First off, I want to thank RG-Guest, Senna, and "Guest" for their reviews. Hopefully, this chapter will go some way to addressing Senna's comments regarding Ichigo.
Now, I'd like to address RG-Guest's excellent review: First off, ironically, I didn't add the scene with Orihime and Ulquiorra after reading the 'Disappointed' review. It was always a part of the chapter. That scene was actually the payoff to an earlier scene (from "A Day in The Life Of") in which Ulquiorra has a book on cabinet-making (that's one Chekhov's Gun that has fired!). Also, it's common for in-house Shinto altars to have doors, like cabinets, so the memorial isn't overtly on display 24/7.
As for your other points... To begin, you were more or less spot-on in your assessment of the revolver, and its significance in relation to Ichigo. Though I can't really say anything in regards to Darkwood, not without spoiling things. Next, in regards to Stark and Lillynette... In the case of the former, he'll still be around, though perhaps a bit more low key for now. However, in the case of the latter, you can expect Lillynette to be a bit more prominent- given her connection to Hanataro (among others). Honestly, as a duo, those two are adorable and basically write themselves, given how much fun they are together.
And finally, to the matter of Szayel's mysterious visitor- aka "The Man In White" (TMIW for short), as I've taken to referring to him. I'm glad you're suitably intrigued by TMIW, and are no doubt working on some theories of your own... Alas, as in the case of Darkwood, I can't say too much about him... except that I'm sure you've realized that there's always something more to every story.
TO FORGE A
BETTER TOMORROW
Chapter XLI: "Family, Part 1"
The Soul Realm...
For the Ukitake Estate, this was very much just another day. Admittedly, the actual definition of what passed for a 'normal' day in this particular household was rather fluid.
After all, while the perception of Hollows had changed markedly throughout the Seireitei during the last fourteen months- to the point that some people no longer feared, nay even accepted them- the fact that two powerful Arrancar resided inside the grounds of the family home of the Captain of one of the Elite Court Guard Divisions still struck many as rather unusual.
Still, the presence of a two powerful Arrancar aside, the Ukitake household remained stable and secure. Though some would argue that this was more because of Stark and Lillynette's presence, rather than in spite of. After all, who would be foolish enough to dare trespass into what was effectively the territory of the Primera Espada(s), let alone threaten them or those they associated with (aka, their pack).
At the moment, Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto passed under the archway- making her way across the lush grounds, decorated with trees, flowers, and other greenery- to the front steps of the spacious house. The curvy strawberry-blonde paused briefly, before making her way inside.
"Hello, Lieutenant Matsumoto." A familiar voice spoke evenly, alerting the woman to the presence of her fellow Officer as she stepped into the entryway. The busty female Shinigami turned to the figure of slender, bespectacled Lieutenant Nanao Ise of the Eighth Division.
"Hi, Ise-san." Rangiku offered with a smile. "What brings you here?"
Retsu Ukitake, Captain of the Fourth Division and (reluctant) Matriarch of Ukitake Clan, had recently passed the eighth month mark of her anticipated pregnancy, and would soon be due to deliver the future heir to the powerful and prestigious family that she'd married into.
"Well, you see, since I'm all caught up with my paperwork," she started. "Captain Hitsugaya gave me special permission to take some time off from the Division to help out with the other Captain Ukitake." Rangiku explained to the dark-haired woman with a smile.
"So, anyway," Rangiku continued. "I can tag in and take over for you for a few hours."
Nanao smiled at this. "Well, regardless, it's good timing." She replied, gesturing for the other woman to follow her down the hallway. "All things considered, it's been pretty quiet here, since I arrived and took over for Lieutenant Hinamori earlier in the day." The Lieutenant adjusted her glasses as she spoke.
"That's good to hear." Rangiku replied as they walked. "I mean, just between the two of us, I have to say that the Captain was looking... well, rather big the last time I saw her." She commented. "So I'm guessing that it can't be all that much longer till-"
She was interrupted mid-sentence by the sound of a cry, coming from Retsu's room!
The two women rushed down the corridor- the sounds of their footfalls against the wood floor echoing around them as they moved- to the senior Officer's room. Upon arrival, the found her knelt down on the floor with a stricken expression on her face. "Captain!" Nanao called out. "Are you alright?!"
Rangiku looked her over as they entered the room. The female Captain was presently clad in one of the many maternity kimonos that she commonly dressed in during the last few months, and she appeared to be alright, all things considered, until her gaze moved down to her lower body...
Nanao's delicate brows arched slightly as she followed the other woman's light of sight. "Oh dear..." She murmured to herself, exchanging a glance with the woman beside her.
A moment passed, and Retsu cast her gaze upward, toward the two women. "I... strongly believe... that my water... just broke." Her tone was strained, yet strangely steady and even. The two Lieutenants were momentarily at a loss as to how to react to this bit of news...
The air surrounding them was tangibly disturbed, causing Nanao and Rangiku to turn around, just in time as Lillynette appeared in the doorway in a flash. "Omigod, is everything alright?!"
"Quick, go wake up Stark-san!" Nanao exclaimed. "Retsu-san is going into labor!" She instructed the young female Arrancar- who then rushed off into the backyard to abruptly awaken her larger male half with a series of swift kicks to his ribs... followed by the distant sound of groaning.
"And while we're at it, I should probably alert Shunsui..." She reasoned silently to herself, folding her arms across her chest. "I mean, he has been friends with both of them a long time." The slender woman thought, nodding to herself as she reached up to adjust her glasses.
"Oh crap!" Rangiku cursed suddenly. "I better get in touch with the medical corps!" She declared, her eyes wide. "And not just them, but also Jushiro-san, as well!" She added as she focused her powers.
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Division Thirteen HQ...
"Wah? Retsu, she's going into labor?!" The white-haired Captain thought suddenly, his eyes wide as he rose to his feat from the desk he'd just been seated at secants ago...
As soon as he'd been alerted to the change in his wife's condition, Captain Jushiro Ukitake had wasted little time in organizing his affair- placing his two Lieutenants, Kiyone Kotetsu and Sentaro Kotsubaki, in command of the Division- while he departed to meet up with Retsu.
His Captain's haori donned and his Zanpakuto in hand, he swiftly tucked Sōgyo no Kotowari into the sash around his waist as he made his away across the grounds of the Thirteenth.
He hurriedly rushed past his officers and troops, till he reached the front gateway, where upon he was met by a grouping of familiar faces: that of his long-time friend Shunsui Kyoraku, along with the two halves of the Primera Espada- Coyote Stark and Lillynette Gingerback.
Unsurprisingly, Stark appeared groggy (clearly having been asleep until recently) though with a hint of mild annoyance on his face (likely, in no small part, the result of some recent action/actions perpetrated by adolescent female Arrancar). The tall scruffy-faced Captain- with his distinctive sugegasa straw hat and flowing pink floral kimono draped across his shoulders- waved to him.
"Thanks for meeting up with me here." Jushiro started, addressing the trio.
"No way we'd miss this, Shiro-san!" Lillynette declared with a big smile. "Isn't that right, Stark!" She added, elbowing the taller male Arrancar beside her for good measure.
He grunted faintly, then nodded. "Yeah... um, congratulations."
"Again, thank you." Jushiro offered them warmly.
Shunsui shook his head. "Not at all." He replied. "I only just learned about it myself barely ten minutes ago, when my Nanao-chan contacted me." The swordsman explained. "From what I know, it seems that Lieutenant Matsumoto was also present when it started- it seems that she went ahead and contacted the medical corps as soon as she realized what was happening."
"Good." The white-haired man replied, the four of them moving in-step. "I expect, by now, that Retsu would have only just arrived at the Fourth Division." He explained.
"This. is. sooo exciting!" Lillynette exclaimed enthusiastically. "Retsu-san is finally gonna give birth to you're cub- you must super excited right now, right, Shiro-san?!" She inquired as they walked.
"Indeed." He replied with a nod. "Thank you, Lilly-chan," the Captain went on. "I'm flattered that both yourself and Stark-san will be present to help me see this through."
"Well duh, of course we would!" The diminutive Arrancar countered. "This is a really serious occasion we're talking about here." Lillynette continued. "After all, you're the father and Retsu-san is the mother, so any cubs the two of you have is gonna be super strong." She declared emphatically.
It didn't take long for the mixed foursome of Shinigami and Arrancar to arrive at the main entrance to the deliver ward, in the hospital run by the Fourth Division's elite medical corps.
"Captain," Isane called out. "Kyoraku-san, Ukitake-san." The silver-haired woman added.
"Lieutenant Ko-" he paused. "Isane-san, it's good to see you." Jushiro corrected. "Please, tell me, how is Retsu- er, I mean, how is my wife- doing?" The white-haired man asked.
The tall woman fidgeted momentarily. "Captain Unoha-" she paused. "Er, sorry, what I meant to say, is that your wife- er, the Captain- is doing well." Isane explained. "As soon as the medical corps received word from Lieutenant Matsumoto that she was in labor, they retrieved her from the Ukitake estate and escorted her directly here- straight to the delivery ward."
Jushiro nodded as she motioned for him to follow her. At the same time, he couldn't help but wonder if the confusion (if that was even the correct way of framing it) over the surname and title he and his wife shared would ever truly abate... And as he considered the dilemma, it now struck him- upon reflection- as somewhat ironic that he himself had effectively created a second Lieutenant Kotetsu.
Part of him secretly worried about the possible implications of this, that of the concept that a Captain Ukitake would have a Lieutenant Kotetsu serving under them might somehow end up being viewed as some strange form of tradition. Or, worse yet, possibly even an institution?
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
The Living Realm, Karakura...
"Dad..."
Isshin Kurosaki looked up, a look of surprise visible on his face, to the source of the voice that had just addressed him, his eyes confirming what his ears had detected.
It was his son, Ichigo, standing at the parameter of the living room. The orange-haired teen's posture was visibly stiff, and he lingered awkwardly. "Son... Ichigo, is something wrong?" He finally asked, if only to break the uncomfortable silence that threatened to overtake them.
This seemed to be the 'in' that the younger man was seeking, as he appeared to relax somewhat in the face of the simple question. "I... I'm not sure how to even answer that." He replied. "First off, I realize I've been distant- to you, to Karin and Yuzu... not to mention my friends... And, I also know now that my actions weren't making things any better either." The youth went on.
Isshin silently watched as his son moved to occupy the other end of the couch. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry for avoiding you guys, because by doing that... I hurt the three of you." Ichigo continued. "The truth is, I felt like I wasn't 'me' anymore, not really... like I lost a part of myself."
"Ichigo," his father started. "Has something happened, are you alright?"
Ichigo nodded. "Yeah, it took a while... but I think I'm getting better." He answered. "I'm not sure how to explain- not right now- but it's like I've finally found the clarity I was missing."
"If that's really the case," Isshin resumed. "Then I'm glad... And, I'm glad to have you back." He added after a moment. "And I'm certain that the girls will be overjoyed- to see you like this, to finally be able to have their big brother back again- to have things like they used to be."
"I'd like that too." The teen answered. "But, so much has happened." He lamented. "Where do I even start- with you, or them- how the hell do I start to explain thing?"
"Son," Isshin began reassuringly. "Just tell them, tell us, how you're doing." He offered. "That's what's most important... The rest, we can figure as we go." He finished with a smile.
His son responded with a small smile of his own. "Thanks..."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
The Twelfth Division HQ...
Szayel sat behind his desk, in his office within the heart of the Twelfth Division, watching silently as the sandy-haired Fraccion sauntered about the room before him. The pink-haired Espada took note of the change in the Arrancar's attire- specifically, the dragon motif on the long coat he now sported.
"Well now, brother," Ylforte began with a smile as he turned to address his sibling. "I really must hand it to you, you've done quite well for yourself since coming here." He added coolly.
The Octavio gestured to a guest chair- situated before his large wooden desk- with a wave of his gloved hand, and the Fraccion was quick to oblige, taking him up on the offer. "Yes, well, I wasn't all that keen on the likely alternative... So, when I saw my opening, I seized it." Szayel explained. "As you no doubt recall, I was always far more comfortable in a lab, than on a battlefield."
Ylforte arched a brow. "And they accepted you, just like that?"
Szayel smirked and chuckled slightly. "As nice as it would be to say that all it took was my own natural charm, wit, and native intellect to win them over," he replied. "The truth is... they were skeptical of me- and not without cause- after all, we had been fighting on different sides up till then."
The golden-eyed Espada continued. "No, it was more the confluence of a number of factors- including that I did them the favor of killing the previous Captain." He added. "It hardly required someone of my intelligence to see that the late Mayuri Kurotsuchi was not, shall we say, a popular man... In fact, from just own my experience with the man, and from I've learned of him, I would be hard pressed to think a more loathsome creature than the late Captain Kurotsuchi."
"Really?" Ylforte asked, shifting his weight onto his elbow. "Is that your professional opinion, or just your own personal summation of the man?" He inquired.
"Both." He replied, looking the other Arrancar in the eyes. "I can say, with some certainty, that Mayuri Kurotsuchi was both an unscientific cretin and an academic charlatan; as well as a petty-minded sadist, who held his division in a grip of terror; who perverted science to sate his own morbid curiosities, all while committing atrocities to rival the likes of Josef Mengele."
"You know, Brother," the Fraccion started, rubbing his chin, his usually glib tone uncharacteristically subdued as he turned his brown eyes to meet the glance of the Espada. "Some people might regard your rather colorful assessment of him as an apt description of you."
The Octavio went wide-eyed at this. "Don't ever compare you me to that creature!" Szayel exclaimed angrily, slamming his fist down upon the desk. "Everything that I did- however misguided- I did so as a scientist, to learn, to gain knowledge and understanding!"
"That's not much of a justification." The sandy-haired Arrancar replied calmly, his tone detached and clinical as he regarded the scientist Arrancar seated before him.
"It isn't mean to be!" Szayel countered vehemently, taking a breath as he ran his gloved hands through his collar-length pink locks. "I am a scientist, and there is nothing of scientific merit to be gleaned from sadism and cruelty. ...I never harmed another living being just because I could."
He turned in his chair, away from him, casting his gaze upward. "Or, at least, that's what I keep telling myself- each day, these last few months." He added, the latter part almost in a whisper. "I am a Hollow, and a Hollow does not burden itself with concerns like morality or empathy. No, a Hollow takes what it desires, and kills- without concern- all those who are of no tangible value to it."
"An apt assessment," Ylforte replied. "At least, from a certain perspective."
Szayel turned back around to face his sibling. "And yet, knowing all that... Why do I care? Why does the happiness and well-being of my staff matter? Why does the mere sight of seeing Nemu smile mean so much to me? Why does it matter that the Shinigami Captains trust me?"
Ylforte smirked slightly. "Would an answer make any of that more meaningful?"
The Eighth smiled and shook his head. "No, the 'whys' are inconsequential. ...What does matter, what holds meaning, is the end result- the fact that I do care."
"How uncharacteristically unscientific of you, Brother." Ylforte replied with a grin.
"Indeed." Szayel countered with a smile. "Or, more aptly... I should say Undeed."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
At the moment, for Captain Jushiro Ukitake of the Thirteenth Division, the waiting room of the Fourth Division's hospital was truly living up to its name...
The white-haired man was seated in the aptly named waiting room, as he uneasily waited for news of his wife's condition. To one side of him, sat Captain Shunsui Kyoraku, lounging in of the nearby chairs. While Stark occupied the seat on the opposite side, the slumped over Primera Espada somehow having managed to fall asleep in the uncomfortable metal chair. Beside him, sat his smaller half, arms folded and one knee hitched over the other- idly kicking as Lillynette gazed irritably at nothing in particular.
Finally, mercifully, Shunsui broke the silence. "Jushiro, just between the two of us," the tall swordsman started, rubbing his chin. "Were you excited when you found out you were going to have a son?"
At this, the other man smirked, then nodded. "I'm fully aware that there's a... shall we say, expectation among the noble families that male heirs are preferred." He remarked. "Though, I'm more than content with just the prospect of being a father- regardless of the gender." Jushiro added thoughtfully, adjusting his posture as he continued. "As far as I'm concerned, pragmatism has no place is child-rearing."
"No, it really shouldn't." Shunsui replied with a nod. "But then, one could also offer the same argument in regard to matters of tradition." He continued. "In the end... escaping expectations is much easier said that done, especially if one happens to have a fancy family name." He lamented.
"Why, Shunsui," Jushiro started. "To hear you speak like that just now... I have to say, you're coming dangerously close to causing me to think you're making some kind of statement."
"Well, now you're just being silly." The other man countered with a smile. "For the noble houses- such as the Kuchiki, your own family, the Kyoraku and so on- adhering to traditions and ensuring fluidity of succession are of paramount importance." Shunsui explained glibly to his friend.
"Oi, what are you two talking about?" Lillynette asked. "I couldn't understand half of what your were saying just now- was it some kind of secret code?" She asked the two Shinigami.
"Oh yes," Shunsui replied, perking up. "A special secret code used by the nobility- a complicated and subtle mix of sarcasm and innuendo." He explained to the girl with a smile. "Why, it's so subtle, in fact, that I'd wager that more than half of the time, less than half of the nobles are even aware of when it's being used against them- and in their presence, no less."
Jushiro rolled his eyes and chortled at the statement, as Lillynette gave a look of disbelief. At the same time that this going on, they heard approaching footsteps- all three of them turning around, just in time to watch Nemu arrive. She was dressed in her usual attire, save for the red choker she normally wore around her next. In its place, she wore a dark pink one, with a black butterfly motif stitched into it.
She bowed her head politely to the two Captains. "Szayel-sama sent me here, as a representative of the Twelfth Division, and as an observer." Nemu explained to them. "He also asked me to relay to you that he intends to visit himself, some time later tonight," She paused. "That is, once he has completed his, er, reunion with his brother- Ylforte-san." The purple-haired woman finished.
"Brother?" Jushiro replied curiously, before exchanging a look with Shunsui, swiftly followed by the two men promptly turning their gazes toward Stark...
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Ylforte smiled. "You know, Szayel," he resumed. "I have to say, all things considered, you've really done quite well for yourself." The Fraccion went on. "I mean, just look at you: here you are, a Hollow of all things, living among the Shinigami- and flourishing, I might ad."
Szayel arched a slender brow as his brother continued. "I can see it, you know... These people, these Shinigami, they accept you, they even like you." He paused. "But most importantly, I'd go so far as to say that some of them... some of them trust you." The Arrancar added. "Hmm?"
"Yes, well, let's just say..." Szayel started coolly. "That it's a... a work in progress." He offered with a small smile. "But now, as much as I've enjoyed this chance to commiserate with you, there's a far more pressing matter that I would very much like to speak with you about." The Espada leaned forward as he continued. "Tell me, Ylforte, why are you here?"
The sandy-haired Arrancar gave a look of mock-surprise. "What ever do you mean?" He asked, his handsome visage never faltering. "I'm paying you a long-overdue visit."
"You know what I mean." The Octavio countered. "I'm talking about the real reason... I know you're wouldn't be here just for a bit of sightseeing." Szayel continued. "I've known the Sexta for some time, certainly long enough to knew he would not be so capricious with the lives of his few remaining pack members to see them off on some flight of fancy. No, he sent you here, the only question is why?"
"You seem remarkably certain of that." Ylforte replied. "How can you be so sure that Grimmjow sent me here, or that there's some deeper motive behind why he would?" He asked. "Listening to you right now, well, if I didn't know better, I'd say you sound... almost paranoid."
"On the contrary, it all comes down to experience." He answered. "My time in Las Noches taught me to anticipate such things." The pink-haired Arrancar explained. "There's more to your visit, something deeper, and I have intention of being caught unawares." Szayel added, leaning back in his chair, as he reached down to open a drawer within his large desk...
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Coyote Stark- the less outspoken, male half of the Primera Espada- sighed as he now found himself the focus of the two Shinigami's attention. A brief moment passed, before he simply resigned himself to the situation and shifted up into a slightly more upright posture.
"It's... complicated." Stark began slowly. "When it comes to Arrancar and Hollows in general, concepts such as family and familial relations are a bit more nebulous." He continued. "The majority of our kind aren't 'born' in the traditional sense- not like with humans or Shinigami." The Primera Espada went on in an even tone. "The end result of the confluence of many souls, becoming one being."
"Similar to a gestalt entity." Nemu interjected, gaining the others attention. "Multiple organisms, all of them functioning together- making the whole greater then the sum of the constituent parts."
The Espada nodded. "Except, in our case," he continued. "It's a permanent arrangement- a single being, with a single consciousness." Stark added, tapping the side of his head. "But to get back to the original question... It might be more accurate to say that 'relations' between Hollows are less about family, and more a matter of instinct or the result of bonds formed by necessity."
"What he's trying to say," Lillynette chimed in. "Is that most of the time, Hollows don't need to actually be related think of one another as siblings... or, in our case, as pack members."
The girl's comments peaked Shunsui's interest. He'd been present during past instances of the Arrancar invoking the word 'pack'- with the term being seemingly analogous in meaning to 'family', or any other comparable tight-knit unit. He listened intently as the young female continued...
"The bond between fellow pack members is as good as family." Lillynette explained enthusiastically to the Shinigami. "Every members shares responsibilities, and does their part- especially when it comes to looking after cubs- because a cub is important to the entire pack."
It was around this time that Nanao Ise arrived. "Sorry I'm late, Captain Ukitake." The bespectacled woman interjected with a polite nod. Lieutenant Matsumoto made sure that Captain Ukitake was seen safely here, while I took care of things at the Eighth... I hope I haven't missed anything?"
Jushiro shook his head. "No, you're just in time." He replied. "In fact, since we arrived here, we've had nothing but time on our hands." The Captain explained with a smile.
"And now," Jushiro resumed, turning to Shunsui. "All of this talking about extended family has gotten me thinking about things..." The white-haired man continued. "Specifically, in regards to taking care of certain arrangements for my son's future." Jushiro paused. "And now Shunsui, my dear friend, what would you say to being the godfather of my son?"
"Wha-?!" The scruffy-faced swordsman started in surprise, sitting up in his chair. "M-me, I- I mean, are you and Retsu sure you'd really be alright with someone like me in that role?"
"Oh my goodness!" Nanao gushed, her face lighting up beautifully.
"We've already discussed it," Jushiro replied with a smile. "And given all of our long history together, neither one of us could think of a better person you you, Shunsui."
Everyone's eyes- even Stark's- were now on Shunsui, as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Well, what else can I say..." He started after a moment, before looking his friend in the eyes. "Other then, if it's what you and Retsu want... then who am I to refuse such an honor?" The Captain finished with a smile.
It was at this point that Nemu's PDA lit up, alerting her that she'd received a message from Szayel...
She looked up, to the others. "Excuse me... Captain Ukitake, Szayel-sama just alerted me that he's arrived at the hospital." She announced. "He's speaking with Lady Captain Ukitake."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Orihime smiled as she looked at the large rectangular birdcage before her. It was set up on a folding table in the other room (or "guest room") in the apartment. The structure were composed of narrowly-spaced metal vertical bars, with intersecting horizontal bars running across them. Beneath the cage's floor, there was a plastic "tray" (lined with newspaper) that could be easily slid out and cleaned.
Within the cage, there were multiple cups- filled with mixed seeds- and a large water bottle affixed at either end, as well as nests of varying sizes and designs. She noted that Ulqui-kun and Hime-chan had already set up house in one- a smaller, open-air nest located at one end.
Elsewhere across the cage, the young woman observed the half dozen Society Finches moving about the cage. Their bodies (including their beaks and feat) were adorned in a random mixture of off-white and dark brown- a bit like a 'cookies and cream' motif. The 'Societys' (as they were jointly referred to) had also laid claim to a larger open-air nest at the other end of the cage.
There was also a pair of Spice Finches, who'd claimed one of two enclosed nests that had been set up on the back wall of the cage. The Spices were dark brown (even darker than on the Societys) and near-black (particularly their beaks), with a dark scale-like pattern over their light brown stomachs.
The young woman paused, looking to Zebra Finches' nest, and noticed that Hime-chan was hunkered down, with her feathers puffed out a bit. "Hime-chan...?" She started, just in time as Ulqui-kun landed on the edge of the nest, and settled in beside her. "Are you... brooding?"
However, before she could ponder this further, Orihime's cellphone rang!
She clicked the phone on and brought it up. "Hello?" Orihime inquired. "Rangiku-san? W-wait, aren't you in Soul Society?" She went on. "How are you even getting through to me right now?" She asked, confused.
"That's not important right now." The other woman spoke. "I've got some big news to tell you..."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Retsu Ukitake lay in bed, in the deliver room she'd been delivered to, her long dark hair freed from its braid and drawn off to the side. She glanced upwards, at the ceiling, the woman's expression unusually calm given the circumstances that she presently found herself in...
The room, like the rest of the facility, was tinged by the familiar lingering antiseptic smell of chemicals that she'd come to know over the course of her many years working as a medic.
She knew enough, both from her professional and (more recently) personal experiences, that she had been quite fortunate in her life. Retsu commanded one of the elite Court Guard Divisions, and she was highly respected amongst her peers within the Seireitei. And more recently, in the last year and a half, she'd married the man she loved, and would soon be giving birth. While unexpected, the revelation of her forthcoming pregnancy and parenthood nevertheless excited her.
Retsu's hand came to rest on the swell of her large belly. She knew that it wouldn't be long now, before the contractions started. Just then, she cast her dark-eyed gaze sidelong, to the door to her room, just in time to see as Captain Szayel Grantz of the Twelfth Division appeared in the doorway.
"Captain, I came as soon as I could." He announced with a smile. "I hope you're doing well, all things considered... After all, it was my wish that I find you in good spirits."
"Well enough," she replied softly, looking upwards once more. "All things considered." Retsu added lightly after a moment, giving a slight smile of her own.
"Excellent." Szayel replied, picking up a nearby clipboard. "Now, to more pressing matters..."
. . . ...o.o.o... . . .
Lillynette, having been the one to first to notice the arrival of 'Shiro-san's' sisters, perked up excitedly in her chair at sight of the two women. "Oh wow, hey: Jun-san! Karu-san!" The small female Arrancar called out excitedly as she leapt to her feat and ran over to great them.
Both women smiled affectionately at the sight of the energetic girl. This was due in no small degree to the fact that it had been obvious- practically from the first time they'd been introduced to her- that there was a strong bond between her and their brother. For his part, it was almost as if Jushiro had- perhaps unconsciously- taken on a paternal role with the girl. And conversely, it seemed that Lillynette, in her own way, longed for his approval and affection (much as she had with Retsu).
"Lilly-chan." Both Junko and Junko greeted warmly, much to the delight of the girl. The two Ukitake sisters were eager to learn of the condition of their new sister-in-law, as well as the status of their as-of-yet to be born nephew- who's exact given name still remained undecided.
"Jushiro-niisan," Junko started, before embracing him. "It's so good to see you again."
"It's been too long." Her elder brother replied as he returned the gesture en-kind. After a moment, he drew back, his hands still resting on her shoulders. "It's always good to see you, Junko-chan."
Jushiro had always been one of the few to address the noblewoman by her given name, let alone in such a cute, familiar tone. There were shades of their father, the late Ukitake Patriarch, in both the sister and the brother: both tall and elegant in stature, with angular features. The key difference between them being that Junko's hair was still a dark rich shade of brown, while Jushiro's had turned snowy white.
With that, he then moved to greet the younger of his sisters. "And Hikaru," Jushiro began warmly as he hugged her. "My dear little Hikaru, how are you doing these days?"
"I'm doing well, Jushiro-niisan." The smaller of the two sisters replied gently. Unlike Junko and their brother, Hikaru much more resembled their mother, with her softer features and smaller stature. "Tell me, is Retsu-san doing well? Have we missed anything important?" She inquired.
He shook his head. "No, nothing so far." Jushiro answered, just as Nemu's PDA chimed.
"Speak of the devil..." Shunsui remarked.
"...And he appears." The white-haired man finished, as he- along with the others- turned towards the purple-haired woman seated amongst them. "Lieutenant?"
Nemu looked away from the screen. "It's from Szayel-sama," she began. "According to this message, your wife- Retsu Ukitake- has just gone into labor."
(- End of Chapter XLI... -)
Sorry if the ending seems a bit sudden, but the next chapter picks up immediately where this one leaves off. The pregnancy sub-plot wraps up in the next chapter, which will then be followed by a special bonus chapter- so I hope you guys will stick around. Also, sorry this took so long, but on the plus side, I've actually managed to widened my buffer finished chapters, and I'm more than half way along in working out the complete detailed outline of the story.