Chapter Eighty Two:

Byakuya watched from the very back of the chamber as Aizen was sentenced to imprisoned within Muken. His body contained by black seals that even someone as powerful as Sōsuke Aizen couldn't break.

It felt like a hollow victory when he thought about how it had been won.

"Ichigo..." Urahara paused, "He has lost his Shinigami powers. Orihime-chan, Ishida-san and Sado-san have taken him back to Karakura town to treat his extensive wounds... And to help him recover."

"Can I see him?" Byakuya asked immediately, his palms sweaty.

"I don't think that would be wise, Byakuya-san. He was in a very bad way, his battle almost killed him... And, besides that, he won't be able to see you."

Byakuya's heart crumbled at the news, the weight of the world crushing down on his shoulders as he felt a wave of grief wash over his entire being, "He gave up everything to stop Aizen... No one could have asked any more of him than that."

"He doesn't see it that way." Urahara told him, "He said that as long as he saved someone he cared about he'd never lose everything again."

"I suppose that's true." He whispered, looking longingly towards the town.

The blond touched his shoulder momentarily in an act of comfort before sighing heavily, "He didn't want to disappear and leave you without answers... I fear my explanation will never do justice to what he did today."

The nobleman fought to pull on his mask of indifference, "You have my thanks for sharing the news with me. I'm sure you too are exhausted from your time in the Dangai."

Byakuya sucked in a breath, it truly did feel like a hollow victory, when Ichigo should have been stood beside him to see Aizen lowered into the depths of the prison. Instead, Renji was beside him. The redhead had barely spoken a word since the news of Ichigo's fate had been shared, Byakuya could only imagine how his former Fukutaichou felt.

"Let's go, Renji." He said gently, "We've seen what we came to see. The other Taichou will be waiting for us."

"Yes." Was the simple response.

They left Division One together, walking side by side in silence. While Renji glared at the floor, Byakuya stared up at the sky. Neither of them looked anything short of lost.

Tilting his head, the nobleman detected the faint sound of celebration echoing across the city. The Divisions were celebrating the end of the Winter War, the defeat of a powerful enemy and the successful protection of an innocent town in the World of the Living. Half of them didn't know what had been lost in order to win. But he couldn't blame them for the elation. But he knew he couldn't share it.

They arrived at Sôkyoku Hill, greeted by a far larger gathering than they had expected. There were familiar faces at every turn, from every Division. Taichou and Fukutaichou side by side. Kyōraku and Nanao were stood with Ukitake and Rukia, their conversation hushed, comforting if Rukia's expression was to be trusted.

Soi-Fon and Ōmaeda were hovering on the outskirts, the stoic and usually dismissive woman seemed to have broken free from her usual coldness. Her lips downturned with sadness instead of disinterest, her brow furrowed with inner pain instead of anger.

The faces of Kira, Hisagi, Iba and Matsumoto stood out, grieving, but battling through it with friendship and laughter. Even if the laughs were hollow and the smiles empty, they were trying to keep going forwards. Trying to cope.

Unohana and Isane, uncharacteristically stood with Kurotsuchi and Nemu. No words were exchanged. No glances. But it seemed a touching sentiment.

It took him a moment to focus, but Byakuya soon saw the towering figure of Kenpachi, Yachiru on his shoulders, Ikkaku and Yumichika at his side.

Hitsugaya was stood alone, staring off into the horizon with a blank, gaunt expression. He had been silent since learning of Hinamori's death, his hands clasped tightly around one of her hairpins. Shaking. Grief stricken.

But there were other faces, other presences. The Visored. All of them, they had come to pay their respects as well. Urahara, Tessai and Yoruichi were with them, likely making sure they felt safe in a society that had previously tried to execute them.

The most startling guests, however, were the Espada. Further away from everyone else, solitary and in self-seclusion, clearly unsure if they should be there or not. Starrk and Lilynette, Harribel, Grimmjow and Szayel. Nelliel was holding Nnoitra's eyepatch, the only thing the Espada had left behind upon the moment of his death.

Byakuya could almost taste the sorrow in the air, it was almost enough to make him retch. He looked down, reaching into his pocket and retrieved the two fragments of Ichigo's kenseikan. Urahara had returned it to him. He felt his throat constrict at the sight, and wondered if Ichigo had even regained consciousness yet.

"Nii-sama?" Rukia's face came into view.

Forcing a small smile onto his face as he saw how red and puffy her eyes were, he put an arm around his sister and pulled her close, "Rukia."

"K-Kyōraku Sou-Taichou is about to start... I'm glad you made it in time." She whispered, playing absent-mindedly with the hem of her shihakusho, "How long did..."

"20,000." Renji said softly.

"Good." She breathed.

"Come," Byakuya murmured, "We should take our proper places."

The three Shinigami moved towards the crowd, the other Shinigami present began to separate into a formation similar to that of what was correct during meetings. Taichou and Fukutaichou side by side. Byakuya's heart ached as he glanced at the empty space beside him, his fingers clenching the kenseikan just a little tighter.

"I feel as though this is a duty I have performed far too often as of late." Kyōraku began, rubbing his chin as he looked at the four pyres behind him, "We are gathered together here because we won the war, but great sacrifices were made in order to be victorious. For the first time, we stand here as Shinigami... With friends from very different walks of life. The Visored who were once a part of our lives, and the Espada who have become our allies. I hope their presence represents how we as a society can change, given the right motivation. As such, I'd like to invite you to stand with us properly, please join our ranks. We have all lost people, we must all grieve together."

Byakuya smiled faintly to himself, Kyōraku was an admirable leader. Far more open minded than Yamamoto had been. He saw surprise reflected on the faces of the Arrancar, but they all moved forwards in silence, coming to stand by the sides of some of the Taichou.

Szayel found himself beside Kurotsuchi; Grimmjow barely looked out of place beside Kenpachi's savagery; Nelliel clasped her hands together beside Unohana and received a faint smile from the healer; Harribel approached Hitsugaya and Matsumoto and was welcomed with a nod of the head; Starrk seemed to loiter for a moment before his eyes met Byakuya's and his head tilted to the side as he stared at the empty space around the man. The Primera strode forwards and stood beside the nobleman, Lilynette seemingly content with his decision.

"In my eyes at least, I can see no better way to honour the lives of the people we lost than to stand together as one heart. As one Soul." The Sou-Taichou murmured, gesturing to Nanao to begin lighting the pyres, "I would like to begin this memorial by paying my respects to those who have passed. I fear I can say little for your Nnoitra, I did not know him, but at the end if any of the Espada wish to share some words I would welcome you to do so."

"You have our gratitude." Starrk rumbled softly from beside the Division Six Taichou.

"In the meantime, we begin today's memorial by acknowledging the passing of Sajin Komamura Taichou and Momo Hinamori Fukutaichou. While they have left us, their sacrifices helped to bring us victory against a terrible foe. They will not be forgotten, nor will their deaths be in vain." Kyōraku glanced towards Iba and Hitsugaya, "If you would like to step forward and say a few words, now is the time."

Iba went first, Komamura's old helmet clasped between his hands. He bowed to those watching and placed the helmet on one of the pyres, "Komamura Taichou had a heart of gold and an unshakeable loyalty. He hid himself away for so long because of his appearance, I'm only glad that by the time he died... He was confident enough to die facing his enemy straight on. I will continue to live my life, but I will do it while following the code of conduct he taught me."

Byakuya joined the others in bowing their heads as the Fukutaichou of Division Seven returned to his position.

Hitsugaya was quiet for a long moment, looking at the hairpin in his hands, "Hinamori... Was my friend. My closest friend. My dearest friend. She was... Kind, and warm... She visited my grandmother in Rukongai when my duties kept me away. She never stopped calling me Shiro-chan, I hated that nickname when I was younger, and... I pretended to be annoyed when she called me it, but the truth is that... It grew on me. Just like she did. My greatest shame is that... She died alone. Someone as loving as Momo... She deserved far better than that. But we got justice for her. We all... Avenged her death. I think... I think she can rest in peace. And I will try to live my life in her memory, doing what I can to make her proud."

Once again bowing his head, the Kuchiki heir watched as the white haired Taichou placed Hinamori's hairpin into the pyre dedicated to her before returning to his position among them.

"Thank you both for your words." Kyōraku murmured, taking in a deep breath, "Before I pass you over to one of our Espada guests... I feel I must address the elephant in the room. The lack of ostentatious orange in our midst."

Byakuya let out a small breath, trying to conceal the wince that threatened to take over his expression. He felt Starrk shift uncomfortably at his side as well, and assumed the Primera sensed the discord in his aura.

"Ichigo Kurosaki." The pink kimono clad murmured, "A traitor, most certainly in his early years among us. But more recently... A fierce, fierce friend to all. He affected us all in different ways. Giving us the courage to be ourselves, teaching us not to hide what makes us strong, showing us that people can come back from the very brink of darkness. He sacrificed his life here among us, among friends and family and loved ones so that we would survive. Kuchiki Taichou, would you care to share a few words about him?"

Reigning in the dreaded pit of anxiety which abruptly came to life in his gut, Byakuya approached the third pyre, he stared at the flames for strength before addressing those present, "Ichigo... Changed immeasurably as a person during his time in Division Six. It was a privilege to see that happen. To see this... Cocoon of a person open up to become someone so beautiful and true. Words will never be enough to describe his importance to me, or to his friends. I know without a doubt that... In the last moments of his battle with Aizen it was the memory of us all, Human; Shinigami and Hollow that gave him the strength to snatch victory. He was born to protect. His is not an absence we can forget or make better. It is one we simply have to learn to live with."

He hesitated for a moment, but turned and gently placed the broken kenseikan within the flames. He watched as they were consumed, and slowly returned to his position beside Starrk. He could feel Renji and Rukia's eyes on him, as well as Grimmjow's. It was unsettling to discover that the number of people capable of reading his well kept emotions had increased.

"You have my immense respect and gratitude for sharing your feelings, Kuchiki Taichou." Kyōraku let out a long breath, adjusting his hat before he glanced at the Espada, "If you wish to speak of Nnoitra, you may do so now."

There was an awkward silence, and Byakuya was sure no one would say anything, but then Starrk cleared his throat.

"Speeches aren't really my thing... Especially not in front of such a large gathering..." He tucked his hands inside his pockets, "Nnoitra was a bastard. Like, not your run of the mill bastard who gets on your nerves every now and again. He was the kind of asshole who actively enjoyed winding everyone up. He loved getting a reaction. He loved getting attention. But... No one would fight harder than him. He fought because he loved it, but... Also because he cared. It was a twisted kind of care, not something you'd expect from him at all. But in truth... He didn't want to be alone anymore. He wanted to fight because if he defeated the enemy it meant we didn't have to fight them."

"He was an arrogant son-of-a-bitch." Grimmjow muttered gruffly, folding his arms as he looked towards the pyres, "But when it counted... He was with us all."

"He hated me," Nelliel whispered, "He hated what I stood for. But he could have killed me and he didn't. He didn't land a finishing blow when he knew he probably should have. We spoke a little bit when I rejoined the Espada... He still hated me but we settled our differences. He was an idiot, but he was strong. I guess... I'll kind of miss him."

Byakuya watched the green haired woman walk towards the last pyre, she glanced at the eyepatch in her hands for a long moment before resting it within the flames, bowing her head before returning to her former position.

The memorial drew to a close, with those present fulfilling the usual ritual of condensing their reiatsu into small Soul-like orbs, releasing them into the sky. Byakuya's breath was taken away as he watched them, his heart throbbing painfully as he watched the orbs of the Shinigami, the Visored and the Espada merged together like dozens of little stars, bringing light to an otherwise inevitable darkness.

As the scattering of vast people parted, Byakuya turned to look at Starrk, "What will you do now?"

"I'm not sure." The Primera said honestly, rubbing the back of his neck, "I suppose we should return to Hueco Mundo. But somehow it doesn't feel right to continue living in Las Noches, not after everything that happened there... It would not be a home."

"Then why not stay here?" Renji asked as he walked over.

Starrk snorted, "Hollows? Living among Shinigami?"

"Why not?" Rukia asked, leaning against the redheaded man, "You've shown you are all capable of fighting your Hollow instincts. You are warriors... And you are good people."

"You'd want to kill us after a week, I'm sure." Harribel mused, smiling faintly at them.

"Besides," Szayel flicked his hair over his shoulder, "Where would we stay? I can't imagine all Shinigami being as welcoming as you three."

Byakuya sighed, frowning faintly as he glanced around. While he was sure almost everyone present would be more than happy to assist in accommodating them, it would be unfair and unrealistic to assume the same of all Shinigami. That was the kind of change that had to be done over time. The Visored would be far easier to integrate back into Soul Society if they wanted to stick around, they had been a part of Seireitei before, they were known.

What they needed was space. A place for the Espada to live, for them to merge with Soul Society in a slow and controlled way. Nothing rushed. Then, he smiled. Ichigo truly was the gift that kept on giving.

"The Shiba Estate." The nobleman murmured, "Ichigo had it reopened, but he hadn't moved in. His Cousin didn't want to move back into Seireitei so... It's just sitting there. He would want it to be used."

Starrk stared down at the raven haired Taichou, "It is a kind offer, and it would be an honour to assist in keeping the Cero's home in use during his... Absence. But are you certain?"

Byakuya raised a single eyebrow, "You would be doing me a favour, it would save me having to tend to it with my own staff."

"Allow me some time to talk it over with the others, we should all have a say in our futures now that they are our own again." The Primera murmured, "But your offer... Is truly appreciated."

"An offer of this sort... Is the least I can do for people I consider friends. Come to the Kuchiki Estate later today, we can discuss the details then." The nobleman said simply, giving a curt nod of his head before walking away. He had exhausted his willpower to remain among other people for the time being.

All too soon he reached the Kuchiki Estate, the mansion looked so homely from the outside. The blossoming trees seemed so familiar and bright. But at the same time... It all looked so cold and uncaring. He had to force himself forwards.

Casting a slow and solemn look around the entrance hall, Byakuya allowed his shoulders to slump, his throat tightening as he half expected a bundle of bright orange to come hurtling towards him through one of the doorways. But that wasn't going happen. That was never going to happen again.

A sharp knock on the door behind him made him flinch, turning slightly on the spot he found himself looking at the somewhat sheepish smile of Kisuke Urahara. Byakuya felt his mood take a sharp turn for the worse.

"What do you want?" He hissed bluntly, in no mood for pleasantries and since their last talk his ire with the blond had increased for several reasons.

The abysmal fan was drawn from the blond's sleeve as he stepped over the threshold, "Now, now Byakuya-san, I don't think I've done anything to warrant that fierce expression lately."

"As the creator of one half of the Hōgyoku, I intend to hold you responsible for at least half of what has happened ever since." The raven haired Shinigami answered sharply, "Consider yourself warned. If you step out of line... I will come for you."

Urahara bowed his head, "I'd expect no less from the Head of the Kuchiki Clan."

"What do you want, Kisuke?" He said again, turning to face him fully.

Lowering his fan slowly, the blond flashed a grin, it didn't reach his eyes, still darkened with a solemn sense of guilt that seemed to weigh heavily, "I've come to give you... At least a little glimmer of hope."

"Hope?" Byakuya scowled, "Hope of what?"

"You should know me well enough by now... I'd have thought it was obvious." Urahara looked away for a long moment, "Ichigo is my Godson... I failed to protect him from Aizen when he was a child, I failed to protect him from Aizen as he grew up... And I threw him to the wolves to stop Aizen making the Ōken. I'm a terrible guardian. Isshin and Masaki would be ashamed of me."

"What are you saying?"

"You didn't really think I would sit back and allow Ichigo to suffer because of my selfish failings and his selflessness... Did you?" The man glanced up sharply, "I don't know how long it will take me... I can make no promises... But I am going to do everything I can to bring him back. So, at least for the meantime... Don't kill me off, Byakuya-san."


Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you all x