A/N: After five long years, Noble Reason has finally come to an end. I'd like to thank all of you for taking this journey with me. It's been quite a ride. I appreciate all of the encouragement and support.

As far as sequels go, I am strongly considering doing one for this story. I have already outlined the plot but I may wait until the manga ends before I write it. Or I may wait until I've written more of The Brotherhood before I begin. If you like this story, feel free to check that one out. I will update that one really soon.

So here we go :)

Past

Cho laughed at her cousin as she walked through the doors of the Hidaka manor. She could tell that she had been crying and her hair was a complete wreck. From the look on her uncle, Yoshimitsu's face, she could tell that Sayori had gotten into trouble. Upon seeing his niece laughing, Yoshimitsu scolded her as well.

"It is not polite to laugh when others get into trouble, Cho. You know better," the regal man said. Cho lowered her head and nodded.

"Hai, Yoshi-ojisan. I apologize." Yoshimitsu smirked as he ruffled the girl's long, curly, black locks.

"Ahhh it's ok. You girls are going to be the death of me, you know that? Hell in kimonos. Yet, sweet as sugar." He leaned down and gave the two young princesses kisses on their mocha hued cheeks. "Now, I need to go check on mommy and the baby. You two play nice."

"Hai, Yoshi-ojisan."

"Yes, daddy."

When Yoshimitsu had gone, Cho turned back to her cousin with an amused look.

"What happened to you?" Sayori rolled her eyes.

"I got into a fight with that dumb Kuchiki boy."

"Byakuya-sama?"

"Yeah. Him."

"Oooooo! Did he get in trouble too?"

"I think so. Our daddies were pretty mad when they came back from the meeting with the head captain. I don't like him. He's mean."

"Really? That sucks. Sorry I laughed at you. If he was mean to you, then I don't like him either."

"Have you met him before?"

"No, but we're family. Anyone who is mean to you, I automatically don't like. Daddy always says family has to stick together. He and Yoshi-ojisan always fight for each other." Sayori put her small hand to her face in thought.

"Yeah, they do don't they?"

"So 'cause I don't have a brother or sister, I'll fight for you." Sayori smiled brightly.

"Okay! And I'll fight for you too! But I'll never fight for Byakuya." Cho giggled.

"What if you have to marry him one day?" Sayori made a gagging motion.

"Yuck! I can't marry a stupid boy like him!"

"What if he wants to marry you?"

"I'll kick him in his face!" Cho laughed as her cousin kicked the air in front of her. Sayori laughed too.

"Hey, you want to go play?"

"Sure!" Cho excitedly followed her younger cousin into the enormous play room where they spent many a day in their youth.

Present

It took about a week for things to somewhat regain its normality in the soul society. The shinigami returned to their training in preparation for the upcoming battle against Aizen that winter. For some of the soldiers, the events over the past months only added more fuel to that fire. Many versions of the full truth about Cho's allegiance with Aizen spread amongst the noble clans. As a result, many houses decided to remove any evidence of Cho's existence from their records. Additionally, many of those same houses decided to ostracize the Hidaka clan completely. However, influence from the Kuchiki clan helped to clear up any misgivings these clans had about the Hidaka family and they became more forgiving.

Setsuna spent nearly three days at the Squad Four barracks before she was released back into the care of her sister at the Kuchiki manor.

"Careful now. Don't move around too much. You might rip your stitches," Renji said, concerned as he helped his longtime friend to her bedroom. Setsuna smiled as she eased herself down to the futon.

"I'm fine, Renji. You worry too much."

"It's good to have you home, Setsuna," Rukia said in earnest as she, Ichigo, Arisu took a seat on the pillows beside her. Renji followed his friends' leads after he covered the girl with the cream bed covering. Setsuna sighed and smiled.

"It's good to be home. I'm glad that none of you were seriously hurt when you all invaded the manor." Arisu smirked.

"It was touch and go there for a moment when the guards began to hollowfy. But, the captains were more than prepared to handle it." Ichigo nodded.

"It's good to see that all of our training is working." Renji smirked.

"Yeah, but some of us could use more."

"What was that?! Take that back you bastard!"

"Make me!"

"Will you two idiots shut up?! Unless you guys want to be thrown out by nii-sama, that is." The two hotheaded males quickly silenced their banter upon Rukia's warning. They knew better than to piss off the Squad Six captain.

The ladies chuckled at the guys antics. It felt good to have no worries for the time being. Happier days had returned.

"Pardon me, Setsuna-sama." The meek voice of a Kuchiki estate attendant interrupted the jovial atmosphere amongst the friends. "You have a visitor." Before Setsuna could inquire who had come to see her, a tall, elderly man with shoulder-length, gray hair and cerulean blue eyes stepped into the room. Setsuna instantly recognized him, much to her pleasure.

"Oh hello, Yuzan-san," she greeted with a warm smile. Yuzan returned the smile as he bowed before her.

"Afternoon, Setsuna-sama. I was wondering if I may have a bit of your time." Setsuna looked at her friends apologetically. The four shinigami immediately took the hint and retreated from her room for the time being. Once they were out of ear shot, Setsuna asked for the man to continue.

"I'm going to skip the formalities and get right to the purpose of my visit. Setsuna-sama, are you ready to assume your rightful title as Hidaka clan leader?" Setsuna figured that was his motivation for visiting. Still, she didn't quite know if she could give the man an answer that very moment.

"I don't know, Yuzan-san. I'm not quite sure that I'm able right now."

"Your ascension does not have to be immediate. We have no problem in waiting until you are completely healed." Setsuna thought about the offer. While she did still have hesitation about becoming leader of her family, she realized that the title was her birthright and her duty. Too many people had made too many sacrifices for her to ultimately cower under her fears. Plus, she knew that she had become stronger. She was no longer the cry baby she once was. All of her adversities had given her the backbone she never knew she had.

Nodding and smiling, Setsuna decided that she would ascend to the Hidaka throne once she had completely healed. "In two months, after I have had time to heal and reeducate myself on the details of nobility, I will have no problems becoming clan leader. I accept." A huge smile of relief spread across Yuzan's face. He sighed in relief.

"Oh thank you, Setsuna-sama. I am so –"

"I accept, on one condition," Setsuna added. Yuzan tilted his head in curiosity.

"What is it, M'Lady?"

"I want Sayori's noble status within our clan to be officially restored. Her exile must end today." Yuzan swallowed. He knew that the elders wouldn't be too thrilled with the request, but he knew they would agree. It was a reasonable request considering the circumstances.

"Alright. I will gather all of the elders today and we will reinstate Sayori as part of the clan. She is no longer in exile." Setsuna smiled.

"Thank you. I look forward to becoming leader." Yuzan bowed once more before taking his leave.

"Making controversial deals already, huh? Guess you had it in you all along. You were worried for nothing." Setsuna turned to see that Renji had returned to her chambers. Setsuna smirked.

"How much did you hear?"

"Almost all of it. What can I say, I'm too curious for my own good." Setsuna laughed. She patted the ornate pillow beside her and Renji accepted the invitation. She stared at her friend in silence. He looked at her curiously.

"What is it?"

"It's nothing. Just . . . thank you. Thank you for all you've done for me throughout all of this. If it weren't for you, I'd never have regained my memories. I owe you the world." Renji felt a slight blush appear on his face as he listened to the beautiful woman sing his praises.

"Silly girl, you never have to thank me. I'll always be here for you no matter what."

"There you are. I have been searching for you for quite a while now." Sayori looked up from the desk in one of the rooms in the Kuchiki manor. She smiled at the owner of the estate, who had come to join her.

"Yea, I just wanted to be alone for a moment," she said as she skillfully moved the calligraphy brush against the paper below. Byakuya cocked a brow.

"What are you doing?" She sighed.

"I'm writing a letter to the head of the Ito clan. I want to apologize for Kazumi's death."

"I have already explained the situation to the Ito family. Their current leader is very level headed and understanding. There is no need for an apology."

"Yeah, maybe so, but . . . I kind of need to do this, you know?" Byakuya didn't respond, but she took his silence as approval. "So . . . did Yamamoto make his decision yet? Byakuya closed his eyes.

"Yes." Sayori paused her work to look at her best friend.

"And?"

"Three years in Shugo. One year for each kido technique you used on Setsuna. I am to bring you there at sundown." Sayori smirked.

"He's gone soft," she joked. "Three years isn't so bad. I'm pretty lucky considering what I was facing. I'll be out in no time."

"And back here to make my life a living hell. I'm stuck with you now." Sayori chuckled and a genuine smile spread across Byakuya's lips.

"He jokes," she giggled. Sayori and Byakuya stared at one another in silence for a moment. The Kuchiki noble removed himself from his seat and kneeled down beside Sayori. Cupping her chin in his hand, he pulled her in for a gentle kiss on the lips. Sayori melted into the kiss. She wrapped her arms around his broad, strong shoulders and he responded by wrapping his around her waist. He pulled her into his lap and held onto her for dear life as they continued to passionately kiss for endless moments. Byakuya's kiss was different this time. This time, she knew he was sure how he felt. He had fallen in love with her.

He didn't know exactly when it happened. Perhaps it was during the battle with Cho, when he realized he could lose her. Perhaps it was the night they made love for the first time. Maybe it was when she was originally sentenced with life in Shugo. Or maybe he had fallen for her a long time ago. The only thing he knew was that the hole in his heart had been filled and he couldn't have been happier.

"Oi, Sayori-chan." Sayori smiled at the Squad Eight captain's greeting as she approached the gates of Soul Society's prison, Byakuya and the Kido Corps escorting her along the way.

"Hello, Kyoraku-taicho. Ukitake-taicho."

"Hello, Sayori," Ukitake replied in a warm tone. Sayori looked around to see that everyone whom she held dear to her had come to see her one last time before she entered Shugo to spend the next three years of her life. Rukia, Ichigo, Arisu, Captains Kyoraku and Ukitake and Renji amongst others. However, there was one face that she was happy to see most of all. Setsuna smiled sadly as she walked over to her elder sister. Sayori held the same expression.

"Don't make that face, Hime," she said, trying to cheer her sister up. It will only be three years. That time will pass before you know it." Setsuna wiped away a few tears that slipped out over her eyes.

"I know. But I'm still going to miss you. I love you so much, nee-chan."

"I love you too, Hime. You have to be strong for the family, ok? When I get out, I want to see that you have become the kick ass clan leader I know you can be. You have to be strong. You are strong and you will do us all proud. I believe in you." Setsuna nodded.

"I will nee-chan. I'll see you soon." Sayori leaned into Setsuna's embrace feeling sad that she couldn't hug her back due to the shackles behind her back. Sayori watched Setsuna as she walked back to stand behind Renji. "You take care of my sister, Renji!" she called out to him. Renji nodded and smiled.

Before Sayori continued her journey to meet Yamamoto at the prison gates, Byakuya stopped her one last time. Sayori once again felt a little sadness. She almost let a tear escape her eyes but she kept reminding herself that her sentence was only three years.

Before she could say anything to the Kuchiki noble, he silenced her with a kiss. Almost immediately some of the shinigami in attendance began to chatter. Rukia, Ichigo, Renji and Setsuna's eyes all when wide, while Arisu simply laughed.

"Told y'all."

"Kuchiki-taicho, this is highly inappropriate," the head captain scolded from the gate. "Release the prisoner at once!" Byakuya could care less at that moment. He smiled as he continued to kiss her for a few seconds longer.

"Your rebellious nature is already rubbing off on me," he said with a small smile as he pulled away. Sayori laughed, knowing that he would probably be in trouble later.

"See you soon, Bya-kun."

"Ah. See you soon . . . Kuchiki-sama."

Sayori's mouth dropped wide open as her friend walked away. Kuchiki-sama? Did I just get proposed to?

The smallest smirk once again appeared on the fair nobles face as he walked over towards Shunsui and Jushiro. He now knew for sure that his soon-to-be wife was a bad influence on him. That was definitely a move she would have pulled. Now she would spend the rest of the day and night wondering if she was engaged.

"Smooth, Byakuya-kun," Shunsui said with an amused smirk and a tilt of his hat as his junior came to stand by him.

"Sayori Shihoin, are you ready to atone for your sins of using forbidden kido?" the head captain asked as she walked up to the gates of the prison. Sayori nodded confidently.

"I am."

"Very well then. Open the gates." Upon the command, the gates to the entrance of the prison slid open. Taking a deep breath, Sayori walked through the gates into the darkness that was Shugo.

END.