ten

She felt dryer than she had in a long time. Ivy eased back into consciousness with a smile knowing she would be out of that damn tank finally. If she opened her eyes and she was still in it then she was fairly sure that would most likely be the last time. "Are you sure Orihime healed her completely?" Soi said somewhere to her left. Ivy smiled hearing her friends voice after so long. It seemed deeper than she remembered but she could never mistaken that voice for anyone but Soi's. "She didn't have to do much. You know as well as I do how often Ivy heals herself." Unahona said very close to her on the right. "Ivy if you would open your eyes. I fear if you don't your friend may start to panic." Ivy cracked a smile and slowly opened her eyes. "I've missed those voices." She said with a scratchy voice. Soi yanked her by the shoulders setting her up abruptly, her eyes wide. "Ivy?" Ivy smiled at her and nodded then grimaced. Her joints were a bit sore from not moving in so long.

Soi Fon quickly embraced her catching Ivy off guard and knocking her back onto the pillow. Ivy could hear Soi murmer into her shoulder but couldn't make out what she was saying. Ivy could feel moisture from Soi's breath and possibly tears through the gown she had been put in. Unahona stood and turned to leave but stopped in the doorway. "Someone special has been waiting for you to wake up. I'll send him in." The girls sat up and Soi wiped a few stray tears from her face quickly gaining her composure. She always hated looking weak and in Soi's opinion tears were the epitomy of weakness. Ivy took in her old friends appearance and frowned. "You're a Captain?" What else had she missed?

Before her friend could answer a figure appeared at the rooms entrance. Ivy heart skipped when she saw the shadow. She leaned forward hoping Kisuke's goofy grin would lighten up the darkened hallway. When the shadow walked into the light she frowned. It wasn't Kisuke. It was a lieutenant with bright red hair pulled back in a high ponytailis and tattoos standing out on his pale skin. Something about him seemed familiar but she knew she had never met this man. Why had Unahona said he was special? He looked uncomfortable and fidgited for a few seconds before glancing between both women and clearing his throat. Ivy gave him an unsure smile, "Hello." She said giving him a small wave. He seemed shocked for a second then his body relaxed. "Hi, uh, hello Aunt Ivy."

Soi gave Ivy another hug and left as the lieutenant sat in the chair Unahona had occupied a few moments earlier. There was an awkward silence as they looked at one another. Ivy gaped at the man in astonishment. "How long was I gone?" She finally asked in bewilderment. He shrugged and she closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. "You were just a baby, I had just helped deliver you and now look at you. I'll bet Hanna is," She paused then asked, "How is Hanna?" He looked down brows knit in sadness. "She passed not long after you disappeared. At least that's what the midwife that raised me said. I don't remember her." The silence was heavy until she reached out and held his hand. He looked up to her warm smile and somehow the nervousness that had been building inside him lifted some. It completely disappeared when she spoke again. "She would've been so proud of you." He chuckled a little and squeezed her hand. "You think so?"

The next few hours were spent listening to how he grew up and his experiences. Ivy soaked it all in with a smile. Renji had gone all his life without his mom and she knew she could never replace Hanna at least now he would now have an aunt. She told herself that she would find ways to make up for not being there somehow. It probably wouldn't make much of a difference but she felt she had to do something. She also made a mental note to ask Soi why she didn't take care of him after Hanna had passed. His face lit with happiness as he rambled on reminding Ivy so much of her sister. The way he smiled, the way he moved his hands when he talked, she could see Hanna in him. A small part of her twisted in pain knowing she would never see Hanna again. He kept bringing up a girl named Rukia, she was going to have to look into that. There was a different spark at her name. She suspected he may be in love. Well at least she hadn't missed everything. He was called away before she could ask him about what happened to everything else while she was gone but she figured it didn't matter. The people, or person, she was wondering about either didn't seem to want to see her or wasn't around to get the chance.

Ivy was staring out the window watching the grey clouds roll over the black tiled roofs when a small knock caught her attention. Isane was peeking around the doorframe looking unsure. Ivy gave her a welcoming grin. She was timid and unsure but sweet and hardworking. Ivy had always felt like if they had spent more time together then they would've been closer than she was with Soi. The badge on her arm told Ivy that Seniosuke wasn't part of the squad anymore. Hopefully he was still around. He would tell her anything unabashedly. Seniosuke never cared if he hurt anyone's feelings. "Captain Unahona said that, if you felt up to it, you could go on a walk to help with the stiffness. I was wondering if you wanted to or if you were too tired." Ivy pushed the blanket off her legs and turned her ridged body to the side of the bed. "I've slept enough." She stood and abruptly fell back on the cushion with an oof. Isane helped her stand and held her arm out for Ivy to take.

The two left the squads barracks and slowly started to make their way around the Seireitei. "Hey Isane," Ivy said getting the taller woman's attention. Ivy wasn't sure if she would know what had happened all those years ago but she figured she would know more than Renji. "What happened after I disappeared? What ha," She started to ask about Kisuke but stopped. She was still hurting about never seeing Hanna again, what would she do if he was gone too? Any news is better than no news. That's what she had said to him the day before she had been taken. She wondered now if it really was true. Maybe living in blissful ignorance wouldn't be so bad. She didn't believe it even as she tried to convince herself.

"After you disappeared and the others were transformed nothing much happened for a while." Isane explained. Ivy gave her a questioning look "Others?" Isane gave her a worried look but continued. "A few Captain's and lieutenant's were dispatched to investigate what was happening. They were transformed into some kind of soul reaper hollow hybrid by Aizen." Ivy nodded trying to process the new information. So that's what was happening to her when those hollow looking things showed up in her mind. He was trying to change her. Isane hadn't stopped talking while Ivy had zoned out and when she came out of her thoughts Ivy realized she had missed something. "So central 46 blamed him for it. They said it was his idea and were going to execute him but he escaped and disappeared with Mr. Tessai and Yoruichi." Ivy stopped and pulled on her arm getting her attention. Her stomach was in knots and apparently her face mirrored it. "He, he as in Kisuke?" The taller girl nodded a look of pity on her face. "Captain Unahona said she knew he didn't do it. She said he would never hurt you or the others but it wasn't the Gotei 13's decision to make."

They had wondered through the streets, Isane still filling Ivy on on events and Ivy not listening. The two most important people in her life were gone. True she had Renji now but he was grown and didn't really need her. Her position had been filled in the squad and everyone had assumed she was dead. The world had moved on without her. It was inevitable really but it still hurt. What was she supposed to do now? "I'm sure you can take you're old spot back on the squad," Isane was saying, "A few of the vizards are coming back and they will be sharing spots with some people. The vizards are what the ones that were transformed are called now. If you don't want to be in our squad anymore I think I heard Captain Ukitake say you were welcome in squad 13."

Ivy was sure if she went to any other squad Soi would insist on going to 2. She let out a dry chuckle as she tried to imagine herself in the stealth squad. Ivy was too clumsy, to uncoordinated to be anywhere near stealthy. What now? Maybe she could work for one of the noble houses, she reasoned and then immediately shot the idea down. She hated going to those stuffy houses. The only one that wasn't bad was the Kuchiki's and that one still wasn't that appeals. Isane covered Ivy's hand with hers gaining her attention. "Are you ok? Do you want to go back?" Isane's kind eyes made her feel even worse. "Um, no I'm alright. You can go back." Ivy's voice was quiet when she answered and started walking again. "I, um, I need to think about some things. I'll head back in a bit." As she walked away she missed the sad look on the lieutenant's face.

Ivy wondered around without a purpose or destination. She found herself at the table under the tree that she always met Soi Fon at. She slid onto one the benches with a sigh and put her face in her hands. She sat that way running over her options and wishing there were more. Maybe one where she could go back in time and actually wait for someone to go with her like she had promised Kisuke. Thinking of his name brought his face back into her memories which reminded her that he was gone. She knew he wasn't dead, he was too smart and strong for that. Isane had said that a few of the vizards were coming back but she wondered if he were coming back. Kisuke, Tessai and Yoruichi probably not, she figured. Maybe she could share a spot with Hiyori or Mashiro, they got along pretty well. The thought of taking over someone's place just didn't sit right with her though.

She sighed and went to stand but froze when she heard a gasp. She turned to find a small black cat on the stone table it's yellow eyes wide as it watched her in disbelief. Could it be, she wondered. Ivy slowly extended her hand palm up and murmered the greeting that she always gave Yoruichi in her car form. "Hey sweet baby." The cat disappeared in a flash and suddenly Ivy was tackled by the gorgeous naked form of the former stealth Captain.

~~~~~~~~

It had taken hours to safely get Aizen out of the temporary prison that Kisuke and Ichigo had put him in. He had made sure that everything was ready and the chair was prepared properly before he had even toyed with the notion of getting the asshole out of his bindings. Kisuke had wanted to ask the bastard what he had done to Ivy at some point but he had never gotten the chance, not with all the squad members that were involved in the transfer. It's not like they would make a difference if Aizen got free. No honestly they were doing more harm than good. The Head Captain assured him that once they got Aizen into his prison and things settled that he would get Kisuke an audience with Aizen but it may take time. He understood why they couldn't do it now but it was still frustrating. Perhaps he could find another way.

The adrenaline from the battle had started to wear off and he yawned. He would love to think that he could go home and sleep but he wasn't so lucky. No, he and Tessai had to go to the pillars they had set up around the city and take them apart. Thankfully Tessai and the kids had gathered them at the underground training area now he just needed to dismantle them. He yawned again and set his cane on the ground beside him. Kisuke rubbed his eyes and opened the panel on one of the large obelisks. "We can wait till later to do this boss.You should rest." Tessai's deep voice startled him making him realize just how tired he was. Kisuke waved his friend off and starts the tedious task of undoing the controls. He pulls out a tangle of wires as his eyes slide shut for what seems like a second but when he opens them the large man is infront of him, his face set in a serious frown. "Go to bed boss. We'll get this when you get up." He starts to protest when he hears Benihime. You fell asleep. He stood and watched you for about 5 minutes. Kisuke cursed under his breath and stood. "I guess a nap wouldn't hurt."

He climbed up the long ladder trudged through the house and slid the door to his room closed with sigh. He stepped toward the bed then stopped, god he smelled awful. He could shower but he reasoned he would pass out in the warm water. Sitting on the mattress he pulled the hat off and looked at it before he fell asleep. It had become a ritual really, an unconscious act. Something in the back of his mind was screaming at him not to forget but he couldn't quite remember what it was. Tessai would know, he knew everything that Kisuke would randomly forget. He toyed with the idea of heading back down the stairs to try and figure out what it was but honestly if it were important then he would've remembered. He lay down then stood quickly as he caught his smell again. Quick shower then bed he thought as he started to strip his clothes off.

~~~~~~~~

The Senkaimon opened to the dry dusty world of the training area under Urahara's shoten and a dark silhouette emerged. The light wind flew around Ivy as she scratched Yoruichi between the ears. "I don't know, I mean shouldn't we have send a butterfly or something ahead to let them know we were coming?" Ivy said uncertainly. The cat jumped down from Ivy's grip and stretched. "That's the third time you've asked that. What's wrong? Are you nervous?" Yoruichi raised a brow as she took in her friend's posture. She was glancing around and biting her lip. "I just, It's just," She sighed and her shoulders tense. "I don't know how long I've been out but I can tell it's been a while and what if," She stammered making the cat smirk. "You're wondering if he lost interest."

Ivy rolled her eyes as her shoulders slumped. "God it sounds stupid, I know. It's just." She shook her head and passed the cat. "It doesn't matter. As long as he's happy and safe." Yoruichi padded after the healer with a smug expression on her face. When they passed a large stone there was a large crash startling both of them. "Woah Tessai, what's up?" A small redhead boy yelled. Ivy turned just in time to be swept up by the large man. He held her in the air at arms length. "Miss Abarai? Is it really you?" She could see a tear sliding down behind his sunglasses. She gave him a bright smile and nodded. He embraced her in his massive arms. "It's been so long. I lost hope so many times but the boss he," He paused and held her away from him again, her feet dangling in the air. "We gotta wake him up." He said his brows furrowed in determination. "Wake? No it's ok if he's sleeping."

Yoruichi passed by the 4 unnoticed in her feline form and headed up the ladder. "Hey Tessai, who is this?" Ivy looked down and waved awkwardly at the two children by her old friends side. Of course he had kids, she thought, though the girl resembled Tessai more than Kisuke. Tessai sat her down infront of them and patted her shoulder. "This is Miss Ivy Abarai. Ivy this is Ururu and Jinta." The small girl did a curtsey and the boy scowled. "Abarai? Like the moocher?" Ivy looked to Tessai in confusion and he chuckled. "Yes, Ivy is his aunt." He clarified And she nodded. "Renji's been down here moochin? I'll have to talk to him about that." She said offhandedly and the boy smirked. Though a part of her was happy that at least one person from her past took care of Renji while she was gone.

"I knew you would be here." A curt female voice said behind them making the three turn to look and Ivy groan. Soi Fon stood not far away, scowl preeminently set on her face. "Come on let's head back I can show you where you're gonna stay from now on." She crossed her arms over her chest and frowned at the bleak expanse of desert. "What a dump." She sneered. When her eyes met with Ivy's face she flinched. There was a mix of emotions in her brown eyes. Sadness, anger and frustration and a few she couldn't quite pin down. "I'm not going into squad 2 and stop being rude." Ivy said firmly.

~~~~~~

Kisuke had been having an interesting dream. He was in some kind of forest, the trees extending far beyond what his eyes could see. There had been a flash of movement to his side and when he turned he saw Benihime walking slowly through the high grass and roots. Her hair half up and her red kimono with white iris's dragging the ground but not getting a speck of dirt. It was odd, he thought, his inner world was more of a lab than a forest. What a weird dream. Kisuke watched as his zanpakto stopped at the base of a tree and extended her hand to it's branches. Something moved through the foliage, slithering and shaking the branch so it leaned down a bit. A large black and red snake emerged and moved toward Benihime's outreaching hand. She didn't seem frightened and he wondered if he should intervene. She cupped it's chin and smiled as it slithered down her arm to her shoulders. I missed you my sweet. He heard her say, her voice low and gentle. Kisuke opened his mouth to ask what was going on when something landed in his chest waking him up.

Yoruichi's cat form stood on his chest with an expecting look on her face. "You should wake up." She said before jumping off him and walking to the door. He sat up and rubbed his face with a groan. Looking at the clock he grabbed his hat and jacket then stood. A two hour nap wasn't too bad. He walked down the hall to the front room, feet dragging along the wooden floor. Yawning he looked around finding no one in the living room or kitchen. He peeked out the front door, empty too. They were probably still down in the training room. He checked to make sure the door to the shop was locked and headed down the hatch.

He slid down the large ladder and landed at the bottom with a soft puff of dust where the feline form sat waiting. "What do you mean you're not coming to squad 2? Then which one are you joining?" He heard a woman's voice and winced. Was this why Yoruichi had woken him up, to annoy Soi Fon? He sighed, mentally preparing himself for her onslaught of insults. "What are you dumb? She said she ain't going." Jinta said making him smirk. Leave it the boy to smart off to that woman. That would be an interesting fight. "Shut up brat." Soi Fon snapped which was followed quickly by another female voice. "Hey," A gentle voice wormed it's way into his brain. That voice sounded familiar. "Look Ivy, just tell me which squad you want to be in if not mine. I'm supposed to come get you and take you to your new squad. So where do you want to go?" He heard the ninja say. He turned quickly and looked at the scene before him. Tessai, Ururu and Jinta stood a bit away from Soi Fon and. It can't be, he thought. Was he still dreaming? The women's mouths were moving but he couldn't hear a word, he was transfixed on the redhead standing beside the grinning black cat.

He moved quickly almost at a run until he was behind her. Soi Fon glared up at him. "Look Soi I don't mean anything personal by it. It's just, well can you really see me in the stealth division? I'm a klutz. And I honestly don't know where I want to go. I'm not too keen on taking or sharing someone's position. What if it doesn't work out? What if too much time has passed and I mess up something because I do it the old way? What if we can't get along? What if. Are you even listening?" As Ivy waited for her friend to speak Kisuke slid his arms around her full hips and buried his face in the crook of her neck. Her body went ridged as his name escaped her lips in a whisper.

"Am I dreaming?" He asked, voice husky against her neck. He faintly heard Tessai moving the kids to the ladder. He pulled back as she turned in his arms to face him for the first time in way too long. Ivy smiled at him and everything that he had stuffed down in that box inside him over the years, the emotions and memories flooded back into his mind. "Hey." She said sweetly. His fingers grazed her cheek and she leaned into his touch. Soi Fon huffed beside them. She opened her mouth to protest when an arm slipped around her neck. Yoruichi's naked body pressed against Soi's back making her gasp. "Let's leave them alone huh? They need to catch up. Maybe we could catch up too." Yoruichi's sultry voice purred into the ninja's ear. "Lady, lady Yoruichi." She said, face as red as Ivy's hair. Yoruichi pulled the the red faced ninja away as she stuttered and tried to remember how to walk.

Kisuke leaned down and brushed his lips against Ivy's. He had missed this. Her smile, the small intimate moments, the way her eyes seemed to brighten when he told her about his projects. Hearing Soi Fon's objections had only made him realize she might leave again. The thought had his lungs in a vice and his fingers tighten on her waist. "Stay with me." He whispered while gently rubbing their noses together. Ivy sighed and whispered back "Ok." She smiled and brought their lips back together.