A/N: A handful to thank for reviews: Thunder Claw03, Rukia's Reflection, Rukia Kurosakii, Dark Inu Fan, ShadowSword524, Alex Spotlight, and Assault Godzilla. And thank you to everyone who put this or its author on their lists. For those of you who showed concern for my friend, I thank you. I was able to get a call through to her right after posting the last chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own the Bleach characters, manga, anime, movies, etc. They belong by copyright laws to Tite Kubo et al.

Saying I Will

A New Circle of Hell

Byakuya stood silently in front of his commanding officer. The bearded general hummed lowly in his throat as he contemplated the captain's request. "I see. Permission granted."

"Thank you, sir." Bowing, the noble turned on his heel and left the room.

Yamamoto's lieutenant came abreast of the soutaicho and cleared his throat. "Sir, shouldn't we have told him that this is nothing more than a school project?"

"And miss the fireworks? This is far more entertaining." Upon receiving Byakuya's request, a member of Soi Fon's squad had been sent to find out the truth of the matter and had come back with the news that the "baby" was nothing more than a mechanical doll thought up by Urahara. The whole scheme had been pulled together by the blond genius and his partner in pranks Isshin Kurosaki. Now that peace had settled over the Soul Society, the captain-commander wanted something to amuse himself with. Watching Byakuya and Ichigo squabble was probably the most action he was going to see for a long time.

"As you wish, sir."

Renji stared at his captain in stunned disbelief. "Kuchiki-taicho?"

"You are in charge of the division, Renji. I am going on leave for the next week or so. I have family matters to attend to in the Living World."

"Ah, Captain, I'm sure that message from the resident Shinigami was messed up somehow. Ichigo and Rukia would never…" His protest was cut off by cold grey eyes. "Yes, sir, if anything urgent comes up I'll come get you."

"Indeed." The redhead was left to stare at Byakuya's retreating back.

"Crap. I thought he was going to have someone investigate first, and then kill Ichigo. Oh, well, there's nothing I can do about it now. Ichigo's a big boy; he can take care of himself." Renji still thought the daiko was dead meat.

Ichigo and Rukia were finally settling down for the night when a vague sense of unease scuttled down the daiko's neck, raising hairs. Their homework was done, all without having to go out and kill Hollows. The unusual efficiency of the afro haired Shinigami was surprising and more than a little suspicious. Trying to shake off the thought, Ichigo climbed into bed at the same time as Rukia padded back into his room. "Oi, what are you doing?"

"I'm going to sleep in the closet, fool. I don't want to disturbed your sisters every time the baby cries." Rukia slid the door open to be confronted by the missing TV.

"Looks like you're going to have no choice by to sleep in the same room. I'll move the TV out tomorrow." Sighing at the annoyed expression on her face, Ichigo gestured to the doll. "Don't worry, you'll hear Raiden."

"But…"

"It won't hurt it to cry for the few seconds it takes you to walk across the hall in the event I don't wake up. Which, considering the fact that it's right near my head is unlikely."

"We're supposed to take turns."

"We will. You can take care of all its needs tomorrow in exchange." He smirked briefly at the pout she gave. "Don't be a sore loser, Rukia. Most women would love to be able to sleep a full night right after bringing a baby home."

"And how do you know that?"

"My dad runs a clinic. Even when I don't want to, I hear things. Now go on. You might have to go kill Hollows during the night. Might as well get what rest you can."

"All right. Let me just say goodnight. It likes it when it's rocked." Ichigo moved out of the way so she could check on their baby. He watched Rukia's small hands pick up the doll with a deftness he hadn't realized she'd have. Out of all of them, she would have had the least opportunity to hold a baby and yet he could have sworn that between the three girls in their group, she was the most adept.

"Let me get a rag just in case. That stupid mixture Urahara came up with might get spit up again. Yuzu wasn't able to get it all out of your school shirt yet." He was reaching for the rag that had come with their goody bag when two things happened: the baby started to cry and a single, deadly sakura blossom pieced the glass of his window.

Both young Shinigami gasped at the explosion of pink next and Ichigo instinctively protected Rukia's body with his. "Nii-sama!" she shouted anxiously.

"Ichigo Kurosaki, you will explain yourself." Byakuya followed his attack inside, not paying any attention to the destruction that was going on around him or the fact that he'd just awakened the entire household. Ichigo's door burst open, Karin and Yuzu gaping at the unfamiliar Shinigami while their father practically danced with giddiness.

"Hi there, Byakuya. What's to explain? Our crazy teacher decided to make her students play 'Parenthood' for a week or two. And thanks to Urahara, these dolls sound and act like real babies." Nervous, Ichigo kept Rukia behind him.

"Is that so? From the reports I have heard, that is not what is really going on. There seemed to have been insinuations that my sister may be with child." Actually, Renji had been the one to come up with that idea but the noble didn't add that part. No doubt by now the story had been spread all around and the truth far from what was being told.

"Of course not! Ichi-nii would never do something like that!" Karin barged in, ignoring the deadly petals. "Sure Rukia-nee and Ichi-nii are close but he'd never get a girl pregnant without marrying her first."

"Karin…" Ichigo tried to warn but his stubborn sister ignored him.

"It's true, sir," Yuzu said in placating voice. "That baby is really a doll. Mr. Urahara created it. And Ichi-nii loves Rukia-nee too much to do something like that to her without marrying her. They're still in high school after all and he wants to go to college. A real baby would complicate matters." Complicate was an understatement but no one pointed that out to the younger twin.

Ichigo was going to protest but stopped when it occurred to him that Yuzu was talking directly to Byakuya. "You can see him, Yuzu?"

"Well, he's kind of blurry and transparent but yes."

Byakuya looked at the twins and then at the grinning fool behind them. "Kurosaki-taicho."

"Ah, Byakuya, my boy, nice of you to visit. Why don't you come downstairs and I'll explain everything. Children, you go to bed."

"Indeed. We will talk later, Rukia."

"Yes, Nii-sama." Rukia waited until everyone trudged out of the room before slumping in relief.

"This is why I didn't want your brother finding out. I knew that he'd get the wrong idea." Ichigo looked at the shards of glass and sighed.

"I can understand how he'd be mad at the project but where he'd get the idea that I might be pregnant?" Rukia placed the doll in the bassinet and started to help Ichigo clean up.

"Che, who knows but when I find out, I'm going to pound the crap out of the Shinigami."

"Leave some for me."

Byakuya sat stiffly across from Isshin at the table and sipped tea while the elder Kurosaki explained about the school project. The fact that Urahara had created the dolls made the situation suspicious but the noble refrained from saying anything. No doubt the scientist was doing some sort of experiment unbeknownst to everyone. "I see," he intoned. "This is most disturbing. Just what sort of curriculum is that school adhering to?"

"Well, the Health Studies course isn't usually so elaborate but apparently some suspicions were raised to the principal and he decided to bring them to their teacher. With all the absences and running out of class during the war, I suppose it couldn't be helped."

"I should have paid more attention to what was going on." The noble put down the cup and looked around the modest home. He knew that a clinic was attached to the living quarters so there wasn't a lot of room left over for private chambers. "I trust that Rukia does not share a room with your son."

"No, no. She sleeps with the girls," Isshin was quick to reassure, making a mental note to never tell him about the first two months of the duo's acquaintance. "Now, if you really want to find out what was going on, I suppose that you could ask to sit in on one of their classes." The ex-captain made sure to sound dubious, as if he wasn't sure that was really possible. "Or you could pose as a possible benefactor."

"You make an interesting proposition. The school officials know nothing of Rukia's cover, do they?"

"No, only that she has a brother whose job leaves her living alone. She's not the only one who supposedly lives by herself so they don't pay her situation much attention. Their friends are aware of the truth but no one outside of their little group knows just where she lives."

"Indeed." Byakuya stood, ready to leave. "I will make inquiries." Securing Senbonzakura into his obi, the stoic noble made to leave via the door. The cry of the doll reached them downstairs, causing a tic to appear at the corner of one of his eyes. "I have to determine whether or not this is a good idea."

"Of course. Come by any time, Byakuya-kun! You're always welcome!" The captain ignored Isshin's exuberance and phased through the door. Once he was out of sight, the doctor laughed heartily. This was going to be fun!

Early the next morning Captain Byakuya Kuchiki stood in front of the school principal in a military uniform from the Self-Defense Force. His gigai was uncomfortable but he would put up with inconvenience. The elder looked back at him in surprise, his request apparently out of the ordinary. Ochi-sensei stood to once side, the noble's good looks distracting her.

"You wish to sit in on your sister's lessons," the principal repeated. "That is quite unusual."

"Indeed but it has come to my attention that I have not paid enough attention to what my sister is learning. I am nearly always away and do not spend a lot of time with her. My service has often come before such concerns as the curriculum of her education. This latest project has made me question whether or not this school is appropriate for a Kuchiki."

"Oh, I assure you Kuchiki-taicho, this is quite appropriate. Many of our students have been skipping class and running out while class is in session. Some parents have heard from their children and brought it to my attention. I had hoped that this project would stop them from doing what some of the parents fear they're doing. Even Ishida-sensei from the local hospital has finally taken an interest in his son's education."

"Is that so?" So the elder Quincy was paying attention to what his son was doing. The super powered adult had ignored his son up until the archer had lost his powers. He had even kept to himself during the end of the war while his son had put his life on the line to rescue the flower spirit wielder.

"Yes," his sister's teacher gushed. She was still looking at him like he was her favorite treat. "I've never known him to take an interest in Ishida-kun. If you're so interested, perhaps I can offer an idea that would be beneficial to us both…"

Impatient with her teasing attitude, the noble scowled and gave her a glare that turned his subordinates into stuttering fools. "Explain," he ordered. As she did, he relaxed and felt somewhat more charitable towards her. "That would be agreeable," he stated afterwards.

The situation might be embarrassing for his sister at first but she'd get over it. He was only doing what he promised her sister he would—protecting her.

Ichigo slumped in his seat, several of his classmates looking just as tired as he felt. Even Ishida and Chad looked like they'd been through the wringer. Orihime and Tatsuki didn't seem to be affected very much and the daiko wondered just how "shared" the responsibilities had been. Had the girls gathered together when they weren't looking and made a plan to get the guys to take over the first night?

Rukia and the others were in a circle holding the dolls and chatting together as if pretending to be mothers was as natural as breathing. Byakuya's impromptu visit the night before didn't seem to have fazed her a bit. The captain had left and not returned after finding out the truth of the matter. Even though he hadn't seen hide nor hair of the noble, he didn't think that they'd seen the last of him. The fact that he'd left without saying another word to them was suspicious in and of itself. In all the time that he'd know the captain, Byakuya had never let an opportunity to snipe at him pass.

"Good morning, class! I see you're all properly tired." Ochi-sensei smiled at her students, anticipating the day. "Are you all ready for Ishida-sensei's lecture? He said that he did not have a lot of time so it will be short and concise. Afterwards, I will collect your assignment page for this project."

One by one Ishida's friends noticed as the Quincy went ramrod straight in his chair. All signs of weakness were immediately wiped from the archer's face and body. They knew that the two didn't get along. The two were even more estranged that Byakuya and Rukia had once been. At least the noble had been supportive of his sister's choice in being a Shinigami. Ishida senior had turned his back on his Quincy heritage and had always looked down on Uyruu for killing Hollows. They politely ignored the fact that he collected Quincy artifacts.

Ryūken Ishida came into the classroom just as stiff as his son. He gazed over the group as if they were unintelligent fools, his eyes hardening when they landed on Ichigo and Rukia. The daiko supposed that he blamed them for Ishida's choice to join in the war.

"I am Doctor Ryūken Ishida from Karakura Hospital."

Rukia exchanged a glance with Orihime, the girls thinking the same thing. It was no wonder Ishida was still stiff with them at times. With a father who spoke so coldly authoritative, it was a miracle the archer had allowed them to become his friends.

The class remained quiet throughout the lecture, none of them making so much as a giggle at the information being poured out of the doctor in a monotone voice and with clinical detachment. Had Ichigo's dad been the one to give the talk, there would have been giggling and snickered comments. The Quincy doctor might be making some of the students green with such detailed descriptions but he was far better than Isshin would have been.

"Thank you, Ishida-sensei, for that wonderfully descriptive lecture. Your participation is to be praised," their teacher said weakly. Even she was looking a bit pale.

"You're welcome. As a doctor, it is my duty to help. Good day, Ochi-san." Ryūken bowed to the educator and left without saying anything to his son. Ishida for his part had done his best to ignore his father the entire time.

"Well now, that was interesting. After such an insightful talk, something exciting is in order, yes? I have another surprise for you. Please pass in your homework." She collected the papers, putting them in her folder.

"She gives us any more surprises and we'll likely perish," Ichigo muttered. "Either that, or we'll wish for an invasion of Hollows."

The classroom buzzed with speculation, none of his classmates anymore thrilled with what was happening. "Settle down, children. I would like to introduce our next guest. He's a member of Japan's Self-Defense Force and brother to one of your classmates."

"Oh, hell…" Ichigo shot up in his chair.

"It can't be…" Rukia protested.

"Hmm," Chad wondered but didn't voice any other opinion out loud.

"Could it really be…?" Orihime questioned.

"Most likely," Ishida answered.

"Who are you guys talking about?" Tatsuki demanded.

"May I present Captain Byakuya Kuchiki?" Ochi-sensei said, ignoring the side conversation.

Byakuya entered the room with the same grace that he always displayed. He had changed the clothes of his gigai from the uniform to a suit. The kenseikan in his hair gave him a roguish look even though his expression was completely aristocratic. "Good day." Even though he bowed to the class, his tone clearly said that he was far above them in station.

"Nii-sama?" Rukia choked out, unable to believe he was here. "I thought you went back."

"I am on leave for the next week or two. As such I have decided to find out exactly what you are learning in this institution."

"You've got to be kidding me," Ichigo griped. "You've never cared before."

"Indeed, Kurosaki. It seems that I was mistaken in thinking that it did not need to concern me."

"Settle down, settle down," Ochi-sensei clapped her hands to get their attention back on her. "As Kuchiki-taicho was so interested in finding out what we teach here at Karakura High and I have decided I need a vacation, the principal and we have come up with a most agreeable plan. The good captain will be your substitute teacher for the length of time I am gone."

"You can't do that!" Ichigo shouted. "You can't just give us this stupid project and leave us! Especially not with him!" Rukia jabbed his ribs for the implied insult to her brother. None of the others paid any attention. The "Substitute Group," Tatsuki included, were wondering what hell they had fallen into while the rest were either too in awe over the captain or too infatuated to pay them any mind. Nor did they realize the potential danger.

"Do you have a problem, Kurosaki? There is much you could learn from my tutelage."

"That'll be the day, Byakuya."

"Ichigo!" Rukia shouted. The doll's sensors picked up on the raised voices and immediately went into overdrive with its crying. One by one the dolls joined in until the whole classroom was a cacophony of sound. "Now look at what you did!" she demanded, looking at both males.

"And on that note, I leave them to you, Kuchiki-san. Have fun!" Their teacher waved gaily and exited the room without looking back. Byakuya didn't bother to stop his staring contest with Ichigo to notice. The daiko took the doll from his partner's arms and tried bouncing it lightly up and down. He'd been to Hell and back but he must have missed some part of it. It was either that, or the powers that be had made this circle just for him.

Who in their right mind had come up with the bright idea of making Byakuya Kuchiki his substitute teacher?