Rukia didn't feel the compulsion or need to argue with Yoruichi when the woman had carried her into a room and laid her down on a soft bed. Unlike the previous evening with the meat and hairbrush, however, Rukia didn't have the heart or energy to fully enjoy the luxury of sleeping on a real bed for the first time.

After Yoruichi laid Rukia down, she sat down on the edge of the bed and pushed Rukia's hair back. The woman's soft, warm hand remained there for several seconds before she lowered it to the side of Rukia's face. Yoruichi's thumb gently scraped along the underside of Rukia's eyes and the proceeded across her cheek, wiping away the tear tracks. When Yoruichi spoke, it was not in the gentle, sweet, soothing tone Orihime had used with Rukia, but it still carried hints of a mothering nature.

"You all right?" Yoruichi asked as she gave Rukia a searching look, "Chad said you haven't been able to move much all day."

Sniffing once and clearing her throat, Rukia replied, "I'm fine."

Holding up her hands and wiggling her fingers as best she could, Rukia said, "See?"

Yoruichi nodded once in acknowledgement before giving Rukia another long, searching look. While it was the same kind of look that Orihime had given her the night previously, Rukia couldn't help but feel a little nervous. Unlike Orihime, Rukia had no idea what was going on in Yoruichi's head and what sort of impression the woman had of her.

After a seeming eternity, Yoruichi rose to her feet, looked down at Rukia and said, "I'll be just down the hall," before leaving the room and carefully shutting the door behind her.

Now that she was alone, Rukia realized that her eyes were sore and her head was aching. Even though she didn't think she would be able to sleep at all, Rukia nevertheless closed her eyes. Contrary to her theory, however, moments later Rukia drifted off. While she wouldn't remember anything when she awoke, Rukia did not have pleasant dreams.

Two hours later, as suddenly as she had fallen asleep, Rukia's eyes popped open. She didn't feel the least bit drowsy, but neither did she feel refreshed or rested. Much more slowly, Rukia raised herself up into a sitting position, stretching out muscles and joints that she had been unable to use since the previous night. Irritating and frustrating as the ordeal was, Rukia couldn't help but feel a miniscule amount of pride in herself when she managed to finally rise to her feet and ever so slowly make her way to the door.

Just as her hand touched the knob, a loud knock rattled the door on its hinges seriously startling her. Instinctively, Rukia yelped and backed away from the door, causing her to trip over her leaden feet and fall hard on her backside. In an instant, the door flew open to reveal Jinta standing there. His mouth was gaping slightly and his eyes had a vacant, shocked look in them, but Rukia was fairly certain that there was a good deal of panic as well.

Before either could say or do anything, Rukia heard quick footsteps coming towards them. A few seconds later, Renji and Ururu stood just behind Jinta.

Eyes narrowing, Renji demanded, "What's going on? What happened?"

Seeing that Jinta was about to go into defiant defensive mode that would most definitely make the situation impossibly worse, Rukia hastily said, "I was walking to the door, then my legs gave out and I fell."

When Renji and Jinta kept staring the other down, Rukia said in a meaningful tone, "I'm fine."

After a few more tense seconds, Renji said, "Excuse me."

"Wha-" was all Jinta managed to get out before Renji squeezed past him and knelt next to Rukia.

"So…Rukia…" said Renji slowly before he scratched the side of his neck and acted as though he had forgotten how to talk to her.

Fortunately, Rukia was able to guess that he was having a hard time coming up with a good way to ask her if she simply wanted him to help her to her feet, help her to her feet and support her as she walked, just pick her up and carry her into the other room or if she just wanted to be left alone. While her pride immediately voted for the first and last choices, Rukia's practical and impatient side won. Once her decision was made, however, that wasn't the end of it. Now, Rukia had to communicate her choice to Renji and so she was the one reduced to blushing, ducking her head in embarrassment and being at a loss for words.

Almost inaudibly, Rukia mumbled, "I'd…appreciate your help…please…"

When Renji wrapped one arm around her waist and the other under her knees, Rukia kept her eyes rigidly focused on her hands. Sure, he had carried her just that afternoon, but this was different. Her heart was racing but she wasn't sure if that was from embarrassment, excitement, irritation (not at Renji, but at her body for failing her so miserably) or a sickening combination of the three.

After Renji had lifted her, he waited for a moment to allow Jinta and Ururu time to step out of the way before he exited. As they made their way down the hall, Rukia heard Ururu say Jinta's name very softly. This time, instead of exploding at the girl, Jinta's lack of response was to say nothing, so Rukia imagined it was probably because he couldn't really explain what had happened.

Somehow sensing that Renji was probably about to ask her a similar question, Rukia looked up at him and said with conviction, "I didn't lie when I said I fell on my own. I was walking to the door and didn't notice someone coming down the hall, so when Jinta knocked it startled me."

Couple moments of silence and then Renji said, "I believe you," just before they emerged into the front room.

Somewhere in the back of her mind, Rukia noticed that it was nearly sunset. Her gaze was focused, however, on the table that had been turned right-side up and which had been made into a kind of bed. Seeing Orihime's small body covered with a much too large blanket and propped up by a pillow almost made Rukia want to laugh. Almost and yet not even a little bit.

As Renji noiselessly made his way over to the couch to set Rukia down, she heard Tessai say to the captain, "I promise I will do what I can for her, as long as she...well, survives."

"What do you mean?"

When everyone turned to look at her, it took Rukia a few moments to realize the words had come out of her mouth. For a split second, she wasn't sure if she should apologize or not, when her gaze was once again drawn to the table.

Looking back up at Tessai, Rukia asked, "What do you mean 'as long as she survives'?"

"What he means, little one…" began Urahara but quickly raised his hands defensively when Rukia gave him a furious glare, "I do beg your pardon, miss. I address you as such simply because I do not know your name."

"I'm Rukia," said Rukia with a slightly less hostile expression to which Urahara responded by lowering his head and saying politely, "A pleasure, Miss Rukia."

Deciding to tell him to skip the 'miss' later, Rukia repeated, "So, what does he mean?"

"My friend Tessai," replied Urahara, "is alluding to the fact that because the arrow is so close to Lady Orihime's heart in this state, it is entirely possible that when she transforms, her heart or lungs would be punctured in the process."

"Oh," was all Rukia could think of to say in response. As much as the thought turned her stomach, it was entirely possible.

Looking up at the captain, Rukia saw that he was much more composed than he had been earlier. He still looked like he was exhausted from carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, but the wild, desperate expression had left his eyes. Whatever happened, he would maintain strict control over his emotions and actions.

When Tessai looked about ready to address him again, the captain said, "I understand, Tessai. Don't worry about me."

Turning to Chad, Ichigo asked, "What about the others?"

"They're each in their own stall," answered Chad, "with their clothes in plain sight."

"Good, good," said the captain before he reached up to massage the bridge of his nose and he asked, "And the letter?"

At this, Urahara cut in and said smoothly, "Actually, I think it would be best if someone verbally explained to Tatsuki and Uryu the facts of the matter."

"All right," replied the captain with an almost imperceptible sigh, "Whatever you think, Urahara."

Reaching out to grasp his friend's shoulder, Chad asked, "Are you sure you want to do this? It's almost time."

Looking over at Chad, the captain answered in a tone that was flat and yet seemed to be struggling to remain in control of rising emotions, "I need to know, Chad. Whatever happens…I need to see it for myself."

Chad returned the captain's gaze a little while longer before looking over at Renji and saying, "Let's head out."

Without thinking, Rukia snatched Renji's hand as he made to leave. Even though she herself didn't quite know why she did it, Chad seemed to understand.

"We're going to stay in the barn tonight," Chad explained, "We won't be in the way and we won't be wandering around and possibly drawing attention to ourselves."

"Oh," said Rukia as she quickly dropped Renji's hand, "that's fine. It's not like I was worried or anything."

Renji hesitated for a moment before he said simply, "See you in the morning."

Glancing up at him for a brief moment before looking down at her lap, Rukia said as breezily as she could, "Yeah, sure. Goodnight."

Just before Renji's figure disappeared completely through the doorway, Rukia stole one last look at him out of the corner of her eye. Then she started to mentally scold herself. She was being ridiculous. Renji was not the first boy she'd dealt with who was around her own age. Why did she have to go feeling and thinking like he was someone special?

After Renji and Chad left, the few minutes left before the sun completely set seemed to stretch on into eternity. It seemed as though a petrification spell had been cast on everyone in the room, the only movement in the room coming from Orihime as she twitched and shuddered every so often.

When the time finally came, Rukia almost didn't realize it was happening. Ever so gradually, a golden glow began emanating from Orihime. As the glow expanded to create a kind of dome around her, Rukia's eyes widened as she saw Orihime's hawk form lengthen and become more humanoid underneath the blanket. At the same time, the feathers fell away from her face to reveal the facial features Rukia had studied so carefully the night before. Just as gradually as it had appeared, the golden glow faded away, showing Orihime to once again be herself.

As a whole, the occupants of the room held their breath as they waited and hoped against hope. One heartbeat. Two. Three. Then Orihime's eyelids slowly opened.

"Orihime."

The word was barely audible, but Orihime's eyes immediately sought out the owner of the voice. As soon as her gaze locked with her husband's, Orihime's eyes began to shimmer and Rukia was sure she saw her lips forming his name.

The captain stood frozen for another instant before his arm seemed to voluntarily raise and stretch out towards his wife. Rukia's skin tingled with the sense of relief and longing that seemed to emanate from the captain. A slight movement from under the blankets was enough evidence to show that Orihime was weakly trying to reach out for him as well. Then, that same golden glow engulfed him. A few heartbeats later, the huge, black wolf had replaced the captain.

No one moved for the longest time. The sensations and emotions still seemed to vibrate through the air and were made especially powerful because they had not been fully resolved.

Tears slipping from her eyes, Orihime managed to extract her hand from under the blanket. Immediately, the wolf padded forward and gave her fingers a few licks. Giving her transformed husband a weak, sad smile, Orihime gently and lovingly stroked his face.

The spell cast over everyone was finally broken when Yoruichi said tersely, "Tessai, now would be a good time to get started."

"Oh, yes," replied Tessai as he passed a hand under his eyes, "Yes, of course."

"Yoruichi," Orihime asked weakly, "what…"

Yoruichi's voice softened slightly as she carefully took Orihime's limp hand and tucked it under the blanket and said, "You were hurt, so Ichigo brought you here so we could hide and help you."

"The others…"

"Are just fine," Yoruichi interjected smoothly, "You're the only one Tessai needs to work on, so don't worry."

"What about Rukia?"

Rukia's breath caught in her throat. The woman was hanging on to life by the thinnest thread imaginable and yet her first thoughts were of everyone else's well-being. If Orihime died…

No, Rukia wouldn't allow herself to think that way. Orihime would live. She had to live.

Rising to her feet, Rukia took a few steps forward and said, "I'm fine."

A smile slowly stretched across Orihime's face as she swept her gaze over Rukia and said, "That's good," and she repeated in a whisper as her eyelids closed, "That's good."

Stepping forward, Urahara and said in a hushed tone to Yoruichi, "My dear, would you come with me to the barn? Our friends have likely had enough time to get themselves ready."

Looking at where the wolf was standing and staring steadfastly up at Orihime, Yoruichi asked, "What about him? Shouldn't we put him out in the barn with the others?"

Seeming to understand what Yoruichi had just said, the wolf's lips curled back ever so slightly to reveal just the tips of his teeth as he turned his head to look at her. There was also a nearly imperceptible growl rumbling from deep within his chest.

Before anyone could say or do anything, Orihime's hand once again reached out to stroke the wolf's face. A lump formed in Rukia's throat as she realized that Orihime's eyes were still closed. That somehow in her unconscious state, Orihime had known and reacted to what was happening. The wolf's response was to refocus his attention on the one he was most concerned about. Despite the fact that Ichigo Kurosaki was not cognizant of what he was doing at the moment, it was quite apparent that no matter what form he took, there was no way he was going to abandon his wife.

Laying a hand on his own wife's shoulders, Urahara said, "Let's go," to which Yoruichi's response was to follow him out of the room.

For a time, the only person who moved was Tessai as he readied his equipment and supplies. When Rukia's legs began to quiver with exertion from standing and holding herself erect, her mind blanked for a moment on what she should do. Just as her legs were about to collapse beneath her, however, a chair was set down right behind her. Without thinking, Rukia lowered herself onto it before turning her head to see Jinta stepping away.

"Thanks," said Rukia simply to which Jinta's only response was to give a sort of grunt and slight nod of his head before his gaze drifted over to the injured woman. Even though his expression remained fairly neutral and blank, Jinta's eyes showed that he was rather shaken and disturbed.

The sound of approaching footsteps startled everyone except Tessai and Orihime. A few seconds later, Tatsuki fairly flew around the corner then stood stock still as she took in the tableau in front of her, brown eyes glinting and flashing in the light. In what seemed to be an effort to control herself, Tatsuki bit her lip and closed her eyes as Uryu, Urahara and Yoruichi entered the room.

Stepping around Tatsuki, Uryu approached Tessai and asked in a clipped tone, "What can I do?"

Handing him a couple of towels, Tessai explained quickly, "I'm almost done sterilizing everything, so you can hold these against the wound when I extract the arrow. However," here he dipped a clean rag in a bowl of liquid and said, "we need to soften up the skin first, so wrap this around the arrow and gently hold it against her skin."

"Will she live?"

Tatsuki's question, while seemingly harmless, sent chills down Rukia's spine. Most likely because of the icy tone she had used.

Raising his eyes to meet Tatsuki's gaze for a few moments, Tessai said calmly, "I promised Captain Kurosaki that I would do what I could for her," before returning his attention to his work.

Even after the arrow was finally extracted and Tessai almost sighed in relief as he stated that Orihime would make a full recovery in time, it wasn't until her eyes opened almost an hour later that everyone in the room began to really breathe again.

The commander stood with his hands pressed flat against the map that was lying on the table as his gaze seemed to look through the paper in an effort to find what he was searching for. Or more specifically, who he was searching for.

The flap of his tent was lifted noiselessly and two figures entered simultaneously. They stood stock still and waited for the commander to acknowledge them before giving their report. Even though they were allowed to enter his tent without permission at any given time unlike the others in their troop, they knew better than to speak before they were acknowledged.

With his gaze still scanning the map, the commander reached out a hand to grasp a mug and raise it to his lips as he asked, "What did you find?"

The shorter of the two soldiers bowed their head and answered officiously, "Sir, Captain Kurosaki escaped the platoon of soldiers sent after him. In the skirmish, he was nearly brought down by an arrow, but a hawk was struck instead."

As he lowered the mug, the commander's gaze and upper body lifted as he asked, "A hawk? Did you say a hawk?"

"Yes sir," replied the shorter soldier, "A hawk swooped down and was severely wounded as a result."

"And the captain's reaction?" asked the commander as he walked slowly around the table, "What did he do?"

"Sir," answered the same soldier, "Captain Kurosaki somehow managed to fight off the soldiers long enough to retrieve the bird before riding off and escaping."

"And?" asked the commander.

This time, the second soldier answered, saying, "The captain managed to lose those stupid bumpkins."

"Did he now?" asked the commander in a calm tone, "Is that all you have to report to me? That you spotted him and then lost him again?"

"No sir," said the second soldier with a barely concealed smile, "I ain't a stupid bumpkin."

"Good," replied the commander with a small grin of his own, "That's very good to hear."

Author's Note:

All I can say at this point is sorry this took so long to post. Can't guarantee when the next one will come out, but hopefully it will be soon.