"But...why?"

While Tatsuki's confused protestation was barely above a whisper, it was loud enough to catch Rukia's attention. Turning her head, Rukia realized that Orihime was the only one on the verge of actually transforming once again. Tatsuki and Uryu were perfectly fine.

'Til her dying day, Rukia was never able to explain why she did what she did since at that moment her mind was a complete blank. On the other hand, if she had been in control of her mental and physical faculties, Rukia more than likely would not have made it in time. As it was, the girl tossed away her dirk, grabbed Orihime's hand (which was already beginning to shrink and sprout feathers), hauled the woman to her feet (the lady had sunk to her knees as the finality of their imminent separation had become glaringly apparent) and pulled her forward the final few steps to reach out and grab an astonished Ichigo's outstretched hand. There was a definite tingling sensation when Rukia touched Orihime's skin and she panicked momentarily when her vision narrowed slightly and became unfocused. Gritting her teeth, though, Rukia plunged ahead to fulfill her mission and fulfill it she did.

The girl with the raven black hair succeeded in bridging the gap between the two separated lovers. The spell was now fully broken. They were free.

Absolute silence reigned for the space of about ten seconds, everyone trying to process what they had just witnessed and most almost instinctively afraid that if they moved or spoke, it would upset the balance of things as they were now. Finally, it was Rukia who broke the standstill by carefully releasing her grip on the adults' hands enough to gently tug them closer to each other and placing their hands one of top of the other. Both flinched slightly at the contact, but made no move to pull away when Rukia carefully withdrew her own hands and took a step back.

Ichigo and Orihime stared openly at their hands for a time before Ichigo slowly raised his thumb until it was hovering over Orihime's fingers and then lowered it just as gingerly. When her hand did not vanish at his touch, Ichigo made a kind of choking sound in his throat and deliberately yet haltingly raised his wife's hand high enough to gently brush his chapped lips against her knuckles.

"Ichigo," repeated Orihime for the third time in as many minutes, only this time in a tone that held none of the previous sorrow and heartbreak.

With her hand still pressed against his lips, Ichigo raised his gaze to Orihime's, but was unable to see her face for long as the tears began to flow anew. As he allowed their intertwined hands to drift down until they were resting on his lap, Ichigo's head fell forward so that his chin nearly touched his chest. Hesitating at first, Orihime reached up to wrap her free arm around Ichigo's shoulders and draw him towards her until the top of his head met her heart center. She then bent her head over his and once again allowed her own tears to fall.

They remained in that attitude for a heartbeat or two before Orihime turned her head enough to look at Rukia and give her the best smile she could muster at the moment as she carefully freed her hand from Ichigo's grasp and held it out to the girl. There was no hesitation on Rukia's part as she flung herself on the ground and wrapped her arms as far around Orihime as she could reach. For her part, Rukia didn't shed any tears, but there was a sizable lump in her throat and her body trembled as she felt the lady return her embrace.

Actually, Rukia probably wouldn't have shed a tear if Ichigo, in a gruff and hoarse tone, and Orihime, in a soft one, hadn't said simultaneously, "Thank you." The words pierced straight through to the girl's heart and she could feel the tears surge up from the very depths of her being (or so it seemed) and pool in her eyes, ready to spill over.

And actually, just as she was about to start crying for one of the first times in her life (certainly the first time in front of the captain and everyone else), Rukia was rudely interrupted by the king's voice saying in that same cold voice, "Arrest them."

This time it was Yoruichi who roared furiously at the monarch, "You can't be serious! Didn't you see her glowing like that? Beginning to transform?"

"I have no need nor desire to explain myself to anyone a third time," replied the king dispassionately and with a possible undertone of disdain, "I will not have disorder and dissension in my kingdom. Tsukishima, arres-"

"This is the word of your king," Aizen interjected in a voice that seemed as though he were merely speaking, but that carried easily to the ear of most every person present, "In the face of irrefutable evidence, he chooses punish an innocent man and those he cares about rather than admit to having been in error. And King Tamashi will inflict this punishment in full view of many who have seen and witnessed the kind of man Captain Kurosaki truly is because this king believes that his authority is absolute and not to be questioned."

"Commander Aizen, are you-"

Again, Aizen interrupted the king as he said, "Yes, I am speaking treason. I speak treason against a king who refused to allow a captain of his army to stand trial for his supposed crimes or to even spare enough time to listen to his reasons as to why he did not come forward before this day.

"I speak treason against a king who, while maybe not condoning a duel to determine the innocence of the others involved in this matter, allowed it to continue and then when it was proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that your trusted Commander Tsukishima was little more than a dishonorable wretch, this king still refused to grant the clear winner his one, selfless request."

"Aizen, you will be-"

"I speak treason against a king who forcibly engaged a young woman to a lackey of yours even when she had already pledged her hand to another she truly loved.

"I speak treason against you, King Tamashi, who not only ignored Captain Kurosaki's pleas for mercy this day, but also those of his family and the family of those who disappeared with him."

While Aizen had been speaking, Ichigo, Orihime and Rukia had straightened up to look at the commander (Orihime still kept her arms around the other two) and when Aizen said the last statement, Rukia felt both the adults jolt slightly. They had probably assumed that their families wouldn't take their disappearance and declaration of being traitors to the crown lightly, but believing something and actually having it be confirmed are two different things. But it was about to get much worse.

"I accuse you, King Tamashi, of turning a blind eye as Commander Tsukishima and his subordinates attacked Lord Inoue and razed his lands in an effort to either squeeze information out of him as to his sister's whereabouts or to potentially draw the lady and the others out of hiding."

"S-Sora..." Orihime half-gasped, half-choked out, "Sora, no...please, no."

Now it was Ichigo and Rukia's turn to encircle and support her with their arms as Orihime clamped her hands over her mouth and closed her eyes as a fresh round of tears began to fall. Looking down at Orihime, Ichigo's expression was torn between empathy and helplessness over her grief, rage at the injustice that had been done to her only living relative and panic as he considered what might have been done to his own family.

As if sensing Ichigo's unspoken sentiments, Aizen paused in his rant long enough to look over and say in a more sympathetic tone, "While he was sorely and severely injured, Lord and Lady Kurosaki rescued Lord Inoue from the wreckage and tended to his wounds. Due to their prestige within the noble families and their popularity with the common folk, the king left your family alone, Captain Kurosaki. No harm has come to any of them."

Turning back to the king sitting atop his high horse, Aizen's voice once again became authoritative and rather accusatory as he said, "I accuse you, King Tamashi, of also endangering the life of Lady Rangiku Matsumoto-Ichimaru when palace guards pressed her for information regarding her long-time friend and fellow trainer of ladies-in-waiting, Yoruichi Urahara. During the course of her so-called 'questioning', the lady stumbled and fell down a flight of stairs, killing the unborn child within her."

Rukia sensed more than heard Yoruichi's gasp of shock and horror at the commander's words. Looking over, she saw Yoruichi stand up in the wagon and Kisuke reached out to tenderly take her hand. She made no move to pull it away.

Turning her attention to Gin, Rukia did a double-take as he seemed completely unaffected by Commander Aizen's accusation about Rangiku, still standing there and restraining Riruka with a slight grin on his face. Dropping her gaze to his hands, Rukia then thought she saw them twitch and tremble slightly before once again going still. Returning her attention to the man's face, while she couldn't be sure at this distance, Rukia was fairly certain she saw a slight glimmer fall from his left eye, but since there was no tear track left behind she couldn't be sure.

Aizen allowed the allegations to hang heavy in the air long enough for everyone to properly process each of them before saying, "You may well dismiss all my charges as fanciful since I have no hard evidence as such to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are guilty of these crimes. However, this next charge I lay before you is not hindered by similar drawbacks."

"And what charge might that be?" inquired the king in a stony voice.

Shifting his weight forward, Aizen seemed to wait until he had everyone (besides the king and Tsukishima) waiting with bated breath for his pronouncement before he finally declared in his former, resonant tone, "Of neglecting your responsibilities as king to not only rule over the people, but to actually make decisions that will better the lives of all rather than the few you favor. I do not mean to say that you favor the aristocracy over the peasantry because as has already been revealed," Aizen gestured broadly towards those he had mentioned previously, "there are those among the nobles whom you have severely wronged by your negligence and injustice. I have mentioned a mere three examples, but I could provide at least twenty similar instances from the past ten years alone."

Allowing his arms to slowly return to his side, Aizen said, "Those who blindly follow your commands and never question the wisdom of your decisions on behalf of this country are bestowed with your favor. You may be king by birthright, but you are not fit to be this country's ruler."

A tense silence followed Aizen's treasonous declaration until King Tamashi asked slowly, "And would you have anarchy instead, Aizen?"

Shaking his head in a deliberate manner, Aizen replied, "Absolutely not. Humanity requires law and order to function at its full potential. That is what I desire for this country and that is what these men," Aizen once again gestured broadly at those who still remained in perfect formation around them, "all swore an oath to uphold."

Pointing an unwavering finger at the monarch, Aizen intoned, "It is you, King Tamashi, who has failed by ignoring the vows you pledged to uphold when you were crowned king of this country."

"Your Majesty, if I may," interjected a gruff voice from an elderly man who took three steps away from his regiment before bowing his head respectfully to his king while waiting to be acknowledged or dismissed.

With a wave of his hand, the king replied tersely, "Speak, General Yamamoto."

Lowering his head a little further before straightening himself up and looking at Aizen with a fierce glower, General Yamamoto said, "Commander Aizen, I hear these subversive words falling from your lips and yet I know you to be a man of wisdom and knowledge. I also know when you do choose to speak your true mind it is always because you have a particular motive or intention behind it."

When the general paused for a time, Aizen inclined his head and said with a slight smile, "And you are wondering what my intentions might be since by accusing the king of these heinous crimes, I am drawing ever closer to the executioner's block."

Reaching up to brush a lock of dark brown hair from his eyes, Aizen continued, saying in a roundabout manner, "Some time ago, there were rumors of someone of considerable rank communicating with King Barragan of Hueco Mundo and attempting to create an alliance of some sort with him."

Dark eyes sparking in satisfaction as he looked directly into King Tamashi's own, Aizen declared confidently, "Those rumors I can now reveal to be absolute truth as I was the one who made the agreement with King Barragan. Even as we speak, the armies of Hueco Mundo should be entering our borders and making their way towards the Soul Palace."

Even though the king's expression became pale due to his absolute outrage, it was General Yamamoto who demanded, "Why are you doing this, Aizen? What can you possibly hope to gain by betraying your king and country in this atrocious manner?"

Ignoring the general's questions, Aizen stared down the king as he said, "I give you this ultimatum, King Tamashi. You may execute me along with my men and these innocent people whom you and your subordinates have made to suffer for the past two years and then turn your attention to the Hueco Mundo armies bearing down on you. However, I warn you that in addition to brokering this agreement, I have also supplied King Barragan with valuable information regarding the size of your own armies as well as how best to cut off supply lines to army headquarters and your own palace. I have no doubt that my comrades will fight bravely, but make no mistake, they will be defeated in the end. Or..."

For a third time, Aizen waited for the better part of ten seconds before he said carefully, "Or, you can choose to avoid the needless slaughter of the majority of your soldiers and abdicate the throne. Should you choose to leave peacefully, those to whom you have shown favor will also be allowed to leave with you unharmed along with anyone else who wishes."

As the king began opening his mouth to reply, Aizen interjected in a flat tone, "Just remember, my liege," there may have been a hint of sarcasm in his tone as he said the word, "that these soldiers have witnessed how you treat honorable and dishonorable men. I wouldn't make a decision based on the assumption that these men are witless, heartless and willing to blindly follow you into an avoidable confrontation with a superior army simply because of your title.

"So, what will you choose? To selfishly cling to something you have never tried to earn or deserve? Or, for once, will you put the good of your own people above your pride?"

There was another lengthy pause before the king drew himself up again in his saddle, narrowed his eyes at Aizen, slowly urged his horse forward and rode silently away. Without a sound, Aizen's soldiers surrounded Tsukishima's regiment and effectively prompted them to march behind their disgraced sovereign. At least, that is how things progressed for about twenty seconds.

Suddenly yanking his horse about, King Tamashi bellowed, "Tsukishima!" and the commander needed no further prompting. Snatching a short javelin from a nearby soldier still standing in formation, Tsukishima whirled about and hurled the weapon with all his strength at his hated enemy, who was still kneeling with his arms encircling his wife and the girl who had saved them both. Immediately, Ichigo shoved Orihime and Rukia to the ground before forcing himself to rise and become their shield. This time, some soldiers also broke formation and attempted to do something, anything for their endangered comrade. The rest remained frozen in shock and disbelief.

Had it not been for two individuals in particular, the king would have gotten his way and Tsukishima would have finally triumphed over Ichigo.

The first javelin was intercepted in mid-air by Renji. With an almost inhuman leap, Renji attempted to grab the projectile and halt its progress. The latter, Renji managed to accomplish, but the former he did not. Misjudging the javelin's trajectory, Renji's hands wrapped around the shaft just as it began to enter his right shoulder. Propelled backward by the force of the javelin, Renji didn't even have time to cry out in pain before the air was slammed out of his lungs when he crashed to earth.

Apparently having foreseen some sort of interference with his first attempt, Tsukishima had already yanked another javelin away from its owner and was just beginning to take aim when Chad's fist sent him flying back at least five feet. While he would have landed on his own soon enough, Tatsuki sped up that process a bit by ramming her fist into Tsukishima's middle as he was about to sail past her. Even had he not already been dazed by Chad's blow, it is highly unlikely that Tsukishima would have been able to do much more than wheeze piteously after hitting the ground with such force.

Wiggling and squirming frantically from under Orihime, Rukia tripped and clambered her way over to Renji's side, scarcely able to draw a breath herself as she took in the sight of the awful javelin that almost seemed to sprout from the boy's body. It reminded her strongly of...

"Renji!" cried Rukia hoarsely as she got closer, "Renji, say something! Please!"

Before she could throw herself onto the ground beside him, a pair of arms wrapped around her torso and forcibly pulled her away. Sensing rather than seeing a sharp, pointy object rapidly approaching her throat, Rukia's emotions reached a boiling point and she lashed out at her attacker with every survival skill she had ever learned while living on the streets. Starting with kicking, wiggling and scratching, Rukia was about to escalate to biting when the arms fell away and she whirled around, quickly looked up to acquire her targets, curled her fingers into a tight fist and gave Cadet Shishigawara two swift punches to the nose and jaw. Then as the cadet began crumbling to his knees, in a highly vindictive move, Rukia swung her leg forward and up between the boy's legs. Again, like his commander, the boy might have groaned in agony had he been cognizant enough to actually realize what had just happened.

Feeling no more guilty for what she had done than if she had squashed a cockroach, Rukia whirled back around and felt the air she was inhaling expand and create a huge lump in her throat as her eyes connected with Renji's. His face was pale and his expression rather pained as he tried to breath deeply and yet shallowly at the same time. However, there was no denying the amazement in Renji's eyes as he gazed up at Rukia.

"Well then..." he grunted, causing Rukia to snap out of her stupor and fulfill her original intent of kneeling next to Renji.

As she was joined by both Ichigo and Orihime, Commander Aizen called out to King Tamashi, "Oh, and one more thing, Your Majesty. For all that you have considered Ichigo to be a traitor and a murderer since the day he defended himself against Commander Ginjou, he would have proven more true and faithful a soldier than Tsukishima, who was actually the one who conspired to have you murdered by those bandits. One of the only reasons Tsukishima didn't make another attempt on your life was because he knew that the only way he would have any hope of exacting revenge on the captain was to remain in your good graces.

"Yet another miscalculation on your part, I'd say..."

Those not occupied with escorting the fully vanquished king and his cohorts to whatever fate might have in store for them, depending on their rank the soldiers left behind did one of two things. Commanders and a number of captains congregated around Aizen to further 'discuss' (which meant Aizen talked some more and the others listened some more...although to be fair, there were a number of them who were still on the fence about actually following whatever Aizen's plan might be) their next steps in handling the Hueco Mundo armies and who would ascend to the throne now that their king had abdicated. Everyone else surrounded Ichigo and his companions both out of curiosity as well as with a desire to be helpful in some way no matter how small.

"Back off!" growled Tatsuki, "Let the wagon through! He needs to be treated, so quit gawping and move!"

"Captain Kurosaki, sir," said one soldier with a respectful salute, "Please let us help Cadet Abarai into the wagon."

Looking up and recognizing the young man, Ichigo nodded slowly as he said, "Yes, Lieutenant Izuru. I'd appreciate it."

As he stood up, Ichigo took Orihime's hand and pulled her up before drawing her against his side. Glancing down at Rukia and seeing the stubborn glint in her eyes and set of her jaw, Ichigo knew there would be no reasoning with the girl to leave Renji's side. Seeming to realize Rukia's intentions as well, Renji's right hand twitched as if he had been about to reach out and hold one of hers, but then he thought better of it. Huffing indignantly, Rukia's eyes blazed as she snatched Renji's hand and pulled it onto her lap.

When Renji made a choking noise and gaped up at her like a beached fish, Rukia's complexion became rosy as she declared, "You're going to be in a world of pain in a moment, so I thought it would be better if you squeezed my hand when it became too much rather than you thrashing about and making your injury ten times worse! That's all!"

Needless to say, most of the adults had an immensely difficult time keeping their expressions neutral. The one exception was Urahara, who actually made eye contact with Rukia as she clambered up into the back of the wagon (Chad lifted her this time) and winked at her. Rukia pretended she hadn't noticed.

The following week, while Renji was properly tended to and allowed to recuperate, the next stage of Aizen's plan was set into motion: crowning a new king and proper leader for Soul Society. While most were suspicious of the true motive behind the coupe was to allow Aizen to seize control as ruler, they were surprised when Aizen revealed to them that he intended to place the former Commander Jyuushiro Ukitake on the throne. Being the king's cousin, Commander Ukitake rightfully was next in line to succeed the throne now that King Tamashi and his immediate family had relinquished their own claims.

Several years previously, Commander Ukitake had been forced to resign his position in the army due to poor health. 'Poor' only in the sense that from time to time the commander would struggle with bouts of fatigue and dizziness. While these attacks never lasted for longer than an hour or two in extreme cases with long periods in between, their unpredictability and overall crippling effect made it impossible for Commander Ukitake to feel comfortable about continuing to lead his regiment. After that, Ukitake had chosen to retreat to his castle and holdings peacefully since he didn't feel as though he would be warmly welcomed by the king into the royal court. Reason being, there had been several times throughout the years when Ukitake had carefully yet insistently pressed the king to approve or disprove matters concerning the betterment of the army and the common people.

So, to the utter amazement of the common people, an announcement was circulated throughout Soul Society that King Tamashi had abandoned the country in the face of an invasion from the armies of Hueco Mundo. Less than a day later, the entire population began to clamor for the immediate coronation of Jyuushiro Ukitake and three days after that their demands were met.

As for Aizen, his hard work was rewarded about two years later when he was promoted to general after Yamamoto stepped down. Soon after that, he also became one of the king's personal advisers when the country went to war.

In regard to King Barragan and his armies, while Hueco Mundo certainly had numbers on their side, that was their only advantage. When it came to military tactics and weaponry, the Soul Society army was superior. So, in his arrangements with King Barragan, Aizen had agreed to open trade with Hueco Mundo and sell them weaponry (not their best or most advanced, to be sure) in exchange for support in the campaign to crown a new king. The relatively peaceful relations between the two countries lasted until just before Aizen was promoted. While some may have contended that these instances were a bit too coincidental, no one ever felt the need to pursue the matter further.

While all this upheaval was going on, Yoruichi, Urahara, Captain Ichimaru, Lieutenant Izuru and several other officers made sure that Ichigo and the others were left alone. In a rare gesture of borderline kindness, while it was publicly declared that Captain Kurosaki, Captain Yasutora, Captain Ishida, Lady Inoue, Cadet Abarai and Tatsuki Yasutora were fully exonerated of the charges of treason, Commander Aizen made sure that no details as to what had actually happened to them over the past two years were revealed.

After Renji had fallen asleep that first night, while sitting next to his bedside, Rukia had looked over at Ichigo and asked hushed tone, "Captain Kurosaki. Can I ask you a question?"

When Ichigo gave a nod of consent, Rukia licked her lips before saying, "This afternoon I'm pretty sure I saw Captain Ichimaru slip you a piece of paper. And I was just wondering..."

This time nodding in understanding, Ichigo said quietly, "'There is more at stake than you realize.'"

Curled up against Ichigo's side with his arm securely holding her against him, Orihime's face had a faraway expression as she said vaguely, "So many people...so many people hurt...hurt because..."

Closing his eyes and turning his head to bury the lower half of his face in his wife's hair, Ichigo said in a strained whisper, "Orihime don't. Please, don't do this."

"But Ichigo-"

"I know. But please...don't."

Trembling fingers reaching out to grip his free hand, Orihime nodded as she inhaled deeply to try and calm her rising emotions. It took Rukia a while to translate their conversation and when she did, her heart threatened to crack under the weight of that knowledge. Even after all they had been through...

The day of the coronation, while the majority of the people were flocking to the palace to witness the coronation of their new leader, a small group of people crested the hill overlooking Castle Tensho Tensa. They remained there for a time drinking in the sight of home in more than two years with the exceptions of Renji and Rukia who were both seeing it for the first time.

Finally, Ichigo said in a husky tone, "Let's go," and in no time at all, the castle walls were looming above them. However, they were anything but foreboding because as soon as the group came within full view of those standing on the castle walls, the massive front gates were opened and a crowd of people rushed forward to greet the travelers.

Riding in the wagon, Rukia had a wonderful view of the entire event.

A woman with long, light brown hair was racing ahead of the others and as Ichigo rushed forward to close the gap, Rukia realized that she was likely Lady Masaki. Just behind her, two more girls, whom Rukia assumed were Karin and Yuzu, crashed into their mother and brother and nearly sent the lot of them sprawling on the ground. Then, just as quickly as she embraced her brother, Yuzu let go to rush over and throw her arms around Uryu as she buried her face in his tunic and began to sob. Wrapping one arm around her back and the other higher so that her could cradle the back of her head, Uryu's bent his head until his forehead touched Yuzu's hair. When a man and woman ran forward to pull both Chad and Tatsuki into a group hug, Rukia assumed that they must be Tatsuki's parents. As for Orihime, she had long since been drawn in by the arms of Masaki and Karin.

Observing more movement from the gates, Rukia blinked away her tears in order to see more clearly, but that proved to be a fruitless endeavor soon after. Three men were painstakingly making their way towards the group, but that was due to the man in the middle leaning heavily on the two on either side of him for support. Allowing her gaze to drift downwards, Rukia felt her throat tighten as she realized the reason why.

"Oh, Sora..."

Pulling herself away from her husband and two of her in-laws, Orihime staggered forward the first few steps before absentmindedly snatching at her skirts and sprinting towards her brother, who was being supported by Lord Isshin and the former Commander Ryuuken Ishida. Hearing a kind of strangled cry that she assumed was Sora calling his sister's name, Rukia no longer attempted to keep her tears in check. Coming to a halt within arm's reach of her brother, Orihime waited until Isshin stepped away and Sora held out his free arm to her before allowing herself to fall carefully yet desperately into her brother's embrace. When he was sure that Sora would be fine using his sister and one remaining leg to remain balanced and upright, Ryuuken also pulled back to allow the siblings time to greet and grieve for each other.

Feeling a hand gently covering hers, Rukia looked over and saw Renji trying to hold back his own tears as he nodded to indicate that they should join the others. Looking around, Rukia saw that Kisuke and Yoruichi had already gotten out of the wagon to greet their old friends. While the majority of her brain was saying she should remain where she was since she didn't actually know any of them, Rukia's body followed Renji's prompting and she climbed down after him. Then, almost instinctively, they blindly groped for the other's hand a moment or two before they succeeded.

As the others began making their way towards the castle gates, Renji and Rukia (hands still woven together) followed behind with Rukia holding the wagon horses' reigns to lead them along. Mugetsu, Brazo Gigante and the other riding horses had already begun making their way inside as if they knew they would finally be relieved of their burdens and allowed to rest in peace and comfort for at least a few days.

They had come home at last. At least, that's what Rukia thought to herself even though subconsciously she didn't include herself in that sentiment. And actually, Rukia wasn't allowed to hold on to that thought for much longer.

When everyone finally gathered in a large group and had properly greeted each other (while Ryuuken stood back and merely nodded to everyone in greeting, Uryu was not allowed to escape from Isshin's and Masaki's warm greetings...although it didn't seem to Rukia as if the young man really minded the affectionate gestures), Karin looked Renji over before she said, "I'm guessing you're my brother's cadet."

Saluting with his free hand, Renji introduced himself, saying, "Cadet Renji Abarai. It's an honor to finally meet you all."

"Same to you," replied Masaki before looking over at Rukia and asking, "And who might you be?"

Swallowing and then clearing her throat, Rukia inclined her head and said, "I'm Rukia, Lady Kurosaki."

"Well, it is very nice to meet you both," said Masaki warmly, "We're all anxious to hear everything that's happened to everyone the past two years."

Inside the great hall, food had already been prepared and laid out for everyone to eat and rejuvenate themselves. After that, Ichigo cleared his throat and began the long explanation of all their trials and struggles. When he needed to pause either to wet his dry throat or merely regain control of his emotions when the narrative touched on subjects he was still recouping from, Uryu or Tatsuki would usually step in and continue on until Ichigo was ready to resume. The others listened without verbal interruption, but that didn't mean there weren't gasps of horror, tears shed or reaching out to grasp a loved one's hands as the story unfolded. When it was finished, no one spoke for a time as they absorbed all the information until finally Yuzu broke the silence with a hushed inquiry.

"Why wasn't Riruka seeing them all in human form enough to break the spell?"

As one, everyone turned to look at Kisuke, who seemed to have been expecting just such a question to be asked as he replied, "Well, while I can't answer with any amount of certainty, I do have a possible theoretical explanation if no one objects to hearing it."

Obviously, no one said a word, so Kisuke adopted a kind of studious and learned air as he said, "Besides Riruka looking at everyone in their true forms, there was one only one person-"

"Kisuke..." said Yoruichi in a 'don't-you-dare-go-off-on-a-tangent-right-now-and-just-get-to-the-point-already' tone, to which Kisuke responded with a sigh before he said simply, "I believe Rukia, who herself was not under any sort of spell, acted as a kind of catalyst when she touched or was touched by two people who had previously been on opposite sides of the spell."

Again, everyone paused for a moment to mull over that bit of information before Rukia herself blinked and asked in a perplexed tone, "I did what?"

Smiling indulgently, Kisuke replied, "You, my dear girl, played a crucial role in breaking the curse. You acted as a kind of bridge between the two groups during the short time when they were human."

"I don't-" began Rukia before Renji interrupted her, asking, "You mean like when Captain Ishida and I grabbed her when she was about to tumble out of the wagon? But that was before Riruka saw us, so how did that work?"

Holding up his hands, Kisuke said, "Like I said, it is merely a theory of mine, but when it comes to spells, if there is more than one component needed in order to break it, that doesn't mean each step needs to be done in a certain order. When all the criteria are met, that's it."

Rukia was snapped out of her complete amazement when she felt fingertips patting their way up her hand. Looking over, she saw that Sora was attempting to take her hand. Besides the loss of his leg after it had been crushed, there was also a long scar running along the left side of his face which had cost Sora his eye. While he could still see somewhat out of his right eye, it was more light sensitive now so Sora kept it closed most of the time and was training himself to use his other senses more.

Without a second thought, Rukia turned her hand over and wrapped her fingers around Sora's searching hand and he responded by giving it a warm squeeze as he said in a grateful, cracked whisper, "Thank you, Rukia."

For the next five minutes, Rukia was nearly smothered by all the hugs and gratitude showered upon her. She was not the same girl from almost a month ago who kept everyone else at a distance and only trusted herself in an effort to stay alive. Before she could stop herself, Rukia found herself hoping against hope that these people might want her to stay. Maybe not as a part of their family, but Rukia was certain she could never return to her life on the streets again. While a part of her brain rebelled and told her to stop being so selfish and self-absorbed, Rukia couldn't help herself. More than having a roof over her head, Rukia wanted to stay with Orihime, with Captain Kurosaki, with Chad, with Tatsuki, with Uryu, with Renji, with everyone they cared about.

Once again showing an uncanny ability to understand Rukia's thoughts, Ichigo gestured for quiet and waited until he had everyone's attention before he looked at the anxious girl and said, "When we first met, I told you that I had no idea if, when or how I was ever going to compensate you should you choose to help us. I think now is as good a time as any to readdress that particular topic."

Pausing for a moment or two, Ichigo said in a tone to match the almost tender expression on his face, "However, before you get the wrong impression, I want you to know that in my mind none of us will ever be able to fully repay you for what you've done for us. We are finally home thanks to you. If you want..."

No more words were needed.

Finding a home with people you have come to care deeply about is not a reward or compensation for a job done well. It is a gift. A blessing. And Rukia didn't think she would ever receive anything else that could possibly be more precious. And that was the case until about ten years later. Actually, it wasn't so much that she received something precious as much as she was told by someone how precious she was to them. Or him, to be more precise...

After their homecoming, Ichigo and Orihime had a long talk with Isshin, Masaki and Sora. They all agreed that while Ichigo and Orihime were legally married, they thought it would be best for everyone if the couple 'remarried' and started their marriage afresh. While Ichigo and Orihime would never fully forget those hard and heart-breaking two years, they wanted to look back on the day they got married and remember all their loved ones being present with them and supporting them as they entered a new stage of life.

Three days later, another wedding ceremony was held. It was supposed to be a quiet, intimate affair, but somehow word got around the castle and down into Karakura, so that on the day, all the streets were packed with people wanting to wish the couple all the best. Presents from the well-wishers were packed into the front hall, making it nearly impossible for anyone to go in or out without bumping into something.

As for the actual ceremony, everything progressed smoothly until the very end when the chaplain had just finished pronouncing Ichigo and Orihime as 'man and wife' and was about to ask if Ichigo would care to kiss his bride.

In the time since the spell had been broken, while Ichigo and Orihime had held one another in an effort to give the other comfort and support, they had not gone any further. Again, even though they both knew they were already technically 'husband and wife', they had agreed that until everything was made official in front of all their loved ones they would put everything that relationship entailed on hold. This was a separation of choice rather than force, but it was a separation nevertheless and neither one wanted to be apart from the other for an extended period of time ever again.

So, as Ichigo and Orihime were standing and looking down at where their hands were clasped together as the ceremony came to a close, one could almost taste the anticipation, the longing in the air. They had come so far. Gone through so much. Now, they were about to leave that all behind them and move forward into a brighter future together.

"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you two husband and wife."

Immediately after she heard those words, Orihime looked up at Ichigo with a smile completely devoid of any pain and sadness her face almost glowing with complete and utter joy. Ichigo's response was to extract one of his hands from hers so that he could cup one side of her face. His expression in that moment was a combination of relief, contentment and peace.

"Viscount Kurosaki, you may-"

The entire atmosphere was obliterated by what seemed like an earth-shattering noise coming from the audience. In less time that it takes to blink, Ichigo shoved Orihime behind him, his eyes flicking in every direction trying to find the source of the noise. Tatsuki, Renji and even Rukia shot out of their seats and began looking about them as well, ready for trouble. Next instant, they all felt immensely foolish as they realized that it had merely been Isshin sneezing really, really loudly and suddenly.

"Sorry," called Isshin with a nervous chuckle. Masaki's expression remained calm and placid, while Karin seemed to groan as she reached up to massage the bridge of her nose.

"Well, that was unexpected," said the chaplain in an attempt at levity, "I thought we already got past the 'objections' part," which earned him a few chuckles from the audience.

Clearing his throat, the chaplain looked at Ichigo and Orihime as he said, "If we are prepared to proceed..." and allowed the question to hang in the air. Shaking his head while his cheeks began to flush slightly, Ichigo gently pulled Orihime from behind him and turned so that he was facing her once again. Looking over at Isshin just long enough to give him a small smile, Orihime lifted her eyes and they began to sparkle as she returned Ichigo's gaze.

"Viscount Kurosaki, you may kiss the bride."

This time, Ichigo lifted both hands to cup Orihime's face and slowly lowered his face to hers. Half an inch before their lips met, it seemed as though Ichigo hesitated long enough to scan the audience and make sure there would be no more interruptions before he kissed his bride for the very first time.

Their last barrier was torn down in that moment. They were free. And Rukia was sure this moment would shine in their memories brightly enough to overwhelm any thoughts of the previous two years.

She was right.

Author's Note:

njacwdscijnewlckidnvkdvn...finally...it's done...

Thank you to everyone for all your encouraging words. You guys are the reason I keep writing.

A bit later I might add more to this note and eventually I may come back and revise this tory, but right now I just want to post this and hit the 'Complete' button. I'm ready to move on to the next project. :)