The family is one of nature's masterpieces.

~George Santayana

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

A young woman laid sprawled beneath a cherry blossom tree, relishing in the silence of the courtyard within her barracks. She was absentmindedly running her finger through the red fur of the red panda sleeping on her stomach.

It had been two months since Aizen's rebellion and one month since the young captain awoke from her coma. The Soul Society was still in shambles, attempting in vain to patch the gaping hole the deflection of three captains left. Most of the outer damage had been fixed, but the inner working was going to take a lot more than a few months. The squads that lost their captains had been taking it the hardest, though it wasn't much of a surprise. A captain's subordinates looked up to them, respected them, idolized them; for that person you had loved to turn around and betray the very thing you worked to protect was more than painful than any wound.

Kimiko felt much like the Soul Society. Her outer wounds had healed without a problem thanks to Unohana, but the wounds she carried on the inside were far from healed. Though the deflection of the three captains has shaken the captain up, mostly the fact that even she, the one who was supposed to know every single bit of information within the Soul Society, didn't realize Tosen too was a traitor put her on edge, it was the information that Aizen revealed to her that's caused her so much pain.

"Are you so eager to join that wife of yours Kimiko-taichou? I was there the night she was killed you know, another failed Hollow experiment of mine. She beat the Hollow but I couldn't have her reporting back to you, you were already so suspicious of me. She died with your name on her lips, cried a bit too if I remember correctly. Said something about not making it to dinner after all I believe. It was all very touching."

With a sharp intake of breath, the young captain jumped to her feet, almost forgetting to grab Tomo, and rushed to her office, needing something to concentrate on. She needed a distraction to keep the black thoughts at bay. Kimiko had only just made it to her office when a fluttering sound reached her ears, followed by a Hell's Butterfly entering through her open window. With a sigh, she held out her finger to allow the insect to land.

"Kimiko Hamasaki-taichou of the Fourteenth Division, your presence is requested in my office at your earliest convenience." The unmistakable voice of the head captain filled her office and she left immediately, mind racing to find a reason for her to summoned to Yamamoto's office.

It only took a few minutes for Kimiko to arrive at the neighboring barracks, and immediately made her way to the head captain's office, being more than familiar with the layout of the building. He didn't even give her a chance to knock before calling her in.

"You wanted to see me Ojii-san?" She questioned as cheerfully as possible as she strolled into his office. The young captain affectionally dubbed the man 'ojii-san', decades ago, his intimidating appearance reminding so much of her own grandfather she stopped correcting herself after a while. And though he wouldn't admit it, Kimiko know Yamamoto secretly liked it.

Said man simple took in the captain's appearance for a few moments. Though she looked much better than when she was laid up in a hospital bed, hell, only those close to her could tell something was amiss. Yamamoto could see the truth behind Kimiko's cheerful smile, the pain she was always so good at hiding away. He saw the was her smile didn't reach her eyes, the way she would fidget uncomfortable, the faraway look she'd get in her eyes when she thought no one was watching.

"Yes, yes, take a seat my dear." Yamamoto finally said and she complied, still unsure as to why he wanted to see her. "Ever since you obtained your injuries a few months ago, your family has been imploring me to allow you time to recover under their care. I knew you would not wish to do so, however, seeing your appearance today is making me rethink my decision."

Kimiko immediately protested at the absurd notion. "I can't possibly abandon my duties as a captain now! Captains are needed in the Seireitei now more than ever before, we are the pillars that hold up the Soul Society and three pillars are now gone. Another pillar cannot be removed."

"I understand your feelings, they're the very reason I refused your family in the first place, however, old wounds have reopened. We're still unsure about Aizen's goal, but the Hogyoku will not awake for another two months. When that happens, I need everyone to be at their best because the battle that will ensue will not be an easy one. Take a week or due, spend time with your family, heal, and come back to your subordinates at your best." Kimiko was frustrated, and angry, and a million other emotions, but she knew Yamamoto was right.

"My wife has been dead four decades but it still has this much of an effect on me. I pride myself on my deception tactics yet here I am, caught red handed. I'm pitiful." She lamented sadly, staring at her lap and clenching her fists in frustration.

"You are far from pathetic young one. Needing time to heal is natural, especially after experience such a tragedy. Your squad members all care about you immensely, they will understand. And from what I understand, your siblings miss your dearly." After a bit of paperwork, and hugging the captain commander, Kimiko was on her way to her office to get her things together.

Once her things were in order, she called Shikima and Akane to her office to inform them of her departure. Both were still a bit banged up from their own battles, but both were in good shape. They weren't surprised by her departure, and Akane practically shoved her out of the barracks when she was reluctant to leave.

The Shihoin had four younger siblings, with her being the oldest. In order of age, there was Ryuusuke, current head of the Shihoin clan, Minako and Michiko, twins, and Sayuri, whom was still just a child. Due to being the eldest, Kimiko was the obvious choice for head when Yoruichi disappeared, but she refused the position. She knew being the head of her clan would limit her ability to do her job as captain of the Fourteenth Division, there were too many things that needed her constant attention. Besides, she knew her brother would be leagues better than her at the job.

It wasn't often that Kimiko visited her family estate, opting to continue living in the house her and her wife shared. The only time's she ever returned home were for special events such as birthdays and formal parties. Being a captain wasn't an easy job and kept her hands tied almost constantly. Not to mention any time she showed her face, the Shihoin council members were relentless in their pursuit to convince her to marry Byakuya, and that was just something she never liked dealing with.

The council never approved of her marriage choice in the first place, but due to having their hands full with Yoruichi; their attention never stayed on the situation for long. After the combination of her cousin leaving and her wife dying, the council became ruthless. Kimiko was the perfect marriage match to several advantageous suitors; she was a captain and the elder sister to the head of the Shihoin clan. Noble families were having their sons, and daughters, throw themselves at her.

Her councilors were particularly insistent on her marrying Byakuya. There were always offers from the other families, but the council seemed to refuse to give up on tying the Shihoins' and Kuchikis'. Of course, Kimiko could see how advantageous it would be, but it never made the idea more appealing. Maybe before, before Hotaru, before Hisana, before life dealt its cruel hand, but Kimiko didn't like to think about the what if's. And if she could go back and choose, she would choose the path that lead her to her wife every time and she knew Byakuya would make the same choice.

For the most part Kimiko's brother and grandfather could deter the councilors from pushing the matter, but every now and again one councilor would get brave enough to approach the captain directly. When the situation arose, the well-mannered Shihoin would fix tea, listen to the councilor plead their case, and politely escort them out on good terms. However, at least once a decade one councilor would bring up her deceased wife, and they were lucky to leave her presence in one piece.

…

The trip to the Shihoin estate was a relatively short one for Kimiko, however, at the pace of her flash step, most distances were relatively short. In truth, the estate was on the edge of the Seireitei; the Shihoin's liked their privacy.

Upon arriving, she was immediately greeted by two of her younger sisters; Michiko and Sayuri. She wasn't expecting to greeted by Ryuusuke and Minako, the two of them were no doubt too busy training.

"Nee-san!" Sayuri squealed happily as Kimiko landed in front of her. The older sibling catching her sister as she jumped into her arms. Sayuri was still a child, barely sixty. Her hair was a light lilac, and her Shihoin gold eyes were muted, being a pale yellow. Kimiko's smile faltered as she discretely assessed her little sister, noting how her eyes seemed even more dull than the last time she visited.

They're going faster than Unohana predicted. Hinotsubasa observed sadly. Sayuri was born premature due to their mother's poor health during the pregnancy. As a result, the child's eyesight diminished at an increasingly rapid rate as the years passed and Sayuri was extremely sickly. The reason her mocha skin was so much lighter than her siblings was because the sun drained her energy at such an alarming rate that she wasn't allowed outside much.

"Look how much you've grown little lily!" Kimiko praised affectionately, not letting herself focus on the dark thoughts. She was here to forget the dark thoughts, not be plagued with more. And it was only a small lie; Sayuri was extremely small for her age, another effect of being born premature. It was predicated the tallest she would get was four and a half feet.

"You should visit more Nee-sama." Michiko interjected, the embodiment of a noble lady as she glided towards her embracing siblings. Michiko was always dressed in the finest traditional kimonos, her light brown hair in matching curled pigtails behind her and her golden eyes adorned with the smallest amount of makeup, simply there to accentuate her natural beauty. She looked as regal as a princess in everything she did. From a young age, she refused to train, not wanting to gain muscle or scars in fear of damaging her marriage prospects. Though she had a zanpakuto, and knew its name, the only time she utilized it was when Sayuri needed healing.

"You could always drop by and visit now and again Michi." Kimiko countered, putting Sayuri down to pull her slightly taller sibling into a tight hug. Once the reunion was over and the servants had taken care of Kimiko's few belongings, the captain decided to swing by the training compound, knowing that's where she would find her remaining siblings.

Just as she predicted, the familiar sounds of sparing reached her ears as she approached and she felt her siblings Reiatsu.

Kimiko fondly noted that not much had changed when she walked in and saw Minako and Ryuusuke locked in battle. It was a comforting notion. In a flash, Minako disappeared, leaving Ryuusuke unruffled, and causing Kimiko to roll her eyes. She grabbed her fan just in time to block her younger sister's attack. Minako subjected her sister to a barrage of pointless attacks as Kimiko effortlessly blocked every one before stopping, the sisters sharing matching grins.

"And you all wonder why I never visit." Kimiko teased before being pulled into a bone crushing hug.

Minako was the polar opposite of Michiko. Where Michiko as the embodiment of a lady, Minako was the embodiment of a warrior. Her muscles were hard and lean from years of training, and scars littered her body. Minako was loud, brash, and had an unfortunate tendency to be rude no matter who she was talking to. The only thing the twins shared were their caramel hair and golden eyes.

"Gotta make sure your senses haven't dulled stuck behind a desk all day." Minako defended, finally releasing her shorter older sister.

"She is a captain, she cannot afford for her senses to be dulled. She would die if they did." Ryuusuke commented bluntly, his voice monotone, though Kimiko's trained ears could detect the hidden warmth.

"I've missed you too Ryuu." The captain said before wrapping her arms around her brother. Kimiko and Ryuusuke had always been extremely close, not needing words to communicate. They simply understood each other without question, such as when Kimiko needed the Sokyoku, her brother gave it without question.

"Still not married yet I see." She joked, quirking her eyebrows teasingly. If Kimiko thought she had it bad, her poor brother had it a hundred times worse. He managed to stay away from the women constantly throwing themselves at him, but the councilors were ruthless. Being the head of one of the four noble families along with being handsome with her dark hair and golden eyes meant he was one of the most eligible bachelors in the Soul Society.

"I could say the same to you." He shot back, a small smile on his face.

"Oh god, please don't start. I swear if Michi even senses somebody talking about the m-word she'll be here in a heartbeat." Minako pleaded and Kimiko laughed. Michiko was desperate to have the councilors arrange a marriage for her, but the councilors were reluctant since Kimiko was older and unmarried.

"Have you visited grandfather yet?" Ryuusuke questioned, his voice holding a tone meant to reprimand. However, Kimiko swiftly hit him over the head with her fan.

"Don't think you can order me around Ryuu, need I remind you why I was first in line to be head of the clan?" Kimiko warned, a dangerous glint in her eyes.

"It's about time someone else is here to knock him down a peg beside Ojii-san." Minako laughed, crossing her arms.

"You've only just arrived and you're already tormenting poor Ryuu?" A deep, booming voice interrupted and a grin overtook the captain's voice. There were few within the Soul Society who could sneak up on Kimiko, and only one within the estate.

"Ji-ji!" Kimiko exclaimed, reverting to a child at the appearance of her grandfather. She sharply pivoted on her heel and charged at him, launching herself into the arms of the enormous man and wrapping her arms around his neck.

Daisuke, the former head of the Shihoin clan was nothing short of extremely frightening. His appearance alone had the ability to send people running; towering over most people at 6'10, being built of muscle, a full beard, and scars littering his entire body.

However, when it came to family, Kimiko and her siblings knew their grandfather was the biggest softie. A fact only proven by his boisterous laughter as he crushed his granddaughter to his imposing figure lovingly.

"My little bird, it's been too long since you last visited!" He bellowed happily while embracing her. Kimiko had always been the apple of her grandfather's eye, Daisuke loved all his grandchildren, but Kimiko was the favorite and everyone knew it. She could get away with murder because he would hide the body.

"I'm not a child anymore ji-ji, I can't drop everything and come home whenever I wish." She defended, practically glowing with happiness. Being around her grandfather made Kimiko feel at ease, made her feel safe, that nothing bad could happen to her because her grandfather would protect her.

"You are still a child in my eyes little bird." Daisuke pointed out lovingly and finally put Kimiko down. "Speaking of children, your little one just settled down for a nap."

From the moment Kimiko decided to adopt Hanako, she knew there would be complications. The adoption of children from the Rukongai by nobles was typically looked down upon. People from the Rukongai were looked down upon in general by nobles. Considering that when Kimiko adopted the little girl, her brother was head, she was widowed, and marriage proposals were streaming in, many people looked down upon the little girl.

The first-time Kimiko heard someone insult her daughter was at some formal party she took Hanako along to despite knowing it wouldn't be appreciated. The child got her fair share of dirty looks, but was oblivious to it all, and Kimiko could deal with looks. It was when they were passing by a group of lower noble ladies and Kimiko heard one of them mumble something along the lines of 'it's a disgrace to the Shihoin's, she'll probably just grow up to be a common whore', that the new mom acted. Physical violence didn't ensue, but when Kimiko was done talking to the woman she never saw her again.

Kimiko was mostly afraid of her grandfather's reaction. However, she stood by her decision to take in the little girl and brought her to be introduced. All it took was seeing Hanako make his granddaughter smile for Daisuke to love the little girl. The little girl gave Kimiko a reason to do more than simply got through the motions, she gave her a reason to live, to thrive, and for that, Daisuke, along with Kimiko's siblings, would have protected the child against anything.

"How is she? I wish I could have given her more of an explanation, she's going to have questions. She's going to wonder where Aimi is." Kimiko said sadly, the smiling face of her former fifth seat passing through her mind. The temperature in the room dropped at indirect mention of Aizen. She could feel the anger not only coming from her grandfather, but her two siblings.

"Those traitors blood will spill for thinking they could threaten Hanako and harm you. Nobody attacks a member of the Shihoin clan and escaped with their life." Daisuke growled, his voice alone enough to petrify anyone in the vicinity.

Kimiko sure had missed her family.