The air was heavy with the residue of spiritual pressure when Shunsui awoke early that morning. Barely wasting time on properly pulling his captain's jacket over his sleeping apparel, he flash-stepped to the thirteenth squad, which was where he sensed the disturbance. His approach was halted by the two fourth sears, Kiyone and Sentaro, tears staining both faces though the man attempted to hide them.

"Le me see Jushiro." He demanded, features strained as he imagined the worst though he tried so very hard not to. Why else would the chipper comrades look like that?

"Kiyone, Sentaro, let him by."

The familiar, commanding voice had him breathing a sigh of relief as the two sheathed their swords, moving to the side. Walking forward a few feet, he came to the small dip in the forest and saw that he had been the only one missing. Jushiro, Retsu, and Yamamoto were in a wide half circle around a body, Unohana kneeling beside a small, shaking figure.

Shunsui stared down, shock obvious before he placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "There are three captains present besides that of the squad. Let's make a formal report before anyone can accuse the poor girl of anything."

Nanao was sitting under one of the eighth squad's trees, her ever present book on her lap as well as the constant paperwork. A small smile of satisfaction held her features, and Shunsui felt terrible to be the bearer of bad news when she had just started to allow such features to appear again. It would be better if she heard it from him instead of from rumors in the end.

He walked over, wincing at the glare she delivered to him for bothering her. He meant to say he was sorry, "Nanao, he's dead, Jushiro this morning-"

He was cut off by her gasp, her hand flying to her mouth to his confusion. She couldn't know yet, could she? "Shunsui, I, I'm so sorry." She whispered, her eyes filling with tears.

She was sorry for him? That wasn't-oh god he had messed up. Rubbing a hand on his face he sat beside her. "No, Jushiro's not dead. It-"

Nanao slapped him, hard. "How dare you suggest that then!" She hissed, fire burning through the tears. "What kind of sick idea is that!"

"Jushiro, me, Retsu, and Yama-jii filed a report on Kaien and Miyako Shiba's death. They died, early this morning. The child, is staying at Jushiro's until a home is found for her."

His tone was dead, finally acting on what she prized so greatly, emotional control. He had liked the Shibas, but she had been closer. Of course, the tears started to fall again, and as a good friend he held her as she cried onto his shoulder. Slowly she remembered they were in a public setting, regaining her composure was a much, no matter how much encouragement her captain was giving her to let her emotions free.

She pulled back, eyes red and glasses askew. "What happened?" Her voice was choked, but she pushed on. "They weren't on a mission, were they? No, I saw her yesterday with Amaya."

"A Hollow hid itself within a Soul Reaper, devouring his soul before moving to Miyako. It made her kill many others until Kaien was able to free her, but in that process, he killed the body it inhabited." His voice was solemn, an old pain of having to remove someone important there. "The Hollow then gained control after Kaien and attacked the Kuchiki in squad thirteen. She killed him when the Hollow hurled the body at her. It was neutralized."

Nanao stared in shock, face pale. "I, that poor girl." Resolve appeared in her eyes with a strong passion. "I'll take care of the baby. I will hear no arguments. I can be all the emotional and watchful guardian she needs."

"Nanao." He raised a hand. "I believe you. I support you."

She sighed, finding herself leaning against him. "The funeral, when?"

"Six days. Kukaku and Ganju Shiba must be informed. Rukia requested she be the one to inform them."

Nodding, she took a deep breath. "I must finish up my work sir."

Shunsui made a sound of agreement, but he didn't leave her side.

So, so, so, so, so sorry about the long wait. I had absolutely no drive to write this chapter. The subject, put me off, I had no idea how to start and I just procrastinated. Then whoo! Suddenly I had an idea in scienve! Yes, back in school. But I hope this was okay. Please review.

~Willow