[u]Fumio Hari Kouineji & Souta Fushimaru Hari[/u]

The two entered through the east gates of the Seireitei, walking along the pathways to make their way to the Squad 8 barracks. Fumio walked a little in front of Souta as the latter had his eyes pinned to the ground. Without a word, Souta abruptly stuck an arm out to grab Fumio's arm in a bid to stop him. Fumio stopped silently before looking back over his shoulder with an eyebrow raised in concerned wonder as Souta stopped himself and looked down, retracting his arm. [b]"... What's that matter Souta?"[/b] Fumio asked to break the silence, turning his body to fully address the other male. Souta still had his eyes to the floor, but after a quiet minute, he finally spoke up.

[b]"When are we... going to go home?"[/b] Souta's voice trailed to a whisper as he spoke. Only at the end of his sentence did his eyes finally slid off of the floor to look Fumio in the eyes.

[b]"You know why I'm here in the first place Souta... I guess once that's done we'll go back"[/b] Fumio shrugged before sending Souta a smile. The latter didn't react to the smile and kept his eyes on Fumio's. [b]"I know..."[/b] Souta's eyes then fell back onto the floor. [b]"I just.... I don't like it here anymore.... But of course [i]she's[/i] still at home so we don't have a choice but to stay here.... I can't wait until all of this is over once and for all...."[/b] Fumio walked closer to Souta and placed a hand gently on the guy's shoulder. [b]"Hey, cheer up a little. I know this isn't ideal... but everything will get sorted out, even if I have to do it myself. I know you're still abit shaken about what happened... [i]back there[/i]... but you don't have to worry about that anymore. You've taken care of it. Just relax now... The time is coming... I just need to make sure we're all ready. Hopefully Huerona will come with us... and come home"[/b] Fumio continued to smile, leaving his hand on Souta's shoulder for a little bit longer before taking it off.

Souta looked up once more, but this time returned Fumio's smile with a small one of his own. [b]"Okay [i]Prince[/i] heh... It's unfortunate that we've lost so many people... our families... our best friends... our lovers... but, once we've sorted this out and Huerona comes back... and maybe Patrika too.... We could return to being like family again, ya know?"[/b] Fumio smirked at Souta. [b]"You've always been one for peace and harmony. But, I doubt that it'll be as easy as you make it seem"[/b] Fumio crossed his arms, smirking amusedly. [b]"I'm still resented and with what Patrika did to Huerona... If Huerona doesn't kill her, I will-" "No you won't. No more killing, no more spilling the blood of those that don't truly deserve it Kazuhiko... It's attitudes like that that's partly the reason why our clan is dwindling in numbers. We should be helping each other, not killing each other because of bullshit traditions... You, Huerona and myself could teach the others in our clan what we've learned from our experience here to make us all stronger... We could be extra outside help for the Seireitei incase of emergencies or threats that compromise the entire Soul Society as a whole... That's what I feel should happen... Do you agree or disagree?"[/b] Souta sharing his thoughts and ideals suddenly shocked Fumio a little, but soon Fumio's expression straightened up. [b]"... Well, you have good ideas there... I guess... I agree, but as I've said before, it won't be easy, especially since this tradition has been going on for centuries... but if that's what you want, I'll do as I always do and stay by your side"[/b] Smiling once more, both Fumio and Souta nodded in acceptance. [b]"Now, let's get back Souta" "Okay Kazuhiko"[/b] 

With the two returning to their journey, within around 6 or 7 minutes, they had made it close to the gates of Squad 8. 

[b]"Um... Kazuhiko... Do you know why a guard has been knocked out?"[/b] Souta raised an eyebrow and looked to Fumio for answers, however the latter had his arms crossed and eyes narrowed as he spotted a familiar face. [b]"I don't know, maybe it's to do with those two over there...."[/b] Souta looked in the same direction to see Aya giggling next to a guy he had never seen before. [b]"Oh... Well that may explain why she's giggling I guess..."[/b] Souta shrugged, swallowing an uneasy feeling that was trying to crawl up his throat.

A few minutes later. [b]"I see you've returned."[/b] Fumio stopped along with Souta, looking at Aya still with narrowed eyes before speaking up once more. [b]"Did Chie find you?"[/b] Souta stood back and watched Fumio talk to Aya, meanwhile he chose to take a look at the new guy, wondering who he was but feeling slightly uncomfortable around him.... there was just something about him...