Hello, my wonderful readers. I know it's been forever since you last heard from me. I'm still on the face of the planet. After just one review for the last chapter- which I'm extremely grateful for-, I just kinda lost motivation, and life kinda happened. I've come back now to finish this story, so I hope you all enjoy.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the Kawagari clan, Tsoa, Virtudes and Chisana Hotaru. The Bleach universe belongs to Tite Kubo. All credits for songs used in this chapter go to their original owners.

Chapter 9: Home

"I remember tears

Streaming down your face

When I said

'I'll never let you go!'

When all those shadows almost

Killed your light

I remember you said,

'Don't leave me here alone…'

But all that's dead and gone and past

Tonight…"

"Are you sure this is where they are, Tetsuzaemon?" Isane Kotetsu asked uneasily.

"The burst of spiritual pressure was coming from this area." Captain Hitsugaya answered.

"Look," Rangiku cried. Laying on a rock was Tsoa's scarf. "I'd know this scarf anywhere." she said.

"We must be getting close, then." Iba commented. Captain Soi Fon nodded and the five left. The spiritual pressure atop Sokyoku Hill was dying out quickly. At this, Iba began to fear the worst. When they finally reached the top, all seemed calm. The only things that really seemed out of place were the three bodies lying arbitrarily on the ground and the suspicious smoke that rose from the ground. Iba immediately tensed up when he saw his Captain sprawled out on the ground, with Tsoa laid atop him.

"Captain!" he shouted. He was prepared to run out when suddenly Captain Soi Fon held her arm out in front of him. "What're you doing? My Captain's hurt! I've gotta…"

"Use your eyes, Lieutenant Iba." she replied.

"What happened here?" Rangiku asked, referring to the smoke that the ground was emitting.

"I'll take care of it." Captain Hitsugaya said. With his Zanpakuto, he called upon a heavy storm of ice and hail to fall upon the area very quickly. The ground sizzled and the ice melted away rapidly.

"What was that?" Isane asked.

"If I had to wager a guess," the small Captain answered, "I would have to say that it's acid." A loud choking sound reached Captain Soi Fon's ears and she turned to finally look at Virtudes- or at least what was left of him. From what she could see, half of his skin looked like it had nearly melted off of his bones. His breathing seemed to be labored and his right hand was chopped clean off.

"I have a feeling you're right," she said, "and judging from the way he's in the middle of the aftermath, I'm guessing that his was some sort of attack."

"But who has an attack that summons acid?" Rangiku asked.

"The release of spiritual pressure felt like a Bankai," Iba answered. "I think we can connect the dots from there."

From the moment that the path had been cleared, Isane was running over to the fallen Captain and Third Seat. After a brief check of their vitals, she breathed a sigh of relief to find both of their hearts still beating- but only just for Tsoa. From her pack, she pulled out two syringes and a bottle of yellow-green liquid. She filled them properly and then managed to pull out Tsoa's arm. "I know this may be painful," she said softly, "but it's just the first step on the road to recovery."

After she finished with Tsoa, she somehow managed to pull Captain Komamura's arm out to administer the antidote to him as well. Once she did, however, she noticed the low growls coming from him. She looked up and saw his muzzle wrinkled in obvious dislike, but his eyes were still closed, so this must have been instinctual. Finally, after all three Lieutenants put their strength into holding him down, Isane was finally able to administer the drug into his system. After a moment, he calmed down. Isane breathed a sigh of relief.

"Okay, it's safe to move them now."

"Right." Iba complied. He reached for Tsoa, intending to carry her back to the Fourth Division. When he moved her, though, Sajin's grip tightened around her, unconsciously crushing her body to his chest.

"Sorry Captain," Iba said, unable to keep himself from smiling, "But I'm just gonna have to keep you two parted for a short while. After that, you and Tsoa can be together to your hearts' content- as long as you're not keeping me up at ungodly hours of the night!" Finally, he managed to pry Tsoa from his Captain's arms and cradled her carefully.

"Rangiku," Isane said softly. The Tenth Division Lieutenant nodded and once Isane managed to get him to a sitting position, Rangiku looped his arm around her shoulder. Isane took the other arm and together, the two awkwardly got up, holding onto the giant Captain, who at this point was kneeling. The three were gone with a quick flash-step.

Both of the Captains, at this point, were focusing on the criminal.

"Planning to end my life yourself, are you, Captain Soi Fon?" Virtudes asked. The mentioned Captain stared at him nonchalantly.

"No." she answered finally. "Death would be too good for the likes of you, Virtudes." She knelt down next to him. "You will spend what little time you have left in the lowest dungeon of the Maggot's Nest."

"If you can get me there." he murmured. From this sleeve he pulled out a strange looking marble. Soi Fon's eyes widened.

"Get back!" she cried out. Suddenly, there was a burst of explosive energy that sent both Captains sprawling backward. Captain Hitsugaya grit his teeth against the loud ringing in his ears and attempted to shake his head. "No!" Soi Fon shouted. She paced angrily around the place where Virtudes had been a moment ago.

"What was that?" Captain Hitsugaya asked.

"Members of the Omnitsukido were given a special flash bomb in case of emergencies. It seems that Virtudes infused his with the powers of his Zanpakuto. While we were recovering from the trauma of the explosion, he somehow managed to make his escape."

"I doubt that he can do much now." Captain Hitsugaya said. "Kawagari-san's Bankai racked his body with pain. It will be a small wonder if he can fight again. You're injured." he stated softly, noting blood drifting from her arm.

"It's just a small wound, nothing that should be of your concern." she replied.

"Regardless, we have to spread the word out that he's still at large." he said. Soi Fon clenched her fists, but complied with the smaller Captain's suggestion. In her mind, though, she vowed to herself that she would somehow bring Virtudes to justice, somehow.

Sajin awoke in the hospital two days later to the various smells of medicine and the constant padding of feet moving around. Inwardly he wondered how he had gotten here… especially when the last thing he remembered was Tsoa…

His eyes widened. Where was Tsoa? Had she… No… not yet… he couldn't bear that thought. Quickly, he pushed himself out of the bed, feeling better than he had in a long time. His ears perked as the door opened.

"Oh, Captain Komamura… I didn't think you'd be awake now." Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu said. "Are you feeling alright?"

"I'm fine, Lieutenant Kotetsu. How long have I been unconscious?"

"About four days now." she answered quietly. He shifted his gaze at her.

"How is she?" he asked.

"Still unconscious for now."

Everything within Sajin calmed down. Tsoa was still alive, but part of him wanted to see her, to know that she was okay. He began to walk out when the tall girl attempted to block his path. "Let me pass, Lieutenant." he said.

"I'm sorry, sir, but I have my orders…" she insisted.

"It's alright, Isane." Captain Unohana's gentle voice chimed. Both looked at her. "Let him go."

"Yes, Captain." the girl said obediently. Sajin nodded his thanks to the Fourth Division Captain and then disappeared down the hallway. "I don't understand, Captain." she began slowly. "Why did you let him go, when he's probably gonna hurt himself some more?"

"Sometimes one has to learn that there is no stopping a man in love." the Captain answered with a smile.

'Tsoa…' a voice from deep within addressed. Her eyelids tightened.

'Tsoa-onee! Don't you wanna wake up?' one of the little girl's voices asked.

'Chisana… Hotaru…' she asked. She fought her heavy eyelids.

'We're all here, Tsoa-onee-chan, and we're all safe and sound.'

Tsoa finally slowly forced her eyes open and found herself facing three small girls. They all looked back at her with black eyes. Two of them had wide grins on their faces; the third kept her mouth hidden by her thick yellow scarf. All three girls had bright, orange-red hair and were dressed in black and yellow dresses. They also all three wore caps over their hair.

'You all… be here…' she asked. They nodded and smiled.

'Okami-taicho is with you, too, on the outside.' one of them- one with her hair worn to her waist- said jovially.

'He's been waiting for you to wake up for a while now.' the other said. She wore her hair short and crossed her arms; Tsoa assumed that she was the rebellious sister. The third nodded enthusiastically. She immediately felt something against her forehead, but relief filled her. It was a hand, a soothing, comforting hand. It was one that she knew well, one that she had wanted to hold for quite a long time. She turned, however, back to the three spirits that made up her Zanpakuto. They nodded in understanding.

'You need him, Tsoa-onee-chan, and he really needs you, too.'

'Besides, we'll always be here for if you wanna play or talk.'

Tsoa beamed at her Zanpakuto spirits and walked forward, gathering the three of them into a group hug. The girls all giggled, but hugged Tsoa back all the same.

'Thank you, Chisana Hotaru.' she murmured tearfully to the three of them.

It was warm, Tsoa discovered as she began to regain consciousness. The air was thick with the smell of medicine and the sound of muffled chatter from other rooms. Once more, she fought to open her eyes again. She wasn't blinded, however, by daylight; twilight had settled over the Seiretei. All seemed peaceful now; there was no reason to fear any longer- neither was there a reason to struggle.

The thing that she noticed most, though, was the gentle hand against her forehead. She swallowed and let her eyes follow its owner. Sajin was asleep, but this was the most peaceful Tsoa had ever seen him. He had forgone wearing his haori and sat next to the bed, sleeping peacefully. Her heartbeat sped up; she swallowed and then let her hand gently settle on his head, once more stroking the soft fur and smiling to herself gently. Slowly, she leaned down and pressed her lips to the very top of his head. It was the only time that she could, and she was going to take advantage of it.

What she didn't plan on, however, was the idea that it would wake Sajin. With a groan, he stirred, causing Tsoa to slightly blush. For a moment, he shook his head like a dog and then looked at Tsoa with dazed silver eyes. Suddenly he realized the truth: Tsoa was awake… she was indeed alive. He smiled as he noticed that the markings from Virtudes' Zanpakuto had all but vanished from her fine features. Now all that had remained was a healthy blush on her cheeks.

"Tsoa," he murmured, letting his hand drift down to caress her cheek. Forgetting any form of professionalism, Tsoa leaned into this gentle embrace. She gasped, however, when suddenly he pulled her into an even tighter embrace. "I thought I had lost you, Tsoa." he said in a voice barely above a whisper. She didn't know what to do; part of her wanted to hold as much of him as she could, but she listened to the other part of herself- the one that wanted to break down and cry. She wasn't sure why this reaction came in, it just did. Sajin pulled away to wipe the tears from her face. Golden eyes searched silvery ones. "No tears, my little firefly." he gently chided.

"I be thinkin' that I lost you, Captain." she whimpered.

"Sajin," he interjected, causing her to pause with confusion. "I would prefer it if you called me by my name, Tsoa. You've done more than enough to earn that right."

The Third Seat in question lowered her head, her eyes filling to the brim with tears.

"I be sorry, Captain." she said.

Sajin's head slightly tilted. "Sorry?" he asked.

"I be sorry that I nearly hurt you again." she explained. "After what happened with Kaname Tosen-" Sajin silenced her effectively by pulling her close once more.

"Don't think like that, Tsoa." he replied gently, yet still firmly. "I've put the past behind me. Do you know why?" He reached underneath her chin to force her to look once more in his golden eyes. How many times had she shivered under that gaze since she had become a part of his Division? That old cliché about eyes being windows to the soul, she decided, was completely right. She saw nothing but goodness and benevolence in Tsoa's eyes. It made her think back to what he had said to Virtudes.

"The life of my subordinates is something I hold very dear to me. Tsoa is absolutely no exception; in fact, she is the reason that my body keeps on fighting. I would give my life for her… not only for the reason that I am her Captain, but because she is precious to me."

He had said that, she realized, and it was absolutely true. Patiently, she waited for the question to his answer. "It is because I already have a dazzling future awaiting me; it is because you are here with me that I have the strength to let go of my past. Tsoa Kawagari," he said, brushing her tightly-wound curls from her face, "I love you."

Tsoa thought for a second that her heart would sprout wings and fly to the heavens to proclaim her joy. Happy tears filled the young Soul-Reaper's eyes and she threw her arms around Sajin's neck.

"I love you as well, Sajin." she responded tearfully, holding him tight. Sajin lightly chuckled as he stroked her hair. At last, at long last, the one who would give him healing that he needed through love and mutual understanding was here in his arms. They stayed like that for quite a few minutes before pulling away. He then stroked away the tears now falling down her cheeks, glistening like diamonds in the evening sunlight.

"I will make sure that you never have a reason to cry anymore." he murmured. She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck again, but this time, it was so that she could kiss him. At first, Sajin was a little startled; kissing was still new to him, seeing as how his odd features presented him with a little bit of a challenge. With Tsoa's patient guidance, though, Sajin was soon quite a bit more confident with kissing and he pulled her close, almost onto his lap due to their vast difference in height. Tsoa didn't mind, however. She tightened her arms around her Captain's shoulders in a sweet embrace.

It had taken Tsoa longer than expected to leave the Fourth Division. Captain Unohana wanted to make sure that she was in her best condition when returned to her Division. Sajin visited everyday to check on her, and most of the time, Iba joined him. Now that she was out though, she was grateful for everyday she spent in the sun and fresh air. If she found herself in the hospital again, it would be too soon.

There still had been no word about what had become of Virtudes. Captain Soi Fon devoted every ounce of her free time into finding him. A month had passed by, and the Omnitsukido had come up with no leads. The Head-Captain then determined that it would be better to let Virtudes die naturally, since he wasn't going to turn himself in of his own free will, and summoned Soi Fon back.

Tsoa was, thanks to Yachiru Kusajishi, made an honorary member of the Shinigami Women's Association. She found everyone there to be very warm and welcoming, despite their somewhat crazy antics. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Nemu Kurotsuchi sitting and observing everything and felt bad for what she had done in the Twelfth Division lab. She stood up and walked over to her.

"Lieutenant Kurotuchi," she began, gaining the mentioned young woman's attention, "I be wanting to apologize for my behavior earlier. It was wrong of me to go in there and attack you and yer Captain's lab."

"Please think no more on it, Kawagari-san." Nemu said in her usual sad, almost emotionless vernacular. "I have already forgiven you; after all, it seems perfectly reasonable as to why you were distraught."

"Thank you." Tsoa said with a nod of gratitude.

As the days passed, Tsoa was almost relieved that she was relieved from the hospital after the worst cold chill the Seiretei had seen. Buds began to return to the trees, including the sakura blossoms. She had been extended an invitation by Captain Kyoraku to watch them with him, but she declined politely, saying that she was preparing to leave for the Kawagari grounds.

Sajin was worried that Tsoa wished to travel alone.

"At least let one of the Seated Officers go with you." he protested. To this, Tsoa shook her head.

"It be best if I go alone." she countered. "Be you really thinkin' that something will go wrong?"

"I don't want to even imagine the things that could go wrong, Tsoa." he said. "Virtudes is still at large…"

"Even though he be incapacitated." she finished. "Have you so little faith that I be not able to care for myself?" she asked softly. Sajin's breath halted for a second and then, with one fell swoop, the Kawagari heiress was scooped into his arms.

"I would never think that." he said as he nuzzled her neck. "Forgive an overprotective fool." he said. Tsoa stroked his fur.

"There be nothing to forgive, Sajin." she said. Using both hands on either side of his head, she lifted it so that their eyes locked. "I'll be back before you know it."

"Back to practice that Bankai, I hope." he said. Tsoa visibly winced. She should have known that eventually he would bring that up. "Did you honestly think that I would forget, my little firefly?" The usage of the nickname caused Tsoa to blush. It was her natural reaction every time Sajin used it. Regardless, she shook her head.

"I apologize for not telling you about it sooner." she said. "I feared that since I could not control my Bankai, it would be considered dangerous."

"When did you achieve it?" he asked.

"Towards the end of my time in the Academy." Sajin was dumbfounded. It had taken him much, much longer to obtain Bankai, then he remembered that Tsoa, in her own right, was a genius. In retrospect, he knew that she could handle herself. She had lasted as long as she had on her own, meaning that she was tough, and with her Bankai, he knew that she was well-protected . It didn't ease the worry he felt for her, though. He felt his arms pull her closer to his chest.

"I just have you for a mere moment and then you decide to leave me."

"Only temporarily." she answered.

"Even so…" he began, but Tsoa raised his head and kissed him to silence him. Instinctively, Sajin grasped her waist and pulled her closer. A surge of passion rushed through them. Before either of them could get completely carried away, they broke apart so that he could nuzzle into her neck once more. His keen nose took in her scent and his mind memorized it so that it would stay with him during her absence. "I love you, Tsoa." he murmured.

"And I love you Sajin." she said tenderly, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.

The day came about a week later. Tsoa insisted that she would carry the casket holding her sister's body. Many worried about this, but it was something that she had to do. With a smile and a wave, she was gone from the Seiretei.

Well, they say it's

Where the heart is

And I guess the hardest part is

When your heart is broken

And you're lost out in

The great wide open

Looking for a map,

Finding your way back

To where you belong

Oh, well that's where I belong

The Kawagari grounds were silent and deserted. Memories filed Tsoa's head of a time when it was a bustling center for the family. She and her cousins would play along the mighty river- which now was completely dried up. She smiled morosely at these memories, but paid them no heed. Setting Zuri's casket down on the ground, she placed atop it the herbs she had brought, ones that the Kawagaris believed would help them in the afterlife. After that, she dug the hole. It didn't take her as long, as she was used to the hard work. Without anything to complain about, she was done in a matter of a few short hours. She nodded in appreciation of her own handiwork and then proceeded with the burial rites.

Home…

The world tried to break me

I found a road to take me

Home

There ain't nothing but

A blue sky now…

After all of my runnin'

I'm finally comin'…

As Tsoa finished placing the dirt where it belonged once more, she sighed and prayed to the spirits of her ancestors that Zuri be accepted into the heavens where she belonged. As she finished her prayer, a heavy gale picked up around her.

"You have grown so, Tsoa-child." a voice breathed against her ear. Tsoa started in surprise and looked around. The only one on that plane of emptiness and former lives was herself. So why did that voice sound so real, so close?

"Gran'mama?" she called into the wind. She was answered by a sudden warmth surrounding and caressing her.

"A Soul-Reaper, and indeed the one I told him about all them years ago…" the voice murmured. "The family is very pleased with you, Tsoa. I am very pleased with you. You have become a beautiful young woman with a will and heart both made of steel. You went in knowing what you wanted out of life, and you have come out of it with so much more than you could ever imagine."

Tsoa nodded modestly. She looked up at the sky.

"The Kawagari line must live on, child, as must the Kawagari gift."

"But I be never able to use the gift." Tsoa protested.

"Because I never gave it to you, child." the voice chided. "You weren't ready at the time. Now, though, after you've done away with the slaughterer of our family and returned Zuri to her home, it is clear to all of us that you are more than ready."

Another gale started up around the mentioned Kawagari and before she knew it, it twisted around her violently. For a moment, Tsoa was almost afraid, but she remained still.

Home…

Home…

Home,

The world tried to break me

I found the road to take me

Home,

There ain't nothin' but a blue sky now…

After all of my runnin'

I'm finally comin'…

After all of my runnin'

I'm finally comin'…

Home…

Sajin sat in his office, finishing up some last-minute paperwork. It was the only thing he could think of that would keep him occupied while he awaited Tsoa's return. Iba had offered to spar with him but the Captain politely declined. Lieutenant Kusajishi had on numerous occasions come by and asked if Tsoa had returned yet, stating that she wanted to play with the Third Seat.

Her interest, thankfully was curbed when the Visoreds had returned, bringing with them a young human woman. Sajin had had the pleasure of speaking to this young woman only a few times, but every time he did, she surprised him with the fact that she was not afraid of him in any way, shape or form. He could then see why the Visoreds- Shinji Hirako, in particular- were so protective of her- why each one of them seemed to gravitate to her. It only made sense after she was abducted by rogue Arrancar that named themselves after chess pieces and taken to Hueco Mundo that they would then want to go after her. From what Sajin had heard, the worst of the battle had been taking down their leader. Kensei Muguruma had returned in a coma and his former Lieutenant, Mashiro Kuna, refused to leave his side. Shinji Hirako had suffered a critical wound, but had survived it- barely. The girl, Lorraine, was the one everyone seemed to be worried about. Through this ordeal, she had gained a mask and apparently Bankai as well, but had lost her sight from emitting too much spiritual energy. She still had yet to wake up from what he had heard.

He had just finished up the last of the paperwork when he felt very real, warm, loving arms wrap around his neck. She laid her cheek against the top of his head.

"Welcome back." he said gently. He felt her smile as she kissed into the fur on top of his head.

"I be home." she sighed back. As she touched him, though, images began to fill her mind. They were images that filled her heart with happiness and caused her eyes to overflow with joyful tears.

There you have it, readers. I have one more chapter to go and then Little Firefly will be done. All of my stories are intertwined, hence why I put Raine's story in here as well. More will be revealed next chapter; until then, I bid all of you truly fantastic readers out there adieu.