When Sakura came to, she was aware of someone standing above her and looked up at the stately figure of Byakuya. His zanpakuto was still held in his grip, and the way it rested at his side made her think that in the space of a blink, he could be holding it to her throat. She swallowed.

"Are you here to take me to my execution?"

The air seemed to still in the tense silence that followed, and Sakura was aware of nothing but the powerful captain's dark eyes. And then he sheathed his sword and knelt beside her, picking her up as if she weighed nothing. She didn't feel any pain as he carried her, and she knew she should be worried about that, but the world was still glowing pink for her, and she allowed herself to rest her head on Byakuya's shoulder. Her eyes closed of their own volition. She barely felt a small hand press against her forehead.

"She's got a fever. We need to get back." Orihime's voice was soft and stern, and Sakura thought that she'd make an excellent nurse. She could just picture the buxom teen in a nurse's uniform and the hijinx that would surely ensue. Sakura giggled to herself, and heard worried voices.

"She's delirious. Her wounds haven't stopped bleeding. I don't think we have long."

"The gate is still open. I'll take her there."

"Quickly, then."

And then she felt herself moving at a great speed, though it felt like she was floating over the ground. She couldn't feel Byakuya's arms anymore, just a general warm fuzziness. It felt good, and she let herself disappear into its welcoming darkness.

Byakuya glanced down at Sakura's face and increased his speed, mindful of the teenagers racing to keep up with him. It wasn't long before they arrived at the gate. Ichigo straightened as he saw his friends approach, his eyes roving over Orihime's face almost hungry. Finally, his eyes settled on Byakuya and Sakura lying in his arms.

"Is she. . ?"

"Alive. Barely. Get her medical treatment immediately."

Ichigo nodded, moving as if to take her when Uryu intervened.

"You're too badly wounded. I'll take her."

Byakuya handed the unconscious woman over, and Uryu immediately stepped through the gate, his eyes on her face. Ichigo turned back to Byakuya.

"What about you?"

"I'll find my own way back. Take care, Kurosaki Ichigo."

And then he was gone. Orihime grabbed Ichigo's wrist, and together the two stepped through the gate. There was a sense of dizzying movement and then the two teens tumbled out onto the hard ground of Urahara's training grounds. Blinking in the bright light, Ichigo looked around him. Shinji was gone but he was too tired to ask where. Uryu's arms were empty and Ichigo turned to see Urahara rushing up the stairs to his store with Sakura in his arms. His assistant, Tessai, was helping Renji up the same stairs. Stumbling when he tried to follow, Orihime slipped an arm around Ichigo, a light flush rising on her cheeks. Together, they staggered up the steps, Rukia and Uryu following along behind.

They could hear Urahara speaking, and followed the sound of his voice. He stepped out from one of the back rooms, closing the door behind him. Blood stained his kimono.

"Tessai will heal Renji. Sakura's going to need a little more work."

He cast a knowing eye over Ichigo.

"We should patch you up, too."

"I can help." Orihime, though clearly exhausted, looked as if she could not be deterred.

Urahara nodded.

"You should start with Sakura then Chad. Tessai will deal with Ichigo."

The orange headed teen scowled, wincing as he pulled away from Orihime.

"I'll be fine."

"Don't be stubborn, Kurosaki." Uryu snapped, eyes disapproving.

Ichigo went to argue but was too exhausted.

"Whatever."

He stumbled past Urahara into the room where Tessai was laying out an extensive medical kit. Orihime rushed after him, already turning her mind to Sakura. Rukia and Uryu stood in the corridor, looking a little shell-shocked and unsure of what to do with themselves. Taking pity on them, Urahara hustled them into an adjacent room and pointed to a pot of tea heating on a small stove.

"Rest up."

Practically falling down before the stove, leaning toward it to soak in its warmth, Rukia sighed.

"That was something else."

Uryu snorted, reaching for two cups, and pouring them both some of the steaming brew. They both savoured the scent of it, glad to have the stink of scorched sand out of their nostrils.

Uryu seated himself, his eyes straying to where he knew the others were being healed. Rukia watched him, her eyes softening.

"You think she blames you?"

Uryu looked back at Rukia, naked surprise in his eyes.

"What?"

Rukia cradled her tea in her pale hands.

"Sakura. Do you think she blames you for what happened with the Bount?"

The serious teen stiffened.

"Maybe."

"Well, don't. Because if I know anything about that woman, I know she only blames herself. There's no point in you both feeling bad about it."

Uryu opened his mouth to protest but, oddly, Rukia's bluntness was soothing. He leaned back against the wall and flashed a small smile.

"But what about my great Quincy pride?"

Rukia laughed, and the sound of it made Uryu's tension ease. Taking a sip of her drink, Rukia sobered, gazing down into her cup.

"What do you think happened to Aizen?"

Uryu's expression darkened.

"I have no idea."