A/N: Once again, sorry it took so long to get this up, I've had to work all week. The next update shouldn't take as long. Enjoy, R&R.
In the living world, far above the replica of Karakura Town, Captain-Commander Yamamoto waited with the other captains and lieutenants. They expected, with some of the captains infiltrating Hueco Mundo, Aizen would take advantage of the unprotected town and create the King's Key. To their surprised, Aizen and his men still hadn't appeared as anticipated.
"I don't understand why he wouldn't be here," Captain Ukitake commented.
"Unless, of course, something has changed," his fellow captain, and friend, Kyōraku responded.
The Captain-Commander's voice broke in, "There are many possibilities as to why he's not here, but for the time being we will stay alert until word arrives from the others."
Nodding in understanding, the captains continued to wait patiently.
A distance away, Ichigo saw three figures headed their way. He recognized them immediately.
"Yo, Rukia, it's good to see you alive," he shouted as they neared.
"That goes for you as well, Ichigo," she yelled back.
Next to her, captain Kuchiki remained silent, visibly dissatisfied with the current situation. A few feet behind them, Hanatarō followed. The small 4th Division officer seemed quieter than usual and looked somewhat disheartened. Hueco Mundo seemed to have that effect on everyone.
"Have you heard from anyone else yet?" Rukia asked curiously.
"Not yet, but Inoue managed to slip away from her captives and find us. So as soon as we meet up with the others we can ditch this place."
Looking at Orihime, Rukia smiled. Although a bit confused, she recognized the black cloak wrapped around her friend. "How, exactly, did you end up with one of Urahara's inventions?"
As the girl opened her mouth to answer, the small pink-haired lieutenant beat her to it. "Mitsi-chan gave it to her," Yachiru exclaimed before the smile faded from her face, "but now she's stuck somewhere in that big building."
"I'm sure she'll make it out," Rukia said in her most comforting voice, "she's very stealthy, and she can beat nearly any opponent she meets."
"Unless," Orihime added softly, "it's Ulquiorra." When some of the others looked at her questioningly she explained, "He's the 4th Espada. Aizen charged him with the task of keeping an eye on me. He'll probably be the first one she runs into."
Silence fell over the group as they all felt the same feeling of dread for their comrade. They knew she would not be joining them on their trip home. As much as each of them wanted to go after her, they all knew following their orders came first.
This time it was Captain Kuchiki who broke the silence. "The Captain-Commander will likely have a rescue party sent to find her as soon as one is available. As things are, no one will speak another word of it until we have reached the Soul Society." His orders were firm and no one questioned him, although most already understood his reasoning.
It was then that Captain Unohana appeared with her lieutenant Isane Kotetsu. Following right behind them was Chad.
"I can't say I'm surprised to see you in one piece, Chad, but I was a little worried for a while there," Ichigo stated as his friend approached.
The giant merely nodded his head and remained silent as usual.
In front of him, the 4th Division Captain smiled contently seeing that no one was in need of her services. Her lieutenant, however, continued to carry a worried expression on her face, as did many others.
Lastly, Captain Kurotsuchi met up with them, closely followed by Nemu and Ishida. A few yards behind them trailed the crimson-haired lieutenant with his head hung in defeat.
"This place is full of fascinating specimens, it's too bad we had to destroy a very interesting one," the captain said glaring at the others.
Renji rolled his eyes at the creepy scientist before he continued to sulk. No one dared speak a word to him for fear they might slip up and mention Mitsuki. He still didn't know she was even part of the mission, and that's how they wanted to keep it for the time being. The last thing they needed right now was to have him waste time trying to find her.
After a prolonged silence, Ichigo finally spoke, "Now that we're all here, I say we get the hell out of this place."
That said, the others agreed and ventured back to the Soul Society.
Upon their arrival, the captains set immediately to making their reports, leaving the others to return to their divisions. Rukia had decided to keep her friends from the living world entertained so they didn't cause too much trouble, and Renji took the time to look for Mitsuki.
Before he left, he knew she wanted to speak with him, but at the time he put her on the back burner. At the very least, he owed her a few minutes of his attention. Things between them had been sketchy lately. Even though they hadn't actually broken up, they hadn't spent much time together either. Most of his time the last few months had been dedicated to helping and reconnecting with his long time friend Rukia. Mitsuki hadn't said much about it, but that probably because he wouldn't give her the chance. If the conversation even hinted it was going in that direction, he'd make up an excuse and bolt. Maybe this time he would actually tough it out and listen to her.
After checking the regular places without success, he headed for the 5th Division barracks. As usual, it was nearly empty, with everyone busy with the day's work. The first person he found was a young Shinigami who looked barely old enough to fight.
"Where's your division's 3rd seat, Mitsuki Shiramori?" his words came out as more of a demand than a question. As the young man in front of him shook slightly, he realized he'd been more intimidating than he meant to be.
"Sh…She's on a mission," the young Shinigami stammered.
"On a mission where?" the lieutenant asked, trying to mellow his tone despite his irritation.
He received a very odd look from the Shinigami in front of him. "In Hueco Mundo," he answered, as if it should have been obvious.
"That's impossible," Renji insisted, becoming close to angry, "I just came back from there and she was not with us. Are you sure you're information is correct?"
"Po…Positive, you can even ask my lieutenant when she returns from the living world."
The realization occurred to him then, something had happened to her there and no one had told him. "Thank you, that won't be necessary," he said holding back his rage as much as possible and he turned to leave. Once he reached his captain's office there would be hell to pay.