Byakuya Kuchiki ran through the Soul Society, his scarf billowing behind him. His face remained calm and emotionless as usual, but his destination had nothing to do with social convention, or his responsibilities to the Gotei 13. His reasons for going weren't to keep a promise, or to protect the pride of the Kuchiki house. He was scared, and worried, and angry, and whoever had taken Rukia was in serious trouble because Byakuya Kuchiki was in no mood to be forgiving.


Rukia opened her eyes, and blinked. She glanced around the small cell, and spotted only a small window, and a door with no handle. She ran her hand over the steel walls and shivered. Her reiatsu was being suppressed. A loud clang startled her, and she watched as an opening appeared in the bottom of the door.

"Eat up," called a gruff voice as a plate of food was shoved under it. Rukia disregarded the pile of rotten bread, and moldy butter. There was no reason to make herself puke, or to possibly poison herself; fools. Heavy footsteps echoed away, and Rukia leaned her head against the wall. What would Nii-sama do in this situation?


Byakuya frowned, and landed on the next building. He turned around, a small scowl forming.

"Can I help you?" he asked the small boy trailing behind him. Large round eyes peered up at him from a little face. The boy's mouth opened and he looked at the captain in shock.

"You're so fast!" he said in amazement. Byakuya nodded.

"And you shouldn't be able to keep up with me. Who are you, and what do you want? I don't have time for this." The boy grinned, and his mouth split as he twisted and grew. Byakuya watched the hollow reveal itself, irritation growing in his cold eyes. He reached for his Zanpakuto, but a cool breath on his neck stopped him.

"Too slow." He darted to the side, narrowly avoiding the claws of a second hollow.

"Scatter, Senbonsakura." Byakuya closed his eyes, and the petals whirled around him. The hollows were gone in seconds, and he continued on, but his suspicion was growing. The appearance of the hollows was too well timed. Someone knew he was coming, and he couldn't afford to be delayed. He ran on, alert, watching for more hollows, for more obstacles, and then a white-hot pain shot through his foot and up into his leg.


Rukia dropped her arms and sighed. The kidou wasn't working. She walked to the window and peered out. Maybe she could figure out where she was and send a message. She could see the woods from here, and there was an overgrown path leading to its entrance. Rukia groaned and dropped to the floor. It was no use. That could be anywhere. Nii-sama. What if he didn't even know she was missing? What if no one was looking for her? The door creaked and Rukia shot to her feet, fingers extended in front of her. A shadowy figure stood in the archway, and she could feel their eyes looking her up and down.

"You're even prettier up close," said a soft voice. Rukia scoffed, and then nearly choked as they walked into the cell.

"You!"


Byakuya stumbled then caught himself. He rested heavily on his good leg, and looked down. A large barbed spike was sticking through his left foot. He winced, and looked around. A dark shape was hurtling towards him. Byakuya sidestepped, and called out his Zanpakuto.

"Now, now, that's not very nice!" came a grating voice from behind the curtain of pink blades. Byakuya glared at the hollow, and spotted its tail. It was covered in spikes, identical to the one in his foot. The hollow began to circle him, its tail whipping back and forth threateningly. Byakuya moved his hand and the petals shot forward. He watched as the hollow stepped to the side and the tail darted forward cutting into his shoulder. Byakuya's calculating eyes scanned the area as he brought the petals around himself again. "Oh, are you hiding now, Byakuya Kuchiki?" The Captain ignored the taunt, and let the blades slow down. Seeing his chance the hollow lashed out again, but the tail hit open air. The petals continued to circle the hollow as it searched for its prey. He had just spotted the white cloak as Byakuya closed in. The petals speed picked up, and they got closer and closer together. Byakuya sighed as the hollow screamed and disintegrated. He reached down and pulled the spike out, gasping as the barbs clawed at him. He tossed it aside, and ignoring the pain, followed the small trace of reiatsu that would lead him to Rukia.


Rukia gasped and brought her hand to her mouth.

"No. No, it can't be you!" She shuddered as someone else smiled at her out of Ichigo's face.

"What? Who me?" Rukia watched in horror as the face flickered to Orihime's, Ishida's, Chad's, and then Renji's faces. "Or what about me?" She looked at her brother, and brought a hand to her mouth.

"Stop!" she yelled at his stony features. "That's not him, stop it!" Byakuya chuckled.

"Maybe I'm not him, but your reaction was worth it. I think I may stay like this. Won't it be surprising for him to come all this way, only to see that he's the enemy?" Rukia glared at the impostor, and spoke loudly.

"It won't matter if you surprise him. If he's coming than your plan will surely fail." Byakuya grinned down at her.

"Oh I wouldn't be so sure of that." Rukia watched him leave the room and waited for the door to slam before sinking to the floor. Nii-sama, what's going on? Please get here quickly.


Byakuya stood in front of a small cottage in front of the woods. He could feel Rukia's reiatsu coming from inside, but it was dampened, and barely detectable. He placed a hand on the hilt of his Zanpakuto, and waited. Unlike Ichigo he wanted to know what situation he was entering. He had his reiatsu concealed, and he watched as a large man with broad shoulders came out the back door carrying a tray of uneaten food. He allowed a smirk to pass over his features. Rukia was being cautious, which was good. She probably wasn't hurt, but he couldn't take any chances. He needed to get her out soon. The man went back inside, and Byakuya flashed stepped to the door. He glanced inside, but it revealed nothing. He sighed, and slipped through the door, following the footsteps of the strange man.


Rukia stared at the wall of her cell. What could they possible want her for? Maybe it was for a ransom, but that didn't seem likely. She was almost positive that it had more to do with her brother than herself. So far they'd done nothing to her, and her captor had mentioned his name. She stood to look out the window and then gasped as white and black blur flashed past, with just a trace of light blue.

"Nii-sama," she whispered. Rukia ran to the door and placed her ear against the cold steel. Footsteps were echoing down the hallway. She figured they belonged to the man who'd tried to feed her. They passed by the door, and Rukia held her breath. She listened for a minute longer, but heard nothing else. Rukia sat back down, her head still against the door. She hoped that her brother would get to her soon, but in the back of her mind, she was worried. She was worried that he may end up needing her.


Byakuya walked quietly behind the man and nodded as they passed a large steel door. That must be where they're keeping her. He didn't stop because he needed to know why she was here. If he left with her now they would probably come back, and she wasn't in immediate danger. He turned the next corner, and listened for the footsteps, but they never came. He spotted another door up ahead, and made his way towards it. It was open slightly, and his eyes narrowed. It was presumably a trap. He waited outside, but there was no noise from within. Byakuya frowned. He wasn't going to walk into trap, no matter how intriguing it may be. He turned back, and found the door to Rukia's cell. He would just have to find out why they'd taken her later. He grabbed the handle, and it turned easily. Again, Byakuya frowned. It was all too simple. Either door he went through, there would be something unpleasant waiting for him. However, Rukia was behind this door, and if it was a trap, then she could very well be in danger. He took a deep breath, and the door swung open.


Rukia jumped as the door to her cell swung open. She stumbled to her feet, and found herself staring up at her brother. His face remained impassive as he stepped inside the cell.

"Rukia, are you hurt?" he asked levelly. Rukia shook her head.

"No, Nii-sama." He nodded, and Rukia let herself smile.

"You came to get me?" He nodded again.

"Of course, you're my sister. Why wouldn't I come for you?" he stepped closer, but Rukia was backing away.

"You're not him. Where is he?" Byakuya's arm stretched out, as he reached for her hand.

"What do you mean? Who else would I be?" Rukia scowled.

"Don't play games with me." Byakuya grinned and grabbed her wrist.

"Fine, I'll stop playing. He'll be here soon anyway, and that's when the fun really starts." Rukia struggled, but his grip only tightened. He reached back and slammed the door shut. Then he placed a hand over Rukia's mouth. "This . . ." he paused, and looked at her, his eyes glinting. "Is going to be interesting."


Byakuya kept his expression in check as the door swung open and he came face to face with himself. He was grinning wildly, and Byakuya wanted to scowl when he saw that his hand was on Rukia's mouth, and the other was gripping her wrist. She was struggling, and Byakuya took a deep breath.

"Let her go," he said calmly. The impostor laughed.

"So stony faced, Byakuya. Lighten up a little." He brought his face closer to Rukia's. "She's fine, right Rukia?" Her eyebrows furrowed, and she reached up to pull his hand from her mouth. "Oh, no, no, no, I'm talking to myself right now. I wouldn't want you to interrupt." Byakuya stared into his own eyes.

"What is it you want?" Grey eyes flashed.

"Oh, you're not going to like it." Matching grey eyes narrowed. "I want her." Byakuya stepped forward, his lip curling up slightly. "One minute, you can relax. I want her to work for me. Now, I know that you won't allow it. You think I'll harm her, exploit her, and you're right." He smirked. "I probably won't treat her very well, but she could be useful. She'll spy inside the Gotei 13, and you, well . . ." he shrugged apologetically. "You'll be dead." Rukia's eyes widened, and Byakuya spun around. His Zanpakuto was out in a flash and crashed against another sword. The man from earlier was standing in the doorway. His mouth was open in a crooked smile. Byakuya grit his teeth as he was pushed back.

"So many openings," Byakuya's own voice seeped into his thoughts, and he ducked causing the impostor to clash with his partner. Byakuya sidestepped to a position where he could see both men. "You're quick, but I already knew that," the impostor sighed. "It's a shame, but I think I'm going to need both hands for this." He smashed the hilt of his Zanpakuto into Rukia's head, and she went limp in his arms. Byakuya remained frozen. He had to keep his head, and rushing forward would get him nowhere. The impostor set Rukia down gently, and then lifted the sword. "I think we should take this outside, don't you?" Byakuya didn't answer. The imposter walked to the door, and Byakuya followed him outside. It may not be the wisest move, but it was better than putting Rukia at risk. In such a small room it was harder to control the tiny blades.


They stepped outside, and the impostor turned to face Byakuya. He grinned, and morphed to stare up at the Captain from Rukia's eyes.

"So, Kuchiki Taichou, have fun killing your sister." Rukia darted forward, and swung her blade. Byakuya dodged, and spun around blocking a blow from the imposter's partner.

"No, no, no!" the impostor called out, using Rukia's voice. "This is between Byakuya and I." His partner nodded, and stepped back. "Shall we continue?" Rukia said quietly. Byakuya's eyes flashed.

"Scatter, Senbonzakura." The petal like blades swirled into the air, surrounding Byakuya. He closed his eyes, and tried to predict where the next attack would come from. He darted to the left as a pillar of ice formed where he had been standing. He glanced at his opponent and frowned at the sight of Rukia, her Zanpakuto drawn, and her eyes determined just as he had seen them before. It sickened him to see someone stoop so low. To use someone else's form because they had no strength of their own.

Another icy blast shot forward, and Byakuya brought the blades in front of himself as a shield. He increased his speed, and brought his hand up. The petals swirled past Rukia, and she winced as they tore through her shoulder.

"Not bad Byakuya. I thought this might have been difficult for you."

"You may resemble Rukia, but you aren't her. I see no reason to let that hinder my abilities." She grinned at him.

"We'll see about that." She charged forward, Byakuya sidestepped, his blades tearing through her other shoulder. Flashes of pink pushed Rukia back against the side of the house. Byakuya got ready to strike.


"Nii-sama?" gray eyes widened, and Byakuya whipped around. The impostor's partner was back, and in his arms was the real Rukia. She looked tired, and confused, and . . . Byakuya's mouth fell slightly as he saw the blood dripping down her arms.

"Rukia . . ." he stepped towards her and the impostor cackled.

"You see? I figured you would have some trouble with this fight. It's not just me you're hurting." Byakuya took a deep breath.

"Now what?" The impostor walked around to face him. He had changed again, and Byakuya was looking in a mirror.

"Now, I kill you, and Rukia becomes my spy." He glanced back at her. "And if she doesn't do as I ask, I'll kill her." Rukia shook her head.

"Nii-sama, don't . . . don't let him kill you," she whispered. Byakuya didn't respond.

"What's it going to be, Byakuya? Is this going to be done quickly, or is your sister going to have to suffer some more?"

Byakuya flash stepped to Rukia's side, and knocked out the imposter's partner. Byakuya's double laughed.

"Oh, Byakuya that was mean! He didn't do anything wrong." Byakuya stepped in front of Rukia, and stared impassively at himself. "What? You don't have anything to say?" Byakuya moved his hand up the hilt of his sword and slowly ran his finger along the blade. He allowed a smile to grace his lips as a drop of blood fell from the impostor's fingertip. Faster than the impostor could move he plunged Senbonzakura into his own stomach.

The imposter cried out, and the two fell in unison.

"Nii-sama!" Rukia shouted. She caught her brother before he hit the ground, and placed his head softly on her lap. "Nii-sama?" she said quietly. His eyes blinked open, and took a deep breath.

"Are you alright?" he asked. Rukia looked up, and saw that the impostor was crumpled on the ground, his hand clasped to his stomach.

"Yes, I'm fine. What about you?" He nodded, and closed his eyes.

"I should be." He winced, and Rukia grabbed his hand.

"Why did you do that?" He sighed.

"You're my pride, Rukia. He would have used you, and I didn't want to let that happen. It would dishonor the family, and you. You shouldn't have to be a position like that." Rukia smiled.

"Arigato, Nii-sama."


Rukia sat beside her brother's bed and sighed. They had been found shortly after the fight, and Unohana had treated him, but he still hadn't woken up. The impostor was locked up. They'd found out that he was an ex-shinigami. His Zanpakuto had the ability to connect its master with other Zanpakuto wielders. It stole their power, and masked its master with their appearance. Rukia looked at her brother. His face was paler than usual, and his hair hung loose around his face. She smiled. She was his pride. It wasn't often that Byakuya complimented her, and his sacrifice meant the world to her. Then she scowled. She should have been able to do something; she should have stopped him from doing something so stupid.

"Baka," she muttered. Byakuya's eyes fluttered open, and Rukia blanched. She hoped he hadn't heard that.

"That maybe true," he whispered. Rukia's lip twitched, she was in for it now. His storm gray eyes turned on her. "But at least you're safe." Rukia relaxed.

"How do you feel?" Byakuya smiled; genuinely smiled, as he looked at his younger sister, his pride.

"Better, much better now."