The stillness of Las Noches was disrupted when a bright white light appeared in the halls. Harribel stood ready, expecting some invader to burst forth, but instead saw Tamotsu Toshiyuki step out of the light.

"That was risky of you coming here in that manner," Harribel said. "I admire that."

"I'll take that as a greeting," Tamotsu said.

Harribel turned and began walking, Tamotsu ran to catch up to be next to her. "Why have you come back to Las Noches? We fulfilled our agreement and have no further business with each other."

"Please, Harribel. I was only wanting to talk for a moment."

Harribel stopped walking and closed her eyes. She spoke without turning to Tamotsu. "We may not be currently enemies but that gives you no right to come here whenever you choose."

Tamotsu sighed. "I apologize. But I was hoping to speak with you concerning something about the Hollows as a whole. I believe I have found what is missing from the hearts of a Hollow. With your permission I would like to test this. It could end the war between Shinigami and Hollow forever and-"

"I know what is missing from a Hollow's heart," Harribel interrupted. "I have known for a long time."

"You- You already know? Then that means that you-"

"No," Harribel said, again interrupting. "My heart is too far gone. You have my respect, but that is all. Living in Hueco Mundo for as long as I have... I have only survived this far by hardening my heart further. There are many things which the Shinigami do not understand about us. Those who become coherent and self aware abide by unwritten laws. The least of which is that the strong survive and the weak must perish. This is no place for one with a soft heart. No place for you."

The air was silent for a long moment, then Tamotsu bowed his head and took a deep breath. "I understand," he said, almost hesitantly. "If that is the case, then I will take my leave. Thank you, Harribel. For all that you have done."

"Tamotsu. I said that my heart was too far gone. But there are those whose hearts are more open. You cannot force this upon them, and they must discover what is missing on their own. Otherwise what you wish for us is in vain. Do you understand?"

"I understand."

Tamotsu began walking away toward the balcony. He wondered how many souls were searching for something within themselves. How many would understand what they were. And how many truly had a desire to search within themselves.

Apacci approached, followed by Mila Rose, Sung Sun and Kisaki. "What's he doing here?" Apacci asked. "We did what he wanted and we failed."

"Shall we dispose of him?" Sung Sun asked.

"No," Harribel answered. "Leave him be. He shall not bother us again once he is gone. Kisaki..."

"Huh?" Kisaki said, the surprise evident in her voice. "Me?"

"Go with him. Its what you want, is it not?"

Kisaki stood silent, then bowed in gratitude. "It is. Thank you, Lady Harribel." She ran to be next to Tamotsu's side, the others looking in stunned silence.

"Lady Harribel-" Apacci said. "What do you think you're doing? Sending her off like that? And with a Shinigami?"

"Her heart is not with us," Harribel answered. "She has found what we lack and is regaining it. The choice was hers to make."

"What do you mean? What does she have that we don't?"

Harribel turned and began walking, stopping once she passed where Apacci stood. "If you have to ask that, you do not deserve to be told the answer."

The doorway between worlds opened and Tamotsu stepped into Urahara's shop. Kisaki followed close behind.

"I was wondering when you would return, sir," Lucky said as he entered the room while inside Tamotsu's body. He stopped when he saw Tamotsu. "I do say, are you all right? You seem to have changed much since I saw you last."

Tamotsu looked in the mirror. His hair had grown past his shoulders and the majority was a silver gray coloration with a few streaks of brown. His robes were a light gray, lighter even than his hair had become. "I'm fine, Lucky," he said. "I fell fine."

"Well, if all is well and good I would presume you would like the return of your body?"

Tamotsu nodded and stepped forward. He entered into his body and spit out the green pill, immediately placing it into the stuffed owl. Looking in the mirror he felt as if it were someone else looking back. Short brown hair and a face that defied his age. Granted he was twenty-eight years of age according to this lifetime but the number seemed moot in comparison with the several lifetimes he now remembered.

"If I may ask, sir," Lucky said as he adjusted to his stuffed animal form. "Why are you in the company of a Hollow?"

"Its a long story," Tamotsu responded. "Kisaki can fill you in if you would like."

Opening the doorway to the hall, Tamotsu suddenly found himself being grasped tightly by the slender form of Naomi. "Tamotsu!" she cried out, burying her face into his shoulder.

"Its all right, Naomi. I'm here."

"I... I heard rumors..."

"They were merely rumors. Nothing more."

Noami released her grip and nodded. She glanced over Tamotsu's shoulder and looked at Kisaki, who gave a nervous wave in response.

"I've got to get going," Tamotsu finally said, more to break the silence rather than to announce his intentions. "Its been a long time and Hiroko's probably got some things for me at the art shop."

Without another word, Tamotsu stepped past Naomi and walked outside into the sunlight. It felt like an eternity since he last felt its warmth. Kisaki began to follow but felt a small hand grasp her arm. Turning her head she saw Naomi holding onto her arm. The small girl took one of her fingers and traced the hole above Kisaki's collar bone.

"I remember," Naomi said softly. Without an explanation she released Kisaki and went to her room.

"What was that about?" Kisaki asked.

"She means she remembers what it was like," Tamotsu responded. "Naomi remembers a life as a Hollow. I'm sure the two of you will get along just fine."

"Where have you been?" Hiroko said, nearly shouting as Tamotsu entered the art shop. "You disappear for almost two weeks without a word? I've had a few checks here waiting for you and some people have even asked for commissions!"

"I'm sorry, Hiroko," Tamotsu said, placing his portfolio next to the counter. "Things have been rather hectic lately, putting it mildly."

"Well, people are really liking your new styles at least." Hiroko handed an envelope to Tamotsu. He took it from her and placed it in his pocket without looking. "So what's been so important, if I may ask?"

Tamotsu stood silent a moment and looked around at the art on the walls. "I've had some life changing experiences," he said. "I don't look at things the same way I used to. I was actually thinking of putting the canvas away for a while."

"Putting it away? You're not quitting on me are you?"

"Time will tell."

"And tell your friend not to be shy."

"You mean Hinohebi?"

"No, the one that came with you. You know. The one wearing the mask. She in some kind of performance or something?"

Tamotsu looked outside to see Kisaki staring in at them. She wasn't wearing a Gigai, so did that mean Hiroko was awakening spiritual powers of her own? "She's new in town," Tamotsu finally said.

"Whatever you say," Hiroko said with a shrug. "I'll see what I can do with your new items. Oh, and a Mr. Kuchiki came in earlier and dropped something off. He was one of the people wanting a commission. He left a concept for you."

Tamotsu watched as Hiroko passed him a drawing of a strange round, green cartoon figure that looked like a vegetable with arms and legs. A note on the side read, It would bring me great honor if you would make a professional painting of my creation. I call him Captain Seaweed. -Byakuya Kuchiki.

Tamotsu's eye twitched as he stared at the drawing. "I- I- I'll see... what I can do..."

"You know this Byakuya guy?"

"Uh, yeah. Distant relative. Take care, Hiroko."

"What was that all about?" Kisaki asked when Tamotsu exited the shop. "You looked like you were about to have a seizure or something."

"Captain Kuchiki wants me to do a painting for him," Tamotsu answered. "And she can see you."

"What?! But I thought you said she was a normal human."

"Well something's waking up inside of her."

The two walked for a while through the business district of Karakura Town. It felt odd being back in the Human World for Tamotsu, especially being with someone that nearly none of the population could physically see. More than once he had to apologize when someone bumped into Kisaki and had to make it look like they bumped him instead.

"Can't Mr. Urahara make me a fake body like what he did with your zanpakuto spirit?" Kisaki asked.

"Easier said than done. He's never worked on something like that for Hollows before. And speaking of Hollows-"

Tamotsu broke into a run. He could feel the dark presence creeping upon him like ice. A Hollow was entering through a Gargantua. A minute later they found themselves in a wooded area with a large heavy-set Hollow walking slowly forward, swinging its entire body as it walked. Upon their arrival, it turned to look at them.

Kisaki stepped forward and spoke. "I am Kisaki, Arrancar under our mistress Lady Harribel. I order you to leave."

The Hollow stood silent a moment, then stepped forward. It howled and began approaching Kisaki.

"Did you not hear me? I order you to stop!"

"Not gonna work, Kisaki!" Tamotsu stepped forward and was surprised to find himself suddenly dressed in his Shinigami robes. He didn't remember causing a separation. Had he done it automatically? Reaching for his zanpakuto, Tamotsu stopped and instead stepped forward.

"What are you doing? It won't listen to me, what chance do you have without your zanpakuto?"

"Hey, there," Tamotsu said, addressing the Hollow. "Listen, I don't mean to sound rude or anything but could you leave please? You're not welcome here."

The Hollow leaned down low and roared, the force of the wind buffeting Tamotsu almost like a gale.

"Such manners. Here. Have a Jelly Baby." Tamotsu pulled a small gummy from his pocket and offered it to the Hollow.

The Hollow looked at it, then roared again and lashed out with its jaws at Tamotsu. Before it could react, Tamotsu had one arm wrapped around its back and the other pressed against its chest. It couldn't move. It was not caught in a spell, but for some reason its limbs would not respond.

"I would much rather this have ended another way for you," Tamotsu said, a ball of white energy forming in front of his hand that was over the Hollow's chest. "Be at peace."

The blast of energy cut through the Hollow, causing it to rear back and howl as it began to dissolve. Kisaki stared at Tamotsu.

"You- You killed it!" Kisaki yelled.

"I cleansed the spirit," Tamotsu corrected. "By using our reiatsu we can cleanse a Hollow of its misdeeds and then it can pass on peacefully to the next life."

"So, its not destroyed completely? Hollows believe that when a Shinigami slays them... They cease to..."

"No need to worry."

"Do any spirits... remember being Hollows?"

"Only two so far as I am aware. One is Naomi. You've met her."

"And the other?"

Tamotsu sighed, preparing himself. "That would be me."

"So... That explains how you can open the Gargantua. One more thing."

"Yes?"

"What's with these Jelly Babies?"

Tamotsu smiled. "A friend introduced them to me a few months ago. He travels around in his blue box. Haven't seen him in a while though." Stepping back to where his body had fallen, Tamotsu picked it up and worked his way back in. It felt almost constrictive. And how easily he had separated... It made him wonder what would happen the next time.

The night was quiet at Urahara's shop. Tamotsu sat in one of the back rooms across from Kisaki, who sipped a cup of hot tea.

"You've been really quiet since we got back," Kisaki said. "What's wrong? Usually you're so entertaining."

"I've just been thinking," Tamotsu responded. "There's just so much that's been going on with me. Every moment a new memory awakens. But its not overwhelming like it once was. Its like I already knew but had forgotten."

"I can't even imagine what that must feel like. How many lifetimes do you remember?"

"Its hard to tell now," Tamotsu said, leaning back. "The margins between life and death... They're a blur to me. It almost feels like a single lifetime now rather than separate ones."

A soft knock at the door caused the two occupants to look over at once. The door slid open slowly, revealing Naomi Kanagawa. She was dressed in a silk sleeping gown which was loose over her slim body.

"What is it, Naomi?" Tamotsu asked. "Can't sleep?"

Naomi shook her head in response. "Worried," she said.

"Worried? About what?"

No words were needed as Naomi looked at Tamotsu with glassy eyes. "You've changed," she said after a moment.

"Of course I have," Tamotsu responded as he stood and placed his hands on the young girl's shoulders. "Things change all the time. Its only part of life."

Naomi shook her head, indicating that she didn't want things to change. "You used to be fun."

"I used to be many things. And I can remember them all."

Naomi shook her head again then left the room.

"Naomi, wait." Tamotsu stood and turned a couple of corners before finding Naomi in her bed holding her pillow tightly. "We know more better than most that we are not the same people we once were. Look at us all. We're trying to continue with lives that have already passed. Are we meant to continue as Shinigami in this lifetime as well? Or is there something greater that lies in wait?"

"Aizen said... we were experiments."

"Aizen says many things. I don't know how far he has gone with this ordeal but he is the type of man who would say anything to attain his end. We have a greater knowledge than most and understand fully the cycle of reincarnation."

Naomi sat quietly and Tamotsu placed his hand on her shoulder. Slowly she moved in closer and placed her head on his chest. Holding her close, Tamotsu began to sing. It was a simple tune, a lullaby from some past lifetime that he couldn't place in his mind.

After a few lines, Tamotsu was surprised to hear Kisaki joining in. The two sang in a duet which could make angels weep and calm the most savage of spirits. Before long, Naomi was asleep. Tamotsu placed her in the bed and covered her with a blanket before exiting.

In the next room, Tamotsu sat on a chair and relaxed. "I didn't know you knew that tune as well," he said to Kisaki.

"I don't know how I remember it," Kisaki answered. "But I can hear it clearly."

Tamotsu smiled. "A lifetime before a lifetime," he said. Tamotsu stood and was confused by the shocked look Kisaki suddenly gave him. Looking at his arms he could see the light gray robes of his Shinigami form. He turned and saw his body lying peacefully on the chair. "I see. I think I understand now."

"What are you saying?"

"Lucky, could you come in here please?"

The small brown stuffed owl hobbled in on stubby legs and stood with its wings down to its side. "You called, sir?" Lucky asked. Tamotsu picked up Lucky and removed the small green pill from the mouth and placed it into the mouth of his body. "So you are heading out again? Very well, I shall take care of your body until your return."

"That won't be necessary, Lucky," Tamotsu said with a small smile.

"Excuse me?"

"This time I do not believe I'll be coming back." Tamotsu approached and placed his hands on the shoulders of Lucky. "Take care of it. This body is yours now."

Kisaki's eyes bulged as she quickly stood. "Tamotsu! What do you think you're doing?!"

"Its all right."

"But- That's your body you're giving away!"

"Indeed, sir," Lucky said. "One does not simply give up something such as this."

"I won't be needing it anymore," Tamotsu said. "I've been struggling to remain inside that body ever since I returned from Soul Society. If I am able to separate without knowing it then I have no more need of that body."

Kisaki grabbed Tamotsu's arms and spun him around to face her. "What is the matter with you?" she said. "Why are you doing this?"

Tamotsu touched Kisaki's hands and she slowly let go. "I finally understand what's happening," he said. "Why I've been given so much power. The skills taught to me by the Tengokucho, the roots of all skills."

"What are you talking about? You say you've got so much power but I can hardly sense anything from you! Your reiatsu has become so faint- Sometimes I can hardly feel your presence at all!"

Tamotsu smiled softly and placed his hand over his chest. "Everything will soon be explained. Its okay. I know what's happening to me. And soon the cycle will be broken."

"The cycle? What cycle are you talking about?"

"The cycle of reincarnation. I'm dying, Kisaki. I'm dying a final death."