A/N: I gotta sleep too you know? But then I had to write this part! I think this one's melodrama (slight?), action starts on the next chapter so just keep reading! And reviewing

ink: what's with this chapter?

splatter: it's called drama

ink: you mean it's corny?

splatter: well, let them be the judge!

disclaimer: I'm dying to make bleach mine, but not even my hollow-side could afford it so it remains the property of kubo taito(tite)

On The Wings of an Angel

Chapter 6: Partings

Hikaru tugged at her father's arm, "Dad, what was that all about?" she asked.

"It's a long story Hikaru. You do remember the story I told you about the Arrancar right? Toushiro's first love, Hinamori Momo, died at the hands of the man she worshipped-that bastard, Aizen. Toushiro promised to protect Hinamori even at the cost of his own life, but then, circumstances turned against his favor. He arrived a little bit too late to save her and almost lost his life in trying to avenge her plight. His vice captain, Matsumoto Rangiku, was the only person who understood him. She had become his pillar of support." Ichigo's face has a solemn expression, his hands clenched into fists. He could totally relate to Toushiro on that note. He wouldn't know what he'd do if it was Rukia who had died because he arrived too late. He gritted his teeth. He would've rearrange Soul Society and Heuco Mundo just to bring her back, he knew. Hikaru marveled at her father's love for her mother. She knew he was talking about the wielder of the dragon but, she didn't miss the glint of horror and rage in his eyes as she knew that he was thinking of placing himself in the same situation. She also feels sorry for the white-haired shinigami, it looks like he's been through a lot.

Rukia was talking to Yamamoto-taichou as Hikaru and Ichigo talked about Toushiro. Yamamoto-taichou decided to formally enroll Hikaru at the Shinigami Academy at that moment. They were asked to sign some papers before they were dismissed. Tomorrow, Hikaru's demon arts skills and zanpakouto training will be evaluated by the First Division Captain in order to determine on which class she should be placed.

Toushiro walked back to the Tenth Division headquarters with heavy strides. He feels so empty and alone inside. Sure, Matsumoto is lazy, she's a real pain in the ass, she drinks too much, talks nonsense most of the time, a big flirt, gets him in trouble at every opportunity she can- but Matsumoto is a real friend. She's an efficient captain and a talented shinigami when it really matters. Most of all, she knows him like nobody else does. He couldn't admit it at first but then he realized; Matsumoto is the closest thing next to a family that he could ever have. He entered the door with his usual scowling face. There he found Matsumoto dressed in a casual kimono sitting demurely on the couch.

"Taichou! Ah, ano, I just want to say goodbye before I leave…" She began, not looking at Toushiro.

"Aa. Take care Matsumoto. I don't want to be called in just to bring you out from some trouble you get yourself into okay?" It was all he could say to his former vice captain and friend.

Matsumoto looked up and smiled warmly at her former captain. How she would miss the little guy who had grown into a fine young man. How she would miss their sibling-like relationship; but she has to leave. If she wants to heal the pain in her soul caused by Gin, she has to leave. She walked up to Toushiro and without pausing-she enveloped him in a warm embrace. She felt him stiffen at first, and she even thought he'd push her away, but then, slowly, his hands embraced her back. They remain like that for quite sometime before she said her final goodbye, "Toushiro-chan, I speak as a sister and not as a vice captain. Find the person that would bring light into your world once again. I don't want you to stay in the dark for long…after all…you have grown into such a handsome young man!" she giggled girlishly as she almost suffocated him with her-ah-assets.

Toushiro struggled in his vice captain's arms, his face turning a deep shade of crimson. "Baka! Matsumoto! Let go!" he yelled. Matsumoto laughed heartily as she let go of her "brother". She reached up (for he had grown taller than her) to ruffle his hair and said, "I will miss you Toushiro-chan, and I'm serious about you finding your light once again. That is why I'm leaving, to go find my own light and perhaps, to answer my questions. I want you to be happy Toushiro. And if I hear that you're sulking in our headquarters while I'm gone, I'll force a barrel of sake in your throat. And I am not kidding; you know very well that I can do that." He gulped. That is one of Matsumoto's strengths, if she wants something, she'll go through hell and back just to get it-or do it in some cases. He could still remember the first time she forced a glass of sake in his throat…he'd rather not repeat the experience. It was mortifying. With a playful wink, Matsumoto left the room. "Goodbye…Nee-chan…take care of yourself…" Toushiro half whispered as he looked at the open door, assuming she had left. Matsumoto smiled, she had heard what Toushiro just said for she had decided to go back and pound more words of wisdom into his head but she stopped short as she heard him say his goodbye to her. She knew that her captain will be alright. Somehow she knew he will be. And she walked out of Soul Society with a peaceful heart.

Byakuya refused to admit that he is anticipating Hikaru's visit in his mansion. Of course he is not. After all, he is a captain and heir to Kuchiki clan, although technically, Hikaru is also an heir to his clan since he adopted her mother, Rukia. He's definitely not anticipating her…them. No. that is why he almost cursed when his servant informed him that the person he is waiting for had just arrived. But Byakuya does not use rude words, so his tension was released by the "accidental" shattering of the antique pottery that was inside his room for over a century now, due to a sudden increase of his reiatsu.

"Nii-sama! What was that sound just now?" Rukia's worried face greeted him.

"A sudden gust of wind knocked it down." He replied, reigning in his reiatsu and schooling his face into the "emotionless" man that everyone thinks he is.

"Having a temper tantrum, neh? Byakuya?" Ichigo appeared behind Rukia, a devilish smirk forming on his face.

Byakuya had to restrain himself from going bankai on his sister's husband. Rukia kicked Ichigo's shin hard, earning an approving look from Byakuya and a moan of protest from Ichigo. Rukia used her 'death-glare' on her husband to shut him up. Byakuya was wondering where is Hikaru when his breath was once again hitched in his lungs; there standing under the cherry tree with her face raised up to watch the falling blossoms, stood Hikaru. The very image of Hisana from when she could still join him in his walks.

"Nii-sama, is something wrong?" Rukia frowned, feeling the sudden change in her brother's aura.

"Hmn? No. I am fine. Have you enrolled Hikaru to the Shinigami Academy?" he asked, to distract him from thinking about Hikaru.

"Everything's all set Nii-sama. She'll be tested tomorrow morning." Rukia beamed happily, proud that her daughter will finally be an official student of the academy.

"I see. Very well, you can live with me in this mansion. I'll have the servants prepare your quarters." Byakuya added.

Just then Ichigo almost yelled with horror. He looked at his wife with his You-can't-make-me-do-it-'coz-I'll-die gaze while his hands shook with horror. Him, live with His Majesty- Kuchiki Byakuya? Ichigo knew for certain his hollow side would take him over anytime now.

"Ano, Nii-sama…Ukitake-taichou had given us our own home as a present…he couldn't get over the fact that Hikaru's bankai is a twin zanpakuoto. He requests to be near her at all times so that he can train her better…if it is alright with you, Nii-sama." Rukia had actually said it. She knew Ichigo would die if he spends a night with her brother under one roof so she grabbed Ukitake-taichou's generous offer.

Byakuya, sensing the 'truth' behind Rukia's request, reluctantly agreed, "As you wish. You are a grown woman now. I will honor your decision, but you are still a Kuchiki, and so is your daughter. You are required to visit this place three times a week Rukia, bring your daughter along."

Ichigo swallowed whatever he was going to retort as he was obviously not invited, but his blood chilled with the look in Byakuya's eyes. Damn! That man knows Rukia so much he probably knew that I am the reason why Rukia had to decline his offer! He mentally flinched at the thought. He knew that there is a possibility that he'd win if they fight, but emotions have a strange way of turning the tide. Right now he's not willing to risk his neck because he could feel Byakuya's anger burning just for him.

Hikaru felt some dark reiatsu inside the house and was surprised to find her "uncle" to be the source and her "father" is it's recipient.

A/N: I really don't know where this one came from but I guess its good enough right? The sister-brother-thing between Matsumoto and Toushiro wasn't bad, right? oh, and Hikaru is 16 years old in human count. Action scenes coming right up!