Welcome to the 2nd Division, Cake or Death?

A soft and relaxed sigh was the only thing that could be heard from withing a private room in the second division. The room was actually the main meeting room for some of the higher ups in the special forces, and Mao was relaxing in her comfy chair in the, now, empty room. Moments before she'd been debriefed on how the recent missions of some of her minions...err...officers and squad members, had gone. Spectacularly. Where had she been? Well, the new captain had been training actually, since she had still been new to the forces behind water and their combination to her old time element. While the time had been dumbed down a bit she wasn't at all displeased since there was less pressure behind it as well - meaning the Central 46 couldn't try to abuse it as they once had anymore.

Another problem: the split spirit, now spirits, were becoming a pain.

For the moment at least the splitting of the inner world had finally finished and so they were no longer both bickering in the savannah. Another sigh escaped her at the thought of the pure silence around her both externally and internally. Unfortunately she hadn't checked back in yet, and had been told by one of teh squad mates that a captains' meeting had been going on about now but likely it was nearly done and she'd have to find the new Captain Commander and check in with him for her new duties...as well as formally apologize for her lack of appearance. Being a captain was still new and strange to her, and it wasn't long ago that Sunari had been promoted to squad 0 and named Mao her successor - at least to be considered. Damn if she hadn't been tested.

Mao was sprawled sideways in her chair now, gold eyes closed as she listened to what sounded like an incoming breeze...

The scene described above sounds so relaxing doesn't it ? Specially with the sound of the incoming breeze. But something was about to break this peaceful scenario, because what Mao heard, was not the sound of an incoming breeze, but the flapping of the haori of the Captain of the 12th Division, Kisuke Ukitake. The window literally seemed to explode, as a man wearing a White Haori over Shinigami Robes appeared entering the room along with the Shattered Glass and wood. As the man landed on his feet, he bent his knee's a bit, coming to a stop in a weird position infront of the desk of the Second Division Captain, Mao, who also happened to be, at one point, under him in the Second Division, and an old friend, to boot. But he knew that it was he who was going to get a boot on his ass. That was not how had planned it. The Wind had blown at the wrong time closing the Window, before he could make a surprising entry. He was sure... that today was his last day alive.

He looked at the woman sitting on the chair. For one moment he didn't say anything. He just looked at her, hoping that she would not kill him. Suddenly, out of nowhere, he slammed his hands on the desk, and said " Soo..... Mao-Chan... Howz ya been ? " in a quirky and playful voice, hoping to keep talking to her in order to prevent the topic of his sudden to come up in what he hoped, would remain to be a painless conversation. His face had that classical "Pretend-nothings-Wrong" smile on it, as the very common sweat drop appeared on the side of his forehead. He didn't know how she would react, so all he could do was pray, and hope that he would have all his limbs intact.

[I got a little Lazy. Deal with it]

'So that wasn't just a nice breeze...' Nope her sensitive, feline ears had picked up on the eccentric entrance of none other: Kisuke Ukitake. Once a squad mate, now an equal - at least in rank - she rolled her head to stare first at the window. Well a breeze was coming in now...but he couldn't have used the open door next to said window? Guess not - not flashy enough. Lolling her head back she said loud enough for him to hear, "Thanks for buying me a new window, that one was old anyways." She turned her head to face the chair's back...to hide the amused smile while letting out a sigh. Composed again - so he couldn't see her momentary amusement, she turned to face him again, her eyes opening and showing the flowing, molten gold flowing in her orbs.

"I've been fine Kisuke, just...training to try and gain some modicum of control over the addition of water Sunari-Taichou was so kind to bestow upon me. Its been an...interesting experience," interesting in the way that only 'Yoru' could be. "Have to make sure I'm up to par with everybody else, especially if I'm to try and measure up to the second division captains of the past." Absentmindedly she began petting her tail, which had freed its self from under her and curved towards her stomach, a light purr escaping her throat without her notice.

A smile crept on to his lips, as he gazed upon Mao, and her Cat Like features. He was happy that she'd finally learnt some anger control, but he wasn't going to say it. Why push your luck, eh ? He intently listened as she told him about the "interesting" experience she'd been having, during her frequent training sessions. He was a bit surprised though, when she said that she had to stay on par with everybody else. He could tell that this wasn't how she usually was. Slowly closing his eyes, and straightening up, he crossed his arms, and in gentle tone, said, " Since when did Mao-Chan start caring about everybody else ? I thought you were the sort that danced to your own beats ? ". It was true. What he had said. Mao, was never the kind to really give a rats ass to anyone around her. She was not the type to compare herself to anyone else. So what was it this time ? An inferiority complex, that she wouldn't be able to compare with Sunari, or simply some stress at her new responsibilities as a captain.

Making a cute face, as she let out that purr, that he had always found to be quite sexy, he pointed his finger upwards, as he said " So Mao-Chan... wanna go out and get something to drink, or do something in general ? Lets hope you say yes, this time " he finished, making a reference to that one time he'd tried asking her out, and failed miserably. It was true, the two of them were still good friends. Infact, she was probably the person closest to him in the whole of Soul Society, and the only person that had actually hit him so hard, that he went into a concussion. But then, thats how she was.

Kisuke hadn't been wrong as more often she was too busy caring to get her duties done or having a fun time to bother comparing herself to others. Fun-loving or in full work-mode: that was how she was. Still it was only so long ago that she had been given the promotion and there were still those fears of not living up to the title of 'captain.' Besides, she did have to regain control of sorts over her zanpakuto thanks to some changes...changes that had likely saved her from anymore abuse from the higher ups as well as gaining a bit more respect amongst her peers and lowers. Hadn't been too hard to mock the "blind chick" way back when, give her a place as an assassin and later bits of water control and suddenly one had respect. Again.

Her ears pricked and swiveled at the mention of getting drinks...or something and she brought up one of her large sleeves to cover up the smile. She could still recall the last time he'd ask and unfortunately for him, she'd only just gotten off assignment and had yet to switch off from her "work mode." Oh how she'd managed to send him flying had been quite a story for a bit. At least she'd had the abilities to pull him out of that concussion just as quick - ah the joys of old quick healing powers time had given her way back then. Hell she might have been able to kill him and then reverse it, though she'd never do such on purpose. Kisuke was one of the few that had never mocked her without it only be in a friendly teasing manner. Lucky for him that she wasn't in "ready to kill mode" now and she pulled her sleeve away, smile still in place, "A drink sounds fine, though you'll have to fill me what's been going on in my absence. One of the ones who reported in informed me of a captain's meeting I've had the misfortune to miss."

Twirling in her chair, as her legs had been drapped over one of the arm rests and her back to the other one, she stood up with easy grace, haori falling into proper place. There was nothing like a bit of milk with some alcohol mixed in - took away the bitter taste she detested but had a bit of a bite all the same. Plus she'd be able to keep her wits about her if necessary.

" Excellent~ " he said in a kinda evil, though teasing tone. Taping his fingers against each other like he was plotting something, while featuring that cute "im-Innocent/ebil" look on his face, something that only he could do, he exhaled a bit, making a cat like upper lip. Done with the strange display of facial expressions, Kisuke slowly walked around the table, till he reached Mao. Quickly grabbing her by the hand, he said " Lets gooooo... " and as he finished that extended go, he winked at Mao, and they were off, with Mao hanging behind Kisuke in the air, like a rag doll, as he raced to his favorite Pub, in one of the upper sections of Seireitei, where no one below the pay of a Captain could afford to drink, while leaving behind him a cloud of dust. Even as they passed, all the Shinigami on the street could catch was a glimpse of white as the two captains whizzed by them.

Stopping just a few ft away from the door, coming to almost a complete halt, causing the woman he was carrying, to crash into him, sending them both rolling a few more ft, till the stopped, ending up in ball on the pavement. Using his hands, one to support himself as he tried to sit up, with Mao on his Lap, probably dazed, and the other hand behind his head, trying to sort out his now messed up hair. " Guess i didn't work on the landing eh ? " he said in an almost too innocent to be angry voice. In a quick hurry to change the subject, he looked at the bar and said " Look... we're Here. Wasn't that fast ? ", but the moment he finished that sentence, the words Oh Shit, popped up in his head. That wasn't changing the subject. Preparing himself for the pain, he gulped, before looking Mao in the eyes, ready to take what would hopefully be just a scolding.

'What is he plotting?' even if it was only a cutely evil act, or a teasingly plotting...she knew he was about to do something strange and outlandish as only Kisuke could be. Her cloudy, golden eyes blinked as she saw his wink through the time steam and barely had time to gulp as suddenly they were flying off, her hand clasping onto his in a near death grip lest she be sent flying. From what she could gather - if only thanks to being able to stop the vision and take a sort of 'snap shot' - they were racing into the higher ups of the Seireitei and she felt some more nervousness as it wasn't an area she traveled to often if only out of necessity of duty.

Her mind was spinning and she momentarily allowed vision to leave her so she wouldn't feel sick from the whirling mind and still sights. At least the landing wasn't too bad as she was sitting on Kisuke rather than the ground, but at the same time she felt a bit winded from smacking right into him and then the barreling after wards. As she brought up a hand to her head she could feel the effects leaving quickly, probably thanks to Mica. Sense of balance being restored quickly she stood up and brushed herself off while extending a hand to Kisuke, "A bit of work, yes, or at least not forgetting if you're pulling me along while moving so fast." Internally she laughed at Kisuke's apparent bracing for a scolding. Yes, Mao had always looked up to Sunari as a hero, but from what it looked like he was expecting her to take after the ex-second division captain more as she'd been the one often to scold him for his silly antics. Or at least not taking care in them.

It was kinda nostalgic, but yet, not quite the same without having one of his limbs snapped. Mao wasn't like Sunari, and that probably was a good thing. But, the absence of a sisterly figure was quite clear. It was always nice to receive a scolding from her, even if it was sometimes followed by some pain. But that probably helped him become a captain more than anything else did. Smiling as she offered to help him up, Kisuke grabbed her hand, and slowly stood up, saying a word of thanks, straightening out his Haori, and dusting it to remove every last bit of dust from the White piece of clothing. Looking at Mao, he was reminded of the good old days, when he was part of the 2nd Division. He sure did miss those times, but that was in the past now. With Sunari promoted to the Royal Guard, and Mao taking her place, it seemed that everything had worked out like it was supposed to. It felt like everything was in its place, and a strange sense of order comforted him. Atleast he knew that he could count on Mao to be there. If she wasn't, he'd be bored into the next dimension.

Smiling like the quirk he was, he quickly placed a hand on her left shoulder, as he walked on her right side over to the Pubs door, pushing open the door, to reveal a large lounge, decorated with fine pieces of architecture. The Japanese Sword Collection was one that caught his interest in particular, but he decided to ignore those swords, and pay full attention, to Mao. Pointing discreetly over to the one section that was not so busy, in order to avoid annoying stares, that were bound to follow the two Captains, he made his way to that section on the extreme left, where they could talk without being overheard. Even as they walked over, he could feel the piercing gaze of some of the people that filled the halls of the pub, that were probably asking them the same question. The two of you on a date ?, since it was quite uncommon to see two captains being so friendly, or at least, that was the stereotype set by the Captains of the past.

Quickly taking a seat, now at a safe distance from those annoying people, Kisuke looked over a Mao, and said " So what will it be ? ", knowing full well what she'd order, but it was polite to ask anyways. His face was back to its regular friendly self, though his hair was still a bit messed up, the yellow strands sprouting out of his heads, making him look silly.

Mao hadn't been expecting his arm to be placed across her shoulders, but didn't speak out against the action and instead walked into the pub with him. The place appeared almost too classy to be called such, but she couldn't think of the right word for it and bar was way too low class to simply call it. Or was it the way around? Well she wouldn't stress over it right now. The swords collection was certainly interesting...the stares weren't so much. Mentally Mao was grateful for the out of the way booth so some of the stares couldn't reach and the other ones might be discouraged by the obviousness behind their gestures. Staring was rude so hopefully they took the hint to look away. Besides she found she had to tune out the few who tried since the thought made her nervous...she wasn't on the clock so and felt no need for the 'professional' blanket of an attitude around Kisuke. The dim lighting allowed for the small blush to go unnoticed at least.

"I'll have milk with some cream and a dash of brandy in it please." Strange to some, but she liked any alcohol so long as it was nicely blanketed by the taste of milk as well as some sweet cream. Just a preference of taste after all. Attention returning to him she stifled giggles as she brought up a hand to smooth out his hair back into its usual order while still grinning at his appearance. "New hairstyle? I preferred the old one."

[Im really sorry. My post quality has been bad. But i can't help it. Ill try to make it better. Sorry x_x]

As her hand reached out, moving towards his head, his first thought was that he'd done something wrong, and he was gonna get it. But then again, if it wasn't and he did react in an unsuitable manner, it would seem weird. So he just sat there, and finally, was able to breath a sigh of relief as her hand gently placed his hair the way it should have been. He smiled back, a bit embarrassed. Looking at the bar tender, he said "I guess ill have the usual", with smile. It was always better to smile at someone and be nice to them. Looking out the small window, at the gardens behind the building, he smiled, as if something about the beautiful gardens satisfied him. It was always the same, with him, and nature. He was quite the tree hugger himself.

Knowing better than turning his attention away from Mao, he quickly turned around to face her. He didn't know what to talk about. Quite surprising that he had run out of things to talk about, but he didn't want to dull her out. So he decided to start a random topic. Looking at her, in the eyes, he said " Sooo...... whats new ? ". He mentally headdesked. WTF ? What the hell am i asking. But he'd already said it, so no point crying over spilled milk.

Kisuke was often...what Mao had thought to be a bit of a 'space case' - if only because he liked to smile off into the distance a lot. Or possibly he wasn't spacing off but the fact he was often found smiling intrigued her. Was it a front, or was he really just that happy? Hmm...she'd fear for anyone then that found him not doing so as it would likely mean either certain death...or certain experimentation. Whichever he was in the mood for, maybe? When she heard the question she let a few giggles out, "Well...as of recently I have a split zanpakuto spirit and the two sides don't seem to get along very well."

A problem she had been, was, and likely would be dealing with for quite some time. Although recalling them reminded her that she'd missed that meeting..."Did you go to that captain's meeting though? Because of the necessary and extra training I seem to have missed it." Her black ears atop her head drooped at the thought as she felt it was more due to inadequacy that she missed the meeting because she couldn't complete the training in time. But she quickly tried to cover it up once a moment later their drinks arrived and she took a few sips of her own mix.

A good thing was that Mao had the patience to be around a quirk like him. Otherwise, they'd be fighting, all the time. Well, it wouldn't have been as much of a fight, as it would have been Mao putting the hurt on him. The Dual Zanpakuto thing, was something he had always wanted to ask about, but now that the topic had been brought up, his Scientist side was urging him to question her about it. But to his dismay, she changed the topic pretty quickly, not giving him a chance to speak Another time then ? he told the little Devil Kisuke on his Shoulder. A quick motion to be bartender, signalling him to slide the drink over, stopping it with his palm as it did. He brought the drink to his lips, and took a small sip. It was refreshing, but then again, he didn't have enough time to enjoy it, since he had to answer Mao's question about the meeting.

"Ah yes, the meeting. Well, first of all. Let me inform you, that the Central 46 Selected, that guy Shin from the 2nd Division, as the new Captain Commander. You remember him right ? The guy I used to go out with for some drinks after training ?", he replied, his hand on his chin, as Mao sipped at her drink. He continued, " As far as the meeting is concerned, Shin was quite vague, and didn't really take care to be specific about certain points. He generally stated what we had to do. Ryuujin, the Captain of Division 5 was sent to the Human world, with the newly appointed Captain Mai. They are making some checks. He wasn't clear in his instructions towards the other captains, but he told me, and Toboe, the 4th Divisions Captain, to stay here, probably because She's the best healer in the SS, and such a badass ", he finished, winking to Mao, as he took another sip of his drink. His tone had been kinda free in the end, making it impossible to tell whether he was serious or not, even though his smile made you want to believe it was not.

The concoction tasted well enough, though could have used more milk in Mao's opinion. She took a few sips though as she listened to the details, grinning when she heard of who was promoted. Seems a lot of second division folk were quite cut-out for higher positions as of late, made her feel a spot of pride for her second longest squad. It'd be her longest held soon enough as the time was about to pass up twelfth division soon enough. Thankfully though it sounded like she hadn't missed too much if only a few were sent to Earth and some were told to stay behind. Likely she was with them since she hadn't been present to be sent off if such was the plan.

"Hee, yes, Toboe is quite awesome. I'm glad that I was able to meet her back when I was but a lieutenant under Sunari-taichou." At times she wondered if Sunari had known promotion was close at hand and so had helped to forge an early friendship between the two for when she'd leave. Whether it was planned or not Mao was grateful as it did help to have a female friend at times. More amusing that the friend had animalistic appendages much like herself - although unlike the domestic versions of their respective species they got along quite well. Save for some teasing on Mao's part. "Well hopefully he, Mai, and Ryuujin are doing well enough in the human world. Would especially be a shame to lose a new Commander so soon." Albeit, it would be dreadful to lose the dragon captain too for reasons concerning her other friend. That and he was a pleasure to have around when he wasn't yelling into the ether - his horns in truth.

Forcibly, he gulped down the last of the dreadfully made drink, and let his face, slip into its usual smiling state, while his eyes wandered into the far reaching sky. Few could see beyond the clouds, the emptiness of the sky, and even fewer could appreciate the way it existed, peacefully. He loved that peace, and he would do anything to protect it. But recently, clouds had been forming in his sky, and he wanted to be rid of them. He wanted to catch, and hold on to the fleeting peace, because whenever, the peace is disturbed, the world changes, and not always for good. This change, whether it was good or bad, was still change, and it was rarely the former, as much as it was the later. But it was never possible to know, exactly which sort it would be. Fear of Change, possibly that is why he fought so hard to protect the peace. So that every time there was any change, it was always for good. Heavy matters, and preoccupied mind. The lost gaze of the Captain still randomly staring of into space, and it did so, for a few more minutes, till he realized where he was. He came back from his stupor, for the second time today, and turned back to face Mao, frantically apologizing, in a humorous way, as only he could. He had a way with people, and it seemed that it was always difficult to remain angry at him, for a long time. Maybe this was why ?

It finally registered in his brain, what Mao just said, and he nodded in agreement, though he found the Kuchiki to be the kind you would worry about. Not due to her lack of skill, but due to her pride. This pride, the Kuchiki carried, a Pride that prevented them, from backing down, and sometimes, from thinking clearly. It was a gift and a curse at the same time. But as long as the loud mouth was with her, she would be safe. But what was bothering him, was not that. It would serve no purpose if he just kept it to himself, so he expressed it to Mao, by saying, "I fear it Mao... I fear that he on coming storm will uproot the peace, we work so hard to protect, and these new saplings, might not be able to stand up to it. What do you think, we should do, about this fleeting peace", in an almost serious tone. Serious and thoughtful, far away from his regular happy go lucky tone. It wasn't something a lot of people might have heard. This side, was not something many had seen. Sunari, was one, and possible Hoshi was the other. Mao was seeing it for the first time herself. Seeing him talking, without a smile. Would she understand how he felt ?

Only the slightest bits of fantastical thinking and hypothesizing could allow Mao to try to grasp what it was Kisuke was thinking about as he looked at the sky. The weather of tomorrow? What was for dinner? No, nothing so trivial she was sure, as though some might think Kisuke only had one level there were still many parts to the smiling man, she'd always been sure. And...Sunari had told her never to take people lightly or at face value. At the same time she still valued his friendship as he'd never mocked her in anyway...or at least with a hint of malice, towards her blindness. She smiled as he apologized, momentarily wondering if he'd simply spaced until he voiced his thoughts aloud.

This new tone was not something she had yet experienced with Kisuke and could only marvel for a moment in seeing a new side, a new face, to him. The peace though..."Its...time moves on, ever-flowing. We can't go back," without consequences ," so we have to keep moving forward. Sometimes the path we're walking is blocked, or becomes rougher...but we have to keep moving. We can't control everything, and we can't always be there to kill something before it grows. The best we can do is to fight for the peace we love, and for those we wish to see the next day. I think though, that we should keep fighting so that in those times of peace, we can share smiles with those precious people." In truth a satisfying answer felt so fleeting to her. Like she couldn't quite grasp it, but perhaps there weren't words for it.

"I'm not sure if that was to your liking, and perhaps I can't vocalize it quite how I want to. All I know is that I enjoy the little things, whether its a drink with a friend, relaxing under a tree: all those that some might deem ludicrous or absolutely silly and mundane. I enjoy them, and I enjoy knowing that I can see the friends I've made in my time here, being able to laugh, to smile, to talk, and to see them. If I can keep a few things, even when the peace is gone, I would want to keep them and be able to do those things even in the darkest of moments. Inappropriate, maybe, but at the same time why give up hope if not all is lost? So long as you live you hold the power to change, why give up then? Even with only Mica I couldn't see the certain future no matter how many times the Central 46 asked it of me. That is how much power we truly hold."

Taking a sip of her drink as a pause to let this sink it, she then spoke again, staring into the counter as her eyes went hazy, evidence that for the moment her sight was gone. "Though this may sound nothing more than pure idealism to others, its what I choose to believe. We hold more power than we can ever truly realize, not truly measured by the kido spells we know, or whether we have bankai or not. Even the smallest of actions can erase the future and write it anew. And that is why so long as I live, I will fight to keep a future that holds those I care about in it, and won't give up until all life has left me. Beggars can't be choosers but we can do the things that are necessary."

"How.... foolish", he replied in his most serious voice. There was hesitation. A momentary pause, possibly to think of how to explain to Mao, that idealism of that kind, would only get her killed. "Everything you told me just now, dwells from only one emotion, and that is hope". He stopped, to take a sip of that drink. He had added a small amount of his own liquor to it, and it seemed to improve in taste. He continued, by saying "Hope was never our friend. Its hope that gives us a false sense of security, that everything will be fine. Hope is fine, as long as it doesn't cloud your vision, but I have yet to see, or to feel, that kind of hope. Afterall, thats the kind of hope, that made me experiment on the Hougyoku... it was the same hope... because of which... i can't sleep at night... knowing that it might surface again... th-" and he stopped cold. He realized that it wasn't Sunari he was talking to. It was Mao. She knew nothing of his experiments, and of that voice inside his head. She knew nothing of those. He cursed himself, for being such an idiot. He forgot he was with Mao, and not with Sunari. What was he thinking ?!?! There was a moment of panic in his head, but it faded, as his eyes noticed his bleeding hand. Apparently, he had been so involved in what he said, that he couldn't control his rage, and broke the glass simply by holding it with a force more than it could stand.

He didn't know how to react. He had said something, that wasn't to be said. He had done something, that shouldn't have been done. His eyes ran from his hand, to the Window, and in that, he could see the reflection of the rest of the bar. There was no one there, except Mao and himself. They all probably left for work, or some duty. The only people in that room, which was reserved for the more important guests, we her and himself. Atleast no one else had heard him. He was glad for that. But would that wasn't going to repair the damage done. He didn't have the courage, to look at her face. To look her in the eyes. What would he say? He was never good at making up excuses to people who were close to him. He was just not the kind of guy who could deceive you like that. What would he do ? What could he do? These thoughts raced through his mind, as he remember, his voice. That voice, that even today, haunts him in his sleep.

His mind was panicking, even though he didn't show it on his face, and that as he needed. He felt it. Something dark... something, that felt like it was conflicting his very existence, emerging from the depths of his powers. His body, began to tremble, and his eyes widened. His Spiritual Pressure, began to fluctuate. When it was low, it was below his normal level. Way below. But when it was high, it was higher than even the Captain Commanders. So strong, that his Spiritual body, that wasn't used to it, couldn't even stand it. He could feel a burning ache in his joints, as his Spiritual Pressure climbed to point, where it was strong enough, to leave the woman sitting besides him, stunned, like a Captains pressure does to a normal Shinigami. Infact, it was so great, that even he was stunned by it, and could barely keep his body from succumbing to the darkness. He knew that the moment he gave up, and let his heart waver, it would take over. He tried to calm himself, and he would have succeeded, if not for that voice. It was like a voice that was there simply to dissolve his strength and to make his mind succumb into madness. It said, in an eerie tone "Whats the matter Kisuke... Am I too strong fer ya.. Hahahahahahahaha". It was only one sentence, and then the voice faded away, but that maniacal laughter, stayed with him. As the voice faded, his Reitsu began to settle down, and his eyes softened, to a more grief stricken form. He remained motionless. His body was in too much pain, to move. The Reitsu, at its height, was far to great for his body to withstand. It wasn't something he expected, or even something he wanted. But it was there, and it always reminded him, that there would come a day, when his own existence would dissolve, and he would be crushed under the weight of his own power.

He managed to turn, to face her, his eyes filled with sorrow. He looked at her. He wanted to let the darkness take over, and be at rest, but he couldn't, and he didn't know how to explain it, so all he said, was "Im sorry... you had to experience that... Mao... but I beg of you. Let this remain between the two of us", and saying that he slowly got up. His body was still trembling. It was like nothing he had felt before, but it was there, and the more he thought about him, the stronger it got. But for now, he had managed to suppress him. He turned to face away from her, so that she couldn't see him, in this pathetic form. His body, stopped trembling, and he placed his palm on his forehead. He dragged it down, and turned around, and he was smiling again. It was the same gentle smile he always had, but this time, it was for a purpose. He tried to not make her worry, and tried to let it slide by, and he knew, that she was going to ask him about it, but the least he could do, was make a strong face, and try to not make her worry anymore, cause that, was just how he was.

Her expression had turned somewhat cold as he talked, and realized there were definitely some things she'd forgotten to put in there. And...the hogyoku? Such a word made her breath catch, as she recalled one of her final missions for the Central 46 before the very last vestiges of her vision had left her: retrieve the missing hogyoku from the time stream. It had gone missing in the chaos of the Aizen incident. What could they possibly have planned for that...that thing? If she had her way, and some of her old abilities still in hand she would chuck that back into the time stream where none could find it again. But that was gone now with the appearance of Yoruyonaka and the splitting and evolving of her powers.

That power spike caused a cold finger to slowly trace down her spine and when her eyes turned to him they were pure emerald green with slitted pupils, a quick flash of red, and back to gold with normal human pupils but she stared at him in shock now. What, what the hell had been that? And worse...what had happened to Kisuke? It calmed down, or seemed to, and when he had centered himself there was that smile again. Already she knew there was no reality behind that smile and shed a tear internally that he felt he had to hold such a thing. Sometimes....she was sure if Sunari hadn't found her Mao could have only gone one of two ways...

"It will be between us...and I know you won't mean to, but please never speak of that object again. We all have our pasts whether filled with many good times or bad. And nothing should ever rely on hope, or be fully based on it, but if you don't even have an ounce then you have no will to succeed. Nothing is certain and final, and everything will always hold the element of chance to it. But if all you think of is failure then such a person should simply end it now, no? They have no reason to live."

She downed the rest of her drink, wishing she could erase parts of the past or at least memories of them. Perhaps she'd even erase this moment if she could. Even if she could though she knew she couldn't in the sense out of worry for Kisuke...and what had happened to him as of late. "You will only laugh at me surely, but I do hope that whatever is wrong with you, you will be able to deal with it by your own strength and volition. And I only hope, because I'm assured there is nothing I can do. I will never be the 'god' the Central 46 tried to deem me. Gods never receive retribution from their own powers. You're free to continue talking with me but I'd rather leave this establishment. Too stuffy." Mao walked towards the door, desperately needing to get out of the confining area. After that surge of power she wanted the feeling of freedom the open sky brought her.

'What has happened to you Kisuke? And is it something you would trust Sunari with over me?' She understood such a feeling, having thought of Sunari as her own hero, but at the same time she felt if she was the woman at least she could help him then. At times like this she preferred her hopeless state of old as at least she expected nothing good then.

There was pain. There was always pain. His joints ached, and he found it hard to stand still, but he pretended like it was all fine. He slowly followed Mao, following her slowly. Every step he took, was followed by a mind searing pain through his legs, and even up his back. His attempts to keep his straight face were futile. Even an idiot could tell from the way he moved, that he wasn't fine. It was just an effort to walk. Thats how much strength that event just sapped from him. But thats not what worried him. He was strong. A nights sleep would make it alright, but that was the difference between physical and emotional pain. Emotions, were not things that could be trusted. Specially not with a woman. He knew that his actions would probably hurt her. But it was better that she stayed away from him, rather than get caught in this. He knew, that anyone who would be caught in this, wasn't going to survive. He could tell, that whatever it was, was eating away at his existence. His best guess, it was an Inner Hollow. But thats just about all he could guess, for it was not possible to deal with something like this, for someone who has such limited knowledge on the subject. Perhaps, what he referred to as limited knowledge, was vast in the eyes of another, but to him, it was insufficient to deal with it.

Her face flashed in his head. He knew, that she was sad, possibly crying on the inside. He would be too, if Mao felt that she had to hide something from him. Afterall, there were not many who had known each other for over 2 centuries. Bah... I might as well, he thought. By now they were outside. He looked at Mao. Well the back of her head anyways. He knew that if he didn't do it, then there would always be 'that' thing, which would lead to them drifting away. He was a strong willed man, but even he needed a friend. Throwing his vow to keep everyone away from this matter, right out the window, he quickly walked upto Mao, and placed his hands on her shoulders. He still didn't have the courage to look her in the eye, so instead of waste another moment, he started talking in a calm voice, despite the pain, saying "What happened back then, is all in the past. But what its done to me, is a matter of the present, and the future. I figured if I forgot the past, the past would forget me. But I was wrong. The past haunts my every living moment. I've spent my life since then, Living in the knowledge that my existence is being fought over, inside me. Do you see now, why hope, is not an option for me?" and saying that, he fell silent. It was the mid-day sun, and the streets were empty, save for the wind that flew, gently caressing his blonde hair.

He didn't look at her, but past from right next to her, his smile gone, and replaced by a serious one. He simply walked on, as he said motioned for her to follow him. He was headed towards Division 2. Somewhere where he could explain why life for him, had become so difficult. The pain tore through his body, and it was visible from his walk, and yet he continued to stroll as if nothing was wrong. It wasn't a matter of being strong, but it was simply a matter of not falling down after such a dramatic speech, since that would be super lame.

There really was no reversing what happened, time moved on and sometimes people had to live with what they did. Oh gods did she hate knowing that, and a few visions of the past flew before her eyes. Not hers, mistakes of other's that had caused them to pay down the road and she hated the Kisuke was on a similar path. Even the thought of losing one of her long-time friends caused her breath to hitch and heart to skip a beat, but she followed him back to her division. Surely hope was not fully lost? He was still alive, and wasn't under the eternal control of the beast dwelling inside or they would already have locked in combat, right? And vague images of past visions and snippets of stories told of shinigami who had 'lost their way' or had undergone strange changes...

But the bits left her and she couldn't find anything to say as they made their way to her building, deciding nothing was better at this time. Her ears fell in dismay as she noted how hard it was for him to even walk right now. So many "if only"s flashed through her mind, including riding his body of the pain through, once again, old abilities. Past was past, and once again, couldn't be changed no matter how much one wished. If she could help in anyway, she would though.

As they neared the entrance she sped up to pass up Kisuke, covering his obvious pain from the guard, as well as to give orders. They were simple, and she knew they would be followed to perfection, telling him to have all leave the meeting room and not interrupt unless it was a specific request from a captain and even then to knock first before giving the message. Having that done she led the way back to the office that only earlier that day he'd come flying into. Pulling out a chair for him, she flopped into hers, looking at him seriously, trying to keep the emotions out of the way in hopes of making this somewhat easier.

"All right Kisuke...tell me all that you're willing to, and I will try to help you in any way possible and that you may ask of me."