I've been wanting to type this chapter for a while! :D Ahhh, Byakuya and Hisana, I love writing about these two! Well, enjoy! And I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! Holiday, whatever! I enjoyed typing this chapter! Do I smell some IchiRuki? xD

I sort of stole Hiro and Kenta from Jennifer, but she said it was okay to use them! I will change their appearance, though.


The Hollow

"Lady Hisana, if you wanted to some more plants for your garden, we could have asked for a vendor to come to the estate. There's really no point in coming all the way to the Rukon District." Tamiko sniffed as she walked alongside Hisana. She, however, laughed at the young girl.

"What's so funny?" Tamiko demanded, frowning.

"It's you, I don't know why, but you always seem to enlighten my day." Hisana smiled at her. Tamiko flushed at her words.

She puffed her cheeks out. "I do not, you're just saying that."

"Of course you do! You make living in that horrid manor bearable." She told the young maid. Tamiko didn't reply to that as they made their way through the crowd in District One. The merchants called out to them, and women offered beautiful trinkets, but Hisana really didn't have the time to stay behind and look over the merchandise, as appealing as they were.

Hisana was studying a few plants from a nearby shop when she suddenly spotted someone. Hisana straightened and saw Rukia making her way past the many shops. "Wait here." Hisana told Tamiko and went towards her sister. She was surprised, what on earth was Rukia doing in the Rukon District? Then it dawned on her, of course Rukia would not think of her own safety; what a troubling child.

"Rukia! Rukia, come here!" Hisana called and waved. Rukia turned towards Hisana's direction and made her way towards her older sister.

"Hisana! What are you doing here?" Rukia asked, breathless but eyes shining.

"What am I doing here? What are you doing here? Rukia, I told you many times, if you want to come to the Rukon District, I'll go with you." Hisana told her. Rukia looked slightly flustered.

"I know, but you're not home anymore, remember? I can't go all the way to your manor and ask you to come with me. Also, sending you a letter would take to long, and I wasn't too sure about Byakuya either." Rukia explained. Hisana gave a tired sigh and then smiled.

"So, how are they, Hiro and Kenta." Hisana asked. Rukia's eyes brightened again.

"They're doing great, Hiro is getting bigger and Kenta is still about the same size. I packed some lunch and ate with them in the forest, it was nice." Rukia smiled.

"Really? I haven't seen them in over a month, next time I'll go with you." Hisana smiled, thinking of the small boys they met a long time ago. They were children from the Rukon District, some Hisana felt sorry for. It was hard, visiting the Rukon District and watching many children starve. Of course, most spirits who arrive in the Rukon District don't feel hunger, however, there are a certain few…

"They made me play tag with them." Rukia smiled.

Hisana's brow suddenly furrowed. "Rukia, you really need to be careful. Hollows are known to roam around the districts farthest of the Seireitei. Please be more careful next time." She told Rukia, placed a hand on her shoulder.

Rukia sighed then smiled up at Hisana. "I will, because next time you're coming with me. You see, I was thinking, wouldn't it be nice for us to serve the children some food. You know how bad it can be in those districts." She told Hisana.

"By ourselves, Rukia? I don't know…"

"Oh, please, Hisana! Kenta and Hiro would be so excited to see you! If you're worried about our safety, maybe you can ask some of the Kuchiki guards to accompany you?" Rukia asked, hopefully. Hisana looked down at her sister, debating the issue with herself.

"Rukia…" Hisana trailed off. Rukia's eyes were pleading and Hisana finally smiled with resignation. "Alright, I'm sure it won't be too much trouble."

Rangiku studied the small squad of her division. She was asked by her captain to take them out and get more experience on the field, fighting hollows in the large forests just outside the Rukon District. Twice Rangiku thought she had to step in, but luckily some of the squad members managed to take down the hollow that was about to attack them. She was satisfied at their performance.

She followed her squad through the forest, dodging trees and vegetation as they made their way onto a clearing. The air was quiet, and everything was still. She then felt it, the reiatsu of two hollows, approaching fast. Her team intercepted them, and managed to kill one, leaving the other. At least the training wasn't a complete waste of time.

She stopped.

What the? How come she didn't notice it before? Another reiatsu, larger than the first. Where on earth was it coming from?

"OOOOOOOOHHHHHHH!" Came the sudden cry of the hollow, appearing out of no where. It had been hiding among the branches of the trees. It's ugly face appearing from behind the leaves, mouth opening wide. With surprising speed, it flew from the shelter of the trees, heading towards the group of unsuspecting Shinigami.

"Get away!" Rangiku cried as she saw the hollow whip out its long tongue at one of her squad members. She drew out her Zanpakuto, but damn, she wasn't going to make it…

"Hey, back the hell off, you stupid hollow!" A girl cried. Rangiku halted and watched as a young girl appeared from behind the hollow. She raised her Zanpakuto high and brought it down in one fluid motion. The hollow turned at the sound and was met by the wrath of her blade, slicing its head. The hollow shrieked in agony before disintegrating into nothing.

The black haired girl sheathed her Zanpakuto and glared at the stunned Shinigami. "I can't believe you guys didn't feel that third one, are you stupid?" She asked them, glaring at her squad. Rangiku sheathed her blade as well and made her way to the group. It was surprising, watching a little girl take out that hollow in one blow. That's funny, why hadn't she noticed the girl before? Her reiatsu was flaring.

Rangiku approached the girl from behind and patted her on the head. "Well done, kid, that was impressive! Seeing a child take down a hollow all by herself was interesting to watch."

The girl suddenly slapped her hand away in annoyance. "Hey! I'm not a kid! Stop treating me like a child, alright? I mean damn!" She yelled.

"Idiot! That's Lieutenant Matsumoto!" One of her squad members yelled. The girl flinched and quickly bowed her head.

"Sorry, Lieutenant Matsumoto." She muttered, none too happily. Rangiku laughed.

"Don't worry about it! What's your name, again?" She asked the girl.

She looked up. "It's Karin, Karin Kurosaki."

"Kurosaki?" Rangiku asked, frowning. Kurosaki? It couldn't be coincidence, there's only one Kurosaki she knows out of the whole Soul Society. He wasn't that bad to look at either, not that she was interested in the guy, but did he pack a punch.

Rangiku snapped her fingers. "You don't happen to know a certain Ichigo Kurosaki?" She asked. Karin's eyes widened in astonishment. Yup, Rangiku knew it.

"Yes! He's my big brother! Do you know him? Do you know where he is?" Karin suddenly asked, looking quite a bit excited. Rangiku placed her hands on Karin's shoulder in order to calm her down.

"Hang on there. Yes, a lot of people know Ichigo, who wouldn't? He's a Shinigami in the Sixth Division under Byakuya Kuchiki. He's third seat, but I know he can surpass Renji any day, I don't know what's holding him back, though." Rangiku said more to herself than Karin. The young girl suddenly grabbed Rangiku's arm.

"Can I go see him? We were separated when we died, I bet he's anxious about us! Can I go look for him in his division?" Karin asked.

"Wait, I'm just as surprised as you. I didn't know that Ichigo had a little sister, then again, he doesn't tell anyone about his past life. Listen, Karin, I would like to help you, but you're going to ask the captain for written permission to go to the Sixth Division." Rangiku explained. Karin wasn't all to happy about this.

"Why can't I just go?"

"Trust me, we have nothing against it. It's just that the Sixth Division is very strict. You need special permission in order to speak with one of their officers. Not my rules, sorry." Rangiku said. Karin looked troubled, so Rangiku decided to help the girl.

For some reason she liked her.

"Don't worry too much, I'll go take you to see the captain. I'm sure if we bother him long enough, he will give in." Rangiku winked.

Karin sighed. "Okay, that's fine."

Rangiku looked around. "Well, how about we finish up and then we'll go meet up with Captain Hitsugaya later, hm?"

Karin gave a small smile. "Yeah, thanks."

Rangiku laughed as she slapped Karin hard on the back, making her stumble forward. "Don't mention it! You are so cute!"

Karin glared at her lieutenant. "I'm not cute!"

Hisana sneezed and a cloud of flour erupted from the large bowl. Immediately the cooks went to her aid, fussing over her, wiping her face clean, dusting her kimono, brushing her hair; it was enough to make her suffocate. She had to pull away from the many hands and laughed at their distraught expressions.

"It's okay, I'm completely alright." She told them. "Honestly, this isn't my first time cooking in a kitchen." She told them, making her way back to her station, dodging a few hands along the way.

One of the cooks, an older woman, nervously approached the lady of the house. "My Lady, please, let us take over for you. You mustn't go through all the trouble, it's not fit for a lady to be here, especially Lord Kuchiki's wife."

Hisana fought the urge to roll her eyes as she turned the cook. "Don't worry about me, back in my old home, I always made meals for my family. In this case it's for children, but I really don't see a difference." She told them. The cooks gave each other troubled looks, and Hisana sighed once more.

"If it makes you feel better, I can go change and freshen up." She told them. The cooks then nodded, relief flooding their features. Hisana laughed in spite of herself. "Just don't touch my station!" She called, as she silently ran out the kitchen. She knew they were going to try to finish up quickly before she arrived, so she had better hurry.

Taking a short cut down a hallway, Hisana turned a corner and ran head first into someone. She lost her balance and toppled backwards, but a strong hand caught her arm in time before she fell. Hisana looked up into the eyes of Byakuya. His grey eyes shifted down at her, and scanned her body. That's right, she was covered in flour. Hisana blinked and stared at the large white spot on the front of his black robes where she had collided with him.

They studied each other quietly. Hisana's head tilted slightly to the side as she examined him. Byakuya Kuchiki, stood before her, glaring at her. It was obvious he was trying to keep his composure, but her eyes kept landing on the large, white mess she made. Hisana couldn't help it.

She laughed.

It wasn't an obnoxious laugh, it was a small one, quiet almost. She covered her mouth slightly with the back of her hand as she laughed at him. It was a funny sight to see, the great Lord Kuchiki, covered in flour, making him look not so great anymore.

"What seems to be so amusing?" He demanded, obviously not happy about being the center of his wife's ridicule.

"It's you, I can't take you seriously right now." Hisana laughed. She couldn't stop now. When was the last time she had laughed like this? Ever since she came here, she hadn't been fully able to express herself much. Now that it was all coming out, she really couldn't control it.

Byakuya wordlessly watched as Hisana laughed to herself. He didn't like the fact that he was the source of her amusement but, he hadn't seen her smile so sincerely before, let alone a laugh that was so simple, yet…

"Excuse me, I have to go change." She finally managed to say as she regained control of herself. Hisana quickly brushed by without another word and disappeared around a corner. A few seconds later she began laughing again. He stood there, quietly, and didn't leave until the last of her laughter ebbed away with each silent step she took.

Hisana wiped her brow as she handed the last bit of rice to the last child. Rukia smiled down at Hiro and Kenta as they begged her to go play.

"Oh! Come on! Please Rukia!" Kenta asked, pulling at Rukia's sleeve. Hisana smiled at the boys. Rukia was right, Hiro had indeed grown. He was almost Rukia's height, and it wouldn't be long before he surpassed her. As big as he was, however, he still acted like a child. Hiro's dark brown hair was messy, his hands filthy with dirt, but that didn't stop Rukia from clasping his hands. His brown eyes were bright and full of vigor, and Hisana wouldn't be surprised if he became a Shinigami one day…

Kenta was still too small, and he looked up to Hiro a lot. His black hair was a little shaggy, but his blue eyes sparkled with adventure. Hisana was glad the boys found ways to survive the rugged life of District Seventy-Four, and it broke her heart every time they had to bid farewell.

Unless maybe Hisana could convince Byakuya to take them in.

No.

He wouldn't allow that, his family wouldn't allow that. That's just how selfish the Kuchikis are…

"Alright, I'll count to twenty. Remember, whoever I find first is it!" Rukia called. Hisana laughed to herself as her younger sister and the two boys engaged in a game of tag. One of the guards relieved Hisana of the large basket she was carrying, and loaded it onto the cart they brought with them.

Hisana watched the many children of the district eat their fill and looking quite happy. She leaned against the wall of a small hut, and gazed at the children as they laughed and joked with each other. Has it really been that long? She had almost forgotten-

Her thoughts were interrupted by a bowl shattering. Startled, Hisana turned her attention to a small girl. Her small body was trembling, eyes wide as she stared at the forest, face frozen with horror. After that, many of the kids snapped their heads towards the trees as well. "What is it?" Hisana called, worry starting to fill her.

"One of those things…" The little girl replied. Soon after that, she started to cry. One of the older girls scooped up the small child and fled, along with many others.

"Wait, what's wrong? Why are you-?"

"OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH!" A horrible, monstrous cry tore through the air like a whip, striking Hisana with senseless fear. Her heart stopped as she whirled around toward the forest.

Rukia was in there, with Hiro and Kenta.

"Lady Kuchiki, it would be best if you-wait! My Lady!" One of the guards cried, but Hisana had already disappeared into the forest.

Byakuya sat at his desk, finishing the last of his paperwork before retiring for the day. His lieutenant, however, had yet to make an appearance. Kurosaki was also gone, and Byakuya couldn't leave his squad alone if both of his seated officers were no where to be found. He silently placed aside a document he finished reviewing, and focused on another one he placed before him.

Hisana would probably be home by now.

Byakuya didn't miss the cart exiting the grounds early that morning. He watched as a few of his guards steered the cart through the gates, with Hisana among them. What in the world was that woman doing, leaving at dawn? Where was she going? She didn't bother to even let him know that she was going off somewhere. Byakuya made his way through the manor in search of that maid girl Hisana always spoke with. He asked for her almost everywhere.

It wasn't until a couple of maids informed him that Tamiko was tending to Hisana's garden. Byakuya didn't take long to find the young maid. She was humming to herself, watering the small plants. When she saw Byakuya, however, she stumbled away from the small patches of flowers. She bowed her head, and bid him good morning.

"I'm sure you know where Lady Hisana is going, do you not?" He asked. Tamiko looked up at him in slight surprise.

"Y-Yes, My Lord. Lady Kuchiki went to the Rukon District Seventy-Four, in order to help the poor children by feeding them. I-I sorry, My Lord, I thought she informed you." Tamiko replied nervously, averting her gaze.

To help feed the poor?

"When will she return?" He asked.

"I believe, My Lord, a little before sunset." Tamiko told him. Byakuya didn't say anything at first, but he then turned away from the girl.

"Very well."

The door to his office opened, distracting him from his thoughts. Renji bowed when he entered the office. "You're late." Byakuya said, not looking at him. "You've been gone all day."

"I apologize, sir. I had to go and perform Ichigo's duties, since he hasn't been around all day today." Renji told him, making his way to his own desk and paper work.

"Again?"

Renji nodded. "Yes, Captain Kuchiki. He went to the Rukon District again, I know he did. At first I though he went to investigate the recent hollow activity in District Seventy-Four, but after taking all day-"

"Hollow activity?" Byakuya asked, looking up at his lieutenant.

"Yes, sir. It appears that the a group of Shinigami from the Tenth Division went to train in the forest, fighting hollows. I was told by Lieutenant Matsumoto that hollows of great reiatsu have been very active in that area, and has been marked as dangerous until further notice." Renji explained. "It seems to me that they want to keep watch in order to see if the hollows will seep into the other districts or not."

"…"

"Captain?" Renji asked. Byakuya didn't say a word as he shunpoed out of his office.

"Rukia! Rukia!" Hisana called out in panic. Branches grabbed and tore at her kimono, scratching her face and clawing at her hair. She ran through bushes, and tried to avoid as much vegetation as she could, but it was getting harder to see with the sun setting and the forest growing thicker.

"OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH!" Came the cry again, nearer now.

"Please, please, please…" Hisana chanted frantically, hoping that she could find Rukia and the boys in time.

"Run! Run!" Hisana heard Rukia's yells. Hisana turned to the direction of her sister's voice and dodged trees.

"Rukia!" Hisana cried out to her sister.

She heard the large cracking of trees, and felt the small tremors, making Hisana stumble. Hisana forced herself to continue as she heard the loud stomps of the monster. She broke through some large bushes and came into a small clearing. Hisana stared in shock, as the large hollow loomed over Rukia and the boys. Rukia caught sight of her sister. "Hisana! Don't come any closer, get Hiro and Kenta!" She screamed as Rukia suddenly dashed towards the hollows.

"No! Rukia!" Hisana screamed. Rukia, with a look of determination, slid in between the hollow's legs. The hollow turned away from the boys as it reverted its attention to Rukia. The hollow raised it's large pincers and lunged toward the petite girl. However, before the pincers reached her, Rukia countered with something that appeared to be an energy ball of some kind. The hollow withdrew its pincer in a rage, but that only stalled it for a few seconds.

"Hisana! Take Hiro and Kenta, I'll lure this hollow away!" Rukia shouted, running away into the forest, with the hollow behind her.

"Rukia!" Hisana yelled. No…

She turned to the two boys huddled together. She raced to them and quickly helped the boys up. "Come, hurry, my dears." She told them. Hiro and Kenta ran ahead of Hisana as she followed them into the forest. She prayed that Rukia would be alright. Hisana urged the boys to go faster, and just when she thought they were about to break free from the forest, something crashed through the trees.

"Kenta!" Hiro yelled as a second hollow raised its claws and aimed for the little boy.

Blood splattered the trees.

Hisana landed heavily against the ground as Hiro quickly picked Kenta up from where Hisana had pushed him. "Hisana!" Hiro cried.

"Go…you're almost there…" Hisana gasped as she tried to sit up. She clutched her left shoulder where the hollow sliced her with its razor sharp claws. Blood soaked the grass and her kimono. She was already feeling faint. "Don't wait for me, Hiro…" She called out to him. Hiro looked torn. He gave her a last fleeting look before dashing away with his brother. The hollow's hand reached out and grabbed Hisana, holding her tightly, and making it hard for her to breathe.

His grip tightened, nearly crushing her.

The hollow suddenly let out a loud shriek, and Hisana felt herself fall, the hollow's hand releasing her as its arm fell, sliced away from its arm. Blood spouted from its stump as the hollow roared with agony. She felt a strong arm holding her against the solidness of a body.

"Scatter, Senbonzakura." She heard a deep voice. Her eyes were becoming unfocused, but she still made out the million petals swirling in the air. The next thing she knew, the hollow was attacked and sliced in many places, with more blood splattering, before it disintegrated.

"Byakuya…?" Hisana whispered. His cold grey eyes was the last she saw before blacking out.

"Damn it…" Rukia cursed after having been cornered. The hollow was almost on her now. She stood her ground as she glared at the creature. At least Hisana, Hiro, and Kenta were safe, hopefully. She stared into the eyes of the hollow, refusing to close her eyes and flinch away. If she was going to die, well hell…

She might as well die with dignity.

Rukia watched as the hollow opened its mouth and dive for its prey.

"Stop attacking defenseless people, you hollow scum!" She heard someone yell. Rukia suddenly saw a black blur appearing above the hollow. Rukia saw a flash of orange and the glimmer of a blade. Before she knew it, the robed figure stabbed the hollow in the face, making it crumble at once, disintegrating into the air like ashes in the wind.

Rukia stared as a guy about her age raised his blade and held it over his shoulder. "Hey." He said. Rukia wordlessly approached the orange-haired male. His robes were the same as Hisana's husband, which meant that he was a Shinigami.

He saved her life.

He looked down at her and she looked up at him. Suddenly, Rukia punched him in the stomach. "You idiot!" She yelled at him. Caught by surprise, Ichigo doubled over.

"Ugh! What the hell was that for!" He yelled angrily.

Rukia glared at the Shinigami. "Who the hell asked you to interfere, that was my fight!" She yelled. He stared at her in slight disbelief.

"Your fight? You were about to get killed, and you're hitting me because I saved your life?" He asked, glaring at her, scowling.

"The hell I did! I hate being in people's debt! Couldn't you let me die with dignity?" She yelled at him, stomping her foot because she knew he would easily dodge her next punch.

"Dignity? You were cowering from that thing!" He argued right back, and just as loudly.

"Cowering? How dare you! I was not cowering, I was graciously accepting my fate!" Rukia cried.

"Graciously? You're far from, gracious, you little midget!"

Rukia's eyebrow twitched dangerously. She then aimed a solid kick to his shin. "Ow!"

"Call me midget again, and I'll mess up your face so bad-!"

"Kurosaki." Someone called. Rukia and the Shinigami turned to the source of the voice. Byakuya was walking towards them, with a pale and limp Hisana in her arms. Rukia immediately forgot about the Shinigami and raced to her sister's side.

"Hisana! What happened?" Rukia demanded as she took in the sight of her sister's mangled body.

"A hollow. It appears that you took care of the other one." Byakuya said, looking up at his third seat. Ichigo scratched his head.

"Yeah, luckily I was around." He told his captain. Rukia looked away from her sister and stared up at the Shinigami.

"You work together?" Rukia asked.

"Ichigo Kurosaki, is third seat in my division." Byakuya informed her. He carefully placed Hisana on the ground. "If you would loosen your sister's kimono so I can inspect her wound."

Rukia blinked momentarily before nodding. "Right." Rukia loosened Hisana's kimono and pulled the fabric away gently. She winced when she saw the deep gashes in her soft skin. "This all my fault…" Rukia whispered, bowing her head. "Hisana, you told me and I didn't listen…"

"Stop blaming yourself, none of this is your fault." Ichigo told her. Rukia whirled around as she glared at him, her eyes full of angry tears.

"Yes it is! Hisana knew there would be danger, but I insisted we come here! I was so stupid! I couldn't protect Hiro and Kenta!" Rukia cried. "And I couldn't even protect my own sister! I could fight off that hollow! I couldn't fight-!" Rukia suddenly stopped as she stared at Ichigo. It was as if she was seeing him in a new light.

Her eyes fell on his Shinigami robes. As Byakuya silently performed Kido on his wife, Rukia's eyes filled with a new determination. Her hands clenched on her kimono as her eyes shifted to Ichigo's Zanpakuto. "I will learn to fight." She said, turning away from and back to her sister. "I will learn to fight, Hisana, for you, and for everyone else; I promise."

After Byakuya did his best to close her wounds, he lifted Hisana up in his arms. "I will take her back to the manor, she will need plenty of rest." He said, turning away from Rukia and Ichigo. Rukia suddenly went to Byakuya and grabbed his haori, which was already tainted by Hisana's blood.

"Wait, I want to come too, I don't want to leave her side just yet." Rukia said. Byakuya looked down at Rukia, his eyes betraying no emotion.

"If that is what you wish, so be it. Kurosaki will take you." He replied.

"I will do what now?" Ichigo asked.

"I'm not going to repeat myself." Byakuya said, turning away again.

"Wait…" Came a soft voice. Hisana's eyes fluttered opened. She stared up at Byakuya, still weak, but slightly better. "This Shinigami, I want to speak to him…" She whispered to him. Byakuya didn't say anything at first, but he wordlessly turned back to Ichigo. Rukia breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that Hisana was okay. Ichigo stared at the young woman as she smiled weakly at him.

"Your name…?"

"Ichigo Kurosaki." He replied. Hisana held out her hand and Ichigo hesitantly took it.

"Ichigo, my name is Hisana Kuchiki and I wish to thank you, from the bottom of my heart. You saved my little sister, and I am in your debt." She told him.

"Che, don't worry about it, I'm starting to regret saving the little troll." He said without thinking. Hisana winced and Byakuya glared at Ichigo. "Er…I mean…no problem." He said.

"Hisana, I'll go with you, I just want to make sure you get better." Rukia said. Hisana smiled in response.

"Thanks, I could use your company." Hisana told her. "Right now, I'm so tired…" She whispered, her eyes closing. A few seconds later, her breathing started to come out in a slow rhythm. Her forehead rested gently against Byakuya's neck.

"Wait, she said Kuchiki, does that mean that she's…?" Ichigo asked.

"Yes, she's my wife." Byakuya replied before he shunpoed away, leaving Rukia and Ichigo behind. They both looked at each other, well, glare was more like it. Ichigo reluctantly held his arms out.

"I hate this as much as you do, so come on." He sighed in clear frustration. Rukia shook her head.

"No, I'm walking." She told him. Ichigo shrugged.

"Suit yourself." He said, and before Rukia could respond, he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder like a sack of flour.

"What do you think you're doing?" She screamed.

"Taking you with your sister, so shut your mouth already, it's annoying the hell out of me." He scowled.

"Go to hell!" She yelled.

"With you, I'm already in it." He muttered, making her scream with indignation.


Hurrah! That is done! I hope you like it!