Stand in the Rain

Shadow of an Echo

A/N I just wanted to say thank you so much for your patience. Yes, I have been sick again, and I realize you are probably getting frustrated with me taking so long but I have gotten nothing but kindness from readers. Even when I do get comments on the length of time between updates it is out of concern and I can't tell you how much that means to me. I'm trying so hard to pull myself up by my bootstraps and get this done, but I also don't want to ruin years of work by rushing when I know I am in no shape to be productive. I apologize and I WILL finish this even if it takes me four more years, though I really hope not.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Don't You Worry Child

"Everything's ready for today isn't it? I mean we haven't forgotten something, right?" Ichigo was taking several long deep breaths in order to keep himself calm; it was working for the most part but he didn't know how long he could keep it up. There were just so many things that could go wrong and he was panicking again.

Jyuushiro just held him a little tighter, he could use a bit of extra comfort himself, and spoke reassuringly. "The butterflies have been sent out to all Officers, Lieutenants, and Captains like we planned and everyone willing to meet about pairing up with a hybrid in order to train and gain some measure of trust in the general Shinigami are gathering as we speak. Also Shun and I managed to send out the extra instructions to the people still in the Seireitei from the club that may be able to help with your father's plans of keeping our little girl safe, and anyone who both agrees to train with a Visored or Espada and is in the Club will stay after the general meeting to talk it over. Oh, and just to be clear, they do not know why we asked them to stay if they agreed to train with a hybrid. Between you and me I think they are likely to volunteer for the spots; we do not ask things of our members lightly; so when we do they know it is important."

Considering they were talking about their daughter, it had to be safe for questions finally, "As long as they do it by choice and aren't being forced I know we need all the help we can get, but tell me please, exactly which ones might be staying?"

Jyuushiro answered without hesitation, knowing Ichigo used knowledge to combat panic, and he was actually fairly good at it when people gave him the chance. "All of the ones you met before when you were here plus Byakuya, Sajin, Rukia, and Rangiku. In other words, the only one you are not as familiar with is Rangiku and I do believe you spent time with her when she was stationed in the Living World with Toushiro, so even then not a complete unknown or I wouldn't have risked her either despite my trust. This is more about what makes you comfortable than either myself or Shunsui and neither of us blame you, we understand how hard this is for you."

Another steadying breath, "Okay, and of those people who do you think is most likely to volunteer for the training?"

The long running Captain didn't need as long to think on it as some others might have, just because he was well acquainted with the people he was talking about, "Sajin, Renji, Izuru, we already know Shuuhei, and Nanao; anyone else would be a little bit of a surprise but not completely unexpected since to become seated in the first place you have to spend a good amount of time in the training yards; with the exception of the Fourth but even then it is not a good idea to underestimate them as you discovered when you learned just how difficult an art Healing is."

Even with all the stress Ichigo had to smile, "I would never have made that mistake from the moment I met Retsu."

"I always did admire your instincts," Jyuushiro was more than happy to tease with a quick kiss before they had to leave. If they were much later they would start drawing attention and people might ask questions they didn't want to answer.

This particular gathering was too large for everyone to fit inside the first division barracks itself, so they were outside in the training yard lined up in neat rows; people still filtering in so it didn't look too odd that Ichigo and Jyuushiro came in together.

The Captains were waiting in the front facing the gathering squads, with the Espada and Visoreds lined behind them. Jyuushiro calmly took his place beside Kurotsuchi, while Ichigo stood tensely between Starrk and Kensei. This was one time he was standing in full view for exactly what he was, it was the most appropriate course considering the circumstances.

Even his daughter was worked up, he could feel her squirming around while they waited for the rest of the Soul Reapers to get there. The sheer amount of paranoia that went into hiding her that morning told him she was well concealed but all the same the urge to drop a hand down to calm her was huge, but the need to protect her would always win out. He somehow managed to keep still and refused to fidget no matter that it felt like his baby was learning how to do back flips; though that was probably just his imagination since she was still so little.

Yamamoto, who of course would not be left out of such a large gathering, started things off when it appeared that there would be no more people trickling into the training arena. All together there was about half the officers for the squads, not a bad turn out considering what this was about. "This meeting has been called together on the word of our new allies, that such an action would be a benefit to our preparations to face the traitor Aizen. Substitute Kurosaki has requested to be allowed to explain further and thus I hand proceedings over to him." They had decided to use Ichigo to explain the plan as he truly did bridge the gap as one of the only members of both worlds that still held the trust of both. He was the best choice for spokesperson.

Plus, as he strode forward so the gathered Shinigami could see him, Ichigo had to acknowledge this part of the day was by far the easy part. "By now you all have met and probably at least briefly spoken to the hybrid your squad has played host to since we arrived, what we are proposing now is to take that a step further. Head-Captain Yamamoto has asked the former Espada to inform the squads what Aizen's forces are like and how it will be fighting against fully formed Arrancar; and they are fully prepared to do that. They, and the Visored's like myself, are asking for volunteers that wish to be trained by us. To learn our ways of fighting and prove we can be trusted; we asked that high level officers come today because we felt if you agreed to do this than it would go a long way towards easing the fears of the general squad members. Are there any questions before I ask for volunteers?"

"How much time will this take away from duties?" Nanao asked very practically.

Ichigo just had to smile at her, having grown used to her in the course of spending time at the Eighth, "Only as much as you can safely spare. We know there is a lot happening within the squads during this stressful time, especially those shorthanded by the mission in the Living World. We will fit this training around your schedules not the other way around."

Shuuhei called out next, eyes locked on Kensei, "Do we get a choice in who we work with?"

"Of course!" Ichigo was quick to assure. "Both the Shinigami and the hybrid have to agree on the pairing. It is safer and better to work with someone you approve of or you risk getting hurt because you don't listen to your teacher."

"Do we only work with one, or can we switch around if we'd like?" Renji asked curiously, finding himself getting more pumped up the longer he thought about it. He might be in the Sixth now, but he was Eleventh squad at heart. He loved battle.

That hadn't been something they previously discussed, so Ichigo had to glance back at the others for a few permissive nods before he could answer. "Yes, at least some of us would be willing to move around."

A gruff voice cut through the questions, "Alright, stop this petty crap, how do we sign up?" Kenpachi of course. Patience was not his strong suite, especially not under these circumstances.

"Anyone who wants to work with a hybrid can stay here and we will match you up; if there are more than the number of Visoreds and Arrancar wishing to be trained than we may double up; that shouldn't be a problem. If you don't want to do this, we won't force you and you're welcome to leave now, this is in no way required of you." Ichigo explained.

Slowly the number of people in the courtyard dwindled down as people made their choice, Ichigo keeping an eye out for the ones on Jyuushiro's list. He wasn't surprised to note his love was right with his estimate in who would definitely volunteer; but the toss-ups were interesting and thinking on them was a handy distraction for the moment so he didn't dwell on telling them about the baby happily kicking away inside him again. Ichigo knew he should really pay attention to all the assignments, but there was time to worry about that later, for now he was more concerned with just the people he needed to talk to later.

It was easiest to pair off the Visoreds. No matter how well behaved the Arrancar had been the Visoreds had once been Shinigami themselves and were inherently more trusted than the truly alien race. Ichigo had faith this path would go a long way towards changing that, but as the one with the most intimate knowledge with just how vicious Hollows could be in the course of his imprisonment he didn't blame the Shinigami for being wary.

Nanao was paired with Lisa, current and former Lieutenants that shared a history so intertwined it bore exploring. The elder of the two was very interested in seeing how the tiny Soul Reaper she'd been forced to leave behind had grown up, so far she liked what she saw but was saddened by how serious the young one had become. She hoped it wasn't her fault, that Aizen's trick hadn't darkened another life without them knowing it. All she could do now though was try to help her find the light now.

Renji had trouble deciding which hybrid to train with first, they all had so much to offer, but in the end he chose to work with Love to start with. He wanted to learn more about Visoreds. In helping Ichigo train Rikichi and Hanataro he'd gotten a taste for that brand of hybrid and it left him curious to know more. He also didn't doubt if he wanted to pick a fight with one of the former Espada he'd be more than able to, so he wasn't too worried about missing out on that side either.

It was obvious that nothing could have pried Shuuhei away from Kensei no matter who tried. That boy had it bad, and the Visored didn't have much of a problem obliging the younger Soul Reaper now that he realized the hero worship was still intact. If there was anything that could get through to him and help ease Shuuhei's worries over his Shikai's form, it was Kensei. They needed all the powerful fighters they could get, not ones too conflicted to use it.

The last of Jyuushiro's predicted volunteers to be paired with a Visored was Captain Komamura. He paired off with Shinji after discussing it with several of them. This was not something he just wanted to jump into. He worried about losing control of his strength and hurting his training partner. When training his Squad members as Captain he was in charge of the situation and could put a stop to a fight when he felt himself slipping, in this case it would be the hybrid in charge and they wouldn't have much warning if he lost it. Half-hollow or not, he would always be concerned that he might harm someone that didn't deserve it. Of the ones he talked to Shinji seemed the most understanding of his worries and the most willing to deal with him as an equal, not just brush him off. He knew the others probably didn't mean it the way he took it, but if they didn't take his warnings seriously he might hurt them unintentionally. Shinji had learned with Ichigo that if someone is truly afraid of their strength; there might just be a reason for it. It had taken all eight of the Visoreds to pin down Junichi the first time Hiyori had succeeded in dragging him out in their presence.

This left the Espada to be paired off, and while Ichigo had been prepared to double up on Visoreds to make everyone comfortable, people kept volunteering.

"Don't forget about me," Izuru reminded from between Renji and Shuuhei, as his friends were already paired off and things had come to a standstill as they realized who was left. "I don't mind being trained by an Arrancar, if one of you wants to work with me?" He offered with his heart beating in his throat. He was being trusted with the leadership of his squad, he needed to set a good example; if he had to take the bull by the horns to do that he would.

To his credit the only sign of nervousness he gave was widened eyes as Grimmjow stalked forward, measuring him up. "You've got guts, I like that." Aqua eyes scanned over the Lieutenant smoothly. "I'll take you on Kid."

Izuru attempted to calm his racing heart as he responded as evenly as he could manage, "Alright, I'll train with you."

A wide excited grin, "Good choice." Grimmjow laughed, receiving an elbow to the ribs and a glare from Ichigo to calm down before he scared the Shinigami off. They were supposed to be gaining their trust, not terrifying them. Though Ichigo could admit to himself that was more than likely to come later when the Soul Reapers actually saw what they could do, but that was out of his control.

Now that all of Jyuushiro's predictions had come true, it was time to see who else had stayed, and it started with the least likely person Ichigo would have ever thought would willingly agree to work with a Hollow, hybrid or not. "I will work with an Arrancar, but please, not one of your more violent ones. I am trying to get used to Hollows, but it will take some time." Rukia spoke slowly, but seriously. Keeping her ground, not sounding like a victim, but someone in recovery. Ichigo couldn't have been prouder. Like him she had been hurt deeply by the past, Kaien's death had scarred her forever, but this was something she needed in order to heal. He knew it, just like he had needed to confront Grand Fisher about his mother before he could move on.

"I'll do it." This was a voice even Ichigo hadn't heard much. It was Tesra, Nnoitra's Fraccion. "I am a Fraccion, not an Espada, by our nature we are more subservient than warlike. I can fight, but that is not all I am like Master Nnoitra wishes he could be; he simply loves a good battle. I would be willing to work with you and show you there is more to us than fighting if Master Nnoitra allows me to take a student of my own." He spoke easily and respectfully, like Ichigo would expect of a servant. Then again from what he understood of his relationship with Nnoitra the two of them were more like Master and Servant than some of the other Espada and Fraccion; there was a wide range of relationships involved with the dynamic from the father and daughter aspect of Starrk and Lilynette to the almost pet like quality of Yammy and Kukkapuro.

"I don't give a damn so long as you don't get in my way," Nnoitra waved off immediately, as all eyes had immediately flown towards him when his subordinate had thrown the proverbial ball into his court.

Rukia had been eyeing up the Fraccion during the short exchange, and with an encouraging nod from Ichigo, she responded. "I'll work with you then. I do want to see what you can do and think this is worth doing, so thank you."

"It's no problem, gives me something to do," Tesra responded with a little smile, he'd been bored to death since he didn't like attracting attention for the most part. That was Nnoitra's gig, not his.

"Yeah, well now I need someone. So which of you is going to challenge me?" Nnoitra asked sharply. The conversation had brought him up and he was not content to stay in the background despite the fact he already had agreements with Kenpachi, Renji, and Shuuhei for training matches. He wanted his own student dang it.

"How about me?" Shunsui spoke up with a smirk that drew some speculative glances. "You seem to be rather confidant, let's put that to the test shall we?"

"You have got to be kidding, right? You?" Nnoitra actually laughed at him. "Why am I having trouble taking that seriously?"

Instead of getting insulted, the smirk just grew darker, "Oh, you'll see. Humor me and I think you'll find out something very interesting."

"Whatever, your funeral." Nnoitra warned with a shrug. "I'm not responsible if you can't hack it."

Starrk's calm voice interrupted him, "Nnoitra, I really would stop and think for a minute if I were you." He advised lazily. "I think you might be biting off more than you can chew with this one."

Nnoitra turned to fully take in the Primera, "You can't be serious, really?"

"Dead serious." He responded with the same tired tone. "You might want to ask around a bit and find out just what it is his Squad does here. I already have."

Nnoitra tilted his head to the side in confusion for a moment before realization dawned. "Oh shit, he'd like you isn't he? Not another one! Why do all the strong ones have to be lazy?"

Starrk's gaze turned to ice, "What was that?"

"I mean; I think I'll just go talk to my new training partner a bit." Nnoitra recovered quickly.

"Good plan," Starrk responded smoothly, a smirk of his own dancing on his lips that made a good portion of those still watching crack a smile too at the Primera putting the arrogant Quinto in his place without ever raising his voice.

"What about you?" Jyuushiro asked, "Would you be willing to take a student?"

This answer was very slow to come, "Only if the person knew exactly what they were asking for, and I have the final say. I refuse to teach anyone less than a Captain, this is for their own safety. I am too strong; my power can even kill bystanders when I fight." Starrk eventually responded.

"Are you really that much stronger than the others?" Izuru asked in awe.

"Yes." The Primera answered bluntly. "I assume you know what a Vasto Lorde is, correct?" When everyone gathered nodded he continued. "There were five in the Espada over the years, the lowest being Ulquiorra, then Neliel, Tier, Barragan, and finally myself. I am the strongest Aizen has managed to find, not just of the Arrancar, but also of the Vasto Lordes. Trust me when I say the measures I am putting in place are for your own protection."

"Then teach me," Jyuushiro spoke up strongly. "I can also cause quite a bit of collateral damage when I fight and have to be careful who is around. I think we would make a good match for training together. I have a health condition that might mean taking breaks, but when I am in top form I can keep up."

Retsu broke in, "I will be monitoring you the whole time Jyuushiro Ukitake, before and after every spar, if I think for one moment you are pushing yourself too hard I will make you stop; you got that?" She knew better than to try and stop him outright, it was better to keep him as safe as possible while he was being reckless, that way he didn't try to sneak around as much where she couldn't watch over him.

"I understand," He assured her, before turning back to Starrk, "See, I have permission, so what do you say?"

A deep breath, and then, "Alright, as long as your healer keeps clearing you for sparing I will teach you what I can." He finally agreed.

Things were starting to dwindle down now, with only a few left, one that caught Ichigo's attention more than others since he thought Byakuya had mainly stayed to keep an eye on Rukia. When the Captain came forward to question the Arrancar about getting a place for himself, that was when he realized the noble would be involved as well. His anxiety spiked a bit, but he fought it back.

He had a lot of trust in Byakuya. He'd made mistakes sure, but in the end he had chosen Rukia over honor, and Ichigo would not be forgetting that any time soon. Family came first, and Byakuya understood that simple principle now too.

Ichigo was more surprised with Byakuya's choice in teacher.

"I would like to work with someone different, if all I wanted was a brawl I could get that here. Who among you has the most unusual style?" Byakuya questioned honestly.

"Yeah, that would be me," Szayel didn't have any choice about admitting his oddity considering even Ichigo had joined in with the Arrancar in pointing to him, but it wasn't like he was in the business of denying himself anyway. "I can give you what you're after."

"Alright, that is acceptable." Byakuya agreed primly, looking every inch the stuffy noble, but Ichigo couldn't help but notice he almost looked excited. There was a gleam in his eyes that just about had to be anticipation.

"Substitute Kurosaki, why have you not taken a student yourself?" Yamamoto questioned when it looked like everyone was done pairing up and was satisfied.

Damn it, they had hoped to get away without anyone noticing he hadn't taken on a training partner. He was scrambling to come up with a solution when another voice joined the fray.

"I want to work with Ichigo. It has been awhile since I have honed my skill on the battlefield, it will be interesting to learn it once more." Sedate, self-assured, and never-more-welcome Retsu's voice washed over Ichigo; calming him instantly.

"Are you sure about this?" Yamamoto questioned suspiciously, he'd been watching the match-ups with silent distain; hoping that the plan would fall through and no one would be willing to work with the Arrancar at least, even if they might the Visoreds. With his hopes in tatters he was starting to lash out.

"Yes," Retsu remained calm, "Ichigo did such an amazing job teaching my Seventh seat that I would like to experience it for myself. There is war on our doorstep, it would be foolish to deny it, and I would like to support our allies in any way I can. I will learn from them and lead the way for the squads to place their faith with them."

Yamamoto sighed heavily as he realized he would not win this round and his energy was best saved for a better time, "Very well, just know what you are getting in to."

"I believe I know what I am doing, I trust Ichigo and the others. He believes in the hybrids or he wouldn't have proposed this. The ones who are the most unknown are also the ones Ichigo has the most reason to fear, he was their prisoner not so long ago, and yet he is urging us to trust them. I say we honor that request." Retsu pointed out, glancing at the youngest Visored when he stiffened as it was all laid out so bluntly like that.

Never let it be said Ichigo was not strong. He was holding up better than anyone could hope for. He needed help, and soon, that's what this was really about. Getting him out of this mess. Her and Isshin had been conspiring. She already knew about his plans, and her last check-up had been with the future in mind. She was doing everything in her power to make sure the baby and Ichigo would be safe in the long-term if they used the devise Yoruichi sent them.

She was baiting the head-captain now, and to her relief it was working as he strode off in a huff. Leaving the courtyard for his private quarters. This let some of the Visoreds and Arrancar distract the spectators by starting up a few flashy spars. This gave Ichigo a chance to lead away the people he really needed to talk to.

They had many, many years of practice in evading notice, so it was with skillful grace that Ichigo was followed to the cavern he had trained Hanataro and Rikichi in. This was the most secure place in the Seireitei, there was nowhere else he would even think of having this discussion about his little girl. Even if someone had noticed the group convening here they wouldn't get in without raising an alarm.

Starrk, Grimmjow, and Shinji had followed them to the cavern earning them some odd looks. Ichigo settled that when he started talking. "These three know why I needed to talk to you and decided to come to hopefully make it a little easier, well Starrk and Shinji did, Grimmjow is just here because he got bored and there were too many people sparring already for him to let loose." He told on the panther.

"Hey!" Grimmjow protested grumpily.

"You're trying to tell me you weren't bored?" Ichigo accused.

Grimmjow wouldn't meet his eyes, "So what if I was? Doesn't mean that's the only reason I'm here. I'll help too. I just happen to think you won't need it. Now spill it Kurosaki. You have their attention."

Ichigo turned to the group consisting of Nanao, Renji, Byakuya, Rukia, Retsu, Sajin, Izuru, Shuuhei, Jyuushiro, and Shunsui to see that Grimmjow couldn't have been more right. Every set of eyes was on him, though his loves were looking at him in support and Retsu was making sure he wasn't under too much strain.

"Before I say anything, I have something to ask, and this is an honest question. Do not guess, or anything like that, just answer with the truth. Can you see anything different about me?" Ichigo started out simply, keeping his arms to his sides, standing still. Trying not to draw attention to his abdomen in any way.

The others didn't know him as well, but Izuru had taught him and Rukia had lived in his closet. "Ah Ichigo, are you putting on a little weight?" He asked slowly, while she blanched.

"No, that's not, wait." She stuttered, searching his face, then staring at his carefully wrapped abdomen, and just switching back and forth between them rapidly.

Finally, here where he was planning on telling people, he could put his hand over his squirming baby, "Yes Rukia, I asked Shunsui and Jyuushiro to send out those butterflies with the special instructions because I need help. I'm pregnant and my daughter is getting too big to hide."

The only thing keeping him going was this group had actually passed two tests to get to this point. This first was being in the Club, that meant Jyuushiro and Shunsui trusted them with their secrets and had done so for decades. The second was accepting the training with a hybrid, that was basically saying they trusted Ichigo's judgement in return. Trust was a two-way street, especially when it came to something this big.

Renji came up to put a hand on Rukia's shoulder, seeing as she was still in shock, "What do you need?"

"A cover story, and a good one." Ichigo admitted. "Dad has an idea, but it would only get us to the point where she is born, after that she would still be in danger, but at least she would be here where I can protect her better." And he quickly explained the tool that would essentially suspend time for him and his daughter until she was born.

"I may have an idea," This interruption was definitely unexpected, the cultured voice calm but firm.

"Byakuya?" Ichigo couldn't help but ask in surprise.

"I know a way the young one could be safe from harm," Byakuya reiterated. "Have you considered adoption?" And when he saw Ichigo ready to object he quickly put a hand up to stall him. "I don't mean send the child away, I mean treat the child as a foundling, much like when the Kuchiki family took in Rukia. You are not a noble, there wouldn't be as much obstacles on your path, and there would be no taboo against the adoption of a child by a man rather than the birth. Oh, and if someone tries to tell you that you are showing an inordinate amount of love for a child that supposedly is not of your blood you have my permission to send them my way. Family of the heart is equal to family of the blood in my eyes, and you had a large part to play in returning me to that viewpoint. Once your daughter is of an age to understand and protect herself she may be told the truth. You are also lucky in that you did not grow up in the Seireitei, no one here other than your father would know what you looked like as a child and would not connect her features with yours should you look similar. Even hair color could be attributed to coincidence as long as there is a solid enough alibi."

It was like a weight had lifted off his chest as it hit Ichigo this was the answer they had been looking for. "And her father, we could even sneak him in and no one would notice. Just another person helping me raise her." The relief he felt almost brought him to his knees, and he had the craziest urge to hug Byakuya. Jyuushiro and Shunsui were known for their love of children, it wouldn't be unusual at all for them to be drawn to his baby. They already had to hide they were a couple, but they wouldn't have to hide that those two were helping him raise their daughter. It was perfect.

"Okay, but how exactly would you pull that off? Ichigo showing up out of the blue with a baby would be very suspicious and the head-captain is already nosing around him." Izuru pointed out.

"I think I can help," Renji spoke up. "Rukia and I came from a group of orphans in the Rukon, what we can do is hide her there for a day or two after she is born. Ichigo you can go get her from the group and there you go, she's all yours again."

Komamura spoke up next, "I would advise not using the same person twice in carrying her. Don't draw attention. Renji I know you visit that place routinely, you've brought us a few times, it should be you who brings the child there in the beginning. Rukia, if you are willing, go with Ichigo on the following trip to retrieve her."

Rukia, still pale and a bit shocked, did manage to respond, "I can do that."

Ichigo slid his hand down to his baby again and whispered, "Hear that little one? You're going to be okay."