The Captain Commander's Residence

The Commander's residence consisted of a large mansion overlooking Seireitei. It was built in a European style many years ago. It looked so alien among the typical Japanese buildings. This was once again Setsuna's home. She built it so many years ago after a terrible fire destroyed the previous home.

Their battles were over for now. Setsuna made her way up the path to her once again home. The large ornate gates opened, and the guards greeted her kindly. She made her way to the large ornate wooden doors. She pushed one open and walked in. Ugh, Eri had awful taste. She'd have to bring her things back in soon.

As soon as Setsuna entered the building, she could sense Gakuto was here. So he heard her message. Something was off though. She walked through the manor until she was in the library. Gakuto sat hunched over in a chair. Setsuna rushed over to him, sitting him up.

"Gakuto, are you alright? Dear, are you alright? Speak to me."

Gakuto coughed, and blood trickled down his bottom lip. Setsuna reached into her pocket and pulled out a handkerchief. She wiped her husbands mouth, and ran her hand through his hair.

"I'm fine, hun. Just I pushed myself too hard. My illness is getting worse."

Setsuna smiled feebly, continuing to brush Gakuto's hair with her hand.

"It's ok, we'll just get you some more medicine and you'll be all better."

Gakuto shook his head, his eyes looking tired.

"No, none of the treatments are working anymore."

Setsuna shook her head. She wouldn't hear of this, she couldn't.

"We'll just find something that works better. That's all we have to do. Find something better."

"No Setsuna. I'm tired of trying. I'm just tired. I'm ready to go, ready for a little peace."

Tears filled Setsuna's eyes as Gakuto said this. She didn't want to lose him. She loved him too much, more than she could articulate.

"But I love you too much to let go. I can't lose you."

Gakuto reached out his tired old hand and stroked Setsuna's cheek.

"I love you too my dear. I've loved you my entire life, and I'll still love you even in death. I'm not going yet. We still have a little time left."

The tears began to roll down Setsuna's cheeks. She hugged Gakuto, pulling him into her arms. He wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on her head.

"I don't know what I'll do with out you!"

Gakuto smiled, rubbing his hand on Setsuna's back.

"You'll be fine. You're the bravest person I know. You can over come anything."

"I love you Gakuto."

"I love you too, Setsuna."

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Meanwhile in the human world, Takano made her way back to her home. Her clothes were torn and burn. Her body wasn't much better. She had fought harder than she had ever done in her life.

Now she was tired, so tired. She just needed a little rest before she got in the shower and went to bed. Takano sat in her chair and flipped on the tv. As the news played Takano couldn't keep her eyes open. Just a nap. A nap was all she needed. Takano closed her eyes and drifted off into sleep. A sleep that she'd never wake from.

Another Fujihana would be no more.