Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach

A/N: Hey, thanks for reading folks my stories always start off slow but they are worth it in time. (I'd like to think based off passed history) Anyway, like always enjoy! ^_^

The shadow of ourselves- chapter 1

Rukia ignored the discomfort going through her palm as her brothers grip tightened harder as he fought an enemy she did not see. She didn't bother to speak knowing words would do very little to comfort him as he tossed his head from side to side, a sheen of sweat had developed from the hour of torment. She wasn't sure what was worse the anguish that his screams were laced with or the reality of the fact her brother was terrified.

Isane sat calmly beside him as she laid a hand on his chest and released a small pocket of reiatsu that eased his suffering once more. Rukia felt the difference as the grip on her hand softened only the occasional grimace hinted of the captain's suffering. Rukia rested back on her knees as she finally took a sigh of relief. For a moment the two women sat in silence, then Rukia took in the other's appearance Isane looked exhausted and by the redness of her eyes she knew that she had been crying.

"Isane...I'm sorry for your loss."

Isane gave a soft smile. "Thank you...is it not all of us that share the loss?"

Rukia shrugged. "It is in some ways, but for a squad to lose their captain it's...difficult."

"Then I must take the time to send my condolences, for I know you cared very deeply for Captain Ukitake. You must miss him terribly."

Rukia couldn't hide her remorse as the image of her captain greeted her mind. "Very much so. I've heard his burial site...it's everything he would enjoy. Nature and the peace."

Isane was taken back slightly. "You mean to say you haven't been? I thought by now..."

Rukia shook her head. "I couldn't do it. You must think me awful, but between Byakuya and Captain Ukitake happening all at once. I needed to separate myself, coach myself to survive separately from the other."

"I understand. Everyone grieves differently, just don't hold things in find someone to talk to. You can't do things on your own, not with something like this."

Rukia didn't reply as she once more gazed down at her brother. "Can I stay here tonight?"

Isane nodded. "Of course, just know his body is still healing. He most likely not awaken."

"I know, I just..miss him. I think it would do him good to have a familiar face even if he awakes for oly a moment."

))))

It was well into the evening hours when Ichigo made the decision to go venture out into the open knowing that many would be inside four walls by now. His thoughts were drifting over to Rukia and if not her it was Byakuya. It made little sense in the moment how a house built on strength and nobility was weak and barely standing. He hadn't spoke to Rukia very much, words were hard to come by these days, what was there to say? It couldn't change what has happened nor could it take the pain away. He wished he had never come to Soul Society due t the fact that he would be closed off to those he came to know then perhaps it wouldn't hurt as much. Ichigo paused as he felt a familiar spiritual pressure. Not having another second go by he turned away.

"Ichigo, are you going just sulk around in the shadows forever?"

Ichigo took a step to the side to look at the soul reaper before him. "I thought you'd want privacy and I'm not sulking."

Renji scoffed slightly. "Looks like sulking to me, besides you can't avoid all of us here. It's not like we don't know where you are. Your spiritual pressure is recognizable from miles away. As far as privacy I was bored with it two weeks in after the war, nothing more maddening when you are left alone with only yours meaningless questions floating around in your brain."

Ichigo caved coming over to stand beside Renji leaning against the many outside walls of the soul society. After a moment of silence Ichigo spoke.

"Renji...I."

"Don't be an idiot, I don't have the energy to deal with your emotions I can't give you the consoling that you need. So shut-up."

Ichigo was ready with a quick retort, but though his words were very much Renji. His tone was not one of annoyance or anger just calm. Ichigo once more became silent. The coolness of the breeze that greeted him was welcoming.

"Amazing."

Ichigo looked at Renji for a second than at the focus of the others attention. The moon was a brilliant sight to hold as soft blue light pocketed different sections of the divisions.

"It's been awhile since I've seen a moon that beautiful."

Ichigo nodded. "Yeah...it reminds me of the night we first met. Barely understanding what soul reapers were or how to be one."

"You were a cocky SOB but...you had all the makings of a soul reaper, you surprised the heck out of me to be honest."

Ichigo smiled slightly. "I did think I had it in the bag, that is until Byakuya just came out of no where. Man, was he ever intense."

"Yeah, I went up against him and learned the hard way of how incredible a soul reaper he is. My eyes were open to why he wore that captains coat."

Ichigo chuckled slightly. "I wasn't much better...neither of us won nor lost. Almost a stalemate, I think what surprised me most was how deep cared for others. Almost like his coldness was a facade."

Renji nodded. "I can agree with you on that."

Silence once more greeted them. Then Renji sighed turning his gaze downward. "He woke up today."

Ichigo didn't hide his shock.

"He did?"

Renji glanced over at Ichigo. "Yeah, well, don't get to excited about it, it didn't last long."

Ichigo frowned slightly. "It's a good sign though, for him to wake for even a second, shows that the healing is doing some good."

Renji crossed his arms along his chest. "I will be honest...I was relieved to hear of his progress, but there is a huge part of me that hoped he'd never wake-up."

Ichigo was dumbfounded by the admission. "Renji."

Renji sighed. "Ichigo...soul reapers are one with their zanpuktos we our bond to each other so seamlessly that if one were to die it would be the end. neither one of us could not exist without the other. Captain Kuchki was a prime example of that. When ever he used Senbonzakura whether in blade or bankia it was like a dance of power and precision like nothing I've ever witnessed. On that day...I watched as my captain was torn to shreds by his zanpukto helpless to watch; I tried, I dam well tried to stop it. He should have died that day, it would be a easier fate than what he will be facing. I can't imagine ever coming back from something like that, even if you are a captain."

Ichigo had to admit he always saw Byakuya as indestructible. To see him broken was surreal.

"Ah, listen to me. Here I'am telling you to not share your emotions when I can't shut-up about mine."

"It's alright." Ichigo stated. "Better to share them than to keep them in, at least that is what my mom used to say."

Renji walked over to Ichigo placing both hands on the others shoulders. "Ichigo, if it means anything now. Thank you, for coming to Soul Society. Without you we wouldn't be here, but you need to talk to Uryu."

Ichigo shook his head. "I've tried he's not into talking besides, he's too stubborn to talk to even on a good day."

Renji let out a huff. Dropping his hands to his side. "I get it... he's going to break one way or another. I'd sooner see it end well than have another hero be buried six feet under."

"Next time I see him, I'll try."

Renji smiled. "Good. Why don't you join me for a drink. I could use the company."

Ichigo paused for a moment then nodded. "Yeah, I'd like that."

Together they left the night to bring what peace they were looking for. For Uyru it seemed like peace would ever come.

A/N: Review! Pretty please. Thanks for reading!

Kindred Spirit.