This chapter will move a little fast so try to keep up. It'll go up to when they're fighting Noah. Also the time line for the ending is before Rukia has said good bye to Ichigo he goes with them to get Byakuya then he formally breaks ties with soul society. That'll make more sense when you get near the end of the chapter. Next one is the last chapter. I'm sorry for taking to long with this one bu I had a serious case of writers block. Thank you to all those who have reviewed and placed this in their alerts. I hope you enjoy this one. I tried to add a little more Kid/Byakuya stuff to it.

"You look crazy when you come back" Black Star said as Byakuya walked in the lunch room with Z in his hand. He threw her in the air. In an instant she turned into her usual pink haired self. She pushed her glasses up as she landed on her feet then took a seat at the table next to Tsubaki. Just as fast was her fan club who rushed up to her. "Seriously, does it give you like an adrenaline rush?" He asked. Byakuya smirked.

"Actually a little. More than that though it allows me to feel like I'm doing something instead of despairing about whats going on in the Soul Society" He answered. Lately he and Z had been dealing with the increase in hollow activity. In fact Lord Shinigami, they all knew the back story but the other students didn't so they continued calling her that, was beginning to worry that her protection over the city was wearing off. He was having lunch with Black Star and Tsubaki when he heard a hollow. He was gone before they could protest. "Tsubaki you think it would be weird to say I'm worried about him?" The young ninja asked once he was gone. His partner shook her head. "No because I feel the same". To some extent all of Byakuya's friends felt that way. He brushed it off as them not understanding. With every hollow he purified he felt more of his memory and the knowledge he had before returning but that didn't mean it still wasn't dangerous. One night he stood in a small alleyway with his sword in hand ready to deal the final blow to the small hollow in front of him. It growled then lunged for him. Byakuya ducked out of the way. He thought he was only dealing with one. Then it split itself into two then four, etc. Soon many of the small hollows surrounded him. He tried having Z turn into the thousands of small blades. It only made the hollows multiply more. He took off down the alley with all of them on his trail. Lately memories of different kido spells had come back to him. He was tempted to try one until Z cut down the idea.

"You don't remember all of it. Kido can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. The last thing we need is for one to backfire!"

"Then what do you expect me to do?" He snapped to his sword as he turned down another alley which opened onto the street.

"If we can destroy all of them with a very powerful attack at the same time that might do it" She said. He slid to a stop on the sidewalk. The small hollows had cut him off in the front. He turned around only to see more behind him. Byakuya glanced at the buildings to see more on top, watching. "Bankai! You have to use it"

"What are you talking about?" He asked confused just as one of the small hollows launched itself at him. He dodged it in time but another and then another did the same. They were all attacking. Byakuya could feel the cuts and bites he was getting. No matter how much he swung they wouldn't let up.

"BYAKUYA PLEASE! You must use bankai!" She screamed as he stumbled. The hollows backed off for a second as if preparing a second wave. "NOW!" Z ordered. Without thinking he dropped her and watched absentmindedly as she went right through the concrete.

"Senbonzakura Kageyoshi" He said. Instantly two rows of blades stood out of the ground. The hollows began to back away. "I have to get this in one try" Byakuya mumbled a simple kido spell to contain the area then said "Scatter" The many blades cut through every hollow at the same time. None of them escaped. When it was done the spell dissipated. One lone hollow, the original, laid on the sidewalk not moving. Trudging over he purified it. Finally he collapsed face first on the ground. Z appeared immediately by his side.

"Byakuya!" She turned him over then shook him

"Stop screaming and why's it so cold?" His eyes fluttered open slightly. She took in the cuts, bites and streams of blood on his clothes. This was worse then when he had been attacked by the hollow who spit out black goo not too long ago.

"We have to get you some help"

"We were going to see Kid tonight, lets go say hi" He began standing up. When Z tried to help he brushed her away. When he finally got to his feet she was biting her fingernails. He gave a goofy grin "Ok, we should head over now". On the walk there he wouldn't accept her help. It was like he didn't completely get how hurt he was. People going by gave them strange looks. By the time they reached Kid's home Byakuya's breathing came harder. "Z maybe you were right, I don't feel so good" He would've fallen up the stairs had Z not caught him and dragged him to the door. She pounded on it as hard as she good. A sleepy Liz answered in her pajamas.

"Wha? You guys were supposed to be here hours ago" When she finished rubbing her eyes she saw Byakuya half passed out being supported by Z. Without a word she helped bring him inside. "Patty! Kid! Get down here! What happened?" She asked.

"A hollow that could split itself into more. He beat it but..." Z didn't need to finish. Liz understood. She ran into a hallway, bringing back towels with her. Patty and Kid entered the room just as she was ripping Byakuya's bloody clothes off.

"What happened?" Kid ran over to the couch with Patty right behind him.

"No time to explain. Kid get me some water. Patty get the first aid kit. Z call Dr. Stein" Liz ordered. It took some time but they got him cleaned up by the time Dr. Stein got there. He treated the more serious wounds. To stay on the safe side he wanted to remain for a few more hours in case he got worse. He also moved Byakuya to one of the guest rooms. When it became apparent that the boy was not warming up he suggested one of the group keep him warm. The idea was their body heat would help him. Blushing, Kid volunteered. Once under the blankets he wrapped his arms around his crush and got as close as he could. Sunlight began streaming in when Dr. Stein announced he'd be back later. Liz and Patty took turns checking on the two. Z sat in a corner with an unreadable expression on her face. The only times Kid left Byakuya were when he had to use the bathroom and to eat. Other then that he stayed in the bed. Black Star, Tsubaki, Soul and Maka all came when they found out. All were mad they had to hear about it in class from Dr. Stein. None of them teased Kid about being with Byakuya like he was because of the serious situation. All of them camped out in the house, no one took any missions. They still went to class. They also brought Kid his work since he refused to leave. It was the third day when Kid began hearing Byakuya talk in his sleep. He also seemed to be warming up and wasn't as pale.

"Renji, idiot...your fault" He muttered. Kid had no clue who he was talking about "Never drink with you again"

"Renji is his lieutenant in the Soul Society" Z said from her corner "The day before he was transformed into a child he had been out drinking with Renji"

"Oh" Kid said. He snuggled closer. Off and on he talked. By morning Byakuya was stirring. Kid pulled himself away to get everyone. Z moved to the side of the bed.

"My head is killing me" The dark haired boy on the bed groaned

"Welcome back" Z smiled.

Some days later he sat on his bed, trying to bandage a cut on his stomach. He had ignored Lord Shinigami's orders to rest and had once again been out hunting hollows. There seemed to be more everyday. Tsubaki and Black Star had left once again. This time to confront her brother. Since he wasn't a good cook he ate most meals at Maka's or would grab something at school. Z was in the living room flipping through channels when there was a knock on the door. Byakuya heard Z open the door then footsteps that stopped outside his room. The door swung open to show Kid holding a bag "I brought food. Liz thought you were getting skinnier and doesn't trust Z's cooking skills..." He trailed off seeing the cut "Byakuya! How'd you get that?" He put the bag down and rushed over.

"Its just a scratch"

"No its not, why isn't Z helping you?" Kid grabbed a cloth to clean it

"She didn't know. After the near death experience I didn't want to freak anyone out, I hate you guys worrying about me"

"You'd do the same if the roles were reversed" He answered. Byakuya winced as the alcohol touched his skin. Kid mumbled an apology then kept working.

"I never did thank you for all you did when I was so close to dying" He watched as a blush crept across Kid's face. "You never mentioned anything about it. I remember you talking to me and staying in the bed with me when I was cold. Kid you deserve better. I can never be with you"

"Don't say that" Kid finished putting the bandage on. There had been slight tension between the two for awhile. It wasn't so bad that they made it awkward for their friends but it was enough to notice. "You can't make a decision like that by yourself, I could care less if you're older than me"

"I'm wayyyyyyy older than you" Byakuya smiled "This would be impossible when I regain my normal body"

"Then when I turn eighteen you'd go out with me?"

"You're really determined. I forgot that's what many humans think as coming of age. Why can't you find someone else?"

"I don't want anyone else Byakuya" He moved closer, placing a hand on either side of the Kuchiki heir. Still blushing, he quickly kissed him. Byakuya was surprised. He moved a hand to punch Kid who fell backwards out of the way just in time. Both were breathing hard and Kid thought for sure Byakuya would kill him. It had been on impulse. Patty had told him if he had the chance he should go for it. He watched as his beautiful, very symmetrical Byakuya touched a finger to his lips. He then looked at Kid on the floor who was trying to hide his embarrassment. Without thinking the older boy got down on the floor, straddling Kid. He leaned in until their foreheads touched then whispered "Don't kiss me like that again". Kid felt like he was going to have a heart attack. He could barely think straight. He did manage to get out a hoarse "Why?"

"Just trust me" He said. Byakuya's lips were closer than before. Kid began to feel light headed when Z saved him.

"I'm hungry Byakuya, where's the food Kid brought?" She paused in the doorway, a smug smile creeping on her face. She pushed her glasses up.

"Tch go away" He didn't seem embarrassed at all nor did he attempt to get off the boy under him who looked like he was going to faint.

"What happened to 'I'm going to leave him alone Z'?" She mocked grabbing the bag off the floor.

"I don't have to explain myself" He got up then held a hand out to Kid who was a little wobbly. "Eat with us" Byakuya ordered the younger boy before storming out.

"You took Patty's advice? There's no way he would've done that unprovoked" Z said to Kid

"I-he's-" He couldn't finish his sentence. She laughed and put an arm through his in support "I've never met anyone like him" Kid finally got out

"That's Byakuya, he's one of a kind" Z said as she led him out of the room.

Time went by faster the less Byakuya thought about home. He made more friends like Kilik, Ox, and Kim as the days went on. He also became more attached to Black Star. The two would frequently spar together since Byakuya's fighting skills were coming back to him. Lord Shinigami would have him use his returning kido spells to help her strengthen the barrier on the city. She was beginning to ponder telling all the students about the real truth behind the school since hollows were being seen more frequently. They seemed to be attracted to the area. In his his free time Byakuya liked reading with Maka and cooking with the Thompson sisters. Kid continued to like him so Byakuya gave up discouraging him. They usually did at least one thing together whenever Kid didn't have a mission like going to the movies or eating out. With Soul, he learned to play the piano. By the time Christmas Eve rolled around he was actually enjoying his time in Shibusen. Of course at the celebrations they all became trapped in the room. Black Star and the others were able to get out in order to try to stop the people who wanted to release Asura. During that crazy hour Byakuya stayed by Shinigami-sama with Z in her weapon form as they waited. "Byakuya I can't do this by myself and since everyone has been fighting Aizen I've had no contact with Soul Society" She whispered to him as the other students talked about ways they might be able to get out "I fear that he won"

"I don't. Even if everyone else fell I believe that a boy name Kurosaki Ichigo wouldn't stop until Aizen is beaten"

"You sound confident in him but why else have we not heard back? It'll be Christmas tomorrow"

"We have to have faith Hikifune-san" He said quietly "Just like I have faith Black Star and the others will come back" He gave her a small smile. She nodded.

"You're right. My years here have made me rather pessimistic" Byakuya had often replayed that conversation in his head after that tense night. Had Soul Society fallen? It would make sense as to why no one had come for him yet. Every time the thoughts crossed his mind however he thought of Ichigo and they stopped. He refused to let himself be consumed by them. He felt he had to keep up his confidence, not just for himself but also for Hikifune-san who after Asura escaped seemed to truly believe she was alone. More often Byakuya found himself invited to her chambers just so they could talk. She'd take her costume off then pour themselves tea. They'd talk for only an hour or two. It was enough though to help rebuild her resolve. She was determined to carry on even if Soul Society had fallen. Byakuya didn't see Mifune again for awhile. He did hear from Black Star that on a mission they had fought. Tsubaki told him that it looked like to her Mifune was being forced to work for this new enemy, Arachne, by threatening Angela's life. It made him angry to no end. There was nothing he could do about it as Lord Shinigami refused to send him on the same missions as the other children. he was needed more in Death City. When they were sent on a dangerous mission to Baba Yaga's castle Byakuya's instincts kicked in, he knew something bad was going to happen. Sure enough when they came back looking dejected he knew. Arachne had been defeated though Medusa had taken her body. Kid had been captured and Mifune had been killed. Byakuya took his anger out on Black Star who was already beat up. No one could stop him.

"Bastard! You didn't have to kill him!" He said as he punched his friend. Black Star said nothing "Answer me! Why did you do it?"

"I'm sorry Byakuya"

"Thats it?" He wouldn't stop hitting him, not even when Black Star's fresh wounds opened up. His friend didn't fight back "Crap" He said when he finally took in Black Star's appearance. The young ninja had fallen against a wall. He looked terrible "I knew something bad would happen" All the anger left him as he leaned his head on Black Star's shoulder. He couldn't remember the last time he cried but right there in front of everyone he cried on his friend's shoulder and kept apologizing for hitting him. Black Star simply put an arm around him. In the infirmary sometime later Byakuya sat in a chair while the other boy was in the bed.

"I promise we'll get Kid back, do you hear me?" He told him. Byakuya nodded numbly. An was asleep in his lap. Though she was a witch he had convinced Lord Shinigami to keep her at the school. Kid's absence had caused a slight depression in him. All of his friends saw it even Shinigami-sama who had been well aware the positive effect Kid had over Byakuya. She had said nothing about their relationship, pretending as if she knew nothing when that wasn't the case.

More time went on. Soul became a death scythe and a new team was formed called Spartoi. When it finally came to going after Kid, Byakuya stayed at the school though he had wanted to go very badly. By now all of his combat skills and kido spells had returned. His kido had formed a new barrier around the city, allowing Shinigami-sama to regain some strength. On the day Spartoi left he went for a walk with An around the city. He got her some candy which made him think of Mifune. He had promised himself when he got home he'd search for him no matter how many years it took. He'd let him live with him. He was brought out of his daydream by An who tugged on his hand as the school came into view. Sitting on the steps was Z and a few of her fanclub.

"Hey whats going on?" He asked once they were closer.

"You have visitors Byakuya" One of the girls giggled

"Yeah, one's really cute. Z knows who they are but she wouldn't tell us" Another added. Byakuya looked at her. She shrugged her shoulders then stood up. He followed her inside. They walked down the halls until they came to Shinigami-sama's chambers. He stopped in his tracks. Leaning against the closed door was Renji. Rukia sat next to him on the floor. Ichigo yawned as he dozed slightly on Yoruichi's shoulder. He gave An to one of the girls.

"Nii-sama" Rukia was the first to notice him. She jumped up as the rest focused on him.

"Rukia" He said. She ran to him and enveloped him in a hug.

"I'm so sorry. We've been rebuilding. Aizen did a lot of damage when he tried to attack Karakura Town"

"Huh?"

"Sorry again" She smiled "We have to get you caught up"

"Captain! Look at you!" Renji grinned then picked him up

"Abarai if you don't put me down I'll kill you" He gave a death glare which did nothing to Renji.

"You're so adorable, its hard to take you seriously" The red head hugged him

"Hey Byakuya" Ichigo said as he was put down

"I guess you beat him then"

"Yeah"

"My faith in you wasn't misplaced" Ichigo smiled at his comment

"Captain Kuchiki smiles? Whats the world coming to?" Renji yelled. Rukia hit him on the head.

"Little Byakuya!" Yoruichi came up behind him with her chest against him. Instead of getting angry he rolled his eyes.

"Thanks Yoruichi"

"You're welcome" She placed an arm around him then shouted "Group hug!" Rukia ran over immediately followed by Renji and a very reluctant Ichigo. When they finished Byakuya introduced them to Z. All were astonished that a zanpakuto could take human form like she had. After several minutes they were allowed inside the chambers where Kirio explained everything to Renji, Rukia and Ichigo.

"I heard rumors but this is unbelievable. These kids, their powers seem more similar to Chad and Inoue or even Uryu" Ichigo said.

"Its an honor to finally meet you Hikifune -san. You're a legend. Where is your son now?" Rukia asked.

"A team was sent to retrieve him. I then sent another team to take down the man responsible" She answered

"I want to go help" Byakuya said

"I need you here to help with the barrier"

"Its kido right? I can stay" Rukia volunteered

"I'm staying too. You should let him help his friends" Ichigo added "I'd want to do the same if I were in his place"

"Alright fine but..." Her voice caught in her throat as she she watched a light glow around him.

"Finally!" Z shouted in joy as she disappeared. One second a young Byakuya stood there, the next he was in his old body. There were whoops from his sister and lieutenant. Yoruichi grinned. Though Ichigo had on his usual frown he was happy too. Byakuya flexed his fingers then looked at Kirio.

"Renji we're leaving" His voice had also returned to normal "Hikifune-san please alert all of the teachers as to what Shibusen is truly about. I have a feeling when I return many things will change"

"Of course. Bring my son home" She said. He and Renji were gone in an instant.

Meanwhile at Noah's hideout a giant multi headed dragon had appeared.

"Get me Kid" Noah ordered. The children formed a protective circle around their hurt teachers.

"We're not giving up!" Black Star shouted defiantly as a head came towards Kid. He was fast but not fast enough because someone beat him to his teammate, getting him away in time. Holding Kid in his arms was a tall man with dark hair wearing the pants and a shirt with flip flops. In fact it was the same outfit Byakuya had been wearing when they left. Black Star's eyes widened.

" Are you alright?" The man asked him. Kid managed to choke out a "Yes".

"Captain is that Hikifune-san's son?" Renji asked as he pushed his sunglasses up. Maka jumped in surprise. She hadn't even heard him approach her.

"Yes. Noah is it? Today you will die for thinking you could ever possess what is not yours" Byakuya said calmly.

"Don't interfere" Noah growled in annoyance. He didn't realize the serious situation he was in. Renji cracked his knuckles then grabbed his zanpakuto

"Howl Zabimaru" His blade extended, cutting the dragon. It cried in pain then tried to moved to come after him. Renji drew it away from the children. Byakuya put Kid down and started to walk away, pulling out Senbonzakura "Scatter" He whispered. The others watched in amazement as the older men worked. Noah was slowing down so was his dragon.

" Lets stop playing around" Renji yelled as he swung

"A good idea" His captain agreed

"They're weren't serious?" Maka couldn't believe it as could none of the others. Black Star simply stood next to Kid and watched as two rows of blades had appeared out of the ground. They instantly changed into millions of small blades while Renji's blade had transformed into a giant snake that had coiled around the dragon.

"This is so cool" Black Star said to Kid

"Hey you guys while they're finishing them help me treat our teachers!" Tsubaki brought their attention back to their very injured teachers as the dragon disappeared back into the book. Renji waited as Noah collapsed to the ground dead. Byakuya walked calmly over to him.

"Thought it'd be longer" He took in the kids patching up their mentors as best they could . His eyes fell on Kid "You told that guy he'd 'die for thinking he could possess what isn't his'. You gotta wait a few years though don't you?" Renji grinned.

"Indeed Renji, I'm a very patient man" Byakuya told him. His lieutenant and friend laughed.

"Lets get 'em home"