Yet another chapter ready in record time. Well, record time in comparison to consistency of late...aaaand two of them, to boot. lol Wrapping everything up actually turned into much more material than I had originally thought, but no, you won't have to wait for it. I just decided to split it in two. A little editing to do, and Chapter 40 will be up in short order right behind this one. Anyway, that's enough of my blabbing for now.

Note: I have no ownership of Bleach, just sos y'all now.

Chapter 39: Coming Home

It gets harder every time I gotta say goodbye.

Tears are falling, that's why I can't say it eye to eye.

Every time that I go, can't find a reason why.

Maybe someday, you'll know just how I feel inside.

...

Where my heart is, my home is.

Where my heart is, where my heart is.

I'm coming back to the ones I know.

Never lose hope, 'cause I won't let go.

I'm coming home.

...

Coming Home - Hollywood Undead

At long last. A few torturous days for one and what seemed a year for the other, but still, at last they were headed back to Karakura. Although the threat of Aizen loomed large over everyone, Ichigo and Rukia were relieved to be headed to some semblance of normalcy, at least for a while. It was funny how the Kuchiki heiress had come to consider the Kurosaki household home in such a short time. Then again, it was Ichigo's home. And she felt safe with him, at peace. Wasn't the old saying 'home is where the heart is?'

While she had, reluctantly mind you, left Ichigo to tidy up and gather what very little they were bringing back with them, Rukia herself answered her captain's summons, fully expecting the continuation of her standing orders, i.e., safeguarding Ichigo in his duties. Not like he needed it now, what with training under two former captains and Bankai under his belt. Still, it wasn't like she was one to complain about being stuck close to her lover, whether he explicitly needed her help or not. Personally, the idiot could always use someone keeping him in line. That thought alone brought a smile to her face.

"Captain Ukitake" she greeted softly, bowing respectfully as she reached his office door.

"Ah, Rukia, please, come, sit" he said in his usual kind joviality. "I trust you and young Ichigo are ready for the trip back?"

"Yes, sir." She nodded as she took her seat in front of his desk, brushing a loose bang behind her ear. "I think we're both ready to put this mess behind us for now…"

His dark eyes analyzed her full of understanding. "Indeed…We all take the good days while we can get them, especially with those we love."

Rukia couldn't help blushing a little bit still yet, not used to so many being privy to her love life. "I suppose so…" She let out a sigh at the pit of dread forming in her stomach at the thought of the possible dangers ahead.

"Anyway," he said, eager to change the subject, "as I'm sure you've guessed, your standing orders are set to remain in place. Even with Ichigo's steep climb in power as well as skill, he can still use help however we can give it, not to mention continued monitoring of his growth. Plus, with the no doubt coming conflict, we need eyes of the Sereitei in the living world, someone with authority to communicate back and forth." He kept mum about the fact he wouldn't dare tear apart the lovers if he had a choice in the matter.

"Understood, sir."

"There is, however, one matter that I would like to discuss with you, if you wouldn't mind" he added, a small sense of pride within his voice and smile.

The ravenette cocked a brow ever so slightly in questioning. "Of…course, Captain. What would that be?"

He shut his eyes, smile spreading slightly before he reached into his desk drawer and brought out a small nondescript box, sitting it on the edge of the desk before her. "You've shown such potential, intellect, and skill since you've joined Squad 13, and I've awaited the day when I would be able to present you with this…"

"I'm…not sure I understand, sir…" Hesitantly, she reached out to the lid, wondering what on earth he could be presenting her. As she slowly lifted the top off, her breath caught in her throat at the sight within. "C-Captain, I…I don't…I don't deserve this…"

Jushiro watched her trembling form with amusement. "That, in and of itself, is another reason why I know you do. Quite honestly, it was only circumstances beyond my control that denied me from doing this sooner, what with your record and work ethic alone."

Swallowing hard, Rukia finally managed to meet his eyes. "I…I am beyond honored, Captain Ukitake, but…I don't think I'm worthy, and…"

"You're a finer Shinigami than you give yourself credit for, my dear. I've known this for a long time. Your Ichigo recognizes it, as well. In fact, if I had to put money on it, I'd say he had a hand in setting this in motion…"

Oh how right he was.

As Byakuya Kuchiki finalized a few more documents for his clan's latest holdings, he thought back on his conversation with his little sister earlier that morning. He had not considered it before, his pride blinding him to how much strain he was putting on the both of them by coldly withholding his emotions and burying his pain, but after letting her in, he felt a sense of peace he hadn't in quite a while. He likely never would be the same man he was before Hisana took ill ever again, but he could at least now see a future in which his relationship with Rukia could be much more amicable. He could at least treat her as family should.

Speaking of which, this presented an issue with a certain teenager in her life. His negligence towards her had left him unaware of her budding romance with Ichigo Kurosaki. There could be an argument made for her long stay away in the world of the living hindering his foresight as well, but that was a nonstarter as far as he was concerned. A good elder brother and especially the head of the clan should watch those matters more closely.

He wasn't sure he knew how to feel about the two of them together. Hell, the noble in him was screaming most unbecomingly at the thought of a commoner vying for his sister. Another part, however, saw things more logically. Byakuya could see the changes she had gone through almost instantly, a spark in her that he'd never seen before. That alone warranted careful consideration.

After crossing swords with the boy and hearing the words he had spoken, coupled with the evidence after Sosuke Aizen's betrayal, there were qualities of merit to be found. Kurosaki was a prodigy in his own right, mastering sword play and the utilization of his Zanpakutō in just a few short months. It begged the question what his true lineage was, because envisioning him as nothing more than an aberration of nature seemed so unlikely. True, he was still very young and boisterous, not to mention stubborn and hot tempered, but these facets were met with a sense of duty and honor. Most important of all, he seemed to value Rukia's wellbeing above all else. The boy took it so personally that he had failed in protecting her, even against threats that were by and large far above his ability to do so. He took fault of his own in events beyond his control. He had been made a target, the both of them paying the price for it, and yet he saw it as his responsibility whether he was culpable or not.

There was, however, the matter of the beast that seemed to reside within him. That monster, that hollow abomination, made for a terrifying reveal, and if Byakuya were being honest with himself, there was a part of the Kuchiki Head that wanted to forbid their relations on the grounds of the dangers he presented to her. Then again, the beast only came to the surface when Rukia's life was in jeopardy, at Byakuya's own hand no less. What's more, she herself put the boy at ease enough that the hollowfication receded from whence it came.

If nothing else, the two of them would sacrifice everything for one another. Recent events proved as much, proof enough in turn that what they held was true. Byakuya knew Rukia would likely obey him if he ordered her to cease any relations with Kurosaki, but given her psychological state before the Substitute came along…

His musings were cut short by his office window bursting open with a harsh clank of the wood frame. "Yo, Byakuya."

'Well, I was right about his brash nature' the noble thought irritatedly, not bothering to look at the source of the commotion. "Ichigo Kurosaki…You have some gall sneaking onto the grounds of the Kuchiki Clan like this."

Said teenager folded his arms, his trademark default scowl in place. "Sorry, but I'm not exactly in the mood to be waiting around." 'That, and this was the fastest route to his spiritual pressure' he thought to himself. "I need to talk to you about Rukia."

This got his attention. Eyebrows raised slightly, Byakuya turned his head to see the orange-haired Shinigami leaning on the windowsill. His pallor was still a bit off, his jaw clenched in either anger or effort to remain steady, perhaps both, but he otherwise looked rather well all things considered. "Am I to assume you're actually standing on tradition and asking permission to court her?"

Ichigo's eyes shot open wider in confusion for a moment. "What? Hell no! The only opinion on that I care about is Rukia's."

Byakuya sighed internally, conceding that was too much to hope for. Although at least he was considering her feelings above all else. "Trouncing on traditions aside, then, why are you trespassing here?" he said, a slight edge to his voice.

"Why the hell are you holding Rukia back?" Ichigo shot heatedly, brow cocked in anticipation.

"Excuse me?" the noble returned, suddenly nonplussed.

"Don't play dumb with me. You basically ordered Jushiro to keep Rukia away from becoming a seated officer in her squad."

"I see…" Byakuya's eyes darkened. "That is of no concern to you."

"Bullshit" the boy replied sharply. "Anything involving her is concerning to me. You and I both know how powerful she is. Or at least you should if you had any sense."

A muscle flexed ever so slightly in the older man's jaw as he slowly stood, hand on the butt of his Zanpakutō beside his desk. He was in no condition for a fight, but he'd be damned if he'd let some commoner disrespect him so blatantly. "Careful how you tread, Kurosaki. What I do is in the best interest of my adopted sister."

"You mean your sister-in-law?"

This actually made Byakuya's eyes widen in surprise, much the same as when the Substitute revealed his Bankai on Sōkyoku Hill.

"Yeah, I know about Rukia's sister." Ichigo's countenance relaxed ever so slightly.

Thinly veiled hatred could be seen boiling in the man's grey eyes. "What would you know of Hisana?"

"I know you're trying to do what she made you swear to do, and believe me, I get it." He shut his eyes. "When it was my mother, I made the same promise to myself and to her that I would protect my little sisters. I get where you're coming from."

Although reluctantly, that little confession cooled some of the ire within the Captain, but his voice still held a bit of an edge to it. "Your point?"

"That you keeping her back isn't really protecting her. Between your cold attitude towards her and now this, Rukia feels like she's less than she is. I bet she has it in her head that she doesn't deserve to move up when really, Jushiro's been holding the Lieutenant spot open for her all this time."

His Kuchiki mask gave nothing away, but inside, Byakuya was replaying his conversation with her earlier. He knew his attitude towards her had been frigid at best, but he had not considered how much it would have affected her. Could the boy have been right about what he'd done?

"She's more powerful and more skilled than she realizes. The fact is, you're hurting her more than you're helping by holding her back." Ichigo pushed off the window. "Just think about what you really want for her, Byakuya." With that, he sauntered back off, the noble noticing a slight hitch in his walk. "See your around, I guess."

To think, a noble of the clan Kuchiki being lectured by a common boy from the world of the living. He definitely had gall. Still, he had had a point as well. Perhaps Byakuya hadn't truly considered how his actions were affecting Rukia after all. Regular reports were given to him of her results during assignments, so he was well aware of how skilled she was. She made the Kuchiki name proud in her duties as a Soul Reaper…not that he had ever told her so, unfortunately. So…maybe cutting off her progress like this wasn't the protection she needed. It was not as if Hisana knew her little sister would have joined the Gotei 13, so his choices were his own on the matter.

"Still…Kurosaki could have shown more respect" Byakuya scoffed to himself. "Addressing me by my given name…"

She didn't know how, but the petite woman could guess if Ichigo caught wind of something in her way, he would have forced his way through whatever it was on principle. As hard-headed as he was, he wouldn't have taken no for an answer. Impatient and impertinent, he may be, but…

'He's sweet…even if he's an idiot…' She couldn't help smiling softly to herself, her cheeks slightly rosy all over again. If she were a lesser woman, she might have swooned a bit at the romantic gesture.

"In any event, you are more than deserving of this promotion, Rukia" Jushiro continued, smiling at her far off and loving expression. "If you accept, it wouldn't change the state of things as of now. More than anything, you would just be considered more qualified to be Ichigo's overseer, as well as the official first line if the enemy were to rear their heads in the living world."

Rukia nodded to herself, considering her options as she eyed the Squad 13 arm badge sitting before her. She would be safe to go back with Ichigo for now if she accepted the mantle of Lieutenant. She would even have more authority to make tactical calls. Sure, she would have to be outfitted with Gentei Reīn to reign in the damage she might do to the world of the living during combat. That thought made her pause for only a moment, her natural insecurity making her wonder if the power limiter was necessary, but she shook it off.

More importantly, though, was the fact of the responsibilities the position carried. Sure, with things as they were now, she was free to stay with Ichigo, but what about after? Surely, she would be needed here after the threat was over. There was the small chance that her lover would still be considered in need of monitorization after the fact, but even if that were the case, there was no guarantee that a Lieutenant would be considered the necessary safeguard.

She sighed to herself. "While I appreciate the honor this promotion represents…I can't take it, Captain…"

If Rukia expected an argument to the contrary, she would have been let down. "I understand." Her head shot up to stare in awe of her Captain, her hair bouncing slightly with the movement. There was no disappointment to be found on his face, only an understanding smile.

"You don't have to explain, Rukia. Just know that this position will be open to you when the time comes that you feel you can in good conscience handle it. Until then…" He reached over and slightly nudged the box holding her badge ever closer. "I want you to take this with you, for when and if you can take up the mantle and…as a sign of my faith in your abilities."

She hesitated for a moment longer before reluctantly closing the lid and bringing the box into her lap. "Thank you, Captain Ukitake…"

"Oh, speaking of symbols of faith…" The white-haired gentleman leaned over to his desk again, rummaging through the drawers. "Now where did it go…AH! There."

Out from behind his desk, he brought forth an altogether different badge. It seemed a more ancient relic, what with the worn carved wood and the thickly braided band it was hung from. Emblazed within the pentagonal badge was a stylized skull and cross design. Rukia couldn't resist the sense of irony she felt, the visage not unlike a hollow's mask.

"This is for Ichigo. This badge marks him as a Substitute Soul Reaper officially and means he carries with him the backing and authority of the 13 Court Guard Squads. He's earned our trust and respect."

With a sense of pride, she gently took hold of the badge, smirking to herself. "I hope he won't get a big head from this. Still, I'm sure he'll be honored as I am. Thank you, Captain."

The Captain chuckled to himself. "Well, I'm sure you both have more preparations to attend to. I'll be at the Senkaimon to see you off this afternoon."

With that, Rukia stood and bowed to her superior. "We will both see you then." With that, she left his office and turned the corner towards their quarters. "I hope that numbskull hasn't screwed anything up while I was gone" she said softly to herself, giggling at her own sense of humor.

As the sun began creeping closer to the horizon over the Sereitei, the two lovebirds were walking towards the outskirts of the large military city, golden highlights gleaming already on the pearl white tile and brickwork. Ichigo and Rukia were hand-in-hand as they approached what was likely a group procession to see them off. The young man wasn't sure how comfortable he was with the public display of affection in what was once enemy territory, not to mention soon to be surrounded by some of her prominent peers, but she'd initiated it as they'd left. He was bound to be in for painful punishment if he tried to pry his hand away. Part of him was inclined not to care. It wasn't like he was ashamed of his love for her, far from it. Still, another part worried over another potential ass-kicking from Byakuya Kuchiki, if he so happened to be in attendance.

Rukia, for her part, was practically giddy to be setting off and spending some quality time with her man. So many people clearly already knew or had guessed at their involvement together, and right now, she didn't care much to hide it. Traditionally allowed, it was not, but since when was anything with Ichigo traditional? Having him close, feeling his body heat and even the slightest pulse of his heart through the contact, however subtle…after everything that had happened, she was content to damn the consequences and just enjoy it.

As they neared the exit into the living world, they could see several Soul Reapers already gathered. Jushiro Ukitake and Shunsui Kyoraku were already in attendance, along with Byakuya and his pineapple-headed Lieutenant, Ichigo added scornfully in his head. Surprisingly, the two officers from Squad 11 he'd encountered on the execution grounds, Ikkaku and Yumichika he recalled learning, had come as well. Yoruichi was waiting patiently at the gates, totally at ease as she leaned against a railing.

That reminded him. "Hey, Rukia…did you know Yoruichi was a woman this whole time?" he asked quietly as they approached.

She gave him an odd look. "Um…Yes. Why?"

Memories of her torturous teasing flashed across his mind, bringing a bright flush to his face. "Uh, n-no reason."

As she eyed him suspiciously, Yoruichi covered her mouth daintily to mask a chuckle at his expense. "Oh, don't give him a hard time, Rukia" the werecat said as she sauntered closer. "He had no idea he was going to wake up to a naked woman fawning over his injured form. Plus, his priceless reaction made it impossible to pass up."

She stared at the younger woman, unabashed humor in her eyes even as violet orbs shot her a dirty and possessively jealous look and the air temperature seemed to drop ever so slightly. "Remind me not to leave Ichigo alone around you, Lady Yoruichi" Rukia shot back with a venomous tinge to the honorific.

Her violet hair shook with her light laughter. "You'd better watch yourself, Ichigo. You've fallen for quite the little firecracker" she said, eliciting a low growl from the teen.

Rukia crossed her arms and turned her nose up with a 'hmph', her own face now red with irritation. Rest assured, she'd be grilling her lover later on exactly what the golden-eyed minx had done to or around him.

Just as Ichigo was about to give the cat lady a piece of his mind, a voice cut him off. "Hey, Kurosaki!"

He knew that voice, and it grated on his nerves. Slowly, he turned to see Renji coming closer to the trio, still looking sour as ever and yet a bit uncomfortable with what he was doing. "Mind if I have a word with you alone?"

"What about?" he asked curtly. He still did not trust the bastard, between him eyeing Rukia right in front of him when they first met and their showdown after that.

The red head jerked his thumb in the direction of a section of the courtyard that was unoccupied and away from the rest.

Gritting his teeth, Ichigo just nodded and started trudging off in that direction, Abarai following a good distance behind. Once he reached the more secluded corner, the Substitute whipped around on the other man, a spiteful lilt to his usual scowl. "What do you want?"

It took the Lieutenant a moment, for he had to swallow down his pride to say the words that he was going to come out with. "I…wanted to…apologize…" He took a deep breath, the words bitter on his tongue. "I'm sorry I insinuated that you were responsible for…what happened to Rukia. Granted you were an intruder," he added passive aggressively, "but I attacked you on the same assumption we all made about you…and I'm sorry for that, too…"

The strawberry blonde was almost tempted to let his jaw hang in shock, but he wouldn't give the bastard the satisfaction. Keeping his scowl firmly in place, he just nodded stiffly. "Fine. You've apologized, just like everyone else at this point. We done here?" He leaned onto his leg, prepared to step off back towards Rukia.

"I'm not finished" Renji said with a bit of an edge, halting the boy. "Look…I know you care about Rukia, and…after what she pulled on Sōkyoku Hill, I know she cares about you just as much…even if I wish it wasn't true…"

Ichigo couldn't help scoffing a bit. "Yeah, what of it?" He could tell the guy wanted her, but there was no way in hell that was gonna happen.

"You…" He bared his teeth, his eyes squeezed shut tight in the effort to spit out what he hated most to say. "You were right, okay? When Rukia was adopted, I told myself that she was a noble now and didn't need me getting in the way of her life. I even stayed away after Kaien Shiba's death when she could've used a friend's help the most. I worked hard, thinking I couldn't associate with her unless I made something of myself…but a true friend wouldn't have abandoned her like that…"

Now the Substitute couldn't help his eyes widening in surprise, much as he tried to remain stone-faced.

"Kurosaki…" Renji's expression took on a somber tone. "You did what I should've done…and won her heart in the process…" He met Ichigo's brown orbs. "I won't get in the way of what she wants…just…promise me you'll take care of her…"

The boy in question bit the inside of his cheek as he crossed his arms, scowling hard at the ground to his side. Of all the choice words he wanted to throw Renji's way, he wanted least of all to give any assurances. After all, he deserved nothing from him as far as he was concerned. As his internal debate stretched on, his travel companions watched with interest.

"What's going on over there?" Rukia wondered aloud, suspicious of both men's posture.

Yoruichi didn't bother sparing them a glance, her sharper hearing picking up most of the conversation. "Oh, some male posturing and melodrama, I'm sure" she quipped with a smirk.

With a sigh, Ichigo finally managed to meet Renji's gaze. "She's no longer your concern, and I certainly don't owe you anything when it comes to her. Regardless, I'm gonna do right by her. Not for you, but for her sake. You can take that or leave it." That said and done, he turned away and started back towards the gate, not sparing another glance to the red head.

Harsh, he may have been, but more than anything, he couldn't stand someone who for all intents and purposes pretended to care until it didn't fit their needs or their personal narrative. Hell, the guy may believe he truly cared for Rukia, but he had a funny way of showing it. When all was said and done, Renji had a lot of making up to do before the Substitute would even consider looking at him any other way.

Just as he was about to rejoin his angel and second sensei, a reflection of the sunset's golden aura nearly blinded him. Said reflection was emanating off one bald head of the two Squad 11 members suddenly blocking his path. Well, Ikkaku was intentionally doing it, Yumichika had more or less just tagged along.

"Hey, Kurosaki…" The 3rd Seat said through his almost manic grin, eyes of a hungry predator sizing him up. "We have a bit of a score to settle after you put me and my coworkers down. I like a challenge like you coming my way."

Ichigo cocked a brow at his attitude, unable to stop the smirk spreading on his face. "I hope you're not too sore about that. You three were kinda in my way."

Ikkaku laughed heartily, hand idly tilting the hilt of his Zanpakutō back and forth in his sash. "I like you, kid. You've got guts, not to mention the power to back it all up. What say the next time you're in the neighborhood, we throw down again? See who's on top?"

The Substitute Shinigami simply chuckled to himself. "Sure, why not? Could use the experience."

Grinning wider, the bald man raised his fist out in front of him. "Well then, Ichigo Kurosaki, remember my name: Ikkaku Madarame, 3rd Seat of the Zaraki Squad. That's the name of the man who'll be standing over you in the dirt."

Ichigo's smirk only got cockier as he raised his own fist and bumped it against Ikkaku's as he passed. "We'll see about that. See you around, Ikkaku."

Yumichika just shook his head. "You sure have a knack for picking your battles, Ikkaku…"

The man just laughed in return. "How can I pass up a challenge like that? Not since the Captain have I been floored so quickly. I have to be the luckiest man in the Soul Society."

"Yes, well…" the effeminate fellow said, sweat dropping. "Just save the dance for when the kid comes back…I can hardly stand seeing that unbecoming mess so often."

"Now hold it. Don't mock my 'Lucky Dance', Yumichika, if you know what's good for you."

As Ichigo finally made it back to the girls, Yoruichi smiled ever so slightly. "My, my, you sure are popular today" she teased.

"Well, he's made quite a name for himself already" Captain Kyoraku interjected, smirking under his straw hat as he and Captain Ukitake came closer. "Needless to say, we're all eager to see where you go from here."

Ukitake smiled with a nod of his own. "I believe we're just about ready to send you through, if you all are ready to go. The Head Captain sends his regards, but unfortunately, he's still tied up clearing up this mess with Central 46. For the time being, though, he's asked that you, as well as the rest of our allies in the world of the living, prepare as best you can while we try to ascertain when the next strike will come."

"In the mean time," Shunsui added, "don't be a stranger. Feel free to join us every once in a while for a bottle of sake."

"Uh…Yeah, I'm kinda still underage, so…" Ichigo said uncomfortably, trying not to offend the older man. "I appreciate the offer, but…"

"No worries, my young friend" he drawled in response, chuckling lightly. "If you happen to change your mind, you know where to find us. It'll be my treat."

"Now then, if that covers everything, we'll prepare the Senkaimon for you-" Ukitake tried keeping the ball rolling before a harsh feminine voice cut him off.

"You really thought you could just leave yet again?!"

With a silent flicker on the air, Captain Soifon flashed into view, her Haori bellowing behind her as her long thin braids settled into place at her back. Below her dark bangs, the smaller woman's grey eyes were darkened with anger built up over decades. Her wakizashi Zanpakutō was already drawn. "Lady Yoruichi…"

The former Shihōin heiress' smile softened ever so slightly at her protégé. "Soifon…It's been a long time…" She pushed off the rail to stand straight, facing the Squad 2 Captain. "I see you've come a long way in my absence…"

The praise brought an involuntary blush to the brunette's cheeks before her scowl deepened. "You were just going to leave again without a word? Just like all those years ago?!" she said roughly, voice seething.

"I felt there would be a better time and place, my dear little Soifon…" Yoruichi replied, a certain fondness and yet regret in her tone.

"You could have told me…about Aizen, about everything, and I would have believed you…" she growled. Without prompting, she flashed forward, weapon aimed right at the former captain's midsection. Her target being the Goddess of Flash, though, meant that her wrist was caught in a firm grip several inches from contact. As much as she tried to fight the tight yet gentle hold, she couldn't pry her arm free. "You left me here with NOTHING! I THOUGHT YOU WERE A TRAITOR!"

Yoruichi's smile dropped from her face, golden eyes tight with pain as her successor continued her tirade. "WE THOUGHT YOU'D ABANDONED US! ABANDONED ME! AND NOW YOU'RE JUST GOING TO LEAVE AGAIN WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHI-"

She was cut off by the sudden embrace, eyes shooting open in shock, her mouth stuck open wide mid-word formation. Even her arm stayed outstretched in striking position as her face went bright crimson, both from having the woman she held in highest regard for so long holding her so close as well as feeling the generous bosom against her own. She was thankful in hindsight that everyone had been kind enough to avert their eyes at the moment she was forced into, involuntary tears pricking her eyes as the werecat nuzzled into her dainty neck much as her animal form would have.

"You're right…" Yoruichi said softly in her ear. "I'm sorry that I left you behind without telling you…I didn't have time to think back then…and now…even I'm at a loss for what I could ever say to make it up to you…"

Suzumebachi clattered to the ground as the little Captain bit hard on her lower lip, trying to maintain her pride as best she could, willing the tears not to fall. Still, she couldn't help her hands falling to her former master's back, clutching her tightly as she was held up in the cat lady's arms.

"If you'll excuse me, Ichigo, Rukia…" Yoruichi said, her voice raised only slightly. "I have some catching up to do with…my prized pupil…I'll catch the next bus back…" A slight widening of Soifon's eyes was the only indication of the small kiss she received on her cheek that was hidden underneath her short dark hair before the pair disappeared in a flash.

The raven-haired girl had to clear her throat, uncomfortable at being an unintended spectator at the harsh yet tender reunion, much like everyone else. Shunsui summed it up the best. "Well it seems this whole affair has made for dramatics abound."

"Well, then…" Jushiro had to take a moment of his own. "If the two of you are ready-"

"THERE YOU ARE!"

"Again, dramatics abound" Kyoraku added with a shake of his head, smirk never leaving his face.

A booming crash echoed around the courtyard with a plume of dust shooting sky-high. Ichigo and Rukia had to shield their eyes from the debris, the strawberry blonde watching intently as the perpetrator's silhouette came into view. If he didn't know better, he'd think the person in question was wearing some sort of large crown.

"I've been looking all over for you, Ichigo Kurosaki" a gruff voice called as the dust continued to clear, inflection full of joyful malice. "You're an opponent I've been itching to fight…"

"What the…" With a burst of dense spiritual pressure, the man came into Ichigo's view. Instead of the crown he had expected, the guy's hair was shaped and stood up like a many-pointed star. His features were harsh and angular, a scar running down one side of his face while the other sported a gold-trimmed eye-patch. He was a mountain of a man, his grin downright frightening as he tapped his long jagged Zanpakutō against in shoulder in seeming anticipation. The feature that really stood out, though, was the Captain's Haori. Where the hell had this guy been when everyone was facing down Aizen. "Who the hell are you?"

"I told you he'd be here, Kenny!" A high-pitched voice echoed as a bob of pink hair popped up over the giant's shoulder. "See? My directions led right to him!"

This 'Kenny' lost his grin ever so slightly, glancing at the little girl clinging to his Shihakusho. "Your directions had us running around blindly for over a week, Yachiru. The only reason we found him is because I sensed him just now."

"Heeeey!" she whined. "Some of those turns we took were your idea. If you'd have trusted my woman's intuition, we would have found him sooner!" She punctuated her point with a playful bonk on his head with her tiny fist.

"Whatever" he said with a sigh before refocusing on the target of his battle lust. "Ichigo Kurosaki…I hear you're one hell of a fighter. What do you say we put that to the test?" His grin widened back out as his spiritual pressure solidified into a rolling yellow cloud of pure killing intent.

"The hell?! Who the hell are you?" Ichigo said, recoiling a bit. Even Rukia had a fearful look, resting back into a quick ready stance with a hand on Sode no Shirayuki.

With a bark of laughter, the large captain lunged forward, cocking his sword arm back for a wild swing. "I am Kenpachi Zaraki! Give me a good fight, boy!"

Ichigo just barely drew Zangetsu in time to block the attack with his own edge, incredulous shock in his eyes as the tremendous weight of the strike pushed him back several yards. He felt his arm tingling from the shot. "The fuck is your problem?!"

"Good, you at least have survival instincts…Let's see how far that gets you…"

"Bakudō #63: Sajō Sabaku."

Suddenly, a band of bright white chains appeared out of thin air surrounding the crazed combatant, his eyes widening as they shrunk inward on him, binding him tightly. "What the…" He glanced to his side, expression stony and beady eyes full of fury. "Byakuya, you bastard."

Said Captain had his hand in a sealed position, eyes closed calmly. "You have no sense of self control, do you?" he asked almost nonchalantly, his usual smooth cold voice making the phrase sound especially mocking to the Squad 11 commander.

"Why you!" He began struggling against the binds, his spiritual pressure erupting all over the courtyard as thick and palpable as Ichigo's on a bad day.

"I think it's time we send you on your way, you two" Ukitake cut in in a bit of a rush, hurriedly drawing his sword and initiating the sequence for the Senkaimon, much to the relief of Ichigo and Rukia both as the boy sheathed his large blade. "I hate to shove you out the door, but I don't think Kenpachi will hold for long" he added with a small chuckle, sweat dropping.

As the doors materialized from the reishi in the air, beginning to slide open, Rukia glanced back at her brother. The Kuchiki Head turned his head in her direction, as if he could sense her eyes on him. No words were spoken, but he silently tilted his head at her, his grey eyes shutting once more. She just smiled softly at his silent farewell before grabbing Ichigo's hand and rushing him through the portal. Despite Kenpachi's numerous protests, the doors slid shut and disappeared from whence they came just as the sun completed dipping below the horizon.

That's all for this one. Reviews are always welcome.

I won't spend too much time here, other than to say I figured characters who didn't get the same limelight in my series of events needed a little thrown their way to make up for it.

Next time: A little bit of payback, a little bit of romance.