Ichigo stepped back into the cave, dragging the corpse of a lesser demon. Byakuya watched without comment as he took it to one particular section of the cave, which was already decorated with old bloodstains, and tore into it ravenously. His body undoubtedly needed replenishing after coming so close to death.

Master, you should probably send a hell butterfly to let Yamamoto know what has occurred. Byakuya sighed. He'd been putting that off, but Senbonzakura was right. He called up the butterfly and gave it a terse report of events and a promise that he would return as soon as he could, before releasing it.

"What was that?" Ichigo asked, before taking another huge bite of demon organs. Byakuya shook his head.

"Don't talk with your mouth full." He admonished and smiled slightly at the confused look on Ichigo's face. "It's impolite. That was a hell butterfly, we use them for messages." He was a touch surprised when Ichigo frowned.

"Be careful. Wouldn't be surprised if demons can sense and track those." He cautioned and Byakuya blinked before frowning. "They're pretty weak though, so they'd probably need to be almost on top of it." Ichigo allowed and Byakuya relaxed slightly.

"Well, the location of the base camp is no secret, and it seems they already know where we are." He said and Ichigo nodded, his eyes going cold and remote for a moment before he turned back to the corpse. Byakuya waited until every bit of flesh was stripped from the carcass before he spoke again. "Ichigo, can I ask you something?"

"Sure." The demon hybrid settled onto the ground, a hand on his belly. His gold eyes were sleepy now and Byakuya had a feeling he was digesting the power and flesh he had just finished taking in.

"Why didn't you lie to them?" He asked carefully and winced internally at the flash in Ichigo's eyes. "I was always told that demons honor no oaths, unless it benefits them." This oath certainly hadn't benefited Ichigo in the slightest, and as soon as Byakuya was in the cave the hybrid could have turned on those demons and destroyed them. None of them had been as strong as the woman he'd killed. Ichigo sighed, looking away.

"If you want to know that, I'll have to tell you a story. It's a very sad story though. Do you want to hear?" He glanced back and Byakuya nodded. "My mother told me this story. She was very confused by it, and wanted to see if I could explain. I tried, but she never could understand." Ichigo took a deep breath before continuing. "You know how I was conceived. They kept my father alive until I was born and clearly in good health, but they didn't need him after that. They decided to start with a bit of psychological torture. So they let the illusions fall away and sent my mother to him, holding me, so he would know the monster he had sired. He wept when he saw me, and they were happy, but then he asked to hold me. The demons were confused but allowed it, to see what he would do. He petted my hair and named me Ichigo, because I would be a strong defender and because I looked like a little strawberry." Ichigo's lips twitched. "I've never seen a strawberry, so I take that on faith. My mother's family was angry then, it wasn't the reaction they had wanted. So they told him all the terrible things they were going to do to me, and he wept again, holding me close to his chest." Byakuya swallowed as his imagination easily painted the scene. "Then he called out for his zanpakuto. It was only a broken hilt, and the demons thought for a moment he might mean to kill me with it – they were ready to stop him – but he pressed it into my little hand and begged Zakanata to protect me until I could go to Soul Society. The sword became whole again, and bonded to me. The demons were angry then and tore me away from him to begin the torture. They had meant to keep him alive for months, even years, but he died that day. His body rejected any healing they tried to give." Ichigo paused and smiled sadly. "Mother couldn't understand when I tried to tell her why."

"Why do you think Isshin acted that way?" Byakuya asked quietly. He wanted to hear Ichigo put it into words. The hybrid looked up at him, his gold eyes sad and lonely.

"He loved me. He hadn't wanted me, hadn't meant to make me, but he loved me all the same." Ichigo said quietly and Byakuya nodded. Isshin's love shone like a star in that story. "I wish I'd known him. Zakanata tries to tell me about him, when I can hear him, but it's not the same. And that's why I honor any promise I make in his name. It may be stupid and foolish, but it's what I do." Ichigo sniffed then smiled. "And if we talk about it anymore, I will cry." He said lightly. "Can you tell me a story Byakuya? I shouldn't go out today, I'm still a bit weakened."

"Certainly." Byakuya tried to think of something cheerful. "Would you like to hear about the Living world? I once spent a great week in a resort, learning to play pool."

"Pool?" Ichigo asked and Byakuya smiled as he tried to explain the game to the hybrid. The demon boy had no trouble with the concept, though. As it turned out, demons did play, so it wasn't too hard. Although Ichigo did ask if there was a penalty for losing, and was surprised to find out there wasn't. Byakuya tried to imagine what penalties he was used to, and decided he didn't want to know.

Someday, he would take Ichigo to the Living world and show him a pool cue personally.

Byakuya watched as Ichigo walked down the spiral path.

Senbonzakura quietly informed him that this was a demon hive, and Byakuya was very curious to see it. He would have to write an account and add it to the family records. As far as he knew, no shinigami had seen such a thing and lived to tell of it.

The hive was buried deep in the earth, and the path Ichigo was walking led him into great caverns. Glowing fungi on the walls illuminated the area, casting shadows that seemed to move of their own volition. Ichigo ignored them and ignored the demons he met, all of whom cowered and abased themselves.

As the hybrid penetrated deeper into the hive, though, the demons he encountered became more powerful and Byakuya noticed a change in attitude. They were still respectful, but the fear and deference decreased as they came closer and closer to being Ichigo's peers in power. It wasn't surprising, but he couldn't help but worry for the demon boy. If these demons turned on him he would likely escape, but he would be badly hurt.

Ichigo didn't seem to be the least bit worried, though. He finally stepped into the heart of the nest and gazed at the man in the centre of the room. He was naked and lying on a bed of bleached bones. He appeared almost completely human, a beautiful man with jet black hair and eyes of icy black. Female demons waited on his beck and call, tending to the slightest whim, and Byakuya was certain he was looking upon a demon lord.

"Ichigo. To what do I owe the visit?" He said lazily, holding out a hand. A heart stoppingly beautiful demoness helped him up, and Byakuya noticed the female demons here were very different from Hikana. They seemed softer and many were very obviously pregnant, since they were all as naked as their lord. He found it all more than a bit embarrassing to watch, but he was too concerned for Ichigo to stop. "Would you take some refreshment with me?"

"Of course, Gilshratz." Ichigo said in an almost friendly tone and Byakuya blinked to himself. Ichigo claimed to hate demons, but he didn't seem to have much of a problem with this one. They both took seats and one of the female demons brought them a tray of fresh, steaming hearts while the other poured them something out of a bone urn. The cups they were using were made out of more bone. Ichigo carefully sniffed his drink before taking a sip.

"Checking for poison? When have I done anything to you, Ichigo?" The demon lord said with a laugh as he took a deep draught from his cup. Ichigo shrugged.

"Never, and I would like to keep it that way. I imagine you got a report from that little rat I spared?" He said and Gilshratz nodded. "I thought I would check in person to see if you know anything. I've been scouting, and there are dozens of tiny rifts now." That made the demon lord scowl and Byakuya wondered why. Surely he would be glad to escape the banishment.

"I know nothing." He sounded displeased to admit it. "No one seems to know anything, or they aren't admitting it. I've sent my demons to go check the Stones of Eternity."

"The Stones? What do they have to do with this?" Ichigo asked and Gilshratz paused, then smiled.

"I suppose you wouldn't know. No one likes to talk about just how we were bound, eh? The stones are the seal over the dark mother, and the ultimate seal on our banishment. If someone has found a way to disrupt them it would explain what is happening." He finished his drink and motioned his attendant for more, before biting into a heart. Ichigo sniffed the meat before also taking a large bite. "It's not the right time for this. I'm not ready." He complained and Byakuya tried to understand. What did he mean by that?

"It's always better to meet the great mother on your feet than on your knees." Ichigo agreed. "Please let me know if you find out anything. Oh, would you like to hear about a game they play in the Living World?" The demon lord looked intrigued.

"The Living World? I was born here, you know, during our banishment. I've never seen Soul Society, let alone that place. What kind of game?" He listened and ate as Ichigo gave him a good rendition of the game of pool. "What is the punishment for losing?"

"There is no penalty. Apparently, humans and shinigami don't do that." Ichigo said lightly. From the look on Gilshratz face, he found that hard to comprehend. "But you could always add one."

"I would have to. But it sounds like a game of skill, and I'm getting tired of the same old Reki-ball games. Perhaps I'll see about making one." There was more small talk, including some things that sounded suspiciously like gossip. Demons were clearly more complicated than Byakuya would have believed. Ichigo finally bid his host goodbye, and Gilshratz invited him to come by anytime as the connection closed.

It seemed there was at least one demon lord that Ichigo considered to be almost a friend.

Byakuya and Ichigo stood on the ledge again, looking at the show of lights. They were glorious tonight, but all in shades of red. Byakuya shivered as he looked at Ichigo's face. The reflected light almost looked like blood.

"Let's go inside." He said to the hybrid, who looked a bit surprised but nodded.

"You didn't like them tonight?" He asked as they stepped back into the cave, and Byakuya shook his head.

"I prefer it when they have more colors." He said honestly. Ichigo nodded as he began removing his armor. Byakuya paused to watch, struck again by how handsome the demon boy was. In almost every way, his body was the image of physical perfection. Then Ichigo seemed to feel his eyes, and the warmth and friendliness in his face turned to wariness. Byakuya sighed to himself, looking away. Perhaps now was not the time to grasp what he was longing for.

But when will be the time? Byakuya admitted to himself that he found Ichigo desirable, but it was more than that. He admired everything about the hybrid, and could easily imagine those strong arms holding him for more than just one night. Even forever. And a weak, selfish part of him knew that Ichigo was nothing like Hisana. He'd seen the boy practically ripped to shreds, and he'd healed. This time, he would not have to worry about being left alone. When will be the time? Could Ichigo accept his attentions, or would he see that terrible blankness in those golden eyes?

"Byakuya?" Ichigo was sitting beside him, naked, and his expression was both wary and disturbed. "You're looking at me funny." Byakuya blinked slowly at him.

"Could you face me tonight?" He asked quietly and saw the demon hybrid blush. Ichigo blinked, but that chilling void did not enter his eyes.

"If you want." He said quietly and lay down beside him. As strong arms wrapped around him, Byakuya looked into those hurting golden eyes and dared to press their lips together. The hybrid was completely still for a moment, and Byakuya could sense he had no idea what to do. I will show you. He could sense both the zanpakuto's watching closely, afraid for their owners, but it did not disturb him in the least as he deepened the kiss and was rewarded by a soft moan. But then Ichigo pulled away.

"No… we shouldn't… I could hurt you…" Ichigo was flushed and Byakuya could feel the boy's arousal against his thigh. He smiled slightly at the words. Ichigo was afraid of hurting him? That was much better than what he'd feared, that the boy would reject him from the pain of his own traumas.

"I told you, Ichigo. I am not soft." He said quietly and gripped the back of the boy's head, pulling him close for another heated kiss. He probed at Ichigo's lips until the boy let him in, and explored the warm cavern of his mouth, almost nicking his tongue on the sharp fangs. They were both gasping when the kiss ended.

"B-But, I'm so hard, even my skin must hurt you –" Byakuya raised his eyebrows and ran a hand along Ichigo's chest. The skin was warm, and there was a strange lack of give to it, but it was far from unpleasant. "And I… I…" Ichigo's voice fell to a whisper. "I don't know what to do."

"You are a virgin?" Byakuya knew that was wrong the instant he said it. That chill touched Ichigo's eyes briefly, before he shook his head with a weak smile.

"Not since I was five." Byakuya closed his eyes at that answer, a jolt of pain passing through him. But then he opened them and met golden eyes that were shadowed with old pain. "I was big enough to survive then. But being violated in every conceivable way doesn't give me much useful experience."

"I am very glad your mother's family is dead." He said quietly, gripping Ichigo's shoulder. "I will show you how, if you want to learn how shinigami make love." That made Ichigo's breath catch.

"Yes, I… would like to learn." The hybrid said breathlessly and Byakuya caught his lips again. It was strange, but he thought the demon boy tasted sweet as honey. Ichigo tugged at his clothes and Byakuya pulled away briefly to be rid of them. He finished to find Ichigo was watching him, his eyes wide. "You're… so beautiful. And you want me?"

"You are beautiful too, Ichigo." He told the boy warmly and was pleased to see another blush. The kissed again and Byakuya reached down to stroke the boy's length. Then he blinked, as he tried to find Ichigo's sack and fumbled. Where…? But then he was distracted as Ichigo copied his actions, running gentle fingers over his arousal. Then suddenly the hybrid was moving, lowering himself so his face was between Byakuya's legs.

"I know how to do this. Just have to be careful…" He murmured before taking Byakuya's swollen arousal into his mouth. Byakuya had to struggle not to thrust upwards into that delicious heat and suction. Ichigo did seem to know what he was doing, and slid up and down his length, sucking hard and exploring heavily with a hungry tongue. Byakuya bucked as the sensation assaulted his mind, undoing his control, but the hybrid was not distressed. Instead of pulling away, Ichigo took him into the back of his throat, holding down his hips with one hand. The heat and pressure of his tight throat was exquisite and Byakuya closed his eyes for a moment, overwhelmed by the sensations.

Just when he thought he might release, the hybrid pulled away, breathing heavily. Byakuya met his eyes and was pleased to see warmth and lust in those golden orbs. Ichigo moved up his body and spoke, huskily.

"I want this. For the first time in my life, I want this." Byakuya's breath caught as Ichigo took him into himself in one smooth move. But there was something strange about his position, something not quite right. That concern was blotted out by the tight heat surrounding him, the way the hybrid began to rock his hips and the soft groan that came out of those beautiful lips.

"Ichigo." Byakuya murmured, watching the boy ride him as he thrust up into that glorious heat. The shadows rippled on that glorious body, giving him an almost surreal beauty. Then he pushed himself up with one elbow, pulling the boy down for another deep, pleasurable kiss.

"Byakuya." The demon boy's eyes seemed to glow with pleasure as he speeded his rocking and Byakuya responded by giving him more, thrusting into that tight, hot place with abandon. "Byakuya!" He moaned and Byakuya felt muscles ripple then tighten almost painfully around him. "Ah, yes!" Ichigo released, but there was surprisingly little semen. Byakuya spared no attention for that, as Ichigo's body sent him over the edge, the taunt muscles milking him for every drop of his own release.

They curled together then, hot and tired, and Byakuya whispered sweet nothings in his lover's ear. Ichigo stirred and gave him a sweet smile before giving him another kiss. And they fell asleep that way, tangled together and pleasantly sated.

Neither one of them was cold.

In the cold light of the next morning, Byakuya couldn't help but play over the encounter and wonder what had been wrong.

Something had been wrong or, perhaps, simply out of place. His mind worried on the problem as he glanced at the slumbering hybrid. He didn't want to ask Ichigo. He didn't want to give the boy any sense that he was not perfect, but something had –

Master, I sense that you are troubled. Zakanata wants to speak to you. Could you come to our inner world? Senbonzakura said respectfully and Byakuya blinked before nodding.

"Yes, thank you." If the zanpakuto could explain what was not quite right, he was more than eager to hear. Sitting cross-legged on the hard stone, he meditated to allow himself entry to his inner world.

His inner world was a beautiful place, an elegant garden with many little waterfalls and beautiful streams. Normally he would have paused to enjoy the beauty, but Senbonzakura and Zakanata were waiting. He found the two spirits easily and was pleased to see that Zakanata was looking a bit better than he had during their last meeting. The spirit was still battered and bandaged, but there was less blood seeping through and his expression was almost cheerful.

"Hello Byakuya!" His eyes widened as the zanpakuto impulsively hugged him. "You've made our boy very happy! Isshin would have liked you. Just try not to hurt him, please? It's so hard when he's hurting." The spirit sounded like he was trying to joke, but the concern in his eyes was real. Byakuya patted him on the shoulder before pulling away.

"I will do my best to never hurt Ichigo." He said solemnly. "But there was something you wanted to tell me?" Zakanata looked at the ground before clearing his throat awkwardly. Senbonzakura just looked at his fellow zanpakuto, waiting for him to get past his discomfort.

"Um, yes. If you asked Ichigo, it might hurt him, so I will tell you. It's… it's a bit embarrassing, is all." Byakuya lifted his eyebrows. Embarrassing? "Every demon-shinigami hybrid has birth defects. That's why so many die… the demons just have to keep trying until they get one with a non-lethal defect, you see?"

"Hm?" Byakuya's mind spun back to Ichigo's flawless body. If there had been a defect, he couldn't find it. "What sort of birth defect?" He asked and saw the zanpakuto turn an unflattering shade of red.

"You see… you see… he's… not exactly a man." The two of them stared at Zakanata, who hurried to explain. "He's… I think the word is a hermaphrodite."

"He's what?" Senbonzakura exclaimed and Byakuya just stared at the flushing zanpakuto.

"Please explain." He commanded as he remembered being unable to find Ichigo's testes. He probably would have noticed something off sooner, but he wasn't in the habit of staring at other men's genitalia. Zakanata coughed and gamely continued his explanation.

"He has a penis – well, you saw that – but no testes and a functional vagina." Byakuya felt a kind of shock wrapping around his mind. This was… he'd never heard or dreamed of anything like this. "His secondary sexual characteristics are all male demon, though, and he identifies strongly as masculine. Really, the only difference it makes is that he doesn't need, um, lubrication." The zanpakuto stopped, smiling madly and clearly hoping Byakuya and Senbonzakura would be able to accept the information. Byakuya shook his head as his mind struggled to process the information. It was Senbonzakura who spoke first.

"You said he has a functional vagina. Does he have a womb as well? Can he have children?" The zanpakuto asked and Byakuya's breath caught. He hadn't thought of that complication. But Zakanata shook his head.

"He does, but his secondary sexual characteristics… male and female demons differ more than male and female shinigami. Fertile female demons are softer, so their bodies can expand to accommodate the child. Ichigo's skin is too hard, and he has bone plates to protect his organs. He can conceive, and if he does you'll see it in his reiatsu, but please don't mention it. He'll miscarry when the child doesn't have enough room to grow." Zakanata seemed saddened by the thought. "It usually takes about two months. He's been through so many…" Byakuya didn't even want to think about that. Instead, he bowed formally to the spirit.

"Thank you for telling me this. I would not have wanted to cause Ichigo more pain." He said sincerely. "Now, I should return to him before he leaves." Ichigo would be going soon. Zakanata nodded and his inner world quickly vanished.

Back in the cave, Byakuya looked down into the sleeping face of his new lover and wondered if it mattered. He'd never dreamed Ichigo might have such a birth defect and wasn't sure how he felt about it. After pondering it for several minutes, he lowered his head and brushed his lips against the sleeping boy's forehead.

"It doesn't matter. I care for you, Ichigo Kurosaki." He whispered. "And I love you just the way you are." He could feel a palpable relief from Senbonzakura and made a silent vow to himself.

He would not be the one to hurt Ichigo over this.

"Hsst, what a day." Byakuya looked up in surprise as Ichigo stepped back into the cave. It was much earlier than he had expected the hybrid to return. "Have you been outside?"

"No. I am trying to avoid it." He said carefully. After the disastrous accident with the kido, he was trying to avoid exposing Ichigo to any danger. "But I am nearly recovered. I should return to my Division soon." The new injuries he had taken hadn't helped, but he was almost ready. Ichigo grimaced, looking at the door to the cave.

"Well, not today. Come see." He said before stepping back outside and Byakuya followed. "See?" He followed Ichigo's pointing finger to the horizon and caught his breath. The sky was turning an ominous dark red. "Sandstorm coming in. We'll be safe enough here, but it will scour the desert. Not the sort of thing even a demon wants to get caught outside in."

"A sandstorm could hurt a demon?" Byakuya asked. He knew of sandstorms, although he'd never seen one, and knew they were dangerous. But Ichigo seemed to be describing something beyond that.

"Oh yes. I don't know what kind of sandstorms they have where you come from, but anyone foolish enough to be caught in it will be flayed to the bone." Ichigo said casually and Byakuya's eyes widened as he thought of the danger. "It's not really a problem though. We just burrow deep into the sand and hibernate until it passes over. You have to be stupid or locked up in a conflict to be caught out in it. A strong demon can survive that, although it's among the least pleasant experiences we can have." Ichigo's eyes went chilly as he thought about a long ago memory. "Some demon lords will stake someone out right before a sandstorm comes in, as a form of punishment." Then he blinked as he saw Byakuya's expression. "Is something wrong?"

"Excuse me." Byakuya began summoning hell butterfly after hell butterfly, spending his strength recklessly to send messages to every single taichou and fukutaichou. Ichigo watched, eyes wide, as he repeated the same warning to all of them. Finally done, he sent a last hell butterfly to Yamamoto with the same information.

"Oh. They wouldn't know it's dangerous?" He said and Byakuya nodded, feeling a bit light headed. Sending that many hell butterflies all at once was a strain.

"Soul Society has very few deserts but in the few we do have, a sandstorm would not be a great difficulty." He told Ichigo, who bit his lip and nodded.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. It never occurred to me. Hey… you're just about better, right?" He asked and Byakuya blinked before nodding. "If you're willing to let me carry you, I can try to outrun the storm." Ichigo gazed at the horizon critically and nodded. "Yes, I'm sure I would make it. Do you want to?" Byakuya thought for a moment and nodded. It was possible that a hell butterfly could go astray, or a demon could intercept it.

"Please. We need to make sure the base camp is evacuated." If the storms could tear the flesh from a demon, they would make short work of a shinigami. He gripped Ichigo's shoulders as the hybrid picked him up, bridal style. Then he dove off the cliff and Byakuya had to fight with his stomach as black wings unfurled and stopped the fall, shooting them high into the air. The wings pumped but he could sense it was more Ichigo's spiritual energy at work, forcing them to insane speeds. The sand flashed by underneath them, but he was able to look over Ichigo's shoulder and see the approaching storm. It was moving fast.

They would just have to arrive in time.