Hello everyone :)

Chapter VI. Man, I am ever so glad to be back to the story. Been working on paperwork. What a nightmare :/

Here are the usual disclaimer, reminder and warnings.

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.

Usual WARNINGS: Spoiler alert for anyone who is not up to date with the manga and only watched the anime! 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! And if you don't like, please don't hate too much :3

This Chapter is dedicated to everyone who is reading and who might read in the future X3

Happy Holiday Season :)

Chapter VI

Once at the inn, Shirosaki's first thoughts were of the comfortable and soft bed he would be soon going back to.

His mind was changed once he took notice of the two sleeping figures. He wondered why Ossan decided to fall asleep on a chair of all places. 'Whatever.' He was about to proceed to his designated room, when Ossan stirred from his quick nap.

"Shirosaki? Already back?"

"Che!" Shirosaki scoffed at Ossan's questions. "Of course. It was a really low-level insect, albeit a large one. Are you awake or do you want to go back to sleep?" Internally he was praying the older male would want to sleep, but his instincts were telling him otherwise. He was right. Ossan uttered no words, however he stood from the chair and made way towards Shirosaki's room.

Another groan was all he received from Shirosaki, who, nonetheless, went after the other. Once behind partly closed doors', they resumed the spots from that afternoon.

"I presume you noticed the lack of the local Shinigami." Were Ossan's first words, not so much a question as a statement.

"Yeah, I expected for the Shinigami to at least pop-up at one point since I got rid of the annoyance with a Cero. The freaking weakling, I did not even have the need to change. But, yes. And by the way things are, I am sure we won't be seeing a Shinigami for a while."

Surprised at the other's notion, Ossan inquired. "Why do you say so?"

Shirosaki gave out a huff before continuing. "It only makes sense, considering the local idiot was either killed or called back to Soul Society."

A stern look from Ossan was Shirosaki received telling him to continue.

"After dispatching the Hollow, I kind of noticed a weak residue at the outskirts of town. It was at the border of a nearby city. The traces were of a Shinigami. Whoever it was, he or she did not die in peace. I could sense a lot of fright. The worst thing is I couldn't say who or what attacked the Shinigami. It could have been anything at this point. Not that we will ever find out. Whatever was left of the reiatsu is already all gone. By the time I came, it was already partially gone. By the time I went away, there was nothing left."

Nothing was said for a few minutes, both considering this unusual occurrence. Shirosaki was getting tired again, while Ossan's brain was working a mile per minute.

'A Shinigami killed between two cities. Who could have been in charge of either. Perhaps the lack of Shinigami is due to a meeting considering the circumstances. If Shirosaki was unable to trace anything, even at its weakest point… It stands to conclude that the Shinigami too were unsuccessful. The attack on the old mansion and now this… Something's fishy. The timing of all these events is way too tight to be mere coincidence. The main problem, who is behind all this? Is it the same person or is there more? Is there something we are not seeing?'

Deciding to find out more he spoke up.

"Shirosaki. Would you consider the probability for these incidents to be somehow connected?"

Shirosaki was startled from his half-asleep state thought about the whole thing for a bit of time. Finally, he remarked.

"Hmm, I'm not sure. The attack on the mansion was the doing of Quincy, the incident with the Shinigami could be the work of the same group, but it doesn't have to be. Whoever was the poor bastard, was really scared. At this point it is utterly impossible to get anything else. If you want, I can take us there and we can search for more clues. However, everything was so very dim. There was no indication that the Shinigami even made an investigation. If we go there and the Shinigami arrive, what would you do? They are not aware either one of us is alive. Well, not that they ever cared about me. In their eyes I'm just a lowly Hollow and what not. But if someone was to see you and report it to the Sōtaichō… Well, do I have to elaborate?"

Shirosaki was right. If the Sōtaichō knew he was around, though just a fragment, it would cause chaos and mayhem. He was sure the seal would be investigated to see how he managed to escape. Not that he did in the first place. At least not alone. Had it not been for…

'I would be sealed with no knowledge of the changes that happened. I wouldn't have known about Ichigo's death or about Soren. I'll have to thank him, next time we meet. If we end up seeing each again.'

"Hmm. In that case it wouldn't be wise for me to analyze the area and look for clues. Can I entrust you with that task?" Seeing Shirosaki's displeased face, he prudently added. "Of course, not at this time. Perhaps in the morning."

Shirosaki nodded his head in agreement, visibly more at ease knowing that he would get some more rest. "That's not such a bad idea. Just don't forget we have to first check your old place, one more look at the mansion wouldn't hurt either and there is Masaki-chan to consider. I don't think it would be fair to drag her all over. We should think of a place where she could be safe while we do all these things. As for the Shinigami… There's not much we can do. I can go back and monitor what will happen. Honestly, I think there is no point in involving ourselves, if we can avoid it. If either one of us gets caught, it'll get messy really fast."

Ossan thought about it and agreed. It would be rough to care for Masaki while inconspicuously doing everything they're planning. The more he thought about it, the more he was hoping she will agree to stay with the Ishida's. Convincing them to welcome her in their family shouldn't be difficult, however accepting Shirosaki's presence… That would be a challenge.

"Shirosaki, how would you take the idea of working separately? We can cover more ground and get better results."

Shirosaki noticed there was more to Ossan's words. Not that he would mind to spend some solo time. He missed being in action, even more to do things his way without Ossan around.

"Very well. We can split the duties in the morning. Or we can do it now, it's what two thirty in the morning? We've done arrangements at worse times." Shirosaki added with a hint of sarcasm and his classic smile.

Ossan was aware of the sarcasm, but decided to ignore it, as usual. "Why don't we agree now then? I'll take care of Masaki and all her needs including shopping, relocation and paperwork should it be required. I will leave you with the Shinigami business and the manor. We will have to do the palace as a team, so we'll leave that as the last task. We can meet here or we can regroup somewhere else, your choice."

A tick formed on Shirosaki's left eyebrow. He didn't miss the fact that all the hard work was dumped on him. On the other hand, he would avoid the shopping and all the tedious complications shopping sprees included in their package… He lightly groaned.

"Fine, whatever. We can meet here. We don't know how long it will take us to complete our tasks. And there is no way in hell I'll be waiting in front of a forest. At least here we can get some food and rest."

Ossan readily agreed. He too preferred to wait in comfort rather than in the open, especially with recent events.

"In that case, I believe we have settled everything. Good night Shirosaki."

Ossan stood and would have left the room, hadn't it been for the next uttered words.

"What are we going to do, if one of us gets caught? We've never considered that as an option. I don't believe it will happen, but having a plan B would certainly be favorable. What do you think?"

There are no words that could describe Ossan's reaction to that statement. Indeed, they've never had any need for a second strategy. All in all, it wouldn't be such a bad idea to at least have some way of knowing for sure if the other party was in trouble. The disturbing thing being the fact that the suggestion was made by Shirosaki. For Shirosaki to made such a proposition must mean his instincts were on high alert. That on itself raised his personal red flags. To reassure himself, he expanded his senses for any activity. Nothing. He sensed nothing at all, at the exception of the random human with higher reiatsu and a few plus souls roaming around. That was a relieve. Had there been nothing to feel at all, he would have been really concerned. That would mean someone was trying to manipulate their senses and they could not afford something similar. Not when there was an unknown threat out there aiming at his family members and possibly at Shinigami.

Back on track. They needed to come up with a system of sorts. Then a sudden answer came to mind.

"How about we use a regular item? We can choose an object and carry it with us. Should something occur, we infuse the inanimate gadget with a reiatsu message for one another and drop it on the spot. The only problem is to make sure no one else can either feel or read the message. Hmm. There is the option to share something we've had for a while, imbue our reiatsu and I can work a delicate way of preventing others from detecting the real purpose of the artifact."

Shirosaki was deep in though. So many things happened in such a short time. It was only normal for his instincts to go haywire. The proposal was not bad and if Ossan could really take care of the details, then why not? People do say 'Better safe than sorry' for a reason, right?

The only drawback would be the item. There was only one thing he had carried with him for a long time, his necklace. Well, not so much the necklace itself, more like the pendant on it. A black onyx dragon encompassing a crescent moon shaped white Howlite. Its' eyes, two blood red rubies. It was a remarkable and unique piece. Handcrafted. It was a present, one of the few rare gifts he still held close to him, unperturbed by the endless flow of time. It used to have a twin, crafted by the same expert, but inverted in colors. A white Howlite dragon with dark markings and amber eyes, encompassing a black onyx crescent moon.

Ichigo… his Ichigo had made the request to the master craftsman for the two pieces to be made. He wanted to share a part of his being with Shirosaki, without disrupting the balance of his soul. The black dragon was to represent 'Kurosaki', his surname. The white crescent moon both Shirosaki and his Zanpakuto Zangetsu. And lastly, the rubies displayed Ichigo's connection to his family as well as part of the black and red reiatsu of his attacks.

Shirosaki found out about his pan by chance. He, sort of, invaded his quarters. He liked the idea and was determined to make sure he too could have something alike. In the end, the twin pendant, in a similar fashion, represented Shirosaki. The white dragon, well, that really doesn't take a genius to figure out. The onyx crescent moon, portrayed both him and his Zanpakuto Zangetsu. Yes, both Ichigo and himself had a Zanpakuto named Zangetsu. Twin Zanpakuto! Figures. The amber eyes a manifestation of Shirosaki's eyes as well as his Hollow side.

The day the pendants were done was the most amazing day of his existence. Shirosaki got the black dragon and he received the white dragon. A memory he would cherish for the rest of times.

You can only imagine his predicament at having to give such an important item away. Not only to give it to Ossan, or anyone else for that matter. But to also risk its' loss. Hell no! He would have to find another trinket.

"Ossan, I'm inclined to both like and hate the idea. I have no remarks against using a 'random' thing, but something we've had for a while? I disagree with that part. If you can figure out how to apply this technique on any object, then you've got a deal. If not, we'll have to figure out something else."

Ossan could see the seriousness behind Shirosaki's words. He wondered if Shirosaki still had a grip on the pendant. Yes, he too was aware of the creation of the pendants. After all, he was the King of Quincy and back in those times a King of a powerful region. Thus, the craft master had been an old acquaintance and a good friend. He did not know what was the purpose behind the shared items. But there was no mistaking that look. They must be indispensable. Thinking about it, since they were made, not once had he seen him without the pendant around his neck. 'It would be better not to push the matter any further. Maybe I should tell Shirosaki the other piece is temporarily in my possession. Hmm. No. There is still the off chance of Ichigo's rebirth. So long as there is that possibility, I will most certainly not mention anything about the item.'

Agreeing with his personal demons, Ossan finally looked at Shirosaki.

"That would be a first. Nevertheless, I can try. Does anything come to mind?"

Shirosaki visibly relaxed at the change of plan. He thought about it and rummaged throughout his luggage. Searching for an insignificant thing, which would raise no suspicions if dropped or 'lost'. Aha! A pen. A really plain blue point pen with no markings. Perfect! He did like the ink of this one. The only reason why he had it for a bit of time. Pens did have this stupid pattern where the ink would be consumed pretty fast. He had been forced to change a bazillion pens in just the recent years!

"How about this? It wouldn't be abnormal for a guy to carry a pen. Not to mention to 'discard' it. Anyone in their right mind would think I dropped it because it didn't work or something along those lines."

Ossan agreed with Shirosaki's choice and took the offered pen. For him, since they were choosing in this manner, he would use a white button.

"Very well, a blue pen for you and a white button for me. I will go and work things out. You get some more rest. See you in a few hours."

With that Ossan left the room and Shirosaki laid back. Not even a minute afterwards he was dead asleep.

Sun shone through the window next to Masaki, who woke up refreshed after falling asleep on the second occasion last night. She looked around and noticed both adjoining rooms were quiet, a small gap indicated neither were fully closed, but did give her enough privacy. She was glad she was not alone. Standing up she made her way to the restroom for her morning routine. Once she finished, she glanced at the nightstand watch.

'Hmm, nine in the morning, huh? I can order something to eat for all three of us. It's been several hours since our last meal.'

She approached each room to double check if the occupants were indeed sleeping or just not morning persons. Judging by the gentle breaths coming from Shirosaki's room, he was out like a light. She carefully moved toward the elder male's room, still debating how to call the Heika. She just could not persuade herself to call him 'Ossan'. Maybe she could try with 'Kurosaki-kun' or 'Kurosaki-san'? But it sounded so weird. She'll go with 'Kurosaki-sama' and see how it goes.

As she reached the door to the older man, a pulse of reiatsu danced across her skin. It was such a calm output, as thought someone was trying to coerce a wounded animal to come closer. That was odd. She peeked through the small opening and found that Kurosaki-sama was working at the dressing table over some something. She could not tell what he was working on, but opted not to disturb. Whatever it was, it didn't feel mean or wicked. Just like the man, it felt pleasant and soothing.

Opening the drawer to her dressing table, she soon found the room service menu. It then came to her, she had no idea what the other two might like. Not wanting to bother either male, she went along and ordered a bit of everything.

Less than half an hour later, the bell at the door signified the arrival of their order. She went to open the door, when she was stopped by Kurosaki-sama.

"Please, allow me." Were his words.

Not suspecting anything, she let the other do as he pleased.

Ossan quickly checked the reiatsu of the person on the opposite side. Confirming it was just a human, he opened the door and allowed the server in. It was the same bellman from yesterday.

"A very good morning Sir and little Miss. I hope you spent a pleasant night. Here is your order. Is there anything else I may do for You?" Inquired the overly excited young man, not knowing he unintentionally roused the still 'sleeping demon' from his slumber. If there was one thing Shirosaki abhorred, it was to be awoken when resting.

Ossan reassured the young one that everything was fine and ushered the poor soul out of the room in hopes that Shirosaki would not see the culprit of his unwanted wake-up call. He was just in time, for as soon as he closed the door after the bellman, Shirosaki emerged from his room. Fury was written all over his face. Still dressed in his pajamas and hair in a mess.

Not knowing the situation, Masaki cheerfully called out "Good morning Shirosaki-san!"

Ossan was preparing for a rather loud argument. But, it ended up rather calmly. All and any annoyance dissipated from Shirosaki's face once he smelled breakfast. Instead of fighting with the girly, he simply replied with a good morning of his own.

Astonished, yet getting used to being surprised, Ossan's thoughts ran all over the place.

'It looks like Masaki's presence is keeping Shirosaki's temper at bay. This is getting more and more interesting by the minute. I wonder if he would go shopping with the girl, if she was to ask?'

Breakfast was enjoyed in blissful silence. Once finished, Ossan informed Masaki of the day's activities.

"Well then, I believe it's time to start the day accordingly. Masaki, dear, we need to get you your own clothes and other necessities. So, our first task is going to be shopping. I will be accompanying you as Shirosaki is going to be busy today. After that, as promised, I will take you to visit your cousins, the Ishida's. We will then return to the inn and meet Shirosaki here. Is this acceptable?"

Ossan's words wee lost on the little girl since the moment the word 'shopping' was spoken. Just like any teenager girl, she was excited and looking forward to the colorful stores full of all kinds of things to see and explore.

Shirosaki sweat dropped at the face the girl was making. He swore she was drooling, which in turn made him shiver. He was no coward, but he hated shopping with a passion. He could go when he needed something, but it took him no time at all to find what he needed. His shopping was: enter the store, get what you need from the list and get out. No extra purchases, no wasted time. In and out, simple. He went crazy at times when Ossan helped the occasional lady in picking up one piece of fabric from twenty. It was beyond his understanding.

Masaki was very eager to be on the way. Jumping out of the chair she started dragging the older male out of the room, only to remember she had to brush her teeth after the meal. She literally pushed poor Ossan to his room, so he could change and prepare. All the time Shirosaki had his grin firmly placed on his face. Hell, this was a lot of fun in his books. Even better, he did not need to participate. He did go to his room for a change and to do his morning business.

He came out dressed in a navy blue and white two-faced dress-shirt, dark jeans and white ankle boots. If he felt like it, he would take his black leather jacket. Ossan was next to come out dressed in his classic white shirt, black slacks and black shoes. He opted for a long gray coat. Masaki was the last one out, dressed in an overly large black and white tracksuit, compliments from Shirosaki's luggage and white tennis shoes. The tracksuit was the only thing that she could somehow wear without looking ridiculous.

Seeing everyone was ready, they left the room, locked the door and went their separate ways.

Chapter VI done and VII soon to follow ^.^

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

FYI: no hard feelings people, but I personally dislike shopping sprees. I like to go in, take what I need and like and get out. More than one hour and I go all nuts. Also, my sense of fashion is not the best in the world so I will apologize in advance for my lack of imagination xD

Quick recap: English is not my mother language so if I made any mistakes or any errors, please let me know. I am the writer and the spell-check person all in one. I'm getting the feeling this is getting old, but I love feeling safe xD

Wishing everyone a great day/night ahead :)