The New Lieutenant - SP with Nuartan & Jushiro

A few more days after Aizen's betrayal...

Jushiro washed the last bit of dirt out of his pale face and then tied the long white hair back. This night had been horrible. Since Kaiens death he had not fought a Hollow- well Yamamoto-Sensei was some kind of Evil Ghost too when it came to that- but he had not fought him... not really.
But tonight Sogyo no Kotowari had sung his (her?) song of death and war and he still could feel the pain inside the blade. A sword was created to kill, but these special ones resembled the owner's personality. So his sowrd didn t like to kill at all.

The Captain coughed quietly and watched the drops of blood vanishing in the bowl of clear water in front of him. His Squad had done marvellous work. They were all good and experienced fighters. That was not the problem. He also could give quick and clear orders, made them dance in front of his eyes, but what happened if he became the weak point of his own team? He was supposed to be the strongest one, the most experienced one, the strong Bamboo that could not be brought down by any storm at all. Even his parents had thought that way when they named him the "Floating Bamboo".

Jushiro however knew that this was nothing but an illusion and that the reality was far worse. With his instable condition he endangered his team and although they all loved and admired him from the bottoms of their hearts, they knew it, too. Shushu could not intervene each single time and he should not rely on him at all. He had to find a solution and this solution went by the name of a new Lieutenant.

Ukitake once more stared at the ground before he changed his clothes in order to look acceptable again and then turned around to sit down on his knees and watching the sun that had made the way through the morning clouds of Soul Society.

Nuartan walked the corridors of the Soul Reaper base.
It had only been some days, since Aizen had turned Seireitei and whole Soul Society upside down. Never had he experienced anything like the attack that took place only some days ago.
No one had expected it.
There had been no signs.
Or had there been signs? Did they just all ignore them?
Had they been blind?
Had he been blind?
It was the question he was asking himself all the time since the events happened. He had been - he still was the lieutenant of the third division and therefore had been second in command of captain Ichimaru. And he had trusted him.

Now, as it turned out, it had been a mistake to put his trust in him, and that confused him.
The division was still there, but Ichimaru left it without leader. Nuartan knew the society and its mechanics good enough to assume, he would be appointed to the captain's post.
But actually that was a thing he would be likely to prevent.
It was not that he did not want to get that rank one day or that he doubted his abilities.
He was good. And he knew he was good. That wasn't a question.
Nevertheless he felt like he should have noticed something was going on.
That the others didn't notice anything either didn't really give him any comfort.
Nevertheless it made him realize, he wasn't ready to take over Captain Ichimaru's position yet.

He straightened himself, when reaching the door that was leading him to the room he was aiming for and stood there quietly for a moment.
The reputation of the 13th division wasn't best, and this wasn't due to their weaknesses, but due to the illness of their leader.
Ukitake Jushiro had learned to live with his illness and Nuartan didn't dare thinking about how powerful that man could be if his health didn't just regularly knock him off.
Why he was here now was easy.
Captain Ukitake wasn't only a great fighter, but now had something in common with him.
He lost a person that had been close to him. And for some reason Nuartan was convinced that staying with him might be the best way to prepare for facing Captain Ichimaru one day. And to defeat him.

He now knocked at the door and waited until he was called in.
The captain immediately answered and Nuartan entered.
"Ukitake Jushiro." He slightly bowed a bit, before drawing nearer.
"May I have a word with you?" He kindly asked, before looking into the eyes of the other man who calmly watched him.

"Lieutenant Shihonin, it is an honour to meet you." The Captain said politely and watched the other shinigami quietly. He could feel confusion in his soul, certainties that were no longer certain and he could understand well why it was that way.

"Please step in and have a seat, Vice-Captain." he continued saying and then turned to the desk next to him, performing in silence the tea ceremony for some minutes until he offered his guest of cup. As it was tradition Nuartan watched the beautiful cup and took the first sipps in silence.

The sun was just about to disappear behind some clouds again and Jushiro could feel a cold breeze on his pale skin, that made the Cherry Blossoms in his room whisper. Still Soul Society was as silent as a grave, although the ordinary people had no idea what was going on at all. Everybody however just felt that something was terribly wrong and paralyzed by exactly that feeling of having lost savety everybody just lingered in the shadows.

Not so Jushiro.
He had seen catastrophes coming and going and he knew Soul Society would survive this one as well. That was why his Squad had been prepared when the Hollow-Attack came.
The third, fifth and ninth Squad were without leader as well as the tenth and sixth (oh wtf!). The Fourth one was responsible for medical support and never intervened in fighting actions. Mayuri and his bunch of people did their reaearch in silence and Sajin was also injured.

In a total they were Kenpachi, Shushu, Soifon, Yamamoto himself and he who had to take care that not the whole of Soul Society was just captured by rampaging Hollows. Rumours had it that Captain Hitsugaya was better again, as well as Captain Kamamura.
Jushiro just hoped the others would also recover soon.

After they had finished the traditional part of the tea ceremony, Ukitake watched the other calmly.
"So, what is it, that you want to have a word about, Lieutenant?" he asked politely and put down the cup so cautiously that he didn t even cause the slightest noise.

Nuartan sat down quietly when the Captain appointed him to have a seat.
Jushiro prepared some tea for them, so they could have their traditional tea together and Nuartan used the time to order his thoughts once more.
There was a reason, why he came here and he would not withdraw now.
If there was one character feature which was typical for him, it was his steadfastness and the fact that once begun, he always brought things to their end.
In this case as well. He made a decision. And he wouldn't change his decision again.

Captain Ukitake offered him a cup and Nuartan took it.
He watched it, regarded the filigran patterns and then took some sips, while he tried to figure out what tea it was, he had been offered.
It was warm and it felt good.
Some clouds slid in front of the sun, covered it, and a dark, grey shadow fell onto the room.

Then finally, the captain looked at him again, and Nuartan wondered whether he might be thinking about his entrance here. Although Ukitake was known for being a good listener, Nuartan usually didn't seek for his advice, nor for a talk with him.
So he wasn't astonished to find some kind of curiousity in the deep and wise eyes of the Captain.

"Would you challenge me?" Nuartan asked although he knew it might seem strange to the other one. "In a training fight?" He added and still watched the Captain. He could see him frown, obviously trying to understand the meaning that was hidden behind the question.
But there was no meaning to be understood. Nuartan alone knew his intentions.
"You might be confused by my question. But it is important to me that you answer it." He said quietly, still watching the man who could even have been a brother of his, judging from their very similar look.

Ukitake did not smile when he listened to the Lieutenant's words. He had not challenged anyone for batlle since centuries. Even Aizen and he only had exchanged words rather than blades. There were certainly people who disagreed with him, but it was not fighting that made the way of the warrior.
"I have not challenged anyone in years, Lieutenant. Not even for training. If it had been that I took a bokken into my hands it was because I found a student, who sked me, worth to do so, protecting those close to me or answering a challenge myself."

He took another sip and watched the man quietly.
"Although it might put shame on me and my reputation as a fighter, I have to answer your question with no. No, I would not challenge you in a fight, Vice-Captain Shihonin. If it is that what you came for, add the blame for having made the way to here for nothing to the one I ve put on my shoulders before."

Nuartan slightly nodded.
So the captain refused his request.
Actually he already expected this. Jushiro was know for his dislike of violence.
He used to fight only when neccessary and Nuartan never heard about the Captain fighting for any other reason.
Nevertheless he just couldn't do any other thing than to kindly ask him.
"There is no shame on your shoulders, captain Ukitake. And nothing to blame you for." He answered quietly.

Nuartan himself loved the art of fighting. It wasn't that he liked injuring others, it was more that he found balance in improving his skills.
It was a passion of his, which he pursued as often as he could and which fortunately matched well with his profession.
Maybe it was the reason why he made a good warrior. But fighting by far wasn't all he was able to do.

"Will you grant me a walk then?" He asked without sounding annoyed. He didn't smile for Jushiro didn't smile himself, but of course the topic had been too serious to start or end it with smiles.

Jushiro felt the reiatsu of the man moving and he knew that he had expected his answer. So it was him then expecting something "special" on this walk. Nevertheless he would not deny this request in full knowledge that it might lead to things he probably didn t like.

He slightly bowed his head without taking the brown eyes off his guest and nodded. "It would be a pleasure for me to have a walk with you." he said and then elegantly got up. The breeze played with his hair and coat for a second and Ukitakes eyes shimmered slightly.

He nodded to tell the man he could go first and then joined him on the wodden floors that led them away from Ugendou, his headquarter that was located on a platform in a big lake.

Nuartan got up elegantly and bended his gi. He put the cup back onto the table and when realizing Captain Ukitake was ready to leave, turned towards the door.
He left the room first and Jushiro immediately caught up with him.
A slight breeze blew some of his long, white blond hair but Nuartan didn't care for it.
Ukitake had his hair taken back by a black bow so at least the soft breeze didn't blow his hair.
Silently they left the building, side by side and none of them talked.

Maybe Captain Ukitake just waited for him to talk.
Maybe he even expected him to act in any way.
Nuartan had thought about their meeting already for days.
He had listened to his heart and analyzed his own intentions very precisely.
Now that he knew what he wanted there was no way back.
And when he would draw his weapon to challenge Jushiro, he would have passed the point of no return.

Probably no one would understand why he just had to do this, but it was his heart only, that knew the answer.
He liked Captain Ukitake. He respected him.
And this was the reason why he had decided to challenge him now.
"My apologies." He said quietly, when they reached open space.
He saw Jushiro look up, but there was no surprise in his eyes.
So he really had expected this walk to become anything, but not a normal walk.
Nuartan drew his weapon with an elegant grasp and then whirled around and attacked Jushiro.
Nuartans face was closed and he showed no emotion, while attacking the other captain, it were only his eyes, which were still slightly shimmering with compassion.

Nuartan could not have seen his movement when he drew his blade. His movements were unseen and swiftly as the breath of the ghost that he was. Since over two thousand years he walked this earth and he surely hadn t become that old just due to his good looks.

Aizen had spilled blood over all Soul Society just a few days ago and there stood a man in front of him, of noble origins, educated in the ways of the Classics and challenged him! Now it was no question of politeness anymore, but one of manners and Ukitake had seen himself always as a man of teaching.

"Since your determination overcomes the simpliest etiquette, I cannot but to accept your challenge." he said quietly and jumped forward then. The air around him became hot when his reiatsu awakened, but Ukitake didn t let it flow or break free.
When his Sensei had faced Nanao, Shushus Vice-Captain, she simply had lost her conciousness, so overwhelming had his presence been. Shushu and he himself even had taken the first blow of the mightiest of all shinigami... and they had not even received a scratch.

Sogyo sang and danced in his hands and nearly without any effort he made the man loose his ground, but Ukitake didn t intend to stop. His blade cut the sleeve of the other man's clothes and still it sang its song of war.
Light and swiftly as the water that he loved Ukitake dogded the attacks of the man in front of him, did glide here and there, was uncatchable like the waves and the thunder that his blade(s) were made of.

The Vice-Captain was a good fighter and the compassion in his eyes was seldom to be found amongst the other Shinigami. Nevertheless it was difficult if not impossible for Ukitake to understand why one could aim for a fight like this in a time like this.

His blade cut Nuartans arm and blood dripped onto the wodden panels of the path. Ukitake vanished in the part of a second and while the man was still looking for him appeared again behind him and gently cut a strain of his white hair until he let his blade rest on the skin of his throat.
"What now, Nuartan?" he asked quietly without adding any honorifics. "What now?"

Nuartan well got that Jushiro blamed him for forcing him into this fight and it was the reason he apologized just seconds before.
He wasn't keen on spilling blood, but he had to hear the song of Jushiro's sword singing with his own one.
Instead of answering the Captain, Nuartan aimed for him, but the captain blocked and nearly made him lose stand. As the captain went on, Nuartan lost balance and next he could feel was the cold ground at his cheeks.
He rolled aside and immediately got onto his feet again, blocking a hit of the Captain's sword with his own one.

Watching them from a distance, their fight must occur like a dance, but a deadly one.
They both were good, and for the fraction of a second he really thought he had chances to win.
Then he felt cold still cutting him and blood was dripping off his arm.
It had been a long time since he got cut in a fight, but it was that moment when he realized, there were still things he had to learn - he could learn.
From Jushiro.

Nuartan again made some quick steps at side and performed an elegant shift while he blocked another attacked.
Had he been the attacker in the beginning, the balance had been relocated. It now wasn't him anymore attacking is opponent, it now was Jushiro, leaving his defensive style behind and instead attacking him.
Hit by hit Nuartan tried to block the qickly following attacks of his aggressor but still he was surprised by Jushiro's high frequented attacks.
He really had a quite hard time fighting the captain and still his arm was bleeding but Nuartan didn't care.

Then, suddenly Nuartan was gone. He just vanished and for a short moment Nuartan was confused. Instinctivly he knew that the captain was doing the flash steps and that he would not be able to follow him on that level. Though he hoped to be able to figure out where Jushiro would appear again. His eyes searched the surroundings and for some seconds everything stayed quiet. Jushiro didn't show up, but still Nuartan could feel he was around.
The he heard the soft buzzing of the sword, cutting through the air and out of the corner of his eyes he could see nearly white hair falling to the ground.
It was his own hair, and he knew it.
While he was still wondering he felt cold steel cutting the soft skin of his throat.
Jushiro had him. No question 'bout that.

"What now?" He asked and his voice was ringing in Nuartans head.
Jushiro's lips where close to his ear, and although the captain was nearly whispering Nuartan could understand each single word.
He breathed hard, but didn't dare to move.
Then he cleared his throat.
"I want to become your Lieutenant." He said with a rough voice, still gasping for some breath, hoping Jushiro would release him.
And accept him.

Ukitake lowered his sword and took some steps back. Although it had been his right to cut the man down who had broken the etiquette and attacked him- a Squad Captain without any objective reason- he never had intended to harm him seriously.

"My Lieutenant?" he asked quietly. Usually his lieutenants knew how to stick to conventions and rules and surely didn t dare to attack him. He however thought that the man had his own very important reasons, for Nuartan was not said to be a man of low intelligence. He must have been aware of what he was doing and for Ukitake always believed in the good nature of Shinigami, he hoped that there was just more than pride or abilities that had made him taken that way.

Nuartan had been a Lieutenant before. He had served under Ichimaru Gin and his reputation was a good one. There was no need in testing his skills. However the Squad didn t know him... and Ukitake himself had difficulties to entrust the man with his life- what he had to do when appointing him Vice-Captain.
Could he really give his Squad into the hands of this man?

"I will grant you this favour." he slowly said with his deep calm voice. "You will soon realize that being the Lieutenant of the 13th Squad is different in duties, but also experience from the other Squad."
They were more like a family. His members nearly all were recruited from the poorest of Soul Societys quarters and Jushiro himself knew how terrifying that could be. Most of his Squad members were young and shared the same kind of humour. He considered them of course his subordinates... but he cared for them as he did for his syblings.

"If the Squad rejects you, you have to leave as well." he added. "But usually they are very tolerant."
He closed his eyes and smiled a bit. "Or aren t you?"
A strange noise was to hear before ca. fifteen heads appeared all over the place and slowly stepped out of their hiding places.
"Our apologies, Captain." he heard them saying. "We were just passing by and... thought we d better get out of the way!"
"All fifteen of you? At this time? Unbelievable." Ukitake smiled.
"Yes, Sir. Exactly. Unbelievable... but true!"
The Captain took a deep breath and faced his Squad. "Well, well... then welcome your new Lieutenant... I know usually one of my own Squad gets promoted, but I d like t give you some more years to develop your abilities and enjoy your freedom."
"Yes, Sir!"
Fifteen pairs of eyes turned to Nuartan and watched him curiously.
"Mhhh, Lieutenant..." a young girl said. "If you point your blade at our Captain again... we will kick your butt... noble or not." She said it in a cheering voice and with a smile on her lips. "But besides that... nice to have you here, Sir!"
"Right." Shushus gentle voice said from out of the shadows next to Jushiro so quietly that only the Captain could hear it. "And I will personally grant him the honour of being sliced by my Twin Blades."
"Don t blame him, Shushu." Ukitake said as quiet as he had spoken. "There may be reasons unknown to us, Gentle Soul."
"Mhhh." he answered softly and then vanished again to go back to his sleep where Ukitakes Reaitsu had waken him from. They shared a unique relationship and just sensed when the other was in danger, no matter what. They could feel even the slightest movement of their Spiritual Energy and so, when his Reiatsu awakened, Shushu did as well.

The Squad members curiously came closer and watched their new Lieutenant.
Ukitake smiled. Now that could become interesting.

The sword slid from his throat and was taken back slowly.
Nuartan automatically bent forward a little bit and swallowed hard once more while he drew breathe deeply.
He felt relieved on the one hand, but on the other hand a bit uncomfortable. He didn't have the right to challenge the captain without his permission, nevertheless he chose to do.
He had learned to accept the consequences of his decisions and to take over the responsibility for his actions. He would take over responsibility now too. It was the Captain's right to punish him, yes even to kill him, but as he had hoped, the Captain chose neither to punish him, nor to kill him.

Instead he did, what Nuartan wished he would do. He accepted him.
Again Nuartan breathed deeply, but didn't smile. He put his sword to his belt again and straightened himself.
"You will not regret your decision." He said quietly and meant it the way he said it.
He would do everything he could, not to disappoint this very kind man who just gave him a chance he might not even deserve.
While he listened to Jushiros words, but couldn't see whether the man was content with everything or not.
Nevertheless he could have rejected. But he didn't and that told him that Jushiro really wanted to give it a try.

Suddenly, fifteen more heads appeared in some distance and Nuartan raised an eyebrow when he realized they had been observed by so many.
It hadn't been his intention to make anyone know about their small duell and he wasn't exactly happy about it.
He stayed quiet, while the others came nearer curiously.
Somehow it reminded him of an auction were all the purchasers came to watch what they had just bought, judging whether it was worth its prize or not.
A small but beautiful girl watched him with sparkling eye, warning him never to point his sword as Jushiro again, which made him smile a litte bit.
"Alright... May i have yours then?" He asked but then shook his head slightly.
No, he wouldn't. He wouldn't dare attacking Jushiro again. Not to challenge him.

He turned his head slightly, watching Jushiro and saw his lips move although it seemed he didn't speak.
After all, he didn't hear him saying anything.
He just swiftly nodded towards his "new" captain, before turning to the crowed again and facing them as curiously as they looked at him.

Better don t attack me for whatever reason... just cut all the attacking stuff, will you? Hach...

The Squad moved closer and watched him, then it stood in line and bowed simultaneously. "It is an honour to meet you, Sir." Fifteen voices said, before they raised their heads again.

Ukitake just smiled gently. It would do his Squad some good to get a good and present commanding officer again. He didn t cry or complain about his state anylonger. This time was over, but he cared for those subordinated to him and so a new Lieutenant was the best for all.

"To all Squad Captains..." he could hear the voice from the Security Center in that moment. Haha. All Squad Captain. Very funny.
"Hollow activities have been detected next to the Southern Gate. All Captains close to it are ordered to go there immediatly..."
Ukitake sighed.
"You ve heard the man! Get ready and then off we go!" he said with a clear voice.
He shortly glanced at Nuartan. He had no doubts that the man would stay in control of the situation should anything happen. He had been a Lieutenant before... but ntl it was kind of a crash-course getting used to a new Squad. Well... sometimes you had to run before you could walk... and that man obviously liked to learn running even before being able to stand, he thought and smiled softly.

In the next second his Squad and he himself had vanished from the place and headed towards the Southern Gate.

Well, whatever he had heard about the 13th division before, there discipline and behaviour seemed to be perfect.
Another smile flushed his face when he watched them all, standing in one line, greeting him.
"Move." He said, still smiling while he watched them.
They were well organized and Nuartan most hopefully they would work together easily.
He had no time to think about it any longer as only few seconds later he could hear the message delivered all through Seireitei.

To the squad captains? Oh yes, nice try... maybe they should once take them literally? And only send their captains? He smiled a bit at that thought but then shook his head. Sarcasm wasn't one of his strengths, so he usually wasn't sarcastic at all.
He turned his head shortly to watch Jushiro and saw him nodding inpalpably.
Nuartan took a second look, watched the team members and as they prepared to leave, he left with them.

When they reached the Southern Gates, they were the first onces to be there.
"Make up a line of defence." He told the others. There was no use in going out to fight the hollow - or the hollows, in case there should be more upcoming. But it was very useful to let it attack and defeating it while still staying in a defensive state.
Although Nuartan himself was rather some kind of offensive fighter, he wouldn't risk letting the squad fight to offensive now, as long as he didn't know them and their strengths and weaknesses too well.
They had to manage to hold the gate and either defeat to the hollow then or to wait for another squad to arrive.

Jushiro took a few steps back. He took care that he wasn t involved in direct battle action for he knew how quickly that could go wrong.
He heard the scream of the monster and felt the wall shaking under its attacks. It had to be a strong one and he didn t like the idea at all. Aizen had escaped into the world of the Hollows- there were scars of this betrayal everywhere and some just allowe the hollows to slip in.

A part of the wall broke down and he caught a glimpse of the monster and its Hollow Mask. Just die, creature of the waterless world!
His sword however remaind silent in his hands and he stayed behind for it was the only way not to endanger anybody. He would take action if needed, but he hoped it would not.

The monster raised one of its claws and aimed for the "line of defense". It however was too slow to seriously harm anybody. The strength of the attack nevertheless made him stumble some steps back. Ukitake jumped high in the air when suddenly a bunch of tentacles aimed at him.
A second hollow?
Great.
And where the hell were the other Squads?!

The earth was trembling beneath his feet and instinctively Nuartan knew that wasn't too good.
"Hold the line!" He shouted, while he went up into the air in order to get a better overview.
The Hollow was there, in front of the gate.
Unfortunately it wasn't aiming for the gate at all, but for the walls shielding Seireitei from the outside. He heard a gnashing, grinding sound and following the sound he saw a fissure in the walls, growing bigger and bigger, und just in time he ordered the team to jump back.
"Withdraw!" He shouted at them and they obeyed immediately.
Right. The beast wanted to piss them off.
Well. It decided for the wrong man to try.

His feet touched the ground again and he came down in front of the team.
"Split into two person's teams. Attack from different sides. Give up the line." He realized a girl standing alone. Of course. One had to be left over in a team of fifteen.
"You." He pointed at her. "With me."
Then, after having given instructions, he jumped forward, holding his sword in front of his body.

He closed his eyes shortly, before with a calm, soft voice he released his sword.
“Kurosa no haibu hi no pantaa, hikkake." He said, let go of the blade and immediately a fire aura appeared around it. A ray of fire shot out of is peak , burnt itself into the ground and not even a second later a pile of fire grew out of the formerly burnt point.
It was hot, quite hot, when Nuartan put his hands onto the handle of his sword again.
Then, out of the firepile walked a panther like figure, with dark, black fur and an aura of fire around it. Its eyes were yellow like the glinting flames, and immediately it jumped forward and blew a lance of fire towards the hollow.
Wherever the panther walked, it left a trace of glow, which Nuartan easily could make rise to fire again if he only wanted to.

The fire lances burnt their way into the hollows corpse and Nuartan took his katana, before also jumping forward submerging the blade deeply into hull of the Hollow.
Blood was spattering from the wound immediately, when Nuartan landed behind the thing on the ground.
He was just getting up again, when he realized another movement from the corner of his eyes. Rukia, the girl he himself teamed with, and whom he knew to belong to the Kuchiki clan, had come after him, but landed in some distance to him.
When he turned aside, he saw that behind "their" Hollow another one had occured, reaching its tentacles out for Jushiro and Rukia.
"Aside!" He shouted at her and she turned her head towards him, then saw the tentacle, but he knew she wouldn't react in time, so he went off and ran for her.
He manged to get there in time, but when tugging her to the ground got hit by one of the tentacles.

He didn't scream, but needed a second longer to get onto his feet again. He saw another tentacle heading for Jushiro and therefore set his eye onto the hollow again.
The panther following his mind's commands was at his side immediately, spitting another firelance towards the hollow, and then started to circle it.
Nuartan let the fire rise out of the ashes and the glut and quickly there was bild a wall of fire around the hollow.
The panther jumped upon the back of the Hollow and deeply burried its claws into the skinlike hull of the beast, sending another breath of fire against it to burn it from the backside.

Jushiro saw fire arising from around the Hollow and he felt the power of a shikai. It was unusual to release it that early but not wrong. It just showed a certain way of fighting and Jushiro always admired the "safer" way than having to experience defeat because of having hold back.

He escaped the tentacles and was about to see a black panther slicing the Hollow's head. Seems like that one was history too. He slowly came to the ground again and tried to surpress his coughing while his body was quietly shaken with pain.

"Withdraw, Ukitake." a calm yet not too compassionate voice said and he could feel a gentle spring's breeze upon his skin.
"No way, Captain Kuchiki. I will not let my Squad stand alone when I have already endured in combat." he answered although feeling like being choked. He raised his head a little to face the serious expression of the other man. Byakuya was still very pale and his eyes lacked the sharp glance they used to have. Even his voice sounded a bit softer than usual, but Ukitake knew he wasn t to underestimate even now. When he had decided to join the forces, he would surely stand head up high until the very end.
The man watched him quietly. "I didn t know that even you could become a victim of false pride, Captain. It seems I have been mistaken."
He then disappeared and Ukitake lost sight of him in the battlefield.

Ukitake stood up again while blood was dripping onto the ground although he had not been injured. Two more Hollows had appeared and he could see the 11th Squad moving as blood thirsty as ever, while Kuchiki once more showed his supremacy in Iaijutsu, leaving the second one nearly no choice.
He turned around when he heard the fire-encircled demon finally vanishing and then stood ready to welcome more of the brut.
But it seemed the tear had closed again... or at least he hoped so.

Nuartan more felt than saw that reinforcement was supporting them.
Well, late enough, weren't they?
He looked up, just to see two more hollows rising from wherever they had just come from.
Hopefully they would withdraw as quickly as they showed up.
Rukia managed to get onto her feet to, and he saw her nodding shortly, assuring that she was alright. He shortly closed his eyes, saw the picture of the panther in his mind, finally scratching off the head of the second hollow then nodded slightly.
Only a short moment later, the picture in his head became real and the second hollow dispersed into blood and energy.

The Lieutenant could feel even greater powers awaking near them, but luckily it were those of Captain Byakuya and Captain Kenpachi.
He didn't have time to care for Jushiro, moreover the man could take care himself.
The first Hollow also vanished into nothing as well, but still there were two more hollows left.
The eleventh division took care of one of them, and Captain Byakuya took care of the other one.

Seemed like the didn't have to do anything anymore... but that could easily change if more Hollows decided to show up.
He took his sword and placed himself next to the rest of "his" division, giving Jushiro a short look and seeing the blood dripping down their captain's lips.
He couldn't help but feeling guilty.
He knew before the captain's condition was a bad one, but now it seemed it even decreased. Maybe their own fight had been reason for that.
Jushira landed next to them, and the fire panther joined them as well, still having its aura of flames around, waiting whether there might come another one.

Jushiro stood back and tried to settle himself again. He raised his head to watch the sky and the tear where the Hollows had come from. Obviously it was about to close.
"Alright everybody..." he said breathless and saw his Squad reacting immediatly. He didn t want to withdraw until everything was settled and that meant waiting until the very end.

Zaraki had killed the Hollow without even really feeling intrested at all and he too well could imagine Kuchikis voice: "You are too less a being to even receive my shikai, Hollow. Die."
In every case the monsters had vanished. But how long would they be able to keep up with that rate of spawning?

Ukitake saw the hole in the fabric of the world vanish and then turned around again.
"You lads have been up all night, haven t you?!" The Vice-Captain of the 11th Squad yelled over to them and he could see Kotetsu nodding. "Yes, Sir!"
"So why don't you take a break then... with all respect!"
"We will!" she smiled. "With all respect!"
Jushiro just nodded and tucked his sword into his belt again before coughing again and again.
"My, my... you re a pityful sight..." Shushu said and gently patted his shoulder.
"And you... are... late!" he managed to answer.

"To all Squad Captains...!"

"Ah... I think I am just in time." Shushu smiled and then looked at Nuartan shotly. As usual his expression was gentle and he did not say a word before facing his friend again.
"Withdraw. That is an order. For your own good. Your shinigami need rest as well."
Then he vanished and headed to the place where the Squads had been ordered too.

Rukia raised her head when feeling the eyes of her older brother looking at her. She couldn t read his expression as always. "Nii-sama..." she quietly said, realizing his paleness, but he turned his attention to her new Lieutenant and nodded at him with respect. He then took off following the Security Center's commands.

Rukia had not been able to read his expression, but she knew what was expected of her and so she bowed in front of her new Lieutenant: "My deepest apologies for causing troubles, Lieutenant! Next time I will have learned from my mistakes!"

They succeeded.
The rift was closing again and no more of those creatures slipped through, which was good for them.
With the help of the other two divisions it had been easy to defeat the remaining two hollows although Nuartan knew that still everything could have went drastically wrong.
To be too convinced of ones victory could lead to terrible mistakes and therefore he usually refrained from being too self assured.

He straightened himself and blinked while his panther dispersed into vapours of black fog.
A voice told them all the captains had to attend a meeting and Nuartan was quite sure they would discuss the recent attack of the Hollows, which meant he would soon get to know anyway.
Nevertheless it made him think. There were three divisions without leader right now.
Someone had to tell them too.
Well, if he would find some time, he would tell the third division himself, but probably after Ukitake would have told them, the other divisions would have been told already too.

He slightly shook his head. He could think about that later.
As he wanted to turn around, he realized a girl standing in front of him.
It was Kuchiki Rukia with whom he formerly had teamed.
She bowed and her blue eyes watched him exculpating as she gazed at him.
"I know you will." He said softly. "No need for apologies, Kuchiki-san." He offered her a short smile and then pointed towards the street leading back to their base signifying her that she was dismissed.
After having done so, he also walked the street, reaching the base and there heading for the common room in order to get himself a cup of tea. Or cacao, if he was lucky.

Wah! You start with rifts and ending with walking corridors? When exactly did we go back? *lol*
Sorry... i really liked the post :-) And I am sure Rukia did as well.

It took him more than one or two Flash steps to return to Ugendou. Even more strange, the Division just went its way before he could even say something. Nowwww.... that was not the way it should be. He was still coughing, but he always was, so they should not just leave.
*sigh*
Jushiro then decided to make it for the Common Room himself, entered and ddressed the soldiers with a few words to thank and encourage them.

"You have done very good work." he then quietly said to his new Lieutenant. "I think the Sqaud will easily get used to you."

He then raised his head, watching the sun fighting the way through the clouds again. It was a beautiful day, but he would not be able to enjoy it. He had to take a rest, stay away from the Captain's meetings and moreover not being able to help his fellow Shinigami protecting Soul Society. But when he sensed Shushus quite relaxed and moreover warm reiatsu, he shortly smiled and knew it would be okay.

"You will find everything you need in the cupboard over there. Tea...water...juice...maybe even cacao if Rukia brought some. Just help yourself." The Captain shortly smiled. "I will withdraw now."
He lookd at his men and women once more and then quietly left the room, before heading for his own.

*Murmel* ... better? *Grumble* Maybe we slipped through the rift right into the base? Ever considered that?

Nuartan entered the common room and let his eyes slide through it.
It seemed comfortable to him a nice room with a low table and enough space for them all to find a place to sit.
When he wanted to walk over to a cupboard, Jushiro suddenly was in the room too, speaking to the soldiers and afterwards turning to him. Nuartan bowed a little bit, when the Captain quietly addressed him. "Thank you, sir." He answered and his dark eyes glittered.

The captain shortly explained to him where he could find what he might need and Nuartan even smiled a bit.
Cacao? It really must be a lucky day. Although he still didn't know whether there would be any cacao for him.
"Sounds good. Thank you." He answered and watched the captain. He looked a bit exhausted and tired. Nuartan already assumed, their captain would probably not attend the captains' meeting.
As far as he knew, Jushiro seldom did.
He quietly nodded towards the captain and then saw Jushiro leaving.

Nuartan watched him until he vanished from sight and then walked over to the cupboard to get himself a cup.
"Rukia-san?" He turned around to have a look at the girl. "I was told you might know whether there is some cacao-powder?" He asked her kindly and waited for her answer.

Mh?
Rukia slowly raised her head.
"Yes, Sir, I know! It s over there!" she said and walked over to the cupboard to get the powder she had brought from home... actually she had brought it from the real world and then to home and then here, because she seldom drank cacao on her own.

She handed him over the beautiful ebony-box nd then bowed slightly.
"I hope you will like it, Lieutenant." she said and looked up again.

Their Captain had left and of course Rukia had seen that he seemed to be tired and exhausted. Captain Ukitake often was and back then, when he offered to help Kaien finding out what happened to his wife, she had not been the only one being really surprised about it. Since Kaiens death... he had to lead the Squad himself quite often tough and Rukia knew it was not an easy task for him.

"Heeee... Rukia-san... you are not flirting, are you?" she could hear Ryu say and frowned.
"What?!" she whirled around and knocked his head with her fist. "Big Mouth, dare you!"
She then gave him another icy look and tried to figure out where to sit then.... maybe there?

Her thoughts then returned shortly to her older brother. She had known that he was up again- of course... but she didn t know he had taken over his duties already again and it made her feel uneasy. He knew his abilities and skills well, but still...
Rukia sat down and placed her chin in her hands.
Things had become so strange around her...but for now she was happy to have moved away from the position of being the one around whom the actions circled and took place.

A smile slit over his lips, when he heard the teasing of the squad members.
They were in a good mood and seemed quite hilarious.
They had all reason to. After all they just fought a Hollow.
And there were no losses to mourn about.
So everything went well.

"Thank you, Rukia-san." He said while taking the small ebony box and putting some powder into the cup before he pouring some soja milk into it too.
Then he took a spoon and stirred his cacao.
He put both hands around it and quietly observed the common room.
It was a nice squad and he felt welcome, although the way he "applied" for the post might not have been appropriate.

His thoughts expanded and he remember the glittering in Jushiros eyes.
Had it been sadness? Or disappointment?
The only thing he knew for sure was that he would have to earn Jushiro's faith first.
Which would not be easy after all.
Slowly he seated himself onto the floor and drank his cacao.
He had been surprised seeing Byakuya at the battlefield. Last thing he had heard about him, was that he still was recovering. He had looked pale and weak - weaker than ever before.
Obviously Byakuya didn't care and his aura as always had been a strong and determined one.
Nuartan slightly shook his head, before he put aside his thoughts and concentrated on the others on the room again.

Jushiro put one hand onto the wall and coughed heavily while his thoughts went back to the fight, that had taken place here only half an hour ago.
He didn t doubt his decision and now having seen the man fighting together with the Unit he was convinced, that the Squad and Nuartan would just get along well.
Kaien however had been a friend. A man close to his heart. Jushiro hoped that they would achieve this level of communication and relationship, too. A Captain had to trust his Lieutenant and visa verse. They had to share their thoughts, doubts, opinions. Could Nuartan become the man he always would be able to rely on? And could he be the man Nuartan would always respect? Seeing him like this? Seeing him in a state where he could easily be defeated?

Before his sensei wanted to kill him, he admitted, that his abilities, once released, were without flaws and weaknesses. Yes... two thousand years ago.
Was he dying?
Jushiro didn t know and instead of answering the question, just smiled. The day was beautiful, the sun was shining. Why did he hve thoughts like that?
The Captain coughed again heavily and then took another step towards his room.

Ryu curiously watched the new Lieutenant. "Sir...?" he asked. "You come from 3rd Squad, right? Have you been appointed to the Lieutenant's seat here? Has Captain Ukitake asked for you?"

*blink blink*