Warnings: Male/Male erotic scene labelledat the end,

Chapter 16 - The Realisations We Reach

Day 4 - Night - 9th Division ~

Yuumichika arrived in a burst of shunpō, and immediately flopped to the ground in a sitting position with his legs stretched out, causing Shūhei to laugh. "Tired?"

Yuumichika looked up. "I can't remember ever having bags this big under my eyes! It'll take some serious beauty sleep to fix this," he said with a groan, causing Shūhei to laugh again.

"How did it go?" asked Shūhei, softly. Yuumichika paused, and removed a stack of paper tucked in the breast of his shihakushō, and held them out to the Lieutenant. As he scanned the pages, his eyebrows rose considerably. Reaching the final two pages, he found a list of techniques Yuumichika had arranged into a schedule, and their timeslots. "This is very impressive, Yuumichika; I can't believe you got this much done in one day. Did your Captain approve it?"

"Yes," replied Yuumichika. "He added bankai training to the morning schedule, though. All in all, today was very surprising." His tone was quiet and thoughtful.

"How so?" asked Shūhei, just as quietly.

Yuumichika sighed. "At the very beginning, the men were quite reluctant to listen. I began by asking pointed questions about the enemy, trying to get them to look at the creatures the way I see them. The advantage of the enemy's speed, teamwork and agility is something we need to overcome if we want to face them again and beat them. I knew I would be introducing some controversial training techniques to achieve that, and I needed the men to think of it as a good thing, and not something to challenge."

Hisagi nodded, but said nothing in order to allow Yuumichika to continue. "I went through the obstacle course first, followed by Kusajishi Fukutaichou, and then, the Captain. He was about halfway through, when she joined him," he chuckled at the memory. "Their teamwork was exemplary; it was the perfect blend of strength and finesse."

A puzzle expression crossed Shūhei's face. "I didn't think you were having team drills until much later?"

Yuumichika chuckled. "It wasn't as if I could stop her. She was just so enthusiastic, and the Captain was delighted that she joined him. The plan was to have everyone do it individually, and assess whose skills would complement somebody else's, and then combine teams of two or more."

He groaned, but Shūhei smiled. "I don't know how anyone could stop her from doing things that brought her joy, Yuumichika, but it still doesn't sound like a bad thing. Seeing a perfect example of teamwork provided by the two most respected members of the Division, would only show the men what they will be working towards, and what you're trying to achieve?"

"True, you could look at it that way," said Yuumichika. He stared towards the houses in the distance. "I wasn't expecting that response. I was afraid when I called the Captain's name that he would refuse, but after watching his daughter do it, I'm glad he gave it a try. I think he did it just to please her, but if the Lieutenant hadn't been as passionate as she was, then I couldn't expect the Captain or the men to show any excitement either. She paved the way, in all honesty, and I couldn't have done it without her."

"Squad Eleven are very driven by what excites their Lieutenant and Captain; it makes sense," said Shūhei.

Yuumichika tightened his lips together. "It makes sense that the men viewed the exercise as a kind of contest; a lot of our philosophies revolve around competition, but I also saw things I wasn't prepared for."

Shūhei frowned a little upon hearing the sharp dip in Yuumichika's voice. "Bad things?" he questioned, quietly.

"Some, yes, but most of it is implied." Yuumichika redirected his gaze back to the Lieutenant, who was a touch concerned by his words. "Four members of the Squad revealed a shikai! Four!" He rolled his eyes in frustration and a hint of anger. "I've been doing the paperwork in my Squad for years, and I've never seen anything from any training report, that those four were even working on training a shikai. That made me very angry."

Hisagi's frown deepened. A shikai was a serious milestone for a soul reaper. That the leader of the training didn't mention it in reports where the Captain could be made aware, wasn't a good thing. If the trainer was unaware of the shikai, then that meant that the soul reaper had decided to train it in secret. For a reaper to make such a choice was the same as saying that they didn't trust their teacher. Either way, the implication of this information reflected poorly on Ikkaku who was the primary person responsible for organising all the training for the Division.

"Did you train your shikai as part of Squad training, or did you train it somewhere else privately?" asked Shūhei.

A hint of confusion crossed Yuumichika's face before he hid it by turning away. "I trained in private." His voice sounded odd, and Shūhei couldn't place the emotion he felt Yuumichika was trying to conceal.

"Do you mind if I ask why?" said Hisagi, tentatively, knowing what an intensely private question it was. He could see tension tightening Yuumichika's shoulders, and immediately regretted asking.

"There are many types of zanpakutō's, and I didn't want to risk training anything that wasn't a melee type where the entire Squad could see it. Once I was sure I had a direct fighting type, I trained it at the Division like everyone else," replied Yuumichika.

Shūhei winced even though Yuumichika wasn't looking. "I'm sorry for asking such a personal question; I assure you that nothing you've said will go any further than the two of us." Yuumichika turned around and found the Lieutenant offering him a polite bow.

"It's okay, Hisagi-kun; I trust you. You wouldn't have asked if it wasn't important," he said simply.

"That doesn't excuse my rudeness." He cleared his throat. "I wonder if your fellow Squad members had a similar reason for training their shikai's in secret, as well?"

Yuumichika frowned, before an expression of distaste settled on his face, causing his feathers to pinch together. "Squad Eleven is not at all tolerant of anything that doesn't fit into their perfect little world."

There was an awkward silence, as Yuumichika turned away again. Hisagi stared at his back, wondering what could possibly cause his vehement words, especially since they were speaking about zanpakutō's.

'That was an odd thing to say, considering Yuumichika does fit into their Squad culture; he has a melee type weapon.' The moment the thought crossed his mind, Shūhei bit back the urge to gasp, as his eyes widened and bulged. 'I know he has a melee type, but I've seen the vines, and I know they're definitely kidō-based. If they are, then that means—' His eyes darted back and forth rapidly. '—His sword is a kidō type too, but it just looks like a melee type!' His mouth fell open softly in disbelief.

'Anyone that's ever shown any kidō-based ability or talent has always been physically muscled out of the squad. I would be no different.'

'I've been lying about this since the beginning. Revealing it means no one would ever speak to me again.'

Suddenly, Yuumichika's words from the previous evening made complete sense, and just as a wave of sympathy coursed through him, Yuumichika spoke, snapping Shūhei from his thoughts.

"Thank you for giving me that moment; I didn't realise how angry I was." He sighed. "It's just, the more involved I get, the more problems I've found that need to be dealt with. It's a lot more than I was prepared for." Yuumichika's face fell in disappointment, and Shūhei knew he was laying the blame for these problems at Ikkaku's feet. "During the battle, I knew the men had problems with this particular enemy, but during the assessment, I saw a very disturbing trend that goes far beyond specialisation. There was a distinct lack of proficiency with the fundamentals. There were a few who were excellent, some decent, but the majority didn't reach for their reiryoku to aid their efforts. They did what you said, and spilled a little reiatsu around themselves, here and there, but in a way that screamed how little control they had over the process. I've seen the hakuda and the zanjutsu, and I know how good they are, but I feel like they've forgotten that they're shinigami first, and swordsmen, second."

Shūhei shot a shocked look at Yuumichika before glancing back at the notes in his hand. He sat next to the Third Seat, and stared back at the training schedule with intense focus. After a few minutes, he paused and looked up. "Is there a list of names attached to each training session?"

Yuumichika nodded. "Page two through eight."

Shūhei found the correct pages, and as his eyes travelled down the lists, his frown deepened. "This is at least half of the Squad in most of the fundamental courses, Yuumichika."

The Third Seat laughed humourlessly. "I know. Like I said, I was prepared to train the men in the finer points of the techniques related to the enemy, a sort of rapid response regime, but that's not what this is," he said, gesturing to the sheets of paper in Shūhei's hand. "This is restructuring from the ground up."

Shūhei looked away from the papers, and glanced at Yuumichika, before taking a breath. There was nothing to say.

"I know Ikkaku is responsible for the training, but none of this is his fault," said Yuumichika. "Captain Zaraki didn't go through the Academy, and neither did Lieutenant Kusajishi, or Ikkaku or myself. None of us learned the fundamentals the same way as the other Divisions coming out of the Academy, which isn't to say we don't know what they are or how to use them; we do. I learned from many different sources, including my zanpakutō even though I already held the rank of Fifth Seat, and I was still afraid it wouldn't be enough when you started explaining the four pillars and what it means to really be a soul reaper. At first, I was angry, but how can I be angry with him when he doesn't understand what being a true Third Seat actually means? How could he? He wasn't trained by one." Yuumichika smiled fondly. "Despite the way Squad Eleven has been run up to this point, Ikkaku was happy. He'd found his purpose, and a place where he belonged, and I—," he choked back his words as he stared down at his new badge, "—I took it away from him."

"That's not true, Yuumichika," said Shūhei immediately.

"I know, but that's how he sees it. He fought for this dream, after years spent dead set on it. He would view anyone that wore this badge as the person who got between him and the Captain, but it's worse because it was me. I'm the betrayer, because I was there when he first met the Captain; I saw how long he searched, and I saw how hard he worked, and I still took it. I tried to explain to him why, but he wouldn't listen. He thinks I wanted it because I find this number most pleasing, but I don't; I'm just keeping it safe until I can give it back," said Yuumichika.

Shūhei frowned. "You'd just give it back, and return to being a Fifth Seat?"

Yuumichika nodded, and Shūhei's frown deepened. "Ikkaku went through the obstacle course today, and he looked like he was asleep. His speed was non-existent, he didn't release his blade, and he relied too heavily on hakuda." He sighed. "He's better than this! He's better than the juvenile behaviours he's been displaying. I just don't know how to get through to him that he's wasting his potential instead of being a real Third Seat."

Shūhei paused and looked at Yuumichika directly. "I understand your goal, and I'm willing to help, but seeing you step up and assess an entire Division in a day is one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. Your control over your reiryoku is phenomenal, and honestly," he paused, "I think you're meant to be more than a Fifth Seat."

Yuumichika froze. "Are you suggesting that I keep this badge?"

Shūhei shook his head. "No, I'm suggesting that you use this experience to learn what is required of the higher ranks, and restore Ikkaku to his badge if you can, and then consider becoming a Lieutenant."

As Hisagi watched, he saw the implication of his words hit home on Yuumichika's face. "That would mean leaving Squad Eleven," said Yuumichika with emotion cracking his voice, and fear creeping into his gaze. As the emotion threatened to overwhelm him, Shūhei put his hands up.

"It's okay, Yuumichika. It was just a thought, and not something we need to worry about." Yuumichika nodded, and Shūhei knew the turbulent emotions were still sitting there, under the surface. He needed a different approach. "I have something I think will be able to help with your Squad. You mentioned the surprise zanpakutō's?"

Yuumichika nodded. "Yes."

"There's a technique that the instructors use in the Academy, but everyone responsible for training uses it too. There's a way of using reikaku to gauge the level of a zanpakutō. I know you're able to use reikaku as an extension of your senses to seek, and inspect, but this is a little different because zanpakutō's have their own energy."

Sure that he had the Third Seat's full attention, Hisagi removed Kazeshini from his obi, and laid it out before Yuumichika softly on the grass. "I want you to use reikaku on Kazeshini, and tell me what stage he's at."

Yuumichika's face shifted into intense worry at the thought of this level of trust, but sat up, and turned towards the innocent looking sword. He gave the Lieutenant another fleeting glance, and was met with a reassuring nod of approval.

Yuumichika closed his eyes and focussed on his reiryoku. He could feel his heart pounding with trepidation, and he urged it to travel from his chest to his shoulder and down his arm. Extending his hand, he felt his fingertip brimming with reiatsu and touched it gently to the zanpakutō. His senses were immediately assaulted by a rush of red reiatsu, and a vicious, and voracious hunger to kill the invader. He flinched his hand away with a gasp.

"Don't let him intimidate you," said Shūhei. Yuumichika opened his eyes, and the Lieutenant could see the panic swirling around in them. "This is a very difficult technique as I said because a zanpakutō has its own energy. They'll try to confuse, seduce, tempt or intimidate you. They might even draw you in for an easier kill; it really depends on what motivates the particular blade you're inspecting. It's very different from that feeling you experience when a shinigami releases their zanpakutō, because when you use this technique, the zanpakutō spirit is not being tempered by their owner. Try again," said Shūhei, and Yuumichika collected himself.

As he closed his eyes again, Yuumichika shook away his nervousness, and focussed on calming his reiryoku. Again, he prodded it towards his fingertips, and as it bled into reiatsu, he pushed away his fear.

Once again, Yuumichika was plunged into a world of red reiatsu, and this time, as the same feelings rushed towards him, he stood his ground in a way that was non-threatening. The red reiatsu began to shift slowly, and Yuumichika was slowly able to see something shifting in hues of red and black. It was like vapour or smoke; it was intangible as an image, but the closer he looked, the more he was able to make out a slim, demonic looking figure. White eyes burned in his direction, and Yuumichika stared back.

He gasped when the figure leapt towards him with that same vicious hunger, in a wave of reiatsu. As it drew closer, intent on killing him, the figure slammed into a cage of calming bluish-green energy, allowing only the reiatsu to penetrate it. Yuumichika responded with a mild burst of his own reiatsu, causing a chilling chuckle to rise up around them. Kazeshini gazed at him intently, and brought a clawed hand up to the cage. As it made contact, the cage flickered, and for a single, terrifying moment, Yuumichika thought it had disappeared.

Just as he inhaled sharply, the blue cage reappeared. Alarmed, Yuumichika's knees trembled like a rabbit before a lion. Kazeshini brought his hand back to the cage, and as his arm moved, Yuumichika caught the glint of metal around his neck like a collar. Travelling along it, he could see a gleaming chain slightly through the fog of reiatsu, and as he looked up, he saw it swirling in a massive ball.

A clicking sound broke him from his observations, as he saw Kazeshini twisting a door handle that hadn't been there moments ago. As it turned, Kazeshini slammed his shoulder into the door repeatedly, until Yuumichika gasped, and found himself back on the grass with Shūhei.

Yuumichika's hand flew to his mouth, and he brought his gaze back to the Lieutenant, in awe and fear, met simply by a questioning look from Shūhei.

"He—," began Yuumichika, as he struggled to contain his emotions, "He's trying to manifest in our world! He's on the brink of bankai!"

Shūhei grinned broadly, and clapped. "Yes!"

"That's… wow," said Tetsuzaemon, lowering his beer onto the bar top. "I knew there was more to the story, but this?"

Shūhei sighed. "I know."

Tetsuzaemon removed his sunglasses, and looked at Hisagi. "I knew Madarame was relieved of his command and that the badge was given to Ayasegawa, but this is much, much more than a simple falling out between friends. You're talking about getting involved in another Captain's Division!"

Shūhei looked back sharply. "Of course, I'm not; are you crazy?" He lowered his voice. "Captain Zaraki is being made aware of every step Ayasegawa intends to take, beforehand. I am training one member of his Squad with his permission, and with the knowledge that he would teach those techniques to the men. The Captain is very much a part of the decision-making process."

Shūhei took a drink, and hugged it, clearly offended. Tetsuzaemon didn't care, as he growled at his fellow Lieutenant. "And I'm telling you, right now, that you're playing a dangerous game," he said. "Say I actually manage to get Madarame thinking straight, and you and Ayasegawa whip Zaraki's men into shape, and Madarame gets a good look at what a Third Seat can really do. Even if the two of us can get both of them to that point, it doesn't change the facts, Hisagi. None of us gets the final say of what happens in that Division." He took another swig of his drink. "For now, Captain Zaraki probably thinks this is funny, but you can bet he's paying attention to everything the three of you are doing. He's watching to see how the men take to your changes, and ultimately, whether or not the men will get stronger as a result. You're a fool if you think he'll play into your plans."

Shūhei sat with a serious expression, slowly processing Tetsuzaemon's words. "What's the alternative? I can't sit back and do nothing," said Shūhei.

"Yes, you can," replied Tetsuzaemon immediately, with deadly seriousness. "I think you'd be better off if you did."

Shūhei hit him with an equally firm gaze, and held it, and with a hint of a rebuke, he said, "I can't."

Tetsuzaemon shook his head in a fast motion, and scoffed with disbelief. "Well, you'd better learn, fast!"

When the Lieutenant of Squad Nine didn't reply, he took another drink, and slammed it back down onto the bar top. "If you insist on this, then there's something you need to get through your skull right now; Captain Zaraki is not like any of the other Captains, and Squad Eleven is no different. It's not like Ukitake's Squad where he's their benevolent leader and it's a family, and they're all about building each other up from nothing. Captain Zaraki doesn't give a shit what's going on in the personal lives of the men; he's only interested in those who are strong and able to fight! He's not interested in your idea of how his Squad should be run," said Tetsuzaemon.

"I don't think you're giving him enough credit! He called Madarame out on his insubordination, and settled the matter between his man and Squad Six. He allowed Ayasegawa to train with me, to give his men a chance against the enemy; that doesn't sound like a heartless Captain to me," said Shūhei.

Tetsuzaemon laughed. "He respects Captain Kuchiki, I'll give you that one, but that was nothing more than an excuse, Hisagi. The key point Zaraki Taichou took from that conversation was not the insubordination, it was the bankai. It was always the bankai."

Again, Shūhei shook his head. "I refuse to believe it's that simple; I think there's more to the Captain than you realise."

"And, what? You think he believes in what Ayasegawa is trying to do?" asked Tetsuzaemon incredulously.

Shūhei nodded, "Yes."

The other Lieutenant raised his eyebrows. "Don't be stupid, Hisagi; this isn't about Ayasegawa. He's punishing Madarame for hiding the bankai. Ayasegawa is the perfect answer to his issue with leadership and daily training while he spends his time fighting that bankai. Madarame has been disrespectful to other Squads for years, and it's never been a problem for Zaraki Taichou. If it was, he would've done something about it sooner, but he didn't. There's something about that bankai that he finds interesting, and that's why he let Madarame stick around. Like it or not, Madarame espouses everything Zaraki Taichou wants in his men."

Shūhei paused. "So, you think after everything is said and done, Captain Zaraki will restore Madarame to his role of Third Seat, even if Ayasegawa is successful?"

Tetsuzaemon didn't reply, but nodded instead, and an element of defeat crossed Shūhei's face.

"I can't accept that," said Shūhei.

Tetsuzaemon shrugged. "It's not up to you to decide, Hisagi."

"You don't understand, Iba." Hisagi stared at his drink. "I've never seen a Fifth Seat who was promoted by two ranks accomplish something so impressive in a single day. He's brilliant. His control over his reiryoku, his prowess with his shikai, the way he's so approachable and yet clearly a person in command? He'd be a perfect Lieutenant, and he's not willing to admit that he can do better than Squad Eleven."

He sighed, despite Tetsuzaemon's face of surprise. "He didn't want the badge. Zaraki made it conditional to his request to train the men, and he chose the welfare of the men over his friendship with Madarame. He told me he's only holding the badge, so he can give it back. It's rare to meet someone so talented, and yet so content to stand in the shadow of someone else. It's a waste, Iba."

Tesuzaemon's eyes softened just a little. "I know, Hisagi, but that's his choice to make. Hell, maybe he would make a great Lieutenant, but he'll never leave Madarame. As long as he's committed to Captain Zaraki, he'll never leave, and Ayasegawa will stay with him."

"At the expense of wasting his own potential?" asked Shūhei.

Tetsuzaemon inclined his head. "Pretty much." He reached into his pocket and dropped some coins on the table. "I don't know about you, but I think it's time for another round."

Hisagi made no move to dissuade him, and Tetsuzaemon caught the attention of the barmaid. Shūhei emptied his glass, and prodded it towards Iba's. A young, pretty girl scooped them up and placed them on the other side of the bar, and gave Tetsuzaemon an inquisitive glance.

"Two more?" she asked.

"Yes, thank you," replied Tetsuzaemon.

They sat in silence, as the noise of the bar swept around them. There were so many people, that no one paid any attention to the two Lieutenant's in the corner. A few moments later, the girl arrived with their drinks, and placed them down carefully with a smile in their direction. Tetsuzaemon returned it fully, and elbowed Shūhei, while he watched her saunter towards the other end of the bar. With a questioning look towards Hisagi, and a fleeting glance after the attractive barmaid, he leaned back in his chair and measured a calculating look towards Shūhei.

"Alright, this is weird, even for you, Hisagi. I just gave you a few good reasons to walk away from this, and not get involved beyond training Ayasegawa. What is it you're not telling me? Why can't you let this go?"

Shūhei sighed and finally returned his gaze to Tetsuzaemon. "If I was in your position, I would say the same thing, Iba. It's solid advice, and I appreciate it, but there's another element to this you're not aware of. It's between Ayasegawa and Captain Zaraki. I worked it out for myself, and I would be betraying his trust if I told you, but I can tell you this much; Ayasegawa has no future with Squad Eleven."

"What?" said Tetsuzaemon. As he frowned and his eyes began to dart left and right, Shūhei shook his head.

"Don't bother, Iba; you'll never figure it out," said Shūhei. "If it was anyone else, I would walk away, like you advised, but I can't because of what I know. His days in that Division are numbered, and you'll just have to trust me on that."

Shūhei fell silent, and Tetsuzaemon sat stunned. Hisagi held his gaze for another moment, before Iba relented.

"Alright, Hisagi," said Iba, "What do you need from me?"

Shūhei exhaled. "I need Ayasegawa to have a clean shot at this; I want to let him have a taste of what running a Division feels like, and I'm counting on Captain Zaraki to keep Madarame busy. I need you to try to get through to Madarame that he needs to step up. I don't want all of Ayasegawa's work destroyed when he relinquishes the badge, and I need him to see that Ayasegawa is not the bad guy. If we can achieve that, then maybe Squad Eleven has a chance, and maybe Yuumichika won't waste his potential."

Tetsuzaemon took a deep breath and released it. "You're asking for a lot, Hisagi. This isn't going to be easy, and I think a lot of this boils down to the two of them hashing this out personally. I've been trying to get through to Madarame for years, but I'll do what I can."

"Thanks, Iba. I know it's a lot to ask, but Madarame has a lot of potential himself, and it would be a shame to allow things to continue as they have been. I wouldn't ask, but I can't do it alone."

Tetsuzaemon laughed. "That's for damn sure."

Day 4 - Night - 10th Division ~

Rangiku knocked on the door of Captain Hitsugaya's office. "Excuse me, Captain; there's a new battle report."

The Captain looked up from his desk, and lowered his pen, as Rangiku crossed the room and offered it to him. A few moments passed, as he read it, and his face became increasingly angry. As his eyes hovered over the final paragraph, he exhaled angrily and looked away from closing the file.

"Captain?" began Rangiku, concerned at his reaction. Cold, furious eyes met hers, and she hesitated.

"This battle was fought inside the Seireitei," said Hitsugaya, causing Rangiku's eyes to widen. "Our information told us that the enemy intended to go that way, but not that they'd actually breached it. Captain Komamura was supposed to prevent this!"

As he fumed behind his desk, the Lieutenant thought about it, before returning her gaze to her Captain. "What does the report mention about his involvement in the battle?"

Hitsugaya immediately became confused at the question. "It doesn't say anything about him, but if they were inside the Seireitei, that means eight of them got past his defences somehow," he said.

"Not necessarily," said Rangiku. "Is it possible these creatures breached the Seireitei before their encounter with Captain Kuchiki?"

Hitsugaya's face became uncertain and doubtful as he considered her question. "I'm not sure," he said. "It is possible, but if it's true, then there could be more of them inside the Seireitei." A hint of panic was evident in his voice, and Rangiku knew he was considering rushing back to his desk to write a new report to let all the Captains know.

"I respectfully suggest that you let Captain Komamura worry about that, if that is the case," said Rangiku. She gestured to the geographical profile on the various boards around them. "Our mission has nothing to do with engaging them inside the Seireitei."

Hitsugaya appeared momentarily abashed, but he exhaled and his lips formed a hint of a smile. "You're right." He rose from his desk and approached her. "All the reports have suggested that they originated from the Districts, and when they were engaged by Rukia Kuchiki, Lieutenant Hisagi and Captain Kurotsuchi, they fled back to the Districts. That make's things easier," he finished, leaving his Lieutenant slightly confused.

"What do you mean, Captain?" she asked.

Staring at the whiteboards, he replied, "If we are to carry out our orders—," he brought his gaze back to Rangiku's. "—Then, we need to go to the Districts."

Day 4 - Night - Kuchiki Mansion ~

Ginrei Kuchiki stumbled blindly towards his private office, clutching a drawing in his hand. He was glad it was so late in the evening, as he didn't have the frame of mind to make excuses to the staff for his strange behaviour.

'It couldn't possibly be the same creature; both of them are long dead! I have to be sure,' thought Ginrei, as panic took over his mind, and flashes of the past assaulted him.

When he finally reached the office and entered, he swept past the bookcases towards a normal shelf on the back wall. Past the knick-knacks and potted plants, he focussed on the small blank stretch of wall, and he ran his palm over it, murmuring a series of words quietly to himself. Only a Head of the Kuchiki House knew those words and would be able to release the seal. The wall vanished, and revealed a small, wooden box. He removed it from its hiding place, and remarked silently to himself, how he hadn't seen this box in centuries.

Opening the box, Ginrei stared at its contents; a simple brown-paper folder. He removed it from the box and laid it on the desk next to the drawing, and held his breath.

~ Flashback - Sōgō Kyūgo Tsumesho ~

Rukia released her grandfather from a firm, and gentle hug, and tried not to blush as he fussed over her. "I'm fine, Jii-sama; I'll be out in the morning."

Ginrei nodded, but frowned. "These creatures," he sighed. "It pains me to see both of my grandchildren here, because of them."

Rukia glanced tentatively at her grandfather with an expression of apology. "I know I shouldn't have gotten involved, but I didn't want anything bad to happen to the people in the area. When Brother told me they were fast, I knew the creature would be gone before I could call for help. I knew it was dangerous, but I didn't feel like I had a choice."

Ginrei said nothing, but she got the feeling he understood even though he was supremely disappointed.

"If it helps, I got into trouble with Renji, and I had to promise I wouldn't do anything like this again," said Rukia.

"I'm glad for that, then," replied Ginrei. "I will sleep better knowing that if you see another one, you will walk away."

Rukia giggled. "That's an easy promise to keep because they're not hard to miss." At his questioning glance, she continued. "They're pale with long silver manes, and big, golden eyes. They're eyes brighten before they attack, and they have huge talons, so they can climb trees easily. They're skeletal, and have strange reiatsu."

He frowned, and Rukia couldn't decide if her description was difficult to picture, or if he believed her at all. She leaned over to the nightstand and withdrew a sheet of paper and a pen. For a few moments, she drew a figure, before offering it to her grandfather.

As he studied the drawing, he took in the skeletal creature, with its back lined in bony ridges. He noticed the long ears and small nose. He saw the sloping back with a hint of a fluffy tail, and the deadly talons, and the silver mane for which it had received its name from Lieutenant Hisagi.

Returning his gaze to Rukia, he raised an eyebrow. "These creatures are rabbits?"

Rukia blushed so pink, her burns were momentarily indistinguishable from her normal complexion, and she tried not to grin. "No, Grandfather; I just love that rabbit."

He gave her a look, but didn't question her preferences, and returned his eyes to the drawing. "So if I take away the bunny ears, the cute nose and the cottontail, then that should give me a more accurate representation?"

She nodded, and made a slightly sad face when he picked up the pen and began crossing out the various rabbit features. When he was finished, he handed the pen back to her, and took one more look at the revised drawing.

He froze.

Talons in the place of hands and feet, a long silver mane, fangs, golden eyes, and pale skin.

'No,' he thought. 'But if it wasn't skeletal, and it stood upright…'

He gasped.

"Jii-sama?" said Rukia, now curious about his reaction. He recovered quickly, and looked up. "Is everything alright?"

Making very little eye-contact, he nodded. "Of course," he said. "It's just been a long day, and I think I should be heading home now."

He smiled in an odd way, and as much as she wanted to Rukia couldn't reciprocate it. "Of course, Grandfather. Have a safe trip, and I'll see you in the morning."

As she watched him leave, she couldn't help but notice the drawing still clutched in his hand.

~ End of Flashback ~

Praying with everything he had, Ginrei opened the brown-paper folder, and on the first page sat another drawing. It was made in colour and showed the creature in immaculate detail. He placed it beside the one Rukia had drawn, and compared them. Where Rukia's creature crouched on all fours, the creature in the other drawing stood tall and proud. Where hers was skeletal and weak looking, this one was a healthy weight and looked very powerful.

No matter how much he tried to deny it, they had the same angular face and fangs, and the same eyes. The silver mane was a prominent feature in both, and the talons were identical.

His head fell forward in defeat and his eyes tightened. It was definitely the same creature, and as he opened his eyes, furious reiatsu rose up around him.

'Killing her should have robbed him of his power to wage war, but if these are the same creatures, then she survived.' Briefly, he entertained the idea of sharing what he knew with the Gotei, but immediately shook his head. 'This is something I have to do alone; I have to rectify my mistake and they would only interfere.'

He thought of his grandchildren in the hospital, and resolve began to burn in his eyes.

~ Day 4 - Captain's Lounge - Squad Eight ~

As he sank into a comfortable chair, Jūshirō fought the urge to get up and help Shunsui with the tea. As the tinkling sound of china broke the silence, and the smell of the tea filled the room, Shunsui approached with two steaming cups. Jūshirō took the small cup, and watched Shunsui sink into the chair next to him with a hum of relief.

"Thank you," said Jūshirō, and Shunsui cast him a lazy glance.

"It's only tea, Jū-chan." His tone was a curious blend of amusement and dismissal.

Jūshirō mused to himself as he took a sip that it was good tea, and noticed Shunsui wasn't drinking his. Instead, the man was relaxing in his chair with his eyes half closed, breathing softly, and content to just relax.

Jūshirō's hands clutched the cup, and as the scent of the tea warmed his face and hands, he couldn't understand how Shunsui was able to relax so completely. Especially since Central 46 was waiting—

"Jū-chan," said Shunsui. "Your reiatsu is prickly."

Jūshirō blinked and realised that he had been projecting small amounts of fretful reiatsu into the air around them. He reigned it back in with a blush, and watched Shunsui relax again. His hand fell languidly from the arm rest, and his eyes began to close, and Jūshirō realised he'd always had that remarkable capability to switch off. He sighed.

Soft waves of reiatsu began to build around him like a blanket, and Jūshirō sank into the warm feeling of safety, trust and understanding. His worried eyes lifted, and found Shunsui staring back, soft and warm.

"How can you be this calm?" said Jūshirō with a hint of desperation and hopelessness creeping into his voice. "Tomorrow, you have to—"

"I have no intention of avoiding the issue, Jū-chan," said Shunsui. Jūshirō sat a little straighter, as Shunsui levelled him with a look. "I'm perfectly aware of what I have to do, and what the situation is."

Jūshirō rose from his seat and stared at his lover with a worried frown, and as the hopelessness ate at him, he turned away. "The risks are too high," came his soft reply.

Strong arms enveloped him. "I won't break for them, Jū-chan. I will never stop loving you, because someone out there says it's wrong. Nothing can take you away from me as long as you still want me."

Ukitake spun to face his lover. Tears fell from his eyes, and his hands trembled as they touched his floral kimono. With emotion swelling up in his throat, he replied, "I will always want you, Shu-chan."

Shunsui smiled, and leaned down. Their lips met. As Shunsui pressed a firm kiss at his lover, he could feel the helplessness bleeding into it. He drew his arms up to cup Jūshirō's face, brushing his thumbs across his silky, pale skin. Jūshirō pressed back with another kiss, coaxing a hum from Shunsui. Reiatsu swept around them like a gentle, summer's breeze, and the sense of safety, peace and relaxation radiated between the two Captains. Shunsui laid a soft kiss on Jūshirō's forehead, and gazed down at his lover, who opened his eyes to stare softly back.

"Better?" asked Shunsui.

Jūshirō gave a little nod, but didn't attempt to leave his comfortable position in Shunsui's arms. "Yes," he replied. "You always know how to ease my worries and I wish I could do the same for you."

Shunsui held him closer, and ran a soft palm along his hair. "You were always my strength, Jū-chan. Since our Academy days where shinigami were expected to be cutthroats and killers, you were the one, gentle soul that showed me our powers could be used for the goodness and protection of others. Even today, in this dark and twisted world, you are still a source of peace and strength to me, and I'll always admire you for staying true to yourself."

Jūshirō looked up with a little surprise, his mouth parted in slight amazement. "I remember those days, Shu-chan," said Jūshirō. "Everyone tried to force me to be more aggressive, and chastised me for being too lenient, but I might have given in had you not been there. You've supported me and accepted me since the beginning. You have an uncanny ability to see things for what they are whether those things are tangible or spoken or not. You have a good heart, Shu-chan. I couldn't ask for anything more."

It was Shunsui's turn to smile down at his lover. "Yare, yare, what a pair we make, Jū-chan." He shifted his gaze away from his lover, and sighed. "I'm glad he knows."

Jūshirō raised an eyebrow in question, noting Shunsui wasn't looking in his direction. "Captain Kuchiki?"

"Yes," said Shunsui. "We've hid this from the beginning, and maybe this is our chance to fight for what we have and bring it out into the open? We could stroll down the street hand-in-hand, or share a kiss in public, or even live together?" His voice trailed off, full of hope and optimism. Jūshirō frowned.

"I agree that our world has come quite a long way from the days of old where shinigami were nothing but a band of killers, Shunsui, but I don't think they've come that far. While the First Blood War changed the Goteijūsantai drastically, they are still a powerful organisation. Would you really fight them for a dream?" asked Jūshirō.

Shunsui looked down directly into Jūshirō's eyes. "How long has it been? Fifteen hundred years? How many others are hiding out there right now, hoping for a sliver of compassion and acceptance? I think it's high time we fight for what we want, and show them how serious we are. I don't know how, or when, but I know I would fight for you, even if it was against the old man."

Jūshirō adopted a face of worry again. "We would never win, Shu-chan," he said softly, as if it pained him to admit it.

"If we sit here and continue as we have, we know nothing will ever change. If we fight for this, then maybe, we might stand a chance?" Jūshirō said nothing, which was answer enough. Shunsui relented, and sighed. "I'm ready for whatever the future holds, Jū-chan, but for tonight, at least, we don't have to hide." Jūshirō smiled a wistful smile. "Tonight, no one is here to tell us no."

Jūshirō's smile widened into a mischievous grin. "Why does that sound like an invitation?"

Shunsui laughed. "Hey, if you're offering, I'll pretend it was?"

Jūshirō shot him a seductive look from beneath his eyelashes. "Who's pretending? I'm going to go to our bedroom, and climb into our bed, and get comfortable." He left Shunsui's arms and began to walk in the direction of the bedroom, and shrugged off his haori. He took a few more steps, accentuating his walk, as he untied his obi, and dropped it on the floor. "I just hope my lover doesn't keep me waiting too long?"

As Jūshirō turned the corner, Shunsui couldn't stop the grin forming on his face. No one would believe him if he told them how playful Jūshirō actually was, and there was only one logical response to this particular game. Shunsui flash-stepped from the lounge.

~ Erotic Scene ~

When Shunsui entered the bedroom, he smirked. There, with his long hair spread out across the pillows, lay Jūshirō sprawled across the bed, naked in all his glory. Shunsui removed his kimono, and toyed with the knot on his obi, as Jūshirō made a sound of approval and allowed a foot to tease the inner side of his other calf. As his knees came together, Shunsui smirked again.

'What a tease,' he thought. 'How 'bout a taste of your own medicine, Jū-chan?

Shunsui untied his obi, and took his time running the fabric through his hands. Knowing Jūshirō was still stretching across the bed, Shunsui looked away, as if his lover's seductive motions were having no effect on him. In fact, it was quite the opposite, but Jūshirō didn't need to know that. Turning towards the armchair in the corner, he pulled his top up and over his head, showing off his powerful muscles in his upper arms and shoulders.

He glanced surreptitiously towards Jūshirō who was watching hungrily, trailing his slender fingers over his thighs, inches away from where Shunsui knew he wanted to be touched.

'Not yet,' thought Shunsui. 'You're going to have to work for it.'

Shunsui loosened the straps of his hakama, finally allowing Jūshirō to see his well-built thighs, and from the flavour of his reiatsu, Shunsui knew it was working. As he removed the last of his clothing, he heard his lover give an involuntary groan.

Still intent on playing out Jūshirō's little game, Shunsui went to the armchair instead of the bed, and relaxed, giving Jūshirō a clear view of his entire body. He could see the lust in his eyes, and found himself daring Jūshirō with his own.

In response, Jūshirō finally threw caution to the wind, and began stroking himself slowly. Shunsui drank in the sight of his lover pleasuring himself, and felt his own body hardening even more. As he watched, Jūshirō closed his eyes and arched into the pillows, while gripping himself tighter. He groaned as he rotated his fist around the curve of his tip. Shunsui's mouth wet dry at the sight, and felt his throat tighten momentarily. Stroke after stroke, Jūshirō rolled his hips, while his free hand twirled a random strand if white hair.

Shifting his seat, he watched as Jūshirō's eyes opened just enough for him to see the desperate need burning in them. He felt a shiver run through his body, as Jūshirō paused his motions and began to move towards the edge of the bed. Shunsui swallowed, and found himself looking upwards as Jūshirō stood and began walking towards him.

"I thought you said, you wouldn't make me wait," said Jūshirō.

Shunsui grinned. "I remember you asking me not to make you wait."

Jūshirō's mouth twitched with a hint of a smile at his lover's correction, but didn't want to ruin the moment. Instead, he dropped to his knees and moved closer to Shunsui. As his fingertips ghosted over Shunsui's bare knees, Jūshirō looked upwards without lifting his chin.

"You know what they say about idle hands, Shu-chan," said Jūshirō, gliding his fingers along the top of his thighs. "And wagging tongues," he added, as he pressed kisses along the inside of the other thigh. Leaning forward, Jūshirō pushed Shunsui's legs apart, and continued peppering kisses higher and higher.

Eyes glued to the top of Jūshirō's head, Shunsui swore mentally. His hands tightened into fists on the ends of the arm rests, and he forced himself not to move. He felt himself harden even further when Jūshirō's breath blew across his sensitive skin, and felt his own breath catch in his chest when Jūshirō finally brought his lips near enough to taste him.

Jūshirō's tongue trailed across his tip, with wet lips teasing him. As fingertips pressed into his thighs, Jūshirō's lips drew his entire tip into his mouth, and as his tongue swirled around its base, he sucked deliberately hard. Shunsui couldn't stop the deep groan that ripped from him, as his lover continued sucking and twisting his head.

Delicious heat enveloped Shunsui as he felt himself sink deeper into Jūshirō's mouth. The combination of the natural ribbing along the roof of his mouth with the silky, wet tongue felt sinfully good. As Jūshirō sucked back towards the tip, Shunsui felt the cold air hit him again. Like the awful tease that he was, Shunsui saw Jūshirō's mouth twitch into a smirk, before they parted and sank down onto him, all the way to the base. His fingers dug into the chair, as a deep growl left his lips, and he couldn't stop himself from rolling his hips towards his lover's mouth.

Shunsui couldn't fathom how Jūshirō could even fit his entire length in his mouth, and as his throat closed around his tip, his head fell back with a moan of pleasure. Unable to stop himself, Shunsui ran his fingers across his lover's cheek towards the base of his neck, pushing his hair away, allowing him a perfect view of Jūshirō's lips around him. He applied just enough pressure on the base of his lover's neck, begging him to give him another sweet second at that perfect depth. With a sinful glance, Jūshirō swallowed one more time, as if rewarding Shunsui for giving in to his game. With a slow, teasing suck, Jūshirō drew his head away from Shunsui's lap, earning him another groan, but this time, of disappointment.

Rising from his spot on the floor, Shunsui watched Jūshirō lick his lips with some satisfaction and cross the room to search through a large drawer. Finding what he was looking for, he returned to the bed in a kneeling position, facing away from Shunsui.

When Jūshirō brought his fingers to touch his entrance, Shunsui could see the shiny gleam of the oil on his lover's fingertips. As the fingertips spread the oil, Shunsui began stroking himself in time with Jūshirō's rhythmic movements. Jūshirō's hand moved out of sight for a moment, before returning, and this time, he pushed his finger all the way inside his body with a twist of the wrist. White hair threatened to obscure Shunsui's view, as Jūshirō's head fell back with a moan. Another finger joined the first, and Shunsui groaned as he stroked faster, as he could see his lover's body stretching to allow the movements of his fingers.

Again, Jūshirō's hand vanished, and when it reappeared, Shunsui saw drops of oil spill onto the sheets. His lover leaned forward with a hand out to support himself, and his hair fell in a curtain on the sheets. As Jūshirō twisted his shoulders to reach, a long, delicious groan punctuated his heavy breaths, as he pressed three fingers inside himself. Shunsui couldn't take it. Rock hard, he rose from the chair; he was done playing games.

Crossing the room, Shunsui climbed onto the soft sheets behind his lover. Feeling the bed dip under his weight, Jūshirō arched back into a kneeling position. Moving his hair over one shoulder with one hand, Shunsui gripped Jūshirō's hip with the other, and pressed himself against his lover. Kneading his neck somewhat firmly, he kissed the length of Jūshirō's shoulder. Reaching around, Jūshirō dragged his fingertips across Shunsui's thigh, before breaking away to lean forwards on his elbows and knees.

Drawing a palm along Jūshirō's upper thighs, Shunsui reached for the oil beside them. Covering his fingers, he leaned closer and his knees pushed against the back of Jūshirō's, pushing them further apart. He kissed along Jūshirō's back, and trailed his fingertips across his lover's entrance. With a push, Shunsui pressed his finger inside all the way to the knuckle. While he knew it wouldn't hurt, he wasn't gentle, and Jūshirō gasped and when Shunsui pressed deeply and rotated his palm, Jūshirō moaned.

With his free hand, Shunsui began dripping more oil onto his fingers, pressing a second inside his lover. He could feel his lover tighten around them, and he slid his fingers back and forth, until his motions became smoother and easier. Still, as his fingers delved deep inside his lover, Shunsui made sure each push was deep and hard.

"Shu-chan," came Jūshirō's needy whine. Shunsui coated himself generously, and leaned over his lover with a hand next to his ribs. Jūshirō hummed in the back of his throat when he felt Shunsui's tip tease his entrance. Peppering kisses between his shoulder blades, Shunsui pressed his hips forward, and embedded himself deep inside his lover. Jūshirō closed his eyes, and Shunsui could feel his harsh breaths. He paused and groaned as Jūshirō muscles contracted and squeezed him.

'So tight,' thought Shunsui to himself, as Jūshirō concentrated on relaxing. He relaxed and pressed alternatively, to give his lover some very tiny sensation of movement. Jūshirō's fingers tightened around the sheets, with a soft sound of pleasure encouraging his lover to continue. With both hands on either side of his lover, Shunsui rose to his knees, before pushing his hips forward again.

With every rise and fall of his hips, Shunsui was rewarded with a breathy moan from his lover. He shifted a little, trying to find the perfect depth, as Jūshirō's fingertips brushed against the skin of his knee, he sank again with a deep groan of his own. He couldn't get rough of the sourcing heat squeezing every inch of him.

Jūshirō arched himself to meet his every move, and Shunsui started to lose himself as he kissed along his lover's neck. As his hips rolled, he felt his lover reach down to stroke himself in time with his movements. Slow, languid and deliberate, he moved his hand in a tight fist, pushing back onto Shunsui just as purposely.

Unable to hold himself back, Shunsui rose a little, and dropped his hips in a way that Jūshirō would feel the force of his weight behind his hips. Quickening the pace, he found an unhurried rhythm and continued dropping his hips, earning sharper and more intense moans. Jūshirō's hand moved in long and steady strokes, wrists twisting to teasing himself every time Shunsui hit that spot.

"I won't last if you keep that up," said Jūshirō breathlessly, as the pressure continued to build, and the sense of fullness was making him dizzy.

Shunsui hummed, thoroughly enjoying the state his lover was in, and kept going, adding the building sensations. With every drop of his hips, he felt his lover's muscles shiver and tighten, and it was starting to affect him just as much. Another moan cut through the heavy breaths, as Shunsui sank a little deeper.

"Harder," said Jūshirō, giving Shunsui a hint of a gaze. Seeing the burning pleasure in his eyes, Shunsui slammed his hips forward hitting a spot even deeper. Jūshirō's mouth fell open and his eyes pinched shut. Over and over, Shunsui brought his hips down, panting from his exertions, while his lover's hand moved rapidly.

When Jūshirō's muscles squeezed around his shaft, Shunsui felt the telltale ripples beginning to form around his tip. He didn't stop, and redoubled his efforts to hit that spot inside his lover. With a gasp, Jūshirō's body shook and confused with pleasure, as his orgasm ravaged him. Helpless against the tide of pleasure, Shunsui let go, and pounded himself deeply until he felt his own pleasure peak. With a deep, trembling moan, he spilled himself inside his lover, rocked his hips to extract each wave of ecstasy that surged through him.

Shunsui rested his head against Jūshirō's shoulder blades, and ran his palm along the curve of his hip. With a final squeeze, he groaned as his hips shifted enough for him to collapse next to his lover. Pulling him close, Shunsui ran his palm over his chest and kissed his shoulder.

"Easy," said Jūshirō. "I don't think my legs work." His voice was tired, but amused, and Shunsui chuckled.

"That's what you get for being a playful little tease." He felt Jūshirō turn his head closer with a hint of indignation.

"I am not," he said hotly.

"I wasn't complaining, Jū-chan," replied Shunsui, and he knew his lover was pursing his lips. As if to punish his lover, Jūshirō shifted and pulled away. As he crossed the room, and vanished from sight, Shunsui knew he would never, ever get enough of the sweet, and sinful pleasure that was Jūshirō.