Hello again everyone :)

I could simply not stay away from this story for too long.

So here comes Chapter II.

Hope you liked it up to now and hope you'll love it further down the road.

A special THANK YOU to all who have read the story, and an even greater Special Thanks to all who are following and gave me my very first reviews (you know who you are xD)

A friendly reminder: this story will be slightly AU and some characters might be OOC. For anyone who is not into YAOI, please do not go or read any further, this is not going to be your cup of tea :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of its characters, they all belong to Tite Kubo-Sensei etc., etc.

WARNINGS: Somewhere along the way might contain but is not limited to include dark themes, suicidal thoughts, heavy sexual contest, yaoi (again xD) and some other themes not suitable for under-age reader. Read at your own risk and discretion! Please don't hate too much if you don't like.

I would like to dedicate this Chapter to herseybarrules for the motivation you gave me in writing even faster.

Chapter II

The flight finally ended with just a few minutes of delay. Shirosaki was ecstatic to touch land again. He silently promised himself he would never again allow Ossan to drag him on such a long human transport. Six hours was the absolute maximum he would ever tolerate. At least, he had a blast with the Customs. Oh, the look on their faces was priceless. And let's not forget Ossan's glare; delicious! Too bad he could not take a few pictures. But he did have a photographic memory, so no harm done. He could always find ways to bug Ossan. Thinking about it, it's been a long time since he felt the need to annoy him.

Must be the fresh air or the fact that they were back. Who knew he missed this place so much? He sure never thought about it before. After his death, he could not or, maybe, did not want to be there anymore. Thus, Ossan did what he does best and dragged him all over the planet. They did spend most of their time in Europe. It was easy to slip from one place to the other and, as an added bonus, it never required too much traveling weather on a human pace or with their contraptions.

Exiting the airport Shirosaki closed his eyes, took a deep breath and softly whispered: "Tadaima."

As thought he had been heard a gentle breeze caressed his frame, seemingly carrying with it the response he yearned to hear: "Okaeri." Unknowingly a smile settled on his features.

Just a few steps behind stood the ever stoic Ossan. He would never admit it, not even to himself, but to see that smile on Shirosaki's face was bliss. It was not the usual frown nor his manic grin, but a real smile. Come to think of it, this was the first smile he saw on the others' expression since his demise.

If he was unsure before, now there were no doubts, this was the right decision. He had contemplated leaving Shirosaki behind while he made his research. He did that on a few occasions in the past, not that he told him. To see an actual smile… Yes, this felt right. He would vehemently deny should one tell him that he had been tense due to not knowing what would be Shirosaki's reaction. Unknown to either males the anxiety in their hearts lifted up and both were, for now, stress-free.

While waiting for Shirosaki to exit his calm trance, he considered the next phase of their journey. The journey ahead should not take too much time. The first stop would be Yokohama. He purchased a black Rover SD1 Vitesse with dark red outlines for their stay in Japan. As per his request, it should be parked close by. Looking around he noticed the car just a few paces on the left. Now the question was, should he call Shirosaki or let him get reacquainted with his surroundings?

He was brought out of his musing by his partners voice. "Oi, Ossan. Where to next?"

Trust Shirosaki to pull him out from him pensive mind.

"We're going to Yokohama." His thoughts in turmoil for the briefest of seconds. Ossan was not sure what he would find there which disturbed him to no ends. Even at this distance, he should have been able to sense them.

Shirosaki who was very familiar with Ossan's behavior frowned. 'There it is again, that look. He's definitely hiding something. Heh, as long as I know he is keeping things from me, I know to be even more alert than usual.' He pulled out one of his smirks: "Well then, partner, let's get on the road, ne?" He did notice how Ossan had looked at the black and red car on the left. Trust Ossan to choose those colors. Ossan had always been into black, red and white.

'Some things never change.'

Still smirking, he took a firmer grip on his black and white medium sized luggage and started to drag his prone figure clad in black and white toward the Toyota. He was wearing a long white overcoat which reached to his knees, a black long-sleeved shirt with black slacks and black combat boots. Nothing better than to travel casual. Since Ossan did not follow him right away, as he normally would, he gave him one more shout to get going. Shirosaki was no mind reader, but you did not need a mentalist to know that whatever his companion was thinking about was wearing him down. Sooner or later he would find out, it was just a matter of patience and waiting. Not his strongest characteristics, but he knew Ossan well after all this time. He would get to the bottom of this mystery soon enough.

Mentioned Ossan unlocked the doors and trunk. Once their luggage was safely tucked away, they were on the move. The serene atmosphere from before was forgotten and replaced by unease which was soon broken by a hot tempered Shirosaki.

"Come on Ossan. You and I both know it's about time you spill the beans. What are you not telling me?"

Ossan gave Shirosaki a quick glance. A scowl graced his normally stoic face followed by a quiet scoff.

"How long have you been suspecting?"

"Since the beginning. You should know better than to keep things from me."

If you were to look closely, a fond smile warmed through Ossan's emotionless facade.

"That is true. As I did mention in Frankfurt, I am not a hundred percent certain myself. There was this nagging feeling that was pushing me to come over. For your information, we are going to Yokohama to visit some relatives of mine." Mentally he added 'If they are still in one piece.'

Shirosaki was no fool, thought the conversation seemed light, he could sense there was a tinge of impatience and worry in Ossan's tone. His instincts were raging a storm inside of him. Something was not right and his instincts were always right. He was after all a Hollow. If there was anything Hollows understood or knew on a profound level it was instincts. This whole trip, the way Ossan mentioned his relatives. They haven't spoken about family in quite a while. Not since the last time his daughter was reborn. 'Could it be?'

"Can we cut to the chase Ossan? Just tell me what's bugging you. I am supposed to be the one irritating the hell out of you, not the other way around." He said so, but there was no bite to his tone.

"Hmm. Very well. Remember fourteen years ago I went to a trip for a few months? I told you I was going for a business trip to the US. In reality, I came here to Yokohama."

There was a pissed look on Shirosaki's face, he was ready to explode, but managed to reign himself in. He was sure there was a reason for this. Ossan was not the kind of person to deceive others on purpose. He was more the kind that would make you feel at ease so much that you would willingly give your trust just by being close to him. 'Oh, hell, would you look at that, Ossan is not a deceiver just a manipulating scoundrel.'

On the other side, Ossan was anticipating at the very least a loud retort, at the worst a Cero. But was stunned to receive a calm "Continue."

Since he was granted the small miracle he continued in a dull tone. "I did not tell you at the time, for I was not sure what your reaction would have been like. I… I apologize for not coming clean sooner."

Now it was Shirosaki's turn to be surprised. Ossan rarely, if ever apologized for something, but decided to let it be for the moment and awaited further clarification.

Seeing he would not be disturbed or mocked, Ossan took the opportunity to further elaborate.

"I came to Yokohama to find the very last branch of what used to be my large family. They knew who I was the very moment they laid their eyes on me. There was no need for introductions. They looked as though they anticipated my arrival. Anyway, you see…, she was reborn on June 9, 1968 on the very same day I came to them. You know, she is very strong… A pure-blooded Quincy. They even gave her the same name. I did not want to raise your hopes prematurely, that's why I've kept this hidden until now. Her last reincarnation was, as you know, in 1896. I am not sure were aware, but on that last occasion she died at the age of only thirty-one. To find out she was reborn within such a short time span… not even fifty years… I had to make sure it really was her… You can imagine my surprise when I was proven right. Long story short, since there are no more branches to the family and she is an only child I am afraid this might be the last chance we will get."

Shirosaki listened intently, his face showed nothing, but deep inside he was both happy and sad. Happy for his hope rose from the deepest parts of his soul, where it was buried. Sadness, for this may be the last chance at his rebirth.

For the first time in centuries, he felt serene. No matter of the outcome, there would be no more pain, no more chances, no more probabilities. And perhaps, he would be able to leave and rest in peace.

His instincts were suddenly ablaze. Yet again, there was this feeling of missing puzzle pieces.

"That's all fine and dandy Ossan, so I'll make you a deal. I'll give you one more shot at telling me everything. I can understand why you would not share any of this before, but then why are you doing it now? Considering this will be the last one, why tell me. No! Even better, why bring me along? What's your game here?"

A sincere smile wormed its way through Ossan's face. 'You really are something Shirosaki. No wonder he chose you. Then again, he used to compliment your astute and cunning observations. Something I never gave you much credit. Once more I have been proven wrong.'

Exhaling he moved on: "I have been in close communication with her parents this time around. Some of their recent messages sparked a bit of concern. They mentioned seeing unfamiliar shadows every now and then. So far they have been blaming it on her awakening powers or general lack of control…"

"And knowing you, you believe it to be something else, right?"

"Precisely. Even should her control be non-existent, for which I am positive it's not true, the 'shadow' or in this case 'shadows' should feel familiar, which on itself would not cause any suspicions. After all, in case her powers were responsible for the shadows, those would be infused with a small portion of her reiatsu removing any and all senses of insecurity. Just the fact they said 'unfamiliar' and 'shadows' in the same sentence was enough to warrant attention."

"Ok, I get that. So, you want my help to snuff out any threats."

"Exactly. I may be able to figure out the situation on my own, but it always helps to have an additional set of eyes. I was also hoping you'll be able to judge if this is a serious matter or if it's just my imagination."

"Fine. However, since we are already on our way, I will assume that you already consider this to be moderately serious. I sure hope so for your own good. You know I am not fond of hunters. Especially not when I am to face a whole family ready to make me into their personal moving target or a pincushion."

This time Ossan could not restrain the genuine laugh that erupted from deep within. And what a sight that was. Even before it was rare to see Ossan smile, but to see him laugh? That was a miracle only he was able to pull off. Yep, he could admit it, it was not the fresh air that made them relax. It was the circumstance they were back that gave them these sensations. The laugh was short-lived, but will be memorized for a long time to come.

"I can assure you no harm will come your way. Besides it is only her and her parents. Including me, there will be a total of four Quincy, not hunters. Don't tell me the dreadful Shirosaki is afraid?"

Shirosaki crossed his hands close to his chest. His fierce scowl back with a vengeance, mumbling something under the lines of: "Stupid chase loving hunters with their archery OCD" and "Having better things to do then being a living bullseye".

"I'm not afraid Ossan and you know that. But let me give you a fair warning: if they attack I will not be held responsible for the aftermath."

"Fair enough. Then it's a good thing I already warned them in advance of your looks and temper."

"Aw, you're telling me you ruined all the fun already? Shame on you Ossan. I was hoping to get at least a good warm-up before surprising them with being a model citizen."

Ossan snorted goodheartedly. "You… A model citizen? Are you sure Shirosaki?"

"Oh, ha-ha. Very funny Ossan."

"It is for me."

For that he received a very heated glare. But not further comments. They continued their journey in relative silence as they neared Yokohama. Even though he got fairly used to the modern world and the way his surroundings changed over the ages it never stopped to amaze Shirosaki. Humans did have their own way of doing things. Last time he checked, Hueco Mundo and Soul Society remained exactly the same, at the sole difference of maybe additional trees in Hueco Mundo and some new houses (a few more or less, who would check on something so boring?) in Soul Society.

On the other hand, the World of the Living never stood still. Not for a second. There was always a new contraption, an innovative machinery and houses were, still are, in all kind of looks and shapes. Let's not forget the colors. Compared to the other two, everything seems brighter in this world.

'What is it about humans and all the chaotic stuff? Is it because humans have the shortest lifespan that motivates them to do more? Or do they just like all the noise? Nah, must be something about their life and the desire to be renowned. Some want to be remembered by what they created during their time. Like architects, artist, intellectuals, musicians, poets, writers and so on. Others, whether they anticipated it or not, whether they were inclined to the idea or not, remained memorized in human history for what they achieved or did. Some of those were really messed-up, not to say bat-shit crazy. Others were ingenious. But at the end of the day, the responsible party probably felt accomplished for doing something new and up until that moment unheard or unseen.'

'Just like this place. I mean just look at all the things around. Hmm, some greenery, more buildings and roads. Oh, what's that? Ikanari restaurant, home-made meals, yum! A Gallery of some sort. White Station seriously? Was somebody messing around when they were doing the naming? A workshop. A baby-pink house, really? What kind of meds was the idiot taking when painting the house?!'

Soon they reached a parking area. In front of them was the entrance to the Sankeien Gardens. It looked like a decent place. Ossan pulled the car on the side and instructed Shirosaki to exit.

"From this point on we are going on foot. Just a little further ahead we will reach a barricaded area. Once there, we will make a short stop as I have to lower the barrier down and re-place it."

"You actually went through all the trouble to put such a defense mechanism? Sounds like you were anticipating something."

Ossan just gave him a leveled glare, took is sunglasses which he put on, looked forward and stated: "No, I just did what I felt was necessary to protect the area from hollow scums that tend to roam around. Also, her reiatsu would have eventually attracted them. This was a matter of convenience."

Shirosaki rolled his eyes and pointed to himself: "Hollow scum, just like me, eh."

Ossan's lowered his sunglasses and met Shirosaki's eyes, both locked in a deep stare. "You are an exemption. Rather, the only exception. I presumed you were aware of this. Else I would have never allowed you to even enter the premises of my place when you first showed up."

Both of them dropped their staring contest, happy to drop the subject. Shirosaki knew very well that what he said would have riled up the other. Sometimes he could not resist to get a reaction out of the elder male. And the kind words were always welcomed, not that he would confess if asked.

They simultaneously started walking forward. It did not take too much time to reach the barrier. Shirosaki had to admit, it was remarkable. He could not see it, yet he knew it was there. How could he see when it was dark like a bottomless pit? Only this was no chasm. No, it was just darkness bottom-up, like a different space. Not even animals approached the area.

"Ossan, this is impressive. How did you set this thing up again? And how did you stop the humans from going crazy? Any human to see this nothingness should have some sort of reaction."

A smug look crossed Ossan's face. "Secrets of the trade. To humans it just shows the end of the road which is on the other side. If they really want to pass through, they just end up there as though nothing happened. The same applies to the other side. Stand still, it'll be down within seconds."

Ossan slightly raised his reiatsu. Indeed, the wall of darkness lowered down. What surprised both males, was the unexpected sight in front of them.

"What the hell Ossan?"

Alright! Chapter II done xD

Hope you like and are enjoying so far.

Looking forward to any and all criticism, just please don't hate :3

Quick reminder: English is not my mother language so if I made any mistakes or any errors, please let me know. Also, I am the humble (but happily nuts) writer and the spellcheck person all in one.

So far there were no request for the terms and words used (reiatsu, reishi and the likes) to be explained at the bottom of my chapters. So… I'll leave things as they are. If anyone disagrees let me know :)

Wishing everyone a great day/night ahead :)