The three sat around a table in a room with only one window. As soon as they had arrived at what they assumed to be headquarters, the Lieutenant had gone off to get her superior leaving guards stationed outside the door. For five minutes they had sat in silence then Ichigo slammed his fist on the table

"We don't have time for this! Lets take the guards out, get Octavian and ditch this place. Its weird"

"Calm down" Rukia said "They have guns and there's more of them"

"I've beaten many assholes who've had guns" He snorted "And who cares if there's more of them?"

"Have patience Ichigo" Yoruichi spoke up. She sat back in her chair "We should at least stay long enough to get a picture of what this world is like"

"Freaky is what I think it is. Those cars looked like something outta those old movies"

"To be more exact they looked like the first cars Ford built in the 1900s" Rukia and Ichigo looked at each other then her "What? So I love human history"

"So I guess for the time we have to just try and relax" Rukia placed an arm on the table and rested her chin on it. The room was silent except for the tick, tick of the clock. Yoruichi stared off into space and allowed her mind to drift back


She bolted upright in the bed. Pain immediately went through her whole body. She looked around and realized she was in a room that was meant for the injured at the 4ths squad building. Slowly she got out of bed, ignoring the fact that from the chest and stomach were covered with bandages. Plain pants covered her lower half.

"Octavian, Byakuya" Yoruichi mumbled as she made it to the door. Sliding it open she moved down the hallway but a small scuffle stopped her. Not too far from her Byakuya Kuchiki had a hand around Ichigo's throat. She had never seen him so angry or even if he had been he'd never show it. Several people tried to stop him but couldn't. Byakuya held him up to the wall.

"Im sorry Byakuya" Ichigo mumbled. For the first time Yoruichi saw the overwhelming sadness on the younger boy's face. She was too shocked to move, it felt like she had walked into a nightmare.

"Captain stop!" Renji suddenly appeared and put a hand on his captain's arm. Rukia was right beside him with a frantic look. A single tear fell from the noble's eyes as his grip on Ichigo loosened until finally he let him go. He fell in heap to the floor and didn't attempt to move, instead he rested his head against the wall. Byakuya took one step before falling himself. Renji caught him and allowed him to cry softly on his shoulder. Rukia sat next to Ichigo and put an arm around him. Yoruichi took a step back.

"This cant be real"

"But it is" Captain Retsu Unohana said from behind her "Come back to your room Yoruichi" Obediently she followed the woman and even sat down quietly on her bed. Retsu slid the door shut.

"What was that?" was the first thing she asked

"Byakuya blamed Ichigo for what happened to your son"

"WHAT HAPPENED?!"

"The two of them went after Aizen. Ichigo was beginning to transform into a hollow. They made an agreement, should Ichigo go too far Octavian would do all in his power to bring him back. Of course he changed, from the reports Im hearing the same thing happened while he was in Hueco Mundo trying to save Orihime. He defeated Aizen but started to go on a rampage. Just before he could strike an already injured Rukia, who had also tried to stop him, Octavian took the attack himself. It was enough of a shock to bring Ichigo to himself but Octavian isn't doing well. That was several days ago. Ichigo was unconscious this entire time. When he finally woke, he went to Octavian's room. Byakuya was there and so you saw the ending result"

"My son…" Yoruichi whispered

"Byakuya spent a great deal of time in here with you too. There's also Ace…" Unohana went over to the window to pull back the curtains.

"Ace? Is he ok?" Yoruichi had forgotten about Byakuya's older brother who had also been fighting along with his wife.

"I fear he is near death". The Shihoin heir gasped

"But that's impossible…he cant die" In all the years she'd known Ace, she'd never once thought about him dying or that was even a possibility. He had an air about him.

"I believe the emotional strain has become too much for Byakuya. Rukia is doing no better. She's become withdrawn but I suppose those are some of the effects of war"

"How bad were our losses?"

"We were fortunate not to have lost any captains or lieutenants though some are badly injured. We lost many of the unseated ones" Her voice trembled slightly "The vizards helped but even they suffered. The Head Captain has allowed them to remain here for now" She paused to look over the other woman.

"The price for winning was high, there are those who will never be the same". The normally calm captain walked to the door. Her shoulders slightly sagged. She had been hurt pretty bad herself, Yoruichi could tell.

"Rest, I'll return later" She said before leaving. Though it was very painful, Yoruichi curled up on her side and tried to rest but all she heard when she close her eyes were screams.

It was the following day that Yoruichi decided to leave her room once again. Rukia had been to see her but she hadn't said much. She had indeed become withdrawn. Ichigo had stopped by but the always present scowl was replaced by a frown and sadness in his eyes. After that Yoruichi had refused anymore visitors, even Byakuya and her own family. She shuffled down the hall until she reached her son's room. It was quiet everywhere, too quiet. She stopped outside his doorway to see Byakuya sitting by his bed half sleep. She smiled before sitting next to him. She watched Octavian's breathing for a few minutes then examined him. The beginnings of a scar started on his neck and went further down beneath the blankets. She saw a few cuts and scraps. Yoruichi pushed some of his hair out of his face.

"I wish he could've looked more like me" She grumbled

"He has your personality" Byakuya said.

"That's a lie, everyone knows he takes more after your brother" She saw him smile out the corner of her eye "Byakuya how is he?"

"Captain Unohana is doing everything she can but there are others who need her help just as much". Yoruichi rolled her eyes and grabbed his hand then turned her attention back to her son. His long, dark hair fanned out around him. He looked a little pale. It was all she could do to keep from crying. Their son had been taken away when he was ten. For six years she and Byakuya drifted apart, dealing with the grief in their own way. Then Kisuke found him again in the U.S. Yoruichi didnt want to lose him a second time.

"Will you still step down as the Sixth Division Captain?"

"Yes" He whispered "No matter the outcome"

"Dad you're actin like you already got the funeral planned out" A raspy voice laughed. Yoruichi jumped up in surprise. Octavian laughed but started groaning in pain. He sat up.

"I guess I missed a lot". Yoruichi didn't say anything but simply threw her arms around him. Byakuya smiled before passing out just as Captain Unohana stepped in.

"DAD!" Octavian tried to get up but a stern look from his mom told him to stay where he was. She instead moved to him. Retsu calmly knelt next to him.

"Nice to see you awake Octavian and Captain Kuchiki will be fine, he's just very exhausted".

A couple of weeks passed. The cleanup was finished. The few Espada who had survived were to be put on trial. The captains had been meeting almost everyday, well the ones that could make it. Soi Fon was still confined to the infirmary but insisted on seeing the child of her old master. Toshiro was supposed to be released in a few days and no one was certain if Mayuri would survive his injuries. During the meetings it had been proposed that Ikkaku and Ichigo should be made captains. Yamamoto shot down the idea of Ichigo. He thought it would be too much for the young shinigami. Byakuya had literally slept for several days though he hadnt wanted to. It was his three uncles constant pestering that finally made him do it. When he did arrive for the meeting he announced that he was stepping down but recommended his lieutenant to take his place. Each candidate had a day for which they'd be tested. Ikkaku had been tested and passed, though he had wanted to remain with the eleventh. He was named to the ninth division. Two more replacements still needed to be found to take the places of the traitors. Currently Renji had ten minutes before his own test was to begin and was pacing nervously inside his division's office. Ichigo sat watching him while Octavian was messing with things on his father's desk and Yoruichi stared out the window, she had been refusing to let her son out of sight for even five minutes. Ichigo had apologized for what happened or tried to. O simply brushed it off with a laugh and said it wasn't a big deal. A little of Ichigo's original personality began to come back slowly. He had seen too many people killed and then there was Rukia. When her nephew had woken she seemed happier until she relayed how bad his uncle (her brother) was doing.

"Renji relax" Yoruichi said. Though she couldnt see him she could hear him walking back and forth

"Sorry but I cant help it, what if I fail?"

"We've already been through this?" Ichigo snorted "How many pep talks do you need?"

"Shut the hell up"

"Thats better"

"Yes!" All eyes turned to Octavian who had made a shot into the trashcan. Yoruichi rolled hers then turned back to the window.

"The Hogyoku is missing"

"Huh? What do you mean? I thought Aizen had used it already" Renji stopped pacing.

"No, though its was slowly deteriorating. Also an Espada is missing"

"Which one?"

"I think his name was Stark". Ichigo's eyes widened "What? Whats wrong?"

"He was number one"

"Captain Kyoraku was almost killed in their battle" Renji added "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I heard Kenpachi and Jushiro discussing it"

"More like eavesdropped" Octavian said

"Renji come on, everyone's ready" Momo appeared in the doorway

"Hope I dont fuckin embarrass myself" He followed her out.

"Have fun" Ichigo called after him to which his friend flicked him off. Silence enveloped the room before for a few minutes then Octavian said the words that would get their whole crazy trip started

"Mom is it weird that I can sorta tell where the Hogyoku is?"

Two days. It had taken two days for Octavian to figure out exactly how he could track the Hogyoku's whereabouts. Yoruichi watched as a bluish light circled around him, causing his hair to fly around. They were in the Shihoin gardens. Renji (who was now a captain) Ichigo and Rukia were all watching. Octavian had been born with the strange ability to control electricity. When he had been taken by his aunt and uncle for six years, someone had taught him to control it much better. To what extent all them were about to find out.

"I can sense it" Octavin said

"Where?" Rukia stepped closer but not too much since it was electricity that was flowing around him.

"This will sound weird as hell but its like...it feels like its in another world altogether"

"Hmmm..." Yoruichi had wanted for the time being to keep her son's special talent a secret. She didnt want Yamamoto pushing him too hard in order to find it.

"We have to tell him" Rukia watched her "He can send a team"

"Not really, how's he supposed to get there? All O can do is tell where it is" Ichigo countered

"But he should still know, this is serious. Who knows what that Espada is planning!" The two started arguing. Renji took a seat on the ground. He watched as the light around Octavian continued to get bigger and brighter

"Hey Yoruichi, is that supposed to happen?" He asked. She followed his gaze. Suddenly Octavian seemed to disappear before their eyes

"OCTAVIAN!" Yoruichi grabbed his hand but something was pulling her with him. She felt Ichigo grab hers as she was pulled into the light.

"Hang on!" Rukia shouted grabbing Ichigo. Renji grabbed her and pulled but it was no use. A powerful electric shock sent him backwards. When he managed to get back on his feet, the four along with the bright light were gone.


A door opened. A dark haired man came in followed by Lieutenant Hawkeye who stood by the door. He took in each ones appearance as he walked around the table. Finally he stopped by Yoruichi.

"I'm Colonel Roy Mustang"

"Big deal, when the hell are you gonna let us outta here?" Ichigo wasn't in a good mood. The Colonel smirked and said

"Whenever you want but you wont get far" The strawberry blond scowled even more and turned away "Now I've already visited with the other boy. Kid's only sixteen and tried to kill me"

"Where is he?!" Yoruichi asked

"In a hospital room under heavy sedatives. Now Im going to give you a choice, tell me the truth of why you're here or you can stay in a cell while the children..." He gestured to Rukia and Ichigo

"Im not a ch..." The Kuchiki started to say but a fierce look from Yoruichi shut her up.

"...Go to foster homes. So whats your decision?". She sighed and decided she should tell the truth no matter how crazy it might sound just so later she could say she didnt lie. So for the next ten minutes Yoruichi gave a condensed version of soul reapers, the war, and how they had ended up where they were. After she finished there was a moment of silence before Colonel Mustang burst into laughter. His lieutenant gave a sad smile.

"I dont get whats so funny about people losing their lives!" Ichigo slammed his fist on the table.

"Come on kid, thats the most unbelievable thing I've ever heard" Roy said calming down "Soul reapers? Is that really the best you could come up with?". Rukia didnt find it funny either especially with her brother near death. She was in the process of jumping to her feet and beating the shit out of their captor when the door swung open. Luckily Riza had moved out of the way otherwise she wouldve been hit.

"Sorry ma'am, sir we're getting a call from the hospital. You should come hear this" The soldier managed to get out as he tried to catch his breath. Roy nodded

"When I come back I want a real answer" With that he and his lieutenant left. The three heard the click of the lock. Yoruichi stood and walked over to the wall facing outside. Focusing her spiritual pressure, she punched it. At first nothing happened then it cracked. The cracks became bigger until finally the wall crumbled allowing the light of the sunset to stream in.

"Go!" She ordered

"No way!" Ichigo answered. Rukia nodded in agreement

"We're not going to leave you here Yoruichi-san"

"Look, he may not go after you two since he sees you as children and yes Rukia we all know you're not but he doesnt. If I go with you they'll most definitely follow but if its just you two who escape then the chances are less likely. The last thing we need is these fools after us while we search for the Hogyoku. "

"She's right" Rukia mumbled "Fine but we'll meet up later ok?". Yoruichi gave a nod

"Wait? What?! I didnt agree to this!" Ichigo started to say as Rukia grabbed his arm

"I promise to find Octavian" She called behind her as they raced out well more like Rukia dragging Ichigo behind her. Once outside they broke into a sprint. After ten minutes of running Rukia stopped in an alley. She tried to catch her breath. Ichigo leaned against the wall

"Why'd you stop?"

"No idea where Im going" She answered. The stress was starting to get to her. She had to find the Hogyoku, her nephew and Yoruichi again.

"Hey, we'll get through this. Though it is sorta bleak right now"

"Understatement of the year Ichigo. On top of everything we're stuck in a world we know nothing about"

"We can worry later, right now lets get to a dry place"

"Why?"

"Its about to rain" As if on cue a fat raindrop hit her on the head.

"Damnit!" She cried. It was Ichigo's turn to lead as they searched for a hotel but it soon became obvious their money wouldnt work at any of the places. They had been greeted with funny looks when they had tried to pay for a room. Ichigo didnt like to be a gloomy person but as he sat on a curb near one hotel, he didnt really see how things could get any better. Rukia sat next to him. They sat in silence as the rain fell, each trying to gather their thoughts. Suddenly it stopped. Ichigo looked up to see a large black umbrella over them and a blond kid wearing a red jacket holding it.

"You guys could get sick, you shouldnt be out in the rain like this"

"Thanks Sherlock" Ichigo mumbled. Rukia gave him a glare before standing and giving the young man a bow

"Thank you so much"

"Not a big deal. You dont look like you're from around here"

"Another one for captain obvious". Rukia kicked him

"I apologize for my friends rudeness, its been a rough day"

"I understand. You guys can come stay with me until the rain stops if you want"

"We wouldnt want to burden you..."
"You wont, it'll give me company. By the way Im Edward Elric"

"Rukia Kuchiki"

"Ichigo Kurosaki" The other replied, also standing. He stared at Edward for a few seconds causing the blond to frown

"What?"

"You're as short as Rukia! Maybe shorter!" Ichigo tried to contain his laughter.

"WHO ARE YOU CALLIN SHORT?!" Edward screamed. Ichigo continued to laugh infuriating the smaller boy even more. "Rukia you can stay with me but your friend will have to find someplace else" He stormed off followed by the woman who stepped on Ichigo's foot. For his part he tried to stop laughing

"Wait...Im sorry...wont happen again..." He chuckled hurrying after them. Meanwhile Yoruichi had been sent to a prison cell to await further questioning. Upon arriving back Roy Mustang had simply stared in shock at the crumbling wall then at the woman standing calmly by it. Without any questions he ordered her to a cell. She listened as rain leaked in hitting the floor. Footsteps echoed in the hall as someone approached her cell. Riza Hawkeye had been intrigued with this strange case ever since she found the four of them in the woods. Holding a food tray she waited as a guard unlocked the door. Riza set the food down, took one look at the prisoner and turned to leave when Yoruichi said

"How's my son?"

"It took an abnormal amount of sedatives to calm him. Right now he's half awake, mumbling threats". Yoruichi smiled briefly. The truth of the matter was she couldve escaped and grabbed O already but she didnt want the military on their trail. Riza normally didnt show any sympathy to prisoners, normally but something stirred when she saw that sad smile on the other woman's face and said

"I'll make sure they dont hurt him". She looked at her in surprise at first then replied

"I'd greatly appreciate that". Riza watched her a few more moments before exiting. Once gone Yoruichi closed her eyes, she sensed a small but abnormal spiritual pressure as if the owner of it was only half trying to hide it.

"Stark" The name fell from her lips with distaste. Surely where ever he was the Hogyoku had to be too.

a/n- woot! another chap done. i dont really have a super good reason for choosing stark as the missing espada except i think he's sorta badass the way he doesnt show off his power like the others and doesnt really want to fight. i was pretty surprised when he revealed he was number one. the only espada that i like just as much would have to be halibel now she's really bad ass especially in the newest manga chapter. this story will follow the fma manga since thats what im reading right now. anyways til the next chapter...