The Hollow charged forward against Ichigo with its jaws wide open. Ichigo put his fists up in a futile gesture to defend himself. His expression was intense and irrationally confident.
The Shinigami saw how the human was facing down the Hollow. He would surely be killed. There was something different about this human, this odd-looking boy. He was able to see her and Hollows, he was able to break her binding spell, and now he was defending his family against the Hollow without fear.
"Was he brave or just stupid?" she wondered.
The Hollow roared and threw its frog-like head toward Ichigo for a killer bite. Rukia sped towards Ichigo and got between the Hollow and him. The Hollow's mouth pierced Rukia's shoulder and abdomen causing blood to pour onto the floor, Rukia's blood.
Ichigo watched in stunned silence as Rukia weakly pushed the Hollow's mouth away from Ichigo and herself. With a final push, Rukia sliced into the Hollow's mouth knocking out a tooth. The irritated Hollow reared its head back and roared in pain and annoyance.
Rukia fell to her knees and then onto the ground; her injuries were grave. Ichigo gave Rukia a horrified look as he saw the extent of her injuries.
"Idiot, I already told you that your power is no match for it. Either way, you're an idiot! Or did you think that everything would be over once you gave him your soul to eat?" Rukia scolded, her tone was soft and almost sad.
"I'm sorry. I just…," Ichigo stuttered sympathetically.
"Do not worry about it. That's what I would like to say. Unfortunately, I am unable to fight the Hollow," Rukia told him.
"Now, all of us can only wait until we become its food," Rukia said sorrowfully.
For the first time, Ichigo realized the mortal situation he was in. He slammed his fist on the ground in frustration. "Everyone is going to die and it's my fault," he berated himself.
Rukia could see that there was still fight in Ichigo's expression. As she could see it, there was only one solution. It was illegal, a capital crime, but there was no other way. At least it would give him a chance to live.
An image of Kaien entered her mind as she considered Ichigo's face. Other than the orange hair, Ichigo looked very similar to him. His smile, his expression of outrage, and his seriousness were now on Ichigo's face.
Rukia took a sitting position and extended out her sword. "Do you want to save your family?' she asked.
It was a rhetorical question but one that would get Ichigo's attention. "Is there a way to help them? Tell me," Ichigo asked her.
"There is a way. No, to be exact, there is only one way," Rukia said vaguely while she contemplated the act she was ready to commit.
"You become a Shinigami," she finished.
"What are you saying? How can I?" Ichigo wondered.
"Pierce the middle of your chest with this zanpakutou, and I will give you half of my Shinigami powers," Rukia explained.
"You will gain Shinigami powers temporarily and be able to fight the Hollow on equal terms. The percentage of success is not very high. If it fails you die. But there is no other way," Rukia told him.
"Okay, Shinigami. Let's give this plan a try," Ichigo agreed.
"It's Kuchiki Rukia," Rukia smiled weakly.
"I'm Kurosaki Ichigo. Let's hope this isn't our last meeting," Ichigo smirked.
As the Hollow charged the two, Ichigo took Rukia's sword and without hesitation sliced himself through with it. There was an intense white glow of power as Rukia's powers transferred to Ichigo. The bodies of Rukia and Ichigo disappeared for a moment as the white glow engulfed them.
Suddenly, the Hollow's left arm was sliced off. Ichigo stood by the dead arm as a Shinigami. His clothes were now the black robes of a Shinigami and he now held a large sword. His boyish looks and expression were still intact; Ichigo was still the same person as before.
Rukia stared at Ichigo in disbelief. Her clothes were pure white. Ichigo had taken all of her powers instead of only taking half. His sword was enormous. He was the source of power that had confused her senses this whole time.
Ichigo charged the Hollow and sliced off his right leg. The Hollow fell toward Ichigo for a final attempt to strike him. Ichigo raised his sword and sliced downward splitting the Hollow's head in half. The Hollow screeched and became nothingness.
Ichigo smirked at his victory over the Hollow and then collapsed onto the ground in exhaustion. Rukia looked over his body in amazement. She raised her hand and flexed her fingers. She felt weak and drained of all her powers. Inside her soul was a different story.
Power surged through her body; power from Ichigo had transferred to her as well. The stream of energy went through her body and collected in one spot. Some of Rukia's spiritual energy surrounded the new orb within her. The energy pulsed and became a perfect sphere.
Rukia looked around her at the scene. She got back to her feet and checked the vital signs of Ichigo, his two sisters, and their father. Satisfied they would live, she went outside again and prepared to drag Ichigo's Shinigami body back into his body.
A figure walked up to Rukia. He was an adult in his mid-thirties, blond hair, and pale complexion. He carried a cane with him, but it didn't seem he needed it for balance. Rukia could barely see the man in the dark but then immediately recognized him.
"Urahara Kisuke," she realized.
"My…my, a Shinigami without her powers," Urahara commented.
Rukia froze and didn't say a word so as to not incriminate herself. Urahara looked over the Shinigami body of Ichigo. "Indeed, something more is at work here," he added.
"It's not what it looks," Rukia said defensively.
Urahara smiled. "Don't worry about me telling. Your secret is safe with me Kuchiki Rukia."
Urahara inspected the condition of the house and the bodies tossed around. "From the looks of things, you could use my help," Urahara offered.
Bleach
Rukia's Child
Urahara and Rukia walked into his shop; his other workers had already gone to sleep. The shop looked like a traditional Japanese shop featuring toys and candies. In reality, the shop was an outpost for Shinigami.
"You will need a gigai," Urahara said mainly to himself.
"How fast can you make it?" Rukia asked feeling apprehensive.
"Soon, it will be no problem at all," Urahara replied.
Urahara walked over to a computer and located Rukia's file. It gave him weight, height, density, spiritual pressure readings. All the information Urahara would need to create a proper gigai.
Urahara typed in several commands and watched as his system went to work on creating the gigai. Within a few minutes, a Rukia duplicate appeared. She was clothed in white.
"Try it out," Urahara offered.
Rukia approached the gigai and fused with it. Her spiritual body disappeared inside the gigai. The gigai's eyes suddenly shot open as it became alive. Rukia flexed her now human fingers and attempted to walk.
"It's a little hard to get used to at first," Urahara confessed.
"It seems acceptable," Rukia observed as she moved her limbs.
Urahara stared at Rukia as she tried out her new body; something was wrong. The gigai began to literally melt like wax. Rukia noticed it too and then gave Urahara an uncertain look.
The gigai continued to melt and then it caught fire. Within seconds, Rukia's spiritual energy caused the gigai to explode into thousands of pieces. With the gigai completely destroyed, only Rukia's soul remained.
Rukia turned to Urahara and frowned at him. "I am not happy with this product," she told him.
Urahara considered what he had done wrong. Everything was supposed to be perfect. The spiritual fluctuation he observed from Rukia was not normal. Urahara looked around his shop for something he could distract Rukia with.
"While I fix this, why don't you look at my other products," Urahara grinned.
Rukia gave Urahara a suspicious look. "I require a memory modifier," she told him.
"I got just the thing," Urahara said grabbing the object and showing it to Rukia.
Rukia frowned at the object. It was a small cylinder canister with a spring at the top. Connected to the spring was a duck head that wobbled black and forth.
"I prefer the bunny head types," Rukia said annoyed.
"Those sold out, unfortunately," Urahara excused.
Rukia sighed. "I'll take it," she relented. "I also need a soul glove," she requested.
Urahara gave her a curious look. "You intend to use him again?" he asked referring to Ichigo.
"Only until my powers return," Rukia said defensively.
Urahara gave her a sympathetic look and then handed her the glove. "I'll pay for these with the bounties I get," Rukia promised.
"Go back and repair their memories and I will make a new gigai for you," Urahara suggested.
Rukia nodded and ran off back to Ichigo's house. Urahara went back to his computer and wondered what had gone wrong. The computer analyzed Rukia's spiritual pressure; it had suddenly fluctuated just before the gigai was destroyed.
"So, it wasn't the gigai's fault," Urahara considered.
Rukia's spiritual pressure was in a state of fluctuation; it was clear she was unaware of it. Was it due to the transfer of power to that boy? Was she at risk of dying? Urahara considered these questions with curiosity.
Urahara walked into the back room of his shop and then descended into his basement. A short distance away was a small orb placed in a glass case. Urahara stared at the indestructible orb with awe and some fear.
The orb could control the spiritual fluctuations in Rukia's body. Urahara knew that the orb would be discovered eventually. Shinigami would soon lose their patience with him and take it from him. If he were to hide the orb in Rukia, her spiritual pressure would dissolve and she would be like any other soul. The orb would be hidden forever.
Urahara carefully took the glass case off the orb and then carefully grabbed the orb. Placing the orb aside on his desk, he went to work on designing a new gigai. When he was finished, he placed the orb inside the chest of the gigai where its heart would be.
Rukia walked up to the store when her task had been completed. She had replaced the memories of Ichigo's sisters and her father. She also placed Ichigo's soul back into his body and placed everyone in their beds. She repaired their wounds so it would seem nothing had happened.
"Back so soon?" Urahara asked her as she came in.
"I would have been faster if I had my powers back," Rukia said fatigued.
Urahara nodded as if he could relate. "The gigai is ready," he told her.
Rukia gave him a cautious look. "Is this going to work this time?"
"I guarantee it," Urahara promised.
One Month Later
Gin overlooked the bridge where Rukia and the Shinigami guards stood. The two were conversing while Renji fought for his life against his own captain. Rukia was dressed in pure white with a collar around her neck. Rope was attached to her collar to keep her from moving or escaping; she was powerless.
"Would you like me to save you?" Gin smiled referring to her execution.
"What?" Rukia gasped in disbelief.
"Captain Ichimaru, what are you saying?" the guards expressed fear and apprehension.
"So? If I want to, I can get you out of here easily," Gin offered. "Not just you, but Renji and the others as well," Gin continued.
Rukia simply stared at Gin in confusion. Why would he do such a thing? What would he hope to gain? Could he really free me and the others?
Gin leaned down and put his right hand on top of her head in a condescending way. "Just kidding," he grinned.
"Goodbye Rukia," Gin waived off and strolled across the bridge.
Rukia watched numbly as he left; her resolve shaken by Gin's words. He had given her slight hope of life and she had taken it. Her resolve to die with peace was gone. Rukia fell to her knees and screamed at him.
Gin heard the scream as he left and smiled in amusement. Then the bridge began to shake. Gin steadied himself on the bridge. It was a considerable distance if he fell. The Shinigami guards fell to their feet as Rukia's spiritual pressure unexpectedly skyrocketed.
Gin turned to face Rukia and opened his eyes in amazement. Rukia felt an intense rush as her power snapped the ropes out of her captor's hands. How is this possible? I thought all of my spiritual pressure to be taken away from me, she thought.
Gin took out his sword, not for the purpose of killing her, but to defend himself from any attack. The bridge was becoming unstable and was at risk of collapsing. Suddenly, as soon as it had happened, Rukia's power collapsed.
Rukia fell to the floor exhausted while her guards quickly got to their feet. "Can you not take care of such a small matter?" Gin insulted the guards.
"Yes, Captain Ichimaru!" one of the guards shouted and then picked Rukia up.
Gin frowned and turned away from Rukia and left the bridge.
Rukia was escorted by the guards to the site of execution and then proceeded to go back to the city. Rukia was placed in the proper spot for the execution and left there while the captains looked on.
"Let's commence with the ceremony," Commander Yamamoto ordered sternly.
"The attendance is horrible," Soi Fong commented to her vice-captain.
The Sixth Captain, Kuchiki Byakuya, somberly walked up to the site of the execution. He turned away from Rukia with a pained expression. Rukia couldn't tell if he was saddened by her impending death or ashamed of her.
"Kuchiki Rukia, do you have any last words?" Commander Yamamoto asked.
"I humbly request that the drifters be sent home safely. They're here because of me," Rukia asked.
Commander Yamamoto nodded. "As you requested."
"I am grateful," Rukia said pleased.
"Release the seal of Soukyoku," Yamamoto ordered.
Rukia began to rise in the air in a crucified position and was then placed on a bridge where she could not move. The spear of Soukyoku became engulfed with flames and took the form of a giant phoenix.
Rukia watched in terror as the bird took form and screeched at her. Rukia looked down and consoled herself for the end. No pain…no regrets…there is nothing for my heart to linger in this world.
The Soukyoku spear went forward onto Rukia to incinerate her soul. Rukia braced for impact but no impact came. A powerful bright light from her body pushed the Soukyoku away causing it to screech and flare-up.
The captains watched dumbstruck by what was happening. Even the commander opened his eyes in amazement as the Soukyoku was kept at bay by the aura of Rukia. There was a blight flash that blinded the captains below.
Rukia could only see a bright light; not even the flames of the Soukyoku could be seen. As the light faded away, Rukia saw a figure standing before her; it was Ichigo. He was wrapped up in bandages but wore a Shinigami uniform. He had his sword behind him and he was wearing a cloak.
"Yo," Ichigo greeted her.
One Hour Later
Aizen took a small device in his hand and crushed it. Spikes suddenly erupted in a circular pattern around Rukia and himself. Aizen's hand took on a reptilian greenish color and then he pushed it into Rukia's chest.
Aizen felt around and found the orb he was looking for, the Hogyoku. He suddenly felt a burning sensation as his hand remained inside her. Aizen's expression twitched, the first painful expression he had ever shown.
Aizen withdrew his hand from Rukia's chest and looked at the Hogyoku with interest. His hand immediately began to heal itself from the procedure, but it was smoking as if burned.
"What a surprise. It's awfully small," Aizen commented. "So this is the Hogyoku," he marveled.
Rukia fell to her knees; her wound began to close up until it disappeared. "Oh, the recipient is unharmed. What an incredible technique this is. Unfortunately, you are of no longer use to me anymore," Aizen said.
Aizen picked Rukia up by her collar forcing her to his eye level. "Kill her, Gin," Aizen ordered.
Captain Byakuya heard the announcement that went through Soul Society. Upon realizing Aizen's plot, Byakuya's attention focused on Aizen rather than the drifters or Rukia. Already wounded, Byakuya felt a duty to stop Aizen. He had committed an unforgivable crime.
His feelings for Rukia were mixed. It was true that the orders from the Council were void, but she did break the law as it was written. The punishment for her crime was just and according to the law even if the sentence was ordered by Aizen.
Byakuya was also conflicted by the determined words of Ichigo. The boy was silly and ignorant, but he did shake Byakuya's faith in the law. Byakuya turned to the execution site. He would answer the call.
As Byakuya sped toward the execution site, he could sense several presences. There was Rukia, his vice-captain, Renji, he had assumed dead, Ichigo, and then three captains: Aizen, Tousen, and Gin. He could also sense the weak presence of Captain Konamaru. As he concentrated he could sense another presence within the mix. It fluctuated rapidly as if unstable.
"It can't be helped," Gin smirked as he whirled his sword into action.
He pointed the sword at Rukia and ordered it to shoot, "Shinsou." The blade stretched out rapidly toward Rukia, but it missed its target.
Byakuya took the brunt of the blade while carrying Rukia; the blade had slightly sliced into Byakuya's chest causing him to bleed once more.
"Brother!" Rukia screamed as he fell to his knees.
Gin retracted his blade back and waited for orders from Aizen. "Why did you save me, brother?" Rukia kept asking.
Byakuya didn't respond but simply gave Aizen a glaring look. An amused Aizen took out his sword to finish the job; a weakened Byakuya would be no match. Before Aizen could make the kill, two blades were suddenly at his throat.
As Byakuya fell to the ground, he could once more sense the disturbance he had sensed before. It was like a heartbeat; a spiritual pressure expanded and contracted inside Rukia's body. Byakuya didn't have time to consider the strange observation before fainting on the ground.
After Aizen, Gin, and Tousen had escaped into Hueco Mundo, the 4th Division quickly moved in to assist the injured. The 4th captain and her vice-captain went to work on Konamaru and then Byakuya.
"What about the drifter?" Vice-Captain Isane asked.
"One of their own seems to be taking care of them," Captain Unohana smiled.
Orihime created an orange shield over Ichigo and worked to heal his devastating injuries. Ichigo lay still as Orihime worked to revert the damage. Rukia knelt down next to her adopted brother as he lay on a cot. He told her of her older sister; her death, and the dilemma he faced in either following the law or his deceased wife's request. In the end, Rukia forgave Byakuya.
Two Weeks Later
Rukia entered the 4th Division Headquarters and waited for Captain Unohana Retsu to meet her. There were several members of the 11th Division being treated; some of them were being obnoxious towards the 4th Division workers. Captain Unohana and Vice-Captain Isane greeted Rukia and then turned to the 11th Division.
"Please be cooperative and respectful. Remember that before you leave, your lives are in our hands," Unohana said pleasantly.
The 11th Division Shinigami fell silent, spooked by her words. Rukia came forth from the crowd and presented herself.
"We have something to discuss with you," Unohana told her.
Rukia entered the captain's office. Unohana sat down at her desk and gave Rukia a seat in the room. Isane stood at attention at her captain's side.
"We have discovered a large mass in your abdomen. We do not know how it was caused or when it developed, but we will need to operate soon to remove it," Unohana revealed.
"Like a tumor, cancer? Those are diseases of the living," Rukia protested.
"Not all Shinigami die from fighting. Your life could be in danger without the operation," Unohana pressed.
Rukia sunk her head in despair. "When can the operation begin?" she asked.
"We can begin the surgery for tomorrow," Unohana told her.
"Should I prepare…" Rukia muttered.
"The operation itself will not risk your life. There is nothing to worry about," Unohana said comfortingly.
"Oh, okay. Thank you, captain," Rukia stood up from her chair and bowed.
The captain and vice-captain bowed their heads to her and watched her leave. Unohana gave her vice-captain a somber look.
"It must be done,' she told Isane.
"Yes, captain," she agreed.
Rukia walked out of the 4th Division headquarters with a sense of dread. Her life seemed to be one tragedy after another. She promised herself she wouldn't tell Ichigo about the operation. It would only pain him.
Nemu approached Rukia and greeted her. Rukia didn't know the 12th Division vice-captain very well. She kept to herself and rarely showed emotion.
"My master would like to see you," Nemu told her.
"I have some people I need to consort with," Rukia dodged. She didn't like staying in the company with the 12th Division captain if she could help it.
"My master said to bring you to his office, immediately. I cannot refuse him," Nemu told her.
Rukia understood Nemu's meaning. "Then, I will go," she relented.
Captain Mayuri looked at the readings on his computer with scientific curiosity as he was analyzing the blood samples that had been left on the battlefield.
Nemu walked in with Rukia behind her. "Good, you showed up," Mayuri said pleased.
"What do you want?" Rukia asked him.
Mayuri grinned. "You have provided me with something very valuable. Something I have never seen before. It's spectacular! I must thank you for developing it," Mayuri said excitedly.
"What? My tumor? How is that exciting?" Rukia asked insulted.
"Tumor?" Mayuri chuckled.
"Is that what Captain Unohana told you? I knew she had her own dark side to her," Mayuri commented as he continued to look at the computer screen.
"What do you mean? What's wrong with me?" Rukia demanded becoming impatient.
"You're pregnant," Mayuri grinned.
Rukia simply stared at the captain in disbelief. "Don't give me that face. Or has your mind not comprehended what I have told you," Mayuri said rudely.
"How is this possible?" a stunned Rukia asked.
Mayuri grinned. "Well, did you engage in sexual activity?" Mayuri smirked.
"No," Rukia answered defensively.
"No matter, that's not what caused it," Mayuri told her.
"Then what did?" Rukia asked annoyed.
"The most likely cause was when you transferred your powers to that Ryoku, the substitute Shinigami, Ichigo. You gave him your power so that he could be a Shinigami and, in return, some of his power went to you," Mayuri explained.
"How could I have not known this?" Rukia wondered to herself.
"You see, Nemu, women lack the curiosity and intelligence to discover things for themselves," Mayuri said to his vice-captain.
"Yes, Sir," Nemu replied.
Rukia dismissed Mayuri's comment. "Have you noticed anything out of the ordinary? Spiritual fluctuations, mood swings, an inability to control your power?" Mayuri asked.
"Yes, but I thought it was due to the Hogyoku," Rukia told him.
"I see. So Urahara Kisuke knew about it, too," Mayuri considered.
"Who else knows about this?' Rukia asked.
"The 4th Division reported their findings in the captain's meeting. The commander was furious. He wanted it destroyed. What a waste," Mayuri said dismayed.
"That's what the operation was for," Rukia realized.
Mayuri nodded. "You should not allow this phenomenon to perish," Mayuri said seriously.
Rukia nodded in agreement. "Have me do the procedure. That way, I can study the results," Mayuri requested.
Rukia gave Mayuri a horrified look. "No, I won't let you kill it."
"It's inevitable. Whatever it is, it will be killed. You might as well do the reasonable thing and let me examine it," Mayuri reasoned.
"No, I am leaving," Rukia said and backed away.
"Nemu," Mayuri ordered.
"Yes, Sir," Nemu said obediently.
Nemu blocked the exit from Rukia. "Get out of my way," an infuriated Rukia told her.
"I'm sorry, Rukia," Nemu apologized.
Rukia glared at Nemu and raised her hand against her. "Sōkatsui" Rukia shouted and then blasted Nemu out of the way with a powerful blue colored fireball. Rukia forced herself through the door and escaped the 12th Division's district. Nemu got back to her feet and addressed her Captain. "I'm sorry, Sir," she said simply. Mayuri glared at her and then went back to his work.
As she ran down the halls, Rukia accidentally ran into Yachiru causing them both to fall down. Yachiru rubbed her head and then quickly got back onto her feet.
"Sorry about that," Rukia muttered.
"Rukia!" Yachiru said cheerfully.
"Good to meet you, too, Yachiru," Rukia acknowledged.
"Is Ichigo here? Ken wants to fight him again," Yachiru asked excitedly.
Rukia froze up a little inside. Ichigo had already left. "He went back to the living world," Rukia reported.
Yachiru frowned at that. Ikaku and Yumichika with their weapons over their shoulders approached Rukia. At first, Rukia was not sure whether they were a threat or not. "Come with us. The captain would like to talk to you," Yumichika told her.
Rukia was escorted to Kenpachi's headquarters. The office wasn't much of one; none of the paperwork had ever been done, and everything was disorganized. Kenpachi smiled warmly at Rukia with his eye patch on. Rukia bowed respectfully to the captain.
"Congratulations!" Kenpachi greeted. "What for?" Rukia wondered.
"Don't you know? You got yourself knocked up," Kenpachi informed her.
"I did not get knocked up," Rukia glared at the captain.
"Whatever, the important thing is that the baby grows strong and healthy," Kenpachi told her.
"Rukia's going to be a mommy!" Yachiru said happily.
"I have been told that Commander Yamamoto wants it destroyed," Rukia said.
"I know. The old fart hasn't had any action in centuries," Kenpachi joked.
"But you can't defy the commander," Rukia protested.
"Do you want to keep this baby?" Kenpachi asked becoming impatient.
"Yes," Rukia confessed.
"Then shut up about Yamamoto," Kenpachi told her.
"We're all with you on this one," Ikaku told her from behind at the doorway.
"Why?" Rukia questioned.
"Why do you think? The child is considered a threat to Soul Society. It must be really strong and when he grows up, I want to fight him," Kenpachi revealed.
"We also wish to fight him," Yumichika chimed in referring to himself and Ikaku.
"What? Is that the only reason?" Rukia asked horrified.
"Does there need to be another reason?" Kenpachi asked annoyed.
"What if it's a girl?" Rukia questioned.
Yachiru's eyes lit up. "That would be fun!"
"The gender doesn't matter as long as it can fight," Kenpachi told her.
Rukia gave the four smiling 11th Division Shinigami an uncertain look. They were all mad. "Does my brother know about this?" Rukia asked.
"All of the captains are aware," Kenpachi told her.
"How did he take it?" Rukia wondered.
"Don't know, he doesn't show any emotion," Kenpachi answered.
Captain Shunsui rested peacefully under a flower tree with his straw hat over his eyes. His vice-captain, Nanao, stopped by with a clipboard and frowned at her captain.
"Yes?" Shunsui asked as he continued to nap.
"What do we do about the Rukia situation?" Nanao asked him.
"What situation?' Shunsui asked.
"You didn't seem to like Commander Yamamoto's decision. Are you going to do anything foolish?" Nanao asked.
Shunsui laughed. "Wasn't planning on it but now that you mentioned it," Shunsui joked.
"This is a serious matter," Nanao pressed.
"Nanao, have you ever thought about becoming pregnant," Shunsui asked offhandedly.
Nanao was taken aback by the question. "It can't be done," she told him.
"Apparently, it can," Shunsui reminded her.
"What I mean is that it shouldn't be done," Nanao corrected herself.
"I guess," Shunsui relented.
"We don't know what could happen. The child could destroy all of Soul Society," Nanao argued.
"I know. I was just wondering," Shunsui said.
Nanao approached her captain. "I may have been a mother at one time. I don't know, anymore, I died a long time ago," Nanao confessed.
"Remember how it felt?' Shunsui asked.
"No, I don't remember any of it," Nanao told him.
Shunsui could see Nanao's emotional reaction to the subject. "Have some sake," he offered.
Rukia approached Byakuya in the middle of a cemetery. He was at the gravesite of his wife. The wind picked up sending pink petals into the air around them. Rukia looked down at the tombstone and saw her sister's name on the description. Byakuya didn't say a word to her but laid flowers at the grave and then stood up.
"Will you go through with the operation?" he asked her.
Rukia grimaced. "If I had a choice, I wouldn't," Rukia admitted.
"Did you have a choice before?' Byakuya asked.
"No, believe me, it was a freak accident. I never intended for it to happen," Rukia pleaded.
"I believe you. Your parents died when you were just an infant in the living world. They were unprepared to properly take care of you. You and your sister died as a result. Do not make the same mistake," Byakuya told her.
"Brother…," Rukia wondered.
"My promise to you encompasses both you and the child," Byakuya said finally.
"Thank you," Rukia said tearfully.
"I have many sins to make up for. I will give you passage to the living world," Byakuya offered.
Rukia found Renji's quarters; it was night. "Renji," she greeted sadly.
"Rukia! Is it true? How?" Renji asked.
"It's true. I don't know how it happened," Rukia answered.
"It's Ichigo's child, isn't it?" Renji asked.
Rukia nodded in confirmation. Renji grimaced but pretended to smile to hide his pain." I should have been there for you Rukia. I should have defied orders when we came for you," Renji sat down on his bed. Rukia sat with Renji.
"Don't blame yourself. Everything is all right now," Rukia told him.
"No, it's not. You will be a fugitive again and there is nothing I can do," Renji said helplessly.
"You don't have to do anything, Renji. You have nothing to prove. Just be there," Rukia told him.
"Things are going to get rough for some time," Renji warned her.
"I know," Rukia said sadly.
"I admire your bravery," Renji admitted.
Rukia smirked at that. "I am not brave."
"When I went up against your brother, I was trembling," Renji smiled.
"I think everyone feels that way," Rukia chuckled. Renji frowned as he realized what came next.
"I will walk you to it," he offered, referring to the passageway. "Thank you, Renji," Rukia hugged him.
Moments later, Renji and Rukia approached the portal that would send Rukia back to Earth. "Be safe. Don't take unnecessary chances," Renji reminded her.
"I will," Rukia said and then waved goodbye.
Renji waved goodbye and saw her disappear. He felt so empty and helpless. The portal closed up behind him.