Chapter 16: Lelouch's New Pet and Old Friend

(A/N: Hey Lelouch what does the story stats page say about my number of hits? Lelouch: No. Absolutely not. I will not degrade myself to spewing nonsensical internet trends. Eien Tamashi: Oh, be a sport Lelouch. Lelouch: No. Eien Tamashi: Oh yes, very mature. Me: Well this is fixable. Eien Tamashi you wanna do the honors? Eien Tamashi: Ooh! Can I? Me: Be my guest. Eien Tamashi: *grabs a scouter* Me: Eien Tamashi what does the stats page say about my number of hits? Eien Tamashi: IT'S OVER 9000! Lelouch: The both of you give me a headache.)

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Code Geass

Lelouch's pov

It's been several months since Kuchiki Sojun's passing, nine months and twelve days to be precise. How he died reminded me of a similar nature to how Akari-taicho saved my unit. Kuchiki Sojun had engaged an enemy in battle and told his men to flee, told them he would handle it. He was already weakened during the previous fight and his father later found him cast down by his enemy. Details were not released about the cause of death. I smelled cover up and it smelled rank. Still, nothing I could do about it as a 13th seat. I just made a note of it in my journal, as I had several other instances to which I didn't have detailed information on, but just seemed unnatural.

Byakuya hasn't been the same since. He's been very emotionally subdued, laser focused and well…like me almost. His childhood innocence had been shattered with his father's death. Like me, he was now aware of the unforgivable nature of the world. I offered him what moral support I could and what he would accept, but as I continued to observe his change it seemed the only person he would let stay in was Hisana. I stayed connected with the family, Byakuya would solidify eventually, but for the most part I went back to furthering my own goals.

One of those goals was this artificial life form that Kurotsuchi-taicho was working on. Today he had summoned me to his lab, and I could only assume that meant that the product was finished. I had walked in to see 'his' creation several times before. The most interesting thing about the creation was that the life form he was growing was female. He tried to explain the process of how that came to be, but it went right over my head. Kurotsuchi-taicho had an innovative mind vastly superior to that of mine; on that point I am forced to concede. However, he lacks tactical ingenuity and omniscient foresight, two categories that Urahara-san, Aizen and I all have him beat in.

As I entered the lab I announced my presence. "You wanted to see me sir?" I asked. There was a greenish glow to the entire room.

"Ah, Lelouch, you're just in time. I am mere moments away from activating my creation." He said as he turned to look in my direction.

"Should I stand over here or…"

"Stand wherever you like, just stand out of my way." My captain barked. I stood a few meters away from the tank, looking up at the unconscious, naked woman floating in the tank. For someone who looked like a freak of nature, I'm glad Mayuri didn't model 'his' creation in his own image. The woman floating in the tank was rather aesthetically pleasing to look at for me or for anyone: tall and slender with a bust to match. She was positioned with her arms angled down and back so that her hands lay against the back of her waist. Her head was bowed and her legs were crossed over each other at the ankles. She was joined to the top of the tank at the neck by a clamp that, the way the coil extended off behind her made it look like a slave collar.

As I eyed the woman, the tank sirens, alarms and beepers went off as Kurotsuchi-taicho began to activate the life form. Lightning sparked at the top of the tank and the liquid began to drain.

"It is…alive!" Kurotsuchi-taicho gleamed.

Could that be any more cliché? I thought to myself.

He certainly exemplifies the definition of a mad scientist.

Thank you Captain Obvious.

After all the liquid drained out of the tank the glass around the tank folded upon itself upward and the woman was exposed to the air around her. The collar around her neck retracted and she fell forward freely, unconscious. As an instinct I ran forward and caught her. Kurotsuchi-taicho wanted me to teach this creature right and wrong? I could start by teaching this woman that it's human nature to catch someone that's not an enemy who is freefalling from a high height. It's a sign of trust. The creation's busom impacted my arm and I used my other arm against her back as support. Her hair, though drenched, as was the rest of her body, was the color of raven feathers.

Experiments need to be less wet. I said and then felt my legs beginning to give out. And less heavy.

Lelouch's that's rude!

"Excellent work, Lelouch, now sent her down against the apparatus." My captain instructed. I was thankful to do so. I set the new life form down with her back to the apparatus. The way she was positioned reminded me of how a kidnapping or rescue victim would find themselves if they were positioned sitting up. We waited a few moments before the woman stirred, now awake and conscious of her surroundings. "Ah, you awake at last." My captain commented. "Good. Allow me to introduce you to life, my creation. I am Kurotsuchi Mayuri, your father and superior." He then gestured to me. "This gentleman here is my subordinate, Lamperouge Lelouch. He will be teaching you the proper way to live, behave, and act for someone like you whose role it will be to become the Vice-Captain of the Department of Development and research. Surely the knowledge program I installed into your brain allows you to comprehend what that means yes?"

"I…understand." The woman said. I took note of her soft, innocent sounding voice.

"Now then, before we get started you need a name. Have you picked one out for yourself or must I name you?" Kurotsuchi-taicho asked the woman.

"If you are my father then my name is…Kurotsuchi…Nemu." She answered.

"Nemu is it? Hmm, it certainly is short and easy to remember. Very well," Kurotsuchi-taicho looked at me, "She's all yours."

"What? Just like that?" I asked.

"Nemu here is the byproduct of Gigai and Gikongai technology. As such, while her life is her own, she's not a complete human being. I've programmed her with a learning program that allows her to automatically adapt to information she is given. She can speak several languages, and already is programmed with Hakuda, Kido and Shunpo abilities befitting of a Vice-Captain. If she becomes trouble though, you'll have to be strict with her. It'll be like training a pet. Don't be hesitant to discipline her if she steps out of line, that's how she learns." My Captain told me.

Well this will definitely prove to be interesting. "Well I can think of one lesson we can start with straight off the bat."

"Oh?"

"Nemu, please go put some clothes on." I told her. "Uh, she can dress herself right?"

"All human functions at her physical level of development are already pre-programmed, however…"

"I will, but why?"

"Her functions are only limited to obedience and bodily needs, she'll be questionable of anything else simply because her societal understanding is completely blank with some exceptions." Kurotsuchi-taicho explained to me.

"I see," I said. This is going to be a long day. "Nemu, it's important that you wear clothes because it's indecent for one to be nude out in public. And since you're a woman, make sure your top is covered."

"Hai, I understand, Lelouch-sama." Nemu went and dug through a few boxes marked 'clothes' and put on a Soul Reaper uniform. Unlike men, women had two options. They could go with the usual long legged hakama or they could wear a skirt. Nemu chose the latter. She didn't have to decide on a size. In the last quarter of a century we've made strides so that all uniforms are a one size fits all. Once attached to the body the uniform adjusts itself to the size and stature of the person wearing for maximum comfort.

"Right, now if you two could please leave my office and go about your business elsewhere, I need to clean up." Nemu's expression was blank.

"Cleaning up after one's messes is a social norm." I told Nemu. "Now for the rest of the day you will follow me. I will explain things to you."

"Hai, Lelouch-sama." Nemu followed me out of the lab, staying close to me.

I started our excursion by spending some time explaining to key personnel in the division who Nemu was, some thought I had randomly found a girlfriend. Nemu already knew what the definition of the word girlfriend was and, at a time when it was just the two of us, merely asked to confirm that our relationship was "not one of such intimacy". I affirmed her belief.

Over the next year and a half, I devoted the majority of my time to teaching Nemu plenty of things including the normal way to address one's superiors, normal eating etiquette and the social differences between her, our captain, other people, and me. Kurotsuchi-taicho was right when he explained that he had programmed Nemu to be a fast learner. I taught her the proper way to fill out paperwork. I took her on an assignment, where she proved to be very efficient as a hollow slayer.

One thing that was interesting was when I took her on a shopping trip that Nemu proved to have her own self-developed, sense of aesthetics. She made the choice to braid and style her hair, rather than letting it hang down around her shoulders as she had when she was first 'born'. She also bought a pair of white gloves that only covered the backs of her wrists and a red choker that really seemed to accent her appearance.

Hmm, attached a chain to the side of that and she'd make the perfect slave. I thought to myself.

Lelouch! Eien Tamashi was appalled at my implications.

I taught Nemu everything I could think of that any human being could know…to a degree. Kurotsuchi-taicho had said that Central 46 said that they wanted Nemu to be prepped for examination twenty five months after her creation. I bragged to the captain that I would only need twenty to outfit Nemu into a productive member of society, worthy of calling herself a Vice-Captain.

As I continued to work with Nemu into the nineteenth month I learned a few interesting things about her. The first was that she didn't seem to mind, or care, that she was an artificial life form grown out of a tank. The second thing was that she considered us closely enough connected that she said she would feel "awkward" if I started calling her Nemu or Kurotsuchi-fukutaicho when she became a vice-captain. She asked if I would continue to refer to her as just Nemu.

When I told her that she didn't need to keep calling me Lelouch-sama if she didn't want to she responded. "I could not refer to the person who has taught me everything since the day of my creation with such informality. My reference to you is a sign of respect, not unfamiliarity." Kurotsuchi-taicho may have created Nemu from samples of our DNA, his more than mine, but Nemu had her own personality and morality apart from the captain.

When I mentioned to her about how my DNA also ran in her blood if that made me her father as well she responded. "Perhaps biologically, but I could never think of you as such Lelouch-sama. To me you are…something like an older brother I suppose."

After that moment I started caring about her like I used to Nunnally. There was a bond that ran between us that developed in the nineteen months I taught her.

In the twentieth month I began testing Nemu, challenging her. I started asking her questions of morality and philosophy to see how she would respond. She would have to be a responsible, alert, and well-mannered individual if she was going to become a Vice-captain.

Even with all the time we spent together I never let Nemu see the darker side of me, not once. Maybe I eventually would. If Kurotsuchi-taicho kicked the bucket and I wound up taking command of the Research department then maybe I'd let her see how cynical I was in the dark, but for now just turning her into a loyal companion was enough.

I was questioning Nemu in a dark room with a single light beaming down on her. Nemu sat still in a chair while I paced around her asking her questions. If I particularly liked her answer I'd tell her she's a good girl and/or pat her on the head. It's what I always did. If she was good I gave her a positive reinforcement. If she stepped out of line, which she had done in the earlier stages, but only a few times, I either scolded her or I did absolutely nothing. My verbal disapproval or my motionless apathy taught Nemu right from wrong. Of course I didn't let Nemu stay ignorant of the darker side of how people 'taught' others.

"I am…thankful then that you have been so good to me Lelouch-sama." Nemu had told me.

Right now, as I continued to pace the room I thought of what to ask her next.

Why not see where her loyalties lie? Eien Tamashi suggested.

What do you mean? I asked. She's loyal to me. I said.

I can think of one person that she might side with in favor of you: Captain Kurotsuchi.

Hmm, good point. I looked at Nemu as I circled her. Let's see who exactly favor shall we? I thought to myself. "All right Nemu, next question. If the captain and I were locked in a confrontation, who would you side with?"

"Mayuri-sama of course. He is the captain and therefore you would be the one out of line most likely." She responded.

That backfired miserably. I thought to myself.

I think you need to reword your question. Eien Tamashi told me. You've taught Nemu to be obedient of authority. Whatever her relation towards you it wouldn't be enough to stop her from obeying proper procedure.

That's…true. I realized. Hmm. I continued to circle her as I rubbed my chin. There has to be some way I can put my needs and Kurotsuchi-taicho's needs on par in a hypothetical scenario that would force Nemu to make a decision of morality. I need something that would be emotional driven rather than logical driven. But what? I paced around Nemu in three complete laps, before I finally came with a scenario. Perfect. "All right Nemu, next question. Imagine that you, the captain and I are on a mission together."

"Okay."

"Imagine that we are ambushed and the captain and I find ourselves in mortal danger, but you are free to fight or flee."

"Finishing this is unnecessary I would obviously fight to help you both." Nemu replied.

"Ah, but that is not my question. I know you would fight, but let us assume you could only save one of us. Let us assume that, in this hypothetical scenario, whomever you don't save will be killed before you can rescue them. So Nemu, tell me, who would you save?" I asked her.

"What?" Her reaction showed that the very notion of having to decide between the captain and I emotionally terrified her. "I…I…No…there's always a way to save both. If you really try you can…"

"Not this time. Let us add into the equation that time is of the essence and that if you spend time looking for a third option both of us will die." I told Nemu.

"I…" Nemu paused and then said without any flicker of emotion, in a monotone, "I am not programmed to make such decisions of high-profile morality."

"Nemu, that excuse may have cut it sixteen months ago when you were still learning morals, but it's not going to cut it now." I said meticulously. "You need to make a decision."

"I…I can't…I…what would you have me do…you always have instructed me." Nemu was starting to break out into hysterics. The dilemma of having to choose between Kurotsuchi-taicho or me, rather terrified her.

"My opinion would be biased in this situation Nemu, don't you think. I, as well as any other being in this situation, would act in self-preservation, demanding that you pick me over Kurotsuchi-taicho." I told Nemu.

"I…"

"Kurotsuchi-taicho would do the same only in reverse, demanding that you sacrifice me. I can tell it from your reaction that you understand that in this situation you're not obligated to rescue Kurotsuchi-taicho over me. You know that that's the logical thing to do, but your emotional ties to us both prevent you from acting in interest of the squad rather than self-interest. So make a decision," I stopped in front of Nemu, my figured shadowed by the single light hanging from the ceiling, "Who would you save?"

Nemu sat there, quietly. I continued to pace around her when there was a ringing sound that sounded through the room. I had put this session of ours on a timer and it had just gone off. Upon hearing me shut off the timer, Nemu stood up.

"Sit." I told her.

"But you said we would only be here until the timer went off." She responded.

"I know what I said. Sit down." I replied.

"But…"

"Sit!" I commanded. Nemu sat back down. "Good. Now, answer the question. If you do you can go. And don't just answer how you think I want to hear you answer. Answer honestly and truthfully and I will let you leave." Until Nemu was actually made Vice-Captain, she was still just another unseated member of the division. I, as a seated officer, had power over her. Nemu sat still. I decided to push her. "Close your eyes and imagine the situation as it plays out. Think of what we might say or do in this theoretical situation. Think emotionally. Defy logic. Find your answer."

I stood where I was, in front of Nemu, with my right side visible to her, distorted by light and shadow. I watched her, waiting for her answer. I watched her intently, waiting for her answer. Nemu's eyes turned sorrowful, I thought I spotted tears trickling down them. She sucked in her lower lip slightly. She then spoke so quietly I barely heard her when she said: "You." She sniffed and then spoke at normal volume. "Mayuri-sama gave me life…but you've given me so much more. I…it hurts just to have to choose between the two of you, but I…in that situation I could never let you die." Nemu started talking faster. "But that's selfish and unintelligible. Mayuri-sama is the squad captain, but you said it was my decision and that's what I would choose. But that's the wrong answer isn't it? I should not be so selfish should I?"

I walked around behind Nemu and let my arms loosely hang around her, crossed over her. "No Nemu," I spoke into her ear, "There's nothing wrong with being selfish and acting in your self-interest. I'm glad you picked me. Thank you Nemu."

Nemu nuzzled her head into the side of mine. "Thank you Lelouch-sama." She told me.

I let Nemu leave after that and Central Forty Six wound up approving of Nemu as becoming 12th Division's Vice-Captain. As thanks for my assistance Kurotsuchi-taicho made me a 12th seat. He also restricted interaction between Nemu and me as much as he could, but I didn't mind. I knew that Nemu was ultimately loyal to me and for now that was all that mattered.

A few months went by and I found myself having dinner with Rangiku. Nothing romantic or anything to indicate we were dating, I was just grabbing a bite to eat late in the evening. I had introduced Rangiku to Nemu several times. Rangiku found her adorable the two became fast friends. Of course, I was noticing that Rangiku was starting to turn out like an unmotivated version of Milly so I tried to keep tabs on the two of them to prevent Rangiku from teaching Nemu lewd habits. Nemu was still a little literal, even now. I never did manage to master sarcasm and euphemisms with her, not that she needed such things in order to function.

"No Nemu today Lelouch?" Rangiku asked me as we ate. It was the first time I had seen her since Nemu had become Vice-captain.

"Nemu has her Vice-Captain duties and I last I spoke to her she was thinking of joining the Soul Reaper Woman's Association. If you're that interested in seeing her you can see her there. I know you're already a member." I said taking a drink.

"That's a shame. You two looked like such a cute couple always walking together." Rangiku stated.

My drink went down the wrong pipe and I began coughing. I covered my mouth with my sleeve.

"You ok?" I said.

"I'm fine." I said. Honestly why in the world did that bother me?

Rangiku sighed. "You know you should think about getting a girlfriend." She said to me.

"Yes because I love the idea of my wallet constantly being empty and being forced to change my decisions just because someone else has a problem with it." I said sarcastically.

"Oh come on, there are some benefits." Rangiku said.

"This conversation is over." I said bitingly.

"Oh you're no fun." Rangiku complained.

"You say that like I actually care. I'm extremely disinterested in talking about myself. I'd much rather hear if you've heard any interesting news lately." One thing Rangiku was good for was that she was an absolute and complete gossip. She sometimes had stories that weren't posted in the Seireitai Communication. They were only rumors of course, but I a little bit of research could separate fact from fiction. Rangiku didn't mind. She loved talking about what was going on in the Gotei.

"Hmm, well rumor has it we might be getting a new captain soon." Rangiku said.

"Interesting, tell me more." I said, intrigued.

"I don't really know many details, but Isshin-fukutaicho heard about it from Lusca-taicho who heard it at the Captain's meeting." Rangiku put her thinking face on. "I think he said the Head Captain received notification of the Soul Reaper a couple years ago and that they just needed to master their Bankai."

"Did you hear what division this person is from?" I asked.

Rangiku shook her head. "No idea. The Head Captain didn't even clarify if we'd be getting a guy or a girl." She started swooning like a maiden. "I hope it's a guy, someone chivalrous and charming with good looks."

"You want that why not go after Aizen-taicho." I mocked. Aizen had set up his reputation to make himself out to be one of the most envied bachelors in all of Soul Society. The man had looks, charisma, and he was a captain.

"Aizen's not my type really." Ranigku admitted. "If what reports say about former Captain Muguruma Kensei of the Ninth Division were true he would be my type."

"Is that so?" I said and took another sip of my water.

"You would be my type too if you were a little less stuffy and actually made use of your charms." Rangiku told me. I choked on my water again. "Are you coming down with something? That's the second time now."

I'm so glad she's so oblivious to these kinds of things. "No, I'm fine." I said. "The water went down the wrong pipe."

"Well if you're sure, but as I was saying you should try to exhibit yourself more often. You have quite the fan club at the SRWA." Rangiku told me. SRWA was her acronym for Soul Reaper Women's Association.

"I'm not surprised." I told her. "When I was alive I had practically all of the female students in my high school chasing after me."

"Oooh, envied bachelor."

Why did I just encourage her?

"So who did you get as your lucky girl? You did get something right? All those girls, you're a teenager. Come on."

I turned my head away from Rangiku and just let out a low growl.

She burst out laughing. "Oh my gosh you're a virgin!" Eien Tamashi started laughing with her.

Why are you laughing? You know that already! I told her.

I...don't…care! She said, having trouble breathing she was laughing so hard.

Testy, I got up from the table and tossed my napkin down onto my chair. "Oh come on Lelouch, lighten up. There's absolutely nothing wrong with having died a virgin. I mean surely you've had one or two lucky women since you've been here haven't you?"

"This conversation is over Rangiku." I said and started to leave. Rangiku grabbed my hand with both of hers.

I turned to look at her. Is it just me or is she showing a little more cleavage than usual?

"So, you've never been alone with a girl? Ever?" Rangiku asked.

I turned away from her. "I have," I said seriously, "Just not in the context you're thinking of." Why does she have to have such a firm grip?

She doesn't have that great a grip. You just have poor physical strength.

The peanut gallery can be quiet. I chastised. Eien Tamashi snickered.

Rangiku closed the distance between us, pressing her breasts into my arm. H-huh?

"You know the first time for men is always their most nervous. We women know these things." Rangiku put her head on my shoulder and nuzzled it into the side of my neck. Her hair was so soft. She rubbed her index finger under my chin. "I could be your first if you'd like." She said seductively.

"I…uh…" You fool! Say something! I scolded myself.

"Matsumoto-senpai!" A voice called up to her as a short, young girl with vibrant, short, purple hair came running up to us.

"Natsumi whatever you have to tell me can it wait? I'm with a friend of mine." Rangiku told this girl she referred to as Natsumi.

"I know and that's why I wish it could, Aloman-senpai said she needs your report from our group mission on her desk ASAP. She's starting to get irritable."

Rangiku groaned. "Can't she be a little patient with me?"

"Senpai you've been putting this off for three weeks." Natsumi told her.

Rangiku sighed. "I'll get it done, just let me say goodbye to Lelouch."

"Ah, ok." Natsumi ran off.

"Who was that?" I asked.

"Taka Natsumi," Rangiku responded, "She's an eleventh seat and also my direct subordinate."

"Well at least she's keeping you from losing your job." I told Rangiku.

She sighed. "And don't you think I know it." She sighed again. "I suppose our little rendezvous will have to be postponed for another time."

"Right…rain check." I said, although I wasn't so sure if I meant it.

"I'll see you later. Stupid report." Rangiku complained.

I went back to my division and went back to my room to go to bed. I settled down and fell asleep.

Lelouch's dream

I've had nightmares before, but not like this. This time I found myself in a place where I was surrounded by gray sand that stretched on for miles and miles and a crescent moon was high over my head. However, I was not myself. I was a hollow. I was very thin and I looked like a thin, stereotypical goblin, but with wings. Things went black for a scant few moments before I found myself in a forest with really tall trees and other hollows all around me.

The next thing I knew I was attacked by a much more powerful hollow. It was ravenous, with drool hanging from its mouth. It ate me, but my mind was vastly superior to its own and I became the dominant mind in control of the rest of the body. However, my impulses were not my own. I became voraciously hungry and I began to eat other hollows without end. A voice in my head was shouting at me to stop it. I knew better than to devour the weak. What I was doing went against everything I stood for.

Eventually I found myself passing by a reflective surface. When I looked at reflection my skin was ashen black. My hollow hole was in the center of my chest and I had a humanoid build. I was also incredibly hulking in stature. My hands were so large, and clawed, that I could simply reach out and pin down my prey before devouring it whole. However, what struck me the most was my mask. It was shaped exactly like my Zero helmet, only the visor was hollowed out and as I looked at my reflection, into the hollowed out visor, two dark violet eyes stared back at me.

"Gah!" I woke up with a jolt, bolting upright. What the hell…was that about? I grumbled. Broodingly, I got up out of bed and put on my prized Kido vest and lab jacket.

As I entered the lab Akon turned his head towards me. "Oh, Lelouch-senpai, what are you doing here?" he asked me.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"Oh, I guess you might've forgotten. You asked me a couple years ago to remind you that you wanted to be at first division today." He said to me.

Wait…what? I rushed to my calendar. Marked on today's date, written in red and circled, were the words 'go to 1st division for Yuna. Don't forget.'

In three years on this date go to the squad one barracks. Do not forget.

Has it really been that long already? I asked myself, unsure.

Need a second opinion? Eien Tamashi asked.

Yes I do. Do I want your opinion? No.

Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed. My Zanpakuto chimed.

I had a really bad dream, not like my reoccurring nightmare, so I'm not in the best of moods. Pardon me if I'm short with you. I said, getting snappy.

Oh well, excuse me your highness. Eien Tamashi pretended like she cared I was in a bad mood. I ignored her and just went to the squad one barracks. I brought my planner with me.

Wait a minute. I looked at today's date. Today's a regularly scheduled captain's meeting.

What's odd about that? Eien Tamashi asked.

Could it be…? I wasted no time getting to first division. I used Shunpo to cut down on time. I was exhausted by the time I arrived, but I didn't care. I stood outside the captain's meeting hall where the Vice-captains were: 1st Division Vice-Captain Sasakibe Chojiro, 2nd Division Vice-Captain Otamachi Kendra, 3rd Division Vice-Captain Iba Chikane, 4th Division Vice-Captain Yamada Seinosuke, 5th Division Vice-Captain Ichimaru Gin, 7th Division Vice-Captain Kotsubaki Jin'emon, 10th Division Vice-Captain Kurosaki Isshin, 12th Division Vice-Captain Kurotsuchi Nemu and 13th Division Vice-Captain Shiba Kaien. The 6th, 8th and 9th Divisions were still having trouble finding suitable members to replace their lost Vice-Captains.

"Oh! Lelouch!" Isshin-fukutaicho called out to me. "What are you doing out here?"

Nemu turned her head sharply. She obviously was confused by my presence as well. Anyone would.

"I…" You know I really should've come up with some excuse.

"Perhaps he heard the rumors about your division's new Captain and came to check up on them himself. He was part of your squad after all at one point Isshin." Shiba-fukutaicho suggested.

"Wait, Tenth Division is getting a new captain?" I asked.

"We sure are." Isshin beamed. "I got the information just last month."

Wait…then…then my suspicions are right. "Isshin-fukutaicho. I think I might know who your new captain is going to be." I said.

"Oh, has the great Soul Reaper detective used his super deduction powers to make a proper hypothesis?" Isshin-fukutaicho chuckled.

"As a matter of fact I have." I grinned.

"Well don't keep us all in suspense Lelouch," Gin responded, overhearing the conversation, "If you've got an idea let us all hear it."

"I'd rather not." I said sociably. "What if I'm wrong? Think something foolish and you know you're foolish. Say something foolish and everyone knows you're a fool."

"Well the meeting should be over any minute now anyway." Otamachi-fukutaicho stated. "We should know soon enough."

I stood around near Nemu and Isshin-fukutaicho waiting for the meeting hall to open. We were standing around, silently, for a solid five minutes before the doors to the hall opened. One by one the captains exited. Lusca-taicho left first followed by Unohana-taicho. It seemed the 3rd Division still was having trouble finding a suitable captain since Otoribashi Rojuro. Aizen exited next and Kuchiki-taicho followed suit. I saw Komamura-taicho for the first time since I had heard about him. He was a rather large man and he wore a basket over his head of some kind. I had heard from Rangiku that the captain of squad seven was self-conscious. I didn't know that this was what it meant. Kyoraku-taicho and Ukitake-taicho exited together and Tosen-taicho followed after them. My captain exited next followed by Kiganjo-taicho. When my captain saw me and asked what I was doing here I told him I wanted to properly greet tenth division's new captain and would be back to the division momentarily. He didn't seem to care much so long as I was coming back, but Nemu went with him so I was left standing there with just Isshin-fukutaicho

"What's taking my captain so long?" he bemoaned.

I shrugged. "Maybe she has to talk with the Head Captain about something."

"How do you know it's a girl?" Isshin-fukutaicho asked me.

"Oh just a hunch." I said nonchalantly.

No more than half a minute after I had said that did a presence step out of the meeting hall. It was a woman as I predicted. She had long green hair like pine needles and an average sized bust. And, although I couldn't see them from this distance, I knew she had red eyes. I smiled. Welcome back. I thought to myself. The woman was physically older than the last time I saw her. She looked two years younger than me when she left and she also looked about my age when we last saw each other. Now she was a full grown woman. If I had to guess I'd say she looked about 25.

"Oh my god!" Isshin-fukutaicho seemed to recognize who it was.

The woman walked down the stairs to greet us both. She smiled at me. "I see you got my letter."

"Yuna," I smiled, "Welcome back."

Isshin dropped to one knee and was holding up a level of professionalism I didn't know he was capable of. "It is an honor serving under you again Homura-taicho." He told her.

Yuna nodded. "Yes…it feels good to be back. Isshin, please go and make sure my quarters are in tip top shape. I'd like to talk to Lelouch one-on-one for a little while."

"Hai, taicho." He disappeared using Shunpo.

"It's good to see you again Lelouch." Yuna smiled at me.

"Yes. I'm very happy to see you again Yuna." I told her. My face grew serious. "But what about Hoshima? Are you ok with giving up?"

Yuna became serious herself. "I haven't given up. Not entirely…but…I had to come back. I was just searching for Hoshima fruitlessly. I realized…that I cannot do this alone."

"I see," I smirked, "You're going to use your position as a captain to gather information and try and locate him."

"Yes." Yuna nodded. "And when I find him I will kill him. Hoshima is a criminal wanted by the Gotei to be brought in dead or alive, but he won't draw another breath once I get a hold of him."

"I think you've made a wise decision Yuna." I told her.

She blushed slightly and then turned her head away and brought her sleeve up to her cheek. "I…I should be going to my division. I will…see you later…I suppose."

"If you need me I'm just a couple kilometers away. I'm the Twelfth Seat of the Twelfth Division." I told her.

Yuna looked back at me and smiled. "I…think I will…come see you soon then."

"Yeah." I nodded.

Yuna and I said our goodbyes and parted ways with each other. I returned to my division only to find a larger stack of paperwork than the amount of pizza C.C would charge on my credit card in a single week. I sat down at my desk and got to work.

Things were pretty normal for about two week.s Well…what I considered normal. I would get up, do work, eat, and run an experiment before going to bed. Not necessarily in that order though. After that two week period, while I was sitting in a private lab, doing some database work, I had a visitor.

"Lelouch." I turned around in my chair to see Yuna coming into the room.

"Found some free time to yourself?" I asked her.

"I have. I…I have a proposition for you." She said.

"Go ahead." I said.

Yuna extended her arm out to me. ""Lelouch, come back with me to tenth division. It'll be just like old times. I…I know you've become content researching and improving the Soul Society, but I…I just want you at my side. It'll…it'll make things feel like I'm really back." Yuna offered me.

"I…I can't." I turned around sharply. "I'm sorry."

"I…why not?" Yuna was distraught, but it was understandable. I couldn't go back with her though. I couldn't go back to tenth division. I was making great strides here in the 12th Division. I had been here so long.

"I've spoken with your friend…Rangiku I believe is her name. She said you always seem troubled when she speaks to you." Yuna said.

Since when is Rangiku so perceptive?

"If you come with me, whatever it is you seem to be troubled by, I will help you. I'll promote you to a higher rank if you join. Just come with me." I turned back to face Yuna, slowly. She continued to speak in a soft, calm voice with her arm still outstretched towards me. "I don't know what sort of business you've wrapped yourself into, but you don't have to share those burdens alone." Yuna's eyes turned sorrowful, like she would cry if I turned her away. "Come with me Lelouch. Come…home."

'Home'. It was a simple word, but one that held a lot of weight within it. I looked at Yuna and the soft, gentle expression she was giving me. It was true. Tenth division was where I started and I had been awaiting Yuna's return for a very long time, but I just felt like I was doing so much more for the Soul Society by working in the Department of Research and Development.

What happened to becoming a captain and stopping Aizen? Eien Tamashi asked me. Yuna is an old friend and she would never betray you. You can see it in her face. You would have to screw the pooch rather horrendously for her to turn her back on you. Are you really going to spend the rest of your days in a laboratory?

No. You're right. Eien Tamashi always was able to show me the correct path. I had become too complacent in the research bureau. I was following Aizen it was true, but I had forgotten my other important objective. I got up and walked towards Yuna and put my hand in hers. "I'll go back with you Yuna."

"Thank you Lelouch. This means a lot to me." Yuna smiled.

And just like that I was transferred to the 10th Division and made a 10th seat, on par with Rangiku. Things were fine for a while, but little did I know that by joining back with Yuna that my entire afterlife was about to be ruthlessly shaken up.

To be continued…

(A/N: Ooh cryptic. Just what is Lelouch about to get himself into? Who really cares about that for the moment? The important thing is that Yuna's back yay! And to add to the celebration I'd like to thank Rock2161 for putting Soul Chess on the fanfic recs page on the Code Geass tvtropes page. I feel extremely honored and giddy over that. Thanks a bunch my friend ^_^. Anyway that's all I got for now. I now have to post this on my deviantart account like I always do after posting it here. Later everyone)