Tairei9: Boy, last chapter was depressing. Well sorry, there might be a few more. : ( But there are good reasons for it. Okay disclaimer: I do not own bleach and give full credit to the creators.

Chapter ten.

"Next!" snapped Kumiko, her sheathed zanpakutou resting on her shoulder. The men looked nervously at her and she said, "Oh come on, you might as well get it over with. You bunch of cowards."

It had been weeks since she was 'disowned' and woke up the next morning with a resolution not take anymore grief from anybody. So she avoided Yoruichi and Byakuya like the plague. She could tell that it was beginning to annoy the heck out of them because Kenpachi had to stop Byakuya from interrupting her training a hundred times.

"Well I ain't gonna take that."

"Hm?" Kumiko looked up to see a familiar hairless shinigami getting up. He was grinning like a maniac and Kumiko smirked slightly. He walked forward and said, "Unlike some chickens here, I'm not gonna sit and have some lady call me a chicken."

"I didn't call you a chicken," Kumiko said with sweet fake innocence.

"What," Ikkaku said in a flat none believing tone.

"I swear, I didn't," Kumiko said in the same tone pulling out her zanpakutou and pointing it at him, "I called you a coward."

"GET READY!" He said swinging his zanpakutou at her. She easily blocked it and forced him back. She then swung at him half force. If she did full force, she'd blow up the building. She didn't hit him, but did make him slide back. He regained footing however and swung around the scabbard, hoping to confuse her eyes. But she was too used to his moves and grabbed it with her free hand. She swung her sword stopping his own. He looked at her grinning saying, "Sneaky little-!"

"Kumiko, where are you!"

"Shoot," Kumiko said pushing her body weight into him and sent him back. He stumbled back and fell on his back. She put her zanpakutou away as Yoruichi came into the room. She then said crossly, "There you are. I've been looking for you."

"She's busy," Ikkaku said flatly, "Go away."

"Oh?" Yoruichi said dangerously looking at Ikkaku. Kumiko sensed danger and Kumiko said, "Yoruichi, we'll talk outside."

"Wha-Wait! Kumiko, Baka! Get back here!" Ikkaku said struggling to get up as Kumiko ushered Yoruichi out. They went along the corridor until they reached outside in the vast park. They went in further and Kumiko said coolly, "What do you want?"

"You're mad," Yoruichi said bluntly.

"Pardon?"

"You're mad," Yoruichi said again brokenly. Kumiko stopped and glanced back. There was quite a distance between to the two now and she was looking off into the lake that resided in the park. She looked mournful.

"We didn't want to," Yoruichi said hesitatively and that made Kumiko's blood boil.

"But you did," Kumiko alleged coldly.

"Yes, but we couldn't think-," Yoruichi started again.

"Couldn't think?" Kumiko snapped, "Couldn't thi- Your kidding me! You, Shihoin Yoruichi, couldn't think of anything? Give me a break. What happened to the Shihoin Yoruichi, the fastest, quick thinking shinigami in all of Seireitei!"

"She was replaced," Yoruichi said now looking at her with a weak smile on her face, "She was replaced by a smart beautiful girl that she wished could have been hers."

Kumiko blinked and then said flatly, "Your flattery does me no good and nor is it true. I'm not your replacement, I'm me! Nothing is ever changing that. I've had enough of people telling me that I'm like someone or criticizing me because I'm not enough like someone! Even with Aizen harassing me-!"

"I know!" Yoruichi said suddenly slightly angry, "I know about Aizen and his five threats. I mean we know about them. Your father and I…"

Kumiko's stomach lurched and Kumiko looked at her strangely. Yoruichi walked towards her slowly and stopped an arms length away.

"How-?" Kumiko finally managed to say.

"We found out when your father looked through your phone calls," Yoruichi said, "We saw some messages about it."

Kumiko felt a gush a guilt weld up inside her and she looked down. She hated to think it, but she knew it was a bad idea to hide it from them. Yoruichi gave a watery laugh and said, "Our lives just can't be simply, can it?"

Much to Yoruichi's surprise, Kumiko muttered, "I guess not…"

Yoruichi laughed weakly, marking this as another weird moment. Yoruichi calmed her self, became more solemn, and said, "This will probably be my only child."

"Huh?" Kumiko said suddenly, "Wha-Where did that come from."

"I was just lucky to get pregnant with this one," Yoruichi said confusing Kumiko even more. Yoruichi spared her a look and said, "I was in an accident long ago and due to that, I wasn't suppose to be able to have children."

"Oh," Kumiko said shocked and Yoruichi said, "It is crucial for me not to be stressed out or I'll lose the baby…"

"And with the elders harassing you," Kumiko said slowly.

"Let's just say this baby won't live very long," Yoruichi said sighing. She sat, rubbing her small bump. Kumiko sat next to her in deep thought.

"But," Kumiko said slowly, "Wouldn't the baby be your first born?"

"Yeah," Yoruichi said grinning, ruffling Kumiko's hair, "that's what got us into this mess kiddo."

"Yeah well," Kumiko said impatiently brushing her hand away. She was still mad, very very mad, but she was at least trying not to be, "It's going to become the solution."

"What-?"

"The baby will be your first born, but not Otou-san's," Kumiko said suddenly, "Which mean the baby would be the Shihoin's heir/heiress and Ki- I mean me would be The Kuchiki Heiress."

Yoruichi raised an eyebrow and said, "Referring to yourself as third person?"

"Quiet down already," Kumiko said turning pink and Yoruichi laughed. She then said as Kumiko laid back on the grass, "But you're right, I guess with all the stuff happening I've forgotten about the Shihoin clan."

"Forgetting your own family?" teased Kumiko lightening up a little. Just enough to make Yoruichi feel good.

"Shut up," Yoruichi said mockingly and said, "Are you sure you're not mine?"

"Yeah, I'm dead sure," Kumiko said shortly. Yoruichi then got up and said, "I'll get Byakuya to hound those elders into shutting up. You, on the other hand, have to tell us what Aizen wants with you."

"But that's just it," Kumiko said, "I'm not sure whether it is revenge or what…"

"I see," Yoruichi said sighing, "So you're just as much in the dark as we are. See you."

"See you," Kumiko said softly as Yoruichi hurried off. There was silence until…

"My Kumiko-chan, that was mighty close," Gin said walking towards her as she sat up, her hair concealing her face, "Your Ani wouldn't have been very happy with you."

"Don't remind me," Kumiko said hugging her knees, "Do you have to tell him?"

"Of course," Gin said surprised, "Even though I think he already knows…"

"You think?" Kumiko said irritated.

"Yes he thinks."

Kumiko stiffened as she heard the voice and she looked around, but saw no one. Gin looked around uneasy and said nervously, "Don't do that, Aizen-Taichou. It's creepy…"

"It's bad enough having Gin following me, but now you too?" Kumiko said getting up and stalking off.

"Ah, wait. Kumiko-chan!" Gin said following her.

Aizen opened his eyes and stared into the glowing orb, watching them.

"Ah my dear," Aizen said smiling sadistically, "I am troubled if you are not safe…"

"Aizen-sama," Tousen said.

"Kaname," Aizen said staring at the orb still.

"May I ask why she is so important?" Tousen asked calmly. Aizen seemed to be in deep thought, staring at Kumiko through the orb. They heard the beeping in the room from the computers monitoring the new Las Noches. But Kaname's attention from Aizen did not falter even as he said:

"She is my exact opposite."

Kaname blinked as Aizen got up and walked out of the room. Kaname did not follow him however, standing in stony silence. Aizen walked down the corridor, passing numerous arrancar with their Espada's. Soon he was alone in the halls and he approached a door. He opened it to reveal a light. He walked into it and found a rather exquisite great room. There was a queen sized bed with gold and red designs on the comforter and pillows. The red canopy around the bed was pulled back so he was able to see. The Couch was golden bronze with red pillows and looked big enough to sleep comfortably on. In the corner was a table with a fancy Kimono sitting there. He walked over to it and touched it, feeling the silky fabric against his fingers.

Scene change

"Kumiko-chan!" Hinamori said as she and Matsumoto stood in the living room, "You need to get going!"

"I know," Kumiko said grabbing her kantana. She tied it to her waist as Gin said, "Hm? Where are you going Kumiko-chan?"

"I have to go to the real world," Kumiko said putting her hair up in a pony tail. Gin frowned as she turned away from her. As she locked the window, he said, "Eh? That's not cool Kumiko-chan. Aizen-Taichou told me to follow you and you know I can't follow you through the gate."

"Then go to the real world how you normally would," Kumiko said stowing the key away. Gin then said staring at her confused, "Huh? You mean through Hueco Mundo?"

"Yes I mean through there," Kumiko said going across the room. Gin groaned and said, "Geez, why did you have to accept the vice captain position? It would have been a lot easier for me to watch you if you weren't a vice captain."

"Sorry, but even if I wasn't a vice captain I would have to go," Kumiko said closing her eyes. As Gin stared at her as Hinamori shouted, "Kumiko-chan, Kuchiki-Taichou is here."

"Huh?" Gin said as they both reared back looking horrified. Kumiko recovered fist and dragged and pushed Gin into the closet saying, "Don't say a word and hide!"

"A-wha-Kumiko-chan-!"

She slammed the closet door as her bedroom door slide open to reveal Kuchiki Byakuya.

"Hello," Kumiko said, "You wish to tell me something?"

"Yes," Byakuya said, "I am here to tell you that this new plan has been review, however due to the circumstances, we decided-."

"That you won't change your mind," Kumiko said shortly, "I didn't think you would. Not as long as the elders are out of your control."

"What did you say?"

"I'm merely stating a fact," Kumiko said loudly, "You can't protect the baby if your butting heads with elders."

Kumiko turned the shades down.

"Going somewhere?" Byakuya asked impassively.

"Yeah," Kumiko said, "I have a mission in the real world."

"You are not going."

"And why not?"

"You are being hunted down by Aizen, are you not?"

"No," Kumiko said, "I'm being harassed by Aizen. Not hunted."

"It doesn't matter," Byakuya said, coolly, "You're not going."

"Oh really," Kumiko said, "I do believe Yamamoto Sotaichou has ORDERED me to go down to the real world. Someone who knows about my issue with Aizen."

"Knows but doesn't seem to care if you live or die," Byakuya said.

"Oh he cares," Kumiko said going around him, "Otherwise he wouldn't have me going in the first place!"

Wha-?" Byakuya said, breaking his façade, "Kumiko that makes no sense!"

"Yeah actually it does," Kumiko said, "Aizen the creepy nutcase, has been coming here too often for it to be relatively safe for me. And it's only for a little while anyway!"

"You're not going!" Byakuya said frustrated.

"I am!" Kumiko said, "This is work and that is the risks. The same risks that everyone takes!"

Byakuya stared down at her with an infamous look. She however did not budge. She had to do this. She needed to know, she needed to protect them. She needed to know WHY.

"Who is going with you?" he said reluctantly relenting.

"Hisagi," Kumiko said relieved.

"Anyone else?"

"No one else can go at the moment," Kumiko said shaking her head.

"How long?"

"About a week," Kumiko said walking over to the door. She jerked her head, indicating that they should leave. He followed her and said, "Be careful."

"I will," Kumiko said as they entered the room. He left her quarters however, with out another word. Kumiko frowned and Hinamori, "Things still not good?"

"Nope," Kumiko said flatly, "And they won't be till..."

Kumiko trailed off, unsure if anything would ever be okay again. It angered her still, that she wasn't worth sticking up for anymore.

"Oh," Hinamori said wrinkling her nose, "I was hoping things would get better."

"Well…," Kumiko said, "Yeah."

"So," Matsumoto said, "Let's go!"

"Yeah," Kumiko said as they hurried to the gate. Hisagi stood there, tapping his foot impatiently. Kumiko nodded and waved goodbye to them. Matsumoto and Hinamori waved back and Kumiko disappeared into the gate. Matsumoto's smile disappeared in a flash and a dangerous look crossed her face. She then said, "Hinamori. I'm going to go do something. I'll meet up with you later, okay?"

"Yeah," Hinamori said with some anxiety, "But what are you-?"

"Oh don't worry about it," Matsumoto said walking away, "I'm just going to make sure a certain man knows his place."

"Oh no," Hinamori groaned as Matsumoto disappeared, "She's not happy."

"When is she ever not?"

"Ak!" Hinamori spun around to see Hitsugaya there behind her. She then said, "Toushiro? Don't scare me like that!"

"Seriously, what is she so tight up about?"

"Oh," Hinamori said, "Kuchiki Taichou."

"Oh," he said flatly, "THAT issue."

"Yep," Hinamori said sighing, "I wish she would leave Kumiko-chan's business to Kumiko-chan."

"I know," Hitsugaya said, "She's already got enough work on her desk not done."

Scene change

"Geez," Kumiko said stretching in her gigai, "It's been a while since I've been here!"

"You were here about a month ago weren't you?" Hisagi asked sitting on the bench outside the shop.

"Yeah," Kumiko said, "But it felt longer ago than that…"

"Probably with all the stress, it feels longer," Hisagi said looking her over. Her hair was high up in her ponytail. She wore a beige jacket with some white faux fir on the ends. Her jeans were dark wash and boots matched the color of her jacket. Her slate colored turtle neck peeped up beneath the jacket. It was chilly out so they dressed warm. Kumiko then said, "I'm going to Ichigo's. Wanna come along?"

"Yeah, sure," he said getting up. They walked down the street side by side, taking in the surroundings. It was late fall, most of the leaves had fallen off the trees. Hisagi had his hands in his pockets and was watching ahead of him lazily. She seemed happy, which was good, for lately she was rather tense. Whether it was Aizen or her family, he had no clue. All he knew was that she was happy now.

He prayed even for a little while that it stayed that way.

"Hurry up slow poke," Kumiko called back, grinning mischievously. She then went of in a sprint leaving him behind somewhat. He blinked and then said sprinting after her, "Hey! Wait up!"

Kumiko just laughed and continued to run. She reached the corner and stopped looking at him running. She then said grinning, "Jeez, your slow, old man!"

"Old man?" he said giving her an evil look. He twitched. Kumiko took that as a sign to continue running down the other street. Not managing to catch up with her yet, he rounded the corner pointing at her retreating form shouting, "I'll show you to watch your mouth!"

Kumiko grinned and went through a maneuver of turns that would take her to Ichigo's house. It would take longer but she would get to her destination all the same. Or so she thought. She rounded a turn and stopped short, her face going pale.

"Hello my dear," Aizen said smirking, "Nice of you to drop in."

Tairei9: I think I shall leave it at that. Yes that will do quite nicely. So here commences the rewrite! I hope you all will enjoy this one. Now please REVIEW!