbled, turning and Byakuya let out a huff.

"Kanako, stop acting so childishly, you're making a fool of yourself." He said as he glanced behind her at a few of the recruits who had stopped to observe the twins, most of them always did that when the Kuchiki siblings went at it, and he sent a glare there way, making them all scurry away.

"I'm not acting childishly," Kanako snapped turning back to her brother, "Maybe I just want to have an hour to myself," She said her hands going on her hips, "Maybe I want to catch up with my friends who I haven't seen in five days, hmm? Did you ever think of that?"

Byakuya looked at her as Kanako glared at him, "So then go visit your friends," He said and Kanako raised an eyebrow, "As long as you're at the Saito mansion for dinner then it's alright Kanako." He murmured, and Kanako cocked her jaw, "All you had to do was tell me."

Kanako narrowed her eyes, feeling a bit foolish, "Thank you." She muttered under her breath, "I will be on time for dinner," She mumbles turning on her heel, "See you then."

She walked away; keeping her head raised high, feeling Byakuya's eyes on her back before she used shunpo to escape from his gaze.

"Stupid brother," She grumbled kicking at the gravel, walking down the street. She actually hadn't planning on going to visit her friends; she just didn't want to see Takahiro… She didn't regret the night she spent with Renji, not one bit, and she actually hoped something like that would happen again… but she felt guilty as hell. She knew that Takahiro actually loved her, and was wanting to spend the rest of his life with her… but she just didn't feel the same way at all. She frowned, looking down at the ground, starting to feel a little angry at herself.

"Give in," Kanako froze mid-step when she heard the voice from her dreams clear as day, her eyes widening just a bit as she turned around to look behind her, finding no one there.

She had to have been imagining that, there was no way that she had actually heard that…. She swallowed the lump forming in her throat, and continued to walk along, her hand going to her Zanpakto, just in case…

"Lady Kuchiki," Kanako turned at the sound of Mori's voice, sighing in relief when she actually saw him running over to her, "You're awake." He said, smiling as he stopped to stand in front of her, "You had me worried."

"Awh, Mori-Chan, you were worried about me?" She laughed, shaking her head as he rolled his eyes.

"How are you?" He asked, Kanako shrugging a little as she brushed a few strands of hair behind her ear.

"I'm fine, fully rested, for once, and just… taking a stroll to clear my head." She said waving her hand about, trying not to think about the voice any longer.

Mori stared at her a moment, "What's the matter?" He asked, easily reading the fear on her face, and Kanako looked at him, shaking her head.

"Nothing," She lied turning her head away from him, "I'm fine…" Mori's expression fell, and he reached forward, pulling her face back to look at him.

"What happened when you went to see Captain Aizen?" He questioned in a hushed voice, taking a step closer to her, dropping his hold on her chin as she looked up at him confused.

"Nothing, we just drank." She said, and he shook his head.

"You drank, and then you woke up all by yourself, outside of the Seireitei? That doesn't strike you as odd at all?"

Kanako's eyebrows creased together, yeah it was a little odd… It wasn't like Aizen to let her wander about by herself, but she probably insisted… or maybe he passed out and she left… "I'm sure it was nothing." She muttered, "If anything had happened I would remember, and it's Sōsuke, it's not like he's responsible for what happened to me." She said shaking her head, and Mori sighed.

"I don't trust him Kana-San." He muttered, taking ahold of her wrist, "I have never trusted him, and neither should you." He whispered, and Kanako frowned.

"Never trust who?" Kanako jumped at the sudden presence of Sōsuke Aizen's voice beside her, and she turned, looking up at the taller man, his hands folded in front of his chest, "It's nice to see you again Kana-San, you had me worried." He pulled one of his arms out of the sleeve, placing his hand on her shoulder, "I came and visited you a few times… but since these murders occurred I have been distracted. I hope you're doing alright."

Kanako smiled shaking her head, "No, it's alright Sōsuke." She said looking over at Mori, elbowing him in his side when she saw how intensely he was staring at the captain, "I'm perfectly fine, I'm sure that little nap of mine was the cause of that damn meeting I went to." She joked lightly, and Sōsuke smiled.

"Probably," He said pulling his hand away from her shoulder now, "When you're free you should stop by for some tea and just tea this time." He said, making her laugh, "I should get going, plus I believe there's another man on his way to see you." Aizen said, gesturing behind Mori, and Kanako moved her head to look, unable to fight the smile that spread across her lips at the sight of Renji walking quickly towards her.

Kanako waved a goodbye to Aizen, as the captain headed back down the street, "I've got to go." Mori said suddenly, and Kanako turned to look at him, but was able to stop him because by the time she opened her mouth he had already vanished, Renji stopping in front of her now.

"Kana," He whispered, moving to stand in front of her, Kanako smiling up at him, "I was so worried."

Kanako's eyes widened a little when Renji wrapped his arms around her body, his face burring in her neck, "I had no way to see you." He whispered his arms so tight she could feel his heart beating against her chest.

"R-Renji," She gasped out, "Can't breathe." Renji let go of her, his face red as he apologized, and Kanako placed her hand over her chest, unable to stop smiling, "Not here." She said, gesturing for him to follow her.

Kanako hurried down the street, Renji close behind her as she turned into an abandoned alleyway, looking all around before she turned to Renji, and wrapped her arms around his neck, letting him hug her close, even lifting her up off the ground some, "What happened to you?" He asked, his hand on the back of her neck as he pulled back a little, Kanako shaking her head.

"I honestly don't know," She whispered, stroking his cheek with her thumb, "I don't really remember anything that happened after my head started to hurt." She said, and he nods, leaning forward to press his lips to hers, her heart skipping a beat when he did.

"I missed you," His words made her smile, her cheeks flushing, as she stood on her toes, wrapping her arms around his neck again, resting her chin on his shoulder.

"You really shouldn't have," She murmured, closing her eyes, "You hardly know me." She laughed a little as she repeated the words he had told her, and he smiled.

"I think I'm starting to know you," He whispered, and she laughed again.

"Sex brings everyone closer," She said, and he shook his head slowly.

"It's not just the sex," He said pulling back a little, his hands going to her neck, running his thumbs along her jawline, "It's something else." He murmured, Kanako looking up at him, feeling her heart beating faster as he spoke, "…We don't know each other well yet, but… there's… there's definitely something here." He said, and Kanako smiled, looking down.

"You're right," She whispered looking back up at him, "But I'm engaged Renji." She said shaking her head, "We really… there's no way for us…"

Renji shook his head "We can try." He said firmly, "You can choose your life." He said, and Kanako nods, "You are your own person."

Kanako smiled, pressing her lips to his, "I'll make my own life." She murmured against his lips pulling back, her head tilting to the side some as she gazed up at him, "But… I think you owe me a date." She says, and Renji laughs.

"I know just the place then." He murmured, and Kanako smiled wider as she followed after him.

They could find a way to make this work… They had to find a way, because Kanako enjoyed being around the younger shinigami far too much now… and she wasn't sure she'd be able to deal with Takahiro without being able to look forward to seeing Renji after.

-:-

Captain Sōsuke Aizen was up to something. He just knew it. There was no way that man didn't have something to do with Kanako suddenly falling into a coma after seeing him. Mori kept his head down low as he trailed behind Aizen, the man walking along, stopping at some shops.

It was completely normal, nothing suspicious, but that made it all the more suspicious to Mori. Why would Aizen just be shopping? Especially with the deaths going around, maybe he also was behind the mysterious deaths.

Mori froze when he heard Kanako's laughter, and he turned a bit, seeing her walking beside Renji Abarai, the two of them sharing sweets, and he sighed shaking his head. Like that wasn't obvious. He'd have to talk to her once he was done keeping an eye on Captain Aizen.

Mori turned back to where Aizen once was, his eyes widening when the captain was no longer there. He pushed through the few people walking the streets, and jumped onto one of the buildings roofs, scanning the streets when he spotted the captain's haori turning down an alley. Mori jumped from roof to roof, walking quietly along the tiles as he watched the captain closely, the man walking down the empty alley before stopping suddenly.

"Is there something you need Mori-San?" Mori froze, Aizen slowly turning, looking up at the third seat as he crouched on the roof, "Come on down then."

Mori narrowed his eyes before jumping from the roof, landing in front of the captain, "I know you have something to do with all this." Mori said, his hand on the hilt of his Zanpakto, ready for anything.

"Do with all what?" Aizen frowned, watching as the man scoffed.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about Sōsuke," Mori said bitterly, "You've done something to her… To Kanako."

Aizen shook his head, "I'm sorry Hatakasan, but I have no idea what you're talking about." He said, taking a step forward, and Mori took a step back, "Kanako seems perfectly fine to me, I'm sure whatever reason she went into that unconscious state has been solved." He assured, Mori glaring.

"You won't get away with it," Mori said, Aizen frowning again, "You won't touch her either… I won't let you do it. I know what kind of man you really are Aizen, and you won't do to Kanako what you did to Kisuke."

Aizen nods, "Ah I understand now, you still blame me because of what your cousin told you all those years ago." Mori glared as Aizen smiled, "As I told you before Mori-San, I had nothing to do with what happened to your cousin… just as I have nothing to do with what happened to Lady Kanako, now if you'd please, I must return to my division."

Mori pulled his blade out, "Don't you move." He bit out, taking a step towards Aizen, the captain just smiling, not even moving, "You're going to tell me the truth."

"Pulling your weapon on a captain," Mori turned suddenly at the sound of Gin Ichimaru's voice, the other captain's blade out, "That's against the law Mori-Chan," He tsked shaking his head, "Ya better place that back in its sheath before it's to late."

Mori glared; there was no way he'd be able to take on both of them, two captains. Mori straightened out his stance, placing his Zanpakto back in its scabbard, "I apologize." He said, trying to seem under control, "I should get going." He murmured, walking away from Aizen.

"Do take care Mori-San," Aizen called back, making Mori wince, "And keep an eye on Lady Kanako, she does seem to have a knack for falling into trouble." Mori stopped his movements, glancing over his shoulder at the smiling captains.

"Of course Captain Aizen," Mori said politely, his grip on the hilt of his Zanpakto deadly. They were both up to something… they were behind all of this, and Mori was going to find out just how, even if it was the death of him.

Kagayaku: Shine

Ten Kōhai: Heavenly Blight or Ruin of Heaven