Chapter 2

Just before dawn, Byakuya stirred. Something was different about the air around him. He opened his eyes and listened. He felt the pulsing, dark aura around him. It was leaking great power without hesitation. He sat upright, searching with his own spiritual pressure to find the hollow.

Senbonzakura was getting fired up.

'Master, something is amiss. I know this energy.'

Byakuya agreed. There was something about it he couldn't put his finger on. The power was untamed and somewhat...familiar.

"Kurosaki," he all but breathed the name.

He took off, wondering what was happening to the boy. Ichigo always had a problem hiding his reiatsu. It always leaked out from him without any kind of control, but this was not just Soul Reaper power, this was his hollow's. Byakuya encountered it once before. Perhaps as a child he was unable to control all the power he'd mastered as an adult. Now he was in some kind of trouble and couldn't handle himself. If that boy died this morning after all he'd accomplished in the past, Byakuya would be sick about it. He might not like the boy, but he damn sure respected him and appreciated everything he'd done for him, his sister and the Soul Society.

Byakuya followed the boy's spiritual pressure and found him to still be in his room. He burst through the door, ready for whatever may be on the other side and then froze. Ichigo was still asleep. He was thrashing around in his bed, sweat dripping off his face. The covers had been thrown about. What had him completely shocked was that Ichigo's inner hollow was materialized and sitting with Ichigo's head in its lap.

He watched the pale face with the black and gold eyes look up at him. It was the emotion in those eyes that got Byakuya moving again. He looked ready to defend Ichigo, but after recognizing Byakuya, his features changed. He was practically pleading with the noble to do something. Shaking his head, he moved forward and tried to calm the boy down.

"I'm not going to ask what you're doing here. If you intended to harm him or anyone here in the Soul Society, I don't think I would find you sitting here. What happened?"

"King started having a nightmare. His inner world went crazy. Usually its calm and stable. Right now there's a lightning storm going on in there that was too dangerous for me to stay. I thought coming out here, I'd be able to calm him down."

Stunned that the hollow could be so helpful, he stared at him. It was just inconceivable that a hollow would look out for a human or a Soul Reaper for that matter. The last time he saw the hollow, it was wild and dangerous, even for Ichigo. Ignoring that for the moment, Byakuya took hold of Ichigo's arms and tried to get him to be still before he hurt himself.

A whimper escaped Ichigo's mouth and it broke his heart, "What was he dreaming about? Was he reliving the battle with Aizen?"

Silent for a moment, wondering whether or not it was okay to share such personal information with the noble, Ichigo's inner hollow thought. He watched as Byakuya tried to calmly wake his young king. The noble awkwardly wiped the sweat from Ichigo's face, then tried to shake the boy awake. It was obvious that the man was not well versed in child care and felt odd doing it. He knew that Byakuya wouldn't hurt him. For now, he would have to trust him.

"No, not battle. He was dreaming about his mother," Byakuya's head snapped up at that, "The day she died to be precise."

Byakuya looked down at the frown on Ichigo's face. He couldn't imagine Ichigo Kurosaki being afraid of anything. He was never told Ichigo's mother died when he was young. Kurosaki put off the attitude of a spoiled child in Byakuya's eyes. He always thought he was right andwas ready and willing to stomp on the pride of others. Looking at the toddler now, he knew there was a lot he didn't know about the boy. Losing one's mother at a young age was traumatizing.

"Kurosaki," he said softly, patting the boys shoulder, "Kurosaki, wake up."

He tried to comfort him by running his palm over the boy's head, but he felt like he was petting an animal. It wasn't right. He tried to pat the boys back, but it still seemed wrong somehow. It wasn't personal enough. It was more detached than comforting.

"Geez, Kuchiki. Is that the best you can do?" The hollow said, laughing at Byakuya's dismay.

He sighed and thought about the last time he received comfort. He then ran his fingers through Ichigo's soft, orange hair in a nurturing gesture he'd only seen done once in his life. Yoruichi nursed him back to health the one time he'd been sick in bed and it made him feel better. He assumed the feeling would reduce some of the trembling in Ichigo's body.

It had the desired effect, because the chaotic spiritual pressure around them started to calm. He looked around. The room was all, but destroyed. There was a strangled sound coming from the boy, and then Ichigo was crying.

"Mom...no.."

"Kurosaki, wake up. " Byakuya said more sternly now, urging the boy to wake.

Ichigo opened his eyes. The unbridled power around them dissipated completely and everything was once again calm. Byakuya looked at the boys inner hollow. It winked at him and smiled. It nodded once in silent thanks and then disappeared.

Ichigo didn't know what was going on and didn't care. He didn't think. He sat bolt upright and grabbed hold of the first thing he could get his hands on. He was crying audibly now and clung to the person that was sitting over him.

Byakuya found himself in the same situation he'd been in when he first found Ichigo. He had no idea what to do. The young lad latched onto him so tight, he was gasping for air. Tiny arms were wrapped around his noble neck, his face buried in Byakuya's haori. He thought about anything that could possibly help him diffuse this awkward situation. How would he have comforted Hisana if she was crying or Rukia for that matter? His attention to Hisana would not be appropriate here. As for Rukia, he never had to endure actions of this nature, for Rukia was already in the Academy when she joined the family.

So, reluctantly and carefully, he wrapped his arms around the boy and held him. He thought about the things that Yoruichi had done to comfort him when he was ill and tried to apply them to his current situation. He rubbed and patted the boy's back in a soothing rhythm while trying to hush the child.

Then, as suddenly as it happened, Ichigo froze. He jumped back, almost knocking his head on the headboard of the bed. He stared at Byakuya wide eyed and horrified.

"I...I'm sorry!" Ichigo ran his small hands through his hair, "God, I'm sorry. What the hell is wrong with me?!"

Byakuya watched Ichigo stand and start pacing the room, "You were having a nightmare. I can't imagine in your current state that you handle nightmares well."

"It's just..I can't believe...I did it again. I clung to you again. I'm...I'm so sorry, Byakuya."

Byakuya just waited for him to compose himself. After a few minutes, Ichigo seemed to settle and sat on the bed again.

"I haven't had a dream about my mother in a very long time. As an adult, I've learned to deal with it. I didn't get them often, but it did happen. Even as an adult, watching my mother be killed again isn't one of my better nights."

Stunned, "You saw your mother's death?"

"Yeah. I was with her when it happened. I found out the year I met Rukia that she was killed by a hollow named Grand Fissure. She died trying to protect me." Ichigo's head was hung so that Byakuya couldn't see his grief laden face.

Byakuya remembered that agony of losing Hisana. Ichigo understood the pain of loss. It turned out he and the former ryoka had something in common. He looked down and saw Ichigo's red cheeks. He wouldn't make eye contact with Byakuya.

"Losing a parent so young could not have been easy, Kurosaki. You have nothing to be ashamed of. If anything, I'd say you've handled well."

Ichigo stared up at Byakuya. He never expected Byakuya to say that.

"Thanks."

"Come, we will dress and have breakfast. I must take you to see Lady Unohana."

They arrived at the Fourth Division barracks a little before eight. The morning was cool, but pleasant. Before leaving the manor, Byakuya made Ichigo eat and then dressed him accordingly. His servants gathered a few things for their young guest to wear until he returned to normal. He refused to take off his shinigami robes, but agreed to wear another layer. Ichigo walked beside Byakuya, fighting the urge to take the noble's hand the entire way. Ichigo was well aware of how strong the child mind was. He hoped it wouldn't get him into serious trouble. He didn't want to anger Byakuya.

Unohana greeted them with a kind smile. She received word from the Head Captain that Captain Kuchiki would be bringing a very young Ichigo Kurosaki to her for treatment. It struck her how small Kurosaki really was, but she thought the sight of him as a child was adorable. She shook Kuchiki's hand before addressing Ichigo.

She knelt down to his level and smiled warmly at him, "I have to admit, I didn't believe the Head Captain when he first told me of your predicament, but it is hard to deny it now. I'm not sure how this could have happened. For the record, you are so cute," She giggled at his embarrassment, "How are you feeling, Ichigo?"

"Fine." He blushed even harder, "I uh...I don't really feel any different apart from the fact that I'm small." He informed her.

"But?" She pressed.

"Well, if anything, it's awkward. I'm used to being tall, so it's being so short now. My voice is not my own anymore either, obviously. I can't quite form some words correctly, but I know how to say them. The knowledge is there, but the ability to say them properly alludes me. My body doesn't do what I want it to."

"You current size and age are restrictive. I'm sure you'll adjust."

"I don't want to adjust. I want to be normal."

Byakuya figured he was in good hands. They had quite a lot to discuss if they were going to decide on a course of action. He was no longer needed at this point. He turned to walk away. He had duties and paperwork to perform in his squad.

Ichigo saw that he was leaving and fear channeled his next actions. He stopped talking to Unohana abruptly and hurried to catch up to Byakuya grabbing his hand. He looked up into Byakuya's face.

"Don't go...please."

"I have work to do, Kurosaki." He said, pulling his hand free.

He continued to walk away. He stopped when he heard Ichigo speak.

"Oh, I understand. Okay. Will you be back?" the boy asked.

The disappointment in the boy's voice staggered him. They always despised each other before now. Well, him more than Ichigo he supposed. Either way, they never had this much interaction before. Why would he care if Byakuya was with him or not? Ichigo wasn't an invalid. He was more than capable of taking care of himself. Why did he seem to feel so safe and comfortable with him now?

'Master. He is capable of taking care of himself as an adult. He's too little. I can't feel Zangetsu at all. He is completely alone.'

Byakuya could have smacked himself. Getting used to Ichigo's current state was harder than he anticipated. He couldn't wrap his head around the changes he saw in Ichigo. He decided he needed to adjust his attitude. This was no longer the former, twenty year old, ryoka that invaded the Seireitei and eventually saved them all years later. This was a five year old little boy. Even with his adult mind, he behaved like a toddler when he least expected him to. His usual way of dealing with Ichigo was not going to cut it.

"I'll have someone come and fetch you when you're done here."

Assuming that was enough, he moved to leave again. Ichigo ran after him again and gripped his hand tighter than before, "Please, don't go. I don't want you to leave..."

Ichigo shook his head. The child in him wanted Byakuya to stay. He felt that if the noble left, he would be all alone and it scared him. He knew that Unohana was no one he needed to fear, but his child mind wouldn't listen.

"What is wrong with me?" He said, releasing Byakuya. He couldn't seem to get a handle on this.

Unohana witnessed the whole thing. She grinned. What was developing here? She cocked her head to the side, "Ichigo, you said you behaved this way before. Do you feel it takes over more than your adult self?"

"No, I'm usually fine. It is strong though. I know what I'm doing when I do it, but it's like I can't help myself. The child in me is just so fearful all the time. It's annoying actually."

He stepped back from the Sixth Division Captain, "I'm sorry, Byakuya. I didn't mean to...um...I'll find my way back to the manor. I know my way around. You don't need to stay. It's nothing you need to worry about."

Ichigo smiled big and turned around to face Unohana, but not before Byakuya caught the onset of tears. He sighed inwardly. Why did it look like Ichigo was settling for what Byakuya told him? It was as though it happened a lot before. He knew that his father Isshin was a doctor in the World of the Living. Perhaps he was made to wait and do things on his own a lot due to Isshin's busy schedule.

"Why don't I just wait until you're done. I'm sure this won't take long. You can come to the Sixth Division with me. I'm sure you would like to see Renji. He can watch you while I get my work done."

Byakuya took in the affirmation from Captain Unohana about time and sat down in a chair near Ichigo. Ichigo's face beamed at him and he felt as though he had made the right decision.

Unohana took twenty minutes to look him over. All in all, he was a healthy five year old boy. She tested his cognitive functions and assessed his memory. He was just as intelligent as an adult and retained every memory from the time he was little, to the day he met Rukia and the most current events of the Winter War. He missed nothing. His eyes were just as sharp, his reflexes the same as always. His problem was adjusting to his small size.

She decided to see what triggered the child mind to take over. She showed him the bunny her Lieutenant kept as a pet and he was intrigued. She showed him a book she enjoyed reading and he just rolled his eyes at her. She turned the lights out, plunging them into darkness and he cried. It seemed to be random.

When she allowed him to hold a sword, he grew excited. He was so ready to train. He missed being able to go on patrol. Then he felt a hint of loss and his smile faded. He was alone. He felt his inner hollow, but he couldn't feel Zangetsu at all.

"What's wrong, Ichigo?" Unohana asked, thinking another spell of tears was on the way. His child mind was certainly unpredictable.

"Zangetsu is gone. I can't reach him at all." He said.

"I can't say for certain if that is normal. Your situation is anything but normal. I can't find anything medically wrong with you. We don't really know what happens during ones' journey to the Soul Society. We do know that most individuals lose the memories of their life entirely. Though some retain their memories, I've never known of anyone that changed form as you did."

"Do you think this is permanent?" Ichigo asked.

"I'm not sure."

She promised to consult with Captain Kurotsuchi. She would get back to them afterwards.

"Thank you, Captain Unohana. We'll be on our way then."

She laid a hand on Byakuya's shoulder, "You take care of him, Captain Kuchiki. Treat him as though he were your own."

She smiled at him, pat Ichigo on the head and returned to her office.

The noble stared after her. Treat the boy as his own? How the heck was he supposed to do that? He didn't know how to take care of children.

Byakuya picked him up and sped off towards his division. Once they arrived, he set Ichigo do and took hold of his hand. They walked into the dojo and found Renji sparing with one of the newest members. The rest of the squad was training as usual. Byakuya made his way through all the sparring pairs, careful to keep hold of Ichigo's hand so they didn't get separated. The last thing he needed was for Ichigo to get hurt and have to take him back to Unohana.

"Renji. You have a visitor."

Renji stopped his training to look at his Captain. His eyes were drawn to the boy beside him, "Damn, it's true. Ichigo is really just a kid?"

"Hey! Kid or not I could still kick your pineapple ass." Ichigo sneered, pointing up at his friend.

Ichigo flinched after something hit him softly on the back of his head. He stared up at Byakuya who had only let go of his hand long enough to punish him.

"What was that for?" He was still in the right mind set, but his eyes were tearing again.

"You may still have the mind of an adult, but you are just a child. I will have none of that language. You will talk to people with respect." Byakuya said sternly, even though he'd had no forethought for his actions. It just came out before he could stop himself.

Stunned, Renji grinned. He'd never seen Byakuya act in a parental manner. It was amusing. Thinking on it, Byakuya would make a good dad. Ichigo looked just as stunned. He apparently never expected Byakuya to berate him either.

"Yes, Sir."Ichigo said automatically after his initial surprise.

Byakuya looked just like his dad when he disciplined him for doing something he wasn't supposed to be doing. He knew that look. It was the warning look he got before he was in really big trouble.

"Good. Renji, I have work that needs to be done. Would you mind looking after him for an couple of hours, please?"

"Yes, Sir. I'd be happy to. Any rules or restrictions I should be aware of?"

Byakuya didn't really know what to tell his second in command. He'd never taken care of a child before. He didn't have a basis for reference. He just did what he figured was normal procedure for child rearing.

"I suppose you should see to it he gets something to eat. Keep him active. Allow him to train on his own a bit, I guess. I can't imagine he has much else to do. He is probably getting very bored. We haven't found his zanpakuto yet. Stay inside the Sixth Division. If you must, call your friends here. Do not leave this building, Ichigo Kurosaki. Do you understand?" he aimed that last bit at the boy.

Renji nodded his head. Ichigo stared at the Captain of the Sixth Division, his mouth gaped open.

"Just who do you think you are? I am plenty capable of taking care of myself and I know my way around the Seireitei."

"I think that for the time being, I am your guardian. You will do as I say or you can find somewhere else to stay until your situation is resolved."

Byakuya raised an eyebrow at the boy, daring him to argue further. Ichigo couldn't think of anything to say in retaliation. He didn't want to stay with Renji. He'd clung to Byakuya twice already, almost three time. He couldn't bear facing his best friend ever again if he did it to him too. When he resigned to his words, he agreed, "Okay. I promise. I'll stay here and I won't leave without you."

"Good. I'll be in my office if either of you need me."

"Come on, Ichigo. Let's get you set up and see how much of your power you really have left in that tiny body of yours." Renji grinned.

Ichigo made to follow, but something inside him pulled him back. He doubled back without thought. He hugged the noble's legs and then took off after his best friend. Byakuya watched as they ran out of sight around the corner and into the hall. He didn't know why, but he smiled before going to his office to work