Chapter 8-Stop the Execution!
As soon as Gin left, I let out a huge sigh of relief. Then I looked to see if Izuru was alright, but he must have disappeared during the fight when I wasn't looking. But for now my first priority was taking care of Momo and getting her to the hospital. The rest wasn't as important.
"Momo! Is she alright?" Toshiro asked, eyes furrowed as he shunpoed over to us on the floor.
"She should be if we can get her over to the 4th Squad Barracks. Rangi...Lieutenant Matsumoto, could you please help me carry her?" I asked her and she nodded, ignoring my slip-up. We gently picked Momo up by both her arms and draped them over our shoulders. Toshiro watched anxiously as we did so.
"By the way, my name's Jenny Kadaline and it's nice to finally meet you, Rangiku." I added.
"Oh, it's nice to meet you too, Jenny. But please, call me Rangiku. You tried to protect Momo even though it could have cost you your life. For that, I thank you. Therefore you can just call me Rangiku, okay?" she replied sweetly, eyes brimming with genuine kindness.
I nodded happily as all three of us started to shunpo over to the Barracks. On the inside I was wondering why Rangiku was being so kind to me. I mean, it's in her nature and all that, but surely she must have heard about the Ryoka in disguise? Word got around fast in the Seireitei since Aizen was partly leaking out information on Ichigo's whereabouts. That much I knew for sure since it was revealed in the manga. So surely she must know who I am by now.
But...Lieutenants were often left in the dark about certain things so maybe the information was withheld from her. That or maybe she just didn't care. I didn't see any signs of hostility coming from her so maybe that was it. Or it could have been the fact that I tried to save Momo from certain death even though I was one of the Ryoka. Either way, I was glad that she was opening up to me. That just made my job so much easier. I looked over my shoulder to see Toshiro close behind us. He was extremely worried for Momo's safety, as were we. The three of us didn't say anything to each other as we passed the other Divisions all the way to the 4th.
We got there in record time and found Unohana tending to the injured. Her eyes widened when she saw Momo, then looked at me strangely when she saw me holding her up. Of course, I didn't blame her for being suspicious and surprised. I was a Ryoka in disguise after all and I somehow managed to escape prison. Now that was cause for alarm, if not more.
Unohana told us to follow her and we were lead into a separate room. Rangiku and I gently laid Momo down onto the bed while an IV patch was placed on her. Then Unohana bandaged both Momo's hands since she was still bleeding. She said that Momo was under a lot of emotional distress and that some rest would most likely help her. She turned to leave, but I pulled her over to the side where Toshiro and Rangiku couldn't hear us.
"Captain Unohana, please be careful. There's something else going on in the Seireitei. Nothing is as it seems and not everyone is who they pretend to be. I'm sorry, but I can't say more on who is behind this at the moment. You probably wouldn't believe me if I did."
I bowed apologetically. She stiffened, then relaxed as she processed the information.
"Yes, I know that there is something afoot here in Seireitei. I have a sneaking suspicion on just who it might be. Your warning only serves to strengthen that. But truth be told, it seems mighty suspicious of you to know for certain who is behind this entire mess. Tell me Ryoka, are you or are you not our enemy?"
Unohana's gaze met mine in an intense stare. We held each other's gaze for a long time. I did not back down as I sent her a silent message that said I was not her enemy. She finally relented and sighed, breaking our little contest.
"I see, so you are not siding with the enemy. But then the question remains on how you know about who's behind this." I scowled at what she was implying. She still didn't trust me too well even after all that. Oh geez, come on. The very idea was absolutely preposterous. Me? Working for that bastard Aizen? No way! No way in hell!
But at the time, I didn't know of the events to occur later on sometime in the future. If I had, I would have questioned the validity of my thoughts. Of course, I would never do anything to intentionally harm the Soul Society, but with the way things unfolded, I had to ask myself if what I did was actually correct. If what I did could have somehow changed for the better if I had done something differently.
She immediately tried to lighten up on the questioning. Oops, I mean the interrogation, Unohana style of course, after she realized her mistake.
"You do not need to tell me who is orchestrating these events, Jenny. But I do have to inquire about where you got this information from to be credible."
My scowl lessened as I thought about whether or not to tell her the truth. I sighed as I chose the latter. Might as well get it out of the way, right?
"Can we go somewhere private first?"
She nodded and we walked out of the room and stood in the hallway. I then proceeded to tell her about me being a seer and how I knew about them. Her expressions ranged from shock, to suspicion, then amazement, and finally to a grim tight-lipped frown as she debated what to say next.
"Hmm, I see. So you have these dreams of us that include our past, present, and futures. That is indeed a formidable ability. But a word of advice, little one..."
I perked up at the prospect of the great Retsu Unohana giving someone like me advice. Oh, I was so lucky! She was one of the wisest people in Bleach, besides a couple of others. So to have her saying something like this to me was a great honor indeed.
"Do not casually say this to everyone you meet. I understand that you want people to know that you are on their side, but...sometimes it may not work out that way. Some might get angry that you know about their pasts while some might not. It depends on who the person is that you're going to tell. Either way, it might bring more harm than good. And be careful to whom you say this to, little one. There are some people out there that will want to use this to their advantage and will stop at nothing to get it. Try to keep that in mind."
She had a grave face that said that this was not something to be taken lightly. I stood completely still, shocked, that she managed to figure out one of the things that I was most worried about since I got there. I nodded my head as I spoke sadly in response.
"I know Captain Unohana, I know. I've only said this to a couple of people so far because I trust them to keep this a secret. I trust them with my life even if they don't trust me with theirs. They will not tell anyone else unless I say otherwise. I have made all of them promise me and I truly believe they will keep their promises. So now that you know, will you promise to keep this a secret as well?"
"Yes little one, you have my word. Though it is a bit far-fetched, I will take your word for it. After all, in these troubled times, it is not impossible to imagine your friend as an enemy and your enemy as a friend. I will give you the benefit of the doubt. I thank you for taking the time to tell me this and for your trust in me to guard this important secret. Take care, little one."
I bowed as she got ready to leave. "No, thank you...for everything, Captain Unohana."
She smiled and walked away to resume tending the injured. I took a deep breath and walked back into the room. Toshiro was leaning over Momo's body anxiously while Rangiku stood beside him. They looked up as I joined them in mourning over what happened to Momo. I knew Toshiro was the one suffering the most from this though. Suddenly, he spoke, his voice resounding across the room.
"Thank you, Rangiku. If you hadn't shown up when you did, Momo would have been dead by now. And thank you Ryo...no, Jenny, for trying to protect her and for helping me out."
He continued staring at Momo as we nodded. I noticed Rangiku rubbing her wrists from the strain of blocking Gin's sword and knew she was having flashbacks of him.
"Don't worry Toshiro, Momo will be just fine," I tried reassuring him. It did little good and me calling him by his first name didn't help matters. I forgot that he didn't let anyone, even Momo, call him that since he usually chastised them afterwards so I knew I messed up there. Yeah sure, it was okay to call him by his first name in my mind but in reality it was a different thing all together. He tensed and clenched his fists tightly. I knew it was because he was angry and when he didn't retort, I realized he was having flashbacks also, thinking things over to set them straight. He probably didn't have time to chastise me because he had others things to focus on. Suddenly he turned and looked straight into my eyes. I drew a breath and shuddered.
God! His eyes are so beautiful, even when they're filled with pain and sadness. Gah! Bad thoughts, bad thoughts Jenny! I can't go Mary-Sue on them! Not now, not ever!
I shook my head and silently reprimanded myself.
"Was this what you meant by that? What you tried to warn me about in the meeting? You Ryoka aren't the real enemies here, right?"
"Yes." I glanced away from him. The intensity of his gaze was too much to bear. His solemn voice didn't help either.
"We're definitely not the real enemies here. All we want is to save Rukia. With that being said, I know a lot about what's going on around here. That's why I tried to warn you about it. The problem was that I didn't think you would take it to heart what with me being a Ryoka and all. I can see that I was wrong and for that, I am truly sorry that I didn't just outright tell you all that I know."
"Wait, what? You knew what was going to happen? I get that you tried to warn me, but...how did you know? And you could have told me from the very beginning? Damn it!" he cursed, clenching his fist. He glared at me angrily, then looked away.
I knew what he was thinking though. He was probably cursing himself over the fact that he could have saved Momo if he had just took the time to ask me more. I let him wallow in his self-pity for a while. In the meantime, I debated whether or not to tell him the truth about how I knew. Thing was, after the talk with Unohana, I didn't think he'd take it too well.
He was one of the sensitive types when it came to his past. Maybe I could just tell him I knew the future? No need to get him angry or anything. That's the last thing I wanted to do. I cleared my throat and both Toshiro and Rangiku turned towards me. I proceeded to tell them about my being a seer. I told them that I knew the future and nothing else besides that.
They would probably learn later on that I was only telling half the truth and boy, would they be angry at me. Well, angry would be an understatement. Toshiro would probably try to maim me while Rangiku would probably be disappointed in me. Hopefully by that time we would be good friends, so I wouldn't have to worry about getting maimed by Toshiro. I would like to keep all my limbs and soul intact, thank you very much.
"Wha...? But that's not even possible! You can see the future? And through your dreams? Please, as if! I refuse to believe something as ridiculous as that! Now tell me, how do you really know? Come on, we don't have all day you know!" Toshiro burst out, clearly annoyed at being pranked by some little girl. Some little Ryoka girl to be more specific.
I stared at him, slightly hurt by his outburst. I knew that he would probably doubt my story since he was a practical and down to earth guy, but...it still hurt. It really did. I turned my attention over to Rangiku to see how she was faring. Her eyes glistened with excitement as she rushed over to me. Before I could defend myself, she grabbed me and pressed me up against her chest. Her boobs squished my entire face as I struggled to breathe.
Rangiku went on babbling about how it was so exciting and awesome that I could see into the future. She asked me all kinds of questions about what she was going to wear that was in style later on in the future and how much sake she would have to drink to win a bet that she and Hisagi made the other day. While that was happening, I tried screaming at her to let go but all that came out was a muffled sound. Toshiro swiped a hand through his spiky hair and sighed.
"Rangiku please, let her go. You're going to kill her and I won't be there to help you clean up the mess." She looked up and stopped talking, casting her eyes downward to see that I was close to passing out. She immediately let go and gasped.
"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry, Jenny! Oops! I guess I got carried away! Hehe!" I slowly got up as the dizziness went away. Well at least Rangiku bought the story. Now if only Toshiro would believe me, then we were all set.
"Gee, thanks Captain Hitsugaya. You could have helped me out a bit earlier, you know?" I said sarcastically, rolling my eyes. This time I was mindful of what I called him. He smirked just the tiniest bit, then turned serious.
"Now really, how do you know about what's going on? Who or what gave you that information?" I gazed at him and held it for a couple of minutes. He searched for something in my eyes to show that I was lying, then reared back in surprise when he found none.
"You...you're not kidding, are you? You really meant it, didn't you?"
I nodded back solemnly as he slumped over slightly. His face was pale and his breathing came out in uneven pants. He was trying his hardest to comprehend the idea. I knew it must have been hard for him since he was always so logical about things.
"Wow, that's..." was all he could say before a Hell Butterfly came in and landed on Rangiku's finger.
"To all Lieutenants and Captains, Rukia Kuchiki's execution will be held in 29 hours from now. I repeat, Rukia Kuchiki's execution will be held in 29 hours from right now. This decision is final and irrevocable. There will be no further changes in the date. That is all." she repeated as the Hell Butterfly flew away. Toshiro's eyes widened as he took in the information. Then he walked out the door quickly with us trailing close behind.
"Captain!" Rangiku cried.
Toshiro looked up and said that if Gin was behind this, then we had to stop the execution at all costs. Rangiku and I glanced at each other, then looked back to Toshiro and nodded. He placed a Kido barrier on the outside of the door so that nobody could get in. But I knew that it wouldn't do any good since Momo was an expert when it came to Kido. She could easily get out if she wanted to.
We shunpoed out the Barrack doors. I could tell that there was someone hiding in the shadows close to us. I guessed it was Izuru since he would fight Rangiku later, but I could have been wrong.
"And this is where I take off guys. I'm sorry I can't help you do whatever you're going to do, but I have other things to attend to. The best way to stop the execution is to get an appeal from the Central 46. I suggest going there first," I said as we jumped from rooftop to rooftop. They looked slightly surprised that I knew about Central 46, but chose not to comment on it.
"Okay, but then what about you? What will you do now?" Toshiro asked me.
"I'm going to try to stop the execution on site in case things get out of hand. You just focus on going to the Central 46, then we can talk, okay?" He nodded and I decided to add something else.
"Oh and Captain Hitsugaya, just be careful alright? Again, just watch out for Gin and for Momo. Momo's under a lot of stress so it makes her very easy prey for him. Also, as I said before, not all people are who they pretend to be..."
I regretted that I couldn't give him any more information. I decided that it was best to warn him. There are just some things in the world that are bound to happen, and Aizen's betrayal was one of them. There were too many important things to learn from it and I didn't want to change that. Maybe in the future with the Arrancars I would change things around, but for now, no I just couldn't. All I could do now was guide them and make sure things stayed on track, hoping for the best.
Toshiro nodded and thanked me for my help, knowing that there was no time for explanations. I went in the direction of the Sokyoku while Rangiku and Toshiro went in the direction of the Central 46.
Good luck Toshiro! Please don't die!
Now some of you are probably wondering why I didn't go with Toshiro. Call it instinct or whatever, but I knew that if I followed them, something bad would happen to me. Meaning me getting my ass kicked by Aizen and Gin. That's why I decided to go to the Sokyoku instead. While over there, I could help Ichigo in his fight with Byakuya. I could also ensure that I would be able to tell them of Aizen's escape plan. But that was a bit of a long shot.
So then, to the Sokyoku! I sure do hope I make it there in time!
I shunpoed as quickly as I could from rooftop to rooftop. I didn't want to be on the ground since there were still some Soul Reapers looking for us Ryoka down below. They were still waiting for us to show ourselves so that they could capture us.
Heh! The fools! As if we'd be stupid enough to get caught here.
I scoffed as I scanned the area below me. I momentarily wondered how Orihime and the others were doing. Though I knew that they would be alright since Yachiru was leading them to the Sokyoku.
Oh well, it's okay. I really wanted to meet them but I know that I'll be seeing them later on.
I sighed, then rejoiced as I saw the Sokyoku up ahead. I was going to make it there in time! They hadn't released it yet! Maybe I could reason with them. Hmm, would they even listen to me though? Ha! Fat chance, but it was worth a try. My thoughts were interrupted when I saw a huge burst of reddish energy. It was like nothing I've ever seen or felt before. It was extraordinary! It didn't suffocate me like Yamamoto's spiritual pressure, but I could feel it's power surrounding me. It was completely amazing! That's when I realized what it meant.
Shit, so much for that idea. They already released it. I've got to hurry!
I cursed as I willed myself to shunpo faster. I didn't really know what I could do since I wasn't that experienced in sword fighting. But I had to do at least something to help them. I was literally flying when I got to the infamous Sokyoku Hill. The Captains were lined up and I saw Rukia on the stand. Then I saw the Sokyoku in it's released form. It was in the shape of a Phoenix and it blazed like fire. It was absolute raw power and I was blown back by the sheer force of it. This was so cool to see in person instead of on a TV screen! I opened my mouth to say something when I noticed the Sokyoku preparing to stab Rukia.
"Noooooooo! Stop the execution!" I screamed. Some of the Captains turned my way to see what the commotion was about. Some glared at me while a couple others were surprised to see me. A few just ignored me altogether. I glared as they turned their attention back to the Sokyoku.
I was scared for Rukia's safety. Even though I knew Ichigo would arrive to save Rukia in time, there was still some doubt in my mind. I didn't know how to explain it, but it was just there. What if my presence here really screwed things up? I mean, I was like an unexpected chemical in Bleach so it must have its repercussions, right? That would be one of my worst nightmares come true. I wanted to help and guide them, not make things worse.
Anything can happen in Bleach, that's what I learned from past experiences. So ultimately I guess doubt was reasonable in this stage of the game. But then again, if Rukia was killed there would be no story, so I guess everything was okay for now at least. Plus, I loved Rukia so much. She was so independent and strong. I wanted to be like her if I ever became a real Soul Reaper. She was a survivor and didn't let things set her back. So seeing your favorite female character in your favorite anime series about to be killed, it was pretty devastating to say the least.
It turned out that I didn't need to worry as Ichigo came and blocked the Sokyoku with Zangetsu. The Captains gasped in shock. In the distance, I saw Ichigo talking with Rukia. Even though I couldn't hear, I had a general idea of what they were saying from when I watched the anime.
"This can't be! He stopped the spear! But the Sokyoku has the power of a million zanpakuto! He couldn't have taken it on with a single zanpakuto, could he?" Soifon asked incredulously.
Ha! Don't underestimate the Berry, Soifon. It just might be your greatest mistake.
I mentally did a happy dance. Rukia was saved and now the real drama was just beginning. But I had to admit that seeing all the Captains in shock was a pretty funny sight. An added bonus if you will.
"Nanao, do you think that this could be the one that the other Ryoka was talking about?" Kyoraku asked.
"Yes, his appearance certainly matches all the Captain's reports we've received." she replied back.
"I see, I guess it figures in the end that it was the Ryoka who saved the day."
He tipped his hat over his face and I smiled. I was a few feet away so I could hear all their conversations. I was grateful that Kyoraku and some of the others had enough common sense to question the execution, unlike the rest of them who wanted Rukia dead. The Sokyoku shrieked and prepared for its second attack. Just as Ichigo and the Sokyoku were about to clash again, a long rope came up and encircled the bird's neck. It came back to the ground with a loud thud as it embedded itself there. The Captains looked around and saw Ukitake, Kiyone, and Sentaro holding up a shield with the Shihoin clan symbol on it.
"Captain Ukitake! And Kiyone?" Isane cried in complete disbelief.
"Hey there, mister handsome. I was starting to wonder if you planned to show up." Kyoraku teased, shunpoing to the other side of the shield.
"Ah! Captain Kyoraku!" Isane cried again. Yamamoto turned around just a bit and I could tell he was genuinely surprised to see the two of them working together like this.
"It took a while to break the seal, but this should do it!" Ukitake yelled, plunging the shield into the ground.
"Stop them! They'll destroy the Sokyoku!" Soifon shouted. As she said that, the two activated the shield and the Sokyoku shattered into pieces. The pieces seemed like fireballs as they rushed towards the ground. Everyone tried to cover themselves, hell even I did! I was blown back quite a distance, but I managed to shunpo my way back to my original spot.
Ichigo did a back-flip, landing on the Sokyoku stand. I knew what was going to happen and braced myself. He swung his sword in the air by the string on Zangetsu and plunged it into the stand. There was a huge burst of blueish light as the ground below was blown straight through. An enormous crashing noise could be heard from a distance and dust debris was everywhere. I knew Ichigo was doing his little speech while holding Rukia and I mentally rolled my eyes.
Nice Ichigo. Looking badass as always. Now can we please get on with the story already?
I sighed as everyone beside me was completely shell-shocked at the display of power.
"Ah! How...did he do that?" Isane asked. I smirked and inwardly laughed as I saw their expressions. It was this huge group WTF moment. I really wished I had my camera to take a picture because it was priceless!
"The stand is destroyed!" Sentaro cried.
Way to state the obvious, Sentaro.
"What...kind of man is he?" Omaeda asked and I sighed.
Okay, okay, we get it. You're all surprised I know that, but can we please move on now?
I looked up at Ichigo. He spotted me and smiled before turning his attention back to Rukia. I blushed at that. Now it was my turn to be shocked by him. Ichigo Kurosaki actually smiled, and at me for that matter! Oh wow, that was totally unexpected!
No! I'm going Mary-Sue on them again! Come on girl, get your mind out of the gutter!
I shook my head to clear those thoughts. It would never happen anyway. Only in my dreams. I heard a noise behind me and looked back to see Renji taking out the guards that were in his way.
"It's about time, Renji!" Ichigo shouted. Rukia gasped in surprise and relief to see her best friend still breathing.
"Oh Renji, it's you! I'm so glad you're still alive!"
Renji smiled as they looked at each other. I couldn't help but smile even though IchiRuki was way cooler in my opinion. Sure RenRuki was okay, but I still preferred IchiRuki above all else for actual canon pairings in Bleach.
"I figured you'd show up." Ichigo said to Renji.
"Huh, well what choice did I have? I couldn't just rely on you to save Rukia, could I?"
Ichigo smiled, then raised Rukia up with his arm. They looked at him in slight curiosity. I, of course, knew exactly what was going to happen next. Realization dawned on them as he swung his arm back, preparing to launch Rukia straight at Renji's stomach.
"Ahhhhhhhhhhh!"
Renji started freaking out. In the end, he came back to his senses and caught her like a football. I tried my hardest not to laugh, but couldn't help it as Rukia and Renji swore at him. As soon as I got over my laughing fit, Ichigo started talking again.
"Take her and go!"
"Wha...?" Renji responded dumbstruck.
"Don't just stand there! Get her to safety! Take her far away from here!"
"That's your duty. Protect her with your life!" Ichigo shouted. Renji nodded in understanding and hightailed it out of there. I could mentally hear Ichigo's theme song, 'Number One', playing in the background while that was happening.
"Ah, Renji?" Omaeda asked dumbfounded.
"Don't just stand there watching you fools! Go! All Lieutenants after them!" Soifon yelled. Yamamoto looked at Sasakibe, his Lieutenant, while Isane looked at Unohana. She nodded at Isane to say it was alright. I shunpoed in front of them as soon as the three started chasing Renji. I couldn't let them capture Rukia. Not again, and certainly not if I had anything to say about it.
I unsheathed the sword I had as Isane came at me. I brought up my sword to defend myself as we clashed against each other. I grunted from the strain as Sasakibe charged behind me. I kicked my right foot up, but hit air as he shunpoed away from it. He swung down and the tip of his blade just barely nicked me as I dodged it in time. Unfortunately, I was still recovering from the close call so I didn't see Omaeda rushing in on my blind spot. Before he could hit me, Ichigo shunpoed over and blocked his attack. I gasped as I turned around and realized how close I had come to being a goner.
"T-Thanks, Ichigo." I stuttered. He nodded as the three pulled out their zanpakutos. He plunged Zangetsu into the ground and closed his eyes.
"Urgh! Get outta the way!" Omaeda cried viciously. Ichigo opened them as they released their zanpakutos. He raised his fist and punched straight through Gegetsuburi into Omaeda's stomach. The other two stood bewildered as Ichigo sidestepped him and took out Sasakibe, then Isane. Byakuya came charging at Ichigo with his sword raised. Before I could warn Ichigo though, he grabbed Zangetsu and met Byakuya's attack head on.
"I can see your every move, Byakuya Kuchiki," he all but smirked with that badass look plastered on his face. I inwardly smirked also. It was going to be interesting seeing this for real. And with that, the 'Number One' song I was mentally singing ended. I could just imagine a 'To Be Continued' sign in front of the two. Now then, let the real battles begin!
Wow! That was freaking awesome! Go Ichigo and his badass awesomeness! This is the rewritten chapter and I hope you all liked it! I worked really hard so please let me know what you think of my story so far. Thank you to SwirlzSmile for beta-reading this chapter! I love you girl! And thank you to all those who supported my story and to all those who reviewed! You guys rock!
Please, please review! Thanks guys! Until next time!XD
