Tairei9: I do not own Bleach or anything in its contents. I give full credit to the creators.

ByaNeko-Chan: Tairei9!

Tairei9: Mm?

Byakuya: 'Icy Glare.'

Tairei9: Are you still mad about that picture thing?

Byakuya: 'Glare intensifies.'

ByaNeko-Chan: 'hides'

Tairei9: If looks could kill...

Renji: You'd be dead by now.

Chapter 36

Hushing the two babies, Kumiko stayed silent as Kichirou was looking as the shinigami ran passed. Yachiru had been sent ahead to get permission to enter. Kichirou was wearing his cloak, the hood hiding his face well. There were so many guards running about, much more than Kumiko remembered. She also didn't remember there being a curfew on the districts closest to Seireitei either. No one except shinigami could be seen. Once she held the little ones to her tighter, she asked in a hushed tone, "I don't remember there being this many guards, why-?"

"Since Hollow Queen is slowly gaining control, Seireitei felt the need to up security," Kichirou said, still staring down the alley, "Come on! We have to move quickly."

They hurried along towards the walls of Seireitei. Kumiko saw that not only Jidanbou stood by the gate, but he was communicating with other shinigami. Kichirou stopped her and glanced in trying to see who it was. After seeing a flash of pink hair, he said, "Alright Yachiru is ahead. When they open the gates, we'll slip through quickly. Keep the little ones quiet."

"I don't understand the secrecy, why can't Yachiru tell them I'm alive?"

"I promise Yachiru and I will explain later, just follow me," Kichirou said, quietly. He then saw Jidanbou open the gate and he said, "Now."

Kumiko concentrated in that one flash stepped, which landed them somewhere in the shadows of an alley. One of the twins began to fuss and Kumiko immediately shushed him. Kichirou saw Yachiru come through and she immediately ran over to them.

"Come, the tunnel entrance is this way!"

The three hurried towards the tunnel entrance that was concealed in a corner. Yachiru made sure to grab the lamp that was tossed among boxes. Kichirou helped Kumiko down into the tunnel carefully and Yachiru followed. Turning the lamp on, the passage way was illuminated and Yachiru said, "Follow me."

Kumiko followed and finally asked, "Why all this secrecy? I understand Naomi is a threat, but I don't understand why hiding me from everyone is going to help us any. We tried that at the temple but that didn't work."

"Well, it's a lot of things," Yachiru said, "Ken-chan hasn't been able to talk to Old man yet. We've also have problems with shinigami getting attacked by groups of people in Rukongai. We think Hollow Queen is stirring up trouble out there somehow. It's gotten so bad that we have to up the security. Not only that, I'm not sure how Bya-kun will react to you suddenly appearing with twins in your arms."

"True," Kumiko said quietly. They walked in silence for a while until Yachiru said, "I'll go ahead. Ken-chan told Mai-Mai that you would be returning tonight. He couldn't tell anyone else because everyone seemed to be out today."

Yachiru handed Kichirou the light and hurried off down the tunnel. Kumiko waited for the footsteps to have died away. She then looked at her younger brother nervously.

"Kichirou," Kumiko asked nervously, "What will you do?"

"I will stay hidden," Kichirou said calmly, "I will always be near you so don't worry."

"You don't want to see Otou-san?" Kumiko asked, hesitatively.

"It's not that I don't want to see him," Kichirou said, "I mean, he's our father. I just think it's best if I don't."

"So why haven't you done anything to see him these past few years?" Kumiko asked and Kichirou said with a sigh, "I couldn't leave; I had other responsibilities to take care of. Okaa-sama didn't do so well after you disappeared and Otou-sama just felt it was better to lie low. Believe me, it wasn't intentional."

"And... Yoruichi?"

"I don't like her," Kichirou said flatly, "I can't like her. I know she went through hell younger and I can't relate to it. I'm sorry, but I can't like her. But ...her ignorance was corrected and she was punished for what she did. So I'm fine."

Kumiko didn't really buy his last statement. She wasn't sure what the King told him, which made her nervous to say the wrong thing. She stopped and said, "Kichirou, you have to promise me not to start up with her."

"Kumiko-," Kichirou said exasperated.

"Promise me!" Kumiko said louder, and the youngest of the twins began to fuse again. Kumiko soothed him. Kichirou watched her quietly for a while. Then slowly walking ahead he said, "I promise I will behave to the best of my ability."

Kumiko stared at him for a moment and then followed him saying, "Kichirou...thank you."

"Don't thank me," Kichirou said, "And if you ever feel uneasy for whatever reason, don't be afraid to call for me. Don't cover up for me if I somehow slip up in staying hidden. It's my responsibility to follow through with my decision, so don't get involved or worried. Okay?"

"...Alright," Kumiko said as they turned into an underground circular room. It was well lit from the ceiling, it almost glowing. There was shuffling and talking above, both hurried and anxious. There was some simple furniture and Kumiko noticed there was a door to the entrance they had just walked through. Kichirou put down the light on a table and said, "Above is your room. I will be here bellow. Go on, you look dead on your feet."

Kumiko walked over to him and kissed his cheek. She then walked towards the stairs and walked up them to the open trap door. Kumiko looked to see Mai and Yachiru moving some things around. Upon seeing Kumiko, however, Mai put down the basket she was hold and hurried over to Kumiko. Throwing her arms around her, she said, "Oh Kumiko-sama! You're safe..."

Feeling one of the babies shift, Mai pulled back and said, suddenly, "I'm so sorry, Kumiko-sama. That was terrible rude of me..."

"Mai, stop," Kumiko said as Yachiru came over and shut the trap door, "You know these formalities aren't needed."

"But-As future heiress of the clan-!"

"Enough," Kumiko said softly, "It's alright, Mai."

Kumiko smiled at the woman who acted as her doting nanny and friend. Feeling the twins begin to move about, Kumiko went to sit down in one of the chairs. Mai followed and gasped as Kumiko revealed the twins faces. The youngest finally let out a cry while the other stared innocently around. Yachiru came over as Kumiko calmed the boy. Smiling, Yachiru said, "Have you sent word to Bya-kun yet?"

"I did, but Kuchiki-sama is working late in his study tonight. I don't know...," Mai said, burying her face into her hands. Yachiru and Kumiko exchanged looks. Yachiru said, "I'll go get him."

Yachiru rushed off and Kumiko said, "Mai..."

"I'm sorry, but I shouldn't be the first seeing them," Mai gasped, "Kuchiki-sama should have-!"

"Look I know that family is supposed to see them first," Kumiko said, "Especially Otou-san. But at this point, that doesn't matter."

Kumiko looked around her room and immediately noticed the disarray. Things were in baskets and the room even had the feel it had been shut up for a while. Looking down at Mai, Kumiko said, "He really did shut down, didn't he?"

"Nani?"

"Nothing," Kumiko walked over to the bed and found that Mai had it prepared. She put the twins down; unfolding the bundle they were so well wrapped up in. Her blue eyed baby looked up at her and reached out his arms cooing, in hopes of being picked back up. The other yawned after moving around and closed his brown eyes. Mai stared for a moment before hurry about, straightening up the room. Kumiko picked up the baby boy and said, "You silly, have you been sleeping this entire time?"

The boy nuzzled into her shoulder and Kumiko sighed, knowing he needed to be fed. Adjusting herself in such a way as to be modest towards any onlookers, she began to feed the young boy. Mai finally finished fixing the room and bowed saying, "I will go fetch a bed for the babies."

"Alright," Kumiko said as Mai left the room. Kumiko sighed softly, relaxing a bit. When her son began to move about instead of feeding, Kumiko fixed herself saying, "I find it amazing that you never cry little one. You gave me quite a fright when you were born."

The little boy just looked up at his mother with big eyes innocently. He didn't make anymore noise and didn't protest when Kumiko went to burp him. It took her awhile before he finally let it out. He latched onto her hair with his little fingers, making the small noises babies do. Kumiko sighed, trying to unlatch the boy from her hair. By the time she had successfully done so, he could hear someone run down the hallway. The door immediately slid open and she saw Kuchiki Byakuya standing there. She stared at him, who stared back at her. He walked into the room, silent as ever. The shocked look on his face, however, couldn't be mistaken for anything else. Kumiko then said softly, "I told you that you would see me again."

He swallowed and said, "Indeed you did..."

He suddenly was sitting by her in a flash, leaned in embracing her, and kissed the top of her head. He pulled away and suddenly heard the baby coo. He stared down at him, shock creeping back into his eyes. Kumiko then said quietly, "Meet Byakko, your heir."

Kumiko gently gave him Byakko; watching him for a few moments. Byakuya cradled the boy as the boy stared up at him with the same colored eyes. Letting a small smile grace his lips, he rocked the boy gently. He noticed out of the corner of his eye, Kumiko pick up the second child carefully.

"When Mai sent the message, I almost didn't believe it," Byakuya said softly as he watched her rock her son, "I couldn't believe you had arrived, with twin infants no less... and yet here you are."

"I know it's a shock," Kumiko said, "And I promise I will explain everything soon..."

"There will be time for such talk later," Byakuya said softly, "Not now."

Byakuya's eyes fell on the other boy and asked, "His name?"

"Ichihiko," Kumiko said sincerely. Byakuya looked at her and said, "Odd..."

"What's so odd about it?" Kumiko said frowning.

"No, I find it odd that one starts with Bya and the other Ichi," Byakuya narrowed his eyes, "You named them after that Kurosaki and myself?"

"More of a dedication that naming them after," Kumiko said honestly, "I felt it fitting."

"Oh?"

"Yes," Kumiko gave a cheeky grin, "After all you two are so alike. If it weren't for genetics and appearances, I would say you two were brothers."

"Absolutely ridiculous, we are nothing alike-!"

"Oh don't you tell me that. After all, who was the one chasing after Yoruichi, yelling at her to give his hair tie back?" Kumiko teased.

Byakuya said nothing more to that, and Kumiko grinned victoriously. Instead, the door slid open once more and Mai came in with a rather decent sized bassinet for the twins. Putting the two little ones in it, Byakuya said, "Mai, go back to your room. Takara will be confused if she wakes up and finds you gone."

Mai bowed and left the room. Kumiko felt a twinge in her gut as she saw Mai go. It made sense that Mai would be Takara's nanny now. After all, she had been considered dead to everyone, so Mai would be assigned to someone else. But to Kumiko... it still felt wrong. Mai had always been there attending to her. But Kumiko kept this disappointment masked as Byakuya turned to her and said, "Rest now. People will be informed tomorrow that you're safe."

"Alright," Kumiko said as he kissed the top of her head. He then left quietly, leaving Kumiko in silence. Slowly, Kumiko readied herself for bed and finally buried herself beneath the covers. Kumiko didn't fall asleep however, for she was somewhat reluctant to fall asleep. She had not had good nights for the past week. Amaterasu City was being evacuated by order of the King, she had been traveling while not yet being recovered, and she was still trying to let her brain catch up with everything. On top of it she was dealing with...not so pleasant dreams. It felt like a world wind was throwing her about and she didn't like it. But she didn't have a choice; things were now in motion that could not be undone. Kumiko was deep in thought when she felt someone gently run a hand through her hair. She sat up immediately to see Aizen sitting very near her. Staring up into his eyes and said, "Byakko and Ichihiko... their names are very fitting."

"So-," Kumiko was cut off by Aizen pressing a finger to her lips. He stroked her cheek with his thumb and said, "Shush, you need rest. Don't think I haven't noticed you haven't been sleeping well."

Kumiko looked into his eyes to seem mostly calmness. However, she could still see the battle that was going on deep within him. Grasping the sheets, she looked down at the bed covers. Desperately she wanted to ask, to plead as to why he was doing this, to try and understand what idea drove him into the seeds power. But she needed more her husband than for Naomi to come to the surface. She finally relented into laying down, allowing him to gently stroke her hair. She finally dozed off into sleep and Aizen leaned in, kissing her cheek.

He then disappeared, the hard look in his eyes dispelling any calmness.

S.C.

"I see, so Amaterasu City is being evacuated?"

"Yes," Kumiko said firmly, "It is."

Kumiko stood in the Head Captains office, where Byakuya, Soifon, and Ichigo stood. Kumiko was dressed in her usually shinigami kimono, the reddish purple obi tied tightly around her waist. Her zanpakuto hung from her side, the black metal shining in the sun light being poured in. She stood there, impassively staring at the Head Captain.

"I have reviewed the report from the Leader of the Mizu Temple and will comply with her request," Yamamoto said, "We will not go any further into the Outer Lands. However, at this time, I cannot have a meeting with the leaders. I have already sent out this message."

"Sotaichou!" Soifon protested and Head Captain said, "My decision is final. I would rather not give any opportunity to help this Hollow Queen in anyway."

"I understand," Soifon sighed and disappeared. Yamamoto said, "Now about your duties, many in the Eleventh Division have demanded your return as Vice Captain."

Kumiko remained silent.

"I am granting you leave for two weeks," Yamamoto said, "Then I will be placing you in the sixth division temporarily as their fourth seat. You will be trained for a while before I consider sending you on any more missions. You will be evaluated at the end of next month, as law dictates all shinigami must go through after a period of absence."

"I understand," Kumiko said quietly. She was...more than disappointed in hearing this piece of information. She had very much wanted to return to eleventh division. But Yachiru was Vice Captain, and the eleventh division was where Yachiru belonged. There was no other place that Yachiru would ever want to be. Yamamoto then said, "That is all for now. You are dismissed."

Kumiko bowed and left the room. She walked out the door and said, "Come out, I need to talk to you."

As she walked down the hallway, a white wolf appeared and said, "What is it, Kumiko?"

"Come with me," Kumiko said flash stepping all the way to the Sakura Grove. She stopped by the water side and said, "I have a question."

"Ask it," the wolf said calmly, sitting near her.

"When Sousuke comes close, do you feel anything from his zanpakuto?" Kumiko asked quietly, "Anything unusual?"

"Yes, I do," he said quietly, "I feel the battle that is going on within him."

"What is it like?" Kumiko asked staring out into the lake.

"I feel the pain and confusion of Kyoka Suigetsu," he replied gravely, "Pain as he fights the battle against the seed but confusion as to why he is fighting it. He hasn't realized that what he is doing but he knows that something is amiss. The seed is preventing him from seeing what is truly going on."

"He's lasted so long," Kumiko said, "I thought by now she would have completely won."

"While this has been true for all the others, you forget that Kyoka Suigetsu's power is to deceive, much like this seeds power is. Because of this, he may have more resistance to it."

"I see," Kumiko seemed relieved and said, "You can return now if you'd like."

Instead, he sniffed and growled a bit. Kumiko sighed as she felt a breeze pick up and said, "What do you want, Sousuke?"

"Now is that any way to treat your husband?" Aizen said smoothly, the cool look in his eyes constant. He looked at the wolf and said, "So this is what your zanpakuto looks like in materialized form? I've honestly never got a good look at it before. Then again I've never seen your release before either."

"And I have no intention of using it needlessly," Kumiko said, turning to face him. His smirk never ceasing, Aizen walked forward saying, "Regardless, I'm still hurt at your cold remark. How do you plan on apologizing?"

Kumiko stared coldly and said, "I've said nothing cold, I was asking a question."

"In a cold manner of tone," Aizen was close now, his breath on her face, "Very well. If you don't insist on apologizing...I will merely have to compensate."

Kumiko didn't have time to react as Aizen crushed his lips against hers, his reiatsu consuming the area around her. The wolf disappeared as Aizen was grabbing the hilt. Kumiko struggled but his reiatsu kept her still. She felt a stabbing pain shoot from her lower abdomen upwards; she wasn't quite ready to be fighting like this. The kiss was demanding and heated, but Kumiko found little pleasure in it. There wasn't any love in it, nothing that made a kiss a romantic gesture. Suddenly the kiss was broken and Aizen had Kichirou's blade at his throat. Kumiko backed away as Kichirou said coldly, "Get lost, or you'll have all of Seireitei down your throat."

Aizen blinked and said, "Very well, but don't think this is over."

Aizen disappeared and Kichirou sheathed his sword. He looked over at Kumiko, his black hair down and gently moving in the breeze. Sighing, he said, "You can't disappear on me like that, I can't flash step as fast as you."

"I'm sorry," Kumiko said, somewhat angry at herself that she was caught off guard like that. She shook her head and said, "Let's go, before people get worried."

S.C.

Kumiko was sitting on the bed where the twins were lying down. Byakko was staring around the room, quiet as could be. Ichihiko was sleeping, making some restless noises. Rubbing his stomach, Kumiko hushed him. Byakko watched his mother take her hand away and babbled quietly. Kumiko leaned over kissing his forehead saying, "It's time to sleep, little one."

Instead he grabbed her hair, as if to feel it. Sighing, Kumiko detangled him from her hair and picked him up. She rocked him gently, rubbing his back. Slowly, his eyes closed as he drifted off to sleep. She laid him back down on the bed and she heard Byakuya's voice.

"He is a rather quiet child, even when making noise."

"He is indeed," Kumiko said, making sure they were wrapped well in the blankets. She looked over at him and he said, "You have visitors."

"Oh?" Kumiko said, "Let me put them in their bed first, I'll be there in a moment."

"Surely you won't protest me seeing them first?"

"Rukia-onee-chan!" Kumiko rushed over, hugging Rukia tightly. Rukia hugged back with equal force and said, "I'm glad you're back safely."

Byakuya left saying, "We'll be in the dining room."

"Alright," Kumiko said, as he left. Rukia then saw the twins sleeping on the bed and walked over. A serene smile came to her face and said, "So these are the twins. They look healthy and strong."

"They are," Kumiko said, stroking each of her baby's head.

"Everyone needs to stop going away," Rukia teased, "Every time someone disappears, something new happens."

Kumiko laughed weakly and said, "Your right. Come, let's put them to bed."

Kumiko picked Ichihiko up while Rukia picked Byakko up. They put them in the bassinet and made sure they were sound asleep before leaving. The servant, Yuki, bowed before entering the room. Kumiko walked down the hall way and entered the Dining hall to see many people sitting around the table. Renji spotted her and said, "Finally, it took you long enough!"

"Well sorry," Kumiko said making a face, "I wasn't aware until moments ago that everyone was coming."

"Kumi-chan!" Hinamori came and hugged Kumiko tightly as Matsumoto followed behind. As Hinamori released her, Matsumoto said, ruffling her hair, "Well, well. Haven't you grown up? Quite the young woman now."

"Hey," Kumiko said brushing her hand away. By this time, people had gathered around her giving her hugs and talking away. Kumiko felt grateful for seeing her friends again, but…things felt quite different. She had to refrain from looking around to see people she once knew. Rei, Hiro, Mei, Takeshi, Shinji, Gin, and so many others were missing. She almost felt out of place.

"Kumiko."

Kumiko saw him then. That bright colored haired shinigami stood in the back of the crowd, staring down with a calm look. Ichigo stood there with a patience she saw only occasionally from him. She grinned and at the sudden urge pounce in for a hug. He returned it and said, "Welcome back."

"Good to be back."

"Come on, the food's getting cold," Ikkaku said in mocking irritation. Yumichika shook his head and said, "An unbeautiful interruption."

"Since when do I care?"

The meal passed in a whirlwind, and Kumiko finally excused herself for some air. She walked out into the gardens and breathed in. She leaned against the tree she climbed so often when she was young. She smiled up at it and she suddenly heard out of the silence.

"Still ever the tree hugger!"

"Do I look like I'm hugging the tree?" Kumiko asked mockingly as she looked at Yoruichi. Yoruichi gave her a grin and said, "You might as well be with that look."

Yoruichi walked over and said, "Good to see you alive and kicking."

"I wonder about that," Kumiko said staring up at the sky, "I'm sure it makes things easier with the elders…"

"But not easy with Aizen." Yoruichi replied dryly.

Kumiko didn't respond to that. She didn't like how Yoruichi had said it. Yoruichi watched the humor die from Kumiko's face and she said, "I didn't mean it like that. I just meant that it doesn't make it easier for you to come back with him-."

"I know," Kumiko interrupted, "I know... What happened with Mei, Rei, and Hiro?"

"They are still alive," Yoruichi said crossing her arms, "Mei hasn't been well though. Ever since she heard of your death and then her eldest son's possession, she's been ill. We've offered them to come stay with us, where it's safe."

"Mei won't leave," Kumiko said, "She's as stubborn as Sousuke, believe me she won't leave."

"Kumiko, about-."

"Don't worry about it," Kumiko said firmly, "I'm not concerned with any past behavior that was based solely off of ignorance."

Yoruichi looked impassively at Kumiko for a moment as Kumiko walked towards a pond. She then said with a weak sigh, "I'll never understand you, kid."

"You don't need to," Kumiko said, looking back at her, "So I take it Takara is with Otou-san?"

"Yes," Yoruichi said smiling.

"Not angry that no one told her she had a sister?"

"Hah!" Yoruichi said a grin returning to her face, "Of course not, she's practically bouncing off the ceiling with excitement. Hyper little kid."

Kumiko smiled weakly and then looked back at the depths of the pond. Yoruichi said, "So...what now?"

"Now?" Kumiko said, "In regards to that seed, I have some research to be doing. Where is Ginrei-sama?"

Yoruichi flinched and said, "In his room... he not well. Like death bed not well."

Kumiko stared at her and said coolly, "Is it contagious?"

"No, he's just reached the end of his life. He's had a bunch of old injuries he's been dealing with over his life," Yoruichi said with a sigh, "Why?"

"I need to speak with him," Kumiko said, "And... I need to show him something."

"Luckily for you he just summoned us."

"Otou-san," Kumiko said looking at her father's impassive face. He said, "Get the twins. Rukia will help you. Everyone else has been sent away."

Kumiko hurried with Rukia to her room. Luckily the twins were just waking up, and Kumiko said to Yuki, "Your done here for now."

"Hai." Yuki bowed and left promptly. Kumiko picked up Byakko as Rukia took Ichihiko. They left the room, hurrying down the halls to Ginrei's room. Ichigo was waiting outside. When Kumiko got there, she saw Ginrei in his bed looking paler than usual. Kumiko walked in the room and bowed.

"Ginrei-sama," Kumiko said and he said, "Up, formalities are not needed right now."

Kumiko straightened up as well as Rukia. Byakuya was sitting on the other side of the bed with Yoruichi and Takara, all looking concerned. Kumiko went opposite of them as did Rukia. Ginrei looked at the boys and said, "The eldest?"

"Byakko," Kumiko said, indicating towards the baby in her arms. Byakko stared at him with his blue eyes curiously. Ginrei stared at him and said, "Strong, quiet boy. I can tell he takes much after his father. And the youngest?"

"Ichihiko," Kumiko said as Rukia moved closer. Ichihiko stared at the man too, just as curious as his brother. Then he began babbling softly. Ginrei said, quietly "I take it the talkative one. He's just as strong as his brother...They'll make two great men one day. A day I will unfortunately will not see."

"Don't talk like that, Ojiisan!" Takara said, pouting, "You'll live forever!"

"Takara," Yoruichi said, in almost a shushing manner.

"No Takara," Ginrei said, "People do not live forever, not in a physical sense. However, people will always stay with you in your heart, just as I will."

Takara sniffed and Ginrei patted her head. He leaned over, kissing her forehead. He said, "Be good for your mother, young one."

Takara nodded tearfully and buried her head into Yoruichi's shoulder. Yoruichi nodded in respect to Ginrei and left the room. Ginrei then looked at Rukia and Ichigo saying, "Take the twins, I must speak to Kumiko and Byakuya."

"Hai, Ginrei-sama," Rukia bowed her head and so did Ichigo. Ichigo took Byakko from Kumiko's arms and Kumiko watched them leave. Kumiko then looked back at Ginrei, who said, "I'm glad you made it back. I was almost worried you were truly gone."

"You know me," Kumiko said softly, "I always come back."

"Indeed you do," Ginrei said gravely, "I know there are questions that you wish me to answer. However, everything everyone has already told you is all I know. In fact, I believe the only one with the answer in removing the seed from Aizen is you."

"Me?" Kumiko said baffled.

"Yes," Ginrei said, "When the seed enters someone's body, it attaches to the single idea that the person is overcome with at the time. It uses and twists the idea into something unrecognizable. I believe Unohana-Taichou told you the same thing."

"To some degree, yes," Kumiko said frowning. Ginrei watched her eyes as realization entered them. He grasped her hand and said, "You will get him back, I know you will. And when you do, I wish you all the happiness in the world."

Kumiko stared at Ginrei with a sense of sadness and he said, "Kimiko-sama had asked me to give you something before she died. She said it would take time; but when I gave it to you, she hoped you would give you a chance for some closure..."

"Closure?" Byakuya said with a frown. Kumiko watched him take out a slender box and she opened it. She suddenly shut it and said in a forced calmness, "How could she-?"

"Kimiko-sama saw it in one of her visions near the end of her life," Ginrei said, weakly, "Kimiko-sama had an ability that was passed down in her family called Dreamer. She was able to peer into memories that had come to pass or would soon come to pass. As your father put it, Byakuya, your mother was a cheater. However, as your probably coming to the conclusion, it was a gift that was passed on to you. Although, your shinigami powers will keep that ability from reaching its peak."

Kumiko knew this already and kept her silence. Byakuya, who did not seem aware of this information, said, "How come she never spoke of it?"

"Secrecy," Ginrei said, "She didn't want anyone abusing it."

Kumiko was silent and Ginrei said, "I'm sorry that I didn't put a stop to the elders sooner. You had a right to a happy life; especially after all you have been through."

Kumiko opened her mouth to protest but he shook his head. He grasped her hand and said, "Go, I wish to speak with your father."

Kumiko didn't know what to say. How do you say goodbye in a situation like this? Leaning over, she kissed the top of his head and left the room with a bitter farewell. She hurried away from the room, going towards the chapel. She entered it and sunk down in front of the altar of pictures. Her mother in the front and Kimiko was there as well, their pictures smiling. Kumiko opened the box again, taking out the silver chain in the form of entwining vines and a diamond blossom pendant. She put it around her neck and felt the reiatsu slowly melding with hers.

"You had a piece of her, didn't you?"

Unohana heard her words and said, "Yes, I did. When Yachiru and yourself where playing that prank in the twelfth division, I assume that hollow attacked you. When he did, he must have broken off a piece of Naiyami's petals. I've kept it, regenerating it with the help of Ginrei-sama."

Kumiko didn't respond as Unohana left her alone. Kumiko stared down at the necklace, hearing distinctly:

"Welcome back..."

Tairei9: Byakko means White Tiger for those who want to know and Ichihiko... I really don't know the meaning; I couldn't find it (ultrasadfaces).

ByaNeko-Chan: 'grabs scissors.' I will be back.

Ichigo: Where is she going with those?

Tairei9: Hmm, I'm not sure. ByaNeko-Chan! Where are you going?

ByaNeko-Chan: To kill the curl!

Ichigo: Huh?

Tairei9: Oh great, she wants to go cut off that strand that dangles down in front of Aizen's face. ByaNeko-Chan! Don't do that, he might not like it!

ByaNeko-Chan: I don't care! Hurry up and tell them to review!

Tairei9: ...well you might as well have just said it.