/* Hi all! Here to drop off Chapter 9, the last chapter before Haruka and Grimmjow are finally reunited! Thanks for sticking with me for this long ride. I've still got a few chapters left before this is complete, but we are getting there. Thanks for putting up with the extended delays between postings and for the reviews, favorites, and follows! Hope you enjoy! I do have a lot of one shots I want to write for the 'Living in the World of the Living' section so hopefully you will be seeing more in there soon. Hope everyone is staying safe and well! Until next posting! */

Chapter 9 –

The sounds of hurried footsteps had ceased hours ago. It was just him with the dying coals of the fire and those wretched chains holding his limbs tightly. He had thought he had worked them loose after struggling for so long, but to his chagrin, they were still firmly set in place.

He couldn't stop thinking about Ruka. He kept picturing horrid images of that freak of a man finding her and hurting her. She would be helpless in that very pregnant gigai. Fuck, it wasn't even a gigai anymore. It was her. It was completely her and that was their life. What was he thinking getting involved in more shit? Now he was stuck in the middle of some backwater forest in Soul Society.

He roared as he pulled at the chains once again. They barely budged. His chest heaved as exhaustion was starting to win out. While he could not recognize whatever runes they painted on his skin, he knew at least that they definitely were draining him. How was he going to get out of this?

A sound had his ears perking up. It was the sound of metal slashing into flesh and muffled groans. He stared at the door, waiting patiently. Did that girl actually manage to get free?

The door slowly creaked open, his eyes pinned at the growing beam of light rushing in. Then a flash of purple entered his view, the wrong shade of purple. "Grimmjow-san! My, the position you are in…" Yoruichi purred playfully.

"Fuck you. Cut me down." He spat.

"Grimmjow?" A new voice entered the room behind Yoruichi. Her bright orange hair and oversized bosom made her stand out like a sore thumb.

"I see you brought help…" Grimmjow drawled.

"Be happy we got the help we did; seems like you could use it." Yoruichi teased as she worked to unshackle him.

"He's one of your team members?" The woman asked, unimpressed.

"Careful, woman…" He growled.

"Yes, he and another woman." Yoruichi interrupted. "Where is Satomi-chan?"

Grimmjow glared at her. "Does it look like I would know where things are in this place? You know what? Fuck, of course. Let me show you to the dining room where they fed me a nice meal or the bedroom suites where I was able to get a good night rest or maybe-"

Yoruichi slammed her foot in his face. "Alright, Grimmjow-san, you've made your point."

Grimmjow wrenched her foot free from his face before standing and aggressively coming within an inch of her. "I swear if I wasn't covered in these damn runes right now…"

"If you're smart, you'll shut that trap of yours otherwise I'll leave those runes on you." Yoruichi challenged and Grimmjow went silent. She smiled before working to remove each intricate design from his skin.

"I'll go take a look around to see if I can find the girl." Rangiku offered.

"Just be careful. It does seem mostly deserted, but we don't want to alert them." Yoruichi ordered.

"What do you mean deserted?" Grimmjow asked as the redhead left.

"There are only a few patrols. They have a village a little west of here that looks to be filled with civilians. This place was the only one that had any sort of military presence, but it looks as if most of the rooms are empty. It was clearly housing at least two dozen, though." Yoruichi explained idly as she removed another rune.

"Something's not right. I was hearing at least four patrols an hour walk by that door. They stopped about five hours ago." Grimmjow's gut twisted with apprehension. He knew that Satomi wasn't here. And he knew exactly where she had gone and with whom.

"There we are. That's the last one. Feel better?"

He flared his reiatsu and enjoyed the feel of it coming back to life. "Yea."

"Good. Now let's go find Satomi-chan." She replied as she headed for the door.

"She ain't here." He replied, stopping Yoruichi in her tracks and causing her to turn her head curiously towards him. "There was a guy looking for Ruka, likely their leader." The words almost got stuck in his throat, an intensity starting to grow within him.

"That's concerning." Yoruichi replied, now turned towards him fully.

"You know something." He accused.

"The leader of this group, he was-" She began, but was interrupted by Rangiku's flustered face.

"I found a gate to the World of the Living." She announced.

Yoruichi turned a worried look towards Grimmjow. "We have to go, now."

"Lead us to this gate." Grimmjow ordered. Rangiku nodded once before sprinting down the hall with Grimmjow and Yoruichi on her tail.

The ride had been surprisingly quiet given who was her companion. She had settled into the passenger seat, her eyes pinned to the window and her hands resting idly against her protruding belly. They were coming more frequently now. It seemed as if almost every moment was just another image of another path from another choice. Now she knew they weren't dreams anymore. They were results of choices. A seemingly infinite branching of choices. It was exhausting.

He would glance over to her every few minutes, his grip tight around the steering wheel and that hat pulled over his brow. Each time she was in the same gloomy position with her stare far away and her expression glum. He had half considered telling her the truth, but her expression always brought him back to his senses. The truth she would learn eventually when Grimmjow made it back. The truth that Yoruichi had reported to him just before racing back into the depths of the forests with little aid from Soul Society to find Grimmjow and that girl.

He could barely blame the So-taicho for refusing to aid. Between the never ending repairs requiring their attention and the lack of impact the enemy's actions had, he could never justify throwing more Shinigami into war. The number of souls being resurrected were hardly enough to cause any sort of alarm in Squad 12. It wasn't even enough to cause an imbalance. But that didn't mean that it couldn't in the future...

Finally he was pulling up that familiar driveway to the old farmhouse. "Thanks, Urahara-san." She said with a sad smile. She pushed open the door and began making her way into the house. He watched her for a moment, watched the way her mod souls greeted her excitedly, before getting out and grabbing her things.

"I'll put your things in your bedroom." He mentioned as he began making his way towards the staircase.

"I can get them." Haruka insisted as she intercepted him. Her gentle fingers enclosed around his wrist that was holding her bag.

He rested his free hand on her shoulder. "I insist, Haruka-chan." He replied with ease. She met his gaze and relented, backing away to let him through.

"I'll make us some lunch." She suggested as she made her way into the kitchen. "You really don't have to stay…" she called out hesitantly.

"Are you suggesting I leave you here alone?" Urahara asked as he made it to the top of the staircase.

"I have Crey and Mimi…"

"Yea, she has us!" Mimi interjected.

Urahara placed her bag down in the bedroom and then made his way back to the kitchen. "As much as I believe in you Mimi, I don't think you could do much in your current form." He said as the little stuffed dog jumped up and down in irritation. "And I took the liberty of putting Grimmjow's gigai in the spare room. I did not think you would appreciate Crey occupying it. I think it would be best if I stayed the night at least." He mentioned.

"Urahara-san, really, what could happen?" Haruka asked, her brow quirked up skeptically.

Urahara smirked. "I'd rather be here to find out."

She paused. A whirlwind of images flashed in the back of her mind briefly before her eyes went back to her task. "Fine. You can take the couch." She relented.

"Wonderful." He cheered while taking a seat at the kitchen table. "What's for lunch?"

Urahara watched as Haruka made a simple soup and sat across from him at the table. Their slurping of noodles was the only sound to fill the eerily quiet home, though Haruka barely had the resolve to eat more than a few bites.

After observing her for a few moments, Urahara placed his bowl down and sat straight. "It was a mistake to send him. I'm sorry, Haruka-chan."

Haruka looked up, startled. "Why do you think that?"

His expression was serious, his eyes pinned to her. "I haven't seen you this dispirited since you first arrived in the World of the Living."

Her shocked expression quickly morphed as she glanced away. "It's not that- it's just-" She paused again, the weight of the words to come already having their impact before being said. She quickly changed her mind. "I- I guess I just got so used to having him here that it feels very empty without him."

Urahara sighed while leaning back. "Well he certainly does have a boisterous aura. It's impossible not to notice when he's around."

Haruka smirked, her eyes lighting up from just the thought. "Except when he doesn't want you to know he's there."

Urahara nodded. "Very true. He is very good at staying out of sight when he wants to. Problem is he likes attention too much."

Haruka giggled. "Do you want some tea?" She asked as she stood. She used her hand on the table to steady herself.

"I would love some."

Haruka moved slowly to the stove, grabbing the tea kettle and moving it under the running faucet water.

"Urahara-san?" She asked carefully as she set the kettle over the flame.

"Yes?"

"Who do you think is responsible for doing this?" Perhaps it was the way in which she asked the question that made his stomach immediately twist. He was a natural at being overly cautious with information, but he was also a natural at knowing when someone knew something more than they let on.

"Why do you ask?" He titled his head up enough for his eyes to appear from under the brim of his hat, inquisitive as they were.

Haruka's uncertainty was clear. She averted his gaze and immediately went into the cabinet for a pair of tea cups. "Because who else would know who's behind a scheme like this?" She countered carefully.

Urahara's mind was as quick as a cat's, already planning ahead by four steps. "Are you sure it isn't because you've foreseen something?"

Haruka smiled, a look of defeat more than of pleasure. "I have to be careful…"

"I am aware. The things you see can be world altering." Urahara said as the kettle whistled loudly. Haruka shut off the flame and grabbed the kettle. "It was once said that the ultimate sacrifice of a Seer was losing their voice. For everything they said had an impact."

Haruka set the steaming tea cup in front of Urahara. "It isn't just Seers' words that have an impact on the Three Worlds."

Urahara smiled. "I agree. Hence why I think a change of subject is in order. Let's see what's on the TV tonight, shall we? Come Mimi and Crey."

Haruka sighed as she watched the three move towards the living room with a tea cup in hand. "Stay on your toes, Urahara-san."

Despite the sun being high in the sky, the cold bitter winter air cut right through her. She tried to ignore it as she led her new companion through the streets of Karukara town to the best of her knowledge. "It's not too much further." She insisted.

"I trust you, Satomi-chan." The low baritone voice of their leader mentioned. Lucky for her, these humans could not see him otherwise he would stick out. Lucky for both of them she supposed. It would be easier to get around unnoticed. But she knew she had to be careful. There were far too many in this town that had the spirit energy to see them.

It took only a few more blocks before her eyes found the familiar tall building. Emergency vehicle lights were blinding by the emergency room entrance she had used before. It would be safest if they found an alternate entry. "There." She said as she pointed to the hospital. "The souls you are looking for are being kept in that building. They are attempting to treat the humans that are housing your souls."

"I see. Very good. We shall finish the work we started." He mentioned as he signalled for the small group that had been following behind them.

"We just have to be cautious. There are those in there that can see us. I think a couple of them might be Quincy." She explained.

"They will not be able to stop us now. The process is almost complete. Come, let us celebrate the rebirth of your brother." He said as he wrapped his arm around Satomi and leaped into the air. His power sent them all the way to the roof.

"That's one way to do it I suppose." Satomi mentioned as she smoothed out her hair.

"We will infiltrate from here. Lead the way, Satomi-chan." The leader ordered.

"Infiltrate a defenseless hospital with sick patients? What could possibly be the goal in that?" A voice from the shadows interrupted. A sudden light burst taking the form of a bow and arrow. "I cannot let you pass."

"You…" Satomi growled as the face of Uryu Ishida illuminated in front of her.

The towering leader stepped in front of Satomi and held the palms of his hands up. "We do not want bloodshed, young Quincy. We simply want to bring our brethren home."

"Brethren?" He questioned, confusion marring his face.

"Lovely moon out tonight." The man pointed up at the sky where a full moon shone down from above. Uryu did not look up. "Personally, I'm more a fan of the new moon. A fresh start in a blanket of darkness. Stifle him in darkness...Nova Luna."

Satomi watched somewhat horrified as the leader managed to use his shikai without even unsheathing the blade. The man known as Uryu was consumed by a black orb that soon dissipated and left a blank staring limp body in its place.

The group moved on, entering the rooftop staircase and making their way further into the hospital. Satomi paused momentarily, her eyes caught on Uryu's dead-looking gaze and it haunted her.

"Come, Satomi-chan. Lead us to your brother."

She stirred from her thoughts immediately and ran for the stairs. She managed to take the lead, reading the boards and remembering Kenji's room number from the last time she was here. "Keep going down. We are almost there."

The hallways were quiet for the most part. They only had to dodge a few wandering staff members. It was when Satomi saw the familiar letters 'ICU' that her excitement grew. "Here. This is where they all are." The group entered the foreboding set of doors and glanced around at the two dozen patients lined along the walls and separated by a thin curtain. "There are a lot more here than before." Satomi mentioned. "Kenji was in his own room."

While Satomi moved along to find the familiar private room, her companion slowly moved from patient to patient. "Yuki…" He said quietly as he touched one girl's face. He moved on to the next, an unconscious man, "Hanzou, soon you will walk alongside us once more."

"Oh my.. It's Itsuki-kun!" One of the group said excitedly.

"They are all here, Sensei."

"Not all." He responded. "But many. Enough that we can walk with pride once more."

"Here!" Satomi shouted from the other end of the ICU. "Please, it's Kenji-kun!"

He walked slowly towards the girl. His eyes ran along each slumbering patient on the stretchers, recognizing all of them. Soon he was face to face with Satomi, standing with pleading eyes at the door. "I have one question for you before I let you in." She said, her voice quivering.

He tilted his head curiously. "Of course. You have brought me to my brethren and will soon bring me to Akiyama-san. I will answer any question you have to the best of my knowledge."

"Why did you pick him? He was not one of you. If all of those who are laying in those stretchers were members of the S4G, then why is Kenji among them?"

He glanced in the room behind her, the man known as Kenji Hamasaki was sound asleep on the stretcher. He did not look familiar to him.

"I am sure this will not please you, but the truth rarely pleases anyone. It is pure coincidence that it was your brother's soul I picked. Or maybe you could say it was the Soul King's will. I needed to make sure this method would work when others had failed." He explained with ease.

"So he was just another experiment to you." Satomi's anger burned in her heart and showed in her glare.

"I assure you, Satomi-chan, while your brother initially died because of another's malevolent experimentations, know that he will once again live because of my desire to bring justice to those that were wronged. This may just be the beginning."

Satomi's rage simmered just enough to allow her legs to move. She allowed him to enter and watched as he moved to Kenji's bedside. He studied him for a moment before lifting his hands and holding them above Kenji's body. "By the power you granted me in death I use to grant new life. Suck dry the energy of the flesh and give body to the soul." He whispered as a bright energy formed from his hands and began spreading. It moved along Kenji's body, flowing along his bedding and cascading to the floor like a flooding river. It moved, crashing against Satomi's feet as it spilled into the hallway and filled the ICU.

One by one, the obnoxious sounds of cardiac monitors beeping frantically filled the floor. The nurses scrambled from bed to bed, immediately working to revive the dying humans. What they couldn't see, however, was the rising of the souls within.

Satomi watched in shock as Kenji's soul began rising from the human incubator he had been placed in. "By the power of which you bestowed on me, great Soul King, even in death your power is unmistakable. Break these chains and free these souls once more into your kingdom!"

The sounds of shattering chains echoed. Kenji collapsed to his knees. "Nii-san!" Satomi rushed to him, her hands able to touch his body. "Nii-san…"

Kenji's eyes lifted, shocked and startled. "Satomi-chan?"

A happy sob released from her throat as tears began dripping down her cheeks. "Yes, it's me, brother. It's me."

Similar conversations could be heard throughout the floor. Happy, joyful tears were a stark contrast to the large influx of healthcare workers attempting to resuscitate the two dozen patients now deceased.

"I must direct the group back to Soul Society. Please wait for me here, Satomi-chan, as we have one final task to complete our deal." The man stated as he began walking towards the door.

"Yes, sir." She replied.

"Satomi-chan, who is that?" Kenji questioned as the man left.

"Arata Mochizuki; the new leader of the S4G and the man who saved your life."