Chapter 32: Lelouch and the Trouble with Hormones

(A/N: This may be my last chapter before I go on vacation, but we'll see. I know a lot of you have been commenting about how Lelouch's Bankai will "give him away". Let me explain something. Tosen is blind so he can't see that Lelouch looks like Zero, and he doesn't even know what Zero looks like anyway. Number two, Lelouch can still become a captain without revealing his Bankai. The 2nd way for Soul Reapers to achieve captaincy is for the person to be recommended by six captains and approved by three of the remaining six [Tosen says seven in the series, but if there were 13 captains, where's the new one supposed to go?]. Number three there are subtle differences between Lelouch's new Zero outfit and his Bankai uniform. The Zero outfit in Soul Chess is not identical to Lelouch's Zero outfit in Code Geass. The helmet is the same, but the clothing itself is a slimmed down shihakusho and Lelouch is wearing sandals tabi, not boots. Also his cape is dark green as was how Urahara originally built reiatsu protective capes and it doesn't have the overly ridiculous collar that the original had. That was the best Lelouch could do when he originally made the costume all those years ago. He's been able to upgrade for his team, since then. His Bankai outfit has the geass emblem glowing in five places and the clothing is IDENTICAL to Lelouch's original Zero outfit. Also the helmet doesn't have a visor and just has a cut out of the geass symbol across the mask allowing Lelouch to see, but his nose and mouth are covered by the helmet. Right…sorry for the long author's notes…just wanted to point that out. Here's the chapter.)

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Code Geass

3rd Person pov

Lelouch stood firmly with his feet on the ground prepared to face off against Hollow Nnoitora.

"Nice uniform. Do they have men's clothes where you got that?" Nnoitora taunted.

Lelouch was unbothered by his opponent's comment. "I'd watch my mouth if I were you." Lelouch stretched out his hand. "You just might lose it." He snapped his fingers. There were several loud snapping noises as the suspension wires from the bridge were broken off on one end. Lelouch moved his hand lightly to the side and suddenly the suspension wires wrapped around Nnoitora tightly in place. He struggled, but he could not break free. "Those wires are made of reinforced steel of which human muscle and jaws cannot break. Your pincers will do you no good now."

"You think this will hold me? Do you plan to capture me?" Nnoitora grunted as he struggled.

"I simply like to play with my food before I devour it." Lelouch chuckled and rose up his hand like he was pulling up puppet strings, raising an industrial sized steel pipe behind him. He then began using it to beat Nnoitora with it, laughing like a mad man all the while. He was thoroughly enjoying himself as he tortured the Adjuchas before him. "Who is the inferior and weaker individual now so-called strongest Adjuchas in all of Hueco Mundo?"

Although Tosen could see what was happening he could hear the bludgeoning and grunts of Nnoitora as Lelouch whacked him over and over again. For a man who prides himself in justice he has quite the sadistic side to him. But then, don't we all? It is in the nature of humans and the like to have a very dark side to them, but many of us simply choose not to embrace it.

Lelouch began to grow bored with simply beating Nnoitora in the head with the large pipe and gently placed said pipe back where he first picked it up. "Well, I believe I've had my fun. It's time I ended this."

Nnoitora just gagged and wheezed. Lelouch had beaten the hollow halfway to pulp. Thanks to the reinforced suspension wires, Nnoitora's legs, pincers, thorax, abdomen and neck were tightly bound. He was now also so beaten and bruised he did not have the strength to move. "Damn you, Soul Reaper!" Nnoitora's spiritual pressure began leaking out as he became desperate.

"You won't be breaking free. It's time for you to die." Lelouch pointed his hand up at an angle with his thumb and index finger locked together, but the rest of his fingers spread apart. Dense black fog began emitting from his fingertips. The fog multiplied as it drew near Nnoitora and began blanketing him in a fog so thick that he vanished inside it. Nnoitora began coughing, gagging and eventually screaming as his flesh began to sear off. Lelouch turned his wrist so that his palm faced towards the sky and then clenched his hand to a fist. "Shi Kumo." (Death Cloud). Lelouch completely annihilated Nnoitora as the fog ripped apart the hollow's flesh until all that was left was a mere mask, which eventually dissolved all on its own. Lelouch disengaged his Bankai and then began to stagger about. He sighed. Not again. He eventually lost his balance and fell over. He lost consciousness before he hit the ground, but did not hit it. Tosen stopped Lelouch from face-planting into the pavement.

Tosen spoke to the vice-captain despite the fact that he couldn't hear him. "I should get you back to the Soul Society. Those wounds of yours need treatment and the first release of Bankai is always very draining. Fear not though, I will not reveal your Bankai's name. Such a thing would most likely reveal your identity. You are a very prominent individual Lamperouge Lelouch. You have my respect, and my trust." Tosen had not heard Lelouch's declaration of his actual name, he had been fighting Nnoitora's friend, Tesla, at the time. Tosen drew out his Zanpakuto and opened a Senkaimon. "Aizen-taicho will wonder why I did not finish you off." Tosen thought for a moment. "Hmm, I suppose he wouldn't want to lose a potential rival. After all, you've started Bankai." Tosen carried the exhausted Lelouch under his arm and went back to the Soul Society.

4th Division

One month later

Lelouch awoke groggily to find Susanna, Hisana, Byakuya, Rangiku, Rukia, Kaien, Kukaku, Momo, Isshin and, Ryou, Isane and Nemu all waiting around for him.

"Ah, he's waking up." Susanna cried out.

Lelouch clutched his head. "Ugh." He grunted.

"Ah, Lamperouge-san, how are you feeling?" Isane asked him.

"Like I want to die again." Lelouch groaned. He was exaggerating of course, but he really felt like crap.

"Tosen-taicho reported that your energy spiked to equate Bankai level." Byakuya stated. "Kurosaki-taicho, Hisana and I know what it's like to first obtain Bankai."

"Yeah, not fun." Hisana remembered.

That's right, I earned Bankai…wait!

"Zero no Seishin no Eien Tamashi."

Lelouch began pale at remembering his Bankai's name. His cover could be blown.

"Tosen-taicho didn't report your Bankai's name or appearance, not that he could've noticed the latter." Isshin stated.

Lelouch breathed easy, but made it so that it was unnoticeable.

"Still, Bankai. That's mighty impressive Lelouch." Isshin grinned.

"Indeed. It's certainly a rare gift to be able to achieve Bankai." Byakuya stated.

"All right let's give the guy some breathing room here." Kukaku clapped.

"How's my condition Kotetsu-san?" Lelouch asked Isane.

"Ah, normally you'd just have to wait for your wounds to fully heal, which would only take another week since you've been resting for a month, but because you've taken the first step towards Bankai you need to let the excess energy flow out from your body." Isane stated.

"And how does that work?" Lelouch asked.

"Ah," Isane flipped through a series of notes her captain had given her. "According to taicho's notes we have to watch your condition for five months to a year for unexpected developments. So you have to stay on the grounds so we can watch you."

"That's fine," Lelouch looked at Isshin. "You can just send Rangiku with my paperwork."

Isshin laughed and then gave Lelouch a then ruffled Lelouch's hair. "You are such a workaholic. I'll take care of it, don't worry. You just get some rest."

"Well thanks then, I appreciate it." Lelouch smiled back at his captain.

"Right, let's let Lelouch have his rest." Isshin said and everyone began shuffling out the door, save Isane who was once again stuck with nurse duty for Lelouch.

"So I can walk around the division right?" Lelouch asked her.

"Ah, of course. But until your wounds heal I have to watch over you." Isane told him.

"Good, anywhere we can go where no one can hear us." Isane turned red and Lelouch's statement. "I want to discuss something private."

Isane relaxed, but her cheeks were still blushing. "A-ah, y-yes. F-follow me." Isane led Lelouch to a private location in the division medical wing. "This is about the phantoms isn't it?" she asked.

"With my taicho taking care of my work load it'll be easier for me to operate, but Nemu still has to be my substitute. Speaking of which, how have things been this past month?" Lelouch asked.

"Ah, Isshin-taicho and Kuchiki-fukutaicho have been really good at planning stuff together. We finally have the support from the lower 20 Rukongais from all regions." Isane said proudly. Lelouch knew there were a couple of straggling sectors. He was glad that the team had managed to close up the spaces.

"That's good." He said, leaning against the wall. "Still, once my wounds have healed is there any chance you could sneak me out of here?"

"Well I could…but…"

"Unohana-taicho?"

Isane merely nodded.

"Well, hopefully you guys won't need me for the next five months to a year or so. I can look forward to you watching over me though can't I?" Lelouch said with a playful smile. Isane had been a very good nurse to him the last time he was in the medical wing.

"Ah, of course." Isane bowed. "I've been assigned to look after you."

"Right, I think that covers the private stuff." Lelouch had Isane escort him back to his room where he got into bed.

"Do you need anything?" Isane asked him.

"I'm good for the moment. I could just use some time to think actually." Lelouch stated.

"Okay, I'll go check on my other patients. Don't hesitate to call me if you need me." Isane told Lelouch and left.

Two weeks later

Lelouch was now able to freely walk around the division. He had to wear a special band on his wrist, over his uniform, to indicate he was under watchful eye of the division. Such bands were used to indicate three things: mental defection, non-contagious diseases, and unstable reiatsu. Each type of band was color coordinated white, green, and blue respectively.

As Lelouch sat around the garden, admiring nature, Momo saw him sitting all by his lonesome self. "Sensei!" she waved to him. Lelouch waved back and Momo ran over to him and sat down next to him.

"How are you Momo?" he asked her.

"I'm good, are you recovering well?" Momo asked.

"Well my wounds have healed, but I'm still stuck here for the next half a year or so, you know that." Lelouch said.

Momo nodded.

"Did you want to talk about something?" Lelouch asked her.

"Yes, um actually…I have this friend, Shiro-chan." Momo began.

"Ah, yes you've told me about him. He starts the Shino Academy next week doesn't he?" Lelouch asked.

"Ah, you knew about that?" Momo asked.

"Rangiku was here last week telling me about it." Lelouch stated.

"Ah yes, well, Shiro-chan likes me, but not me…the other me. Um…do you know what I mean?" Momo was trying to make sure Lelouch got what she was saying, but didn't want to be direct.

Lelouch understood though. Ah, to be friends with each other on a daily basis, but for one part to be deeply attached to the other's alter ego. Lelouch chuckled to himself. He was suddenly reminded of his relationships with Shirley and Kallen. Granted Kallen had originally hated Lelouch, but was dedicated to him as Zero and Shirley developed a deep hatred for Zero when one of Lelouch's plans wound up killing her dad in a landslide during the Battle at Narita, but Lelouch could knew a vague similarity when he saw it. "Well, there's not much you should do." Lelouch told Momo as he looked up towards the sky. "You have to keep your identity hidden at all costs."

"I know, but Shiro-chan also said he wants to help. Do you think he could become part of…us?" she asked not knowing how else to word it.

"Well we'll have to wait and see if he's qualified." Lelouch replied. According to Rangiku, Hitsugaya Toshiro showed uncontrollable reiatsu that manifested into a particular element. There's no way he's not becoming a Soul Reaper, he has too much reiatsu not to be qualified. Still, he needs to climb in rank and get somewhere before I can accept him.

"Ah, all right." Momo nodded in acceptance. She then stood up. "Anyway, I have to get going. I have medical forms to deliver to Unohana-taicho." She ran off. "Bye sensei!"

Two weeks later

Lelouch was lying in bed reading a book that Hisana had brought him last week from the extensive collection that the Kuchiki family owned. Lelouch was thoroughly enjoying it.

"Knock, knock." Lelouch recognized the voice of the person knocking on the inside wall of his room. He put the bookmark in his book, closed it and turned to see Susanna. "Oh, Susanna, how are you?" he asked.

"I'm good." She said. "Mind if I come in?"

"No, please, have a seat." Lelouch welcomed.

"Thank you." Susanna pulled up a stool next to Lelouch's bedside. "So, Bankai huh?"

Lelouch nodded.

Susanna tilted her head to look at the ceiling. "I've always dreamed of learning Bankai, but I haven't gotten my Zanpakuto to materialize. Raimei Nodo always tells me that some Soul Reapers aren't meant to have Bankai." (Raimei Nodo = Thunder Node)

"Well that's certainly true." Lelouch responded. "Only five percent of all Soul Reapers ever obtain Bankai. Maybe you're just not one of that five percent."

Susanna sighed. "I suppose. By the way, Lelouch-dono, I wanted to know…is there…something between us?"

My, someone's direct. Eien Tamashi commented

Lelouch didn't know what to say. Susanna had gone and put him on the spot. Was there something between them? Well he certainly felt she was a better friend than most of those around him. Did he like her the same way he eventually realized his feelings for Yuna? Of that he was not sure.

Lelouch's lack of an immediate answer prompted to Susanna to speak. She looked down at her hands, playing with her fingers. "I…I suppose it's selfish to want to know, but…it's just…I really like you Lelouch-dono." She looked at him and smiled. "I admire you so much…I just can't put it in words as to the level of admiration." Susanna turned away from Lelouch and put her fingers to her lower lips. "I still remember when you kissed me. I…I am not sure…how I was supposed to feel about that. I…don't get my hopes up about anything, even that kiss. I've told myself 'don't fool yourself, there's no way I'm the one he'd pick'. I…it confuses me, but," Susanna turned to look at Lelouch, "it also warms my heart. I know that you care about me…or am I misreading that too?"

Lelouch found the proper words to respond to Susanna. He reached out and put a hand on hers. "I do care about you." He told her. "You and everyone else in the group are like a family and a nakama to me at the same time, a family that doesn't shun me for who I am. I'm thankful for your feelings, but…I'm still unsure how I exactly feel about you, but…" Lelouch tugged lightly on Susanna's arm, which she responded to by sliding off the stool and soon found Lelouch's lips against hers. She was in ecstasy to feel such a sensation that she had only felt once before a little more than 30 years ago.

When Lelouch let her go he told her. "If you want to devote yourself to me, I won't turn you away." I show I care, I keep myself open, and tell her she can continue to throw herself at me. Everyone wins. Lelouch thought to himself.

Susanna wrapped her arms around Lelouch's neck and smiled. "Thank you, that's enough for me…for now." She let go of Lelouch and then headed out the door. When she was gone, Lelouch returned to his book.

Two weeks later

Lelouch had since finished the book Hisana had given him and returned it. He was currently at a regularly scheduled Vice-Captain's meeting that was just ending. Unohana said that as long as Isane escorted him there and brought him back to the barracks that she would permit Lelouch's attendance.

The Vice-Captains that hadn't seen Lelouch in a while—Sasakibe Chojiro, Otamachi Kendra, Iba Tetsuzaemon, Ise Nanao, and Kusajishi Yachiru—all congratulated Lelouch on his achievement of Bankai. Vice-Captain meetings were different from captain meetings. All the important stuff was discussed at captain meetings so unless there was some big Seireitei wide issue all anyone did was discuss the news and stuff.

Zero came up quite a few times.

Sasakibe had the same view as his captain about Zero's methods being questioned and wishing Zero would change his mind about negotiations.

"I think it's good." Kendra had said. "They're like the STRU only more efficient. That's what we need in this system: less rules and more people who can think and act properly."

"I'm not sure about their methods either," Isane had said, "but I like what they're doing. They're a benefit to the Gotei. The people in Rukongai are much happier with the Fantomu no Jasutisu around."

"Zero and his gang are a necessary evil. They are operating outside Gotei law it's true, but without them the Rukongai would slip further and further into decay. In the years he's been around, Zero had revolutionized the Rukongai. And look at all of the corruption that's been exposed. Several slave markets, tax oppressions and monopolies of necessary goods have all been destroyed thanks to Zero's efforts. Name one bad thing Zero did that didn't produce a good consequence." Hisana preached.

"Zero's got a lot of guts and he's growing bolder. Has anyone besides me noticed that he's encircling the Seireitei? Before we know it he'll be looking for corruption within the markets." Iba said on a swig of Sake.

"Zero is nothing, but an outlaw and a murderer." Nanao was completely unsupportive of Zero. "Yes he's done so many good things, but at what cost? Does he even think about the long term consequences? The Soul Society will become over populated if the Rukongai folk aren't dying off. And most of the time the authorities find the noble house heads babbling like idiots as if they've been tortured. Zero is just a madman."

"He's doing what everyone should be doing in the Soul Society, but no one has the courage to do so. We Soul Reapers are the law and the light. But what do you do when there is evil you cannot defeat from inside the law?" Lelouch had asked. "Do you break the law to combat others that break the law or do you remain adhesive to the law even if it means allowing those who abuse the law to get away with their misdeeds. In Zero's case he is operating on the boundary of the law to aide those within it and to destroy those outside it."

"Zero is cool!" Yachiru was a humongous fan of Zero and his team. Propaganda and merchandise had been created by supporters of the organization and Yachiru had a lot of posters and was currently collecting Fantomu no Jasutisu figurines.

Lelouch marveled at the marketing campaign that had sprouted over his organization. He was absolutely flattered. He was also chuckling to himself about how the Gotei and the Central Forty Six couldn't do anything to stop it. Rukongai and its workings were outside their jurisdiction except to apprehend criminals and kill hollows. Being in support of a vigilante, like Zero, was not something they could just go out and crush. They could crush Zero himself and his followers, but his supporters were another matter. Not to mention that, even they could not deny, that Zero was actually benefitting the Soul Society. If they ever captured him he would pay for his crimes, despite the benefits he had given them, such was the law.

"Zero…is very chivalrous. He is a hero." Nemu had stated, very shyly of course.

"You know there are days I wonder why Zero doesn't stop my sister." Kaien had joked.

"Careful what you say Kaien, next thing you know Kukaku will just pop out of nowhere and strangle you." Lelouch had responded.

Kaien shuddered. "And don't you think I know it."

After the meeting, Yachiru invited Lelouch to go get snacks with her, but Isane had to explain to her that Lelouch was still under her watchful eye. Yachiru was disappointed, but understanding. She was less disappointed though when she managed to get Kaien to substitute.

Before Lelouch left with Isane though, Nemu wanted to speak to him, in private.

"Nemu, is something the matter?" Lelouch asked her.

"I…it's not like as if something is wrong, but just…I want to speak to you…one on one." She said.

"I…think I understand." Lelouch scratched his head.

"Lelouch-sama I…when you…are released from 4th Division," she reached into her sleeve and handed Lelouch a slip of paper. It was a ticket to a theater showing, out in Rukongai. It had the same title as the book Hisana had let Lelouch borrow.

"Nemu…are you asking me out?" Lelouch asked.

Nemu nodded. "I…will you go…with me?"

"Of course, how could I say no?" Lelouch smiled at her.

Nemu lit up and smiled. "I…thank you, Lelouch-sama." There was an awkward silence. Nemu broke it with an even more awkward question. "Lelouch-sama…may I kiss you?" she asked.

Lelouch was caught off-guard. "Pardon?"

"I said, may I kiss you?" Nemu repeated.

So many girls looking at me and two really trying for me…it's like I never died in the first place. Lelouch joked to himself. Lelouch didn't answer Nemu's question, he merely wrapped his hand around the back of her head and lightly kissed Nemu on the lips. Nemu wrapped her arms around Lelouch and opened her mouth, deepening the kiss. When they drew away Lelouch leaned Nemu against him and twirled her braid with his finger.

You seem pretty sure how you feel about her.

Nemu's different…rather…our relationship is.

Riiiight the whole surrogate sibling thing. Eien Tamashi said sarcastically. I didn't know it was appropriate for siblings to make out with each other like that. For some reason I get the feeling that the fact that you have or perhaps HAD a sibling relationship turns you on.

I do NOT have a sister complex.

So says the century old Soul Reaper in a teenager's body that had a crush on his half-sister and doted on his blood sister consistently.

Lelouch mentally growled.

Just saying you're not convincing is all.

"Lelouch-sama." Nemu said.

"Yes." Lelouch responded to Nemu's call.

"I need to get back to work." Nemu said. Lelouch realized he was still holding her.

He let go. "Ah, right."

Nemu bowed as she left. "I will…see you at the theater, yes?"

Lelouch smiled. "I'll be there."

Nemu smiled back and ran off. Lelouch went to get Isane and she escorted him back to the 4th Division.

Four months later

Today Lelouch was in the gym, getting himself back in shape. He hadn't shown any signs of spiritual repercussions in the last five months so Unohana was content to let him go a month from now if things stayed the way they were, but that he was to come back to the division anywhere between discharge and six months if something happened.

Lelouch was using the treadmill, currently working his stamina back up. He had the machine set to 3.7 kilometers per hour with varying levels of incline planes. He was set for a twenty minute workout and he was just about done. He was grinning to himself as he did this. When he first entered the academy there would've been no way he could do something like this. Lelouch had really built himself up over the last ninety six years and he wasn't about to let all of his hard work go to the wayside because of four months of inaction.

He watched the timer count through the last minute and when he finally reached twenty minutes he collapsed against the dashboard for a few seconds, panting. Years ago such a workout would've brought him to his knees, but now just a few seconds of inaction would be enough to at least let him walk around.

Lelouch grabbed the water bottle he had set down near the machine and leaned against the wall with a towel around his neck to cool off. The 4th Division's physical fitness center was one of the few things Lelouch had helped get off the ground when he spent his first shift in the 12th Division. Divisions 11 and 12 also had a fitness station, but 4th's was the most often used and the best equipped.

As Lelouch lay against the wall he heard a familiar call of: "Hey Lelouch!" he turned to see Rangiku entering the gym.

"Oh, Rangiku." He smiled at her, sweat dripping down his forehead. "How are you?"

"Just checking up on you at taicho's request." She chimed. "I spoke to Isane she said you're gonna get released next month. That's great."

Lelouch nodded. "Yeah, I'm looking forward to getting back in the action." He said. "How's everything holding together at the club?" By club, Lelouch was secretly referring to the phantoms. He was hoping Rangiku knew to make that distinction.

"Oh, Nemu's doing a great job in your absence. Most people haven't been able to tell the difference. We really need you back though. West Forty is really being thickheaded about the whole thing. They don't want to admit that they're in trouble." Rangiku said, hands on her hips.

"Well then I'll have to fix that." Lelouch said twisting the cap back on his water bottle. "By the way, so long as you're here, I could use a spotter for weight lifting, care to help?"

"Sure, no problem." Rangiku said. While Isshin had asked her to check up on Lelouch he didn't say she couldn't spend some time with him.

Lelouch and Rangiku went over to where Lelouch loaded up a pair of 7.5 kg weights on either side of a barbell and lay down on the bench to exercise. As he looked up though, he noticed a small issue. Well the issue was small anyway. Rangiku's boobs were rather close to his face, and a bit distracting. "Um, Rangiku, could you take about half a step back?"

"But if I don't stand here I can't be a proper spotter." She replied. Her tone seemed sincere enough, but Lelouch got the feeling she was doing this on purpose.

Fine, if that's how you want to play the game I just won't think about it. He thought to himself. He began to exercise. He counted reps. One…two...three…four…five…tits…six…SIX! He put the barbell back on the stand. Dammit! Stupid teenage hormones!

"Lelouch are you okay?" Rangiku asked him.

"I'm fine." Lelouch said. "That was just a warm up."

For the rest of the exercise he didn't have any mental trouble. He then moved on to pushups. Rangiku still watched over him from a nearby bench. Lelouch took note that she was wearing the short skirt version of her Shihakusho. No…dammit! No! She is totally doing this on purpose! Lelouch swore at himself. Unfortunately, given that his physical body was that of an 18-year-old male, he couldn't keep himself from looking.

As she sat on the bench munching on a dried persimmon, Rangiku shifted the position of her legs ever so slightly that Lelouch thought he saw a splash of color in the blackness of her skirt. As Lelouch pushed up, arms shaking from the countless reps, he got a good eyeful at Rangiku's panties. Mint green? Lelouch thought to himself. He shook his head. Wait why the hell am I looking? He stared at the floor. Concentrate dammit!

Unfortunately for Lelouch, guys his physical age, especially when coupled with his sexual inexperience, once the neuron of anything sexual related had been fired it did not deactivate for quite a while. Sexy images of Rangiku running her hands up and down herself, moaning erotically, stripping, fondling...

"Lelouch!" said teen found that Rangiku was over by him with a cloth. "Your nose is bleeding. Here."

What? Lelouch took note of the several drops of blood on the floor. Sighing he turned towards Rangiku to get the cloth she was offering only to see her abundant cleavage. Lelouch practically yanked the cloth out of Rangiku's hand in order to prevent his nose from spurting out a gout of blood right onto her large melons. "Thanks."

"Maybe you should stop exercising." Rangiku told him. "Stress is bad for you when you have a nosebleed."

"Y-yeah." Lelouch got up and went to the washroom. His nose bleed did eventually stop. After it did he washed his face and smacked the sides of it a few times. Get it together Lelouch. He told himself as he shut off the water and looked at himself in the mirror. He saw Eien Tamashi in his reflection. He turned around. "Gah, what the hell are you doing? This is the men's bathroom."

"Oh, relax." She said. Lelouch took a closer look. Eien Tamashi was in her ghostly form. He took a deep breath. "You're really wound up. The pieces are cracking in your inner world and the board is starting to liquidize."

"I fail to see how that's my problem." Lelouch said.

"You need to get laid." Eien Tamashi said bluntly.

"Wh-what's with saying that all of a sudden?" Lelouch freaked out.

"Because I'm not going to deal with a master trying to learn Bankai that can't even keep his hormones in check." Eien Tamashi chastised.

"If you're concerned then you do it. You're a girl…technically." Lelouch's comment was met with a slap across the face.

"I'm a part of you…you jackass!" Eien Tamashi was red in the face, somewhat appalled that Lelouch would even suggest such a thing.

Lelouch put his hand by his cheek. "Well you're the one getting all up in a fit over it."

"Look," Eien Tamashi said crossly, "You have four women who would be more than willing to fuck you if you simply asked." Eien Tamashi was referring to Isane, Susanna, Nemu, and Rangiku. "I know you don't want to give yourself that kind of emotional baggage, but for fuck's sake Lelouch if a stray boob can break your concentration this easily then Aizen will rip you apart." Lelouch merely folded his arms in response to his Zanpakuto's rather truthful statement. "Pick one, or if you prefer, make a harem. Just make it so I'm not sweltering because a girl you like set off your reproductive organs."

"I didn't think Zanpakuto were affected by temperature." Lelouch commented.

"You're missing the point!" Eien Tamashi yelled in frustration. "If you're that annoyed make it a one-time thing or something."

Lelouch simply sighed. "There's no point if there's no emotion involved."

"Oh so you're a romantic?" Eien Tamashi quipped.

"Why do you think I never took any offers?" Lelouch asked. "Almost all of the women at Ashford Academy that were after me didn't know me at all. They just saw a handsome face and a cold attitude and wanted me to go after them."

"You made the almost distinction because of Kallen and Shirley right?" Eien Tamashi asked.

Lelouch nodded. "They both knew the real me, albeit at different times." Lelouch sighed. "I've found myself wishing I hadn't been misplaced in time so that I could have found Shirley, but…I think I was sent back with a mission, to stop Aizen."

"Forgetting your mission, let's stay on track here." Eien Tamashi said. She didn't need her master going into another tirade about his plans to stop Aizen. "Well, you and I both know things can't stay like this. You have to at least get out what's been welling up inside you for nearly a century. It amazes me that you've gone this long."

"Days and weeks just seem to fly by when you're a soul I guess." Lelouch said.

"Or maybe the powers that be just saw fit for it to be this way." Eien Tamashi commented. "Still, you need to make a choice. Before you leave this washroom, you need to do something about this problem. It's gotten to be the worst it's ever been lately."

"I know." Lelouch said. He thought about the situation and made a decision of what to do. He went over to the bathroom door, turned the knob, and opened it.

To be continued…

(A/N: If you thought I was a jerk for last chapter's cliffhanger, you must think I'm a super-mega-ultra-jerk for this one. Next chapter: Lelouch loses his virginity…rather that's the pitch anyway. As for who he picks, well I have an idea, but I leave that to you adoring fans to persuade me as to who to choose. You have four choices: Isane, Nemu, Susanna and Rangiku. Please keep in mind that Lelouch's first doesn't necessarily equate to that this will be who Lelouch ultimately winds up with, but it will potentially be his first 'partner' depending on how things go. And just to be a further jackass, I'm not updating Soul Chess again until I come back from my vacation. I'm going to put a poll on my profile to let you all bicker about the subject. Oh and I will not have access to e-mail or phone or anything like that so if you message me while I'm away, please keep in mind that I will not be able to get to it until I return. Thank you so much for understanding. See you when I return.)