The following day was a very good one. Considering all of the kids' units were finished before break, Ikkaku decided to introduce new ones.

"Now," he said after his history introduction on World War I, "I am going to teach you some fighting."

The kids began making an excited racket at this.

"However," he shouted over the cheering, "If I catch any of you using those skills outside of the classroom, or training in some cases," he said while eyeing the highschoolers, "We will not only end the lessons; you will have to write a five-page paper on why you did it and be evaluated for expulsion. Do I make myself clear?" he said in a very serious tone, the class now silent.

"Yes sir!"

"Good. You will be tested when we act out our World War I unit."

The first thing Ikkaku taught them was how to properly block. Since the highschoolers already knew quite a bit, they were assigned to write a paper on techniques.

After lunch was literature, a favorite subject for all. They got to read their own choice of books and write about them. After they turned in their assignments, Ikkaku issued a new one.

"This time, I will be tying it with science. Therefore, you will be required to research your favorite scientist."

Nan raised her hand. "Yes Nan."

"Can I write about my dad?" she asked excitedly.

"Sure."

"How about me?" Uryu asked. "He's doing research on some new medicine."

Ikkaku smiled. So this was what it took to get them to to talk to their parents.

"Of course. You and Nan will need to conduct an interview."

"Can I research Urahara?" Ururu asked.

"Yes, but you also need to do an interview," Ikkaku said. For the rest of the day, they picked scientists for their assignment and met later in the barn.

"So for our pageant, I was thinking we could do the Nativity scene," Nat said. "And we can sing the Twelve Days Of Christmas. Chad and Ichigo could play their guitars while I play my violin."

"And I picked out Ikkaku's gift," Bess said.

"What is it?" Jinta asked.

"A fighting dummy," she said happily. "It's expensive, though."

"That's okay, we can earn money!" Nan said.

"Yeah, Ichigo and I can sell our first bundle of sheep's wool," Uryu said.

"The rest of us can sell grape juice," Yuzu suggested. Thus started the busiest December of their lives.

Meanwhile, Ikkaku was packing some extra blankets for Emily's trip. He heard some noise from the other room and went to check.

"Emily, your husband's not here yet, where are you going?" he asked when he saw her trying to leave.

"I can't go with him," she said in a small voice, lip trembling. Ikkaku was about to respond when there was a knock on the door.

"Go to the living room and don't worry," Ikkaku said. After she was out of sight, he opened the door and walked out to the porch with his sword nearby.

"I'm looking for my wife. Is she here?" Koga, who was working in the garden just below the porch, looked up.

"I'm sorry, she left," Ikkaku said.

"Did she not know I was coming?" the man asked with a frown.

"She did," he responded.

"Well then, I'll ask around in town again," he said and left. When he was gone, Koga came up to the porch.

"He beat her, didn't he?" he asked, watching the man walk off. Ikkaku nodded.

"He seemed so nice and wealthy. I didn't think he would be the sort of person to do that," he said, shaking his head.

"They never do," Koga answered.

Nan ran to them and asked out of breath, "Did Emily leave already?"

"No."

"Who was that, then?" Nat said, approaching the three with his father, Toshiro, following.

"It was her husband."

"But I don't understand," Nan persisted.

The adults looked at each other and Ikkaku finally answered, "He beat her, Nan."

"What, why?" Nat asked in shock.

"I don't know, son. Men can be crazy sometimes."

"So, what are you doing here, Toshiro?" Ikkaku asked, changing the subject.

"I figured he might have been responsible for the lady's injuries-"

"Emily, her name's Emily," Nan interrupted.

"Right, Emily. I just wanted to make sure the kids were safe. I don't want to think of what Rangiku and I would have to do if anything happened to Nat," he said, looking at his son affectionately.

"Don't worry, Toshiro, I'll protect the kids," Ikkaku promised.

"Dad, are you staying for dinner?" Nat asked.

"Well, I suppose I can," he said with a smile.

"Why don't you two show Toshiro some of your favorite places to play?" Ikkaku suggested. "You have an hour."

"Ok!" the kids said happily and ran off, dragging the white-haired Shinigami with them. Chuckling, Ikkaku went inside and told Emily he would help in any way he could.

"You can stay here as long as you need to."

"Are you sure? I don't have any money..."

"Don't worry about it," he said, cutting her off. Emily smiled at him gratefully.