Bonds That Bind

by Lycanwolff

Ten years is a long time, but for those of Soul Society, it's a drop in a very large bucket. Byakuya and Nyruki are raising their twins and loving every second, but when someone decides to seek revenge against them and those they're close to, they are forced to follow the rhyming words of one only known as the Bond Breaker.

1. Chapter 1

Bonds that Bind

A Bleach Fanfiction

By: Lycanwolff

Chapter 1

Author's Note: Bonds That Bind is the last in this series, but same schedule, same pace. Read it, enjoy it, review it.

Time had flown by faster than anyone could have ever predicted. Time had faded as birthdays passed and vacations were had, and peace had taken hold of the Seireitei for the last ten years.

A decade had passed and much had changed during that time. The empty captains positions had been filled with their corresponding lieutenants, with the exception being that of Squad 5. Momo Hinamori had resigned her position as squad lieutenant to focus on her mental health. She had struggled with it ever since being used by Sōsuke Aizen and didn't wish to hinder her comrades with it any longer. It had been a hard decision, but one that her life long friend, Tōshirō Hitsugaya, had supported. As a result of her resignation, the captain of Squad 5 was Captain Renji Abarai.

In addition to his appointment as the Captain of Squad 5, Renji and Rukia had wed and only three years ago had welcomed their first child; a son with bright red hair and violet eyes they named Akamaru. He was a smart little boy with his father's attitude and his mother's love of drawing and as such, he got along great with the Kuchiki twins whom had bloomed into fun loving and energetic children of the age of ten.

Of course, there were many more unions, and some had shocked the whole of the Gotei 13. Kenpachi Zaraki and Retsu Unohana had finally let things fall where they may and had wed, now raising their adoptive daughter, Yachiru Kusajishi. Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto and Captain Shūhei Hisagi had thrown caution to the wind, but hadn't been graced with children like Shunsui Kyōraku and Nanao Ise-Kyōraku had. They had born a daughter and Nanao was even pregnant with their second child.

However, the most shocking of all, was that Captain Jūshirō Ukitake had finally found love.

When Captain Unohana and Kenpachi Zaraki had left on a family vacation, it left the Squad 4 medical facility in the capable hands of Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu. He had had an attack of his illness, which had landed him under her care for just under a month. It was during that time that the two developed feelings for each other.

Their courtship had gone by fast, being only six months, but as it turned out, the two fit together like pieces of a puzzle. Their likes and dislikes were vastly similar, but were different enough so not to get stale. On top of that, with her a capable healer, and he usually in need of care because of his lung decease, he got it in grand fashion and had been more healthy than he had in a long time because of it.

Now, Isane Ukitake was pregnant with their first child.

It was baffling how much could change with the passing of ten years, and no matter how much Byakuya thought about it, it never ceased to amaze him.

He still sat as the 28th head of the Kuchiki clan and Captain of Squad 6, and it was a position that his son, Ichisaki, admired. The boy was driven, determined, a trait he shared with his mother, whom now filled the roll of lieutenant of Squad 13, as Rukia had gone to serve as the lieutenant of Squad 5. It left the lieutenant's roll vacant for Squad 6 for the time being.

His daughter, Rukisana, on the other hand, was content to read a book, or practice her calligraphy, which was something she had in common with him and was a pass time they often shared. He had taught her the basics of calligraphy, but she had taken it and flown, easily progressing in her prowess until she was very near his level. Her learning ability astounded him.

The very thought of how fast his children learned made Byakuya smile as he worked on his paperwork, with the sun just over the crest of the sky. It was still a bit chilly at the end of a rather brutal winter, but wholly, it was a pleasant day that allowed for him to have the window open.

His pen scratched across his papers as he signed the last of it and replaced the pen into its brass holder on his desk, but the moment his hand let go, a soft knock at his door broke the silence.

"Enter." Byakuya said evenly without stopping his work of organizing the papers.

His ears heard the sound of the door opening, and he had been expecting the voice of his beloved wife, or his brother-in-law, but that was exactly the opposite of what he got.

"Dad?"

Byakuya immediately stilled and looked up from his papers to see his son standing in the doorway. The boy had grown far too quickly for his liking, already standing taller than Rukia at 4'10. The boy had his father's build, being thin, but agile and his jet black hair fell to his shoulder blades that he kept back in a low ponytail. He wore a simple white top that was tucked into blue hakama, but he had rolled up the sleeves to expose his rather strong arms.

His most noticeable feature however, was his golden yellow eyes that belonged to his mother.

"Ichisaki... What brings you by?" Byakuya asked with a gentle smile as he decided the papers could wait until afterwards.

Ichisaki softly sighed as he closed the door and went to sit in the chair across from his father with his shoulders dropped that caught Byakuya's attention.

"Do you have some time to talk?" Ichisaki asked, a bit more sullenly than he would have liked and he was under no delusions that his father's keen ears picked it up.

"Of course. I always have time for you." Byakuya said, pushing aside the papers so he had an unobscured line of sight towards the boy.

Ichisaki shied a bit into his shoulders as he rubbed the back of his neck, "Um... I was... uh-"

"Ichi... What is it? You can tell me." Byakuya said, softening his eyes to help ease his boy's clear anxiety.

Ichisaki sighed, "Dad... I wanted to ask when I could enter the Academy."

Byakuya's breath softly caught in his throat as he regarded his son's nervous expression. Sure, the boy was driven, but even he fell victim to nerves when dealing with the stoic Captain of Squad 6, and that was only compounded by the fact that he was his father.

"What brought this on?" Byakuya asked as he stood from the chair and stepped around the desk to make things a bit less formal.

Ichisaki shied into his shoulders again as he refused to look at his father, sitting on his hands as his feet dangled over the edge of the chair.

"I overheard some first years when Ruki and I were going home from the park and they said that the Kuchiki twins would never amount to anything because we haven't joined the Academy yet." Ichisaki said, tucking a loose lock of his black hair behind his ear, still refusing to look up.

Byakuya's brows furrowed hard as a subtle spark of anger spiked in his chest. His tendency to protect his children at all costs began to tell him to hunt down those very recruits and show them what real power was, but he thought better of it. He needed to handle this diplomatically.

He softly sighed and his brows relaxed as he knelt down next to his boy and looked into his golden, but sad eyes.

"Ichi... You'll join when you're ready." Byakuya said quietly, grasping his son's hand to earn his gaze.

"But when is that gonna be, Dad? Ruki and I are ready. We have a decent handle on our spiritual pressure and our swordsmanship is top notch because you, Papa Uki and Shu taught us. Why can't we join now?" Ichisaki asked with a pleading in his eyes that warmed Byakuya's heart.

"I suppose this day was coming." Byakuya said as he stood, releasing the boy's hand to lean back against the front of his desk with his hands on his hips.

"I wanna be a Shinigami, Dad. I wanna be a captain! I'm old enough!" Ichi said a bit louder than he meant to.

"Relax, Ichi. Your mother and I had this discussion when you and your sister were little and we decided to wait until you were a bit older. You do realize that even I didn't join the Academy until I was fifteen correct?" Byakuya asked, crossing his arms.

"Yeah, I know." Ichisaki said defeatedly.

"Why be in such a hurry to take on the responsibility of a Shinigami?" Byakuya asked, keeping an eye on his son's body language since he couldn't see his face.

Ichisaki shrugged, "I just do. I mean... You and Mom are so strong and with those loser first years making fun of our family name, I just wanna show them up and prove them wrong."

Byakuya took in a deep breath that he released in a slow sigh as he leaned forward to cup his son's chin, coaxing him to look up from the floor.

"Retribution always leads to regret, Ichisaki. I've told you this." He said kindly.

"I know... It's just... Nevermind." Ichisaki sighed as he took his chin away from his father's soft grip.

Byakuya's brows lightly furrowed, "What is it? There is something else you've yet to tell me."

Ichisaki simply nodded as he stood up and lifted his top, exposing his rather toned abs that were covered in solid bruises the size of fists.

"What in the realms happened, Ichisaki?" Byakuya gasped as he knelt down to examine his son's injuries.

"Mom made me come here and tell you." Ichisaki said with shame filling his features.

"Tell me what? What's going on, Ichisaki? Did those first years do this to you?" Byakuya asked, frowning hard at a mean bruise over the right side of his son's ribcage.

Ichisaki nodded, "Yeah... After I overheard them talking, I confronted them and picked a fight." He couldn't look his father in the eyes.

"Ichisaki! How many times do I have to tell you to learn when to hold your tongue!" Byakuya snapped angrily as he stood up straight, looming over the boy.

"I'm sorry, Dad! I just couldn't let them badmouth our family name! They aren't even noble born like we are!" Ichisaki snapped back, dropping his shirt and looking up into his father's angry glare.

"Social standing means nothing where pride and honor are concerned! Someone of a commoner status can have just as much pride as one of noble birth! Renji Abarai is a prime example!" Byakuya hollered, firmly placing his hands on his hips as he glowered down at the trembling boy.

"But I couldn't just let them say whatever they want, Dad! They made Rukisana cry!" Ichisaki defending himself.

"Then you come home to tell your mother and I and we will deal with it! It is not something that you are meant to shoulder! You are only a child!" Byakuya yelled.

"I don't wanna be treated like one! I've worked really hard to be where I'm at and all you and Mom are doing is keeping me down!" Ichisaki barked back, balling his much smaller fists at his sides.

Byakuya started to get angrier, "Hold your tongue and remember whom you're speaking to!"

"So what! You always pull your high and mighty card whenever I have a point and I'm tired of it! Stop being an overprotective father!" Ichisaki roared.

"I will not stop protecting my children and if that means you're upset with me, than so be it! You are not ready to join the Academy if you can't determine when to walk away from a fight!" Byakuya snapped, gripping his hips tighter to keep from making fists.

"Dad! That's what the Academy is for-" Ichisaki was cut off.

"That is the end of it! There will be no more debating this and that's final!" Byakuya barked.

"I hate you! I wish I was never born a Kuchiki!"

Byakuya's heart immediately ached at those words as his son wheeled around and ran from the office, bowling passed his uncle along the way. He rubbed his forehead as he slowly shook his head with disbelief, as it pained him into the deepest parts of his soul that his son had so freely said those words. The boy reminded him more and more of himself at that age with each passing day.

"Everything alright?" Renji asked from the doorway, having changed little over ten years with the exception of three studs that had been pierced into the cartilage of his right ear.

"I wish I could say they were, Renji." Byakuya sighed as he went back to sitting at his desk.

"What's with Squirt? He looked mad." Renji said as he stepped inside the office.

"He got into another fight with some first years at the Academy today." Byakuya groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose as he leaned back heavily into the chair.

"Again?" Renji arced a brow as he sat down in the chair across from his fellow captain.

Byakuya nodded, "Yes. They did a number on him too."

Renji cringed, "And you told him he couldn't join the Academy again right?"

Byakuya nodded.

"How did I know that?" Renji asked himself, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Is it just me, or do Ichisaki and I argue about this more times than I would like?" Byakuya asked as he let his shoulders slouch with a sigh.

"Remind you of anyone?" Renji smirked with a crooked grin.

Byakuya glared, "He is more like me than I would care to admit."

"Has your temper too." Renji said, crossing his arms.

"Please don't say that. I know my temper and it's not something I like to have running around unchecked." Byakuya sighed, slowly shaking his head as he too crossed his arms.

"It got unchecked."

"I will not hesitate to end you, Renji. You being a fellow captain makes little difference and don't think being my brother-in-law will save you." Byakuya deadpanned.

"Sure it will. Do you wanna face off with Rukia?" Renji snickered.

"Not particularly."

"Told you."

Byakuya huffed a weak smile as he pushed the exchange from his mind, not wanting to let it get him down for the rest of the day. He knew his son's words were not the truth, and they were only said out of anger and he was sure that by the time he returned home, his son's temper would have calmed. It would be then they would finish their discussion in a far more civilized fashion.

"How is Akamaru?" Byakuya asked, eager to discuss something else.

"Grouchy. He's at that age where if either Rukia, or I tell him no, he pitches a fit." Renji grumbled, rolling his eyes.

"Are you sure that's not just you?" Byakuya arced an amused brow.

"Very funny... No, it's not me. He's just a grouchy dude right now." Renji huffed a laugh.

"Ichisaki went through the same at that age. Rukisana just got huffy if I took her books from her." Byakuya said as he turned in his chair to look out the window.

"I don't even know how you managed it. Two of the little shits at once can't be easy. One is plenty for me." Renji said with a smirk.

"There were moments where Nyruki and I just wanted to give up, but they quickly passed. It was really only when Ichi and Ruki were teething that got bad." Byakuya said.

"I hated the teething stage. That was the worst." Renji whined, dropping his head back to glare at the ceiling.

"Try going through it with two at once." Byakuya smirked.

"No thanks! If Rukia and I ever have another, I'm locking the little bastard in a box until it's over." Renji grinned evilly.

"No you won't. You and I both know that Rukia would rescue them and you would end up the one locked in the box." Byakuya said, turning back around to shoot an amused glare at the redheaded captain.

Renji shuttered, "Yeah... Probably."

Byakuya lowly and airily laughed at the thought, but it was quickly pushed aside with the thought of why a fellow captain had come to his office. Renji was no longer his lieutenant, which meant there was another reason that the redhead had come by for a visit that he had to voice.

"Was there something you needed?" He asked plainly as he resumed his work of organizing his paperwork.

"Actually, yeah. The Head-Captain scheduled a captain's meeting this afternoon. It's about that trouble out passed the 80th District of the Northern Rukongai." Renji said, scratching the side of his tattooed neck.

Byakuya hung his head and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Marvelous. Is it regarding those Hollow sightings?" He looked up.

Renji nodded, "Yeah. Reports have been flooding in from my scout team and they're saying there's a small army held up in a valley out that way."

Byakuya's brows furrowed, "A small army? How is it something like that hasn't been noticed until now?"

"They weren't here until about a day ago. My scouts found evidence of a Garganta not far from the valley. Looks like they wanna make a move on the Seireitei from what I read of their report." Renji said as he stood from the chair and adjusted his sleeveless captain's haori on his shoulders.

"You're positive that's their goal?" Byakuya asked, taking another minute to finish before standing.

"Has to be. There's nothing else it could be." Renji said as he waited for Byakuya and both left the office together.

They started to walk down the hall of the Squad 6 barracks, nodding their greetings to Shinigami that were coming and going on their way to the front door.

"I wonder if the Head-Captain is wanting to send a contingent out to confront them." Byakuya mused as they stepped out into the warming sun.

"Most likely. I know Rukia and I're already going since it's a Squad 5 scout team, but I'm not sure if anyone else has been assigned yet." Renji said as the two guards at the closed front gate opened it for the pair of captains to step through.

"He will most likely send an experienced captain as well, as you aren't well versed in field operations yet since you have only been a captain for a few years." Byakuya said, clasping his hands behind his back as he walked along side the taller redhead.

"I wouldn't be surprised." Renji sighed.

"This also sounds like a good opportunity for Nyruki to get some lieutenant's experience as well. She only just accepted the position." Byakuya said with a short glance at Renji.

"If the four of us go, who's gonna watch the short stacks?" Renji asked, chuckling at his own joke.

Byakuya huffed a short lived, barely there smile, "Isane most likely."

"You're gonna dump three kids on that poor pregnant lady? You're an asshole." Renji grinned.

Byakuya glared at his brother-in-law, "The only one to worry about is Akamaru, whom is your spawn."

"Like your two brats aren't capable of being shitheads?" Renji fired back, crossing his arms as he matched glares with the man.

"Yours is three... Mine are ten and can feed themselves without making an overly large mess." Byakuya started to smirk crookedly.

"Fuck... Fine, you win." Renji frowned.

Byakuya's smirk grew slightly as his throat rumbled with a low laugh. He had already paid his dues in the form of child problems, with the many, upon many, late night feedings, teething fits and wanting the twins to desperately take a nap so he and Nyruki could take a break. He had never been so tired in all his life, and there were even times where he actually missed them being newborns, as all they did was eat and sleep. It wasn't until they were mobile that things had gotten crazy for them.

The pair of captains reached the Squad 1 barracks and ascended the stairs up towards the meeting room, where they were actually the last to arrive.

"Ah... There you two are." Kyōraku smiled for a moment before yawning.

"And it appears the cravings have taken affect." Byakuya said, knowing full well what happens during the second trimester.

Kyōraku nodded while he finished yawning, "Yup... Last night was chips, pickles and chocolate." He groaned.

Renji grimaced at the thought, "I hope it wasn't together."

Kyōraku's face went flat, "I was hoping too... But that wasn't the case."

"That is disgusting." Byakuya said as his stomach lurched with the mental image.

"Tell me about it." Kyōraku shuttered.

"You think that's bad? Try strawberries with cheese." Ukitake gagged.

All the rest of the captains whom knew what he was talking about winced and shuttered at the thought, as nothing their significant others were craving sounded good to any degree. Byakuya remembered all too well what cravings Nyruki had suffered through when she was large with the twins, as none of it neither looked good, nor smelt good, but for some, infallible reason, Nyruki wanted it and the twins loved it.

Their faux gagging was ceased immediately when the Head-Captain firmly banged his cane on the floor, silencing them all as they took their places in their usual two facing rows. They all stood still and quiet as the Head-Captain began their meeting.

"I am sure all of you have heard about the news regarding what the Squad 5 scouting team discovered." The Head-Captain said, looking at each captain, but hovered longer at the Captain of Squad 5.

"Yes, Head-Captain." They all said simultaneously.

"Please fill us in with the latest reports, Captain Abarai." The Head-Captain said simply.

"My scouts reported that they found evidence of a Garganta not far from the amassing valley where the Hollow've made their base camp. Their numbers are up to ten for each captain so far and more continue to arrive every few hours. At this rate, their numbers'll reach a hundred for each captain by the end of the week." Renji reported, scanning each fellow captain as he spoke.

"Is there any indication as to how many will amass before they make a move?" Soi-Fon asked, the Captain of Squad 2.

Renji shook his head, "No. The numbers are steady with each new arrival."

"Squad 9 is 90% complete with the evacuations of the immediate area with no encounters yet from the Hollow army. They're waiting it out for some reason." Captain Hisagi said with his hands clasped behind his back that highlighted the strength in his exposed arms.

"What are they waiting for?" Captain Kira asked, having trimmed his bright blonde hair to get rid of the spikes so he could sweep his chin length bangs over his left eye with a smooth sweep.

"There's no indication yet. So far, it's just massive numbers." Renji said with a shrug.

"What kind of Hollow are we talking about?" Kenpachi asked with a furrowed browline.

"I have a second team perched near the Garganta to log everything that comes through, and so far, it's nothing more than small fry. There isn't even any indication that anyone is in charge." Renji said, slowly shaking his head.

"Maybe they just haven't come through yet." Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya said, having grown several inches in the last decade that he was quite proud of. He was now the same height as Soi-Fon.

"That's a possibility, but that leads to the question of why leave that many small fry without a leader." Byakuya mused.

"I say we let them amass to that hundred to one, then take them out all at once." Kenpachi said with a rising grin.

"I'd prefer not. You always manage to get hurt somehow." Captain Unohana said with a rather stern glare up at her towering husband.

Kenpachi shrugged, "Perk of being married to you. You'll patch me up." He grinned.

Unohana's expression never even flinched, and it only took Kenpachi Zaraki a moment to realize he was treading dangerously close to thin ice that even he was frightened of. In that same instant, his grin disappeared.

"Captain Unohana is correct. The longer we wait, the more difficult this becomes. We need to put together a strike team to handle this before it becomes a crisis." Captain Ukitake said, crossing his arms.

"A mix of new and experienced captains needs to be established, as this is the first real threat that has arisen since the vacant captains positions were filled." The Head-Captain said with his longer and bound beard moving with each word.

"Since it's my scout team, my lieutenant and I'll go with a team." Renji said immediately.

"I will also go with a small contingent." Byakuya said with a glance to his brother-in-law and fellow captain.

"Squad 9 can contribute as well." Captain Hisagi said.

"Squad 11-" Kenpachi tried, only to be interrupted.

"No... Squad 11 with stay here should this be a diversion meant to leave the Seireitei open for attack." The Head-Captain interjected.

Kenpachi frowned, "Fine." He grumbled.

"I'll commit Hanatarō Yamada and his 14th Advanced Team. That should be plenty to handle any possible injuries." Captain Unohana said.

"Squad 3 will also go and I want Captain's Ukitake and Kyōraku to go as well to make it one experienced captain for each new captain." Said the Head-Captain.

"Then that leaves us with the task of finding babysitters." Renji said with a bit of a groan.

"Then we are adjourned so that arrangements can be made. Be prepared to leave this evening." The Head-Captain said.

The captains bowed as the Head-Captain left the office, where he was followed by those whom didn't need to worry about finding a place for their children to go. The rest gathered into a group as if they were in a war meeting.

"Captain Ukitake, are you planning on assigning Nyruki to this mission?" Byakuya asked, clasping his hands behind his back.

"Yes. She needs the experience." Ukitake said.

"Then I suppose I shall ask... Is Isane up to watching the twins?" Byakuya asked calmly.

"And Akamaru?" Renji added with an apologetic smile.

Ukitake softly smiled, "I know she will be. She's only into the first part of the second trimester, so she can still keep up."

"Nanao can go over with Kanai and help out too." Kyōraku said as he slipped his hands into his sleeves.

"Good idea. Akamaru is being a little bastard, so she'll want the help." Renji said with a cringe.

"Nothing my Nanao can't handle. Kanai had her moments when she was three too." Kyōraku said sympathetically.

"Have you found out what number two is yet?" Ukitake asked with a small, yet crooked smile.

"A boy." Kyōraku beamed with pride.

"Congratulations." Byakuya said.

"Thanks."

"At any rate, we should depart and prepare our families. Just bring the children over to the Ugendo when you're ready." Ukitake said, drawing in a deep breath that was void of ache thanks to his beloved wife's deft care.

"Very well. I need to sit down with Ichisaki and have a discussion with him before we leave. He got into another fight today." Byakuya said with a sigh as he slowly shook his head.

"Oh my... More Academy recruits?" Kyōraku asked with a mild cringe.

"I'm afraid so. He is in such a rush to join that he fails to see that there is a minimum requirement. He thinks that just because he is a Kuchiki, he is guaranteed entry." Byakuya sighed.

"Take your time, Byakuya. I'm going to head home and help prepare the Ugendo for a slumber party." Ukitake said with a smile.

The captains broke their after meeting to prepare for their immediate departure.

Shunsui Kyōraku heading home to break the news to Nanao, whom was less than thrilled, but completely understood. The moment Kanai heard, she clung to her father like glue.

Jūshirō Ukitake received a glare from his beloved, but luckily for him, Isane was all too willing to take in the children and have Nanao help with watching them.

As far as Renji went, he found his wife, Rukia, at the Squad 5 barracks in the office with a happy Akamaru on her knee. She understood completely what needed to be done and as such, they finished up their work for the day and headed home to the Kuchiki manor to prepare an overnight bag for their small son.

When it came to Byakuya however, there was more work that needed to be done. He needed to continue the conversation with his son, while also breaking the news that he and Nyruki were leaving on a mission. It had happened a couple times before, where both he and Nyruki had had to leave, and each time, both his children never took it well. There were bound to be tears.

As he entered the manor, he found Nyruki and Rukisana in the dining room having an early supper. The moment he stepped in, the girl sprang from her chair and ran straight into his arms.

"Daddy!" Rukisana beamed wide as he hoisted her up into his arms and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Hello, my dear. Eating a bit soon aren't we?" He asked, brushing his daughter's hair from her face to get a clear line of sight to her brilliant silver eyes.

"Mommy said you guys are leaving on a mission." Rukisana said with large sad eyes.

"I'm afraid so, Sweetie, but, you and your brother are going over to Papa Uki's and Mama Isane's for a little while." Byakuya said, smiling at his little girl who's face immediately lit up.

"Yay! I'm gonna help Mama Isane with everything!" The girl beamed as her arms wasted no time in wrapping themselves around Byakuya's neck.

Byakuya lowly laughed as he hugged his little girl, softly kissing her cheek before setting her down on her feet. She was getting too big to do that for much longer.

"That's wonderful to hear, as Mama Isane will definitely need it. Your cousin, Akamaru is also going to be there." Byakuya said as his daughter ran back to her seat to continue eating her supper.

"Oh yes... Then she'll definitely need help." Rukisana giggled as she sat.

Byakuya and Nyruki both chuckled as the matriarch of the Kuchiki family rose to greet her husband. She wrapped her arms around his trunk as his hands came to rest along her jawline and their lips met for a motionless kiss. It only lasted a moment because their daughter was making fun of them.

"Mommy and Daddy sitting in a tree... G." Rukisana chuckled as she sang.

Byakuya and Nyruki laughed and shook their heads with a small amount of pink coloring their cheeks at their daughter's little impromptu song. They thought it cute, but the moment soon passed when Ichisaki entered both their minds.

"He's still mad at you." Nyruki said quietly as she tucked a lock of Byakuya's hair behind his ear.

"I had a feeling he was. We didn't exactly part on good terms." Byakuya said lowly as he grasped Nyruki's hands and held them to his chest.

"I know. Go talk to him before we go." Nyruki said softly.

Byakuya nodded as he leaned down and pressed a kiss to Nyruki's forehead, "I will. Be prepared to leave for the Ugendo soon."

"I will." Nyruki said.

Byakuya gave her a lasting smile before he left the dining room and headed down the hall, drawing in deep breaths to settle his mind and his temper. He didn't wish to get into another screaming match with his headstrong son, but the kid had taken to his namesake a bit more than Byakuya had thought. Oh how both of them reminded him of himself at that age.

He reached his son's room where he knocked, but no answer came from the other side. The only thing that Byakuya could hear when he put his ear to the door, was the sound of soft sobs. He knew his son was crying.

With a final draw of steading breath, Byakuya opened the door.

"Ichisaki?" He said quietly as he peaked inside.

The boy didn't answer, but instead continued to softly weep as he sat on his bed with his bare back towards the door. Byakuya's chest spiked with rage and ache as his eyes set on the bruises that peppered his boy's back. They darkened his pale skin to the point where they looked like paint blotches, and he could tell that they were painful, as his son was slightly shaking.

He stepped into the room and shut the door before he quietly walked to his son's side and sat down on his bed next to him.

"You tried to fight back didn't you." Byakuya said after a moment, studying Ichisaki's reddened eyes that continued to shed tears.

All the boy did was nod.

"How many were there?" Byakuya asked.

Ichisaki sniffled, "Four."

"Did they know who you are?" Byakuya asked, leaning back just enough to examine his son's back closer.

Again, Ichisaki just nodded.

"Then they will pay. This is nothing more than arrogance getting the best of them, but it will not go unpunished." Byakuya said as he dared to rest a hand on his boy's back.

The boy just sat still.

"I apologize for snapping at you earlier, but my decision stands. Until you can learn to keep your temper in check, the Academy will wait." Byakuya said softly and kindly, gently rubbing Ichisaki's bruised back in large, slow circles.

Ichisaki's tears began to fall just a bit faster, "D-Dad-"

"No buts. It's a decision I must stick to, as my grandfather did the same for me." Byakuya said, earning his son's gaze.

"W-What?" Ichisaki asked with another sniffle.

Byakuya softly pursed his lips together in a sympathetic smile as he ran a hand down his son's hair, "I had a temper at your age. It's what kept me from joining the Academy until I was fifteen."

"R-Really?" Ichisaki asked.

Byakuya nodded, "Yes... I even said things I shouldn't have during my fits."

Ichisaki looked back to the floor before he just leaned over to rest his temple against his father's shoulder, with his heavy arm draped over his shoulders to rub his opposite arm.

Byakuya rested his lips against the top of Ichisaki's head, but knew that his son's tears were going to get worse with the upcoming news. He sighed before coaxing his boy to look up at him by tapping the boy's chin and lifting his head.

"Your mother and I have to leave tonight on a mission for a few days. You and your sister are going to Papa Uki's tonight with Akamaru. We can continue this when both have less on our minds." Byakuya said quietly with another stroke to Ichisaki's hair.

"B-But... You said you'd help me with that new move." Ichisaki said with renewed tears.

"I know I did, but you know duty gets in the way sometimes." Byakuya said, feeling that ache in his chest that he hated so much.

"But you promised!" Ichisaki snapped, but hadn't meant to. He immediately cupped a hand over his mouth.

Byakuya didn't even flinch from the outburst, "And I plan on keeping it, just when we get back."

Ichisaki's shoulders slumped, "Fine." He scoffed.

Byakuya wanted to keep talking, to fix things between he and his son, but his boy was making it quite clear that he didn't want to in that moment. He refused to make eye contact, refused to say more than a few words at a time. He was still upset and in pain from the bruises, and no amount of words was going to fix it right away. This just needed time.

With a slow sigh, Byakuya stood, softly resting his hand on top of his son's hair that he had let down. He knew his boy needed to know that no matter how angry he got, that he was always loved, no matter the distance between them.

"I love you, Ichisaki. That will never change."

He turned for the door to let his son pack a few things, but when he shut it to be out of sight, the great Byakuya Kuchiki leaned back against the wall with his head resting against it.

It pained his heart knowing his son hadn't said it back.