Disclaimer: Don't own Bleach or the characters contained within. I do own Miso and Aisan.

A/N: This is my first Bleach fic so please be gentle. Also, if I've made any mistakes please let me know so I can correct them. Thanx! This is a ByakuyaXoc fic and I hope that you guys like it. This isn't strictly based on either the manga or anime, although there might be mentions of certain events. I've only watched the anime and have never read the manga. this is just a little something from my twisted imagination. :) Also, I don't write strict characterizations...I'm usually better at writing ooc... just a note for those that are sticklers for that.

Also, there's language, violence, assault and attempted rape in this story. So if any of the previously mentioned bothers you...please don't read! Just to be safe on the rating..I'm giving it a M for now.

A Noble Heart

Byakuya Kuchiki sat at his desk in the sixth squad's library/meeting room. Attempting to finish some papers, he allowed his blue eyes to stray slightly Looking outside, his body itched to be outside in the sun working out with his zanpakuto, Senbonzakura. He felt such pride at the obscenely large amount of cherry blossoms he could summon and scatter on the wind. Watching them spread out, floating on the breeze always seemed to calm his inner storm. Something was brewing. He only wished he could discover what that something was.

"You're feeling it too, aren't you, Captain?"

His head swung towards the speaker, Renji Abarai. His fiery vice captain knew him too well. Too well for his own good. "Yes. It's been so long since I've felt this restless. Something is about to happen, I feel it, and its not going to be good."

"We can handle it so don't give it another thought."

"Renji, don't be too overconfident. Remember the last time you became as such? A certain human ,by the name of Ichigo Kurosaki, embarrassed you greatly. Regardless of the fact he'd taken Rukia's powers, he still possessed more reiatsu than you."

"Memory serves that I wasn't the only shinigami to get beat down by that mortal, Captain Kuchiki!" Even you fell to his zanpakuto and the sheer power of his will, Renji thought as he observed the frown on his captain's face after his impulsive remark. Not a smart thing to say around your squad captain when he's antsy and bored. He might just decide to take it all out on you since you're here.

Thinking to himself for a moment, he suddenly came up with an idea his captain would like and be content to experience. A mischievous smile slowly made its way across Renji's face; the black streaking tattoo's on his forehead added to the wildness that Renji was well known for.

An dark eyebrow lifted elegantly in an arch towards his dark hair held down by his family's symbolic, white kenseikan, which spoke of his rank as head of the Kuchiki clan. To be honest, he wondered what his lieutenant had planned. Renji was famous for stirring up the mundane, and Byakuya wasn't entirely certain he'd care for Abarai's idea.

"What is it, Renji? I know I'll get no peace until you've had your say." Steeling his dark gaze upon the hot headed, tattooed man, he remained as always, patient and unemotional. But for some reason his patience was failing him the longer he remained indoors. "Speak, Renji, and be quick about it. I do have work to finish here."

Chuckling, Renji hinted between his laughter,"Well, we'd have to go to the mortal world for this, captain. Are you up for it? Or are you gonna take the coward's way and stay here?"

Renji glanced daringly at Byakuya. Rubbing the back of his head, Renji saw the dangerous glint enter the other man's eyes. One rule of his: never call him a coward. Number two, never dare him to do anything because Byakuya would answer the challenge with his own which usually resulted in personal harm to the originator of the dare. Another of his known rules just happened to be, never touch him without permission or the powerful captain of squad six would retaliate in kind for breaking his rules. There were a few more but they're really not worth mentioning at this point.

Narrowing his gaze thoughtfully at Renji, Byakuya asked, "Why is it important for us to leave Soul Society to go amongst the humans? There's only a few in that realm that could challenge me, much less oppose me. What fun would that be?"

" Well, there's always Kurosaki, Urahara and Yoruichi if you're that bored. I want amusement, a challenge! I want to break free from my shackles if only for the day!" Feigning a thoughtful expression, he teased, "Maybe I will go seek out Yoruichi. She's got such fire in her!"

"Renji, I've learned long ago that when you play with Yoruichi...you'll get burnt. She's much quicker than any other shinigami I've ever encountered. We used to play together as children using flash steps. She beat me every single time." The purple haired shinigami had been a close friend until her disappearance.

Byakuya could look on his defeat, by her, without spite. Yoruichi had always been a great friend to him. She'd even helped Kurosaki open his eyes when Rukia was about to be executed. He owed her a great deal. But he'd save that debt for later.

"You won't leave me alone until we do this will you? At least not until I get angry, and I'm not in the mood to lose my temper."

"Not a chance. You need to get out and have some fun." Pointing to the work that sat inanimately on his desk, he stated, "Too much work and no fun makes Byakuya a boring boy."

"A boy, huh?" His tone hinted at the rising agitation coming from the usually stoic captain.

"Yeah, but not really. You're just easy to get a rise out of today and I'm making good use of it. Usually, you're pretty unflappable; never raise your voice. Today, however, we're gonna make good use of that energy."

Pondering on his lieutenant's words, the dark haired man wondered why he shouldn't go. He was usually all work and no play as Renji stated, so why not go out to have fun. Maybe something unusual would happen in the mortal realm. Some feeling he couldn't describe had been building for the last couple of days, and maybe today, something would occur to unleash it. Cocking his head to the side, Byakuya nodded once.

"I'll go."

"Let's go have some fun, captain!"

Pulling his squad leader from his chair, Renji knowingly broke one of Byakuya's rules, but he knew the man would do nothing about it in his current mood. To everyone around them, the older, more experienced man was cold and aloof, but underneath that icy exterior, he fiercely protected those around him that he loved and cared for.

Both of them determined to have a good time, Renji with a casual smile across his face, and Kuchiki with a determined expression on his face, never gave a thought to the melting piles of females in their wake. Females whose eyes watched as two of the hottest shinigami's made their way down the street.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Someone, help me! Please! I need help!"

A young woman ran down the street fleeing her would be attackers. At least she'd worn some comfortable clothes today. Jeans hugged her woman's figure, not like the usual girls around her with the waif type body, being bigger didn't bother her. She'd always accepted it. Her dark pink tee shirt clung tightly to her full breasts swaying with each movement. Another attribute she never asked for, but received anyway. Another curse in her opinion. She accepted this flaw like the others.

She'd had the day off from work and these thugs had approached her before she could reach her car. They'd demanded first her money followed by her body and then her life. She sure as hell wasn't going to give it to them easily.

Her long, red hair swayed in the breeze as she ran, and her green eyes wide in fear due to the adrenaline rush pushing its way through her veins. Her curvy figure pumped as hard as possible to get away from the creeps pursuing her.

Turning a corner, she glanced behind her seeing if they were still on her heels. They were. And they were coming fast. Running down the alley she stopped short, tennis shoe clad feet squealing against the bricks lining the ground. Panicking, she looked ahead of her in horror. A dead end? Why was her luck always this bad? Why? Had she offended someone or something in another life perhaps?

Closing her eyes, she attempted to calm herself. There were only precious seconds remaining before she was captured and tortured. Think calm, she thought. Peaceful. But at the same time she had to think in terms of defending herself as well.

"Well, well, girl, are you ready to surrender? We promise pain and pleasure. It'll be over soon enough if you give up willingly."

Turning on her heel, she shot the speaker a harsh glare. He wasn't bad looking at all, but his personality was the put off. He was tall, possessing a muscular build with long dark hair and green eyes. His friend, tall and lanky with blond hair and brown eyes, wasn't hard on the eyes either. It was obvious they could easily get girls, but they chose this path instead. How ridiculous.

"You two are sad and pathetic! If this is the only way you get your kicks then prepare for a fight to the end. I'm not giving up a damn thing! Unless I'm unconscious or dead. That's the only way you're getting anything from me!"

The woman attacked them, verbally lashing out at their stupidity, and all the while the beginnings of a spark flared to life in her eyes. "You want me...come get me!"

Cliche that it was, she meant every word. Now she impatiently awaited their reactions. The wait increased her nervousness for every second that passed.

Suddenly a fist flew out striking her in the mouth. "You stupid bitch! Your wish is granted. You'll die a painful death and that's for certain." Goon number two bowed to her mockingly, "And since you're going to die, you might as well know our names."

Gesturing to himself, he said, "My name is Miso." His introduction was interrupted by her hysterical laughter.

"Y-you mean y-y-you're named after a-a s-s-soup?! And I thought a friend of mine's name was cute."

Miso leaped forward kicking her in the stomach silencing her laughter. "Quiet, woman!", the blond snapped. Picking up the introduction where he left off, he gestured towards his cohort, "This, here, is Asai."

Asai bowed to her also in the same manner as his friend. They were making fun of her and enjoying the fear she felt. The two fed off of it like an all you can eat buffet, and it bolstered their confidence all the more. "Pleased to meet you, my sweet."

"She'll feed our sweet tooth nicely, Miso. But first we'll have to break her and her ... spirit." Asai's lecherous eyes feasted on the body he longed to possess, if just for one time it would be better than none.

The two men enclosed her between their bodies and proceeded to hit her repeatedly. She futilely attempted to ward off their blows, unfortunately more connected than not. Her body screamed out to her in pain. Attempting to hit them back, they easily avoided her blows. After what seemed like an eternity of physical pain, they ceased and her beaten form cried out in relief.

Roughly Asai pulled her to him, so close that not even air moved between them. "Time to taste you, little girl."

"I'm not a girl", she protested.

"You are in our eyes. You're a virgin so you're still a girl. Today, you'll become a woman, and if you're lucky and we like you...you'll become our personal love slave." Closing in, he trailed his tongue down her cheek, continuing down her throat, stopping directly above the v in her shirt. Lecherously gazing at the tops of her breasts, he moaned in anticipation.

Miso's eyes momentarily gazed over at his recitation. He hoped she was good because he wanted to keep her now. During their onslaught of punches, she never backed down or cried out. She even tried to fight back. Most women, and girls, would succumb to them, giving the duo what they wanted, what they came for. But this one was different. He sensed this. There was a power rising in her they needed to kill and quickly.

Asai brutally assaulted her lips with a fiery passion begging her to open up to him. Only she remained as closed as ever. Asai gave his comrade the sign. Motioning him forward, he beckoned him to join him in seducing the resistant female. Immediately, Miso moved directly behind her, his body pressing her tightly, and even closer to his friend.

Miso's hands roamed over her soft curves stopping at her breasts. Giving them a squeeze, he smirked at her muffled protestations. Intending to inflict more cruelty on her, he dipped his head towards her beautifully pale neck; his tongue flicked out licking a wet path down the creamy skin. Inwardly, he laughed at her barely suppressed shudders. This was only a part of what he loved best.

Breaking the contact of Asai's plundering lips, she tried to move, but the dark haired man held her fast by the tight grip on her hips. Damn! What was she going to do? How to fight back and get away? Fervently, she prayed help would come and soon.

Little did she know her savior was on the way.

Renji and Byakuya watched in anger as the two males forced their attentions on an unwillingly female. Such an act in their society was a taboo, one punishable by either severe beating or death, depending on the level of offense.

"What the hell? Captain, we have to stop this now! The girl's energy is fading. We must do something! Let me tear them to shreds for their sins!"

Renji's sword ached to be unsheathed to punish the criminals standing before him. Stepping forward, he began to pull his soul slayer from its sheath, but he was promptly stopped by a hand covering his own.

"No."

"Captain Kuchiki, I know you like to pretend you don't give a shit about people, especially strangers, but this is a helpless woman! She'll suffer greatly if we don't step in. And one thing I can't stand is for a female to be savagely attacked in this manner without provocation."

Byakuya calmly looked at his vice captain and friend. "I said no!"

"What the hell's your problem? To hell with you. I'm going." He ignored the fact that he was on his way to commiting gross insubordination, but screw it, he couldn't find the emotion to care. A woman needed his help. Who was he to refuse and let her fall to the trash that held her captive. Besides, Rukia would never forgive him if she found out.

Renji glanced at the scene in front of him and before he could leap forward to help her, he was slammed backwards. 'What?' It took a second to register the force behind the slam because it was a rare occurrence for him to be the victim of it. Byakuya. Maybe some sense finally got through that thick, skull and all too hardened heart of his. And apparently, Renji was right.

Byakuya calmly walked forward to answer the woman's pleas. He was more than angry at the thugs hurting her. Sensing such evil intent in their minds and souls, the urge to send them to hell erupted strongly. If they wanted pain...he'd been more than happy to oblige their appetite for it.

Struggling in their grasp, she opened her mouth to scream, but the noise was muffled and swallowed by Aisan as he latched on to her lips again. Their petting, licking and kisses growing heavier, more violent, her fear began to choke her as she realized there was no escape. But she refused to give in. A solitary tear fell from her green, watery depths, tracing the outline of her cheek before falling to the pavement. Closing her eyes, she once again mentally called out for help. 'Help me!'

A voice echoed back, 'I'm here.'

She felt an extraordinary spirit force nearby. Its essence dwarfing over them, drowning out what little the three of them possessed. She didn't know if she should be afraid or not. So far, she wasn't certain if this fourth prescence was going to harm her or help her. The truth would reveal itself in the next few moments. Waiting with baited breath, she hoped it was here to assist her.

The two men pawing her had no clue about the malicious feeling presence flowing around and through them all. It was as if they couldn't sense it. Were her senses heightened? Her cousin and family, she discovered, felt these things and saw horrors beyond imagination on a daily basis. Just what was going on?

Without warning, strength found its way into her tiring body. Fighting back harder with an even more powerful struggling than before, the red haired woman quickly turned her head. In moving so quickly, she caught both of her captors unaware. Aisan, lost contact with her mouth and Miso's lips lifted from her left shoulder, however they tightened their grips on her hips and across her stomach. It wouldn't be too long before hope faded once again. Where did that spirit force go?

"Release the woman."

The presence flared to life, the owner of it spoke coldly and harshly. A form wavered before them. Aisan, Miso and the young woman gasped as his true shape came to life before their very eyes.

"What the hell?" Miso had never seen something like this before and was perplexed.

A tall man with flowing black air held back by a kenseikan. The male figure seemed intimidating and imposing with his black outfit, white robe swaying in the wind, and the white scarf wrapped securely around his neck, its ends dangling down his back. At his side, a sword in its hilt attached firmly at his waist, ready to carry out his will.

"Release her. This is your final warning."

His meaning rang clear and true. He meant to kill them for their impertinence and inconsideration. A strange emotion washed over him as he'd observed the troublesome duo holding their female victim so close, so very tightly. Thinking he couldn't put a name with that particular emotion. It's name sprang to life in the confines of his mind, but he couldn't breathe existence into those words.

The blond punk, Miso smirked. "Or you'll do what?"

"You really don't want the answer to that question!"

A new face entered the equation. Tall, not so much as the dark haired one, but still tall with striking red hair pulled back into a wild ponytail. The stranger bore even stranger tattoos that resembled zigzags or lightning bolts, depending on your opinion. Standing back, Renji crossed his arms awaiting his captain's orders.

"Who the hell are you?" Miso wondered how many others would conveniently show up to interrupt their interlude and piss him off.

"Abarai, Renji. Call me Renji. Our names will be the last you hear, our faces the last things you'll ever see. We are shinigami; we're here for your deaths."

"Renji, fall back. I need no help for this."

"As you wish, captain Kuchiki." The subordinate bowed slightly to his leader and faded into the background.

Chest heaving, the woman seemed to be calling for someone, but he couldn't make it out due to Aisan's hand clamping down over her mouth.

Kuchiki stared at her puzzled. Then he noticed her losing consciousness. He had to act fast. Drawing Miso away from her, the notoriously, callous captain grabbed the hilt of his sword, yanking it from its home.

Miso pulled a knife from his back pocket and rushed the taller man. It would be a fatal mistake that he'd never again have the chance to ponder.

Kuchiki raised his sword out by his side so it was parallel to the ground. Cruelly smiling, he struck running the blade directly through his opponent's body.

Stunned, Miso dropped the knife and it clattered against the stone underneath his feet. "W-what are y-you?"

Narrowing his dark gaze, he calmly stated, "Your death, boy."

Dropping to his knees, Miso's eyes slowly closed and he fell with a thud at the shinigami captain's feet.

Using the end of his sword, squad six's leader thrust it firmly against the fallen boy's forehead. The mark glowed and then enveloped the dead body in that same glow. Kuchiki knew what would happen to this boy as well as the other one. They'd both initiated cruel, inhuman acts on their fellow human beings and would rot in a place of great suffering.

Releasing his prisoner, Aisan whipped out a pistol. Angry and frightened, he cocked the hammer and hesitated as he heard whispered pleas at his back.

"Please, don't. Don't shoot him, please!"

Gathering what little strength that remained, she shakily stood to her feet, propping herself by leaning on the wall. "Don't do this. Please!"

Knowing the girl was at his back, he released the breath he didn't know he'd been holding as he pulled back on the trigger with his index finger. "Dodge this, death god!"

The girl screamed. "NO!" Shutting her eyes tight, she didn't want to see the man who'd come to save her die. Maybe if she closed her eyes and wished hard enough, everything would go away. Fade into the surroundings as the other shinigami had done. She heard a clang and opened her eyes.

Snorting, Kuchiki brought his sword against the front of his face, the sides of the metal, briefly touching his nose. His aim sure, he wielded the sword, swinging it with a light precision, and the bullet heading for his heart was instantly deflected.

Eyes wide open, she whispered a prayer in thanks that her savior was unharmed. But what was this strange pain in her stomach. Her hand instantly went to the place she hurt. Feeling a liquid substance on her hand, she lifted it to her face. Numbly, she stared at the blood on her hand, her strength failing her as she collapsed against the wall. Her hand slid down the wall coating it with her blood, giving testament to her critical injury. Her eyes slowly closed, and she didn't move anymore.

Furious, the powerful captain with hell in his eyes, used the infamous flash step to stand nose to nose with his enemy. This low classed bastard would pay for her life! Gone was the serenity. Gone was the calm man everyone knew. Now a fierce warrior radiating such hate stood in his place.

Aisan hadn't felt fear like this in years. Immediately, he knew the man in front of him would literally be the death of him. "Bring it!" He taunted the man not caring what would follow. He was certain, though, that death stared at him from the extremely dark eyes of this unfamiliar sword bearer.

The severely angered death god took a quick glance at the fading woman. "I'll show no mercy regardless how much you beg for it." Stepping back a few inches, the shinigami brought his blade up to his face, the cold metal edge touching his nose.

Acting quickly with no hesitation, the head of the Kuchiki clan ran his sword clean through his inexperienced opponent causing blood to splatter freely from his lips. "Look well, boy. I am your death. Your existence in this life is over." His voice so frigid, the air around him seemed to shimmer with glistening ice.

Taking his weapon, Kuchiki used the hilt to stamp the boy's head. Glancing around, he saw both of their newly freed souls standing over their bodies in astonishment. Chains dangling from their chests. Neither of them knew what would happen next. But their killer did. Instead of going to heaven, they would go...

Without any warning, a pair of doors decorated with a twin pair of skulls, a pair of shoulders, arms and ribs slammed down on the ground. The doors slowly cranked open and a pair of chains shot out, wrapping around Aisan and Mison. Then the chains began to pull them in, groaning their welcome to the newest additions. Both males went kicking, yelling and cursing. After it's occupants were carefully ensconced inside, the doors cracked from top to bottom and then exploded. Millions of slivers flew outwards but quickly dissipated before any harm could be caused, besides normal humans couldn't see it anyway.

The triumphant shinigami made his way to the young woman propped up against the wall. He could still feel her spirit force trying to burn inside, but fate was attempting to snuff it out.

Breaking one of his own rules, he stretched out his hands over her body pouring life boosting energy into her. "You must live," he whispered.

For several moments, he shared his energy with her so that she wouldn't be removed from this world so hastily. He had this feeling there was something about her. He just couldn't put his finger on it. One thing he did know was that she needed the healing of his people or she wouldn't survive. She needed the talented, healing touch of Retsu Unohana and she needed it now.

Ceasing his healing, Kuchiki gently lifted her into his arms as if she bore little weight at all. Cradling her tenderly against his masculine chest, he called out to his vice captain. "Renji, let us leave and return immediately to Soul Society."

Stepping from his invisible perch, the lieutenant glanced in shock at his captain. He was holding the beaten woman in his arms, and he was covered in blood. "Captain, where are you injured?"

"It is not I who's injured. She has been critically wounded and needs Unohana. Open the door home, and do it now."

Kuchiki's voice carried the slightly cold whip to it and Renji hurried to carry out his order. Pulling his sword from his hip, he muttered some words and then stuck it sharply into the air. Promptly, he turned it sideways as you would a key in a lock, and suddenly the doors opened to admit the two shinigami.

The doors slid softly shut behind them.

Renji turned to his captain in disbelief. "You know there's gonna be hell to pay for you bringing her into our world, you know that right?"

"I don't care." His voice fell flat and emotionless once again. The only thing that told of his churning feelings were his dark eyes. Confusion was just one of the things he felt. Several of them he had absolutely no name for them, and that's because it had been ages since he'd experienced any of them.

Since Byakuya had taken over as head of the Kuchiki family, it was a requirement for him to remain calm and never show any emotion. Especially in public. He hadn't even been allowed to grieve over his late wife. So he took his emotions out with his blade and constant training.

Entering into their familiar streets, the captain and his second ranked vice captain hurried to squad four's relief station. Neither man spoke to the other as they raced against time to save a girl they didn't know.

Kuchiki tightened his grip and unaware of her surroundings she cried out softly, "I-ich! Need Ich."

His heart clenched at her mentioning this. He was certain it was for another male she called out for, but for whom? Her tongue tried to roll off the name so lovingly that he could finally put a name to one of those emotions. Jealousy. Could he be jealous of a boy he didn't know despite the fact that the girl didn't belong to him? What was happening to him? It was all Abarai's fault, the damned bastard! He'd get a hold of him after their rescuee had been seen to.

They spotted the relief station directly ahead, and Kuchiki all but ran through it's doors. His aristocratic facade, for the moment, forgotten. Barking orders as soon as he arrived, he called out, "Where's Unohana? I have a critical patient for her! Get her here now!"

"There's no need, Kuchiki. I'm already present." Her calming voice sent out waves of assurance. "What's the situation?" She gestured for him to lay her down on one of the tables to his side.

"A projectile struck her in her abdomen. Also, she was attacked by two men. They didn't realize it, but they were using their spirit force to overwhelm and then drain her own."

Unohana gasped, "That's a feat unheard of by regular mortals! We should have Ichigo watch more carefully and investigate this matter."

Shrugging, he coldly replied, "It doesn't matter. They're no longer in this world. They're in hell where they belong."

Eyebrows rose into her hairline, and she and Renji exchanged a meaningful glance. She nodded knowing better than to argue with her fellow captain on this matter. ushering everyone out, including Kuchiki and Renji, the fourth squad's captain began her tedious work of repairing the woman stretched out before her. Gently placing her hands on the wound, she concentrated, pouring healing energy into the pale body.

Meanwhile, outside the squad house, Kuchiki paced restlessly.

"That's not gonna help matters, captain."

"Did I ask you, Renji?"

That harsh glare pinned him and Renji regretted saying anything. It was useless to attempt a conversation at this point, so he leaned back, closed his eyes and hoped to grab a quick nap.

Staring off into the distance, dark hair teased by the slightly stirring wind, Kuchiki whispered, "You must live, girl. Live!"

A voice echoed back, "I'm a woman, not a girl!"

Her soft exclamation caused him to chuckle lightly and now he could wait patiently for Unohana to finish her work.

Back in the mortal realm, a familiar form clad in shinigami robes strode into view. Bright orange hair with a huge soul slayer strapped snugly to his back, he surveyed the scene in front of him.

"I know she was here. I sense it. But where the hell is she? No trace. No anything."

His gaze narrowed and then widened in shock as he saw the bloody hand print on the wall at the back of the alley. "No! She has to be alright! She has to be!"

Touching the dried mark, grim determination set firmly on his face, he knew there was only one way to find her. He'd have to pay a visit to the shinigami. Once there, he'd request help from a few of his closest friends there. Mainly a female death god by the name of Rukia Kuchiki. It'd been too long since his last visit. Too long.

Jumping to the roof of the building, he hurried with all speed towards Urahara's store. If anyone could get him to Soul Society it'd be him. He just hoped he was there and not anywhere that he couldn't be reached.

Ichigo's eyes lifted towards the sky and he whispered, "You must live! You must live!"

A/N: Well, everyone that's it for this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it and if you did, then please review and let me know your thoughts! Thanx!