Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach it belongs to Tite Kubo. I just own the Adaeze, Sanja, and Emeka.

Spoiler: If you only watch Bleach on Adult Swim warning it goes beyond what has been shown on Adult Swim.

A/N: This one is a little different from the others and it's longer, considered it as a double update. It's kinda like four mini-chapters and a really short prologue. I start class soon so I will not have as much time between work and school to update. So please continue to write reviews and send PMs it really motivates me to find time find time to write. Thanks so much to everyone who has saved this story as a fav, added it as an alert, written a review, or sent PM it's sometime all the motivation I need to finish a chapter.

Oops I had to do few edits sorry for the delay

There's No Such Thing as a Good Bye

Things Said and Unsaid

A special connection they both wanted to protect the other. Despite Byakuya still being rash at times, Yoruichi knew he was always preparing to become leader of the Kuchiki clan. Yoruichi knew how important it was to Byakuya to become clan leader. She heard about it from him often enough to know it was the most important thing in his life. It was his focus and it filled his dreams, but it was more than a dream it was a matter of time and Yoruichi was not going to take that away just because he wanted to take a nap at 2:30 AM. She knew sending him home was the best thing she could've done for him.

Byakuya on the other hand was not so sure about his decision to leave. He didn't want to leave. Byakuya was not planning on doing anything other than sleeping, but he knew she was right. He did not need any type of scandal associated with him, he would not bring dishonor to his clan. The Kuchiki clan represented reason and responsibility. The clan was synonymous with rules, order, and nobility, and he represented all those things. However none of this matter, he left because he wanted to protect Yoruichi's honor not his. He just wished he'd told her that was why he was leaving. Maybe I'll tell her tomorrow while she cooks me dinner. He stopped and looked back in the direction of the Shihoin estate. "Yes, tomorrow, I'll tell her tomorrow", he smiled and hurried home.

Yoruichi and Byakuya ended their night with questions. Byakuya's comment, " Glad you know its not a crush", managed to take Yoruichi's mind off of tonight's drama. I must be really tired it almost sounded as if he was implying he has more than a crush. No, of course not this is Byakuya-bo he's not that smooth. She rolled her eyes. He said it wasn't a crush and that's all it's not a crush. Thank goodness Nin Nin is not here she'd be all over that little comment, but I am sure he meant what he said and nothing else. I need some warm milk.

Prison Break

It was just before daybreak when Yoruichi received word that there was an order for the capture of Kisuke and Tessai. Central 46 had sent guards from within the Central 46 chambers to apprehend them. The Onmitsukido would be needed to escort the prisoners after the sentencing and the Onmitsukido would also be responsible of the extermination of the Vizards. Yoruichi didn't think twice about it she knew she had to save them. "Tessai and Kisuke have you gotten yourselves into". Yoruichi knew she didn't have much time day would be breaking soon. She arrived at Kisuke's lab. There were guards everywhere. She took down the guards two or three at a time. She was as silent as a cat. Her strikes were quick and powerful but not deadly. When she was finished there were 20 men lying unconscious. "That was almost too eas-." She throws a quick elbow that was block immediately. She turned and looked at the mask man behind her. "Pa Pa you know you really shouldn't sneak up on me like that. I could've hurt you."

"I wasn't sneaking and you're 2000 years too young to even think about hurting me. I came to help."

"What are you doing here? Where you five minutes ago?"

"I knew you would be here, and I was watching from that tree over there. I figured you could handle these guys on your own." He smiled proudly flashing his dimples.

"You know Nin Nin is the only one to fall for that smile right and she " Yorucihi stopped as she opened the door and saw her former colleagues slouched over and masked.

"Terrible, who would do such a thing. Well let's move them. You take the big fella and I'll take these two little ladies, " he said as he pointed to the tiny blond and petite green haired vice captains. He moved his finger and pointed at unconscious Love and Rose after Yoruichi shot him a look. "Just kidding I'll take these guys."

Yoruichi and her grandfather made quick work in getting the Vizards to safety. Only Hachi was left. They both knew the trial was starting.

"Pa Pa"

"Go Yoruichi. I couldn't stop you if I wanted to. I'll get the big fella and bring him here." Yoruichi and her grandfather went their separate ways. Emeka hurried to get Hachi. He knew deep down that if anyone could rescue Kisuke and Tessai it would be her. However, he still worried as he watched her speed away.

Again Yoruichi made quick work of the guards. A masked Yoruichi leaped in to the courtroom of Central 46 and carried Tessai and Kisuke away before the old Shinigami could even yell for help. Using her scarf as a mask provided her quite a bit of anonymity. Even Kisuke and Tessai didn't know who she was until the scarf was removed, but she knew it would only be a matter of time before the old cranks in Central 46 pointed the finger right at her. She listened as Kisuke hashed his plan. It was a good plan he, Tessai, and the Vizards would hide out in the real world, but she still had to decide what she was going to do. Staying in her current roles as commander, captain, and clan leader would be impossible.

"Yoruichi-dono what are you going to do? You really should come with me and the other's," a concerned Tessai seem to be reading her mind.

"Tessai don't worry about me I'll be ok, " she smiled at him to ease his concern. She turned and left them to their plan and headed back to the Shihoin estate. As she walked through the garden she wondered if this would be the last time she'd see her grandmother's roses. No time to worry about that now, the day is well on its way and they will be coming soon. Yoruichi hurried to her grandparent's wing. She opened the door to find her grandmother waiting for her. Adaeze had a warm and welcoming smile that immediately put Yoruichi at ease.

"Come in child, we have much to discuss," said Adaeze as she took Yoruichi's hand leading her to the main sitting area. Her grandfather was already there sipping on a cup of tea. Yoruichi set down and told her grandparents everything Tessai and Kisuke told her regarding hollowfication and the Vizards as well as Aizen's role. "This Aizen fellow sounds quite dangerous, he must be stopped."

"But how Nin Nin, his zanpaktou gives him the ability to hypnotize no one is going to believe us. Especially after what I did by freeing the others," Yoruichi's voice trails off.

"You did, we did what we had to do. Tessai and Kisuke once lived here we know them and trust them. Hell Kisuke lived here so long he became like a member of our clan. This is why I wished the Onmitsukido would've remained separate from the Gotei 13. Aizen would not dare to try anything like he did under the Onmitsukido," responded Emeka.

He believed his words and Yoruichi believed he was at least partially right. She should've never let Yamamoto convince her and the other clan leaders that allowing Yoruichi to become a captain would strengthen both the Onmitsukido and the Gotei. She had hoped by bringing Kisuke in as captain as well the Onmitsukido would have more of a foothold, but it may have been a mistake. All of Kisuke's brilliance my have played into Aizen's hand.

Adaeze read the worry on Yoruichi face and the anger stealing Emeka's wonderful smile. "There is no time to look back at that the past. What is done is done and we cannot undo it, but we can change our future. We need to make sure that Aizen does not get a hold of the Tenshiheiso. The Tenshiheiso, is a spiritual tool handed down from heaven, and we are its protectors. "

"No Nin Nin as Tenshiheisoban it is my responsibility to protect the Tenshiheiso," said Yoruichi proudly.

"It our clan's responsibility to protect it and you. Let us help," said Adaeze as the she rubbed Yoruichi's back.

Yoruichi smiled softly at her grandmother. "I will leave the Soul Society and I'll take the Tenshiheiso and hide. Pa Pa I hate to ask this of you but could you takeover as head of the clan again. If Aizen wants the Tenshiheiso, it is best if thinks it is still on the Shihoin estate. Plus, this way all of my actions from now on will reflect only on me and not the clan."

"Sweetheart, I'd do anything for you, " Emeka as he smiled at his granddaughter. "Let's go get things ready." He looked over at his beautiful wife.

"You two do what you need to do. I'll stay here and run interference just in case we have guest."

A Promise

Yoruichi and her grandfather went to prepare the Tenshiheiso for travel and to stage everything so that others would still think the Tenshiheiso was still there. It took them a couple of hours but it was just enough time, within 15 min of Yoruichi's departure Adaeze received orders for her capture. Soi Fon was one of the first to hear about the order from Emeka who had taken over temporarily as commander. Soi Fon could not believe that Emeka was sending her to find his granddaughter. Soi Fon ran to Yoruichi's division quarters as soon as Emeka was finish giving his speech about finding Yoruichi.

After seeing Yoruichi's empty chair Soi Fon collapsed in the doorway of her once commander sobbing. She still couldn't believe Yoruichi was gone. Then it dawned her as the memories from last night seeing Byakuya asleep peacefully in Yoruichi's lap. "Him, maybe she's with him." Soi Fon pulled herself together and went to search for "him". She found him quickly, but he was alone. "Where is she? Tell me!" her voice cracked out the demand.

"Who?" His reply was cold and distant. Byakuya had heard the news about Yoruichi as well but he could not afford to show any emotions at this time.

"You know who, Yoruichi-sama", responded Soi Fon with a plea in her voice.

"I don't know."

"You mean she's really gone. She left me." Soi Fon's voice faded into a whisper.

Byakuya turned and walked away without a word. He knew the time was near and he did not have time to worry about Soi Fon. She may have left you, but Yoruichi would not leave me. Byakuya hurried to he and Yoruichi's secret training spot. He just knew in his heart she would be there. She was always there; she was always there for him. When he arrived she wasn't there. It's still early and with all that's going on, she maybe having some problems getting here. I'll just wait for her. Byakuya set down under the cherry trees and waited. He waited until it was dark. He still wasn't going to leave, but then it started to rain. The rain began to fall harder and harder. He had no choice but to seek shelter. He flash stepped away to the Shihoin estate. The rain began to get lighter and lighter as he moved further away from their training spot. The rain may have washed away your footsteps Yoruichi, but it has not washed away our connection. Byakuya thought to himself just as he walked into the gates of the Shihoin estate.

Two of the guards led a soaking wet Byakuya into the Shihoin mansion. "Emeka-sama and Adaeze-sama I apologize for calling on you so late, but I was hoping you knew where I could find, Yoruichi."

"I have men searching for her too, I'll make sure to let Yamamoto know if my men find her. Now please leave it's late and it's been a long day," sharply responded Emeka.

Byakuya's entire body sunk down. "You don't, but" Byakuya couldn't find the words to speak.

Adaeze placed her Byakuya's shoulder. "It'll be OK." She smiled him. It was the first time he'd noticed her smile was similar to Yoruichi's, but it wasn't Yoruichi smiling at him so he didn't know if it would be "OK".

"I'll find her'." He looked the older ebony woman in eye. "I swear to you I'll find her and bring her back."

"Oh really," remarked Emeka

"Yes, I'll keep searching until I find her." Byakuya said staring at the huge light brown man. Byakuya looked back at Adaeze. "Everything will be OK Yoruichi and I are connected. "Good night," he left quickly leaving both grandparents stunned and worried about his determination.

Yoruichi Must Die

Moving forward 40 years…

It had been almost 40 years since Yoruichi left the Soul Society but today she was back in her grandparents' wing. She had been able to return to the Soul Society a few times in her cat form. She found that she had spent the majority of her new "free" life in her cat form. When she visited Kisuke and Tessai in the human world she was in her cat form, when she would visit her grandparents she was in her cat form, and when she was watching over the Tenshiheiso she was in her cat form. She was quite used to being in her cat form. She lay comfortably on huge purple silk pillow her grandmother had made for her. She was just about to take a nap when her grandmother walked in the room. Adaeze kissed her husband on the cheek as soon as she entered the room. Then she turned to Yoruichi with a look her face that made Yoruichi want to run for cover. That look meant Yoruichi was in trouble. Yoruichi gave a fake yawn and pretended not to notice.

"Oh, no you don't missy. No nap for you. We need to talk."

Both Emeka and Yoruichi both cringed at the sound in Adaeze's voice when she said, "We need to talk."

"What's wrong Nin Nin?"

"I just had a very interesting conversation with Ginrei Kuchiki"

"You did, I didn't know it was possible to have any interesting anything with Ginrei." injected Emeka just before taking a bit from his apple. Yoruichi couldn't help but sneaker.

Adaeze frowned. " As I was saying. I had a very interesting conversation with Ginrei Kuchiki. He wants me to convince Byakuya to stop searching for you. Yoruichi he is seriously searching for you not just looking every other weekend. Byakuya is out looking for you right now. Do you know why? It's because-"

Yoruichi didn't want to hear the next words to come out of grandmother's mouth so she uncharacteristically interrupted, "It's only because he made a promise to you. Byakuya will keep his word. There's nothing else to it. "

"I dunno know baby girl, I would've stopped seriously searching for you after 4 years and moved to looking for you about once a month and even then I'd only do for a few hours, " added Emeka to Yoruichi's surprise. She did wish he had kept it to himself that only added fuel to Adaeze's fire.

"There is nothing else. Byakuya said, "I couldn't hide from him" so he's trying to prove that and keep his promise. Besides that night before I left the Soul Society he told me he didn't even have a crush."

" So he said he didn't have a crush on you."

"Yes, basically that's what he said I am sure that's what he meant. He said, "Glad you know it's not crush." When I accused him of possibly having a crush."

"Oh OK so in other words it's more than a crush, " added Emeka. Again he surprised Yoruichi with his comment and again she wished he'd kept it to himself.

"No just the opposite. It doesn't make a difference now anyway. I know how we can end this. I just have to die."

"What?" asked her grandparents in unison

"Just have the clan to request that the search be stopped because I must be dead. I know the clan has already tried to slowly separate from the Gotei and you think Soi Fon would do a good job leading the Onmitsukido. Let's do it. Recommend that Soi Fon become Captain of the 2nd Division then when you're ready Pa Pa put her in command of the Onmitsukido. After seeing this he's got to stop. He needs to live his life and not on a promise. Byakuya you let go and I'll let go too. That's the only way I can protect you. Yoruichi lowered herself down on the pillow.

"Are you sure that's what you want?" Nin Nin questioned with all the concern of a grandmother. She could see right through Yoruichi her cat form didn't make a difference.

"Sure, sure I am sure, if he doesn't stop looking I'll never be able to turn back into a real girl, " she said as she raised her gruff voice several octaves and placed a paw backwards over her eye and twitched her tail. Emeka let out a thunderous laugh after watching his granddaughter's bad acting. Adaeze didn't laugh she smiled at Yoruichi instead saying "its ok". She knew her granddaughter was hurting despite her act. They all expected Aizen to have played his hand by now. No one expected the charade to go on this long, and no one expected Yoruichi to have to die. She was supposed to be home by now and the Vizards were supposed to "normal" again but that wasn't the case.

His Search Continues

Byakuya walked the cold dark streets of the Rukongai as he had been doing every night he could for the past 30 years. He was still searching for Yoruichi even after everyone had stopped. For the first 10 years after Yoruichi's disappearance he searched the Seireitei and Rukongai every night with as special search team designated to find the traitors, Yoruichi, Kisuke, Tessai, and the Vizards. After that team was disbanded Byakuya continued his search for Yoruichi alone.

He continued the search for several reasons. He had made a promise to Adaeze that he would find Yoruichi and bring her back and he was going to keep that promise. Byakuya also needed answers he did not want to believe what everyone was saying about her. She wouldn't just leave him. He missed her more than he ever. He never thought he'd be so lonely without her, but he was. Byakuya needed her back, he needed to connect with her again. Yoruichi was the only one who really knew him; he could be himself around her without any of the pressures that surrounded him. She didn't care about his status; she only wanted him and never asked for anything else.

Byakuya approached a group of Ryoka, three women and two men. "Have any of you seen this person?" Byakuya attempted to hand the photo to a large man standing in the middle of the group but the large man refused to even look at the photo. Byakuya move the photo closer to the man's face and gave the man a look that made him flinch. The man shook his head rapidly and said no. He handed the photo of Yoruichi to a pale young woman standing next to him.

"Why are looking for her?" questions an old woman in the group.

"She is... wanted."

The old woman shook her head at his response. "I bet," she responded in a rasped aged voice. "A beautiful girl like that I bet. Humph, who are you trying to fool if she was a criminal then there would be more Shinigami than you asking about her. She ran away from you, didn't she sonny?"

Byakuya is shocked by the acquisition. It took Byakuya a couple moments to shake the pain and shock away. His face turns back to stone. He harshly responded, "Like I said she is wanted criminal." He grabbed the picture and pulled it from the young woman's hand, much harder than he wanted. She stumbled forward. "I apologize", he responded in a cold monotone voice.

"Its ok," she responded as her blue eyes stared up at him. "Good luck with your search," she added. Byakuya turned and walked away without so much as a word. They all watched as Byakuya moved on to the next group of Ryoka and then to the next.

"Hmmm, she probably ran away from him a rich handsome noble like that probably has more ladies than he can handle. He probably hates the idea that someone would leave him. You can tell by his attitude he's one of those types. He'll keep looking until he finds another one or gets bored with his search," said the old lady just as it started to rain. To everyone's surprise Byakuya kept going door to door in the rain; he was not going to let the rain stop him this time, he kept searching.

"I dunno, he's lonely maybe, " responded the pale face girl as she quickly moved from under the canopy and into the house.

Sanja went into the house and watched Byakuya from the doorway as the rain started to come down harder. She noticed that Byakuya's steps looked heavy as if he was weighed down by something. She watched him until he disappeared in the rain and darkness. "You might be right Hisana that is the walk of a lonely man."

Tears

An hour later a soaking wet muddy Byakuya arrived at the Kuchiki manor. He took off his muddy sandals and socks and quietly entered. The great room was dark. He thought no one was there until he heard, "Back from another one of your late night walks, Byakuya".

Byakuya slowly turned to around to find his grandfather standing next to him. "Good evening grandfather. I did not know you'd still be awake. I apologize if I disturbed you."

Ginrei walked over and lit and additional lamp. He turned to Byakuya and noticed how soaking wet and muddy he was, Ginrei does not respond on Byakuya's appearance he just gave him a discern look. "You need to understand she is gone. She will never be back Byakuya. I know you swore you'd find her but it's been decades, she is GONE. "

"Grandfather I..."

"Yoruichi is dead."

The announcement was a shock. His head started to throb. "How, when?" He tried to fight the tears but the news was too much. In one moment of weakness his heart which had been silently crying for 40 years took over and Byakuya couldn't help it as one tear fell.

Ginrei moved closer and placed one hand on Byakuya's shoulder. He looked Byakuya straight in the eye and said, "Byakuya you will never be able to lead the clan if you can't control your emotions. You certainly should not shed a tear for a traitor. If you start crying now you'll be crying for the rest of your life. The Shihoin clan has stated that she's dead even they could not find her. Yoruichi can't still be alive. If she is somehow alive even her clan as given up on her, they have completely distanced themselves from her; she is a traitor in their eyes. The Shihoin clan is transitioning young Capt. Soi Fon to take over as Commander of Onmitsukido. I know you promised Adaeze that you would find Yoruichi no matter what but even Adaeze and Emeka have faced reality and realized she is dead and gone". He walked over across from Byakuya and his posture changed to a very serious one. Byakuya knew from that moment he would get no sympathy from Ginrei regarding Yoruichi.

"Byakuya I've watched grow from rash lad to a noble man. I've seen how you trained day after day for hours. Since Yoruichi departure you have focused solely on becoming the best Shinigami. Your skills have surpassed all of my expectations. Yet you're still holding on to her and its holding you back, just let this go Byakuya, let her go. I know you two were once close, but she was the one who helped traitors Kisuke and Tessai escape. She was the one that aided those evil traitorous Vizards. The truth is they probably turned on Yoruichi like they had planned to turn on the Gotei. Now ask yourself Byakuya if she cared about the Soul Society would have aided criminals? If she really cared about you would she have left without even saying good-bye?"

The questions Byakuya's grandfather posed forced Byakuya to face reality. No Yoruichi did not care about the Soul Society or me. She never cared otherwise she would've said good-bye. She wouldn't have left me all alone. The realization set in slicing his heart. "You are right grandfather. She did not care about the Soul Society or me"

Byakuya answered his grandfather with such coldness and bitterness that Ginrei wondered if maybe he'd pushed Byakuya too far. He started to say something else to Byakuya but the cold dead look in Byakuya's eyes caused him to pause.

" Good night grandfather. Don't worry I will not waste anymore of my time searching for a dead woman".

A/N: So this part of their story ends with the sadness of good-bye. Our time in the past is over for now it's time to move forward. Hopefully, you've found the peek into their past enjoyable. As usual feel free to added a comment or send a PM.