Chapter 26-
"Ichigo, calm down. He will be coming in a few hours. The work hour in Soul Society isn't even over with." Szayel told Ichigo in an exasperated tone. He was starting to get dizzy just watching his alpha pace back and forth and the anxiety level in the room was beginning to rise.
"I know! But he has been talking about staying in the Soul Society, and then he has been getting here late for the last couple times." Ichigo exclaimed. The stressed man was pulling at his still uncut, long hair only to irratate himself more because of the annoyingly long hair.
"That could very well mean nothing at all, he is most likely exhausted from his travels and his work load." Szayel futher explained, trying to reason things out with his over anxious alpha in an effort to calm the orangette. Ichigo was not having it though and shook his head, denying the logic in what the pack was telling him.
"Ichigo dont you think you are overreacting?" Lilynette asked him. The way Ichigo was acting was very out of character and it was beginning to worry the pack, along with Byakuya as he noticed the shift in behavior that his mate was exhibiting.
"NO! You dont know him. He didnt like anyone, let alone love them for more than 50 years. What if he wants to leave me now that he realized how easy it is to open up again?" Everyone in the room gave him a 'What the fuck?' look that he completely missed as his back was turned.
"He is starting to act like a clingy boyfriend." Lilynette spoke to Tia, a mockingly sad expression on her face that caused Tia to smirk.
"Well, it's good that I haven't got that problem with my mate, I would not find something like that enjoyable." She said after her smirk faded and nodded her head to her own statement.
At the comment Nel eyed her mate and not a normal glare nor a normal glance. This one held something most of the others in the room recognized and understood, catching it; unlike Tia herself though she is very observant.
"He has been talking about it for some weeks now. He says it's too much work to be going back and forth, and he gets tired at work, and how it would be much easier to stay in Seireitei full time." Ichigo said defeated and slumped down on the couch.
"I dont know what to tell you Ichigo." Nel told him moving her attention off of Tia.
"Maybe it was a bad idea to let him go back to the Soul Society."
"Or maybe you're just being a clingy bitch to your bitch." Nnoitra snickered.
"More like his bitch has him WHIPPED!" Grimmjow cackled. The two pack mates cackling at their alphas expense.
Ichigo gave them a very irritated look, and Ulquiorra stepped in. He leaned down into Grimm's ear, since the bluenette was sitting and he was standing.
"Maybe I should remind you who exactly is whipped." He whispered into Grimm's ear and sonido'ed the two of them off, the very soft sound of Grimmjow whimpering reaching the ears of those in the room.
"Ahahaha! That's what you get for talking shit Grimm!" Nnoitra was on the floor laughing as everyone else followed suit, even Starrk was laughing at the fate the bluentte laid out for himself.
"Ah, I needed that." Ichigo said, whipping a tear from his eye.
"Si, yo creeo que I needed that too. Mira amigo, I think you should talk to Byakuya-Reina. It will do you two some good." Starrk gave Ichigo some advise after he regained his composure.
"Yeah, thanks Starrk. You guys are right, I'll wait for him to get here and we'll talk."
*_(*)_*
"Sou-Taicho, I have information on Ichigo and his family that could explain a few things." Byakuya rushed in to the Sou-Taicho's office saying.
Yamamoto raised an eyebrow at still seeing Byakuya in Soul Society. The sixth captain would usually be on his way to the World of the Living by now, seeing as he didnt leave yesterday. Though Sou- Taicho agreed with Byakuya in the fact that Ichigo was being ridiculous in the fact that Byakuya had to travel every two days. It was also causing more problems within the composition of Soul Society as well; the decomposition of the lower districts was increasing in rate that the land was being consumed. But no one wanted to try and force the orangette into coming here or letting go of his mate, things would just turn to chaos again and Soul Society would most likely would disappear in a blast of anger from the young man.
"Byakuya, seeing as you are dressing casual clothing and seemed to be on your way to the World of the Living, I can assume this is important."
"My apologies Sou-Taicho. I barged in and have disrespected your office." Byakuya said kneeling on a knee, remembering his status and the place he was in.
He had been so excited about his discovery that all rational thoughts left his mind. He had been about to head to the World of the Living to meet Ichigo and the pack when he found something very interesting and important.
"It is quiet alright, I was there during your childhood. I'm glad that part of you is still in tact. Now what was it that you have discovered?" Yamamoto said with amusement lacing his voice.
Byakuya pulled out the thick leather bound book he had been reading since he was let on vacation to the Living World. The old dark brown leather was wore and the strap across the intricately patterned front was unlatched from it's silver inlaid lock.
"Sou-Taicho, I'm sure you are aware that the Kuchiki clan was charged, by the Soul king from the time the Soul Society was created, to record the history of it and it's progress."
"Yes, the Kuchiki's have been referenced to many times when our information is incomplete." Byakuya nodded in confirmation to himself as he recalled all the times he witnessed his Grandfather open the very book he was holding and helped Seireitei.
"Well, before the entire...incident involving Ichigo and myself, I was reading through the history of the Soul Society and the Kuchiki clan history, trying to find a way Ichigo and I could bypass the law. Seeing that he is a very special case and even has, to some extent, effected me." Sou- Taicho raised an eyebrow at Byakuya's choice of words. If Ichigo had managed to alter Byakuya's natural composition, there was going to be many more problems.
Byakuya noticed this and quickly explained that it was purely to do with pheromones and that he was still 100 percent shinigami. Once he was sure Sou- Taicho understood the situation, he continued on with what he was saying.
"And I found something that was very interesting to me and may have found the reason for Soul Society's deteriorating health. But first I must ask you a question. Are you aware of any of the noble clan legends?" Byakuya asked, managing to contain his excitement but only just.
"Yes I am aware of a few." Yamamoto thought back to when Girei Kuchiki- Byaluya's grandfather- would tell him stories when they were younger and bold as they laid in bed. He shook off the very old memories and focused back on the younger Kuchiki in front of him.
"Then I'm sure you would know of the most famous, the legend of the 6th noble house." Byakuya continued, not even noticing the second of inattention Sou- Taicho's part.
"Ah yes, that there was a sixth clan of nobility, but after a particularly bad revolt during the war between the earlier districts and the Seireitei, the clan lineage was destroyed, all members of the house killed."
" Yes, in all the clans, even in the now restored Shiba and Shihoin clans, this house was always referred to as the 6th. And the clan elders would use the story as a sort of scare tactic. It was said that this particular clan was hotheaded and though they had strength and good intentions, they went against the advise of the other nobles and they would say that was the reason they died off."
"Byakuya, what is it exactly that you have come to tell me?" Yamamoto asked, now impatient and wanting to hear what has the young Kuchiki so excited, even though the information was interesting.
"Well, it was about the matter we spoke of in the last captain's meeting. I think I have found more incentive. I went looking into ancient records, my curiosity piqued, looking into this unnamed clan. The clan's name was not mentioned, but the books mentioned a distinct character in this lineage. Hot-headed, bold, and bright hair colors."
"You dont mean to tell me you believe Ichigo Kurosaki is nobility?" Yamamoto asked, right away thinking of the brightest haired man that was the center of the last captain's meeting.
"That I do, I traced back the lineage collecting bits and pieces from the history book. I was going to ask the other clans for any records they might have to confirm a 100 percent my findings, but I am sure Ichigo, his sisters and his father are nobility."
Sou- Taicho sighed deeply thinking of how the possibility would have changed the situation they had a few weeks back. The old captain could feel a dull throb start behind his eyes in the makings of a strong headache.
"Kuchiki-Taicho, please continue your investigation. Any of your findings will be used to create a report to be explained in the next captain's meeting, if we can make it to where Ichigo must return here as a matter of safety for Soul Society itself we just might be able to sway that stubborn boy."
"Hai, Sou-Taichio."
"Also, while in the Living World, question ex-Taichio Kurosaki about this matter."
"Hai." And then Byakuya left in a hurry, excited by his finding and to see his mate in an hour- he just needed to take care of a few things before he left.
*_(*)_*
"I wish to request access to your family history scrolls." Byakuya had arranged meetings with all the other clan heads as soon as he left Sou-Taicho. Seeing as it was an urgent matter from the head of the Kuchiki clan all of them agreed to meet him before he left to see Ichigo.
"Kuchiki-dono, this is a very grave matter to speak of so casually." The head of the Third clan was surprised by Byakuya's lack of protocol.
"I understand, but as I said in the message, this a very urgent matter that requires speed and accuracy. And if I am correct in my assumption, this could compromise the balance of the Soul Society."
"The balance of the Soul Society has been compromised since the other noble clans fell. The three strongest clans have managed to maintain the balance of this world, what is so different now?"
Byakuya had gone through this same conversation with the head of the Fifth clan head. He had to explain the situation and the urgency to them, without letting his noble standing slip in front of both clan heads.
"I have read from the history my family keeps, that so much of the strain felt by the families now, was not present before. Please, be the only one to tell me that you, as a fellow clan head, does not feel the strain and stress of so much responsibility placed upon the families."
"Kuchiki-dono, I see where you may be preciving the problem from, but the three clans have managed for years."
"I understand, but since the return of the Shiba clan and Shihoin clan, has the burdens not become lighter?"
"I must agree that the strain on the families have become lighter, but since these two noble clans have returned the balance has been returned. I do not see the reason for you to access our scrolls."
"The Soul Society is not alright, it is rapidly losing health. That is all the information I can divulged to you. But there is one more clan you have forgotten about, Third."
"There has only ever been Five houses, Kuchiki-dono. I do suggest you have correct information before you waste my time."
"The Sixth house? Please do remember that legends do often have to originate from somewhere, Third-dono." The title came with a bit of sarcasm and disdain. Byakuya absolutely hated that he was brushed aside, just because he was the youngest of the clan heads.
"Kuchiki, are you honestly going to believe in stories the nannies use to scare children?"
"I have been reading the history of the Soul Society in recent months. There was a brief reference to a war in the earlier years before Gotei 13 was fully organized. The district were fighting among themselves and us Shinigami that went to stop them continued to be slaughtered. I'm sure you know the noble clans history, but the story was during this fighting, the sixth house stopped the continued fighting and Gotei 13 was able to gain control."
"Yes, but during the fighting the clan was whipped out, for their rash and impulsive nature and though they were extremely powerful; that power acted like a target. They were either killed in the battle for control or shortly after by assassins. All the families know the tale Kuchiki. Now why do you insist on wasting my time."
"I wish to gain access to the history in order to find the name of this clan. I have already received permission from the Fifth and with your permission I will be on my way to meet with the Shihoin and Shiba clans."
"The Fifth has given permission to the access of his family scrolls?" The shock underlying in the Third's voice was present but not reaching the outside.
"He has, he was interested in my findings and allowed access under the condition that I am to inform him of my findings and I be under observation during the handling of the records."
"Very well Kuchiki-dono. I, under the same conditions as the Fifth, grant you access to my family's scroll."
"Arigato, Third." Byakuya gave a small incline of his head.
"I must be on my way to the Shiba clan. Goodbye." And just like that the head of the Third clan was left alone.
*At Shiba Clan house.*
"Excuse me. I am here to speak with the clan head." Byakuya called out.
He was standing in front of a house with two huge arms holding up a banner. He had not see the Shiba clan head in person, but had heard that while his and Ichigo's fiasco; that they had finally conceived an heir and the clan was being restored to it's former glory.
A servant stopped in front of him, and bowed deeply.
"Please forgive our lack of attentiveness Kuchiki-dono. We had been expecting you but the clan head is having mood swings again, please if you dont mind a bit of rudeness you can follow me. But if you wish you can return another day." the women informed him.
I wonder what he is like, if he has mood swings regularly.
"That is fine, I can meet with him now."
The servant gave him an amused expression, a wicked smile crossing her face.
"Then follow me Kuchki-dono." She lead him down halls with servants scurrying around with full and empty food dishes. She paused at a door and gestured for him to enter, just as a servant with empty food dishes left.
He slid the door open and bowed his head just enough to cover his eyes.
"Please forgive my intrusion, but I have an urgent matter to discuss with the clan head."
"Ah, Kuchiki come in." A male with black hair spoke.
"Are you not the one I defeated during Rukia's execution?" Byakuya recognized the man from the time on the bridge.
"I'm glad Im not as forgettable as my sister says."
"Please forgive my actions, I did not realize who you were." Byakuya apologized even though it killed him inside. But he couldn't be on bad terms with the Shiba clan head if he wanted to get his hands on what he needed.
"You dont need to apologize. But Kukaku and Shin should be here in a few minutes."
Byakuya was confused, not knowing what the man meant. He had heard the Shiba clan was a strange bunch, but he didnt want to take the word of others.
"You didnt think I was the Clan head did you?" The man laughed at the thought, and upon seeing Byakuya's face decided to explain.
"I am the Shiba clan's youngest son. Ganju Shiba, my sister Kukaku is the eldest and family head. But she is pregnant with the heir of the clan and decided she didnt want them living in a disgraced name. That is why the Shiba's have come back with a vengeance. Shin is the Ukitake's forth son, but he didnt agree with his family and decided to take the Shiba name."
"GANJU! Dont go talking of things that dont involve you!" A women with fine black hair and dressed in a delicate silk skirt with silk wrapping around her breasts yelled and threw something at the back of Ganju's head; walking on the arm of a man with black hair and warm brown eyes.
"Kukaku! He was confused so I was just clearing things up!" Ganju whined rubbing his head. The siblings began bickering.
"Please forgive them. They are usually like that, and with Kukaku and her pregnancy mood swings it has gotten worse." The man said with a smile and a chuckle.
"I am Shin Shiba, Kukaku's husband." He extended his hand to Byakuya.
"Byakuya Kuchiki, the head of the Kuchiki clan." Byakuya took the extended hand and shook.
"*Huff*Sorry for my idiotic brother. Kukaku Shiba, Shiba clan head. What can I do for you kid?" Kukaku moved her attention from her idiotic brother and gazed at the Kuchiki clan leader. Her green-blue eyes glittered with amusement as she saw the spark of annoyance in Byakuya's eyes at hearing the nickname.
Only one other person addressed Byakuya in that fashion, and he quickly recalled the Shiba and Shihoin clan heads were very close. Damn that were-cat, she started this.
"I wished to request access to your family history scrolls."
"What for?" She asked as she plotted down on the large cushions on the floor. She leaned back and stretched both her arms behind her as her husband sat next to her.
"I have read the history of the Soul Society and came across some very interesting information that may compromise the balance of the Soul Society."
"Compromise the balance? Hasn't that idiot done enough to compromise the balance?" Ganju scoffed, crossing his arms. The hairs on the back of Byakuya's neck stood on end and he had the urge to rip the man to shreds, again. Already guessing just who he was talking about, seeing as Ichigo was the only one to recently attack the Soul Society.
Kukaku caught the reaction and a smirk crossed her face, both Shin and Ganju saw this and gave her a curious look. She turned her attention quickly to Byakuya seeing him struggle to keep his emotions under control. Well seems that Yoruichi's information gathering skills have not deteriorated in the least over the years.
"Ganju, are you talking about the recent incident when Ichigo almost destroyed the Seireitei?" She asked.
"Yes! That moron could have destroyed everything and not have given a damn."
Byakuya's reiatsu slowly started rising, his temper slipping from him at the insult Ganju gave to Ichigo.
How dare he insult the efforts of Ichigo to save Byakuya! He had no idea of the guilt Ichigo felt for letting him get injured. He didnt realize the feeling of betrayal Ichigo denied.
Byakuya's face started twitching with restrained anger.
"Do you know what happened Ganju? Why Ichigo did that?"
"No,"
"He was saving his lover from being executed by Gotei 13."
"Really?"
"Yes, idiot! And from what Yoruichi explained to me Ichigo has merged with his hollow and his lover is his life long mate. So when the Soul Society threatened him Ichigo went ballistic. And if the opposite were to happen, that Ichigo was in danger instead, his mate would go even more insane than what Ichigo had done."
"Wow, that kid is nothing but headaches and a pain in everyone's ass. If he just stayed in his world quietly nothing would go wrong." Ganju said annoyed. Byakuya was about to snap, his reiatsu dark and now leaking from him. His fingers were twitching, just wanting to grip the hilt of Senbonzakura and release a hell storm. Really these beta emotions and tendencies were dangerous.
"And do you know who it was he went to save? This mate Ichigo would kill even his friends for?"
"Must be a helpless bitch." The young Shiba scoffed.
"You may regret saying that Ganju, and I wont blame Ichigo's mate for what he does. That mate is standing in front of you, Byakuya Kuchiki."
Byakuya seemed to appear in front of Ganju, his spiritual pressure enclosed the two.
"Do not ever insult my Ichigo again, do you understand? The next time you do, is the last time you will be able to speak." Byakuya's tone was dark. Ganju was terrified and he nodded frantically.
"I-I apologize, I-I didnt m-mean it, K-Kuchiki-dono." Byakuya growled low in his throat, like a dog protecting it's master from an attacker.
"HAHAHA! Oh god... I needed that! Ganju who's the helpless bitch now!" Kukaku burst out laughing, tears in her eyes. Byakuya backed away from Ganju and sat in front of Kukaku and Shin.
"Ah sorry kid, excuse him but I dont think he'll be doing that again. He and Ichi got to know each other the first time he came to Soul Society." She said whipping the tears from her eyes.
"It is quiet alright," Byakuya said throwing a death glare at Ganju. The tanned skin of the man was a pale white and his expression was that of a person who had seen his life flash before his eyes.
"So what was it that you found that could compromise the Soul society?" Shin asked trying to redirect the situation.
"You all know of the legend of the 6th noble house, correct?" Byakuya paused in case any of them didnt. When silenced reigned in the room he continued.
"Well, apparently it was not just legend. There really was the incident of the districts warring, and a 6th noble clan stopping them aiding the unorganized Gotei 13, take control once again."
"So, what is it you want with the scrolls if you have confirmed the existence of this house?" Shin asked curious.
"I want to discover the name of this clan. So far all the records in my clans history has only named them as the Sixth, I have already obtained permission for the Third and Forth clans to read their history under the conditions that I report my findings and that I am under supervision."
"How about this, I'll have Ganju here go through them all and pull anything that references the noble clans and the Sixth so you dont have to do so much work. If you truly are going through the Third and Forth's records along with mine and Yoruichi's you'll need the help."
"Thank you, I very much appreciate your cooperation." Byakuya inclined his head and stood.
"Sorry to bother you, and congratulations." He gave a smile rarely seen outside of Ichigo's and the pack's presence.
"Thank you. But you dont want to stay and have tea?" Shin asked.
"No I must get back to Ichigo. He is waiting for me and I am already late."
"Alright kid. Tell Ichi I said hi." Kukaku told him.
"I will." Then off Byakuya was off to see Ichigo. His long hair whipping in the wind behind him as he made his was to the senkimon that would take him to the realm of the living.
I'm sure he is probably on the verge of a panic attack.
Can you blame him? If I wasn't by your side constantly I would also be. It was a great betrayal they dealt this time, master.
I know Senbonzakura, but hopefully after a little investigation I can bring Ichigo's life here.
I hope you know what you are doing Master.
Chapter 26 1/2:
"What do you think about Bya- queen being gone?" Lily asked the pack.
Ichigo had been put to sleep by her. Her ability allowed her to put anyone she desired to sleep at whatever moment she so chooses, all she had to do is raise her reiatsu and mix in a few of her natural poisonous pheromones and presto.
"No se, I dont like it. Ne unpoqueto." Starrk answered her.
"Byakuya can take care of himself, the only reason they were able to take him was cuz he didnt fight the first time." Nnoitra said.
"Yeah, and plus we'll kick their asses too, not to mention Ichigo would kill them ALL." Grimmjow added.
Gin had pensive feel about him, he had suspicions but didnt want to voice anything he wasnt certain about. He has never known the noble to act kindly to anyone so when he saw the way he treated the pack( this including him) and how he looked at Ichigo; he has never doubted the noble wanted to stay. But maybe leaving wasnt his intention?
Gin questioned and was now very determined to find answers.
AN: Well then, this took longer to get out than expected. Im sure i said this last time but I wont take as long to get the rest of the chapters. Umm please forgive any and all mistakes. Thank you to all you who still read this, and I appreciate all the comments left, so again thanks. Ill be getting out alot of the chapters out within a short time frame, because like I said my goal is to give you all the last chapter as a Christmas gift. So be expecting that c:
Please dont forget to review!
Count down: 10 Chapter left
~May
Translations:
No se= I dont know
Ne unpoquito= Not even a little bit