-1A/N: I am so sorry that I never got back to any of you, my internet was down for over a week from the day after I released the last chapter. When it finally came back I was astounded by the feedback, but I didn't think it would be Kosher to reply so late. Please be rest assured that I did read and reread every review, and thank you so much everyone. I am so going over to the other service provider!

Side note: Avatar in 3D is the most amazing movie EVER! Though it was a bit weird watching a near naked blue humanoid female…

Spoiler: Gah, how was Tousens released form and useless death in the manga. I admit I didn't foresee that one, but honestly I think my end for him was far more epic. I mean, cmon, he gets killed by a lieutenant when he has far surpassed the level of captain. Hisagi shouldn't even have been able to cut him! And the bug form was so lame…

On a more positive note, Merry Christmas everyone. This here is my Christmas gift to you all. I should be updating more frequently until I go back to work on the 4th of Jan. I have a feeling this chapter has something in store that many of you have been waiting on for a very long time.

x

The Heir Apparent
Chapter 27: The Secret of the Shibas

Early the next morning, Rukia and Ichigo were on a hill overlooking the 78th district. The place where she had grown up with Renji, and the three friends whose graves were just behind them. Most of the residents weren't up yet, just the very first risers. The streets were nearly empty, and there was air of serenity that never seemed to exist during the day.

'Beautiful, isn't it?' she said, a lump of nostalgia catching in her throat.

Despite all the hardships she had endured, only happy memories returned to her. Ichigo yawned loudly, stretching his arms above his head. Rukia elbowed him in the stomach, making him double over in pain.

'What-the hell-was that-for?' he gasped.

'Show some respect,' she said, giving him a baleful glance.

'Gimme a break, you got me up so damned early. I got a right to be tired.'

'But not to make obscene facial gestures here,' she said, and picked three flowers from under a nearby tree to place on each of the graves.

Ichigo was silent as he watched her, 'Were they good friends?' he said when she stood up.

'They were the only family I had when I was here. And Renji.'

'Ah. I wonder why he went with Urahara.'

'Probably to keep looking for Hinamori in the material world. She was a good friend of his in the academy.'

'Hmm, that's probably it.'

They stood silently, the soft wind flapping their clothes and hair. The Rukia smiled, 'Come, I'll show you the places where I lived.'

'Okay,' said Ichigo, 'But I want to check out that manor in the second district this afternoon.'

Rukia looked at him quizzing, 'Why?'

He looked hard into her eyes. 'Shunsui's up to something, and I'd like to know what. This is the second weird hint he's dropped, and both of them are related to the Shibas. There must be something about them that he wants me to find out,' he mused aloud.

With mention of the reinstated noble family, it struck Rukia again just how similar he looked to Kaien. The differences were markable, but it was a far closer resemblance than if she compared him to his sisters or father. She remembered the time that she'd jumped in front of the hollow, the day they'd met. Had it been just because of that? She hadn't even thought, her body had acted on its own.

'Besides,' Ichigo laughed, 'It would be nice to have a spot outside the office.'

x

Ichigo's trip to Rukongai troubled him deeply. The last time he'd been in Soul Society he'd only seen the districts closest to Seireitei. The further one got from there, the worse it became. The seventy-eight was little more than a slum, people looked at him with dull and fearful eyes. Even the children at play had deadly serious expressions. How could people live like that, shouldn't the Shinigami do something?

'Ever since the human population explosion in the material world, we didn't have enough men to police both,' Rukia explained. 'The higher-ups decided that they didn't really need to worry about Rukongai. Things have got bad since then, and are constantly getting worse. It wasn't pleasant growing up here, but nothing like this.'

To think that this was supposed to be heaven. Shinigami diligently sent souls here only to suffer until they died and were reborn. Gangs were the only law. Soul Society was supposed to be a place of safety and peace, where souls waited patiently to be reborn into a new life. Instead most had to contend with hardship and despair, moving on from here must be a relief.

'Damn it, this isn't right,' he shouted out suddenly.

Rukia looked at him, startled. 'Not all the districts are like this,' she said.

'And just how many are safe, eh?'

After a pause, Rukia admitted, 'These days, only the first five. They're the only ones the Shinigami patrol, since many of them live there.' The first five districts were more populated than the outlying ones, for obvious reasons, but even still only ten percent of Rukongai's population lived under Shinigami protection.

'That's pathetic,' Ichigo growled. 'Mark my words, Rukia, I'm going to find a way to change this. No matter what it takes. It cannot go on like this.'

'I'll help you, Ichigo,' Rukia exclaimed, shaking her fists excitedly, 'Whatever it takes.'

He turned to look at her. 'Really?'

'I'm with you Ichigo, all the way.'

Ichigo continued to stare at her for a moment, then impulsively leaned down and kissed her on the lips. It wasn't much of a kiss, he had to admit, it was over probably before she realised what had happened. Even still, she started breathing as though she'd just run a mile. He pulled back to a few centimetres away, his hand gripping the side of her neck. What had he done, should he have done it? There was no choice now, he had to follow through.

'Rukia, this is how I feel.' he said throatily, 'My heart belongs to you.' He'd been about to add "destroy or nurture it," but that sounded far too cheesy, and he'd probably picked that line up from some lame television show.

Rukia's huge violet eyes filled his entire vision. She blinked, and they wavered. She gulped dryly, 'Ichigo…I…I…'

'Rukia…' Was she turning him down? Raw, primal fear filled his veins. Somewhere within the roar his mind was telling him to be strong if he was rejected, but he could barely hear it.

She grabbed the back of his head and pulled his face onto hers. Terror turned instantly to bliss. Their second kiss wasn't much better than their first, just longer. Neither of them had ever done it before, so they pressed their outer lips together and wondered what to do next. Even still, the feeling of closeness filled him to overflowing. Ichigo wrapped his arms around her small; firm body, and felt her do the same to him.

There was a giggle in the background, Ichigo whirled to see a small girl pointing. There were at least three others who had poked their heads out of their houses. Another shutter opened, and two more children's faces were staring at them, their eyes shining with wonder at seeing Shinigami. Ichigo's face reddened, he gripped Rukia tightly before she could pull away and hit him.

'What are you doing, idiot?' she yelped.

'Is that your answer, shortness?' he whispered into her hair.

'I guess,' she grumbled, 'But don't expect me to get all drippy towards you or anything.'

He smiled, 'I wouldn't have it any other way, Rukia,' he said, savouring the pronunciation of her name.

She disentangled from him. 'You big fool,' she said, the blush still evident on her cheeks.

They walked away quickly from their curious onlookers, who by then had grown to more than a dozen, into the nearby forest. As soon as they were out of sight, Ichigo tentatively reached out and took her hand. She moved, so that her fingers were touching his, then slid them in-between. Ichigo's neck heated up, he fought maintain his expression. It felt like his heart was swelling in his chest.

Rukia stopped and took his other hand. 'Things are going to change a bit from now on,' she said.

'Yeah,' said Ichigo.

'Should we keep it a secret?'

'I dunno, Rukia. I couldn't live a lie, could you?'

'No,' she sighed, 'I hope that my brother understands.'

'Me too,' said Ichigo, perversely happy that he was currently too weak to cut off his head at a moments notice.

x

'ATCHOO,' Byakuya sneezed loudly.

'Taicho,' said Kira, grabbing a handkerchief and holding it to his face, 'Are you getting a cold?'

'No,' said Byakuya, 'It was just dust.'

'Maybe you should go to the fourth division, just to make sure.'

He appreciated that his lieutenant was trying to look out for him, with him not being fully recovered. But this was going too far, he didn't need to be mothered. It didn't matter that his power wasn't that of his lowest seated officer's, he had managed himself and thousands of others during his thirty years as a captain.

'Kira, I know that-' he began, then a burst of wind from the doorway interrupted him. A tall figure stepped through the entrance, ducking slightly to prevent his straw hat from being knocked off. 'Kyoraku,' he said, 'What are you doing here?'

'Yada-yara, that isn't very nice Bya-kun,' said the pink-clad captain, 'Aren't you going to invite me in for some tea. Or better yet, sake!'

Byakuya expelled an annoyed breath. 'Firstly, you're already inside. Secondly, why would I want to have tea with somebody like you? Thirdly, I never keep sake in the office.'

'Always so obnoxious, I thought Yori-chan would have taught you better,' said Kyoraku, pulling a clay bottle from inside his robes and took two big gulps of the contents.

Yori-chan was his name for Yoruichi, she'd mentioned to him that Kyoraku had been her mentor and taught her high-level Shunpo. Byakuya wondered who was quicker, although it stood to reason that if Kyoraku had taught her then he should be the faster one; unless Yoruichi had perfected some startling advancement in the skill above and beyond his training.

'Aah, whew, that's better,' said Kyoraku, wiping his mouth.

'Captain, you know that offends Captain Kuchiki's sensibilities,' said Nanao, appearing from behind him, 'So why do it?'

'Cause he needs to lighten up some.'

'Could you please leave,' said Byakuya firmly, tightening his lips. How dare he call him obnoxious.

'No can do today, I'm afraid,' said Kyoraku, his light humour giving way to calm seriousness, 'You're coming with me.'

'Why?'

'Because there's something that you need to hear.'

'What if I refuse?'

The other captain smiled slightly and dipped his hat over his eyes. 'You know of course that I'm a bit stronger than you. How do you think you'll fare right now? I don't know if your dignity will survive.'

'Are you threatening to force me to accompany you?' said Byakuya, gritting his teeth.

Kyoraku smile widened and he looked into his eyes. 'I'm so glad we understand each other.'

Byakuya took a deep breath, 'I shall join you,' he said indifferently, as though it had been his idea the entire time. How could the man be so jovial about it, it was infuriating.

'Great,' said Kyoraku, slapping his thigh. 'Well, we'd better be going then. We've got quite a bit of ground to cover.'

'Captain,' said Kira, 'Should I-'

'Just look after things until I get back,' said Byakuya, and turned back to Kyoraku, 'And where are we headed?'

'Rukongai.'

x

Serena lay near the top of a mountain overlooking the twelfth southern district of Rukongai, only her eyes sticking out over the boulder she was hiding behind. Far below she could see the short white haired captain of the tenth searching from door to door, desperate for a clue as to the disappearance of his lieutenant.

'Foolish boy,' she said softly, 'You won't find anything there.'

It was obvious that his care for her far exceeded that of the normal captain-lieutenant relationship. They both seemed a bit young for that, but who knew these days. She remembered when he'd helped Marx to subdue the girl, she'd started crying out his name as soon as they'd put her in cuffs. Serena felt a new emotion grow in her chest, examining it she realised that it was pity.

'Stop it,' she told herself, 'He's a Shinigami, the same as the ones who murdered your family. They're all the same.' She couldn't lose her desire for revenge now, so close to the time.

She felt a presence behind her, and reached for her sword. Then she recognised it and let go. A few moments later Khaan joined her at her lookout point, flashing a wicked grin as the boy far below finished searching the district and let out a cry of frustration.

'So, that's the boy-genius,' he said, 'Doesn't look like much.'

'You should know not to judge your opponent just on their outward appearance.'

Khaan shrugged, 'Marx reckons he's the second-weakest captain. I doubt he'd be trouble for either of us.'

'You can take him,' said Serena, shrugging indifferently.

'Don't mind if I do,' said Khaan. 'A pity we got to wait another week.'

'It will pass before you know it.'

'I'm sick of training, I want to pound some heads.'

Serena could appreciate the sentiment, but at the moment he just sounded like a whiney child. 'Just leave me,' she said. She'd never liked Khaan from the moment they'd met as youngsters, the centuries they'd spent together had only taught them to put up with each other.

'Fine,' he shrugged. 'So, do you think Marxs' plan will work. Do you think he'll really be able to put half the captain's out of action overnight?'

'He's been right every time before, as long as we've followed his instructions,' said Serena confidently.

One week, just one week until she would finally have her vengeance. Blood could only be repaid in blood.

x

'Well, I guess this is it,' said Ichigo, looking down at the map in his hand. A kind resident had drawn it for them, delighted to be of service to a Shinigami captain.

'I think so,' said Rukia, examining the pair of statues at the entrance. They must have been majestic in their time. They were both broken off at their knees, which was roughly human height. There was no sign of the rest of them.

'Heh,' said Ichigo, 'I don't doubt that these two once held the Shiba banner.'

'Well, should we go in?' said Rukia dubiously, gesturing to the doorway. It was both imposing and graceful in its construction, amazingly undamaged by the passage of time.

Ichigo tried pushing it open, it wouldn't budge. He tried harder, same result. So he shrugged and tried to hop over it, but crashed straight into an invisible wall. He bounced off and hit the floor hard.

'Are you hurt?' said Rukia, rushing up to him.

'Just my pride.'

'Ichigo, I think the walls of this place are made of Sekkiseki.'

That was the same material as what made up the walls of Seireitei. 'That must be it,' he said, getting up. Nothing else created an invisible barrier above the wall. 'So how do we get in, Kukaku's cannon?'

'No, they've moved, they don't have it any more,' said Rukia, examining the door. 'There might be enough space to slip a blade in the crack. Maybe we could lift latch from this side.'

'Well, try and see.'

'I'm not risking getting Sode no Shirayuki stuck in there, thank you very much.'

'Fine, get out of the way,' said Ichigo, drawing his zanpakutou. Why did he always get these shoddy jobs, it wasn't like he wanted to risk Zangetsu any more.

He placed the tip of his sealed blade in the crack, and slid it inside. Before he had even started feeling for a lock though there was an audible click, and the door slowly opened outward. Ichigo quickly withdrew his katana, he didn't want it trapped and broken.

'Huh, well done,' said Rukia.

'I didn't do anything,' he said, staring down at his blade.

'Never mind that, lets go inside.'

Stepping through the archway was like stepping into another world. Planet Shiba-house. The gardens, which still bore the marks of terracing and rigid control, were now horribly overgrown and stretching around and over the massive manor. Ichigo had never seen a house that looked so grand, or old-fashioned. It looked like something directly out of a history book about feudal Japan. For something that had been abandoned for centuries, it was remarkably well preserved.

'Come, lets go inside,' said Rukia excitedly, and Ichigo had no choice but to follow her as she raced through the nettles.

The interior of the manor was just as old-fashion as the exterior. It was covered in a layer of fine dust, and many corners had cobwebs. Most of it was bare, but here and there an item was covered with an ancient cloth. Ichigo tried to pull one off, it crumbled in his grasp. Underneath proved to be a column with a face he did not recognise.

Exploring the house took a good few hours, it was just so big. It was in all remarkably good shape, sure most of the sliding doors could have done with a good greasing, but Ichigo felt that a weeks hard work would have this place liveable again. Finally they made their way to the back door and stepped out. The back garden was just as overgrown as the front, Ichigo turned to go back inside.

'Look there,' said Rukia, pointing.

Ichigo followed her arm to a large… something. It was covered in vines, and looked as though it had once stood in the middle of a Koi pond. The water had long since dried up, and been filled up with earth and foliage.

'I dunno,' said Ichigo, and waded through the grass towards it.

The vines strangling it were as thick as small trees, and stubbornly resisted his tugging. So he drew Zangetsu again, and cut them off at the roots. After that it got easier. As he worked, he became aware that it was a statue of some sort underneath, a masterfully detailed one. There also seemed to be two figures in it, one larger than the other.

'Um, Ichigo,' said Rukia as he pulled the last piece off.

'What?'

'Move back and take a look,' she said, clearly shaken, 'I can't believe this.'

He did, and gasped in surprise. There he was, in the statue, in motion and laughing. And there was Rukia, by his side. But it was all wrong, although it was unmistakably them their faces were far more mature. Why was it in the Shiba manor that hadn't been used for centuries.

'What the hell is going on?' he cried.

'A good question, Ichigo-kun. And one perhaps that we can answer if you would come inside.'

Ichigo turned to see a man leaning against the doorway. 'Shunsui,' he gasped.

x

They sat on the floor in one of the many furniture-less empty rooms. Byakuya, Kyoraku, Nanao, Ichigo and Rukia. Rukia fidgeted slightly, wondering if her brother already knew that they'd kissed that afternoon. She hoped not.

'Weren't you going to tell us what's going on,' said Ichigo loudly.

'Absolutely,' said Kyoraku, 'But first we need to wait for one more guest.'

The minutes ticked by silently, until the door was wretched open. There stood Ganju and Kukaku Shiba. She had a large box strapped to her back.

'Sorry we're late, Kyoraku-san,' said Kukaku, 'It took me a while to get everything together.'

'Not a problem, Kuku-chan,' said the flamboyant captain.

'Kuku-chan?' Kukaku repeated, her eyebrow twitching and a sadistic leer forming as she raised a threatening fist.

'Here, you must be thirsty,' he said, and threw his corked sake bottle at her.

She caught it. 'Hmph,' she said, but took a swig anyway.

'So, you're ready to begin?'

'Of course,' said Kukaku, drying her mouth with the back of her hand and throwing the bottle back to Kyoraku. She reached inside her box and pulled out a covered picture frame. Then with a flick of her wrist, she pulled off the covering.

Rukia's eyes widened, it was a picture of Ichigo, standing tall and proud. He looked much older, in his forties or fifties by mortal years. She sat at his feet, her hair streaked with silver. There was also a young man in the picture, Kaien! He was the only one not wearing the captain's haori.

'This is the progenitor of the Shiba family, or should I say progenitors. The young man to the right is their son. You recognise him, don't you Rukia,' said Kukaku.

'That's…that's me,' said Ichigo, 'And Rukia and, damn, that kid looks like me!'

Rukia couldn't even find words to say. Kaien, her son in a previous life. Ichigo, her husband. Blankly, she let it filter through her brain, trying to make sense of it. 'What do you mean, progenitor?'

'I don't know if you realise it, but every one of the great noble families has had a founding member,' said Kukaku. 'To found a noble family, a person has to reach the rank of Captain in Gotei thirteen, find their soul partner and have one or more children.'

'Wait, what's a soul partner?' said Ichigo.

'That should be obvious,' said Kyoraku. 'Human's in the material world give it all sorts of fancy names, like "the one" or "my other half". In actual fact it isn't nearly as cut and dried for them. But for us it is, there is only one soul you can ever be with, through every lifetime.'

'You mean that s/he's my soul partner!' Ichigo and Rukia cried out together.

'Obviously,' said Nanao.

'Heh, so that's why you were so intent on rescuing her back then,' said Ganju to Ichigo.

'Shuttup, you fat lump of lard.'

'What was that?'

'Are you certain about this?' said Byakuya, glancing sharply at Kyoraku as Ichigo and Ganju started to wrestle on the floor.

'You need further proof? Show him what you got, Kuku-chan.'

'Kuku-chan,' Kukaku repeated, grinding her teeth.

Then she pulled out all the other pictures and started pulling off their coverings. Ichigo and Rukia with two young children that resembled them vaguely. Much older Ichigo and Rukia with Byakuya and Hisana. Ichigo and Rukia, together again and again and again. With children, without children. Him a captain, her a captain, both, neither. Different expressions, hairstyles, levels of maturity and backdrops in every one. Even some with Ichigo's hair dyed black. But all unmistakably them.

'Heh, that's quite something,' said Ichigo, glancing up while holding Ganju in a headlock.

'So, are you two, I mean were you two our children too?' said Rukia.

Kukaku shook her head, 'No, grandchildren. I was Kaien's child originally about eight hundred years back, Ganju came from another of your children. This generation we're siblings because we were adopted together, but in actual fact we're cousins.'

'But then how come I was never taken in?' said Rukia. She knew how the noble families worked, adopting members as soon as they found them in Rukongai, especially if they were former captains.

'Because-'

'Allow me to explain that one,' Kyoraku cut in smoothly.

'Why?'

'Because I was there when it happened.'

He picked out the last picture that Kukaku had shown them. In it Rukia was sitting on the ground, Ichigo behind her with his arms wrapped possessively around her waist. Both were smiling happily, the artist had captured the flush of love on their cheeks. Surprisingly, in this one she was a captain, while judging by the armband he must be a lieutenant.

'This picture was finished only a week before it happened,' said Kyoraku sadly. 'That was the last time you were together.'

To understand what it happening in the present, first we must delve into the past. And thus the Pendulum swings back four hundred years.

x

A/N: Well, I understand if you have a lot of questions about what's going on. Please understand if I don't answer all your queries, because things will be getting much clearer in the next 2-3 parts and I won't reveal anything from there beforehand. In the meantime, please grace my Christmas tree with many reviews! Thanks, KotW.