Sorry this took me so long to write. I was having a bit of trouble trying to condense everything down since I realized that if I drew it out like I wanted, well we'd have probably 260 chapters. =)


And…Wait, what???

After they finished getting Rose settled in, she immediately set about unpacking her herbs and different liquids that she would need to completely heal Jūshirō.

She was nervous to have met the man. Like Sachiel, she was taller than most elves, including the men, leading many to wonder if she wasn't part human. She wasn't, at least, not directly. Meeting Jūshirō had set her on edge. He was handsome and emitted a warm, gentle aura that had immediately attracted her.

Captain Unohana watched curiously as Rose unpacked all the items, asking questions about the different vials and packets, to which Rose explained what each was for and how they would be able to help him.

"So, you are an elf," Jūshirō asked from his seat by the view of his ponds.

"Mmm," Rose answered, nodding her head. "Though not of the same as Sachiel. She is a blood elf, whereas I am still a noble high elf of Faedwer. Unlike Sachiel's people, mine are still allied with our Darnassian cousins. Night elves, if you will. They, like my own, are still tied to nature's magic, whereas Sachiel's are just tied to magic. Powerful, yes but still lacking in some parts. They are no longer immortal. However, she's still very astute with herbs and alchemical studies but…" She trailed off. "I'm rambling."

The group smiled at her. "It's very interesting to hear of new lands and new people," Jūshirō said to help ease her. "I'm sure that you'll find our culture and people just as interesting as I'm beginning to find yours."

Shunsui arched an eyebrow at his friend. He was really being uncharacteristically forward. Ukitake's words were not lost on Unohana either. She also gave Jūshirō a sly smile.

"Shunshui," she said. "Will you come back to the Fourth Division with me and help me with a project?'

"eh? Now?" he replied in surprise. "Can't it wait?"

"No, it can't," she answered, giving him that smile that intimidated so many.

Rose had stopped her sorting to look at the three people. "Weird…they're weird for humans," she said to herself.

/*\

Sachiel fidgeted…and pulled…and scratched. Ichigo looked over at her. "What's wrong with you," he asked.

"It itches," she grumbled.

"You're not looking very angelic when you do that."

She glared at him, lips pursed. "You try wearing this stiff thing. I don't like formality but this trip called for it."

"I'm sure gramps won't mind if you wear what you usually wear around the house or when you fight," Ichigo said.

"Your grandfather? We're going to meet a member of your family," Sachiel said, jaw agape.

Ichigo stopped, confused. "No. That's just what I call the Sou-taichio. He's pretty old."

"Oh," she replied, blushing. "Now I really feel dumb."

Ichigo shrugged. "At least you're not blonde…or an airhead. Though I wonder sometimes."

Sachiel smacked him on the arm, walking away in a huff before suddenly disappearing.

Ichigo sigh, looking at the two men who were with them. He jerked his head slightly, both men nodding as they all used shun'po to reach the doors of the first division.

For Ichigo, Hisago and Kira, reaching the doors was easy. Gaining access was another thing entirely. After more than a few minutes and a messenger later, they were finally allowed inside.

When they reached Sou-taicho Yamamoto's office, they were only slightly surprised to find Sachiel already there, enjoying tea with Sasakibe and the Head Captain. Normally, Sasakibe would be off to the side to wait on his captain but Sachiel had insisted he join, to which, Yamamoto could not refuse her request.

"Oh there you are, Ichigo," Sachiel said. "I was beginning to wonder where you were."

"Kurosaki Ichigo," Yamamoto said. "Your wife here was just telling us about the training she has planned for Kira and Hisagi."

He motioned for the men to sit, Sasakibe bringing them pillows to sit on. Ichigo picked his up and set it next to his wife.

Yamamoto looked at Ichigo. "You did not tell us that you took a wife. You merely stated that you would like to deal only with the higher level hollows. And to discover your wife's lineage as well. What else have you been keeping from us, Ichigo?"

Sachiel looked at him confusedly. "Is every part of my husband's life to be known to Soul Society?" she asked.

Ichigo scowled. "No. They don't need to know everything."

Sachiel seemed to accept that, no longer wanting to question Yamamoto other than what they had come here for.

Sou-taicho Yamamoto. There are a few things I could like to request if you don't mind," she said.

Looking now to Sachiel, Yamamoto nodded, grunting slightly. "Ask and I will provide you with what I can."

Sachiel smiled.

As everyone continued to listen to their conversation, Sachiel listed off the items she would need. She needed records for Hisagi and Kira and requested permission to keep them with her as long as needed for their training. She also informed him of Rose and her need here to be with Captain Ukitake so that she may finally take his tuberculosis.

This surprised Yamamoto since he had had the disease since he was a child. Nothing the healers of the fourth division had been able to cure it.

"And what makes you think this woman can?" he asked.

"Rose is very gifted when it comes to diseases. She can either inflict or remove them. As long as he's had this, it will take a while for it to be completely taken. But in his heart, he dreads every day knowing that he cannot be at his full potential. Yes, he is strong in his abilities and as a captain, this is expected but if he overexerts himself, he finds himself as weak as a baby," she explained. "This frustrates him to no end, despite the smile he gives everyone around him. He's not completely happy on the inside."

"You are insightful, Guardian," Yamamoto said. "Do you believe that these men are also able to achieve bankai?"

Sachiel was a bit taken aback, looking over at the two before looking at Ichigo. "They have not achieved it?"

"No, we have not," Hisagi said, Izuru nodding in agreement.

"Well, then we really have our work cut out for us," she replied, turning back to the head captain. "They will learn it. Then they can truly take over the divisions they currently watch."

She turned to the files that Sasakibe placed in front of her. He served Ichigo and the two men tea while Sachiel perused through them. She made mental notes of their talents and abilities, what their strong points were and also their weaknesses.

After several minutes, she closed the last file, turning to the men and smiled.

"Hard but not impossible," she said.

"Sou-taicho Yamamoto, thank you for your hospitality," she added with a slight bow to him. "I will be in touch as to their progress." Turning to Ichigo, she nodded, the other two men also rising with her.

"Should you need anything else, Guardian, please feel free to ask. We will do what we can," Yamamoto said to her.

Sachiel smiled, at him before coming around the table and giving him a kiss on the cheek. She turned to Sasakibe and did the same. Both men blushed like school boys, which really unnerved Ichigo. It was a scary sight.

As they left, the began making their way to the third and ninth divisions so that each could take some belongings with them that they would need, spare clothes and such.

/*\

They were standing outside the gates to the ninth division when Ichigo felt the spirit pressure of Kenpachi Zaraki. Sachiel looked at her husband curiously as he began to look nervous. Ichigo had been hoping that they wouldn't run into him while they were here but considering the ruckus that had been raised when they arrived, it didn't surprise him too much.

Sachiel put a hand on his arm, curious look on her face. "What's wrong, Ichigo?"

"Remember that captain I told you about?"

"Which one?"

"The really powerful one that always has the little girl with him."

Sachiel looked thoughtful for a moment, her finger to her lips. "Charko? No that's not right. Raziki? No…Zaraki! That's the name!" she exclaimed happily that she remembered.

"That would be him."

"But you said he was a battle hungry, over powered psycho."

"Yeah…that's accurate."

"You had a really tough time beating him, you said."

Ichigo frowned.

"What about him? Is that what's got you nervous?"

"He's heading our way."

Sachiel looked surprised. "Yeah? I'd like to meet him."

Ichigo looked at her in surprise. "Meet him?"

As Ichigo finished his question, Kenpachi came into sight, heading straight for them.

"Yo! Ichigo!" he said. "Long time."

Ichigo scowled. "Kenpachi."

Kenpachi smiled, looking down at the smaller man. "You get any stronger?"

"A bit."

"Then this should be fun. Draw, Ichigo." Both men went for their weapons.

Sachiel stepped in front of Ichigo, a broad smile on her face. "Hi! I'm Sachiel! You must be Kenpachi. Ichigo's told me a lot about you," she chirped, holding her hand out.

Kenpachi drew back, slightly surprised that this small woman would place herself in front of him. He scratched his head in confusion. At that point, Yachiru popped up on his shoulder. She was older than she had been before but not by much. She tilted her head to the side, smiling.

"Hello! You're pretty," she said.

Sachiel smiled at the girl. "Thank you."

"Isn't she pretty, Ken-chan? I hope I get to be as pretty when I get older!"

Sachiel continued to smile, suddenly feeling uncomfortable.

"Well now that we know who you are, step over there. Ichigo and I have some unfinished business," Kenpachi said.

Sachiel's smile faltered a bit. "And what would that be?"

"He wants to finish our fight," Ichigo said from behind her, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"But he can't fight you. I won't let you. We didn't come here to start fighting with anyone."

"Can't be helped, Sachi. He wants it, I might as well oblige him so that way he can stop tracking me down."

"But he'll just keep on until he's beaten you."

"Enough talk!" Kenpachi said, raising his sword.

Sachiel was still standing in front of Ichigo when he brought it down. Only to be stopped by a barrier that suddenly flickered and glowed around Sachiel.

Eyes wide, Ichigo pushed his wife aside. "Move out of the way!"

"Oh no you don't," she yelled, silver light forming around her hand as she jumped up, hitting Kenpachi in the head. The man was dazed for a moment, looking at Ichigo before his eyes rolled into the back of his head, falling at his feet.

"What'd you do that for?" Ichigo yelled at Sachiel.

"I don't want any fighting. I know he wants to fight you and I know you probably want it too but right now, I want no fighting!" she yelled back, tears starting to form in her eyes.

Taken aback, Ichigo stared at his wife as she started crying into her hands.

"eh…uh…Sachi," he said, moving toward her. "Don't cry. I'm sorry. I…" he didn't know how to finish, wrapping his arms around her.

Kenpachi started coming around, Yachiru standing over him. He shook his head, sitting up. "What was that?" he asked.

"Sachi hit you in the head, Ken-chan," Yachiru answered.

"Eh?"

Yachiru pointed to Ichigo who was holding said woman in his arms, trying to comfort her.

"You knocked me out, woman," he asked in disbelief

Ichigo glared at him as he suddenly felt his wife push away from him.

Stalking toward Kenpachi, Sachiel said, "I just wanted a normal day, a peaceful day. We came here with good intentions! If you have a grudge against my husband because he beat you when he was in a weaker form, I can assure you that you have no chance now. So do us a favor and get over it!" She finished this with a slap to Kenpachi's face that actually left a handprint behind. She turned back to Ichigo, crying against his chest.

"Hormones," Ichigo explained.

Kenpachi looked confused still, rubbing his cheek. "This is my wife, Kenpachi. She came here to Seireitei to talk to Gramps. She's a bit moody at the moment. Pregnant women do that."

"Eh? You're having a baby, Ichigo?" Kenpachi asked.

"No, idiot. I'm having the baby. Ichigo's just the father," Sachiel bit at him. Ichigo was slightly taken by surprise at her words and the venom in her voice. He couldn't really blame her though. She was far enough along to have these hormone imbalances, although to most it would seem it was a bit early in the pregnancy. Ichigo sighed to himself. He knew it was going to get worse.

Because angels didn't procreate and so, it had been somewhat of a guessing game for Ichigo and his father when Sachiel was pregnant with Rei. They had estimated that her pregnancy would run at most, twenty eight weeks. Sachiel was going to be giving birth almost sooner than most women. Her elven heritage was also a factor in that it extended it just a bit longer. She'd be giving birth in just over four months.

"Zaraki. You should not trouble our guests," a new voice said.

Ichigo turned, seeing Byakuya walking toward them. "Great. What now?" he thought to himself.

Upon reaching them, Byakuya nodded slightly in greeting.

"Is everything alright, Ichigo?"

"Yeah. We're fine. Sachi just got upset is all," he answered.

Byakuya nodded in understanding. Hisagi came out with Izuru, both men now had packs slung to their backs.

"We're ready," Hisagi said. Bowing to Byakuya. "Kuchiki-taicho."

Byakuya nodded in acknowledgement.

"Sachiel-san," the noble said to her. When she turned to him, his heart felt saddened at the look of her reddened eyes and tear stains on her face. She wiped as them, trying to compose herself.

"My apologies," she said softly. "I let my emotions get the best of me."

Byakuya nodded, grunting slightly. "I have a request to ask of you, if I may," he said.

"Ask it."

"While I do not feel the need to further train myself, I would like to help in training these two men, given your condition," he asked.

Sachiel gasped in surprise that he knew already. Word sure got around fast in this place! "Your help would certainly be welcomed, Kuchiki Byakuya but I'm afraid I have no more room in my house."

Byakuya smiled slightly, "I will come by using a senkai gate every day if that is acceptable to you?"

Sachiel seemed to consider this a moment, looking up to Ichigo as if to ask for permission. He nodded to his wife.

"It will be less strain on you, Sachi."

She nodded in agreement. "Then it's agreed?"

Both turned to Byakuya, Sachiel smiling brightly. "We would welcome your help, Byakuya-san. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated," she said to him.

She smiled at him, crooking a finger as she gestured to him. He hesitated a moment before leaning down, Sachiel cupping a hand as she whispered into his ear. His eyes widened for a moment before she moved away. He cleared his throat, composing himself again.

"Zaraki. If you feel the need to release some pent up energy, we shall go out into the forest and spar there," Byakuya offered to the man. "Ichigo and Sachiel cannot accommodate you."

Smiling, Kenpachi stood, following Byakuya for a moment before both shun'po'd out of sight.

Ichigo put his arm around his wife. "I think we've spent enough time here. Let's go home." Sachiel nodded in agreement.

Sachiel raised her hands, a different light this time was forming between her fingers. She spun the green light, leaves of a darker shade materializing. Ichigo put his hand on her arm, motioning for the two men to do the same. They placed a hand on her other arm. As she cast the light above them, they felt themselves fade.

/*\

And appear at the Kurosaki house.

"There. Now you two can take the rest of the day to get settled in," Sachiel said to them.

Both men bowed to Sachiel and Ichigo, making their way to their room where their gigais waited for them.

Sachiel went to the den, her clothes flashing to her jeans and blouse that she had been wearing earlier. She sat down, looking up at Ichigo as she patted the spot beside her.

He smiled, at her. "Actually, I was thinking of having a snack. You want something from the kitchen?" he asked.

Sachiel frowned, getting up from her spot as she stood in front of him. She nodded, following him.

Ichigo made her sit at the breakfast bar in the kitchen while he grabbed some pie and fruit from the refrigerator and then some milk. After serving them both a slice of pie and setting the fruit between and the two glasses of milk, he sat close to her. She didn't look happy for some odd reason.

Ichigo moved his stool closer still, enough so that they were touching. Turning her to face him, he pulled up her legs, setting them across his. She leaned toward him, resting her head against his shoulder.

"What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing much, really. I guess I'm still kind of upset at what happened on our trip."

"You shouldn't have done that. Punching Kenpachi like you did."

"He'll just have to wait until I'm no longer pregnant and I'll kick his ass the right way."

He smirked at that last comment. He didn't think she could but he knew she would give it a helluvah shot.

And this was the scene that Jaxxine, Hemah, Kon and Rei walked into.

"Don't you two look cozy!" Jaxxine said, putting down a few bags.

"They do. Like a few lovestruck teenagers," Hemah agreed.

Kon smiled as he looked on. He didn't get into discussions about how Sachiel and Ichigo looked together. The last time he did was when they were arguing, before they got married. Kon had tried getting Ichigo to go see her but he refused to the point where Ichigo got upset with the stuffed toy body and taped him completely up before throwing him out the window.

Sachiel looked at them, smiling while Ichigo began to scowl again, taking a bite of his pie. Rei took this opportunity to come around to her mother's side, using her leg to help her get up on the stool before trying to get up all the way into her lap.

Sachiel helped her, seating her in front. Rei took the fork from the counter and began to each Sachiel's pie slice. "Well I guess we know who's hungry," Hemah said.

"That was my pie, you know," Sachiel scolded Rei. Rei stopped, looking at her mother for a moment before putting the fork down. "I sorry, mommy," she apologized.

"It's ok, Rei. I'll share mine with mommy, ok?" Ichigo said.

Rei turned to her father, smiling. "Ok, daddy." she said before resuming eating the pie.

Sachiel frowned, something catching her eye. It was peeking out of one of the bags. It was gray…and fuzzy.

"What's that," she asked, avoiding a forkful of chocolate crème pie that Ichigo was attempting to feed her.

Hemah looked down at the bag that the gray thing was sticking out of. "This?" she asked, taking it out of the bag.

"Mimichu!" Rei squealed, jumping off Sachiel's lap and running to Hemah. The girl smiled as Rei reached her, giving the doll a squeeze as she took it.

"Well whatever it is, Rei likes it," Ichigo said. "She doesn't really have many stuffed toys."

"Yeah except the ones Yuzu gave her and that glowing caterpillar thing that my friend back home sent me along with all those baby clothes," Sachiel agreed.

Hemah picked up her little sister, hugging her as she walked to her mother. "Ann'da, where did you guys go? You smell different," she remarked.

"We went to Soul Society," Ichigo answered. "We're going to have a few guests for a while since we're gonna help them train. Byakuya is also going to be stopping by daily to help us out since your mother discovered this morning that she won't be able to help with the fighting training."

Jaxxine, Kon and Hemah all looked at Sachiel confusedly.

"I'm having another baby," she said with a smile.

Everyone erupted in cheers and well wishes. Rei seemed to be the only one who didn't know why but went along in cheering.

And so it was…

As Sachiel's pregnancy progressed, so did the training with Hisagi and Izuru. Both men grew stronger each day. Sachiel was able to teach Izuru how to keep a small amount of reiatsu as a reserve to draw on before teaching him how to use kido without calling out the spell or even the spell name. He became very proficient in his ability. He also learned her healing spells. She promised to teach him her attacks when she was able.

Hisagi also grew more comfortable with his sword and it's shikai form. Before long, he had achieved bankai. The look of it was amazing in itself. Sachiel said that they reminded her for the double bladed swords that the guards in her home world wielded. The only difference being the fiery aura that his emitted. Hemah had stepped in to help with his training with those swords. Her speed and agility making a fine match for him. She would correct his movements when needed but her teaching method proved to be invaluable to him. She would train with him for hours, increasing his ease of movement with them.

At the end of the day, they would all relax after dinner, Ichigo and Rei both rubbing Sachiel's rounded belly in turns as she would relax against the couch. As she had thought, she didn't get very large with the baby, but Rei loved to give it attention, often pulling up her mother's shirt to give her belly a kiss. Everyone seemed to enjoy helping her get off the couch. She was small of frame and toned of body but having a bulge like that in front of her did little to help her move around.

Byakuya had also begun coming around even when he wasn't to be helping training. They would often find him in Jaxxine's company, watching as she sculpted her metals or cut her gems to make intricate jewelry with.

Only Jaxxine and Byakuya knew what went on when they were alone, what they spoke about. Jaxxine found a different side of him that reminded her of a curious child. Byakuya enjoyed watching her delicate fingers shape the metals with her small hammers after she had heated it. The first time he had come to see her, she was cutting a gem and the glasses on her face had actually made him laugh as her eyes seemed impossibly huge through the lenses.

He would ask questions about her methods, the different cuts, why she chipped this part off. Before long, he had his own pair of eye enlarging glasses to see what she was doing.

She and Byakuya were sitting next to each other by the fountain, their heads close as they talked quietly to themselves. At times, they would just sit and watch the waterfall, thinking. Byakuya thought to the last private encounter they had had together.

She had made him a necklace out of adamantite. The chain of it was as fine as thread with a pendant that resembled a small version of his sword. Nestled in the hilt of it was a bright silvery blue stone that she called a Star of Elune.

She had presented the necklace to him in private, smiling as he took the fine necklace from her hand where the tiny sword nestled between her fingers. Though he was used to seeing intricate jewelry, this piece showed every last detail of his sword despite its size. It radiated an unfamiliar force that made him feel move alive when he touched it.

"The chain is unbreakable, Byakuya. It is made of adamantine which resembles silver. The stone that I set in there is of a powerful design. You are already strong without it but I thought that it would be fitting for you," she explained. "I could find no other design more suited to you."

Byakuya had been pleased to receive such a gift. He even let her put it around his neck, fastening the clasp. As he came up from his stooped position, Jaxxine had not taken her hands from his shoulders. Looking into her eyes, he leaned forward again, giving Jaxxine a small brush of his lips against hers.

Jaxxine's eyes went wide at the feel of his lips touching hers, feeling them as they tingled. She smiled, "That was my first kiss."

Sachiel had seen how close the two were getting but knew it couldn't last. Her sister would have to go back to her home soon. She had already stayed here two months. Time moved differently here than in Azeroth. What was the equivalent of just a few weeks here was almost two months in Azeroth. When she had brought it up to Jaxxine while they were making lunch, she agreed that it was almost time for her to go home, to tend to her duties on the war council.

"I would like to stay until the baby is born. So that I can meet my nephew," she said. "Even if I never see him again, I would like to at least meet him."

Sachiel smiled, hugging her sister. "I would like that."

As her pregnancy advanced, her work at the clinic diminished, often working from home if they should need anything. Yuzu and Karin would take Rei for the weekends, Isshin glad to have time with his granddaughter.

Rose had also begun to bring Ukitake to the Sunday feasts, encouraging him to exercise more on the equipment that Sachiel and Ichigo kept in the lower training area. His health was improving by leaps and bounds. Almost all of his pallor from his disease was gone. That was a good sign as it meant that his illness was also almost gone.

It was after one of their weekly sparring matches that Ichigo, Sachiel, Rose, Ukitake, Jaxxine, Byakuya, Hemah, Hisagi, Izuru, Renji and Rukia were relaxing in the late evening that she began to feel a twinge of pain in her lower back.

"Ichigo?" she said to him.

"Eh? What?"

"I think you had better call your father," she said.

"Why?"

Just as the question left his lips, she gasped, holding her stomach.

Rose rushed over to her cousin's side, putting her hand on Sachiel's belly, feeling the sudden relaxation of the tight muscles there.

She looked at Sachiel, then at Ichigo. "We better get her inside and to bed." She turned to Hisagi and Izuru, pointing at the latter, "You, I may need your help. You," pointing at Hisagi, "get me some water going, boil it. Hemah, find me some cloths, towels, blankets."

All three jumped into action, Ichigo picking up Sachiel and taking her upstairs to their bedroom. He wouldn't let her lay down, holding her as she would have another spasm of pain. Her hands that were on his arms, tightening almost painfully as she tried to relax and breathe her way through the contraction. He adjusted the pillows on the bed as quickly as possible to make an incline for him to lean against. He wasn't going to leave the room. He had been with her when Rei was born and this baby would also have its father present for the arrival.

Rose and Izuru came into the room behind Ichigo, going to the private bathroom to wash their hands. Jaxxine also came into the room, coming over to the bed to begin to help undress Sachiel. She draped a sheet across her lap before pulling her pants down. Ichigo couldn't believe how calm she was being in order to help prepare her sister for the birth. She took off the shirt and bra, taking all the clothes to the hamper before sitting next to her sister, holding her hand.

Hemah came in with a pile of towels, blankets and a plastic liner, making a make-shift mat on the other side of the bed, wrapping it all in an oversized towel. She nodded to Jaxxine, who motioned to Ichigo to lift Sachiel. As he did, Jaxxine reached under her sister, pulling the very thick mat under her before setting her back down.

Ukitake and Byakuya stood by the large open shoji doors that led out to the private garden where Sachiel grew her herbs and flowers. Renji and Rukia were also standing with them, amazed at the coordinated effort of the two women.

"You're amazingly adept at this," Ukitake commented.

"Children are born anywhere and at any time. It's not uncommon for a soldier to bring his pregnant wife to battle. Orcs especially," Jaxxine answered. "They thrive on their battle lust and many times, if the mother lives through the battle, it's enough to send her into labor."

"So you've done this before," Byakuya asked.

"Many times," she said.

Hemah sat on the side of the bed, holding Sachiel's other hand. Rose came out of the bathroom, wiping her hands on a clean cloth. She looked over to Ukitake, "Can you please fetch my medical kit from downstairs? I may need it."

Ukitake nodded, disappearing in a flash of shun'po before returning, said kit in hand.

Rose opened it, pulling out a few instruments, setting them on another clean cloth from the pile that Hemah had brought in.

"He's impatient," Rose commented. "He's at most four weeks early." She lifted the sheet, enough to expose all of Sachiel's legs. She inserted two fingers into her.

"Very impatient. She's almost half ready and it's just barely started."

Sachiel looked at Rose in terror as her words sunk in. Rose handed her a small vial. "Drink. You will numb from drinking it. It will lessen the pain since it's likely he'll come rushing out."

"At least it will be a quick birth. Don't worry, cousin. Nothing will go wrong," she reassured her.

Picking up a small instrument that looked like a hook, inserting it into Sachiel. Fluid immediately soaked the mat beneath her. Rose put her hands under the sheet covering her cousin, feeling the bands of muscle tighten under her fingers.

"If you feel the need, don't push. Not just yet." she instructed.

Ichigo sat behind his wife, his arms around her as she leaned against him for support. Jaxxine made her way back downstairs to look for more towels, Ichigo immediately grabbing Sachiel's hand in his own.

She didn't scream, but she did hiss and make small moans with each contraction. After a few more minutes of Izuru and Rose rearranging things to her liking, she checked Sachiel again, smiling this time.

"You can push when you feel a contraction, Sachiel," she said, wiping her hand on a cloth.

Hemah left the bed, putting her mother's hand in Ichigo's. She went to where Renji and Rukia stood, smiling at them before sitting on the deck, looking away from the events taking place in the room behind her.

Renji and Rukia went to sit with her.

Ukitake and Byakuya were too fascinated at what was going on in the room to look away.

Hemah closed her eyes, hearing her mother strain with each contraction to bring her little sibling into the world. She herself had been born on a battlefield of which her mother was serving as a healer since they would not allow her to directly engage in battle due to her condition.

She wondered for a moment what it would feel like to bring a life into the world. She did know this, though. If she were to ever settle down and have a family, it would be here in this world, not in the one she left behind.

"Push, Sashay! I can see the head coming," Rose encouraged. Izuru also watched in fascination as he saw the baby's head begin to crown. Sachiel pushed, using Ichigo's hands as a brace, Rose holding onto her feet. There wasn't much she could do at this point but what she was doing now. The small grayish head began to push through and then stopped.

Sighing, Rose looked at her cousin. "For all his impatience, he stopped. I'm going to have to cut," she said.

Sachiel nodded. She knew she wouldn't be able to feel it. Once the baby had started moving downward, she had gone numb as her cousin said she would.

Rose used the scalpel like instrument to cut her cousin, making a small v shape. Once the last cut was made, the baby slipped further out, Sachiel pushing as she could. She leaned against Ichigo who whispered encouragement to her, brushing her stray hair away from her face, a cool towel resting on her chest that he would use now and again to wipe at her forehead.

Before long, everyone heard Rose exclaim, "He's out!"

She made quick work of the cord, cleaning the baby's mouth out before laying him on a blanket, rubbing at the gray coating he hand. The movement of her hands caused him to start crying out, his lung filling with precious air. Ukitake grasped Byakuya's arm in surprise, marveling at the small baby on the bed that Rose was wiping with a warm, wet cloth that Izuru had brought from the bathroom.

Hisagi made his entrance just as the baby came out, his eyes going wide at seeing the baby slide out of Sachiel. He set the warm water by Rose, backing away slowly as he kept his eyes on the baby.

After Rose wiped most of the baby down, she put him in the water, scrubbing a bit more with the cloth. She wrapped him in a blanket, handing him to Izuru who had never held a baby before. He held the baby close, as Rose went again to Sachiel.

"You know the routine, Sashay," she said. "Push the rest out."

And she did. Jaxxine appeared by her side with another plastic liner that Rose put all the bloody cloths in. None had reached the bed. Ichigo's father would help with the disposal of that later. Izuru knelt beside Sachiel and Ichigo, handing them the baby.

Ichigo and Sachiel looked down at the baby, smiling at him as Izuru looked on. The baby's eyes opened, looking at his mother for the first time, bright cobalt blue eyes staring at her. He smiled, a tiny arm coming up to touch her face.

"He's perfect, Sachi," Ichigo said to her.

"He is amazing," Izuru commented.

Both parents looked at him. "Yes, he is." Sachiel agreed.

"Thank you, Sachiel for allowing me to help bring him into the world. I've never attended a birth before so this was without a doubt a very amazing event and one that I will remember forever," he said to her.

"Me, too," Hisagi agreed.

Jaxxine sat on the side of the bed, Hemah coming to sit beside her to meet her new little brother.

"What are you going to name him?" she asked.

Sachiel looked at Ichigo.

He smiled. "I was thinking that I really liked Ryoku," he said.

"What does it mean," Hemah asked.

"Strength," Ichigo answered.

Sachiel smiled, as did Hemah. "I like it," Jaxxine said.

"It's a very good name, Ichigo," Byakuya commented, Ukitake agreeing.

Renji and Rukia came to stand next to Byakuya and Ukitake, taking in the baby's orangish fuzz and blue eyes.

"He's so tiny," Renji said. "He's gonna have to grow into that name."

Sachiel laughed, stroking the baby's cheek. "He will. He most definitely will."

She turned to look at Ichigo, "You have a son now, Skilled One. You'll have to train him well in his abilities when he gets older," she said to him.

Ichigo smirked. "I will, when it's time," he answered.

"I guess that baby shower that Hiyori wanted to give me is gonna have to be a welcome shower," Sachiel laughed.

As Rose finished cleaning up Sachiel, sewing together the incisions she had made, she straightened, putting her hands on the back of her hips and stretching.

"Well then," she said. "Ichigo, I need you and everyone else to scram out of the room. Izuru, you can help me. We need to finish her up."

Ichigo did, taking everyone downstairs with him besides Izuru. It was time for a celebratory drink.

Izuru helped Rose, lifting Sachiel's hips when it came time to put her padding on and underpants to keep it in place. He was gentle with her, which Rose noted.

"You've done this before," she commented.

"He was in the fourth division in Soul Society," Sachiel answered sleepily, the baby suckling at her breast. "They are healers, remember?"

"Oh yes. So he's very used to tending people who need it," Rose said.

Izuru blushed under the unspoken praise from the women. He wasn't used to people recognizing his abilities. At the same time, his chest swelled with pride.

Sachiel reached for his hand. He took it without speaking and she squeezed lightly, letting him see her gratitude. He reached behind her, adjusting the pillows so that she could lay comfortably with the baby.

"All done," Rose announced. "Let's let these two have some private time." She steered Izuru out of the room, looking over her shoulder and giving Sachiel a nod as she closed the door.

No one felt it, no one noticed the intense yellow glow that filled the room where Sachiel had given birth. And no one would see the seal that she had placed on his right shoulder blade.


I was messing with my japanese/english dictionary and I discovered what Byakuya's name means. It means white (arctic) night, short night depending on the context you use. Also I discovered that Renji's name means...range or stove. Just sharing a few things.

the next chapter is gonna be sad but that's where the main plot of the story comes in. You might like it, you might hate it. It's already forming, just needs some fine tuning.