Kio sat in her room in the 5th division, confused and scared. Shinji had asked her to come with him and everyone else who fell victim to the attack that turned them part hollow. He said they were going to the human world and live there. Kio loved Shinji very much, no matter what, but…she didn't know what to do. She had been attacked as well, turning her into what everyone had decided to call 'Vaizards.'
There was a sudden knock at her door, making Kio jump. She calmed herself down a bit, and told them to come in. the door opened quickly.
"Kio-chan…have you decided what to do?"
It was Shinji. He had a hint of concern in his voice. He had a bag already packed and slung over his shoulder.
"When do you plan on leaving?" Kio asked.
"Tonight." Was the immediate response.
Kio looked at the floor and sighed. She had made her decision. She stood up and grabbed a bag for herself and began to pack. She heard Shinji chuckle and walk off.
"Wait! Captain!" She called.
"What is it?"
"Where should we meet?"
"Senkaimon. About thirty minutes."
Kio nodded and continued packing. She would be sad to leave all this behind. Her position, her friends, but…she loved her captain. She felt she should help him with anything he needed. Kio felt she could do anything for him, and she would. She looked around the room for anything else she might need. It felt like she was missing something…her zanpaku-to! No way she could forget that! Kio put her zanpaku-to into her obi and headed out the door, taking on last look around her room. She'd never see it again. She sighed and closed the door, making sure she heard the satisfying click of the lock, before heading towards the Senkaimon.
Kio arrived at the Senkaimon minutes later thanks to shunpo. Everyone was there, including Captain Urahara, Captain Shihouin, and Tessai. Neither Urahara nor Yoruichi were wearing their haori's. Urahara was wearing a cloak over his shihakusho, while Yoruichi was wearing a tight fitting black jumpsuit. Shinji had told Kio earlier that Urahara had been banished to Earth and that Yoruichi was going into hiding for helping him escape from Central 46.
'I guess we're all outcasts now.' Kio thought with a sigh, 'None of us can ever return to Soul Society.'
"Kio? Kio, are you alright?"
Kio shook her head and looked around. Yoruichi had a hand on her back, trying to get her attention. Kio smiled nervously and apologized. Yoruichi smiled back at her. Kio gave a side glance to her former captain. He had no emotion on his face, nothing at all. Just a blank stare into the Senkaimon. She blushed when he noticed her looking at him and turned away.
Kio had wanted to tell Shinji how she felt about him earlier, but things got so complicated…but now, she surely wasn't going to tell him now with everyone around them. She wanted it to be one on one. Not one on ten. Once they had gotten settled down in the human world, she would tell him, in private. She wanted to tell him soon.
"Is everyone ready?" Urahara asked.
A unified 'yes' resounded from everyone. He nodded to Tessai. Tessai opened the Senkaimon and they all stepped through. Kio stepped into the doors, stopping only to look back at her home for so many years just as the doors closed.
"Hey, Kio! Don't lag behind!" Shinji yelled.
He had stopped and turned to wait for her to catch up. Kio smiled, despite the sadness she felt. Then she realized something. She may have been living in Soul Society, but it wasn't her home. Home is where the heart is, and her heart was with her beloved captain.