Chapter 6

"Mom?" The words left Ichigo's quivering lips, a whimpering whisper against the silence of the room.

Nobody dared to speak. Nobody dared to move. Ichigo, as with the occupants of the room, waited with bated breath. Ichigo wanted to look at Urahara-san to ask if he had a hand in this situation but he found himself unable to take his eyes off the woman that stood before them.

Ichigo held a sob that threatened to escape his mouth.

Ichigo wiped the pooling teardrops in his eyes with the sleeve of his kimono.

Ichigo bit his lips to prevent his voice from breaking.

Ichigo tensed his body to stop himself from running towards this familiar woman, and break down.

Why?

How?

"Ichigo," the woman said, her voice flinging Ichigo back to those days of innocence, childhood and joy. "My son," she cooed, reaching out with her open arms.

Nothing Ichigo did moments ago stopped him. His legs moved in their own accord, carrying him towards the embrace of his mother. He just wrapped his arms around his Mom.

Nothing Ichigo did seconds prior prevented the sorrowful, bittersweet and agonized wails from escaping his lips.

Ichigo did not care anymore. He did not care if he made a scene in front of all his comrades because… because… because his mom is now here, alive and well. "I'm sorry, Mom. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you at that time… I should have listened to you… I should have…"

"Hush now, Ichigo," his Mom said, hugging him tight. Ichigo returned the embrace, burying his face in mother's hair. "It's alright. Mom's here now," his mother said in a gentler manner. "I'm here now."

"Welcome back, Mom," Ichigo murmured.

"You've gotten bigger and taller," his mother giggled. "My boy is now a young man."

True, Ichigo observed that he has dwarfed his Mom's more petite frame.

Pat. A palm patted him by his shoulder, and Ichigo momentarily glanced towards the direction of the arm that grabbed him firmly. It was Isshin.

"Dad," Ichigo breathed out.

His father nodded comically. Isshin had red eyes and a watery smile, probably from hours spent on crying non-stop. "You did good, son. Thank you for saving us all."

"Hai," Ichigo agreed, tears still prickling in his eyes.

Isshin did not say anything anymore. Instead he wrapped both Ichigo and Masaki in a warm hug.

"It seems that this is the most opportune time for revelations," another voice said from beyond the door.

Ichigo excused himself from his Dad and Mom's embrace before turning his attention to the Sixth Division Captain Kuchiki Byakuya.

"Nii-sama," Rukia breathed out a sigh of relief.

"Captain Kuchiki," Renji stood at attention.

"Rukia, Renji," Byakuya addressed. "Be at ease."

"Hai," Rukia and Renji replied at the same time.

"I come bearing good tidings for the others," Byakuya started speaking in his stoic voice, yet Ichigo sensed something peculiar in that voice. After all, Byakuya Kuchiki would not deign to be somebody's messenger.

"Ah," Ichigo realized. That was the voice of someone who is elated…Elated enough to cast away one's consideration of how others could perceive them.

There, Ichigo observed, was a hint of a smile in the Leader of the Kuchiki Clan's smug face. There was relief.

Freedom.

Joy.

Happiness.

Before Ichigo could ask, Byakuya gestured for a couple to enter the room. A man and a woman. The man had white hair and was wearing a Quincy uniform. It was Ishida Ryuken, Uryuu's father, and beside him was a woman with black hair and a spitting image of their cranky-ass Quincy friend.

"Mom?" Ishida said in a confused and shaky breath "But ho-"

Before Ishida could even finish his sentence, he was engulfed in a big hug.

"Rukia," Byakuya spoke once again. "I would like you to meet someone."

A woman dressed in an elaborate plum-colored kimono joined Byakuya's side. She bears Rukia's likeness, as if they were twins.

"Hisana-onee-sama…But I thought-" Rukia sobbed.

"I thought so too, but…but… there was a flash of light and I just felt alive. And I'm here," Rukia's sister said. "I'm here."

"Everyone," Byakuya spoke, addressing everyone occupying the room. "The manor is open for all of you. The Kuchiki Clan shall be arranging separate lodgings so that you can have a well-deserved rest. That, and I feel that a lot of things need to be discussed in the confines of privacy."

"Byakuya-sama," Hisana addressed the Captain.

"Yes, Hisana," The Captain replied, his voice and eyes softer as he held the gaze of his wife.

Ichigo felt shivers down his spine. Who knew that Byakuya could ever make such an expression?!

Deciding to keep that at the back of his mind, he turned his attention back to his parents. They have many things to talk about. And he has so many things that he wants to tell his mother.

"What about Inoue?" Chad asked.

"We'll be with her," Yoruichi-san volunteered. "Kisuke and I will be taking the first shift of watching over Inoue."

"You, kiddies, should go. You deserved to rest after everything that you've been through," Urahara-san said in a jovial voice.

Ichigo was about to protest, intent on volunteering as well. He wanted to stay and guard Inoue, but at the same time, he also wanted to go with his parents.

"We'll call if we need someone to cover the next shift," Urahara-san added, looking pointedly at Ichigo.

"Thank you," Ichigo mouthed silently. Then in a normal voice, he said, "I'll take over later."

Byakuya Kuchiki sat inside the Clan Head's study room inside the Kuchiki Residential Manor. Laid in front of him was a large mahogany wooden table. On top were documents and scrolls requiring his Official Seal of Approval. His eyes roamed over the parchment once again, reading the contents for the third time.

Byakuya blinked his eyes to alleviate his vision from the strain of staring too hard at the offensive piece of paper. Momentarily, he allowed himself to lay back against the chair, removed his reading glass, and closed his eyes.

It was already morning. Perhaps, his sleep had not been enough, or that his body and mind have yet to fully recover from all the battles that he partook in the past few days.

Byakuya sighed, finally deciding to postpone the awaiting documents. 'The papers can wait,' he relished in the simple freedom of allowing himself some time to breathe because now...now, he shall rejoin his wife in their private quarters.

He shall bask in Hisana's presence, and embrace the warmth that emanates from her beautiful soul. The thought brought much joy in him, that he felt his own body move with a familiar beat. With a smile that cannot seem to leave the corner of his lips, he put the parchment into a neat stack, rearranged his writing instruments, and walked out of the room.

'Hisana is alive,' Byakuya mused as he walked in measured steps. It truly was a miracle from the gods, that his beloved... his better half has returned to him. Now, he has another chance to offer and dedicate all of his being to her.

"Hisana?" Byakuya stopped at a nearby sliding paper shoji screen, waiting for his wife to respond. "Beloved?" he asked with more concern.

There was no response. 'Ah, perhaps my wife is still asleep,' he chuckled lightly.

Byakuya slid the door open, to find their private quarters empty. 'Perhaps, she's at the garden, taking her morning walk,' he guessed. His wife loves strolling in the garden adjacent to their room. She especially loved it during the early days of summer, watching as the butterflies made hovering dances over the well-kept flora.

"Hisana?" Byakuya opened another door. He was greeted by the sight of the expansive gardens. No one was present, save for the aesthetically pleasing and carefully engineered landscape complemented by natural light from the morning sun, and the symphony of chirps from the birds and cicadas

Byakuya tried to feel for her presence that he has committed permanently in his mind, but the garden did not have any traces nor evidence that his wife had ever visited. Sighing to himself, he exited the room and strolled the hallways.

Evidently, this section of the manor had been free of the servants. Before he and Hisana went to sleep, he had instructed the Senior Retainer to keep the servants to a bare minimum near their private quarters so as not to disturb Hisana from her much needed rest. Admittedly, Byakuya also recognized that he wanted to have her time for himself as well.

He missed his wife. So much. It had been years. Decades, even.

"Jiro," Byakuya said coolly.

"Greetings, my Lord. It is my honor to serve you, Lord Kuchiki," a young man wearing a plain kimono appeared before him. The young man knelt on one knee, and his posture bowed. "How may I be of service?"

"Hisana...my wife. Where is she?" Byakuya asked.

The servant still kept his head down, not responding. Byakuya grit his teeth in annoyance.

"Where is my wife," Byakuya repeated in a measured tone.

"Apologies, my Lord," the servant's voice hesitated. "I shall be leading you to her."

Byakuya sensed fear and panic from the servant's voice but decided not to comment any further. Finding Hisana is much more important. Nevertheless, he took note of this servant's inefficiency. Byakuya would have to have a talk with the Senior Retainer about giving supplementary training so as the services of their people are within the standards expected of the Kuchiki peerage.

Jiro led the way. The servant walked silently, his footsteps barely making any sound as his feet touched the wooden floor. A moment later, they reached a recognizable paved pathway.

They are now behind the main residence, and the dwelling areas are slowly becoming smaller as they traverse farther away. The sun continued to shine upon them, the sound from the surrounding fauna singing like a concerto against the pristine landscape of the Kuchiki Estate.

'Has Hisana decided to visit the Ancestral Graveyard to pay her respects to the ancestors?' Byakuya wondered, observing that they are now within the quiet, secluded section of the estate. The walls of the graveyard became more visible as they approached.

Byakuya realized something. 'No!' His feet carried him faster. 'Is she here to take a look at her tombstone?'

Byakuya flash-stepped until his eyes registered the tranquil scene before him. The haka tombstones laid at the end-most area in front of him. Small tōrō stone lanterns were placed beside the graves, while tall trees framed the place.

'Hisana was not here as well,' Byakuya held himself from sighing in relief. It would not be good if his wife was to witness her own grave while she is still breathing. He would have it removed promptly.

"Jiro," Byakuya addressed the deathly-silent servant.

"Yes, Lord Kuchiki," Jiro kowtowed.

"Where is my wife?"

"M-My L-Lord," Jiro's voice was shaking.

Byakuya's irritation spiked. "Speak comfortably."

"B-But, my L-Lord. This is the l-late L-Lady Hisana's-" the servant trembled, and gulped. "- final resting place."

"How dare!" Byakuya's voice rose.

"A-Apologies, my L-Lord," Jiro dropped on both of his knees, performing a seiza. "I implore f-for y-y-your m-mercy, my L-Lord. I-I have c-committed a great sin. P-Please spare my life, a-and I-I will not m-make a mistake again."

"Hisana is not dead!" Byakuya barked at the still trembling and whimpering servant.

"I-I apologize, Lord Kuchiki," Jiro cried.

"Nii-sama?" Rukia's voice interrupted him. She was behind them, carrying some flowers.

"Rukia," Byakuya breathed. Finally, someone who can direct him to his beloved wife. "Where is Hisana?"

A look of confusion crossed Rukia's face.

"Where is she, Rukia?"

"Nii-sama, Hisana-onee-sama has been gone for years. You told me so."

"I…I…No. Hisana," Byakuya's voice broke before he caught himself. He paused for a moment and recomposed himself. It would not be good if he allowed himself to throw some sort of a tantrum here. A Kuchiki must conduct himself in a manner befitting nobility as a paragon of virtue. Clearing his throat, Byakuya asked once again. "Rukia, this is not a time for jests. It would be prudent if you inform me of my wife's whereabouts," he said, his tone of voice sounding more of a threat than a request.

"But, Nii-sama…" Rukia's voice trailed off. She pursed her lips, and stared at the space behind him. She was avoiding meeting his gaze.

Byakuya could feel his facial expression slowly morph into anguish. He felt the familiar sensation of grief…the empty feeling that gnaws but slowly in his chest along with the dawning realization that these people are telling nothing but the truth.

The truth that Hisana is gone.

"No-" Byakuya bit his lips to keep the sobs from escaping him. 'Not here. Not now,' he reminded himself. "Hisana…"

"Byakuya-sama," a voice called out to him.

.

.

.

Byakuya felt his eyes open. He stared at the wooden ceiling of his private quarters.

"Byakuya-sama," the voice called again.

Gradually, Byakuya returned to his senses, hearing and feeling a gentle motion in the quilted blanket. He looked towards the source of the sound and movement. There, sitting up and staring at him was his wife, Hisana.

"What's wrong?" His wife asked him with a puzzled expression. "Are you okay?"

Wordlessly, Byakuya shifted his body, wrapped his arms around Hisana's waist, and buried his face in her sleeping garments.

"Wakame-" Hisana spoke, concern laced in her tone, as she traced her fingertip against the skin of his arm. The simple gesture immediately made Byakuya's growing headache disappear.

"Just," he began, feeling his throat seize up. "Just stay here with me."

Hisana chuckled lightly. "Now, where else would I be?"

Byakuya tightened his hold, not intending to let go. "I shall postpone my duties for the day to join and watch over you as you recuperate," he announced, looking at her earnestly.

"Byakuya-sama," Hisana giggled lightly, her voice as clear as bells. "I know that duties matter to you," she paused. "And surprising as it may be, I have never felt healthier. Would it be alright if I were to join you as you partake in your duties for the day?" Hisana hesitated for a moment. "Or is that not allowed?"

"For you, my wife and the Esteemed Lady of the Kuchiki Clan, it shall be done. But may I ask why?"

Hisana gazed at a far off distance. "It's just that before I-" she struggled for a moment. "-before I…died," she paused and then looked at him with clear and resolute eyes. "I wished that I could have returned all the love that you have given me. Now…now, I have a second chance…a second chance to do that…selfish as it may be."

Byakuya stared at her long and hard, feeling the emotions welling up inside him. It is not selfish , he wanted to say but decided against it. He has learned the hard way already, that sometimes, there is also something good with a modicum of selfishness. "Thank you."

"Let us go then," Hisana moved to stand up. "Would my gallant and noble husband allow me to assist him in his preparation for work?"

"As my beautiful and wise wife desires so," Byakuya smiled before standing to follow her. "I shall send word first to my Vice Captain," he said, calling for a Jigokucho - Hell Butterfly - to record a message for Renji.

June 20, 2003; 9:11 AM

"Coffee?"

Yasutora "Chad" Sado looked towards the outstretched hand that held a cup of steaming coffee. He took it. "Thanks, Ishida."

"No problem," Ishida sat beside him and sipped from his own cup. "How's Inoue's condition?"

Sado regarded Inoue as she slept in the bed. At around three in the morning, servants from the Kuchiki Household entered their dwelling room, and began rearranging its contents. In a span of less than thirty minutes, the people have effectively transformed a single bedroom into a hospital suite.

Sado did not need to ask as to why. He had a sneaking suspicion that it was under Rukia's instructions.

It had been Sado's turn now to monitor and watch over their browned-haired friend. And seeing as though Ichigo, Rukia, and Ishida were reunited with their loved ones, Sado had taken it upon himself to volunteer. His friends, though they may not admit it, truly needed the time to reconnect with their loved ones. And if it had been him in their place, Sado also knew that he would want the same.

It was just that, Inoue had been sleeping so still, that it jars him. That was not the sleeping posture of someone that was okay. Sado simply replied, "She's stable but-"

"But?"

Sado felt his fingers tremble. "But she's not showing signs of waking up. I… I-" He paused, unable to continue the train of thought.

Ishida seemed to understand the internal struggle, as he did not press for more answers.

"I thought you'd be with your mom and dad. Ichigo did," Sado commented, changing the subject. He took another sip of coffee.

Ishida was contemplative for a moment, seemingly examining Inoue. "Yeah," he agreed. "I missed my mom. But I understand that Ryuken…that my father…would like to have a time for themselves. I can sense it."

"I see," Sado murmured. "You're a good son, Ishida."

Ishida chuckled slightly. "Yeah, right. It's been around a decade since the last time I saw her alive…and now that she's here…I left her with the worst scum of them all.," Ishida laughed mirthlessly. "Some good son I am."

Sado grumbled for a moment before speaking. "I don't know about the details of your relationship with your father, but the fact that you decided to give them time despite your own feelings…well, it's proof that you're a good son."

Ishida turned his head and gazed at Sado for a considerable amount of time. Then, the Quincy smiled and looked back at Inoue. "Thanks," Ishida whispered.

Sado grunted in assent. The Fullbringer decided to segue the topic into something less brittle. "I don't think that we're done fighting yet."

"Same," Ishida agreed. "Honestly, I'm tired of fighting." The Quincy sighed.

"I'm planning to ask Ichigo to train me," Sado announced, finding that voicing out his intentions somehow increased the likelihood of actualizing it. Sado also hoped that Ishida would somehow understand the reason behind this intent.

"I… Are you asking me to join you?" Ishida said in sudden disbelief. "But why?"

Sado breathed gently. "This is now our fight. You, me, Ichigo and Inoue…we started this. I feel as if we need to finish this…together."

Ishida's eyes seemed to study him for a few moments. "Alright. I agree as well, not just because of your reason, but I think Kurosaki would be our best bet to strengthen ourselves since his Reiatsu already exceeds that of a Captain."

Sado nodded to himself. "Sparring with him will allow us to develop our own Reiatsu to the point that ours would increase as well. Kind of like with Inoue."

"What do you mean? What kind of like with Inoue ?" Ishida asked, his face showing confusion.

"Well," Sado hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to phrase his answer. "Well, Inoue…she wasn't as combat-oriented as the rest of us…but to my knowledge, I have never seen her ever feel the enormous weight of Ichigo's Reiatsu. And she even accompanied Ichigo against Yhwach. So, I guess, her Reiatsu is higher than the others."

Ishida went silent for a few seconds, his eyes observing Inoue. Veins of blue light glowed in his glasses.

"Ishida…" Sado moved closer to the Quincy. "What's wrong?"

The blue light in his glasses faded away. "You're right. I have never questioned it before. Back when she was kidnapped…at the top of Las Noches, Ichigo transformed into a very powerful Hollow and defeated Ulquiorra. Back then, it took all of my strength not to keel over…but she was…well, she seemed unaffected."

"Does that mean she cannot feel the Reiatsu of others?" Sado asked. "I've seen her feel Captain Kyoraku's ominous Reiatsu when he released his Bankai."

"No, she can. I distinctly remember her being able to discern Reiatsu even from a distance. It's just that…it seems-" Ishida hesitated.

"It seems that?"

"It seems that her inherent ability of phenomenon rejection manifests as her Reiatsu, and it shields her from most Spiritual Pressure that could pose a threat to her," Ishida theorized, mumbling to himself. "It's not that her Reiatsu is getting stronger. It's that as her Reiatsu gets more powerful, it also increases her ability to reject and shield herself from more powerful Spiritual Pressure. Case in point: she was there when Ichigo fought Ulquiorra, and she was also actively participating in a battle between Ichigo, and the Soul King-empowered Yhwach."

"And if a Kaido, a Healing Kido, counts as a manifestation of a Spiritual Pressure-" Sado trailed off, feeling something his heart thumping thunderously in his chest.

"Then it means nothing. Her Reiatsu will unconsciously shield herself from the healing art. Or more precisely, no matter how much Kaido is used, her Reiatsu will reject it out of existence," Ishida caught himself. "Inoue won't get better. She will not wake up. This is what her Shun Shun Rikka was talking about."

Sado moved to place his right arm over Ishida's shoulders, intending to comfort him. "There's only one thing we need to do now. We have to test this theory."

"We need Ichigo to exert large amounts of Reiatsu over an enclosed space, and another Shinigami with a Captain-Class Reiatsu as a controlled variable."

"Got it," Sado answered, looking over at the other man. Ishida seemed so lost, and nervous at the same time. "It will be alright. We'll all be here."

"Thank you, Sado," Ishida smiled at him weakly.

Beat. It was a strange beat inside Sado's chest.