(A/N: Moving right along here. The countdown has started to Luke and Tear's reunion. It will either be next chapter or the chapter after).

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Tales of the Abyss


2 weeks later

Luke's pov

"Luke-taicho," Momo walked into my office.

"Oh Momo," I said picking my head up from my desk, "How are you?"

"Captain Unohana discharged me this morning so I'm well enough to work," she said with a smile.

"Well take the day off anyway," I told her, "I wouldn't want to overwork you the day of your return. Besides, there's somewhere I want to be in a few minutes anyway. In fact, why don't you join me?" I offered.

"That's fine, but where are we going?" she asked me.

"To the Senkaimon in 10th Division," I said, "Follow me."

We both went to the Senkaimon where Rukia, Captain Hitsugaya and the others were all gathered together for the gate to be opened.

"Ah Shiro-chan!" Momo called out to her childhood friend.

Hitsugaya turned towards us, "Oh Captain Fon Fabre, Momo what are you two doing here?"

"We came to see you all off," I said.

The next thing I knew Rangiku had her arm around my neck, "Oh Luke you came to say goodbye to us that's so nice of you," she giggled.

Rukia walked forward towards me, "Take care of yourself Luke-dono," she told me.

"You behave yourself I don't want another incident like last time," I joked.

She smiled, "Don't worry there won't be any problems this time. If there are you'll be notified immediately, ok."

I nodded, "Yeah ok."

"Oi! Luke," Ikkaku and Yumichika walked towards me, "See you around man," Ikkaku stuck out his left hand to me.

"You guys enjoy yourselves," I said shaking it.

"Well hopefully I'll get to have some good fights while I'm there," he said.

"When you first entered 11th Division I never thought the day would come that you would become a captain like this so soon Abarai has mastered Bankai and even he isn't a captain yet," Yumichika said.

"He's just inexperienced," Ikkaku looked over his shoulder to Renji, "Right Renji?"

"That sounded like there was more to that comment on the surface," he said with an unamused grin the corner of it twitching.

"Well we'd best be going," Rangiku said finally letting go of me, "Last one there has to treat me to lunch!" she ran into the Senkaimon. With that everyone pilled into the Senkaimon. Momo and I waved until the gate completely closed.

"Well now what?" Momo asked me.

"Now you need to head back to the division," I picked out some papers from out of my sash, "I need to be getting these request forms to the head captain."

"What kind of request forms?" Momo asked.

"That's a secret," I said. She frowned. "Don't worry you'll like the surprise. I promise."

That got her to cheer up, "Ok. I'll see you later then I suppose," she used Shunpo to leave.

"Well might as well head off," I said.

I used Shunpo to head off to the first division barracks. When I arrived I walked up the front steps. Sasakibe was inside the lobby. "Fon Fabre Luke-taicho," he kneeled, "Is there something I can do for you?"

"Yeah, is the Head Captain in his office?" I held up the request forms.

"Follow me," he stood up and urged me over. He led me to two large doors. "Please wait here," he said and went inside. I waited a few minutes before he came back out. "The Head Captain will see you now," he told me. I walked inside to see Head Captain Yamamoto at his desk. Honestly this was the first time I had ever been in the Head Captain's office.

"Captain Fon Fabre Luke to what do I owe your request to speak to me?" the Head Captain asked me.

I held up the request form, "It's this," I said and put it in front of him.

"Let me see that," he held up the forms and skimmed it over while 'hmming' to himself. "I see. I believe I can authorize this request."

"Do you really mean that Head Captain?" I was ecstatic.

"Yes, mostly because of what Aizen Sosuke said to Asch before he left for Hueco Mundo. If my instinct is correct then authorizing this request form would be in the Gotei's best interest. Do you have the 2nd page?"

"Right here," I handed it to him.

He looked it over, "That's quite bold of you to request free reign of choice for support. However I trust you enough not to whittle down our forces too great in number."

"Sir does that mean that you…?" I started to say, but Yamamoto quickly stamped both pages with the 1st Division stamp of approval and then handed them back to me.

"Your request has been authorized."

I looked at the papers I held in my hand. I have been looking forward to this day. I thought to myself as my hands shook with anxiety as I held the authorized request forms.

"If our business it concluded please exit my office," Yamamoto-soutaicho ordered.

"Yes, right away Yamamoto-soutaicho," I bowed and exited. I was bristling with excitement no amount of bad news could bring me down from my high. I stopped to catch my breath and thought to myself. All right, now all I have to do is talk to everyone. I'd hate to go alone.


9th Division barracks

The office of Captain Asch Fon Fabre

I knocked on the door to Asch's office. At first there was no response, but then I heard, "Come in." I entered Asch's office and closed the door behind me. Asch was sitting at his desk filling out paperwork. He and Captain Kuchiki could be so alike sometimes "What do you want dreck?" he asked me.

"Do you remember the reason I joined the Gotei 13 in the first place?" I asked him.

Asch stopped working and folded his arms, "Yeah, you wanted to be able to go back to Auldrant. I assume that now that you're a captain you're looking for a way to go back."

"Actually I already found the way to go back," I said.

"Then what the hell are you doing here?" he asked.

"Well I was wondering if well…if you…well…" I didn't know whether to ask up front or to beat around the bush.

"Out with it dreck!" Asch snapped.

Looks like it's the former, "Do you want to go back with me?"

Asch resumed his work, "No."

"Why not?" I asked, "Come on, I'm sure everyone would love to see you. Natalia got so upset when you died she completely broke down and Jade had to slap her across the face to get her to focus. If not for me will you at least come back for her sake."

Asch put down his pen, "Luke I've got too much responsibility as a captain to just go vacationing off to where I was born. Maybe you feel you can go and do that. I don't. Now if you don't mind," he picked up the out pile and neatly clacked it together, "I'd like to get some work done." He picked up his pen and continued writing.

"What about Baticul don't you want to see your birth place one more time?" I asked him.

Asch glared at me, "Luke I've moved on. You need to as well," he said coldly and resumed his work.

"You know I can't do that. I promised Tear. I'm not about to break that promise," I told him.

"Luke that promise was 18 years ago. There are plenty of other people you're surrounded by. If you weren't so fixated on Tear you might realize that," he said.

My fist tensed, "For everyone back in Auldrant it was only three years," I argued.

"Same difference. Do you really think Tear would wait for your return after three years hmm? She probably thinks you've forgotten all about her," he said.

"You don't know that for certain," I snapped.

"No, but you're better off betting on that," he said bluntly

"I won't I'm going to keep my promise," I said sternly.

"And what will you do if there's no one waiting for you or everyone's given up on you. What if they can't even see you?" he asked sharply.

"That's a risk I'm willing to take," I sighed. I stared at the floor, "I just…I just want to go home."

"You're absolutely pitiful you know that," Asch grumbled, "Honestly you sound like a little kid right now. Grow some balls would you? If I had such promises and regrets before I died then I would have become a plus and eventually a hollow." He laughed as though mocking me, "How you never became one in the first place is beyond me!"

I stopped and calmed down a level, "It's true that I really want to see Tear again, but in my heart I decided that I would go see her again no matter how long it took. I wasn't desperate enough to see her that I would develop into a plus and be chained to the world," I raised my tone of voice again, "But ever since we came to Soul Society I was given a way as to how to see her again. And now that I'm a captain I'm so close. I even got the authorization papers. I'm not going to give up having come so far!" I shouted, You ran away from everything to escape the score and dumped everything on me by having me created. Newsflash Asch! In case you haven't noticed, or if you've simply forgotten, I'm not like you. I'm my own man with my own feelings and personality I'm not just a carbon copy of you."

"Don't treat me like I'm some sort of idiot!" Asch raged standing up, "I know damn well you and I are different as night and day. Part of that drives me nuts. You're so soft hearted you know that."

"And you've got a bigger stick up your ass than Captain Kuchiki!" I shouted.

"I dare you to say that again," Asch griped moving the chair out of the way.

"You wanna go?" I asked.

"Sure," he cracked his knuckles. "I've been waiting for an excuse to clean your clock for a long damn time!" He goaded me forward with a 'come on' gesture. I ran forward and swung at him. He grabbed my fist and headbutted me. I fell backwards and rubbed my head. He punched me in the face and I returned the favor with a left hook. Asch stumbled backwards and I got back on my feet. My blood was boiling, my adrenaline was pumping; I saw Asch bouncing on his heels ready for another round. I then noticed the mirror on the side of the room hung on the wall and saw my reflection. I let go of my anger and just trudged over to it and looked at my reflection. Look at myself, what the hell am I doing? Asch and I should be past this! Asch and I worked together all this time against Aizen and now we're fighting! I'm so stupid.


Asch's pov

"Hey come on, are you going to fight me or not?" I asked. Luke trudged over to the 2nd entrance to my office, "Hey look at me damn it."

"You're right," he said, "but I've already got the authorization to go to the world of the living so I'm going. If you don't want to come that's fine. I'll go alone I suppose," he shut the door and exited my office.

Jeez why do you always have to make me feel like the bad guy? You stupid dreck. I sat back down at my desk and continued doing paperwork. I had to make up for lost time. A couple hours later there was another knock on my door. "Who is it?"

"It's me," I heard Nanao's voice.

I sighed, "It's unlocked."

I heard her slide open the door and walk in, "Did something happen?" she asked. There's a dent in your floor.

"Nothing important," he said, "What'd you come here for?"

"Paperwork delivery," she said putting a stack on the in pile.

Great as if I didn't already have enough, I grumbled internally.

"Asch your bleeding!" Nanao suddenly gasped.

"Huh?" I touched my fingers to my lip. There was blood. Damn he hit me harder than I thought.

"What the hell happened in here?"

I sighed, pushed back my chair and folded my arms. "Luke came by earlier wanting me to go with him to Auldrant. I refused and the situation sort of escalated into a fistfight," I explained

"Captain Fon Fabre is going to Auldrant?" Nanao asked.

"Apparently so," I said.

"And you're not?" she asked.

"Why should I?" I asked rhetorically, "My life is finished there. I have no purpose there. Plus you're here," I smile at her.

"Did Captain Fon Fabre say he already had the authorization to undergo such a thing?" she asked me.

"According to what he said," I answered.

"Asch the Head Captain wouldn't authorize such a free reign mission without due cause. If Luke came by asking you to join him and he already has the Head Captain's permission it means that he got free reign of choice," Nanao asked.

"What's that mean?" I asked.

"It means he can take anyone with him who he invites and accepts his invitation," she said.

"Your point?" I asked.

"Besides whatever personal reasons Captain Fon Fabre has for going the Head Captain must see some benefit for the Gotei for your duplicate to just go home like that," she explained, "We're short on staff enough as it is because of the situation in Karakura Town. If the soutaicho is going to let Captain Fon Fabre off so loosely like that and he came here asking you to go with him I think you should give him the benefit of the doubt. If not for his sake and not for your own do it for the spirit of the Gotei," she paused, "or…do it for me."

"Nanao," I looked at her confused.

"I've always been interested in where you were raised. If there's an opportunity I'd like to go see what it's like and…" she started defending her decision.

I sighed in defeat, "All right, if you want me to go that badly I'll go if you're coming with me, but I'm only doing this because you're coming and because the Head Captain believes there's a good reason for it. When we get to Auldrant I'm going to ask that dreck what that reason is."


4th Division barracks

Luke's pov

I made my way to 4th Division hoping that at least Ion would be willing to listen to me. Asch could do whatever he wanted. I made my way down the hall when I saw Isane, she was muttering to herself about some, "Umm…vice-captain Kotetsu?" She let out a startled scream. "Sorry didn't mean to startle you!" I apologized frantically.

"Oh Captain Fon Fabre I apologize I didn't mean to scream like that," she bowed in apology.

"It's fine," I said, "Have you seen Ion anywhere, there's something I want to talk to him about."

"Ah Hakutan-san should be in his room. Last I saw he seemed to be reading," Isane answered me.

"Great thanks," I said. "Which way?"

"Down the hall first door on the right," she pointed.

"So close?" I asked, scratching my head.

"Ah we always keep the higher seats near the entrance in case of an emergency," she answered.

"Oh I see, that's Captain Unohana for you, always thinking for the best," I smiled and then headed down the hall and knocked on Ion's door, "Ion," I knocked again, "Can I come in?"

"Just a second," I heard him from the other side of the door. He came and opened the door, "Good to see you Luke come on in," he gestured inside. Ion's room had a desk, a couch, two large bookshelves and its own adjoining bathroom. The bed lay next to the bookshelf. The lights were low and there was a book laying next to Ion's pillow face down and opened.

"What's up?" Ion asked.

"Well remember how when we reunited way back when how you told me that if I wanted to go back to Auldrant I had to become a captain?" I asked.

"Yeah," he smiled and then realized what I was getting at, "Wait you got permission to go?" he smiled again, "Luke that's so awesome!"

"Actually I got free reign of choice for people to come with me and well…I was wondering if you wanted to come along," I told him.

"Me?" he asked.

"Of course," I said with a kind smile, "Everyone misses you. I told you before right that Tear sings at your grave and that Anise still blames herself for what happened everyone would be overjoyed to know that you're doing alright."

"I know that but…" his voice trailed away.

"Let me guess you don't want to go," I rolled my eyes.

"Ah no I didn't say that," he panicked, "It's just well…I'm dead Luke. If the others saw me walking around they'd think they were hallucinating. I really do want to go back, but there's no way around that little problem," he shook his head.

I pat his head, "You just leave that to me," I told him. And then pointed to myself with my thumb, "Once I explain to them about the Soul Society I'll come get you, wherever you've stationed yourself at the time and I'll reunite you with everyone."

"Luke," he smiled, feeling appreciated, "Thank you."

"It's no trouble at all. Anyway if you want to go we're leaving tomorrow at noon so pack your backs and finish your work ok?" I chuckled.

"Yeah sure," he said with a big smile.

"Right see ya," I said heading for the door.

"Ah wait Luke," he called out. I turned to look at him, "Thanks again."

"Hey this is what friends do," I said and left.


Isane's pov

Ok Isane, no pressure…this time for sure…this time for sure. I breathed in and out deeply preparing myself. I'm going to tell Hakutan-san how I feel for sure this time. Luke had left the door open to Hakutan-san's room so I grabbed the side of the wall and peered around inside. I saw Hakutan-san at his desk with a stack of novels. There were also some forms on his desk and a safe box used for storing Kan.

"Oh Isane-fukutaicho konichwa, how are you?" he asked with a bright smile.

"H-h-hakutan-san…h-hi…h-h-h-how are you?" I asked. "And what's with the books and the forms and the safe box?"

"Oh Luke invited me to go with him to the world of living," a warm smile crossed his face, "I get to go home Isane-fukutaicho."

"Ah you're going to Auldrant?" I asked surprised at this.

"Yeah," he beamed, "Luke said he'd run by our friends about Soul Reapers and everything so I'll get to see them all again."

"I see…do you…do you have anyone your fond of back in Auldrant?" I asked shyly.

"Of course I like all my friends," he smiled.

"That's not what I meant!" I shouted and quickly covered my mouth. My face was so hot.

"Isane-fukutaicho what's wrong? Is something bothering you?" Hakutan-san asked getting up from his chair and walking over to me.

"It-it's nothing," I denied waving my hands frantically in front of my face.

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"Um well actually," I said nervously and swallowed, "Hakutan-san…I…I um…" I vigorously caressed my right hand with my left.

"Yes?" he urged.

I was having trouble just speaking back. I wanted to tell him outright how much I admired him and what he meant to me, but the words just wouldn't come out. I stared into his green eyes reflecting worry in them. "Hakutan-san I…" slowly and subconsciously I reached towards Hakutan-san and grabbed a hold of the inner folds of his Shihakusho, pulled him towards me and brought my lips right onto his. I kissed him with everything I had. It was how I felt about him. I loved him. My eyes were closed so I couldn't see his reaction. He wasn't kissing back. I didn't know if he was shocked or didn't return my feelings, but I wanted him to know how I felt. I let go of him and just smiled warmly my face flushed and my eyes reflecting the kindness and warmth and devotion I felt in my heart for Hakutan-san. His reaction wasn't exactly what I was expecting though. He was trembling from head to toe. His face was completely flushed. His was in complete shock. "Ah Hakutan-san!" I cried out in concern.

He shook his head violently. He started flailing his arms, his face flushed, he seemed all up in a panic, "I-Isane-fukutaicho…did you…did you just…was that…"

"I've…I've always admired you Hakutan-san," I smiled. When he didn't respond I got flustred, "Ah don't tell me that…are you…do you not…"

"I…I've never had anyone feel this way about me," he said looking at the ground, "Anise maybe, but she never acted on it if she did feel so strongly. Understandable since she's only 13." He picked his head up, "I was only two years old in the body of a 14-year-old, with a mind to match, when I was created and I've been with the Gotei for 24 long years. And I…I don't know why, but the fact that you feel this way about me it makes me feel happy," he smiled brightly, "Because I like you a lot too Isane-fukutaicho,"

"Hakutan-san," I gasped. My heart was pounding so hard.

"Um, if it's all right could you please call me by my name?" he asked.

"S-sure Haku—Ion-san…and could you…could you just call me by my name too?" I asked squirming, "No fukutaicho at the end just Isane?"

"Ok," he agreed smiling. I smiled back, my face was still red, but I was happy. I was really happy.

"Hey Isane," Ion-san's voice broke me from my train of thought.

"Yes?" I asked.

"Would you…would you like to come with Luke and me to Auldrant? Since Luke has free reign we can just tell Unohana-taicho that we're going," he offered.

I gasped, "Ion-san."

"I-I mean if you don't want to that's fine, but I was just…"

I gave him a quick kiss, "Don't be silly, I'd love to," I smiled.

"Really?" he asked.

"Of course. I'd love to see where you were born," I told him, "and maybe while were there you and I could…spend some…time alone together?"

"Are you asking me out Isane?"

"Um…well…" my face was so red. "Yes," I squeaked.

He smiled and laughed, "It's a date," he said.

How much hotter can me face get? I wondered. I couldn't stay if I did I surely would've just jumped all over him. "I'm going to go pack my things," I turned and headed out of the room.

"Ah Isane before you go," Ion-san called out and came towards me. He stood on his tip toes but he just couldn't reach me. I understood what he was trying to do though. I leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss. I left the room giddy as could be. When I reached my room I started thinking how well everything went. I held my hands to my chest and just let all the feelings I was dealing with sink in. I got to kiss him, three times even. And he said he likes me. Oh Ion-san…


5th Division

Luke's pov

"Welcome back," Momo bowed to me as I made my return to the division.

"Hey," I said, shutting the door to the office.

"So what's the big surprise?" she asked eagerly.

"You've been waiting to hear about that haven't you?" I chuckled. I pulled out the authorized request forms. "Here," I said handing them to her.

She muttered the words on the page to herself. I could hear her voice becoming excited as she continued down the page. When she finished she looked up and asked, "Luke-taicho may I come as well?"

"Of course, you're my vice-captain why wouldn't you be allowed to come?" I asked rhetorically.

"Oh this is going to be so much fun," Momo said bouncing on her feet. "I should start packing right away." She made to head for her office and then said, "Oh when are we leaving?" she asked.

"Tomorrow at noon," I said.

"Aiyah, I have so much packing to do. I need to get to it right away!" she headed for her office.

"This will definitely be a fun trip," I smiled. I looked out the window where the sun was shining in. Wait for me Tear. I'll be home soon.


Karakura Town

3rd Person pov

Evening…

The Garganta opened high above the city revealing Grimmjow. Arietta clung to side, arms around his waist, head pressed to his side. She held her hollow plushy in her right hand. Grimmjow had his arm around her, hand placed on her shoulder. "We're here, you can let go now," he told her. Arietta removed herself from Grimmjow's side and stood in front of him.

Another garganta opened moments later revealing five more Arrancar. "Is this everyone?" Arietta asked.

"Yes," Shawlong answered.

"No one saw you right?" Grimmjow inquired.

"No, but…" Shawlong hesitated, "I detected several spiritual pressures on our way to meet you. Some of them were quite strong, contrary to Ulquiorra's report."

"Soul Society must've sent reinforcements," Arietta said holding her plushy near her mouth.

Grimmjow stamped his foot, "Great job Ulquiorra thanks to you things have gotten more difficult. If you had done your job this wouldn't have happened." The Sexta Espada began to count off his minions, "Di Roy! Shawlong! Edarad! Ylforte! Nakeem! Arietta!" The small girl turned around to face her master since she was currently turned to face the rest of the fraccion, "There's no reason to hold back. If they have any spiritual pressure at all I want 'em dead! Now rest until everyone is caught. You will show them no mercy. If they show even a glimmer of spiritual pressure then kill them. Don't let a single one escape. Let's go!" Grimmjow's minions took off…save for Arietta. "I said go." He said.

"I'm…I'm staying by Grimmjow-sama's side," Arietta declared.

Tch, you are such a pain sometimes. He walked towards and then past her, "All right fine you can come with me, but you'd better not get in my way got it?"

"Yes of course," Arietta nodded, "I will do my very best for Grimmjow-sama."

"Well all right then…let's go!" The two took off in a hurry.

To be continued…


(A/N: End Chapter. Next time on Noble Flames it's prepare to see a curb stomp battle that will completely crush your emotions. But who cares about that stuff IsaIon FTW! And Luke is finally going home! Review this plz. I worked really hard on it. See you all next time).