It was the night before Octavian was to head to the Seireitei. He was exhausted. His mother and aunt had been after him each day after classes. They forced him to practice his manners (he thought his were pretty good), how he should address certain family members, pinched him every time he cursed and threatened him with death should he do it in front of others, etc. The worse was when they made him take out the braids his hair had been in. It was soon a curly mess which Yoruichi and Rukia chased him all over trying to tame. He knew they were trying in their own way to get him prepared but it still annoyed him. On top of that he was becoming more homesick, especially after talking to his friends each day. They all asked endless questions, wondering when he'd be back (his soccer coach especially). Octavian managed to make it to his bed and simply fell on it. He and Renji had managed to keep his secret though it had been hard. He suspected that his dad knew something was up but he hadn't asked. It seemed their story was believed by everyone. He closed his eyes and was soon asleep.

An hour later Byakuya stopped by his son's room and looked inside. Octavian was tossing and turning. He walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed, contemplating what to do when he began to feel the hairs on his arm stand up. He took another look at O who had settled down but electricity was pouring from him. Byakuya began to feel it pierce his body. He gritted his teeth. Though he wasn't moving as much as before, it was still obvious he was having a nightmare. Without thinking he pulled Octavian into his lap, cradling him. The pain became even worse. He began humming an old Kuchiki song. Gradually the electricity subsided. Byakuya blinked in surprise, it had been a long time since he had done that.

"Byakuya" Renji stood in the doorway, shocked (not literally). His captain had allowed him to use his first name when it was just them. Another way to tell they were becoming better friends. "Byakuya, are you ok?" The other man simply nodded but didn't attempt to put O back on his bed. Renji had happened to be walking by when he saw a faint white/bluish light coming from the room. He stopped in time to see everything. He was glad for the fact that since he and his captain had just been on patrol so both weren't in their gigai yet. He could only how much more painful or deadly that would've been. Neither spoke until Octavian's breathing became normal. Byakuya let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

"I haven't held him like this since he was little" He said pushing strand of his son's hair out of his face. Renji relaxed slightly. It was still hard to get used to seeing the notorious cold noble of the Sixth Division like this. The man wasn't even completely like this around Yoruichi. Kisuke had told the lieutenant that having children changes everything. Renji agreed. He walked over and sat down on the floor.

"He'd probably die of a heart attack if he woke up" He grinned, remembering what Kisuke had told him of what happened when O had woken to Yoruichi lying next to him. Byakuya smiled too, pulling him closer to him.

"Thank you Renji for befriending him. I know he tends to stay to himself and can be very immature at times"

"Not a big deal, I've actually never become friends with anybody this fast. Rukia thinks its cus I remind O of one of his friends back home. Do you think he's ready for tomorrow?". Byakuya thought carefully before answering

"No, but a part of me does not care. He will have my last name whether they like it or not". His smile faded. "You realize that I know something happened when you escaped from that hollow". Renji didn't even flinch. He knew Byakuya wasn't stupid and would probably be the first one to notice something wasn't right. "Will you tell me what really happened? I find it hard to believe that the two of you managed to get away from someone like that with the minimal cuts and bruises you had"

"I wont"

"Because…"

"I promised him. Its nothing serious. Ulquiorra springing that trap then attacking me was true, so was the whole idea of him trying to take Octavian". Byakuya nodded. He didn't think Renji would tell him but it hadn't hurt to try. He wasn't upset. This wasn't a request/command as a captain to his lieutenant (it definitely made a difference in Renji's answer) but as a friend to another friend. They were silent for several more minutes then Byakuya said

"Urahara had something important to tell Yoruichi and I but a phone call came in and he completely dropped the subject as if he never mentioned it"

"Why do you think he had a change of heart so suddenly?"

"Someone told him to not say anything"

"But that's some timing"

"I know that is why I am sure it was my brother who called him"

"Why?"

"Sometimes there is not an answer to everything Renji. I can not explain it but I simply know that was him". Octavian yawned. His eyes began to open. He saw staring back at him his father then he realized his father was holding him.

Out front Yoruichi and Toshiro were going over some things. The young captain was to take over patrols for Byakuya and Renji. Ichigo sat off to the side with Rukia playing a card game. The lovely peace of the evening was interrupted by a string of curses coming from none other than Octavian

"SHIT DAD! WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?!WHAT THE HELL? CANT I SLEEP NORMAL AROUND HERE!! DAMNIT RENJI! WHY THE HELL ARE YOU SMILING?! ITS NOT FUNNY!"

The next afternoon found Octavian, Byakuya, Yoruichi and Rukia in a large, beautiful room for receiving guests. Renji had come with them back to the Soul Society but had gone to his division's offices. Ichigo had wanted to come too but Yoruichi had been stern in saying no. She felt it would already look suspicious enough with Renji and Rukia gone who were in his classes. Yoruichi glanced at her son who had a scowl on his face. He was dressed fine, it was his hair she was worried about. Not knowing what to do with it she finally gave up, leaving it. It was still slightly curly from the braids. She started to tap her foot impatiently. They next had to go see her family and then there was supposed to be a celebration tonight for her and Byakuya's engagement. How they found out, she had no idea though she suspected it was one of her loud mouthed sisters who Yoruichi had snuck to see some days before. She groaned in annoyance.

"Are you ok Yoruichi-san?" Rukia asked sitting across from her.

"Just perfect". At that moment the doors opened. Four men walked in, all old except one. The three of them stood (Octavian had to be kicked by his aunt who was next to him) and bowed.

"Byakuya, its nice to have you home" One man with glasses said. Out of the four, Octavian decided he seemed the nicest. "Congratulations on your engagement"

"Thank you Uncle" He answered.

"And this must be your son! He's the spitting image of you! How are you young man?"

"Fine, thanks" O tried to have the same impassive look on his face as his dad.

"Rukia, its been some time since I last saw you. Every time I'm here, you're not"

"Im sorry"

"Don't apologize, its not your fault!" He laughed. Seeing Yoruichi he said

"Ms. Shihoin, its nice to see you". She smiled in acknowledgement "I guess I should introduce myself and the others to you little Octavian" He turned back to the boy. "I am Kuchiki Aki. Your father and aunt's uncle, well one of them. These two men behind me are their other ones, Hideki…" He gestured to a man with a stern expression on his face "and Ichiro" He motioned towards a man with gray hair and a look of arrogance about him. "The young one standing next to him is his son Masaru". Masaru gave off an air that he'd rather be anywhere else. Octavian instantly disliked him.

"I dont understand why you want to have this…boy recognized now. He does not even carry himself as a Kuchiki should" Masaru sneered. His father chuckled next to him. "See, even my father agrees. Dear cousin you should send him with the Shihoin's. You have already brought enough embarrassment". Byakuya tensed. Rukia dropped her eyes to the floor while Yoruichi had to keep from punching him. Octavian looked around confusedly. Rukia had explained there were higher members of the Kuchiki family who were able to speak freely without fear because of their prominent position but Octavian still didn't think that was a good enough reason for someone to insult his dad. Seeing no one moving to do anything he started to but was stopped by Rukia's hand on his shoulder.

"If you are finished Masaru then we will leave. I have more important matters to attend to" Byakuya started to walk away. Yoruichi and Rukia followed. Octavian walked up to Masaru

"What do you want?" He asked.

"Im gonna kick your ass next time my Dad isn't around. Just thought you should know that" Octavian said boldly. Aki had to hold a hand over his mouth to contain his laughter. Hideki, who had been quiet and severe, looking up to that point, actually grinned. Masaru and his father were too shocked to say anything. O flicked him off before racing to catch up with his parents.

In Karakura, Ichigo was on his way home when. Having Toshiro and Rangiku in town wasn't as fun as Renji and Rukia. Heck even Octavian had proven to be entertaining and had been keeping him out of boredom but now that wasn't the case. He had declined Keigo's offer to go meet some women. Chad was helping a neighbor of his. Uryu was sewing some things for a few classmates. Orihime had gone off with Tatsuki. So now he had nothing to do.

"What the fuck do I do now?" He mumbled. He was so absorbed in his predicament that he ran into someone "Shit, Im sorry!"

"Its cool". Standing in front of him was a brown skinned young man who didn't seem more than a couple of years older than himself. He wore jeans dark colored jeans that were held up by a belt with white outlines of robots on it. He wore a white tank that had a picture of a smiley face on it. A black bandanna was tied around his neck. His dark eyes were scanning the area around him as if he were looking for someone.

"Lookin for someone?" Ichigo asked.

"Yeah actually, maybe you can help" He turned his attention to Ichigo "There was a guy, maybe a year or so younger than me, goin to the high school here I think. His name's Octavian Shihoin. Is there any chance that you know him or have heard of him?"

"Maybe, why?". The older boy let out a sigh of relief and ran a hand over his closely cut hair.

"I need to find him. Sorry I didn't introduce myself, I'm Rembrandt. Friends call me Remy" He held out a hand. Ichigo took it.

"Im Ichigo. Octavian's talked about you". Remy broke out in a grin.

"That dumbass didn't answer when I called him. You know where he is?"

"Well…." Ichigo tried to think of a way to phrase it

"I doubt he's still in town Remy" A man walked up who looked a little like Byakuya but had a short, spiky hair cut and wasn't as pale.

"And who are you?"

"Call me Ace, now where the hell did Little Byakuya go?"

Octavian was currently sitting at a elegant bar back in the Kuchiki house. He had just finished seeing his grandparents, Yoruichi's parents. He used to see them all the time when he was younger but Yamamoto put a stop to that so it had been a very happy reunion. His grandmother had nearly hugged him to death while his grandfather hadn't said anything but smiled and patted him on the head. Everything was going great until his mom's sisters came in. They pounced before he could say hi, smothering him with hugs and kisses. All three were younger than Yoruichi but acted like old ladies with all the attention they gave him. He promised he could hear his dad laughing softly off to the side. He had managed to get away and was now drinking some fruit juice. The bartender was talking to someone else. Octavian was so lost in his own thoughts that he didn't notice it was Masaru. The elder Kuchiki then walked up and took a seat next to him. There was no way he was going to allow his cousin's mistake to be recognized or even for there to be a possibility of him becoming the next head of the family.

"Hello…Octavian". O simply glanced at him before taking another sip of his drink. "I wanted to offer an olive branch"

"Why?"

"Things have just been going on and I took out my anger on you and your father. I think it will be good for you to be officially apart of the family"

"Thanks I think"

"When is your visit with the Head Captain?"

"In about thirty minutes. Im sorta nervous"

"You'll do fine. Well I have to get going. Meetings and what not" He stood up

"See ya then"

"Bye" Masaru smirked at the bartender as he walked away. The trouble with some children, he mused, is that they're too trusting.

Forty-five minutes later Renji found Octavian still at the bar. By now a few other people were there but most were headed to the private training grounds on the estate where the test would be administered. Renji had been on his way there when a panicked Rukia had told him they couldn't find Octavian. She said they'd searched everywhere. It was by coincidence that he overheard a couple of servants talking about a very drunk Octavian. He walked up and said uncertainly

"Octavian?". The boy looked at him with a piercing stare. His face was emotionless, he didn't seem drunk. Renji scratched his head then looked at the drink in O's hand. "How many did you have?" No answer. So he turned to the bartender who shrugged

"Don't look at me. I just got here. I've been giving him the fruit drinks. If he's wasted it happened before I started". The red head nodded

"Come on kid, we gotta go". Octavian got up. If it weren't for the slight wobble, Renji wouldn't have known he was drunk; in fact it was hard to tell anyway. O wasn't showing the signs that typical people do. He along with every one else was about to get a taste of why Ace never let O drink wine on New Year's or why the government severely punished any idiot who gave him a drink, whether accident or not.

Yamamoto refused to allow Octavian to spar against Byakuya which was the test. Everyone had gathered outside, on the training grounds. Kuchikis, Shihoins, other captains and their lieutenants. All wanted to see what he could do. The head captain was already annoyed because he was late then he smelled the alcohol on his breath.

"Im sorry Captain Kuchiki but I will not allow this" He stated. Murmurs went through the crowd "Your child is drunk, am I correct Lieutenant Abarai?". Renji looked at Octavian, who was still slightly wobbly and nodded. "Then this test is canceled"

"I am sure that I speak for my family when I say that this is disgraceful and we want nothing to do with him" Masaru said. There were murmurs of agreements from the Kuchiki's.

"You guys are so stuck up!" A Shihoin shouted "We'll be more than happy for him to KEEP our name!" Shouts of agreement came up from that side.

"I'm sorry Dad" Octavian mumbled. Byakuya didn't answer immediately but O could tell he was upset.

"Go to your mother, I have nothing to say to you" He finally answered coldly. Renji started to follow but Byakuya stopped him "Remain here Lieutenant". Octavian caught tidbits of people whispering about him. He hadn't meant to drink like that, in fact he had no idea he was even drinking alcohol. He did the one thing he had never wanted to do, disappoint his father. He stuck his hands in his pockets and made it to Yoruichi who seemed slightly upset with him too but she grabbed one of his hands. Rukia came up next to him and grabbed the other

"Thanks Aunt Rukia" He said quietly

"We all make mistakes" She answered "But this is funny because Ace warned me to make sure you don't drink any alcohol" Rukia was about to continue when a man came walked up to the head captain. Octavian became stood as still as a statue as he watched him.

"Head Captain Yamamoto, right?" He asked. He was older man with steel gray hair and matching eyes. He wore the attire of a shinigami but it was obvious he wasn't one. "You can just call me James" Before he could get more out, a white blast of electricity sent him flying backwards.

"Octavian!" Yoruichi shouted.

"WHOA where'd he learn to do that?" Captain Zaraki said. Byakuya was about to send his son inside when he saw his face, Octavian didn't seem sad anymore. Instead a angered expression had replaced all the emotions from before.

"Captain Kuchiki, control your child" Yamamoto said. He turned to the man who was getting up. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine but he isn't. Octavian you know exactly why I'm here. Sending a few of my best men to the hospital is not a way to make me happy"

"It was an accident but what about you threatening Angel's family?"

"Believe me, I had nothing to do with that" They faced each other for a few minutes until Yamamoto said

"How do the two of you know each other?"

"I helped train him" James snapped his fingers and immediately a group of guys dressed in black surrounded Octavian "Yama, do you mind if I call you that? This boy is dangerous right now"

"He's drunk now get away from my son" Yoruichi took a step forward.

"You see, alcohol has a different effect on him than most people. When he consumes it, his skills, reflexes improve. He becomes a much better fighter. Our doctors have yet to figure out why this is but anyway, subdue him" He ordered.

"You think I will allow you to touch him?" Byakuya asked.

"No so that's why I'm doing this" He put his hand into the air. A clear, crystal like dome enveloped him, his men and Octavian. Renji attacked it with Zabimaru but it didn't even crack. "It's a very strong ice shield, that's the element I control. I seriously doubt any of you can break through it". Indeed the head captain himself tried but couldn't. Meanwhile Octavian was holding his own against the five guys attacking him. He moved fast. One guy aimed a punch at him but Octavian caught it and twisted his arm then kicked him away. Another was using very sharp knifes. He took aim and threw them at his target but O dodged all four of them and caught the fifth one sending it back to its owner who howled in pain once it pierced his leg. It was only a matter of minutes before he took out the rest. All were lying on the ground, either unconscious or groaning in pain. O fixed his gaze on James who simply took out a cigar.

"Octavian where did you learn to do that?!" Yoruichi asked from the other side of the ice. He shrugged.

"You haven't told your parents about what you've been up to?" James lit his cigar. The boy didn't answer "Then I guess this might seem strange" He looked over to the crowd. "Strange Mr. Kuchiki, I thought your brother would've explained this or even your son" Without waiting for a reply he continued "Your child is under contract to the United States government.

"Who are you people?" Yamamoto calmly asked

"We're part of a group that investigates/protects the American people from things like hollows and other creatures you may have heard about but didn't think existed. I cant tell you who we fall under, that's classified but I can say that we've been around since the founding of our country."

"That still doesn't explain why you are after the child of one of my captains"

"Octavian has a unique ability. He can control an element, a rare element. For years there have been humans who can do this. Something like the Quincy's" He smiled at the surprise that crossed a few faces. "Yes we know about them, in fact some of our most powerful people have been Quincy's. Judging from your faces, I'm going to assume that you all thought you had wiped them out. We've known about you all for some time too but we didn't interfere. There are more…dangerous things that we've had to keep in check. Octavian was part of a crop of kids that not only controlled an element but had another special talent. Maybe he can tell you about it later. This program was started to protect not just Americans but humans in general, the fact that you have a traitor running around wanting to destroy things makes our actions more reasonable but I didn't come here to give a speech or to take Octavian back. I know in time he will return on his own. He's not the first to run away and he wont be the last" He focused his gaze on the dark haired boy "What you see as wrong now will make sense later. Every person who has 'quit' has always returned"

"What did you come here for then if not for him?" Yamamoto put a reassuring hand on Byakuya's shoulder who was showing signs of wanting to kill the man.

"Just to warn you Yamamoto" He turned back to him and took the cigar out of his mouth "We are watching you. Should you screw up and allow this rogue reaper of yours to escape we WILL finish the job. I guarantee it but we'll no longer trust you to protect us. Its time you all learned that humans have evolved. To what extent, you'll have to wait and see" He looked around at his men who had mostly recovered. He nodded at them. They stood and seemed to simply fade away.

"I see you guys got that to work" O said referring to how the men had left.

"Yeah, its amazing what a few million dollars of research will get you" James gave a mocking bow to the crowd before disappearing too. Octavian fell to his knees and punched the ground hard enough that it cracked.

"Octavian" Rukia called to him but he wasn't listening "How do we break this ice?!"

"You know its interesting" Mayuri started to say "that you cant really sense any spiritual pressure from him, not even a little"

"Yes I noticed that too" Junshiro agreed. As they started to talk the ice began to crack until finally it shattered sending pieces flying everywhere. Many cried out in alarm and tried to shield themselves. Byakuya shun-poed in front of his son. Sensing his presence, Octavian said

"Im sorry Dad, I thought keeping this from you and Mom would make things easier. That's why Uncle Ace never told you everything". Byakuya knelt and placed a hand on Octavian's shoulder.

"I apologize also. I should not have acted the way I did earlier"

"Come on, that was normal. You thought I got drunk on purpose"

"And you didn't…"

"No. At first I was drinking this fruity thing. Masaru was there, he saw me"

"Was he now?" Byakuya's eyes narrowed, he was going to have a talk with his cousin later. O lifted his head up

"Sorry if I disappointed you today". His father rested his forehead against his own and closed his eyes

"You angered me but you did not disappoint, never think that"

"Love you Dad"

"Love you too Octavian" Byakuya didn't care that there was a crowd of people watching nor did he care what they thought.

"AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW! That's so cute! A father/son bonding moment!" Someone shouted. Both turned to see Harmony wiping imaginary tears from her eyes. Ace stood next to her, rolling his own. Remy was off to the side talking on his cell phone, how he got reception there, Octavian didn't know.

"Dad?" He looked back up at his father who gave a nod. Then O was off. Remy didn't have to react as his best friend tackled him.

"Harmony what are you doing here?!" Yoruichi and Harmony had never liked each though neither could remember the exact reason as to why.

"Whats that? I cant understand you dear, all I hear is MOOOOOOO!"

"WHATS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?!

"Sweetie I may be gorgeous and smart but I don't talk cow"

"THAT'S IT!" It took all of Yoruichi's sisters to hold her back. Harmony simply laughed and continued teasing her. Ichigo popped up next to Renji

"What are you doing here?!"

"Came with Ace, you know he's a lot nicer than Byakuya"

"Whose the guy with the bandanna around his neck?"

"Remy, one of his friends" They watched as Rukia walked over to the two, talking excitedly. "Rukia met him when they were in America". Aki Kuchiki put an arm around Ace and laughed as he announced

"Lets go inside and celebrate the engagement of my nephew and Ms. Yoruichi Shihoin" Shouts of agreement went up from the crowd as everyone turned to go inside. Byakuya stood up.

"Byakuya Kuchiki" He heard a female voice say quietly but when he turned around no one was there.

a/n- one more chapter i think and this story will be done. also in case you didnt notice, i named remy after the famous painter . i just like that name for some reason. woot its march madness! though i am slightly depressed because the Ohio State Buckeyes didnt step up and make it out of the first round. oh well, maybe next year....