up ahead for an instant before flash stepping directly in front of them. He greeted Orihime in his customary manner and then turned questioning slate-gray eyes towards his sister.

"Rukia?"

Hearing his unspoken question, Rukia bowed her head and replied simply. "It's time, brother."

A young man, dressed in Kuchiki colors and pulling a shiny black rickshaw, rounded the corner and came to a stop beside his master, panting, clearly winded. Gesturing for them both to board the carriage, Byakuya's mouth drew into a thin line and he coolly asked. "And where is your husband?"

"He's coming." Rukia answered immediately, without even a hint of doubt as the servant helped first her, then Orihime take their seat. "I need to send a message to Captain Unohana as soon as we reach themanor." Rukia murmured before grabbed the side rail for support as carriage tilted backwards.

"I will go."

Rukia looked at her brother in surprise as the carriage jerked into motion. He didn't need to go himself. It wouldn't take but a moment to dispatch a hell butterfly. "Nii-sama-" she began, but Byakuya was already gone.

Orihime tracked his progress for a moment with the ease of one used to following a person's flash step before turning back to her confused friend. "It was like he was expecting us." Lacing her fingers through Rukia's, she nodded her head firmly and concluded. "He's obviously very worried about you."

Deep in thought, Rukia let Orihime chatter excitedly over the unexpected carriage ride without really hearing her as the rickshaw bounced quickly down the lanes. Instead,