Disclaimer – I do not own Bleach, Wheel of Time, or any of the creations from the great minds of Tite Kubo and Robert Jordan. I am merely a humble fan, molding their ideas into creations of my own in hopes of entertaining others. While I do own my OC’s and ideas, I’m not making any money off them. So please, enjoy the story but don’t sue me. XD

Alright, I'm finally satisfied with Chapter 2. Thanks to WannaBeNinja
(aka oOLadyLuckOo on dA) for your patience in proofing this chapter several
times. I appreciate the help!!

Be forewarned that there is a good deal of explaining of WoT things in this chapter.
I'm not saying that because it might be boring (lord I hope it's not) but because I
once had someone bitch that I wasn't paying enough attention to Bleach info. :| Gotta
get the basics out of the way for the story to really begin.

Thanks to everyone who reviewed the revised Chapter 1, I am so grateful for your support!

Chapter 2 – Dancing Around the Truth

At last the wind died down; an explosive blast that had carried chunks of earth, trees and Light knows what else. The beast that had attacked them had vanished, it's body vaporized in that final blast. With hesitant caution Nelisande removed the barrier that had protected them from its ferocity once she was certain it was safe. Kamavon helped her stand, frigid blue eyes giving her a once over to assure that she was well and whole, despite his own injuries.

Ignoring her Warder's attentive once-over, the flame haired Aes Sedai scanned the area in frantic desperation, searching for any signs of her sisters. Any indication of life at all.

“Zhai? Tianorin?!”

Her voice rose in pitch as she called out their names, concern thickening it. She was met with only deafening silence, not even an echo of her own cry returned. It stretched for an eternity until at last her eyes fell upon two dark forms on the ground not far from her, huddled beside what remained of the portal stones. Breath hitching, she felt a knot of ice form in her belly as she ran towards them, slipping free of Kamavon’s grasp in the process.

“Nelis! Come back here!” he called to her, following closely at her heels and sparing only a grimace at the pain lancing through his side. The creature had succeeded in breaking several of his ribs, along with his left arm. Nelisande had only just begun to heal him when the world exploded around them, wind and fire slamming into the protective dome with unimaginable force.

On reaching the stones and figures beside them, the ice enveloped her, tightening her throat until she breathing at all seemed impossible. It felt as though even her soul had frozen. “Oh Light. Tia…”

A dull roar began to fill her ears, spots dancing in front of her eyes. Dead. How could they be dead? It happened so quickly, she never saw it coming. Why hadn't she done something? If only she hadn't been focused on Healing Kamavon. His wounds could be dealt with, but death... A skilled Aes Sedai could Heal most anything but death was beyond their reach. Beyond anyones. Letting out a choked sob, she tore her eyes away from the charred bodies of her dear friends, unable to bear the sight any longer. They had been like family to her, both of them.

Kamavon was at back at her side in moments, his arm already encircling her and pulling her close in a comforting embrace. He too grieved for his fallen brother and Aes Sedai, a grief that was amplified through their mutual bond. Nelisande's pain was his to bear as well.

The soft rustle of grass being crushed underfoot caught his ears, still vigilant through the storm of emotions gripping them. Holding Nelisande as tightly as he could manage, the big man studied the area, tensing immediately at his findings. A group of around ten men had surrounded them in near silence, garbed in unrelieved black. Most of them already had one hand on the hilt of their swords, though they did not seem to mean it as a threat to them in particular. Caution, perhaps?

“Who goes there?” Kamavon demanded, his voice booming through the small clearing. Pressed tightly to him, Nelisande let out a muffled gasp of surprise, caught unawares.

A young boy with dark hair and strange markings on his forehead stepped forward, jerking his thumb towards his chest.

“I’m the seventh seat of Squad Six in the Gotei Thirteen; Rikichi. We were sent to investigate a large reiatsu spike in this quadrant. Are you the ones that caused the blast?”

While he may have sounded and looked like a small boy, the young man still held himself with confidence. However, his other thumb pushing up the guard of his sword belied his outward calm and spoke of the rashness of youth. During Kamavon's training at the White Tower, his teacher Coulin often said that it is the youngest lion that charges the quickest, and when you least expect it. The memory of those words made his hand tighten on the hilt of his sword that he'd been keeping carefully away from the woman he held so carefully.

Nelisande moved to take a step away from her Warder, likely to assert herself, but he was feeling more protective than usual. Ever so gently, he pulled her back to him, taking care not to wound her pride in doing so. Aes Sedai did not like to be seen as a fool, or worse, weak.

“We are unsure of why but the creature that was attacking us caused the explosion.” Kamavon answered for the grief stricken Aes Sedai, choosing his words wisely. It could have been Tianorin that brought about such an explosive end but that was not certain. Best to allow them to focus their investigation on the strange beast that had caused it all to begin with. A small rise of pride in the back of his mind told him that Nelis had approved of his wording and was pleased to hear him answer as she might have.

“You were attacked by a hollow?”

The group tightened around them, leaving him wishing his right arm would allow him to wield his sword properly. He didn’t care much for the way this group of armed strangers was advancing on them. Things were looking quite bleak for the two in his eyes, assuming they were in danger at all. Nelisande might be able to hold them back, but for how long? Inwardly his mind formulated and discarded battle plans, should it come to that. The Light send that it didn't.

“It was a creation of the Dark One, I can only assume. It looked like an enormous scorpion. My blade bounced right off when I struck at him.”

The young boy cocked his head a moment, sizing the other man up again. ‘The only way that would have happened is if he wasn’t using a zanpakutō…but how is that? They are dressed pretty strangely too. Not the same as the girl we found earlier, but still. Somethings not right here.’ Holding his thoughts to himself, Rikichi gave the man a curt nod before turning to his teammates.

“Alright, remember your orders. Group One start your investigation. Group Two assist with the survivors…” he paused a moment, glancing at the ruined bodies nearby before adding “…and the dead.”

Nelisande had fully regained control over her emotions, straightening herself and again moving to stand on her own when she heard those words. They were like a stab to her heart all over again. Struggling not to flinch visibly, she disentangled herself from Kamavon's grasp, thankful he resisted the urge to pull her back this time. She wasn’t helpless but he truly did not feel right about this strange group of people and she could sense it.

“Have you seen another young woman? One with dark skin and ebony hair? Her name is Zhai,” she asked the young man. She was secretly proud at how she succeeded in keeping her voice level and controlled.

Rikichi gave an unconscious tug to the beads that dangled from two small braids in front of his ear before answering her. He really wasn't certain what to make of these two. For a moment, he had expected the tall man beside her to attack them. There was a look in those piercing blue eyes that he found rather unsettling.

“There was another survivor spotted on our way here. A dark skinned woman wearing a bright red sash at her waist. Is that the…Zhai you speak of?”

Nelisande’s body relaxed visibly when he referred to her sister as a survivor instead of a body. She was still wary of these strangers but it came as a huge relief to know her dear friend was not among the dead, as were Tianorin and Tsūretsu. Nodding sharply to the boy she spoke again, using the voice of command her mother taught her and Aes Sedai nurtured. “Where is she? If she was injured, I will need to tend to her wounds.”

The young man’s brow furrowed at her words, disregarding the tone and assuming she meant healing with kidō. The woman was clearly not a shinigami and while her clothing seemed quite expensive, she wasn’t dressed as a noblewoman. ‘Just who are these people?’

“Lieutenant Abarai is transporting her to the medical division as we speak.”

“I need to see to her right away.”

“I’m sorry Miss…”

Nelisande and Kamavon exchanged a brief but unreadable glance when Rikichi inquired after her name. Words need not be spoken between them after all these years, not to convey something so simple. A matter of revealing who they were by birth, or who they are today. Aes Sedai outranked any noble, for even kings and queens heeded their words. However, the other side of that coin was that a great many people might try to harm them, just for being what they were.

“Where are we exactly, child?” She asked instead, drawing herself up and fixing a very firm gaze on him.

The young officer seemed startled but the sudden change of subject but obliged her all the same, answering after only a moments hesitation. Still, the boy did not seem to understand her position of authority. Perhaps it was because they were on foreign soil, though she doubted that. He did not have the look of a noble, which means he should have responded properly to her tone and words, to show her some respect, no matter where he was from.

“You’re in the Soul Society, not far from the Seireitei. How is it you don't know where you are?”

Again, that look was exchanged between the two, this time worry creasing the lines of Kamavon’s forehead. Neither of them had heard of such a country or city.

“Just where is that in relation to, say, Camelyn?”

“Camelyn? Haven’t heard of it. You never answered my question. Just who are you and how is it you came to be…lost…here?”

Sighing, Nelisande tilted her chin up slightly, staring down her nose at the boy. It did not seem beneficial to inform him exactly what they were and he never asked that. She could not, however, lie. Not directly, at least. One would be surprised at how many loopholes can be found when it came to answering questions truthfully. At least in answering him, she would be giving her rank. Perhaps now the boy would treat them properly. She wasn't the type to flaunt herself overmuch, but she could not abide such blatant disregard to her standing.

“I am the Lady Nelisande Togita of Shienar. This man is my guardian, Lord Kamavon Shinowa. He too is a citizen of Shienar.”

The young officer nodded thoughtfully, puzzlement etching his strangely tattooed brow, yet he rolled his wrist to indicate that he wished her to answer his second question. Nelisande’s eyes tightened at the blatant disrespect and she could feel Kamavon shift behind her. The man was, no doubt, boring holes into they boy his insolence.

From Rikichi’s perspective, he was indeed being glared at by the large man. Inwardly he cringed, secretly wishing for the strong and reassuring presence of his Lieutenant. Outwardly, he straightened his back and withstood the glare. If he wanted to be as strong as Renji, he couldn’t back down so easily. Whoever these people were, he got the feeling that they weren't supposed to be here.

Nelisande’s fingers drummed across her now crossed arms a moment as she thought. From what she could deduce, they had perhaps placed themselves on the other side of the Aryth Ocean. That seemed to be the only reasonable explanation here. The portal stones were used to Travel and they knew nothing of what lie across the vast sea. It was clear that nobility would not provide enough clout for her here. ‘What then do they know of Aes Sedai?’

It was a heavy thought, one that would weigh on her for some time she had no doubt. There was always some stigma surrounding them, which is why when they traveled, they often gave false names, or hid their Great Serpent rings.

They were not favorably looked upon in many places but they were feared everywhere. Mostly unfounded fears at that. The masses always grew to fear what they did not understand. They fear power too, and Aes Sedai were about as powerful as they come. It was not just the power of Saidar but their political skills and knowledge that granted them such a reputation. Kings and Queens across the country took Aes Sedai advisors, sometimes in secret, sometimes openly.

However, there were countries that Aes Sedai were not allowed, or where the use of their power was forbidden. Far Madding actually had a ter’angreal that prevented channeling within the city. The great city of Tear holds a ban in place that forbids channeling, any girl found with the ability is immediately sent away to Tar Valon and encouraged to never return. Because of the Children of the Light’s sway in Amador, both channelers and channeling is forbidden. Aes Sedai do well to stay far away from that country if they value their lives.

She could only imagine what these people thought of Aes Sedai. For now, it was best to play it safe. It made her thankful that all three of them had tucked away their rings before starting their journey. Sighing, Nelisande offered him as vague a response as she could muster, completely leaving out exactly how the stones had brought them here. Pointing at the remains of the portal stones, she kept her steely gaze on the boy interrogating her.

“Those stones brought us here.”

Rikichi blinked, openly showing his surprise and perhaps disbelief; following her arm to stare at the ruins of some ancient stonework. The explosion seemed to have destroyed a large portion of it, scattering pieces all around. ‘How in the hell did a pile of rock bring them here?' the young officer thought to himself. 'There’s something odd about these people, definitely. I think we’re going to need Captain Kuchiki’s help to figure everything out. He knows how to deal with nobles. Bet they won’t stare at him like that.’

Finally he brought his eyes back to the woman, brows furrowed in quiet contemplation. Her face was smooth and unreadable, her eyes somehow managed to be cold and flat despite being such a warm shade of amber. She was at least easier on the eyes compared to her guardian. He’d not let up on that deathly glare, nearly pinning Rikichi with a look of barely restrained violence. ‘Definitely need Captain Kuchiki.’ he repeated mentally.

“How many of you were there? Is this all that’s left?”

The flatness vanished from the tall woman's eyes and her posture shifted somewhat. It was unintentional, most certainly, but Rikichi’s words managed to remind her once again of the still smoking corpses of her friends nearby. He couldn’t help but feel pity for her there. He knew what it was like to lose loved ones and judging by that pained expression in her eyes, they were very dear to her.

“It was only the five of us.” Kamavon answered, trying to spare Nelisande from speaking of it.

She’d lifted her hand to cover her mouth, discreetly trying to cover her trembling lips. No amount of training could have prepared her for the sight of Tianorin’s body, burned to a crisp, or the gaping wound that had torn through Tsūretsu’s torso. It was a gruesome sight on its own but it was even harder to bear when it was someone she cared for so deeply.

Rikichi nodded, noting the shift in the noble woman and allowing her some semblance of privacy by changing the subject and switching his focus to her overprotective bodyguard.

“You look to be injured Lord Shinowa, are you able to make it into town, or would you like to wait for Squad Four to arrive?”

The Warders jaw tightened, his gaze dropping to the woman in front of him. He did not need to speak for her to know the question he would ask. How long were they going to hide what they were, how long could they hide it with him injured like this?

“I believe I can walk, thank you,” he replied crisply.

Already he was forcing the pain into a a ball, shoving it into a small corner of his mind and wrapping it tightly before tucking it away. It was only a few ribs and his arm. The painful ache could be managed, for a time.

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Flying through the trees as fast as his legs would allow, Renji’s mind raced along with his body. His eyes were constantly shifting from the path ahead, then back to the broken doll he carried. This strange, exotic woman now held him tightly in her grasp, whether she realized it or not. Not a physical grip but a mental, no, spiritual one. It wasn’t truly his mind he felt her in but his soul. The grievous wounds inflicted on her body were reflected through him, the pain shared.

It was something he could not even begin to understand but he knew that somehow, it is what was keeping her alive. The aberrant awareness had formed a bond between the two of them, drawing him closer to her. She was only a stranger and yet, she felt like so much more. How that came to be, he did not know. Even before that unnatural heat entered into his body, he felt a personal connection to her.

‘It’s just because she was dying you dumbass, quit overanalyzing things.’ Inwardly he chastised himself for such foolish notions. The woman he so tenderly carried with such haste was only a victim, one in a sea of millions. After he dropped her off with Squad Four, that would be the end of it. She would heal and recover, then move back on with her life. Soon, he would be out of the picture completely. 'She probably won't ever know who I am.'

In his arms, the woman stirred, letting out a small whimper of pain and in doing so, grabbed hold of his heart once again. It was more than just a pang of sympathy he felt for her, not matter how he tried to shake it.

“Hang in there,” he whispered to her as he made it past the gates. “Not much further and you’ll be in good hands.”

It hadn’t taken him long to pass Kobayashi, his speed far outranking that of the twenty third seated officer. Now all that remained was to get this woman to Captain Unohana and have some help sent to meet up with the rest of the group. From there… Would he return to the squad? Or stay with her? Already he was rationalizing it in his mind. ‘They don’t need me to head back. She’s going to want a familiar face when she wakes up. I can’t really just abandon her, can I?’

The communicator against his ear buzzed suddenly, the voice of his Seventh seat officer coming through clearly.

“Lieutenant Abarai.”

“Yeah?”

“Group Two is returning with two survivors. There were two deceased at the scene. No other civilians were around the targeted area. Group One is still investigating but we believe the explosion was caused by a hollow.”

‘So, you weren’t alone after all. That’s good. I won’t feel so bad about leaving you.’

“Understood. I’ve almost reached Division Four. The civilian was seriously injured but I think she’ll make it till I get to Captain Unohana. I'll have her send some squad members to meet you.”

“That won’t be necessary; the two survivors weren't badly injured. They'll make it to the medical division without problems.”

“Underst--”

“Sir?” Rikichi cut him off with a hesitant voice.

“…Yeah?”

“Um…I would like to have Captain Kuchiki meet us at Division Four if possible.”

Renji was silent for a moment, wondering why Rikichi would make such an unusual request. There was no reason to bring the Captain in on this. Not that he could see, at least.

“Rikichi, do you have a good reason for that request?”

He knew how formal he sounded but this was work and he couldn’t afford to be overly friendly with Rikichi right now. Certainly not when the kid was asking him to do something that would no doubt anger their Captain. It wasn’t going to be Rikichi that had to deal with the fallout. Renji was going to be the one stuck with getting the lecture.

There was a short scuffling on the other end, before he received a hushed response.

“Sir…the two survivors…Well, they're nobles for one, but there is something not right about them. I couldn’t get them to talk much but it seemed like they were withholding information.”

“Nobles?”

“Yes sir.”

“Hn. You think Captain Kuchiki can get them to talk?”

“Better than you or I, sir.”

Renji groaned inwardly. As much as he looked to surpass his Captain and perhaps even looked up to him, he really could not stand his company. The chilly, aristocratic air emanated from the man constantly. It was no secret that he looked down upon Renji and any other high ranking officer that was not nobly born. He had no doubt he would be chastised for disturbing him over such an unimportant matter.

Dropping to his usual tone, Renji grumbled into the communicator. “Fine. You owe me for this, got it?”

“Thank you, Renji! I mean…sir.”

“Che. Whatever. I’m arriving now at Squad Four, I’ll see you when you get here.”

“Understood!”

The line went silent just as he landed in front of the gates painted with the giant rhombus that stood for Gotei Thirteen with the number four painted in the middle, marking the division. The two guards on duty recognized him and opened the gates immediately, allowing him access to the hospital facilities housed within.

Nurses greeted him as soon as he came in the door, rushing to see what they could do for the injured woman. The first one he sent scurrying to locate Captain Unohana or perhaps Lieutenant Kotetsu. When one of them offered a stretcher to place the girl on he hesitated, strangely unwilling to put her down.

“Lieutenant?” the girl asked, thinking perhaps he had not heard her.

Renji lifted her a bit higher into his arms, looking down at the strange woman before reluctantly placing her on the small bed. Even in that act, he took great care, handling her as though she would break at any moment. The nurse gave him a questioning glance but wisely kept her mouth shut.

He stood a moment, watching the stretcher being swiftly wheeled down the hall, looking to see what room she was taken to. Already he felt a rift forming, like he’d been stripped bare. ‘What the hell is wrong with me?! I don’t even know the girl's name…Why should I even care?’

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Within half an hour of Renji’s arrival to Squad Four, a hell butterfly had made its way gracefully to the Kuchiki Manor. It flitted just above the resting nobleman, who for a brief moment, thought of ignoring it. ‘They had best have a very good reason for disturbing me.’ With a resigned sigh, the raven haired Captain lifted a finger, allowing the creature to land and relay its message.

Gray eyes tightened, tinged with annoyance. There had been no call to wake him over something so trivial. It seemed he would need to have a word with his Lieutenant over this but that too could wait until the next day. Byakuya returned the butterfly with a message stating he would deal with the matter the following morning and not a moment sooner.

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When the young officer told them that they would be able to carry both her and Kamavon back to their medical division, Nelisande thought they were mad. Particularly since they said it would be faster; but that was not the only reason those words instilled doubt. Kamavon was a rather large man, towering over her by several inches. Despite his size, he held the same, cat-like grace that all Warders seemed to posses. Even so, he was much larger than most of the men out here. She could not imagine any of them being able to carry him, nor could she see him permitting it.

“Group Two, we’re moving out now. Group One, notify me immediately if you are able to find anything.”

“Yes sir!” came the chorus of replies.

Rikichi turned to Nelisande almost timidly, inner shyness battling with the need to be assertive. There was also the underlying fear that she might have heard his whispered discussion with Renji earlier. He’d moved away from the group and lowered his voice but he was still concerned she might have heard. Something about the woman put him on edge.

“Are you ready, Lady Togita?”

The Aes Sedai glanced at her Warder before nodding her head in assent. ‘The sooner we get to Zhai, the better. Perhaps then I will have a moment alone to decide our moves from there.’ Despite letting him know she was ready, Nelisande let out an embarrassed squawk when he lifted her off her feet. She very nearly threw her arms around his neck to keep from falling, as she expected she would. Instead, he held her as easily as if she weighed no more than a feather pillow. For such a small boy, he was much stronger than she expected.

Through the bond, she could feel the annoyance oozing from Kamavon. It was certainly not proper to be carrying her around in that manner and if anyone were to, it should be him. After all, it was he who had dedicated his life to protecting her since he was a small boy. For a time, they’d even been betrothed. Unfortunately, hopes of a normal life were shattered when they discovered Nelisande had ‘the spark’, the ability to touch Saidar.

He knew then that marriage was out of the question. Aes Sedai rarely married and as neither he nor Nelisande were the heads of their respective houses, an heir was not needed. Still, he had never once wavered in his desire to keep her safe and whole. When she left for Tar Valon, he followed to be trained and molded into a Gaidin. The day she was raised to the Shawl and was accepted into the Green Ajah, their souls were bound as one, making him her Warder.

It grated him to see another man lifting her, not even a man but a boy! It was his duty to care for her, and no one else’s. Kamavon was not even paying any mind to the other officer standing next to him with a worrisome expression written across his face.

“Ah…Lord Shinowa…are you ready to go?”

Blinking, he stared at the man, noticing him for the first time. Casting another icy glare towards Rikichi, he grudgingly accepted the man’s assistance, allowing his right arm to drape across the man’s shoulders.

When they took to the air, Kamavon was unable to hide his surprise at what should have been a physical impossibility. Instantly his grip tightened on the man, causing the officer to choke.

“My Lord!” the man gasped, notifying Kamavon of his peril.

Loosening his grip, he apologized while inwardly berating himself. It had not helped that Nelisande’s heart had leaped at that exact moment, her fear managing to amplify his own sudden jolt of adrenaline. If she hadn’t been clinging to the boy before, she certainly was now.

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Renji paced the hall outside of the hospital room where Unohana was treating his mystery woman, ignoring the curious stares. ‘Che…already getting possessive of her. She’s the mystery woman, not my mystery woman. Get it right, Abarai.’ He was so caught up in his thoughts, he barely paid any mind to the message he’d received from his Captain. It alluded to a chewing out he was going to receive but really, he could care less at this moment. It was something he could deal with tomorrow.

The door to her room finally slid open and a nurse beckoned him inside. Eagerly he accepted the invitation, moving over to the bed without any further direction. Slipping his hand into hers, he squeezed it lightly, staring at her sleeping face with worry clearly marking his.

The motherly Captain of Squad Four, Retsu Unohana, silently observed his unusual behavior, making note of it and trying to learn what she could from just the slightest of gestures. From what she’d gathered, Lieutenant Abarai did not even know the name of the woman she was treating. And yet, he looked as though he cared very deeply about what became of her. ‘Interesting.’

“Is she going to be okay?” he asked, breaking the silence. His eyes never left the woman on the bed, remaining locked onto her patients face.

“I believe so. She is stable for now; though her internal injuries are quite serious. In all honesty, I'm quite surprised she’s alive at all.”

At those last words, Renji’s eyes shot up to meet hers. Something in those crimson eyes of his tugged at Retsu, adding another piece of the puzzle yet to be into place.

“You did not think she would make it either, did you, Lieutenant?”

Giving a slight shake of his head, Renji glanced back at the girl before once again looking the Captain in the eyes.

“No, I…” his eyes fell to the bed, staring at nothing at all.

“Did something happen, Lieutenant?”

The redhead jumped slightly at her question, darting his eyes back to the sleeping figure.

“What makes you say that?”

“Other than your unusual attachment to her?” she asked in a teasing voice, blue eyes twinkling.

Unohana giggled, the light, happy noise, brightening the rather bleak hospital room. If it was meant to put him at ease, it succeeded in doing just the opposite. Renji was uncomfortable enough with this strange desire to protect a woman he didn’t even know. Rather than answer the question, he held his tongue with a tightened jaw.

Ignoring his silence, she continued in a more businesslike tone. “Yes, Lieutenant, I’ve noticed something rather odd. A strange resonance residing within her soul. One that increased the moment you stepped into the room. It seems the closer you get, the easier I can see it.”

Now she had his attention, his eyes leaping up to search hers questioningly. Unohana’s expression changed, growing more serious as she walked around the bed to his side. Reaching out, she rest one hand on his shoulder lightly.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to give you a quick check.”

Tattooed brows rose in surprise. “There’s nothing wrong with me, I promise.”

She was insistent, refusing to back away. “I would like to determine that for myself, Lieutenant.”

The added emphasis to his title was a subtle reminder to him that she was his superior. The last thing he needed was another Captain angry with him; his own would be bad enough. He bobbed his head in response, acquiescing to her quick examination.

The raven haired woman hummed to herself, a green glow surrounding her hands as she worked. After a moment, she stepped back, placing one thumb between her teeth in thought.

“Well?” he asked, curious to see if she had discovered anything, yet doubting she had.

“There is something there, most definitely.”

“What do you mean? What's there?”

“I’m not sure of the how and why, but it almost seems as though your two souls are connected.”

“What?!”

Taken aback by his sudden outburst, Unohana stared at him a moment before slowly moving back to the opposite side of the bed to get a closer look at her patient.

“It is precisely as I said, Lieutenant.”

“How is that even possible?”

“That much, I do not know. I can tell you that there is a high probability that the connection you share is what kept her alive. It’s almost as if her body is drawing off of the strength of yours. Most unusual.”

For a moment, Renji’s jaw hung slack. Questions were there, right on the tip of his tongue but he couldn’t find his voice.

“Is there anything that you left out of your initial report, Lieutenant? Something that might perhaps explain this anomaly?”

Snapping his jaw shut with an audible click, the muscles tensed as he thought back. ‘That strange heat, like stepping into an oven…the pain that came with it. Her pain. Was she tying our souls together? How the hell can she do that? How is that even remotely possible?!’

“Lieutenant Abarai?”

Straightening, Renji gave her a sharp nod. “There was something.”

A/N: So, what did you think? ^^ If there were any flaws in this chapter, grammatical or otherwise, feel free to PM me with them. I'm always up for improving upon my writing. That's kind of the point in these fan-fictions. Hopefully, one day I'll be skilled enough to have my own story published. :) That's the idea, at least.

Since I don't think there were any new words/phrases that require their definition be listed this chapter, I'm skipping that. But again, if I missed something, you know what to do!

Many thanks for reading, I hope you are enjoying.

The Twisted Triad

WannaBeNinja - The Lost One – Master

Angil - The Mentally Insane One – Mercenary

SweetYuya - The Perverted One - Minion

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-WannaBeNinja's Evil Minion of Doom-

-Angil's Partner in Crime-

-The Neliel Tu's Story Stalker-

-ArjetLuna's Groupie Fangirl-

-D.F.G.'s Corrupt Cohort-

-Jazzmaster's Judgement Junkie-

-BlueDione's Idea Idolizer-
-MatsuMama's SakéSister

Sweet Yuya Shiina