Chapter 25: Return Home

Rukia felt the sun's warm rays on her skin as Ichigo and Shiro battled a hollow in front of her. Looking at her comm, she frowned at the message from a week ago. She really needed to get back to Soul Society. She had proof on her unit that proved that she'd been sending daily reports on the high amount of hollows in Karakura Town. It just didn't make sense to her! Is it malfunctioning? She suddenly heard a Ichigo cry out as he gave the hollow the killing blow. Nearby she saw both Chad and Orihime with Ishida, who had his Quincy bow out. So those three are now working as a team as well. Perhaps this town has a chance; especially if Urahara is able to help them. she thought as she put her unit back in the pocket of her skirt. I need to talk to Urahara about me returning before someone is sent to bring me back.

"Rukia!" Ichigo waved her over to them, he and his brother were back in their bodies now. Walking over to him, she silently wondered how he'd take the news of her leaving. He knows I can't stay forever. she thought as they began walking away from the battle site near the river. I don't belong in the world of the living. She looked at Ichigo. But I want to see how he grows into his power. Her comm began to beep again. Flipping it open she saw a dozen hollows were near the shopping district. Why so many? Looking up at the two teens, she saw they'd already ejected out of their bodies.

Shiro grinned at her as he lifted his sword upon his shoulder. "Where to?" he inquired.

He's always so confident. she thought as she spoke. "The downtown shopping center."

Ichigo looked at Kon, who was in his body. "Call the others Kon!" he yelled before flash stepping away.

"Idiot!" Rukia yelled at him as he'd forgotten her. Suddenly Shiro's arm wrapped around her waist.

"Hang on Princess!" he yelled gleefully as he gave chase after his brother.

That night Rukia laid in the closet bed that she'd made as her own over the last few months. As she laid there she went over the pros and cons of staying any longer. Without me around those two idiots might get themselves killed. Then again if I stay squad two might come for me, eventually. She sighed heavily in dispair. If I stay I could learn more about Shiro and his strange sword. Then again, central might learn about him and try to execute him. Rukia felt like she needed to pull her hair out. Making a decision she sat up in bed. I need to leave now.

Packing a bag quickly, Rukia snuck out of Ichigo's closet and out of the house quietly. Never realizing both boys had heard her. Making this decision on a rash impulse Rukia made her way towards Urahara's shoten, believing he was the only one who could get her home before one of the squads was sent to retrieve her forcefully.

Turning down an alley she found herself face to face with the two people she never thought would be sent for her. "Brother." she whispered softly.

Before her stood a man with dark hair, grey eyes who held an air about him of superiority. Next to him was his companion, who's hair was as red as fire and had black tiger-like tattoos all over his body. Both men held themselves in a way that only the truly powerful did. "Lieutenant Kuchiki, you are accused of abandoning your station and giving your powers to another." her brother spoke, sounding slightly upset but trying to keep his emotions from interfering with his duty.

"Captain Kuchiki, these charges are inaccurate." she stated. "While in the world of the living I sustained an injury and was unable to return to Soul Society." She held up her communication device. "I have sent daily reports on what has been happening here including why my powers have disappeared."

She watched her brother nod to her former best friend who walked up to her and grasped the device from her hands. He immediately began going through its files. "Sir," he began with alarm. "she's telling the truth."

Just beyond Rukia the two brothers watched. When the red head took Rukia's device Ichigo, for some reason, though she was going to need back up. Shiro saw this and before his brother could react, Shiro had grasped his wrist and placed a hand over Ichigo's mouth before slamming him up against the wall. "Calm down Ichi." he hissed at his brother. "She's got this." Ichigo growled at his brother. "For all you know that's her superior you were about to yell at." Shiro continued in a hushed tone. Besides, from what I can tell, pretty boy is strong. he thought but didn't voice it. That guy was above Ichigo's strength. "Are ya calm?" he asked Ichigo who just glared at him before giving a nod. Releasing his brother, Shiro went back to watching them with Ichigo seeming to pout against the wall.

"They're not hurting her?" he asked concern lacing his voice.

"Naw, they're just talking." Shiro stated when he saw a huge gateway suddenly appear behind them. "She's going with 'em." He suddenly felt Ichigo against his back. As he watched her disappear into the light, he wondered why she hadn't said goodbye.

Once the light had vanished and the doorway closed Ichigo spoke, sounding a bit sad. "She's gone."

Shiro sighed. "She went back to where she belonged Ichi." He placed a hand on his brothers shoulder. "Ya knew she would leave someday."

Ichigo stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Yeah. I know." Doesn't mean I like it. he thought as suddenly the clouds above opened up above them.

"I hate the rain." Shiro grumbled as they began to get wet.

It wasn't long after the rain had begun to fall that the boy's suddenly felt as if someone was watching them. Turning around they saw Urahara walking towards them with an umbrella in hand. Looking at the soaked teens the shopkeeper understood the sadness that was coming from them. "It would seem Miss Kuchiki has left." He turned to leave but looked towards the twins first. "Come, there are some things we must discuss."

M-Angel: I bet nobody expected that one, but wait until the next chapter comes out. Urahara has some explaining to do.

Black Bankai - I'm so glad you are enjoying my stories.

Fractoluminescence - I'm glad I was able to keep Shiro in character, so far. I believe he's about to shine a bit brighter very soon.