The Imperfections We Accept

Warnings: Swearing, mild gore.

Japanese Translations:

Kare - Reap

Kazeshini - Shuhei's Zanpakutō

Nobiro - Grow/Extend

Hozukimaru - Ikkaku's Zanpakutō

Sake - Split

Fuji Kujaku - Yuumichika's Zanpakutō

Chapter 6 - The Imperfections We Accept

~ Day 2 – Late Evening – Squad Four ~

Jolts of relief shot through Renji's body. It felt like he was paralysed with a single glance. As he exhaled, Renji felt the blood return to his face and was able to think clearly again. He fought the myriad of urges to start thanking the heavens, bursting out laughing or breaking down into tears of joy.

To ease his heightened emotions, Renji ran his thumb lightly along Byakuya's, reassuring himself. Byakuya's eyelids wavered a little from the grogginess he was no doubt feeling and Renji understood that the residual effects of the sedative would take some time to wear off completely. The redhead concentrated on the sound of the slow, deep breaths that fogged up the clear plastic mask and took comfort.

As Renji took in the sight of his Captain languidly taking in his surroundings, he fought the lump building in his throat. His earlier turbulent emotions of shame and anxiety had soothed considerably. Though earlier, Rukia had passed on Unohana's optimistic prognosis, Renji was wary of believing that Byakuya would recover quickly and easily. No, the horror stories he could tell of the countless years he had served with the Gotei 13 of friends, comrades, and acquaintances that had fallen victim to the hazards of their occupation were frightful and daunting. These past experiences deterred Renji from thinking wishfully. But he still found himself hoping, despite his fears that Byakuya could recover fully so he could atone for his misjudgment.

The Lieutenant watched as Byakuya gradually returned his attention back to him. He caught the fragile expression of pain that graced his Captain's face until the man decided it best to rest again against the pillows. The pinch of his lip and eyes told Renji that even tensing his upper body had consequences, though the quiet gasp from the back of Byakuya's throat made it seem mild. Renji paled a little, but his concern surfaced more prominently in his reiatsu. He gathered his scattered emotions, knowing that they wouldn't help the situation, as Byakuya tried to clear his throat properly. Renji looked around, his need to act spurring him into action to ensure that Byakuya had everything he needed. Renji didn't want Byakuya to have to move. A surge of protectiveness ran through him, knowing Byakuya was his top priority now.

He moved sluggishly across the room, ignoring the ache in his legs and feet and filled a glass of water. He quickly found a straw and turned to see Byakuya weakly lift an arm to remove his mask. As he moved across the room, Renji could feel his Captain's gaze. He knew Byakuya could see how strained his movements were. Those perceptive eyes couldn't be fooled having seen such injuries many times before. When the Captain didn't say anything, Renji sank into his seat, again thankful for the respite, and leaned forward to offer Byakuya some water.

A feeling of purpose enveloped the Lieutenant; finally, he could do some good. He was needed and it felt nice to be able to help his Captain instead of hindering him. It almost felt like a chance to undo some of the harm and at the same time, Renji was able to take the burden off his Captain and allow him to rest and heal without having to worry about anything.

As Byakuya drank slowly, Renji took the time to really look at his Captain. The nobleman physically appeared drowsy and weak. Remaining still seemed to allow him some measure of comfort from his injuries and the redhead also sensed something else from the Captain. Byakuya felt safe and relaxed, he knew Renji didn't expect anything of him and he also knew without question that he wouldn't be judged by Renji under any circumstance for his current powerlessness. His acceptance and sense of calm soothed the redhead. Renji returned the glass to the nightstand and then moved to replace the breathing mask until Byakuya weakly lifted a hand to stop him. Though he was a little surprised by this, Renji didn't protest and withdrew his hand. He noted his Captain's underlying strength in mastering his current state of weakness. Instead of drawing attention to it, however, he met his Captain's gentle gaze.

"You never cease to amaze me, Renji." The words, while completely unexpected, stunned Renji just as much as their delivery. The words felt rougher than usual, prompted by fatigue, unused muscles and Byakuya continued in a tone that remained smooth and soft.

"You saved my life again."

The statement was accompanied by a grateful and serene smile that seemed to reach the nobleman's eyes. Renji couldn't help but return it and moved an errant strand of hair out his Captain's face. Byakuya closed his eyes and relaxed into the light touch.

"I would do it again." The quiet reply came steadily; resolve burning through Renji's words. Byakuya's grey eyes fluttered open pinning his Fukutaichou with an understanding expression.

"As would I."

Renji continued to gently move his thumb in short strokes and nodded, his gaze showing understanding and a little concern. A moment passed where Byakuya could really sense his Lieutenants fear and worry pulsing in his reiatsu, though he could tell the redhead was trying to hold back. Instead, Byakuya addressed it quietly.

"Tell me what happened, Renji." Renji exhaled as he recalled the events.

"After the ambush, you started losing consciousness quickly, due to blood loss. I dispatched the creature while shielding you from further injury. I tried to get a response from you, but I knew your injuries were too severe. I wrapped the wounds to try to stop the bleeding as best I could, and used the fastest shunpō I could get you here. I was so afraid it wouldn't be enough. You were barely alive," he trailed off his voice barely a whisper. He took comfort in Byakuya but couldn't remove the desperation or fear from his voice. "I was so worried."

The underlying question remained unspoken and yet clearly carried between them, nevertheless. Why? Byakuya's breaths continued to come softly and a genuine apology made it to the nobleman's fingers as he squeezed Renji's hand.

"I had to, Renji." The words were serious and determined but still uttered in a calm smooth tone of voice. It was supposed to bring Renji a further touch of comfort or at least understanding but despite Byakuya's intentions, it had the opposite effect. Renji was upset by the comment.

"Why?"

Renji knew it was a stupid question. His spiritual pressure fluctuated with irritation despite himself.

"You know why."

The Captain's usual mild tone was almost harsh in the way the sudden direct statement cut through the tension in the room and Renji couldn't concentrate on anything else. He continued slowly; his usual eloquent words were strained and laced with fatigue. Their eyes met.

"I made a choice, Renji. You may not understand it, but I think you do." His eyes glowed with warmth and emotion as he recalled the scene in the forest. "When you stood in the moonlight and made that vow, you left me speechless. It was partly the words themselves, but also the way you said them. The words were fierce and passionate, yes, but you? You were so alive. I had no words to describe how I felt at that moment."

Byakuya turned to face Renji after his recollection and met the captivated expression on his Fukutaichou's face.

"That is why I stepped into the attack. If I could go back and change it, I wouldn't, no matter what I was facing. I did what I had to."

The nobleman's explanation was clear and resolute, but guilt remained visible on Renji's face. It was also mirrored in his voice.

"I should have seen it coming. You shouldn't have had to pay for my mistake—" He was cut off mid-sentence when Byakuya lifted his chin up with a delicate touch of his manicured fingertips. Renji found himself frozen by his Captain's warm expression. His voice was thick with emotion.

"Our mistake. If you have anything to apologise for, then I am equally guilty. When we were preparing to leave the forest, I mentioned the tracking ability of the enemy. That was when I should have realised returning to the rendezvous point was a foolish mistake. Do not blame yourself for this. There is nothing I would change."

Byakuya's glancing caress under his chin flickered along the underside of his jaw and until it rested near his ear and his thumb gently brushed over his cheekbone. Renji relented and while the gentle touch was starting to affect his ability to think, he knew his Captain was trying to let him off the hook. He knew he needed to let go of the guilt and move on in the knowledge that Byakuya was no longer in any true danger and the circumstances that led them to this moment were in the past where they belonged. He lifted his eyes to meet Byakuya's.

"Nothing?"

Byakuya smiled as he ran his thumb along Renji's cheek.

"No Renji. I wouldn't change a thing."

Renji chuckled as the final ounce of stress left him. He lightly shook his head so as not to disturb the contact between them. "You're perfect."

He spoke the words so softly; it was as if he didn't mean to say it. Like unintentionally speaking inner thoughts aloud but the almost whispered words carried clearly in the quiet room.

"I am far from perfect." Came the equally quiet reply. Renji's eyes began to fill with amusement showing his disagreement.

"You're stubborn and reckless. You step in the way of dangerous attacks for people like me because you care so much. You might not think you're perfect and I suppose if you overlook the stubborn, reckless, and impulsive behaviour, then I think you're very perfect."

The confession though filled with humour was enough to put them both at ease. The delicate feeling increased as Byakuya's fingertips combed through his Lieutenant's crimson hair and guided him closer. Renji didn't fight it and found himself rising a little in his chair, ignoring his feet as he concentrated on nothing but his Captain's eyes. Renji breathed in the scent of the man as Byakuya turned his head closer. Warm breath ghosted across Renji's cheek and he finally surrendered as their lips met.

He relaxed into the sensation closing his eyes and enjoying the soft brush against his lips. He breathed into the kiss and couldn't believe he was finally kissing Byakuya. While not unpleasant in the slightest he couldn't help but admit to himself how surreal it was to be kissing another man. The feeling of intimacy intensified as he leaned in with more pressure this time. He felt Byakuya hum in his throat and felt the fingers in his hair tighten. A gasp built up at this parting his lips enough for Byakuya to take advantage.

Unrushed, Byakuya's tongue traced its way across his lips begging for him to do the same. Renji was sure he was slowly losing his mind, but he found he didn't care. His tongue met Byakuya's deliberately and relished the sensation of Byakuya returning the caress with a little more strength than before. As the underlying passion between them began to spill into the kiss, Renji knew intently that he never wanted to kiss any other lips. This was intoxicating. The sensation of Byakuya's tongue running along his, their lips crashing together, and their breaths coming faster as gentle hums and moans punctuated each of them. He couldn't get enough.

Byakuya was spinning as he held his Lieutenant. That drag of tongue across his was definitely something he wanted more of. The kiss was mutual in its fervour and heat. It was starting to affect more than his mind; his heart was beginning to surrender as well. It was more than passion, more than lust. As Renji ran his palm over his chest and Byakuya was able to feel his strength and power in his weight and he was swept away by a feeling of safety and trust. It just felt right kissing Renji. The swirling of tongues was slowing as the initial overwhelming emotion started to settle between them. Their lips met in more gentle caresses, stealing kisses until their lips simply rested against the other.

As he opened his eyes Byakuya could see the effect the kiss had had on the redhead. Gone was the guilt and pain now replaced by serenity and contentment. A true smile settled on his lips seeing that peaceful expression. A soft murmur broke the silence between them.

"You'll never stop amazing me, will you?"

Renji glanced up and mirrored Byakuya's soft, serene smile.

"No, and I'll never stop thinking you're perfect."

Byakuya chuckled weakly, his fingers stealing a final stroke of Renji's cheek.

"Delusional fool."

The words were laced with humour but also a more tender sense of endearment. Renji returned in kind.

"Reckless idiot."

As Byakuya was about to reply, the silence in the room was shattered by the sound of approaching footsteps. With a sudden flurry of movement, Renji sank back into his chair, already feeling the loss of Byakuya's warm embrace. A mild expression of displeasure told him that his Captain was also annoyed by the interruption and replaced his breathing mask with some minor difficulty.

The footsteps drew nearer and Byakuya gazed towards the door with curiosity. The pitter-patter reached a crescendo and the door creaked open. Both men braced themselves as Unohana entered the room. As Renji turned and took in her expression, he returned to his original position, suddenly cowed by the smile on the face of the female Captain that was able to reduce grown men into a quivering mess. Byakuya couldn't help the smile that crept upon his face, thankfully hidden by the mask as he sympathised with his Lieutenant. Unohana was definitely terrifying when she wanted to be. Her serene voice cut through the air.

"Abarai Fukutaichou, is there any particular reason you are out of bed and not resting?"

Renji cringed and seemed to wilt a little in his chair. While the words weren't sarcastic per se, they weren't far off it either. There was definitely an underlying sinister quality to the words.

Keeping his eyes on his Captain, he replied to her. "No ma'am."

"Good. Kotetsu-san will help you find your way back to your room then." Gratified, she made her way towards the two patients and Renji was able to see the grey-haired Lieutenant standing in the doorway. Renji shot a quick look of apology towards his Captain and received a small smile in return. Slowly Renji got to his feet with the aid of his crutches and began to hobble in the direction of the door. He would return as soon as an opportunity presented itself. He smiled at the thought that Byakuya would be waiting for him when he did.

Shunsui sat motionless in his chair clutching a jug of sake. It had been one of the worst days he'd had to tolerate in quite some time. He wanted to cry almost, but instead, he frowned while trying to choke back the emotions. He wished Jūshirō had stayed. It couldn't get worse than it already was, right? A hollow laugh left his broken body. He felt like he'd lost everything, and the sake couldn't seem to fill the emptiness inside him.

When would it end? Hadn't they taken enough? Pieces of broken porcelain littered the floor in the other room, and it looked like a tempest had stormed through it but in reality, it had been Shunsui himself. He had allowed his rage had overcome his common sense and instead of breaking down into tears, his sorrow fuelled his fury instead.

It began earlier that day when Ukitake had rushed over to his lounge during lunch. When he arrived, he seemed to burst like he'd been trying to hold it in all day. A disjointed story spilt from his lips in rough pieces. At first, Shunsui could only grasp a few odd words and it wasn't until he had managed to calm his lover down enough, he began to get a true representation of the earlier events. In the end, saying he felt unsettled and shocked was an understatement.

~ Flashback ~

"Jū-chan, please calm down and tell me what's wrong?" He took Ukitake in his arms and took a proper look at his partner for the first time. His normal sleek hair was wispy and wind-swept like he'd flash-stepped to him. His eyes were puffy and red. Tears rolled down his face rolling over previous tears that had dried in. He was an emotional mess. What on earth had happened? He moved them over to the couch and settled himself beside his lover, in an effort to create a feeling of safety.

Finally, Ukitake seemed to gather enough of his wits about himself to calm himself long enough to think clearly and rationally. As he began to brace himself to speak, he caught Shunsui's eyes and the terror in his eyes broadcast the negative and uneasy vibe through the room.

"It was early this morning when I was summoned to the Fourth Squad. Retsu told me about an attack that happened late last night. There's some kind of strange creature causing trouble and long story short, she worried because both the Captain and Lieutenant of Squad Six were brought in in pretty bad shape. It's a real mess. When I was there, I visited Ginrei and happened to run into Rukia as well. We talked a little and she told me Abarai Fukutaichou wanted to see me."

Shunsui frowned and prepared himself. At the mention of Renji, Jūshirō couldn't stop the sob that tore from his throat causing a fresh wave of tears to begin falling down his already streaked face. He furiously wiped at them trying to hide his lack of composure from his lover. The whole sorry story had come tumbling from his mouth. As he filled in his lover his voice started to tremble more with each word he spoke. It cracked at the mention of the summons for the misconduct and a follow-up investigation. There was no more hiding; Byakuya Kuchiki, the last person they would ever tell their secret to, knew everything.

Shunsui however gradually leaned back reeling from this information. His eyebrows had shot upon his face and his eyes widened with sheer disbelief. A formal investigation carried out by Byakuya Kuchiki? He groaned audibly and rested his elbows on his knees and buried his face in his hands.

In his stunned state, he was barely able to process the unsettling sound of his lover weeping beside him. Everything seemed so far away. What were they going to do? Then it came to him, evidence?

Turning back to Jūshirō he sent a pleading look and murmured, "What evidence does he have? We might still be okay."

His brief optimistic spell was quashed when Ukitake's face wrinkled into one of sorrow.

"I said the same thing." The waiting could have killed Shunsui and Ukitake continued. "Byakuya saw us! It wasn't just a random officer that dropped off the files, but the Captain himself! He said he was appalled and disgusted and that the two people who were unaware of his presence at the barracks would be questioned as soon as they could set up a meeting. Shunsui, he knows everything! What are we going to do? It's over..." At this, Jūshirō stopped fighting and allowed his turbulent emotions to consume him.

Dread filled Shunsui from his toes to his core, he felt like something freezing had been poured over his head. He couldn't move. Anger burst from deep within the usually humorous Captain. His reiatsu shuddered with fury.

"No! No, no, no! It's not over." His voice cracked and shook as his breathing became rapid and irregular. Tears of frustration and desperation stung his eyes but never fell. "I've given my fucking life to the Gotei 13 and this is the shit I get for it? Our whole lives are a fucking lie!" He leapt up from the couch and began pacing as Ukitake could only sit and stare. He flinched as Shunsui threw a sake jug at the wall and it shattered. His hands unconsciously gestured as he continued to rant.

"Everyone thinks they know me, but I can name only one who actually does! You! Oh, I'm eccentric, goofy, and always up for a laugh, right, because I never take anything seriously? I'm just a harmless flirt that slacks off as much as possible.

"No, that's not me at all! That's just a mask. My whole life is a mess! I laugh the loudest, but I don't have anything to be happy about. I've been drinking my whole life to forget! Why do you think my Zanpakutō is so warped and twisted. She wants to lash out at everything causing us pain as much as I do in as sick a way as possible. We play indiscriminate games where we don't care who gets caught in the crossfire." He was panting with effort and Jūshirō simply looked on, unable to argue with anything his lover had said.

Shunsui seemed to snap as he turned back to look at Jūshirō. "I couldn't care less what Byakuya Kuchiki wants or what Central 46 thinks. I'd rather die than see you harmed or imprisoned. Neither of us can go on like this. Either we crack or Kuchiki Taichou arrests us. There's no fucking way out of this!" His anger seemed to vanish as hopelessness took its place. His eyes gained a haunted quality as they landed on his lover. "Jū-chan... I never meant for any of this, I just wanted to see you." He trailed off but Ukitake still managed to catch the final words. "... being selfish."

With tears in his eyes, he stood and grasped his lover's hands. "Shu-chan, look at me." Shunsui looked down which unsuppressed regret and sadness. "It's not selfish to want that, it's not wrong what we have. No matter what happens, I'll never regret how I feel about you. How could I?"

He gave Shunsui's hand a squeeze before pulling him into a final kiss. It was a miserable kiss, filled with desperation, and failed to offer even a tiny bit of comfort.

"I should be getting back though... it's late." A gong sounded in the distance signalling the end of lunch and they broke apart hurriedly. Jūshirō cast a fearful look towards the door knowing the barracks would begin to fill again with reapers. It wouldn't do to get caught now in this state, neither man wanted to make it worse than it already was.

With a final kiss, the white-haired Captain turned to leave and Shunsui failed to release his hand. "When will I see you again?" His lover made a face of despair and couldn't meet his partner's eyes.

"I don't know," came the soft reply.

Shunsui released his hand, realising it wasn't Jūshirō's choice but circumstance. Knowing that didn't make him feel any better; he still felt like he'd been hit with a sledgehammer. As he watched his lover leave, his bitterness and anger erupted in a wave of powerful reiatsu. He crumbled into a chair and bowed to his pain and rage. He was going to need sake and lots of it.

Zaraki Kenpachi couldn't have been any more delighted than he was the moment the alert had come in that more foreign spiritual pressure had been located near the forest of last night's attack. His team of himself, Yachiru Kusajishi, Ikkaku Madarame, and Yuumichika Ayasegawa had already been placed on watch to take over the patrols with other men and women from their Division. All the Squads were naturally concerned as it wasn't every day a crop of deadly creatures popped up out of nowhere bent on causing death and destruction. No one had any idea what they were where they had come from or why they were so aggressive. Naturally, the orders were clear; terminate on sight; these things whatever they were, were obviously too dangerous to be left to their own devices.

As Zaraki raced to the scene with Yachiru pointing the way with superb reiatsu tracking ability, he found he wasn't terribly interested in the details, he just wanted to get to work and fight.

Squad Nine had been requested to provide back up on the off-chance things got out of hand. It wasn't as though they thought Zaraki's team couldn't handle things, they just weren't taking any chances after what had occurred the night before. Hisagi Shūhei had arrived at the scene before them and was simply containing the creatures behind the treeline away from the villages. Zaraki nodded to him when he arrived and surveyed the area with interest. He then pinned Ninth Squad's Lieutenant with a look that plainly said, 'point me in the direction of the enemy, now!'

Hisagi didn't react other than the corner of his mouth curling upwards. He nodded back at the tall Captain and gave a quick wave to the tiny Lieutenant perched on his left shoulder. He inclined his head minutely to the other two men to be courteous but didn't want to keep the Captain waiting. Behind him, Ikkaku and Yuumichika seemed content to wait for their leader but were watching the scene on the ground with scarcely contained excitement along with the other members of their Squad.

"Zaraki Taichou, Kusajishi Fukutaichou. So far, we've counted between twenty and thirty creatures, but it's not a definite number; no one wanted to get too close. Our orders were to keep them contained until you arrived, Sir." He pointed quickly towards a team of shinigami on the ground that had employed transparent kidō barriers to contain the creatures. "We got the call a little sooner than your Squad, Sir, and headed here to set up a perimeter. We didn't want any of them to reach the village before we could evacuate it."

Zaraki nodded a few times consecutively as he listened and scanned the shinigami stationed below him. From his vantage point, he spotted a large cluster of pale emaciated beasts prowling along the clear partition. They didn't seem pleased with being contained as they could see the shinigami above them and were eager to engage. Zaraki grinned at the bloodlust and signalled to Hisagi to drop the barriers enough for the combat team to enter. For a split second, said team tensed to take off towards the trees and flickered out of view using swift shunpō just as the section of kidō came crumbling down. They engaged the enemy with deadly purpose.

Zaraki was in heaven. Surrounded, he faced ten creatures. Each seemed to be stalking him creeping ever so slowly in his direction from all sides. As the growling increased in intensity the huge Captain started to bask in the feeling of impending danger. This would be a glorious fight to the death. He grinned sadistically.

All at once, the creatures whined and howled, each of their eyes glowing brightly until much to Kenpachi's delight they began to charge him en mass. He unleashed his enormous reiatsu until the night air was frigid and heavy. He didn't agree with the sentiment some Captains had about reigning in their reiatsu to remain hidden. As far as he was concerned it clouded the objective before him as he could see the enemy clearly and they saw him just as well. That's the way he liked it, no obstacles in his way. He bared his jagged sword and readied himself for the impact that never came. Puzzled he stared as the creatures rematerialised mid-flash-step. They paused around him and gave him the impression that they were very confused.

"Why did they stop, Ken-chan?" Yachiru asked cutely, pointing out the staggering creatures.

He was just as baffled as she was and growled with annoyance. Facing them he bared his chest and slapped his breast over his heart. "Well? I haven't moved a step, are we doing this or not? You're not scared, are you?" Yachiru giggled above him and the creature's eyes remained blank and clouded.

When they didn't immediately rush him, he frowned. "Ken-chan, what's wrong with them? Their eyes look funny like their brains don't work anymore?" He pondered her words and shrugged.

"Nah, that's not it; they're just weaklings. Can't even stomach my spiritual pressure." He looked disgusted and disappointed. Yachiru considered it and understood. "But I thought they were strong, Ken-chan!" she exclaimed. "They hurt Bya-kun and you think he's really strong, right?"

He nodded. "Right. Kuchiki is strong. I don't know what went down last night, but these things shouldn't have given him any trouble. Alright, I'm getting tired of this, let's wrap it up and go home." He grimaced. "Won't even be able to brag about this. Bloody pathetic!" He reigned in his reiatsu just enough to let the creatures breathe in the hope that they could give him a better challenge before meeting their inevitable demises. They shook their heads and the faintly glowing gold eyes cleared as they seemed to come back to their senses.

Zaraki's bare sword cut through the night air, a silver streak in the darkness with absolutely no warning. His flash-step had been so fast and silent that he had appeared in front of an unlucky creature before it was even aware, he had moved despite the bells in his spiky hair. His uneven blade was deep in its chest before it realised what had happened. Zaraki wrenched it out and eyed up his next target while his Lieutenant animatedly marvelled at the display of lights that burst into the air as the creature disintegrated.

The lights in the clearing urged the other remaining beasts into a flurry of action and things finally got interesting for Kenpachi. It seemed the creatures had learned their lesson and kept their distance instead of rushing in for an easy kill. They had underestimated their imposing opponent. Instead, the attacks became coordinated and focused.

Two creatures scaled a large tree and propelled themselves at the giant Captain aiming for his face with their talons. Shards of bark scattered from the old trunk as they pushed off. As he laughed, Yachiru disappeared only to kick one of the creatures in the jaw, hurtling it into its fellow beast towards the ground when it was inches from Kenpachi's face. They snarled and landed in a heap beside each other. The Lieutenant simply giggled like it was the most amusing game in the world.

Three more spun into action the same time the other two had gotten kicked and they hurried along the ground behind the large man and flung themselves at his back intent on stabbing him with their deadly claws. Zaraki wasn't stupid or caught off guard; he allowed the first one to reach him to land on his back just to see if it could cut him at all. The deadly talons hit his back ripping his haori apart and leaving the faintest scratch along his back instead of tearing him apart. The pale pointed face of the beast jerked back in confusion and prepared to vault away.

Zaraki grabbed it by its throat before it could, and it swiped at him in a frenzied manner. "Pathetic, couldn't even cut me and I gave you a perfect opening too." Shaking his head, he ripped it apart with his bare hands causing more lights to burst into the darkness. Momentum carried the other two forward during the kill and Yachiru flash-stepped into one of them with a well-aimed kick. With superb fluidity, using the impact of the kick she flipped around hitting the second creature. Stunned and staggering, Kenpachi picked it off with a quick slash of his sword. He didn't stay to watch the lights.

Three down seven to go, the Captain and his Lieutenant stood side by side. It was high time this farce of a battle ended.

Ikkaku wasn't happy. His aim in life was to follow and fight alongside Captain Zaraki. In his eagerness to engage the enemy, the titanic Captain had vanished along with his Lieutenant employing a speed Ikkaku had yet to master. He had learned enough to keep up with worthy opponents, but didn't particularly care for the levels the academy prepared soul reapers for. So here he stood peering into the darkness wondering which direction his Captain had taken. Most of the non-seated Squad members stood nearby invigorated by the thought of putting Zaraki's training into action.

Yuumichika appeared quietly on his left and regarded the man he had come to see as a brother. Both of them knew their Captain was undoubtedly miles away by now and the battle would be all but over if they did manage to track him down.

As Ikkaku gazed around he became aware of the creeping presence of foreign reiatsu spiking relatively close by. His eyes darted around him as he did a fast headcount, so he knew what they were dealing with and he counted fifteen beasts. Some of them stared down from perches in the various branches above them. The rest were still beyond the tiny clearing half hidden by bushes, ferns, and tree trunks. Taking in their bizarre skeletal appearance, Ikkaku failed to see how they could pose a threat. They were so skinny and weak looking. He sneered openly.

At his side, Yuumichika was also watching them carefully, though he was not as quick to dismiss them. He agreed they looked remarkably ugly, but he knew better than to judge a book by its cover. They had an intelligence about them, deadly talons, and a mouthful of teeth that guaranteed pain if they were unfortunate enough to be bitten by one. He drew his Zanpakutō and felt its thrumming under his hands. Waving a hand down its length, the blade glowed white and he called its false name.

"Sake, Fuji Kujaku."

As the glowing white blade split and divided into four identical blades under his hand, he felt the tremendous anger of the spirit resonate within him. He pushed away the feeling and held up the transformed sickle-shaped weapon. Ikkaku followed his lead and drew his sword from its sheath, sword in his left hand, and sheath in his right. He placed the pommel of the sword at the end of the sheath.

"Nobiro, Hōzukimaru."

The two elements of his blade flashed and extended into a naginata, an immensely long wooden shaft with a sharp-looking spear at its tip. A red horsehair tassel hung from the pommel.

Both men shared a quick glance before they each grinned. They rushed to the treeline towards the approaching enemies before they themselves were rushed by them. They stilled momentarily when the creature's eyes began to flash which was slightly unnerving. Behind them, the unseated officers rallied, and at Yuumichika's command hung back until the order to engage was given.

Ikkaku stepped forward to the only sizeable clearing available and engaged one of the strange elf-like creatures. It snapped and snarled but Ikkaku's blade kept him just out of reach when it tried to slash him with its deadly talons. Ikkaku waved his staff with deadly purpose weaving, dodging, and striking swift blows of his own trying to separate and weaken the beasts.

Though he was cramped, Ikkaku had the skill and knowledge of using his shikai to fall back on and swung at the first emaciated foe to face him. He grinned a toothy grin right back at the snarling animal and struck forward. When it backed away out of reach, the bald man waved his staff in a wide arch to reach a second beast that was getting too close to his flank for his liking. He managed to nick its leg before it limped away. A third beast tried a sneak attack from behind causing Ikkaku to laugh heartily. He utilized his impressive agility using his staff by planting it firmly in the ground before using it as a pole to swing around and kick his adversary in the shoulder and sent it sprawling backwards towards the group. At that moment Yuumichika struck a quick killing blow while it was dazed on the ground. It wasn't how he normally chose to kill, but he wasn't taking any chances here.

The ordinary Squad members looked on in awe as its body dissolved into twinkling lights. Yuumichika looked up and smirked knowing Ikkaku was enjoying himself immensely with his remaining duo. Ikkaku was moving like a machine and in his element. He began to alternate between using his staff both whole and a separated piece depending on the position of his enemies and how much room he had. Right now, he was sizing them up trying to get a feel for this fight not especially looking for an easy kill. He found them vicious but incredibly agile and if he were to hazard a guess, he would say they were intelligent pack hunters.

He noticed several in the background all waiting their chance to strike and as he batted one away another would quickly take its place. He could respect their ability to take one of his punches and keep coming back for more, but he had reserves of stamina built up during the war that this was a really enjoyable workout. In a way, it boasting to say that, but he could say it because he relished in the physicality of it. It was living from his perspective.

The remaining twelve creatures of the remaining fourteen split into two groups. Six alternated between Ikkaku and the background. The other eight began to slowly creep menacingly towards the seated officers, their instincts telling them that these men were easy pickings. Yuumichika immediately intercepted the closest two creatures, dismayed the other six were starting to circle the group like vultures.

The first creature lunged and jumped aiming for Yuumichika's head. In this instance behind tall was a blessing because the creature aimed high and as Yuumichika ducked low enough to stab it through its ribcage as it came flying at him. The momentum of the sword thrust the animal over his shoulder where it too erupted into lights. No sooner had he stood back up, two more came running towards him. One flicked out of view and Yuumichika knew he had to act fast. He charged up a Shakkahō wordlessly in his left hand. He struck the first creature with deadly accuracy with his Zanpakutō by wounding its throat the moment it got close enough. As it collapsed, the second creature reappeared just in time for the attack the raven-haired man had been charging. As it jumped at him, he released the red kidō point-blank at the beast's chest, killing it instantly.

Yuumichika panted for breath and thanked the adrenaline pumping through his body. He had sustained quite a few mildly significant lacerations that were starting to bother him a little since getting close enough to kill put him at equal risk and proximity. Looking around quickly, he saw that Ikkaku was busy dispatching a creature while in a small ring of three opponents.

On his other side, the non-seated officers weren't faring well. Lightning fast, the animals descended on the hapless men who had brandished their bare katanas the same time their Fifth Seat had turned around. Be it fear or cockiness, the Eleventh Squad members got a real splash of reality as it became quickly apparent, they hadn't a hope of overcoming these swift and numerous enemies.

The bravest stood first and a quick swipe had the man on the ground clutching a bleeding leg. Before he could raise his sword, it slashed at the man again. This time in the face and turning his head trying to avoid it spared him a much worse injury.

Before the beast could strike again and finish the job a burst of red kidō destroyed it. The man looked up to see a familiar feather-adorned man standing across from him. Around them, other men were also in real danger and Yuumichika knew he had to get them to safety; they would only get themselves killed if they stayed. Thank goodness they had Squad Nine as back up.

"Open the barriers, get these men out safely." Yuumichika desperately shouted up at Hisagi. "I need cover fire!"

He continued to fire kidō blasts at any creature that got too close to the departing men. Some of the men shot him hurried grateful glances as they ran and Squad Nine had followed his lead and rained kidō down on the creatures, ranging from Byakurai, Shakkahō, and Sōkatsui.

When the last men had departed, a Squad Nine member replaced the dankū barrier and Hisagi narrowed his eyes at the remaining nine enemies from his position. He nodded at the two men on the ground; he was joining the fight. Together they would end it.

From the outskirts, Hisagi Shūhei frowned at the beginning of the battle. Knowing he would only get in the way of a Captain like Kenpachi he had opted to stay with the others instead. Good thing too or he feared the Fourth Division would be swamped with casualties tonight. He watched Ikkaku holding his own as he was completely absorbed in his battle. From his point of view, it looked like Ikkaku was having too much fun playing with the creatures than actually trying to kill them. But not one to say a bad thing about a highly ranked officer, he surmised that the bald man was trying to take more off his Squad members plate, putting it on his own instead.

He turned his head and watched Yuumichika. The man was sweating and a little out of breath his skin marred in cuts and blood as he had valiantly tried to protect the rest of the men by keeping the creatures focused on him. The unseated officers were doing their best to help but the creatures were too fast for them to land a proper hit. Shūhei himself was especially proficient in using an unreleased blade as it took him so long to warm up to Kazeshini's nature and knew it took years to master that kind of skill. In the end, Yuumichika had dispatched five creatures so far but Hisagi wondered how much longer he could keep up this furious pace.

His weapon was also not helping his efforts as it was only useful within close range putting the slender shinigami at huge risk. Hisagi recalled the battle the two of them had fought years ago ad briefly wondered why Yuumichika wasn't using his Zanpakutō's special ability. The more he pondered the more he chalked it up to stubbornness and dismissed it. He continued to watch the struggle debating whether or not to join them.

Yuumichika shouted up for help and Shūhei wasn't about to let him down. He saw Yuumichika protecting the retreating men and couldn't help but be even more impressed with the man for his quick thinking. His own subordinates were already firing off long-range kidō attacks to scatter the clusters to aid him. As soon as the barrier was sealed, he unsheathed his Zanpakutō and touched the bare blade.

"Kare, Kazeshini."

The katana glowed and transformed into two extremely long Kusarigama-like scythes with sharp points for spearing and stabbing. The scythes were attached to each other with a chain a black as the weapons themselves. He felt the scythes bloodthirst and began to spin one of the scythes creating a sinister razor of death. He motioned to his third seat, Hitomi Kobayashi to start to immobilise the enemies using kidō. She nodded and relayed his command to their other kidō users. Together they pointed their fingers down at the creatures and performed Bakudō Sixty-One, Rikujōkōrō and suddenly the last nine beasts were immobilised mid-step.

Below him, Yuumichika and Ikkaku looked up in momentary surprise, but upon seeing his motion for them to step away the realised what he was about to do. They gave the trapped creatures a wide berth and then it happened. Shūhei unleashed his attack and though the creatures could see it coming they were helpless to prevent their fate.

Shūhei's weapon mowed through four of the enemies causing lights to burst through the darkness. The other creatures immediately focused on him and began to struggle against their bonds to avoid his menacing Zanpakutō. The dark forest flashed brightly as they died, and everyone looked on in fascination. When the clearing was once again blanketed in blackness, Shūhei simply lifted his arm and dropped it. Puzzled, the two men from the Eleventh Division frowned in confusion. Their question was momentarily answered as the forest was bathed in red light.

The stunning display erupted through the trees casting shadows and smoke into every crevice. As the light took the shape of flames, the two men realised that it was kidō fire. Like a military firing Squad, the kidō practitioners had rained fire down on the trapped enemies and wiped them from existence. Once again, the forest became soothing and quiet with nothing but the sounds of crickets and a light breeze rustling through the trees. It was finally over.

The members of Squad Nine began to re-join their Lieutenant on the forest floor. Ikkaku and Yuumichika also followed them reconvening with their own Squad members. Looking around, Yuumichika saw the many injuries some of the men were supporting some of which were only minor and some more severe that would require medical attention. He saw Ikkaku give the order to withdraw. He followed the men returning to the barracks as he needed to begin writing up the reports. Before morning he knew every Captain would be reading them. He also needed to speak to the Captain and get his account.

Beyond the boundary of the trees, Ikkaku caught up with him so he slowed down enough to let him catch up. "Where do you think you're going?"

Yuumichika laughed at the cheeky question. "What? Where'd you think? I'm going back to write up the reports and wait for the Captain."

Ikkaku tutted and shot him a sideways glance aimed at his whole body. "You do know your clothes are half ripped and there's blood all over you right? You don't think that's more important?"

Yuumichika considered it. "I definitely want to get out of these ugly, tattered things, but I need to write up that report; it won't take long. All the Captains will be looking for it before long." Ikkaku knew Yuumichika would be stubborn about it. He gave in.

"Fine. Get to the base and grab what you need to get that done. I'll see you later."

The Fifth Seat nodded. "Great. See you soon. Find out if the Captain is back yet; I'll need his information as soon as you have it."

Ikkaku nodded before taking off, leaving Yuumichika to go his own way. The bald man sped off to locate Zaraki.

Zaraki truly didn't get it. He walked along the blood-soaked ground wondering why he had been called out at all. Such weaklings didn't necessitate the presence of a Captain. Sure, they were fast but that's about all he could say about them. After ripping three to pieces he'd been seriously disappointed. He'd just about began to give up the events as a bad joke when the creature's eyes gleamed a little stronger than before and they backed off. At first, he cocked an eyebrow at the decidedly calculating behaviour but quickly his disappointment began to ebb. He observed them like a true predator.

Now as they shook their wispy manes their 'pain' also seemed different. It had escalated to bordering on agonising pain. It was so bizarre to see that Zaraki couldn't do anything but wait until they seemed to get their bearings back. Now their stare of loathing seemed almost human-like. Baffling as well was now their eyes didn't stop glowing but merely dimmed a little. Seconds later one of the creatures in front threw him a look and bolted causing all the other creatures to follow.

In a flash of shunpō-like speed they were completely gone and Zaraki yelled out, "Like hell! Stop hiding and get out here and face me!" Yachiru jumped back up on his shoulder and Zaraki couldn't believe it. Now he'd have to hunt them all down to kill them. Hopefully, seven animals wouldn't be terribly difficult to manage.

He set off at a pace slow for him as Yachiru began to search using her skills at tracking reiatsu. After a minute or two Zaraki had been jogging in a circle and Yachiru had yet to locate one. So, they were really hiding. While it was more of a challenge, Zaraki wasn't pleased as he liked direct confrontation and not this cowardly hide and seek style nonsense. So, all he could do was wait until he could actually see one. Pitiful. He stopped walking and stood choosing instead to try looking around the dense vegetation for them.

Out of nowhere, his foot burst into pain causing him to yell out as his foot was slashed. He instinctively moved away from the source of the pain jostling Yachiru and he stared down at his foot. It was badly torn and bleeding heavily. He frowned. He'd kept his reiatsu and guard up and neither he nor his Lieutenant had sensed the attack coming. On top of that, they actually cut him. He didn't know whether to be impressed or worried. It did leave him wondering what had changed.

The creature had vanished back into the undergrowth of ferns and bushes making it invisible for a counterattack, so he really watched as he stepped forward with care. His wound wouldn't bother him as he'd had much worse; this much he could ignore. He tried to listen out for rustling from the surrounding bushes so they couldn't sneak up on him, but the wind was blowing a strong gust through the trees preventing this plan from working. He was reduced to waiting for them to move from their hiding spots.

And attack they did, but not in the way he was expecting. At the last possible second, he heard the displacement of air behind his head and he dodged away in the opposite direction to avoid a rear headshot. All his instincts were dead on as the offending beast struck air and landed on the ground before vanishing again. But as he dodged, he moved right into the true attack. It had been coordinated and they had actually created a decoy attacker. The true assailant rushed through the air from the trunk it had hidden behind and flew through the air diving straight for its target; Yachiru. Not anticipating such a manoeuvre, the beast struck her midsection perfectly, sending her flying from her perch atop Kenpachi's shoulder. She slammed heavily to the ground as the Captain reacted to her scream.

The second she hit the ground she screamed again as she was ambushed by two more beasts that slashed and ripped at her arms, as she tried to protect herself, before Kenpachi could reach her. But the moment he came close, they disappeared. As he got to her, he knelt down to help her up and he couldn't believe her expression. She stared up at him in genuine shock and fright. It was an unnerving expression to see on the girls normally joyful face. He had never seen anything truly terrify her before and he had raised her since she was a crawling infant. He resolved to never see it again if he could help it.

He lifted her up dismayed and furious when he saw her hiss upon touching her arm. Gashes and small gouge wounds littered her arms that she had obviously wrapped around her body in an instinctual attempt to protect her extremities. Zaraki finally saw red. He couldn't ever remember feeling so angry. He gave his daughter a quick hug and then looked at her with an expression she would never argue with.

"Go back to the others. I mean it." The look she gave him was pleading but he didn't give in. Very softly he spoke low enough so only she could hear his words. "I can't fight when you're all I'm worried about. I can't risk your safety. I need you to go back and find Ikkaku and get back to base. Promise me." She nodded but gave him another look as she retreated. She felt useless like she'd let him down. It broke his heart and further fuelled his building wrath. He waited until he couldn't sense her anymore before calling out his enemies.

"Enough of this! Face me, you cowards!"

His roar echoed throughout the towering trees as his reiatsu rushed forth filling the air with an unnatural cold. It was a furious freezing eruption of rage. As if knowing if they didn't come and face him directly that he would burn the forest to ash, the creatures acceded to his wishes. Seven bony starved looking figures ambled into view not hiding their reiatsu any longer. He roared at them again.

"How dare you fucking touch her you disgusting animals! Is this how you got Kuchiki Taichou, by pulling your sneaky fucking tricks? Too bad for you, but it didn't fucking work on him, and it sure as hell won't work on me!"

Finally, the rushed him. No more games, no more sneak attacks. His reiatsu revealed he was too far gone to be happy about it, with insane levels of bloodlust filling it instead. All he wanted was to tear them apart. The first one hit him aiming straight for his head. Quickly he was covered in them and they slashed at every part of him they could reach with their talons. No longer dull, it was like they were coated in reiatsu that made them as sharp as the blade of a reaper. Some of the wounds were quite deep hitting tendons, ligaments, and even bone without hesitation. He ignored the pain as he concentrated only on grabbing one.

He got one in an arm lock and snapped its neck as they continued to cut him. He grabbed a second off his back and slammed it on the ground with every ounce of strength he had. He stabbed it before it could get up. A third moved to his unprotected back trying to bite his exposed neck. As its claws dug into his shoulders trying to get leverage, he slammed backwards so hard that it crushed the creature.

A particularly cunning member of the remaining four went for his throat from the front as he looked back to see if the crushed one was dead. He turned back just in time to see it coming and punched it in the face. The force of punching forward knocked him off balance as well as the slightly uneven forest floor so when an attack from behind hit him, he went sprawling forward atop the creature he had punched. As he landed, he rolled a little as his body began to protest under the strain to the serious amount of wounds he now had. One foot was really starting to hurt, and he had a slash along some ribs that was tearing more with every move he made. His sides, flanks, and back were also shredded up and starting to sting. He was also bleeding from so many wounds it was starting to affect more than his movements.

For a moment, the gathered himself and tried to shake off the momentary dizziness. But a moment was all that was needed. The final four stalked ever closer one leading the others. As he tried to rise from his kneeling position, two flew at him as if trying to keep him down on the ground. One attack ripped through the muscles of his sword arm forcing him to drop his Zanpakutō. He immediately tried to grab it with his left hand, but they seemed to anticipate that movement and the second creature slashed his hand down to the bone.

He ripped his hand back and bit back a gasp. The third creature slammed him hard in the back sending his face-first into the dirt. As he was right about to get up, his instincts screamed that doing that was the worst possible decision he could make. Sure enough, as he cracked his eye open, he could see two talons placed right before him where he lay. In his ear, he heard the most sinister rattling growl in his ear. Shifting his gaze, he could make out the huge fangs inches from his throat. It drowned out the sound of the dirt shifting as the animal lifted a deadly talon and placed it on the side of Zaraki's face where it applied pressure and dug into his skull and cheek.

He flinched back at the searing pain and knew if he didn't do something, he very well might be facing his death. As the talon scraped across his skull beside his eye struggled furiously as he reached up with his mangled hand and ripped off his eyepatch. He bellowed as he unleashed the potent reiatsu into the clearing as he got back to his feet. Oppressive and heavy it overwhelmed the beasts to the point that they couldn't get up.

He picked up his sword as best he could and with all the strength he had left, he made quick work of dispatching them. As the final creature disintegrated, he was supremely glad that he had made Yachiru leave earlier. There was no way she could have overcome those kinds of tactics. He knew that that was how they had managed to injure Kuchiki Taichou as thoroughly as they had. Honestly, he didn't know what to think anymore, except that he had to get back before he lost any more blood and to make sure Yachiru and his subordinates had made it back safely. He tucked his bare blade in his obi and started walking.

The man in the shadows was torn as the transparent panels faded away. He was shocked that the Captain had revealed such a trump card behind that unassuming eyepatch. But he knew he was being too hard on himself. On the one hand, he'd had him on the brink of death and on the other he couldn't possibly have predicted the end result. In the end, he settled for feeling a little impressed.

Another part of him was terribly annoyed that he had failed to kill the Captain. True the opponent had been a monstrously strong Captain, but he knew they all were on some level. Each had their own strengths and weaknesses as well as different fighting styles. This was not how his plan was supposed to go. He could grudgingly admit, if only to himself, that these were the weakest of his forces. Still, that kind of defeat wasn't easy to swallow. This Captain, 'Ken-chan' the girl had called him, had been a force to be reckoned with.

Initially, he had been shocked by the sheer reiatsu the Captain had unleashed, but he surmised it had been quite some time since he had spent time around Captains. Details like that were easily forgotten over time and he hadn't anticipated the effect it had had on his pets. His original tactics of direct combat had also failed. He was dealing with a Captain that was too used to such tactics and revelled in such battles. He'd had to resort to more covert actions to give him back the upper hand as well as rid him of his partner as her agility had almost matched that of his pets. That was another surprising fact that he had been forced to address. But he had at least gotten her out of the picture. He cursed that bloody eyepatch.

He tried to calm himself down as he further pondered the events. He had been surprised by a few more things. He'd sent out a greater force this time, but he had underestimated the reapers it seemed. Perhaps it had been luck that he had only faced two the previous evening. They brought fewer fighters than him this time, but the ones they picked were obviously seated officers at the least. They had intelligently paired the correct people together to round out a surprisingly effective team. Even he could admit they had shown the perfect blend of kidō, brawn, and brains. Another thing he hadn't anticipated.

As he walked over towards his chair, he was still baffled at the sheer combat readiness of all those who had faced his forces so far. He had expected more of a disorganised group, to be quickly surprised and overwhelmed. He hadn't expected them to react the way they did and surmised that there must have been a previous series of events that had forced the Gotei 13 to become battle-hardened and more prepared than he remembered them ever being in the past. Perhaps he should have properly scouted their defences or at least done more research than he had. Another issue to be addressed decisively. Tiredly he sank into a chair and poured himself a drink. He'd have to think of a way to get more information on his enemies.

There was also the matter of what the Captain had said. Due to being able to see and hear everything his pets did, he had heard every word he'd said including the part about his 'tricks not working on Kuchiki Taichou'.

'So that was his name and he is somehow still alive it seems' he mused. 'How amusing if he thinks I will let him escape. I said he wouldn't survive the night and I meant it; I will not go back on my word. Tonight, you will be the first to die.'

He reached deeply with his powers for many miles searching until he found what he was looking for. Such a tiny insignificant little thing, but he could sense the effect it had already had on his target. With his vast strength, he willed it to activate and begin its deadly work in earnest.

The Kuchiki's fate was now sealed.

Death would come.