Rukia strapped a sack to her waist alongside her Zanpakuto. She was going… She was going to Hueco Mundo, to save Ichigo. The Stealth force had recently discovered that that was where her friend was. Hueco Mundo, Ichigo was being held captive somewhere in the land of Hollows. The Stealth Force was going to send a squad out tomorrow. She was leaving now. She had to get to Ichigo before them.

I can't let them hurt Ichigo.

This thought was running repeatedly in her mind as she prepared to set off. There would be consequences for this, she was sure, but right now, she didn't care. Right now, all that mattered was Ichigo's safety. She looked around, she was ready.

Time to save Ichigo.

Despite all that was going on, she smiled at this thought. Ichigo had always been the one to protect her, Ichigo had always done the saving. Now their roles were reversed. Here face grew serious, she was going to save him, she had to.

She walked out of the Kuchiki mansion. She nearly jumped when she heard a voice behind her.

"You're so predictable, you know that?" Rukia spun around. Renji was standing there.

"I know you're not going stop me," Rukia told him confidently, "Or are you coming with me?" Renji's face grew grave.

"Believe me," He said sadly, "I wish I could, but I can't" Rukia looked at him, puzzled.

"Why not?" She asked. Renji sighed.

"Demons have been spotted in the world of the living, causing all sorts of hell. Yamamoto was right, they're strong, too strong for the average soul reaper. The squads need all the Bankai users in the real world, to help keep the Demons at bay." Rukia was shocked.

"The Demons are attacking the world of the living!" She gasped, "Why!" Renji shook his head.

"We've got no idea," He said, "All I know is that if we don't do something fast, the real worlds got a serious problem on its hands," Nothing was said for a few moments, then Renji gave Rukia a soft smile.

"So here's my part in this," He more cheerfully, "I'll hold off those Demon bastards until you save Ichigo, Then he and I will show them what real hell is." Rukia nodded.

"Yeah, thanks Renji, and good luck."

"You too, I don't like the idea of you going off alone, but I know the stealth force will be near, but still…be careful," Rukia nodded.

"You too," She said as she turned around, "See you later Renji," She said as she flashed stepped away.

Rukia flashed stepped toward the gate. She thought about what Renji had said.

Why would the Demons attack the world of the living? I thought their goal was revenge against the Soul Society. What's the point?

She thought but couldn't find an answer. Finally, she arrived at the gate. There was no one there, most of the soul reapers were off preparing to make the journey to the real world.

Good there's no one here. Wait a minute where is he…?

She spun around when she heard a "ohhh!" Hanataro laid face flat on the ground. He had tripped over his own Zanpakuto.

"Hanataro," Rukia said.

"Oh…. Miss. Kuchiki!" Hanataro stuttered as he picked himself up off the ground.

"Is everything ready?" She asked him. Shortly after the meeting, she had sought out Hanataro and asked him to set up a portal to Hueco Mundo. He had, nervously, agreed. Of course he had. The small soul reaper owed a lot to Ichigo, The substitute had saved his hide a lot during the time she was imprisoned.

"Yes, everything's in place," Hanataro said as he went over to the gate, "All the coordinates have been set, heh… are you sure about this."

"Of course," She said, "Do you want to see Ichigo get killed?" Hanataro's eyes widened.

"N-no of course not. It's just…" he stammered. "These Demons seem really strong, Are you sure you can handle them… alone?"

"You're talking to the person who defeated the 9th Espada, remember," She exclaimed proudly, "I can handle a stupid Demon any day.

"Well… Okay.." Hanataro said. Rukia turned away.

Yeah right…

She may have defeated the 9th Espada, but she had barely survived that battle. And Ichigo, who had practically torn through the upper ranks of the Espada, had been defeated by those Demons, Could she really win…? She shook her head violently.

Yes… I have to win… for Ichigo…

"Uh… It's ready…" Hanataro said to Rukia, interrupting her from her thoughts.

"Right," She looked at the opening gate before her.

Alright… Let's go!

She said a brief "thanks" to Hanataro and ran though the gate.

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Byakuya Kuchiki stood before head captain Yamamoto. His face, as usual showed no emotion.

"Captain Kuchiki," Yamamoto said, "Twenty minutes ago your sister passed through the gate of the Soul Society. Can you explain this?" Byakuyas face did not change.

No doubt she went to help that boy…

Byakuya wasn't actually angry with her. He knew, even if she did not, how much that boy meant to her. Besides, Rukia was a strong one. He had no doubt that she would eventually find Kurosaki, and after that she would be safe. Though Byakuya would never admit it aloud, If anyone was going to protect Rukia, Kurosaki was the best.

"Captain…" Yamamoto said again. Byakuya almost sighed. Even though he wasn't particularly fond of Kurosaki, he did care for Rukia.

"I sent her on a private mission," Byakuya responded.

"What kind of private mission," Yamamoto asked him, still suspicious.

"If I told you, it wouldn't be private anymore…" Byakuya told him coolly.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I have some important duties to attend too." He turned around and walked out into the hall.

Kurosaki… Rukia has gone to a very dangerous place for you. If you somehow manage to get free. You will protect her with your life, If anything happens to her, I will kill you myself.

Even when thinking these things he knew he wouldn't have to worry. Byakuya knew that the boy would throw his life away for Rukia. He cared about her that much. This almost made Byakuya smile, almost….

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Authors note- Hey look! it's already been ten chapters… heh… And I'm not even halfway done. I wanna say thanks for all the great reviews I've gotten. I'm having a real good time writing this story. And I think my writing has improved over the last 10 chapters. Ah… I can already see my English grade going up. Heh.. just kidding, Anyway, just wanted to say thanks again.