Lifted Up

by Tomas the Betrayer

Sequel to 'Hammered Down'. Under the shadow of a heaven ruled by monsters, Rukia Kuchiki continues to fulfill her duties with new lives and hearts added to the mix. And above all, there is a mother's love.

32. War Approaches: Hunting for Answers

It's so quiet here now.

Yes. But that is for the best.

Rukia Kuchiki walked alone through the Halo that was once her responsibility to oversee. A temporary residence designed to house the displaced residents of Soul Society, the Heavenly Relocation Oases all had very similar layouts. Viewed from the outside, their design reminded her of tremendous conch shells made up of a vast winding white ribbon formed from solid spirit particles that swirled around a central spire. Homes, parks and entertainment sites were set up along that band, from top to bottom. They were all rather basic in terms of accommodations, being crafted on the fly. But up 'til now, they had served their purpose well. No cause for complaints for the most part.

Only the time had finally come for the Halos to be retired. Their last residents were being transferred over to homes in the new heavenly planes. Once that was completed, these serviceable structures would be broken down into the spiritual components from which they were first made.

Of course, that necessitated making sure all the inhabitants were safely evacuated. Which was precisely why Rukia was here now. The last of the holdouts required her personal attention.

At last she came upon one small non-descript home out of many. Around her the once bustling neighborhood stood empty, deserted. Only a hermit would find such environs appealing.

Well, here goes.

She rang the bell and waited. After a while, the sound of someone approaching came from the other side. "Who… who is it?" a fearful voice whispered.

"Rukia Kuchiki."

After a few moments of debate, there came the drawing of a latch, and several locks clicking. Then finally the door opened a crack, allowing anxious eyes to peer out.

"May I come in, Hitsujikai-san?"

Hesitation at first. Then former shinigami Yoshi Hitsujikai bobbed his head nervously in agreement and stood aside for her to enter. When Rukia did, he quickly shut the door behind her, leaving the street empty once more.

---

"Welcome, Captain Hitsugaya," a servant greeted him as he entered the foyer. He seemed in no way surprised at this unannounced visit by such a high-ranked official. "His Lordship shall be informed of your arrival. If you will follow me, I can escort you to a suitable–"

"This can't wait."

And with that Tōshirō Hitsugaya brushed past the man and set off down the hall.

Normally the young warrior made a point to observe good social graces. A holdover from his childhood, when people expected the worst of him due to his appearance. It helped to minimize conflicts.

You're in a hurry today.

He has good reason.

Yeah, we get that. But haste makes waste. You're opening up a can of worms, kid.

The argument of his dual zanpakutō faded as memory guided him along. At last Tōshirō found himself standing before a nondescript room. The door was closed, but he could hear rustling. The master of the house must be in attendance.

Before you go barging in, just remember who you're dealing with. If anyone knows this man, it's us, so don't…

Tōshirō slid the door open with a bang. "Kyōraku-sama, forgive me, but–"

"EEP!"

There came the briefest glimpse of a girl in a maid's uniform as she quickly dove onto her bed. Books went spilling everywhere as the frightened servant cowered under the covers.

After a moment, the embarrassed captain mumbled, "Sorry to disturb you." So saying, he shut the door and left.

Okay. So that was his girlfriend's bedroom, not Kyōraku's. I… jumped the gun.

Indeed. Hardly an auspicious beginning.

Aw, leave him alone. That was cute!

It ill behooves us to behave indecorously at this junction. Remember our reason for being here.

We understand. But are you sure you want to do this now, kid? What if he recognizes us? Your secret might get out.

I have to talk to someone about this. Someone who will understand and… care.

A tightness in his throat made both swords and their master fall silent. Hitsugaya Tōshirō proceeded on his way through the comfortable confines of a mansion belonging to Shunsui Kyōraku, former captain of the Gotei 13. As he did, he rehearsed what he had to say.

Captain Kyōraku? No, Lord Kyōraku…. Forgive the interruption. I'm here because… my mother, she's… she used to work for you, and…

She's dying.

Coming to a halt at an intersection, that noble figure angrily struck a wall post. One hand clasped roughly against his eyes to prevent any tears from falling. Teeth gritted, fist digging into the wood, he fought to control a swell of desperate loss.

Since learning of their true relationship, Hitsugaya had made more of an effort to find time for Granny… or rather, Shirabe. They talked about the past, moments and references that only they and one other person would recognize and value. It made him glad that they could be so open with each other. No more need for secrets. His mother was the only person alive he had told about his experience in the Deadly Trials, and how it had changed him. She burst out weeping at the thought of his death, but he reassured her that he was perfectly fine and could now command far greater powers in his defense than ever before. This was little consolation to Granny. Still, she took heart that her little boy was still with her.

The first sign something might be amiss was small. Shirabe seemed to have lost her appetite. Whenever they met, she always made sure to have food ready for him. But after a while he noticed she was serving him more and more, without taking much for herself. When he finally mustered the courage to ask, she insisted he still needed his nutrition as a growing boy and she would have anything he didn't finish off later. This excuse only made him nervous.

For several months, she had appeared confused, often asking him the same question multiple times, and only seeming to realize it after he gently reminded her. Cheerful as ever, his lifelong guardian brushed it off as her being a scatter-brained old biddy.

But she always looked so tired lately. Last night, she nearly went to sleep right there at the dinner table. Frightened and dismayed, Tōshirō insisted she go to bed immediately, overruling all her protests that she had just overexerted herself cooking and wasn't really sleepy. He helped her to bed and even brought her a bowl of soup which she consented to take a few mouthfuls for his benefit. After that they talked, with him waiting patiently as her attention slipped away from one sentence to the next, struggling to get her thoughts into words.

Finally, when Granny did drift off to peaceful sleep, Tōshirō couldn't stop himself from crying.

He did so quietly, not wanting to disturb her rest. But the truth could no longer be denied. This kind, selfless, devoted woman who had borne him through unimaginable hardship and looked after him ever since… he would soon lose her forever.

"I… love you," he had sobbed wretchedly, and given her a tender kiss on the cheek. Shirabe continued to sleep undisturbed while her son remained at her bedside the whole night, unwilling to leave lest the worst happen and he not be there for her. More than anyone, Shirabe should not have to die alone. She should be with people who cared about her. But he couldn't stay here all the time. The duties of a captain demanded his attention. And while the thought of his mother passing away all by herself in this tiny little hut filled him with dread at the prospect, Tōshirō recognized there was precious little he could do in this situation.

I only found out a few years ago! Why does this have to happen now?! We should have more time together! Good people shouldn't die alone. She needs her family.

Momo, where are you?

"Tōshirō-kun?"

Caught up in his bitter grief, the boy captain looked up to find himself joined by none other than Kyōraku Shunsui. The retired veteran of the Gotei 13 had on a light summer robe of black silk with the moon and stars of a cloudy sky sewn into it. His face was etched into an expression of surprise at finding Hitsugaya like this. And certainly he must be.

But it was his companion who had spoken.

Oh no…

Tōshirō, guard yourself.

Beside the mansion's owner stood Jūshirō Ukitake, Lord-Husband to Lady Isane of the Kotetsu Clan. The handsome legend wore his concern and bewilderment without regard for anyone who might see it. He had on a yutaka similar to his old friend's, white with great blue waves crested by foam, like something from a Japanese painting. Moonlight hair spilled down his shoulders, while deep brown eyes regarded the pale youth before them with concern. He had an almost paternal look about him.

So distraught was he at being found out like this, Tōshirō almost called the man 'Father.'

He caught himself at the last second. While he must appear absolutely wretched right now, there was no way he could allow himself to give in to his feelings. Ever since Shirabe informed him that he was, in fact, Ukitake's child by way of a spell-induced night of passion, Tōshirō Hitsugaya had wrestled with the implications of his parentage. For most of his life he had considered himself an orphan; a stray, the unwanted get of a lover's tryst gone wrong at best. No loving parents would ever have given up their offspring to be raised by a stranger in the Rukongai.

But ever since the day he learned of his true parentage, Tōshirō had made no effort to seek out Ukitake in any way. Absurd, some might say. Having felt the lack of parental ties for so long, what kind of fool would not rush to form a relationship with his newly revealed sire? Regardless of their respective situations, or how they had looked upon each other while serving together in the military, surely now there could only be cause for rejoicing. Tōshirō had a father; Jūshirō had a son. They could surely smile and laugh about this while remembering all the times the old captain had unwittingly offered his son candy or made delighted exclamations about their similarity in names.

And yet Tōshirō couldn't bring himself to do it. Not for any specific reason, but because it simply felt… weird.

Was that a good enough reason to keep father and son apart? Possibly not. However he had yet to find a worthwhile argument that might lead him to choose otherwise. Shirabe never asked him if he had sought out his father, possibly because she still didn't want him to have to deal with the result of their night together and all the headaches it would surely entail for a man married to one of the most powerful women in their world.

Now here they stood at long last. Father and son united, even if one remained unaware.

I should have known he might be here.

I did advise caution, if you will recall.

I'm still so used to feeling both of their spiritual energy even from a great distance. That sort of thing is hard to get over in just a few years.

Hey, be thankful they can't feel yours anymore, otherwise there might be another issue to complicate things, remember?

Please forgive me for putting you both through this.

Don't be so hard on yourself, kid. Seriously, it's… nice to see him doing well. We were always so worried about him. Now look at the guy. He's actually got some color in his cheeks!

Maybe some aspect of Sōgyo no Kotawari's delight at seeing their old wielder transferred over to Tōshirō, for he found himself more in control of himself than just a moment past. The boy captain straightened upright, squared his shoulders and faced the two noblemen calmly. "Lord Ukitake, Lord Shunsui; I hope you'll forgive this interruption."

They exchanged a look, perhaps confused at his abrupt shift in attitude. From on the brink of tears to formal as a Kuchiki. At last Kyōraku turned back to him and said slowly, "Well… think nothing of it, my good man."

"Yes, truly, we weren't busy with anything at all," Jūshirō added in eager attempt to console him. "Well, other than, I mean…"

Here he blushed and stood there beaming like somebody's proud grandfather. It made Tōshirō uncomfortable seeing him like this.

"What he means, Tōshirō-kun," his uncharacteristically sober companion spoke up when neither of them seemed to know what to say next, "is that you'll have to call him 'Daddy' from now on!"

Tōshirō's jaw clenched, eyes flinging wide with disbelief. He KNOWS?!

"Oh, stop that, you great oaf!" Uttering an embarrassed laugh, Ukitake tweaked the other man's long silver-streaked ponytail. He then took a deep breath and turned back to the dumbstruck captain, swelling up with pride once more. "But yes, it's true. Isane and I are going to have a child together! I just stopped by to spread the good news."

"Kyōraku-sama?" Hitsugaya suddenly spoke. "There's something important I need to discuss with you. In private."

Eyebrows rose quizzically on that ruggedly masculine face. "Certainly. I'd be only too happy to oblige." A servant appeared at his elbow without being asked, and he informed her, "Escort Captain Hitsugaya to the garden. I'll be along shortly."

She obediently held out an arm to beckon the boy on. Tōshirō was only too pleased to follow, and the two of them went off together. Shunsui and Jūshirō watched him go.

After they rounded a corner, the white-haired noble leaned over and whispered, "Do you think he noticed?"

"No way. We'd definitely have heard about it otherwise."

"I'll take care of things, then," Ukitake decided. "You'd best go see what he has to say."

"Be careful."

"You too."

And they separated, trailing secrets and power even now.

---

Drawing closer to Aizen's quarters, Tosen's lip curled slightly in distaste as he felt the overwhelming presence of another palace resident approaching him down an intersecting hall. When they were visible to one another, Tia Halibel stopped to regard him with an equal level of disdain. "And where are you going?"

As if she needed to ask. There was nothing in this wing of the palace but the imperial quarters. Kaname did not slow his pace as he strode past her. "To speak with my lord."

"You'll have to wait."

The samurai stopped and half-turned, head tilted down slightly. "Why?"

"Unohana has called a meeting of the Sankishi." Mockery dripped from her every word. "You don't hold that title, do you?"

He hesitated, considering his options. Then the blind warrior nodded. "Very well."

"So glad you approve." As he retreated past her back the way he came, Halibel called over her shoulder. "Don't worry, Tosen. When we need you… you'll know it."

He did not stop to bandy words with the Hollow harlot. But something in the way she said that last unnerved him. An eerie prickle went up his spine, a premonition owing to a lifetime of recognizing imminent danger that could not be seen by the naked eye.

So when he got back to his room, Kaname immediately crossed to a small cleared space he used for meditation. Seating himself, he rested Suzumushi upon his lap. Gloved hands rested lightly upon her. Blind eyes stared straight ahead unblinkingly. Now that he had a moment to think, was it possible he had merely been starting at shadows? Perhaps Halibel intended only to unsettle him, nothing more. Do I dare intrude upon my superiors in their most sacred communion?

It was only thanks to the establishment of the Sankishi, or 'Three Precious Children,' that their world had been spared further unspeakable depredations. For several years after they were unjustly trapped in this dimension, all Nirvana had lived in terror of the Primera Espada, Coyote Stark. The Fenris Ulf ran wild through this beautiful realm slaughtering all he came across. Only the power of Lord Aizen could withstand him. Yet no matter how many times his master triumphed, he could not manage to destroy Stark permanently. Weakened, yes. But eventually, no matter what methods were brought to bear, the beast would regain its strength, and the madness started all over again.

It was Unohana who fashioned the concept of the Dreamless Abyss in which Coyote Stark might be imprisoned anew. After her restoration, she, Aizen, and Halibel formed the Sankishi, a holy trinity meant to preserve their world. Only three beings of such unswerving might could serve to bind the beast deep in its prison, far removed from the poor suffering souls of Nirvana. There the monstrous Hollow remained, trapped as surely as the day they found him on the moon.

Unohana's restoration brought them deliverance, it could not be denied. Yet had they simply replaced one uncontrollable monster with another?

Should one of them fall, or should the Witch succumb to her malice, the formation will crumble, and we shall all perish in the jaws of the Wolf.

That will never happen. Lord Aizen has the situation firmly in hand.

Poor Tosen… it is only a matter of time. You know this to be true.

No. I must have faith. They are our saviors. They will never abandon us to the darkness.

No? Prove it to me.

… I will.

His mouth opened slightly, and a drawn-out breath emerged. Senses focused. All the sound around him went away, except for the spot he needed to hear – the heart of the palace, where even now, the Sankishi met to renew the binding that protected all their subjects.

Susanō, Goddess of the Ocean, spoke first. "We've been able to transmit small things through me before. Only they weren't alive. For this to succeed, he would have to be a part of me."

"It will be done," God of the Moon Tsukiyomi replied in reassured tones. "It would mean restraining your hunger, possibly for months or years on end. We cannot be certain how long it would take."

"We no longer have years, Sosuke. Our time has come." The haunting tones of Amaterasu, Goddess of the Sun, made Tosen swallow nervously. It was all he could do to continue listening and not stop out of sheer fright. "Grimmjow approaches his apogee. And Rōjirō grows uncooperative. He must be brought to heel. Or dispatched altogether."

"I mislike the thought of wasting our resources, stretched thin as they are."

"It cannot be helped," Amaterasu growled low in her throat suddenly. "His ulterior motives are… plain as day. He thinks to use our creation to affect his own reign. And Grimmjow, well…"

"We never expected obedient cooperation." Tsukiyomi smiled when he spoke, evident in his tone. "A king chafes at any yoke, especially one imposed by another ruler. Which is why we must have someone more… tractable. A person who will obey their master without question."

At this Tosen swallowed. An uncomfortable suspicion had dawned upon him. Were they talking about…?

"The preparations are complete. When you are ready, we can begin."

"You'll be gentle, Retsu? Reprisal at this stage would only hurt our fortunes."

"Your blind dog has nothing to fear… from me."

An involuntary gasp almost cost him his focus. Hastily Tosen sought to catch the rest of the conversation before it could fade and be lost.

"I'll be in my quarters, then." Here Susanō chuckled hungrily in a way that was almost as disturbing as the Witch and slithered upright, her clothing rustling. "Bring him to me, and I'll taste my fill. I want to take my time with this meal. Only a nibble, Sosuke," she added when Tsukiyomi stirred in his seat. "Just enough to bring him through."

"Then let us see to it."

Here Susanō took her leave. Tsukiyomi and Amaterasu conferred briefly for a time before she too departed. The meeting had ended. Which left only–

"Tosen."

His heart nearly stopped.

"I know you're listening. Do not be ashamed. Come to me, and I will explain everything. It is time you knew the part you were born to play."

The world around him came back so suddenly that Tosen's head snapped to one side as though he had been struck. For a while he could only sit there trembling in confusion and fear.

Then obediently, he stood and followed his master's orders.

Poor Tosen…

---

Being the father of two children, Ichigo Kurosaki had plenty of experience with the zoo. And to be sure, back in his very young childhood, it was one of his top places to visit on Earth. Ah, the glow of innocence…

Of course, to an adult, the thing that lingered in your mind most about the zoo was the smell.

Animal hide, and lots of it. Hot garbage rotting in trash cans. Certain people who seemed to have an aversion to bathing. And of course, animal poop. A whole lot of animal poop.

So if anyone were to ask him what he, a grown man with no visible children in tow, was doing in the zoo right now, it would not be an entirely unreasonable question. And his answer?

He had come to speak to a ghost-chaser.

"No entry," one of the security guards held up a hand to forestall him as he approached the gorilla habitat. The other one pointed at a freshly positioned sign that read, 'Filming in Progress: Please do Not Disturb.'

Ichigo drew to a halt. Looking between them uncomfortably, he stated, "I'm a friend of Oushima Reichi's."

Neither of them even blinked. Clearly this line had been tried before, with no success.

"And if you need to confirm that, then ask Mizuho Asano."

Now that registered, judging by the way both men started violently. They withdrew a short distance to converse briefly before one of them pulled out a phone. "Your name?" he asked with barely concealed trepidation.

So he told them.

The push of a button, a quick conversation, some very abusive language, and Ichigo Kurosaki was permitted to stroll down the path like he owned the place.

His destination proved easy to spot with the naked eye alone. Just follow the lights of the TV cameras. In no time he found himself mixing with a diverse assembly of gophers, cameramen, set technicians, sound pros, caterers, and what looked like half-a-dozen guys in suits arguing volubly with a sanguine old fellow slouching in a director's chair pointedly ignoring their criticism.

Wearing his own off-the-rack power suit made Ichigro look like one of those TV executives, which could explain why nobody remarked on his presence. Some of the younger executive producer types had dyed their hair fantastic colors, which made Ichigo feel like a tiger hidden amongst painted zebra. This was certainly the place for it, after all.

Spiritual senses helped him home in on his target. Walking over to a small pavilion, the shinigami substitute called out, "Hey. Reichi."

The monk sitting cross-legged before the mandrill exhibit swiveled swiftly around. "Ichigo!"

Oushima Reichi swiftly came to his feet and stroad over, grinning broadly. He extended a hand which Kurosaki accepted immediately, and the two former delinquents grinned while clapping one another on the shoulder. Several television folk passing by observed their star's exuberance with a measure of surprise. They knew him as a serene, detached soul who walked calmly through life with a purpose most of them could only envy. But right now he looked like what he was: a young man Ichigo's age with shaved head in the robes of a Shinto priest.

Breaking off a bit, the shinigami substitute smiled at his old enemy. "You look good, man."

"And you look like a suit." It was said in a derisive tone, but the beaming grin that twisted those homely features told there was no real malice behind Reichi's words. "And trust me, I've met a lot of them by now. So what Asano-sama said was true, huh? You took a job with the government." The husky monk shook his head and chuckled good-naturedly.

"Local government." For some reason Ichigo felt it necessary to clarify this to everyone.

"Yeah, yeah. That's what she said. So, uhhh…" Here Oushima bent closer, and his voice dropped an octave. "Misato-sensei?"

The tall redhead seemed to scrunch in on himself like a turtle ducking into its shell, hands digging deep inside his pockets and glancing about uncomfortably. "Yeah."

Leaving the Zoematsu Dojo had been hard, but necessary. He wasn't about to be a burden to Chikamoto-sensei. His name could no longer be considered a draw in the kendo community, so that made him just an unnecessary drain on her already tight resources. They still kept in touch, and sometimes he dropped by to oversee a class. All free, of course. After all, he was a salary man now. All thanks to their generous and severely deranged governor, Misato Ochi, who still ruled their province with an iron fist.

Being part of the public sector, Ichigo was more familiar with the bizarre goings-on that held sway in government ward offices than your average citizen. At least, in this province. Governor Ochi had started small, with mandatory group exercise breaks that all public sector employees had to observe. "To maintain physical fitness," she had told them. Which was fine on its face.

But then came the target practice, using slings to lob metal balls the size of kiwi fruit at pictures of large skull-faced monsters of all shapes and sizes. Coordinated mob attacks of stuffed demons where you were urged to 'go for the eyes' and 'try and tear off their masks.' Escaping from 'invisible demons' who tracked you by unknown means and could walk through walls.

Those who knew him might think such training was right up Ichigo's alley. But he understood the real reason behind all Governor Ochi's craziness. And he found it worrying.

"I'm glad you could make it, man," Reichi suddenly spoke. "Why didn't you bring the kids? Too spooky?"

"No, actually. They're big fans." Ichigo decided to bite the bullet. "This is about my son."

Reichi's cheerful features cleared, becoming totally serious. "Tell me more." And he drew them both over to a private pavilion reserved for the star of the show.

All around them, preparations for the next episode were well underway. A few years back, it had looked like low ratings and shifting trends spelled certain doom for poor Don Kanonji's underfunded and overhyped show. Ghosts and hauntings were out. People were more interested in miracles, like the so-called 'King's Touch,' now once again popularly referred to as 'the miracle cure.'

So when a local media station reported that numerous examples of the 'miracle' appeared to occur in close proximity to Reichi's temple, it didn't take long for the public's attention to focus there. As it happened, Oushima Reichi had been quietly building a base of public support by way of his spiritual interventions. He helped folks suffering from hauntings with remarkable success. Those who visited him claiming to be pursued by apparitions or living under the constant scrutiny of lingering spirits quite often left with a newfound sense of peace and freedom. And unlike with most paranormal hucksters and psychic charlatans, this condition persisted. Most of them didn't know what he had done to help them. Oushima appeared to reason with the spirits at first. From there he performed a ritual which seemed to lift any supernatural malaise the victim was suffering under. This combined with the 'miracle' led to Japan's sensation-hungry public demanding more.

Cue Megumi Asano. Since graduating from Hokkaido University at the top of her class, Keigo Asano's unstoppable older sister went into show business, building her own talent agency that represented numerous rising stars in both film, athletics, and the arts. Tatsuki Arisawa and Konpaku Shiba numbered among her clients. And those were just the beginning. When word reached her of the hubbub in Karakura Town, Megumi wasted no time and used her personal connections to swoop in, seizing upon the unwitting Oushima like an eagle snatching up a rabbit.

After getting as much of an understanding of the situation as she was likely to (and being pulled off from fondling his bald head), the eager agent proceeded to bring Don Kanonji and Reichi together, fusing their different styles into a Frankenstein's Monster of a program that combined spiritual intervention, ghost sightings, and entertainment.

The result? 'MONK'S LONELY GHOST JOURNEY featuring Don Kanonji.'

"So that's the deal."

Ichigo's explanation was finished. In the fold-out chair across from him, Reichi had adopted a cross-legged pose once more, hunched over with two fingers pressed together against his lips. Brow furrowed, he stared at the ground for a while, then looked up. "Ichigo, I'm touched you turned to me about this. But in all honesty, I don't think I'm the guy to help here. No matter what you might have heard, I'm still just a novice. My spiritual journey is far from complete. Have you tried your friends in the afterlife?"

"Well…" He took a sip of high-quality bottled water and scratched his cheek uncomfortably. "See, thing is, Rukia's still technically on probation as a shinigami. Her captain, who's head of the healing division, has given them checkups but can't find anything wrong. And Rukia doesn't really trust anyone else sufficiently to let them near our kids."

The mere thought of Mayuri Kurotsuchi, or even Urahara, examining his children sent a cold shiver through Ichigo's innards, so he kind of knew where she was coming from. But Rukia did not share his concerns about Kujaku's dream episodes, which were growing more frequent. Hence his attempt to reach out to less obvious candidates for help.

"Although…" An idea appeared to have dawned, and now Reichi leaned forward all smiles again. "Your coming here might not have been a wasted trip! I think I know someone who could be much greater help in this situation."

"If you say Don Kanonji…"

"No. Don't be an idiot." Clearly the celebrity monk did not hold his 'co-star' in high regard. "I meant my guardians."

"Ohhh…"

Now Ichigo could see what he was hinting at. It was the secret behind Oushima's success in terms of spiritual interventions.

Ever since the day Kujaku was born, when the Wild Hunt attacked Karakura Town, Reichi had forged a sort of bond with two of the Arashi clan mages who helped defend them, the Mashō, or 'Demon Generals.' The details weren't clear, but somehow they considered him an ally during that conflict, and had received permission from their lord to keep an eye on the devoted if somewhat misguided monk and his mission to bring peace to wayward souls throughout Japan. It was these eccentric shinigami who used their magic all unseen to purify any plus spirits who might cross Reichi's path. He believed them to be some type of bodhisattva or Shinto gods, which wasn't too far off the mark. Either the Mashō didn't bother to correct him on it or gave up trying long ago.

But whether you could see them or not, those two mages often accompanied Oushima on his 'lonely trek,' and should his prayers and attempts to reason with a spirit failed, they wasted no time in performing konso and sending the departed to Soul Society where they belonged. Reichi could often get to the bottom of what might be chaining ghosts to the places and people they haunted, but it was the Arashi who executed the final act utilizing their own unique brand of sorcery.

And that might be just what he needed.

"Oushima?" Ichigo said, a smile starting to creep up his face. "You might be onto something there."

---

While inspecting a wall scroll of a tiger hidden in a bamboo forest, Tōshirō heard the door of the waiting room slide open. He turned about ready to greet his host, only to receive a shock. "Your Ladyship!"

"Captain Hitsugaya."

Tall and commanding, Lady Kukaku of the Arashi came stomping in like a tank. Crimson and green robes of exquisite design swathed her frame like only tailor-made clothing could. But true to her nature, the former head of the Shiba clan managed to look disheveled all the same, with one sleeve constantly threatening to slip off her good shoulder and wild hair bursting from the pins and clasps doing their utmost to keep that bird's nest in shape. The Tiger Lady stood proud before him nonetheless as only a born noble could. Fierce, self-assured...

… and very, very pregnant.

Kukaku entered flanked by several female attendants. Some carried platters of foodstuffs, others fans and pillows, all moving around their mistress like electrons orbiting a nucleus. When she moved, they reciprocated, preserving the distance between them as they waited upon their mistress' whims. The servants looked more comfortable with this arrangement than their employer, who apparently still hadn't grown quite accustomed to being waited on hand and foot.

Pronounced discomfort in her face and bearing reminded Tōshirō why this meeting was such a surprise. "Sorry for the intrusion," and he offered a deep bow. "It wasn't my intention to disturb you in your convalescence, I had hoped to speak to your husband."

"He's busy." Kukaku drew to a halt right in front of him with hand on her hip, glowering down. "So what can I do for you?"

The swell of her belly was level with the small warrior's head, and he had to force himself not to stare, but it was so damn much. All right at eye level. Kukaku and her posse all seemed to be regarding him with the exact same question in their eyes: What do you want?

What now?

You could beg off and come back at a later date.

But wouldn't doing so at this stage only make things worse? You've already dragged the lady all the way here, son.

Point taken.

"I was hoping to have a look at something in the Arashi archives on zanpakutō."

"Fine." Kukaku reached out and swiped a slice of honeydew off a platter, biting into it with a crunch. She then spun around, swaying a bit to get her balance, and marched off. "Follow me."

Tōshirō hadn't expected so little resistance to his admittedly out-of-nowhere entreaty. He had to hustle to keep up with the brisk pace she set. Perhaps Kukaku was determined to show everyone not even pregnancy could slow her down. After the announcement had been made, little more information regarding her condition could be called public knowledge. The Arashi still maintained a level of secrecy about their internal workings despite becoming more closely aligned with the Gotei 7 these past few years. Still, it unnerved him a little to be in this place. Even with relations between this House and the Gotei 7 as they were, the presence of so many of their own armed forces, the Mashō, served to remind him that the Arashi still maintained a very separate existence from the rest of the Seireitei, both militarily and socially.

After passing through sharply curving corridors and halls that could host an entire division, they reached a set of double doors to enter a relatively small chamber. The otherwise unadorned floor boasted a large hexagonal stone slab. Six Arashi mages stood arrayed around it, and as their party took up position upon the slab, they began to chant. Runes in the floor glowed green, and the whole thing slowly began to rise into the air, taking them with it.

At a certain point, magic prickled over his skin, ancient and purposeful. Next thing he knew, Tōshirō found them rising into a tremendous library of sorts, row upon row of wooden shelves ringing them like a forest. As their transport drew level with the floor, it settled in as naturally as could be.

Peering about at this arcane sanctum, the captain couldn't help but feel a little awed. Herein was housed the most comprehensive collection on shinigami and their corresponding guardian spirits in existence. The Grand Library of the Shinigami Academy, and even the old Central 46 archives, could not compare to this assemblage of knowledge. And it was only one of many maintained by the Arashi clan since before the foundation of the Seireitei itself. A captain could spend his long lifetime here and still not peruse even a fraction of the contents.

"I need to sit down," Kukaku abruptly announced. "No, not here, dammit!" she groused as several piles of cushions materialized at her feet. The lady of the manor gave a slightly embarrassed look at her young guest. "The archivists will help you find whatever you're looking for. Come find me when you're done."

And with that she marched off, taking her obedient assembly with her.

"How may we help you, sir?"

A robed librarian had stolen upon him so quietly Tōshirō almost gave a start. With no outward sign of this, he turned to regard the man. "I would like to know about Sōgyo no Kotowari, specifically its known wielders in the past."

With an adroit bow the librarian set off, and the captain followed. A constant clacking nose filled the air, like wooden discs in an abacus dropping against each other. As they walked Tōshirō noticed how the archives held no actual books or scrolls. Instead large wooden tablets or talismans took up space amongst the shelving. The archivists operated wheels set on the ends of the shelves which called up text and images on rolls of paper attached above them. I wonder how much information those things can actually contain? This place seems to go on forever. Is it really all just about soul cutters and their history?

At last they came to one row in particular. His guide inserted a key into the side of the stacks, then proceeded to turn the prayer wheels. In only a few seconds, a very familiar sword appeared on the paper screen.

We look better in real life.

I'm told the camera adds ten pounds.

See how much weight you put on by doubling up, then come talk to us, Ice Meister!

A brief and remarkably easy explanation on how to operate the controls followed, at which point the librarian left him to his business. Despite there being no one else around, Hitsugaya couldn't shake the feeling that he was under surveillance. The Arashi were very protective of their treasures, as he had cause to know. Doubtless sentries were on guard here at all times out of open view.

Might as well get started.

In no time he had mastered the setup and was flipping through registries. The names and even faces of Sōgyo no Kotowari's previous shinigami came up readily enough, first and foremost being the most recent, Jūshirō Ukitake (that anyone else knew of, that is). Even in his drawing, the man had a smile on, which would have made Tōshirō do the same had their relationship not been made known to him. He quickly cycled back through the generations of wielders.

According to this, Sōgyo no Kotowari had manifested only half a dozen times before the start of the Gotei 13, when it became Jūshirō's steadfast partner up to the day Unohana Retsu severed their bond permanently. Despite this, every single person who wielded her up 'til then was counted among the most powerful of their generation, comparable to present-day captains. Detailed biographical information was included, and in some cases they even had pictures from youth to old age.

But none of them proved to be what he sought.

Tōshirō…

After several minutes of fruitless searching, he stepped back in frustration. "Excuse me!"

"Yes, sir?"

Once again the librarian snuck up on him without Tōshirō noticing. He had to give the man credit. Even Stealth Forces operatives couldn't move so… stealthily. "Can you show me the records concerning my own sword, Hyōrinmaru?"

"Certainly."

Another trip through the dimly lit library followed. Once arriving at the right spot the librarian again gave him his privacy, and the white-haired searcher plumbed the depths of knowledge held in store here. History unfurled before him like a movie in the mortal realm. More faces and names appeared. And still, the end result remained the same.

A turn of the wheel left the paper screen before him blank. Gazing at its clean white surface, Tōshirō Hitsugaya slid down and sat heavily on the floor. Swiveling around, he leaned against the wooden stacks and let his head rest back against them with a frustrated groan.

Kid? You alright there?

He did not answer.

We could have told you this wouldn't work. The lady you met wasn't one of our previous wielders.

Nor mine, Tōshirō.

His chin came up, tired eyes drifting around the chamber. "Then who is she?"

It was unusual for a shinigami to speak out loud during a conversation with their zanpakutō. This as much as anything told the double dragon swords how seriously recent developments had affected him. The recognition that he might soon lose his mother forever had spurred Hitusgaya to suddenly seek out information regarding the woman he briefly met after his murder at the hands of Gin Ichimaru, when he acquired control of Sōgyo no Kotowari. Which had led them here.

Some things are beyond the ken of even we zanpakutō. There is much afoot in the world, especially concerning the people around you.

It's hard to lose a parent. They've been in your life since it began. And to learn Shirabe was your mother the whole time, well… that coupled with the truth about Ju-chan would knock anyone for a loop.

A soft burst of laughter escaped his lips. "Ju-chan?"

It's what we called him. Always made the guy smile.

I just… want to know, okay? I'm sick of not knowing, and only finding out after it's too late to do anything about it.

Both soul cutters felt relieved at their private conversation resuming.

Granny… I mean, Shirabe's going to die. And there's nothing I can do to stop it. She'll be gone, and I'll be with her so she's not alone, but after that… there'll be no more chances. I'll never get to see her smile at me again, or give in when she insists I take something to eat before I leave, or hug me and tell me she loves me. And the only reason I even have the chance to be with her now is because of what that woman did. She brought me back after Gin killed me. So I'd like to know more about her. Because when someone's gone, you never get the chance to ask them anything again. And there's still so much I don't know about my real mother. Or father, for that matter.

For once, his inner spirits did not respond.

Sorry, I didn't mean to bring you both down. It's fine, you know? At the very least, one good thing's come out of this. I know it's crazy to even think it, but… in a way, I'm relieved that Granny is going before me. If I died before she did… I mean, it might kill her, you know. Now she'll die hoping that my life will go on for a good long while. That's what always bothered me, that if I did die out in the field, then she'd get some kind of letter from Leopard Division informing her that…

Tōshirō, there is something you must know.

The tone in Hyōrinmaru's voice made him sit up and take notice.

What?

The life you were given that day… will not last forever.

A shiver went down the ice mage's spine upon hearing it.

How do you mean?

It was not meant for you. It cannot sustain you indefinitely. The wound left in your heart by Shinso cannot be repaired. And when your time is up…

He blinked several times.

You're saying I'm going to die again?

Yes. I am sor–

When?

I cannot be sure…

"DAMN YOU! GIVE ME A STRAIGHT ANSWER ALREADY, WILL YOU?!"

His fist struck the floor with a resounding smack. All around him, the sound of clicking tablets became overwhelming. Like a dirge of insects. Or grains of sand slipping through an hourglass.

The darkened library seemed to swirl before his eyes, becoming blurry and distorted, like sliding into the embrace of death once more. All over again he felt the razor-sharp dagger piercing his heart to come bursting out of his chest, heard Matsumoto scream his name.

Tears slid down his cheeks.

My family… we all die.

There is still time and life left to you. Please do not fall into despair. We both have a destiny to fulfill. I could not bear to fail after all this.

Fail? FAIL?! What the hell are you talking about!

I… am…

Overhead, there suddenly came a whirring of the wheels. Tōshirō glanced up in confusion. Had the librarian snuck up on him again? But when he looked, no one was there.

What are you doing?

Tell him.

This is not your decision to make!

He can't take any more secrets! Just tell him, already!

"Yo, Snowflake. You alright?"

Down the lane, Kukaku and her entourage were approaching. One of the staff must have warned her when he started getting volatile. The Lady of Arashi drew up beside him. When the boy stood, uncertain what to say, her sharp black eyes went to the paper screen behind him. Abruptly, they softened. One hand stole over her protruding stomach protectively.

"Oh. I get it. Must be kinda traumatic to see that."

Hitsugaya turned around to see what she meant, and found himself face-to-face with Aizen Sosuke.

It took only a moment to realize this was only a picture of the man. But in that instant, he remembered all over again; the pain of being cut down in the underground archives by the rebel captain's weapon, slaughtered without effort and bleeding out on the floor. Just like with Gin.

Beside Aizen's drawing was something more; a picture of his sword, Kyoka Suigetsu. Tōshirō found himself entranced by that innocuous blade. Almost as if it held him in its hypnotic spell again.

Deep within his soul, Hyōrinmaru growled.

When the Leopard Company captain made no move for a while, Kukaku reached a decision. "Think we better get going. Being in this place too long can make you buggy." She tapped him on the shoulder, and when he finally looked at her, the shaggy-haired noblewoman hiked a thumb over her shoulder. "C'mon. Katsurou will want to say hi."

He gave a dumb nod, and proceeded to follow her out of the hall.

Upon leaving the library storage dimension, his host led him into the mansion proper. Hitsugaya remained quiet the whole time. Kukaku noted his silence with a measure of concern. Her brother Kon had once mentioned something about this kid, but he had become evasive when she pressed for details and took off soon after. Had she not been pregnant at the time, Kukaku would have given pursuit and twisted some answers out of him. Right now she resolved to redress that lapse at the first available opportunity. The kid seemed downright off.

But that would have to wait. Her hubby had his duties to fulfill. And so she led him to a small ritual chamber where they found Katsurou Arashi, Lord of Tigers, sitting in front of a family shrine deep in prayer. Sticks of incense burned in bowls of sand while artfully drawn portraits of deceased family members stared in dutiful consideration from lacquered frames.

When Kukaku uttered a discreet if less than genteel cough, her husband perked up. "Ah." Katsurou then slid gracefully to his feet in a single motion, a display of fitness that both pleased and aroused his wife. Late-stage pregnancy was proving to be more of an emotional rollercoaster than she would ever have believed.

Suppressing an urge to jump him right then and there, she settled for announcing, "Captain Hitsugaya of Leopard Company, here to see us."

"I trust you will forgive my lapse in greeting you, Taichou." Katsurou offered a faint smile to his beloved as he approached. "I had family obligations to observe. But my enchanting wife no doubt saw to your needs admirably." He took her arm then, causing Kukaku to scowl and look away in an attempt to hide a blush that fooled no one. Giving her hand a kiss, he turned easy eyes upon the small soldier. "I trust you found what you were looking for?"

"Not exactly," Hitsugaya mumbled back, feeling a bit overwhelmed by his own drama and the overt example of blissfully married couple on display.

Apparently his inner turmoil did not miss the Tiger Lord's keen eye, for Katsurou tilted his head up higher. "Might we offer you refreshments? It is almost time for dinner, and we would be glad to have your company. Dining alone can be such a bleak prospect, after all," he added when Tōshirō seemed about to refuse on instinct.

Taken aback by this assertive authority, the boy captain found himself nodding in agreement.

"Splendid."

The ruling couple swept by him then. Tōshirō was just turning to follow. In doing so, though, he got his first good look at the ceremonial altar that dominated this room.

His heart leapt up into his throat at what he saw there.

On the cusp of leaving, Katsurou felt strong fingers dig into his arm. He turned a questioning look on his wife, who was looking back over her shoulder. When he did the same, Lord Arashi found their young guest had gone stock still, almost frozen in place.

"Captain Hitsugaya?" he asked gently. "Is aught amiss?"

After a moment, Tōshirō's head slowly swiveled around. The look on his face was completely lost, as if he didn't know where he was. But before anyone could comment on this, one arm lifted, and he pointed at a picture on the altar.

"Who… who is that?"

Katsurou looked where indicated. Those bright eyes narrowed slightly, and he responded in somewhat begrudging tones, "That is my younger sister, Manami."

"Manami… Takuiyoku?"

"Yes." At a subtle signal from their master, servants moved in and extinguished the incense sticks before closing the doors of the cabinet, cutting off all view of what lay within. "Will you accompany us now, Captain? Some food will no doubt do you good."

"Yes…"

Hitsugaya joined them. The party proceeded towards one of the dining rooms in the Arashi complex. No words were spoken between them along the way.

At least, none aloud.

Hyōrinmaru?

Silence at first. Then…

… Yes?

It was painful to ask. Literally. Phantom pain ached in both his back and his heart. But after what he had seen today, there was no way he could live without knowing.

Who was your last master?

My last… master…

There was too much distress from the zanpakutō's end to go on. So Tōshirō had time to think.

The Takuiyoku clan. Katsurou Arashi's sister, Manami. And her youngest child, Aizen… no, Takuiyoku Sosuke …

Not the youngest, we're sorry to say.

In between one step and the next, Tōshirō went to his inner world. The desolate plain swept out before him, buried beneath an age's worth of ice. When he looked up, Hyōrinmaru hung in the sky, great wings flapping slowly to keep him aloft. Around him now curled the twin dragons, Sōgyo no Kotowari. And in the center of his own zanpakutō's icy chest, there was the silhouette of a seated figure. A woman.

Tōshirō could not bring himself to ask, and Hyōrinmaru could not bring himself to begin. So it fell to Sōgyo no Kotowari to take over.

We knew who she was, of course. How could we not? She died right in front of us, fighting to protect her children. The boy Sosuke was dead, or so we all thought. But when Captain Shiba cut that poor woman's head off, it ended more than one life. Because as it turns out, she was pregnant.

Tōshirō knew this story by now. At the King of Soul Society's command, the Gotei 13 exterminated the Takuiyoku clan for their role in the Manor Wars. But before they could, Unohana Retsu took advantage of this travesty to spirit Sosuke Takuiyoku to safety, promising to keep him safe and avenge the loss of his family. Katsurou Arashi withdrew his clan from all shinigami activities in protest, and the Shiba were brought to ruin by his age-old machinations, a tale of vengeance that ended only when Shiba's own daughter married the very man who slew her father. And unbeknownst to all of them, Aizen Sosuke returned centuries later to pay off all old debts.

Tōshirō's eyes closed as he remembered the words that were spoken to him as he lay dying.

'With eyes that never saw. With ears that never heard. With a mouth that never spoke. With hands that never touched…

Never… never allowed to live. Murdered with his mother in the womb…

'… Only a heart, beating. All this I give to you. With a mother's love.'

He looked at the shadowy maiden frozen in the center of Hyōrinmaru. It looked as though her hands were clasped protectively over her stomach, the same way Kukaku had before, almost instinctively.

So… that is the life I was given.

Tōshirō Hitsugaya came back to reality without missing a beat. They walked along the halls of Arashi Manor. For a while even his inner voices were subdued. And then…

Tōshirō…

I'm here.

My last master… was Takuiyoku Sosuke.

Several people around Hitsugaya felt a chill settle over them right then.

You were Aizen's zanpakutō.

Yes.

How?

I was with him. From birth. My first master in centuries. I was called to him. And then, one night…

His whole family died.

Yes. He was taken by a witch. And she performed a… blasphemous rite upon him. Stealing the souls of his slain kin, and sealing them within him to give rise to something… unnatural. A force of power, deception and vengeance, bound by blood to his very soul. That monstrosity… took root in him. And it forced me out. For centuries I waited, bereft. Until the day you were born.

And now?

Now I seek to see him freed. I must destroy the King of Deceit, who keeps him bound in lies and promises vile. This hateful beast haunts his blood, and will continue to do so through his line for ages to come, passed down from parent to child. Unless it is destroyed. That is the reason I came to you, Tōshirō. That is our destiny.

I see…

There was so much more that needed to be said between them. But at that moment, a door swept open, and Tōshirō was assailed by the warm scents of spices, roasting meat, and grilled vegetables.

"Thank you for joining our family for dinner, Captain Hitsugaya," Katsurou Arashi spoke from his place by a table bearing all manner of delectable and exquisitely prepared repast.

Standing in the doorway, Hitsugaya watched as Kukaku lowered herself down with the assistance of her husband, grousing all the while but seemingly resolved to accept this level of mother-henning on his part. They spoke softly to each other, and for a moment the boy felt out of place; an illegitimate child, raised in seclusion and without a shred of social grace. What right did he have to intrude on this?

But then a servant offered to lead him to his seat. And Hitsugaya again smelled the aroma of hot food, felt the tender affection of a family at mealtime. These things he had long experience with. It was his birthright as much as anyone's.

So he took his place, and enjoyed himself greatly.

---

"Hey, Kon."

"Ichigo. It's been a while. What's up?"

"I wanted to ask if you could stop by today. It's about my kids."

"… What?"

"Don't worry, I'm not asking you to babysit while Rukia and I go on a date. She's not here, actually."

"Oh."

"She's in Soul Society on business. Which is partly why we need to do this today."

"You know I'm not exactly close by, right?"

"You could be halfway across the world and get here in ten minutes, the way you run."

"Har-har. And it's closer to eight."

"Really? Wild. Look, I don't want to go into details over the phone, but I've got some of Arashi's people stopping by to have a look at the munchkins, and I wanted someone I can trust to keep these guys in line if they start getting, y'know… uncooperative."

"Still don't see what that has to do with me."

"You're the brother of their lord and master's wife."

"Adopted."

"That doesn't mean the same thing to them as it does you and me. As far as those guys are concerned, you're like a god. One word in Kukaku's ear and they're swinging from the gallows. See what I'm saying?"

"I guess…"

"So you'll do it?"

"I… yeah."

"Awesome. Give me a ring when you've crossed the Atlantic, or whatever. Bye."

"Bye."

Kon hung up the phone. He closed his eyes, and shuddered.

A hand came down on his shoulder.

"Well, ain't that interesting," Gin Ichimaru sneered.

---

"Kurosaki-kun? Kurosaki-kun!"

Kujaku awoke with his head cradled on a desk. He sat up and looked around to find the entire class staring at him, some with grins on their faces, others decidedly less amused. Their teacher was one of the latter.

Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, the middle school student offered a sheepish smile. "Sorry," he mumbled.

"See me after class," their homeroom teacher stated. With a pointed glare, he then turned back to the chalkboard.

A few people chuckled, as they had long experience with his behavior. 'Narcolepsy' was a word that had been a part of their vocabulary for a long time. Heaving a sigh, he went back to daytime matters. Pity… that had been a good one.

The rest of the school day passed uneventfully. Kujaku had lunch with his friends, where they chatted about upcoming exams and the latest gossip. Whenever he felt himself drifting, the middle-schooler snapped himself back to reality. Dreams were interesting, but he had a life to be getting on with, and one could not be ignored in favor of the other.

Time seemed to drag on until late afternoon. It was torture not to look at the clock every few minutes in hopes of finding it might be later than he hoped. But soon enough, the bell rang, and they were all free.

Having no club activities today, Kujaku made his goodbyes at the school gates, where he was sure to find someone waiting. Sure enough, she had arrived before him.

"Pick up the pace," Hiruko Kurosaki scolded her elder brother. Wearing the uniform of a different school, she left off leaning against the wall surrounding the yard and took up step beside him.

"It's not a race," he responded with a smile, satchel draped over his shoulder as he began the lazy walk back home.

"Lucky for you."

That was true enough. Hiruko had inherited the genes for athleticism in the family. She probably ran here all the way here, but looked no more out of breath than if they went to school next door to each other. Life just didn't seem fair sometimes.

For most of his life, Shotoku 'Kujaku' Kurosaki had not been the most athletically talented individual. Hiruko insisted it was because he spent so much time asleep, while he retorted that it gave him an advantage in terms of height. That remained true to this day, although by the look of it, his sister might soon overtake him there as well. Hiruko had hit her growth spurt recently, and was starting to shoot up. Her painstakingly maintained hair now hovered just below his nose. Was it crazy to think she might get taller than him? Not a comforting thought for her big brother.

"So I think I saw a ghost today," his younger sibling suddenly exclaimed as they went past other pre-teens on their way home.

"Is that right? What did it look like?"

"I didn't really get a good look. It was, y'know…" She waved a hand quickly in front of her face. "Out of the corner of my eye. But I definitely saw something."

"Right, Kuko."

"Oh, cork it," she grumbled back, tugging at one of the hairbands that kept her untidy mane in a bare semblance of twin-tails. The potential onset of puberty had done nothing to tame her perpetual bedhead. Yet another burden the younger Kurosaki labored under in addition to not being spiritually sensitive. Her lack of ghostly perception was a lifelong topic in their family. Hiruko had long expressed hope that 'becoming a woman,' as she put it, might awaken any latent abilities in that regard. He had never dissuaded her from this hope, even if he himself didn't share it.

"But it doesn't matter anyway," Hiruko suddenly stated. "Get a load of this! Ta-dah!" And she pulled something from her satchel with a triumphant grin. "Early birthday present!"

Kujaku had no trouble recognizing the gikongan tubes their parents used to switch from soul to flesh. Anyone else would mistake it for an ordinary Pez dispenser. "Tell me you didn't…" he sighed.

"Not yet." And she pocketed her prize once more. "I'm waiting for a special occasion."

"Kaa-san will kill you if she finds out you pinched that."

"What?" his sister grumbled defensively. "My birthday is coming up, and Mom said I could choose one thing from the store for free."

"She didn't mean that, and you know it."

"Whatever. Just don't tell, okay?"

"Hiruko, you're such a bad liar, you'll never be able to hide it."

That was certainly true. His sister's innate tendency to get into trouble was melded with an inability to come up with excuses better than 'I didn't do it' or 'I don't remember.'

By now the crowd had thinned, and they found themselves walking alone. The topic of the upcoming festival arose, and when their aunts might come for a visit. Both were at university, but they made time to visit. Another potential source of excitement was what their father had mentioned recently.

"Do you really think we could meet Monk Oushima in person?" Hiruko asked.

"Maybe. They're filming around here," Kujaku stated with assurance, bringing out his smartphone to refresh his memory. Anything not related to dream info tended to slip his mind, a habit he found annoying while his parents remained more troubled. "If we do go–"

"Jaku, I think we're being followed."

"Hmm?" This comment took him completely by surprise. Rounding on his sister, he found she had come to a halt and was glaring back down the street along which they walked. But no one was in sight.

Of course, this didn't necessarily mean anything. The older Kurosaki closed his eyes and breathed deeply, allowing his innate spiritual senses to sharpen. Though nowhere near the level of power possessed by their father, Kujaku could still detect noteworthy spectral entities when close by. And he was particularly sensitive to Hollows, a trait he had possessed since birth. Even the slightest trace of those monsters caused his skin to prickle in premonition.

Now, however, no such reaction took place. "There's nothing spooky," he informed her. "Are you sure?"

Rather than responding, Hiruko took off at a run. In no time she had reached the wall that bounded this stretch of residential housing and peered around the corner. He saw her eyes narrow in frustration, and she quickly rejoined him.

"They split," she groused, jamming a hand into her skirt pocket.

With the danger past, her belligerence served only to amuse him. "Were you hoping to have a street fight?" he teased.

"No," she shot back while fishing around for gum. "But if they hadn't run, I would have…" Here Hiruko stopped and spun around. "They're back."

This was getting irritating. "Kuko, is this another 'ghost feeling?' I didn't hear anything, or feel anything, so if you're not being serious–"

Before he could finish, his little sister took a deep breath and screamed the way only girls can.

"RAPE!"

Astonished, Kujaku could only stare. Yet right when he was wondering if something might be wrong with her, there came a slight whoosh of displaced air. And just like that, they weren't alone anymore.

"Shit!"

Hiruko crossed her arms smugly. Brother and sister regarded the newcomer, who watched them right back. He was tall, dressed in an orange track suit with an Olympic logo on it, and the running shoes he had on were of a brand that could have paid a month's rent on their family store by the look of them. His head was shaved down to a light stubble, while his face bore a somewhat cat-like quality, with a pointed chin and huge bright blue eyes. This odd figure stood frozen in an awkward crouched position, as though uncertain whether he should bolt or not.

Right then something dawned on Kujaku. While Hiruko had taken up a protective stance beside him, he stepped past his warding sister to ask, "Are you… Kon?"

Those oddly exaggerated eyes darted between them. At last the man's shoulders slumped, and he rubbed the back of his head with a glum expression. "Yeah."

The teen nodded thoughtfully. Their father's friend Tatsuki, another professional athlete, had shown them a photo of the two of them together in her wallet. This was Konpaku Shiba, their father's friend, an Olympic champion and a sort of refugee from Soul Society.

"Why were you following us?" his sister suddenly demanded.

Kon grimaced, noting how several people had come out of their homes to investigate that shout. "Look, can we please move away from here first before somebody calls the cops on me?"

Brother and sister looked at one another and gave identical shrugs. They then moved to either side of the lanky track star, and the three set off together.

Once they had gone a safe distance, Kon started talking. "Your dad called. He said he's bringing in some folks from Soul Society to give you kids a checkup, and I sort of have some influence with these guys. I guess you can say I'm supposed to make sure things don't get out of hand. So here I am."

"How come we never met you before?" Hiruko demanded with the blunt assurance of a pre-teen.

The older man didn't look at her when he responded. "I'm kind of famous. It would draw too much attention if I started popping in, and your family doesn't need that."

"Tatsuki-san is famous too." That came from Kujaku. "And she stops by a lot. So is Ishida-sensei, and her husband, and…"

"Yeah, you've got a lot of celebrities in your group, I get it!" Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Kon marched along the street a little faster, such that they had to quicken their pace to keep up. Kujaku wasn't sure why this person seemed so uncomfortable around them. Both their aunts and Father had mentioned him before, to be sure. But this was the first time they ever met. Could there be something more to his story that caused him to keep his distance for so long?

Maybe I can find the answer in dreams? But first thing's first…

"Shiba-sama?"

The mod soul turned to find that the boy had stopped in his tracks. Soon enough his sister noticed and followed suit. As Kon watched, Kujaku straightened up with hands clasped to his sides and stated, "I am Shotoku Kurosaki, and this is my sister Hiruko."

"Hey," the girl offered him a perfunctory wave.

"Thank you for agreeing to look after us. We are in your care." And with that the kid bowed low enough to make any man feel like an emperor.

Kon winced, bit his lip and finally came back with, "Same here. Nice to… I mean, you're welcome." He then set off towards the Usagi Shoten trailing the two kids, who proceeded to bombard him with questions the whole time.

---

By the time she took her leave, Rukia felt that Yoshi was as ready as he could ever be to face his new home. It would be hard for him to go, that much seemed clear. But at least there was a support community waiting for him.

She bid him goodbye at the door of his house. The haggard spirit managed a wan smile in return, peering anxiously about the empty neighborhood as he shut himself securely in once again. Rukia shook her head sadly before starting off down the empty lane. Not a sound came from the white-washed domiciles that lined this street boasting small flower patches with trees dotting the landscape. The streets were still well-maintained and everything stayed as clean as when this was a bustling community housing hundreds of thousands of souls. But everyone else had gone to their last reward, living contentedly in a new spiritual plane of their choice. All but the last holdout.

It made her somewhat disconsolate to see that Yoshi still couldn't accept there was no one about to hurt him, even after living in peace for over a decade. But then, he had been without even a measure of hope or security for untold years on the streets of the Rukongai, hounded night and day by fear of what might claim him. This after having known the comfort and security of the Seireitei for so long.

Remember how shocked we were when he first admitted to being a shinigami?

Yes. It was mind-boggling. What could warrant being stripped of his powers like that out of the blue?

He's never told us, and honestly, I don't think even he knows. It just happened one day. After that his life as a death god was over.

I just wish I could do more for him.

He has his own path to walk. It can't be easy, losing a part of yourself like that. Remember how mopey you were after Ichigo took all your powers that night?

Yes, Sode no Shirayuki, it was very traumatic, thank you for reminding me.

Not like I was having a peachy time of it either, sweetheart. Just remember we… oh.

"Lady Kuchiki."

Rukia drew up with a start upon realizing she was not alone. Her walk had taken her back to the main gate leading out of this Halo. And standing next to the huge white arch was none other than Saijin Komamura.

"Komamura-dono," she greeted the dog-headed spirit. "What a surprise! Are you here to see me?"

"Yes." That huge form towered over the tiny death god as she drew up before him. There was no hint of menace, however. They were old friends, after all. In fact, Komamura appeared a trifle worried, if she had learned to read his admittedly alien facial features correctly. "I inquired of some old acquaintances in your division, and they told me where to find you."

Only officially reinstated a few hours and already people were keeping tabs on her. The joys of being a Kuchiki. Brushing such concerns aside, she strove to put on a more welcome air. "I gather this isn't just a social call. How may I be of service to you?"

His shaggy head looked off to one side. Large hands fisted in the fabric of his quality kimono which encircled his broad frame. At last he said, "I wished to speak to you on a somewhat… delicate situation I find myself in. For the past few days… or rather, for some time now, I have suspected that…"

He chewed over something in his mind for a while. Just as she was opening her mouth to inquire further, Saijin looked at her and said, "It would appear that Captain Odelschvank is pregnant."

Kuchiki decorum went right out the window, and Rukia found herself gaping at him with a positively stunned expression. Her already large eyes looked to have grown to twice their previous size.

Ummm… did he just say… Nel's pregnant?

Yes.

Nel. Neliel tu Odelschvank. The Hollow.

Well, arrancar, actually.

WHATEVER! This… this can't be right, can it? Hollows… I mean, arrancar, whatever… they can't get PREGNANT… can they?

Her internal conversation wasn't going anywhere, so Rukia decided to focus on more productive avenues of discussion. With an effort she regained her equilibrium, coughed into one fist in an overly officious manner. When she looked up at him, her face was a trifle paler than usual, but other than that, the young woman had regained a measure of solid mental footing. "Komamura-dono, allow me to offer my congratulations. If it is not too presumptuous, can I assume this was not a planned occurrence?"

He shrugged, face frustratingly unreadable. "No. Irregardless of our…" His eyes flickered about before finally settling on her again. "… shared traits, I didn't even believe we could conceive a child together."

That was putting it mildly. Having come to know the former captain a great deal better since he helped save her life the night Kujaku was born, Rukia knew that his canine appearance hinted at a previous existence as a Hollow, one which had not been completely cleansed upon entering Soul Society proper. This left Saijin in a state somewhat similar to a Vaizard or arrancar, being both slightly Hollow and plus at the same time. But still, could that explain this utterly unprecedented bombshell he just dropped on her?

Unprecedented. Right. Not like a human ever got a death god pregnant or anything of the sort, know what I mean?

That's…! Actually, now that you mention it…

I wonder what Renji has to say about this?

Don't distract me. This is serious. I know what to do.

Having finally divined some reason behind him seeking her out, Rukia felt a weight lift. The prospect of offering aid after being unable to help Yoshi made her feel lighter, as if slipping into the role that destiny meant for her. "Komamura-dono," she spoke clearly, now feeling truly in control of herself. "I understand exactly what you are going through. Please allow me to assist you in any way I can. What can I do to help?"

A measure of tension drained out of him as well, and he stood much more relaxed than before. "I offer my thanks. I had hoped to speak to both you and Kurosaki Ichigo on this matter, as he no doubt holds insights which could be of specific value to me. If it would not be too much trouble, perhaps we might pay a visit to your home in the mortal realm?"

Here Rukia hesitated. She had planned to pay her respects at Yumichika's grave before going back to Heron Company and seeing about any paperwork that her reinstatement might require. But time enough for that later. This definitely took priority.

"Of course." She held up her hand, and the gate opened in an outpouring of blinding white light. Immediately a hell butterfly came bobbing out to guide them on their way.

Saijin stepped aside with a gentlemanly bow, indicating he would follow in her wake. She accepted his kind offer, and moments later the Halo was left even further deserted.

---

NO! No, this isn't right! This can't be HAPPENING!

Poor Tosen. Betrayed by those he trusted. Some things never change.

Kaname Tosen sat naked on the cold stone floor shaking and sweating. Charms encircled his wrists and neck, keeping him bound more securely than any chain. He was like a wild animal brought to bay. Tears poured down his face, though not a sound escaped his throat.

They can't ask this of me! It's too much! I am not meant for this!

Poor Tosen. Poor blind Tosen, to never see this coming. Do you not savor the irony as I do? It's just like that day, so long ago, when you betrayed your fellow officers, offering them up to Aizen's experiments. Now the pendulum has swung back, and it is your turn. Poor Tosen. Poor blind Tosen …

From the eternal darkness around him came the sound of the Witch's voice, muttering and droning foul curses. A sharp knife slashed his cheek, causing him to jerk away with a whimper. Then her hand caught his jaw with irresistible force and something was forced down his throat, drowning out any screams.

AIZEN-SAMA… PLEASE!

His silent cries were in vain. Lord Aizen had already explained the situation in painstaking fashion, like an artist describing his latest masterwork to the last detail. Tosen had sat stunned as the plan was laid bare before him, as well as his part in it. He had offered only token resistance. After all, what was the point?

When Aizen left him alone, Tosen drew his sword and attempted to open his own throat with it. But the blade would not cut. Suzumushi cried softly in a corner of their soul as he pleaded with her to give him this last mercy. His Hollow had only laughed at them, made strong in the knowledge that its time was fast approaching. The moment it had awaited for so long was finally upon them, a surprise to only one.

The darkness that enclosed him from birth was creeping in. It surged through his blood, eating him from the inside out. Tosen gasped as he felt a sudden sharp sensation in the center of his chest, and couldn't help himself. He screamed at the knowledge of what was about to happen.

"Does it hurt, Tosen?"

Kaname nearly passed out from sheer panic when he felt his sternum start to pull inward, like a vacuum sucking his flesh and bone from the inside out. All the air was forced from his lungs, and he tried to breathe in for another scream, but failed.

"I know the feeling. Only thanks… to you… it never stops for me, Tosen! IT… NEVER… STOPS!"

I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! Forgive me, please! I… I can't…!

Too late, Tosen! Poor blind Tosen! Your reign is at an end! And mine BEGINS!

The Hollow mask came pouring from his mouth as it had so many times before, only far more than usual, choking him on liquid white brutality. And it all overtook him then. Grief, for the woman he loved. Shame, for the friends he betrayed. Mistrust, for the allies he chose. Wrath, for everyone around him. And FEAR… for what they would do to him, if they only knew.

His eyes rolled back in his head. A gurgling moan was the last sound Kaname Tosen ever made, before his chest split open, leaving an empty hole from front to back. His heart collapsed, and all reason went with it.

Opening its masked jaws, the newborn Hollow that had been a man only moments before uttered a blood-chilling screech.

Unohana Retsu indicated for the servants to come forward. White-faced and shaking, they obeyed, lifting the creature onto a pallet and shuddering at the loathsome feel of its skin as their mistress busied herself putting away her implements and cleaning up the mess. Hurriedly they then carried the howling mad thing from the Hollow Queen's lair. It still couldn't move, bound limp by the enchanted charms she had placed upon it. But even being near something this vile left them all certain of fresh nightmares.

Nonetheless they knew their duty, and proceeded through the corridors of the palace in the middle of the night, taking the shortest route possible until at last they reached the domain of an even greater horror. Swallowing her fear, one of them knocked timidly upon the doorframe.

"Come in."

The chamber they entered was bare of any adornments. No furniture, no carpeting, no paintings on the walls or even windows; just a bed with white silk sheets under a single spotlight. And sitting naked upon it, heedless of who might see her like this, was Tia Halibel.

The vasto lorde watched steadily as the servants ushered that howling mad creature into her chambers. She pointed, and they deposited it on the bed next to her before fleeing as fast as deportment allowed. Once they were alone, all her attention fixed upon the drooling mad Hollow as it fought to assert itself in this new world that screamed back at its very presence.

Behind masked jaws, Halibel's lips curved in a pleased smile. She observed her helpless victim, his previously brown skin now turned a lurid gray. Hands and feet were claws, ridged like broken rock. The serpent mask which in his Vaizard form still allowed the lower half of Tosen's face to be seen had its jaws open, but now they twisted and snapped insanely, no trace of a human being within their depths. It was a beautiful sight.

Bending down, the Hollow goddess traced her fingers slowly up that unresisting ashy torso, murmuring appreciatively as she came up to the hole in his chest, raw and throbbing with pain under her touch. The prey sobbed and snarled in impotent despair. Even were it not trapped by Unohana's spells, it stood no chance of resisting her.

To prove this, Halibel ripped the bindings away.

Immediately it sprang at her, sharp talons lashing out, biting in a frenzy. Its lunge drew up short as one slender hand shot out to wrap around the creature's throat. Those wicked claws slid over her smooth brown skin with no more effect than had she been made of rock herself. She let it struggle for a bit just to enjoy the show, then slammed it down onto the bed, pressing the side of its face against the mattress. Tosen's Hollow remained pinned there, flailing ineffectually, ripping the sheets to shreds even as it failed to budge so much as a millimeter.

At last the beast's strength gave out and it just lay there on its side, gasping and winded.

"Good boy," Halibel crooned.

She then bent down 'til her face hovered a bare inch from that heaving chest. Taking her sweet time, the voracious predator licked all around its Hollow hole, feeling endless hunger thrash and roil inside of her with greater ferocity than anything this fallen soul could produce. Starvation was her natural state. She was long used to the pain this entailed. After all, it was the anticipation that kept her going. The meat remained sweet as ever, to be sure. But dreaming of feasting upon another soul made that eventual reality all the more mouth-watering, and added an unparalleled level of flavor to her meal when she finally sated herself. Tia Halibel longed to feast upon everyone around her; Aizen, Unohana, even Stark himself. There was little chance such a feast would ever come her way. But if it did… oh, how she would glut herself upon them!

Such thoughts would have to wait. For now, there was the food right in front of her to concentrate on. And she had to be careful.

"Don't worry," she panted. "I just need a taste."

This was as much to convince herself as the Hollow. Without further ado, before her urges could grow too clamorous, Halibel bit down into the edge of the Hollow hole.

It began to scream shrilly then, but she ignored this. Breathing raggedly through the sides of her mouth, she closed her jaws, feeling flesh give way like butter between her teeth. Blood gushed down her throat, so hot and strong she nearly lost control and swallowed the thing whole.

Instead the cannibal spirit pulled back with slow, easy grace. She heard the tear of muscle and tendons ripping apart, sliding sweet over her lips while the meal brayed endlessly. At last Tia pulled away completely, trailing a long strip of flesh that dripped fresh blood down her breasts. Still pinning the Hollow one-handed, Halibel groaned, closed her eyes, and swallowed.

It was done. He had become a part of her body now. And once this was certain, she transformed into the Scylla. Her torso reared up huge and majestic, scales gleaming along her skin and bone spines sprouting sharp from her back. From the hips down nothing but a swarm of winding sharp-toothed eels and the heads of lionesses bit reflexively at anything that came near them.

Halibel acted with all due haste. She picked up the struggling prey and inserted him into her own large Hollow hole located in her abdomen. The void within her opened, another mouth seeking to be fed. Blood called to blood, stretching across dimensions.

The Hollow of Kaname Tosen emitted one last frantic wail before it sank into her bloodstream.

As soon as she felt certain the transfer was underway, her form shifted back to that of a nominal human. Halibel collapsed onto the bed breathing raggedly. A wave of nausea and fever rose throughout her which she pushed back. Regurgitation would not be welcome at this stage. Nor could she run the risk of finishing the meal right away. Keeping her hunger in check was difficult while in resurrección, and impossible in Segunda Etapa. Only like this did she stand the slightest chance of holding off long enough for Tosen to complete his mission. He was on his way, traveling through the void of her bottomless hunger to come out the other side more or less whole.

After about ten minutes the goddess of starvation sat upright. She passed a trembling hand over her mouth, aching with the need to finish what she started. Halibel knew this feeling would not go away for a distressingly long time. All thanks to Aizen.

So it fell to him to help her ignore those cravings.

Thus Halibel rose and got dressed before going to report to her master.

---

"So that's the deal," Dad explained to them. The Kurosaki clan had gathered in their living room for this event. "These two ghosts…." He waved in the direction of an empty patch of air. "… are going to give you a spiritual exam. It won't hurt; you shouldn't feel anything at all. Okay?"

"We know the drill by now," Hiruko noted, leaning back on the floor with legs splayed out in front of her. "It's like Grandpa's physicals." When Kujaku nudged her with an elbow, she threw him an irritable look. "What?"

"Sit seiza," her older brother ordered.

"Why?"

"They can see up your skirt."

"Now you're lying." Still, the thought of ghosts getting a peek at her panties caused the girl to hurriedly tuck her legs beneath her, leveling a warning frown in the direction she assumed their spiritual houseguests were to be found.

"Good." Dad smiled. "I'm proud of you."

It felt nice to hear him say so. But a small mean part of Hiruko's soul told her that comment was meant for Kujaku alone. It made her want to get this over with and fast. They had been given health checkups before, but those were from Isane, Mom's boss in the afterlife. And she always came in a gigai so that both children could see her. These new guys, whoever they were, didn't even have the courtesy to do that.

They're probably butt-ugly and trying to hide it. Right, Kuchiki?

Her spiritual companion made no response. He had warned her about their being tailed earlier, but he didn't always talk to her. It figures.

Looks like I'm on my own for the time being. Swell.

Off to one side, their father conversed quietly with Kon and possibly the ghosts. The lanky track star appeared extremely uncomfortable, fidgeting from one foot to another with hands stuffed in his pockets. At one point she heard him say, "Are you sure Rukia is okay with this?" Dad just brushed him off, a sure sign the answer was 'No.'

After a while he came back to stand by them. "Kujaku, you're first."

"Yes, Tō-san."

Of course he's excited. He actually gets to see who's poking and prodding him. I have to sit here and wonder if they're groping me with ghost hands. Dad wouldn't let them, but I still don't like it.

Moments later Kujaku's head nodded forward in abrupt sleep, a sure sign of shinigami magic afoot. Mom had explained to her some of the tools they used when dealing with mortals. Hiruko wasn't sure if they were going to do the same to her or not. Suddenly this whole deal made her very uncomfortable. What were these invisible people up to?

Well, if in doubt, there's always my trump card.

The girl fingered the purloined soul candy dispenser in her pocket. She noticed Kon watching her with a frown and quickly left off, not wanting to give herself away. Taking a deep breath, Hiruko waited until it was her turn.

---

Small bits of conversation passed between Rukia and Saijin on their way back to Soul Society proper. Once there, a Senkaimon was readied quickly for her use, and soon enough they were following another butterfly through the void between worlds.

At one point she noticed her traveling companion had stopped walking and turned to regard him. "Is everything alright, Komamura-dono?"

The dog man peered about that otherworldly space, ears folded back slightly. "I thought I heard…" After a while he left off and moved to rejoin her. "Please excuse my lapse. Let us continue."

She looked at him uncertainly, but chose to respect his decision. They continued on.

---

Dreaming again. That's not so bad. So where should I go?

Kujaku moved freely through the dreamscape in search of anything interesting. For a moment he remembered clearly that the Arashi mage was examining him in the living world while he dreamt. But just as fast that knowledge went away as his purpose refreshed.

Who's here now? Who's asleep like me? Can you hear my voice?

"Greetings, Prince Kuchiki."

All around him now stretched a field of beautiful flowers, with the shimmering golden sky dancing overhead. When he turned around, it was to find a regally dressed man sitting cross-legged at a small table. A teacup clinked on its dish, and that handsome figure turned friendly features on him, indicating with one graceful hand that he should take the chair opposite. Like they were old friends.

Kujaku stared. A light breeze rustled his hair. Hands clenched into fists involuntarily.

Then he moved over the field to sit down across from his host.

"Lord Takuiyoku," he spoke with cool courtesy. "Would you like to hear a story?"

Aizen Sosuke chuckled and took another sip of tea. He crossed one leg at the knee and leaned back on what was now a plush velvet couch, draping an arm over the backrest comfortably with head cocked to one side. His smile was positively devilish.

"I would indeed."

---

The Mashō sorcerer passed a hand over the boy's sleeping brow, murmuring incantations. Glowing walls bedecked in strange symbols had sprung up around his sleeping son, and Ichigo found himself wondering if this was really such a hot idea after all.

At the time Oushima suggested it there had seemed nothing more sensible. But right now the substitute shinigami realized just how little he knew about Arashi magic. For all the ground he had made in studying kidō these past few years, he still counted himself a novice in terms of spellcasting.

Should have asked Nanao to attend as well. She'd know if anything was up for sure.

You could always call this off. There is no shame in admitting when you have done wrong.

Are you trying to tell me something, Old Man Zangetsu?

Even as he asked, a coil of uncertainty tightened in his stomach. The zanpakutō spoke the truth; he had known from the start just how bad a plan this really was. For starters, he was doing it explicitly behind Rukia's back. But if you consider how overprotective she could be when it came to the kids, would anyone really blame him?

At least Hiruko appeared to be weathering the ordeal without concern. She didn't even seem aware the second Arashi mage had already begun an examination of her. There was no need to put her to sleep. Standing across from them, Kon turned a worried expression on Ichigo which he strove to ignore.

At last the masked mage left off his spellcasting. Rising up, he turned from Hiruko back to her concerned father. "I can find nothing out of the ordinary with your daughter, good sir."

For some reason that seemed odd. "Are you sure?" Ichigo pressed him.

"What?" Hiruko looked up uncertainly. "What's happening?"

He held up a hand to let her know she should wait, during which time the Mashō continued to explain. "The spell is designed to echo off any trace of soul power and return to me with that information. In this case, it came back clean. As you said, the girl does not have spiritual powers like her brother."

Noticing his daughter still waiting for an answer, Ichigo informed her, "You're good, sweetie. They say there's nothing wrong with you."

Hiruko nodded slowly, seemingly not as relieved to hear this as he was. Then both of them turned their attention to the sleeping Kujaku.

One down. Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all?

Even as he thought this, the first Arashi sorcerer said, "Something is happening."

At that exact moment, a round shoji door appeared in the air off to one side. Four heads all snapped around. Ichigo felt his heart grow cold as the doors slid open.

Oh no! Not now!

Rukia stepped out. She noticed Kon first and drew up in surprise. But when she caught sight of the two Arashi mages kneeling by their children, her eyes widened.

"HOW COULD YOU…?!"

Then everything went to hell.

---

The Hollow of Kaname Tosen tumbled down a tunnel that reeked of blood. It could do nothing but wail like a mad dog. And deep within, the man it had once been fought for his soul.

They told me! Once I'm on the other side, assert control! I must do it! The Witch said I would be able to! I must!

He tried. But Kaname could gain no ground. He tasted only blood, heard only screams, saw… nothing. All was lost! LOST! He would die alone here!

Help me! ANYONE! Aizen-sama! Saijin?! Can you hear me?! Can anyone hear me?! PLEASE!

From out of the darkness, a voice answered.

I HEA-HEAR-HEEEEAR YOU…

Both Kaname and his Hollow grew still. Fear surged through their souls.

Oh…

… No…

HEEEH-HEH-HE…!

The Fenris snickered, as shinigami and Hollow both screamed.

NO! No, get…

… away from me! You can't have me! NOT…

… ME!

---

Intent upon delivering his story, Kujaku suddenly paused. Did I just hear someone?

It seemed he was not the only one. Aizen's attention too had drawn off to one side. The brightly lit garden around them was growing darker in that area. With regal slowness he rose to his feet. A bared sword appeared in his hand.

"Kujaku? Get behind me," he ordered.

The teen obeyed without question. He could feel something approaching them. Rising from the darkness below this makeshift dream. Whatever it was, it felt… huge. Like a newborn volcano breaching the top of the ocean, causing it to bulge upwards.

Without warning, the dream split.

---

SAIJIN!

Komamura was just about to follow Rukia through the exit when he heard a familiar voice scream his name. His head jerked up in surprise.

"Tosen?!"

The dog giant spun about, peering frantically in every direction of this formless dimension. That wasn't his imagination. It was too clear!

Uncertain what to do, he reached out a hand, perhaps hoping for someone to take hold.

There was a sound of cloth flapping wildly in the wind. Then it tore, and all he heard was a terrible roaring laugh.

A-HAAA-HAH-HAH-HAAAAH! I FO-FO-FOUND YO-U-U-U!

---

Only blackness greeted Kujaku's eyes. What sounded like a cataract of water filled his mind, but for some reason he knew it was blood.

Even as he realized this, the rising black boil burst. And what came out was insanity.

Before it could reach him, though, Aizen dove forward. His head was crowned by a trio of skulls as the Lord of Nirvana launched himself at the massive mountain of madness. It screeched and giggled even as his blade tore into it. A huge orange eye loomed over all, swinging to fasten on Kujaku.

I FO-FO-FOUND YO-U-U-U!

He knew that voice. It had haunted him since he was a child. Panic took hold. Kujaku tried to run, only to stumble and fall.

"KUROSAKI-SAN!"

In desperation he looked up to see the familiar form of Saijin Komamura fighting against the flow of blood, striving with all his strength to reach him. Terrified, the boy held out a hand to him.

Between the spirit and the living boy, something came howling to the surface. Like a drowning man it splashed and struggled, the hole in its torn chest weeping blood, a Hollow mask of a snake snapping at empty air. But for just a moment, a human face peered blindly from within that horrid maw.

"SAIJIN!" it wailed.

Komamura abruptly reached for the thing as well. When he saw this, Kujaku was gripped by fear that he might be forgotten and left behind.

Please, don't let it get me! Don't let it get me! Not me! Not…

NOT ME!

From far away, or deep below, something came winging towards them. Distant as a star, and just as small, it nonetheless crossed seemingly great distances. Kujaku felt it sweep over him. For a moment he was assailed by a rank odor, an awful experience he could not remember ever encountering in dreams.

The thing, whatever it was, flew right past him, and latched onto the drowning man.

"TOSEN!"

---

Before anyone could speak, a maelstrom erupted in the Usagi Shoten.

Hot wind rattled the windows and sent clothes flying on both humans and spirits. Lurid blue smoke swirled like hungry flames around Kujaku. Ichigo staggered back, fumbling for the soul candy dispenser in his pocket.

As he did, a shape took form within that conflagration; it resembled an antlered stag's skull, looming over his son with empty eye sockets blazing.

"YOU…!"

Rage subsumed all else. The pill was in his mouth before he could think, and Ichigo Kurosaki emerged from his body with Zangetsu already unfurled. He hoisted the great blade to strike that abomination down.

Abruptly as it began, the storm died. The menacing figure vanished as well, leaving only a lingering scent of something unspeakably foul in the air.

At the same time, he heard his daughter scream.

"GET AWAY!"

---

Hiruko couldn't make out what just happened. For a second both Dad and Kon gaped like… well, like they had seen a ghost, actually. Then a wind ruffled her hair from out of nowhere, and suddenly Dad looked almost insane with fury.

She had to know what was going on. So without hesitation the girl slipped her soul candy dispenser out and popped a pill.

It was the worst feeling in the world. Like vomiting, only with your whole body. All of a sudden, her flesh just… rejected her. Next thing she knew, Hiruko was floating above the ground to find herself staring at her mother, who was dressed as a shinigami hovering just a few paces away.

Rukia noticed her at the same time, but before either of them could speak, a creature in red and green wearing a demonic mask whipped around to face Hiruko.

The shock caused her to pull back from this ghastly figure with a horrified shout of, "GET AWAY!"

An arm suddenly reached past her, yanking the sword at Rukia's waist from its scabbard. An instant later it had transformed into a beauteous blade of purest white bedecked with a long samite ribbon.

"FIRST DANCE!" her own voice cried. "TSUKISHIRO!"

The sword swung in a wide arc, and just like that, the demon was encased in a column of ice that tore straight through the ceiling.

For a moment the disembodied girl could only stare entranced at this weird sight. Then she felt herself yanked roughly back, and before she knew it, Hiruko was inside her body again. The pillar of ice remained, but nothing could be seen inside. For some reason, her hands felt bitterly cold.

"Hiruko?"

Shaken, she looked over to find Kujaku rubbing his eyes blearily. Her older brother peered at her in disbelief. "How are you holding Mother's sword?"

"What?" Hiruko looked down at her empty hands, wondering what he meant.

Meanwhile, their mother had stolen forward unseen to retrieve her soul cutter. At her command, the prison of ice vanished, freeing the Mashō sorcerer before any permanent harm could be done to him. He collapsed, shivering heavily as his companion rushed over to perform medical treatment.

Rukia could not spare them any of her concern. Right now she had too many pressing questions.

Tell me what just happened.

I have no idea, I swear. But when she held me, it felt…

What?

Like you were holding me. There's no other way to explain it.

A full report would have to wait. She glanced quickly around the room. Ichigo had returned to his body and now stood anxiously a few paces off. Kon hung back looking scared and ashamed. The only good news was that the children seemed unharmed. Saijin Komamura hovered protectively over Kujaku wearing a worried expression.

"Rukia?"

That was Ichigo. Reaching a decision, Rukia sheathed her sword and declared in a cold voice that brooked no objections, "All of you get out."

Kon obeyed quickly, moving to assist the Arashi in helping his injured counterpart out of the house. Komamura patted Kujaku on the shoulder and murmured something to him before following in their wake. When they were gone, Rukia steeled herself, hands clenching into fists. Closing her eyes and drawing a deep breath, she finally looked at Ichigo. To his surprise, the small shinigami appeared more sad than angry.

"Well?" Rukia asked softly. "What do you have to say to me?"

And he dropped to the floor before her. "I'm sorry. I just wanted to make sure the kids were alright!" Miserably Ichigo lifted his head. "Please try to understand, Rukia. I was worried."

Her breath came out in a sigh. Violet eyes closed as tears traced parallel paths down both cheeks.

"Tell me…" She swallowed, almost choking on the hurt. "… everything."

---

Deep beneath the lifeless soil of Hueco Mundo, in a cavern hewn from bare rock, a pool of blood lingered. One of several left in reserve by the Espada Tia Halibel, this forbidding morass served as a means of communication across the void. And sometimes even more.

Without warning those deceptively placid depths began to froth and boil. The huge skull of a lion emerged from it long enough to belch out a great glob of blood onto the floor before sinking back out of sight.

The regurgitated lump began to squirm. Like a fish out of dry land, it flailed almost in a panic before abruptly dissolving into a rush of red dust. From within that deathly mass, a new form stood slowly upright.

Brushing itself off, the traveler began to walk across the floor of the cavern. No torches or light of any kind existed here, but still its steps led it unerringly to a small tunnel, which it followed on a long winding journey until finally emerging from a small cluster of rock poking out of the dunes. There it took a deep breath of dry desert air.

The Hollow that had once been Kaname Tosen had undergone a drastic change since being forcibly expelled from Nirvana. Now a thick fur cape fell from his shoulders to hang just above his clawed feet. Bare-chested, he wore only a wrap of cloth around his waist that reached down to the knees. The sword Suzumushi hung from his hip, its sheath now made of animal hide. He gripped the handle securely with cracked, diseased claws.

Long black braids still spilled over his shoulders, but the rest of the Hollow's head was mostly hidden by a strangely wrought helmet that resembled a stag's skull with the flared hood of a cobra. His real eyes opened on the back, peering around in search of anything that might pose a threat. As for the face, only his mouth was visible beneath the horned helm. Great antlers emerged from his scalp and reached up to jab at the sky in a cluster of tines, the wind almost seeming to whistle as it passed through them. The eye sockets were as empty as the Hollow hole in his chest marred by a terrible wound on one side that no amount of regeneration could ever heal. He picked at it irritably, cursing the Espada bitch who had maimed him what seemed a lifetime ago.

Their plan had succeeded. But this new transformation… was it the result of becoming fully Hollow? Was he even still himself?

Who am I?

The answer came to him unbidden, like a whisper from within his soul.

Kaname Cernunnos…

Yes… yes, that is who I am now. Excellent!

And lifting his head, the Hunt Master let out an awesome howl.

Kaname waited then, confident. He knew without understanding rightly how that his call would be answered. And sure enough, within the hour, huge shapes began to appear on the horizon. As they approached, they were revealed to be Menos Grande all. This herd of mindless soul masses clustered around their old master's promontory.

He inspected them. Only a few at first. But in time, there would be more. And as his first act, he ordered the horde to bow to him. They did so without fail.

Satisfied, the new Master of the Hunt set off across Hueco Mundo with his pack in tow.

---

Shirabe awoke with a start. The old woman found herself in an unfamiliar room and almost panicked. Thankfully her failing memory managed to recollect that this was Master Kyōraku's residence. At her dear boy's insistence, she had returned once again to the site of her greatest shame, to spend her remaining days in undeserved comfort. The very thought of it made her poor heart ache, and she began to sob quietly against the pillow.

"Granny?"

Surprised, the weakened spirit looked over as a candle was lit. When she saw who held it, a smile of unsurpassed joy broke her wrinkled, tear-stained cheeks.

"Momo-chan!"

To be continued...