Morning of the Sentence

I love you, you love me
Take this gift and don't ask why

Cause if you, will let me
I'll take what scares you and hold it deep inside

A/N: So, this chapter is going to skip ahead to the end of Zakuro's Bankai training, only showing the last part when she actually achieves Bankai. The events of this chapter will cover episodes 51-53. Hope you all enjoy, review plz!

Sweat covered my forehead as I continued to fight the manifestation of my Zanpakutō. I had no idea how long I had been training, but that didn't really matter. If I had any chance of saving Rukia before she was executed, I had to learn Bankai.

"Come on Zakuro, I know you can do so much better." Mūndoragon snapped, bearing her teeth. She lunged toward me, her long body rippling like a wave.

I jumped and grabbed the next scythe I could, blocking her jaws. Mūndoragon snapped the blade in two without resistance.

"Damnit!" I cursed, jumping out of the way.

"You'll never achieve Bankai if you keep dodging me." Mūndoragon taunted, looking up at me. "Give it your all! Where's that fighting spirit!"

I dodged her next attack and I was starting to get frustrated. I aimed my palm downward towards the manifestation "Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Inferno and pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, march on to the south! Hadō #31. Shakkahō!"

I discharged the red fire ball and it struck Mūndoragon square in the face. I used Flash Step to grab another scythe, that was almost identical to Mūndoragon in her released state.

"Now you're getting it! That's my girl!" Mūndoragon laughed. "That's exactly what I'm talking about."

I gasped. "So, if I can't force her submission with a sword, then maybe with my Kidō." I thought, looking down at my hand. I clenched it into a fist and felt my Spirit Energy rise around me. "Prepare to submit to me, Mūndoragon!" I yelled, pointing at the dragon.

She nodded at me. "Show me what you've got, Zakuro Kurosaki." she chimed, smiling.

I jumped into the air and clapped my hands together. "Walls of iron sand, a priestly pagoda, glowing ironclad fireflies. Standing upright, silent to the end. Bakudō #75. Gochūtekkan!"

Five iron pillars pinned Mūndoragon to the ground, but she could thrash her tail, meaning she wasn't fully down.

I landed a few feet in front of her, catching my breath. "I have one more spell up my sleeve, then you're all mine." I chuckled, my lips curling into a grin.

"Give it your all Zakuro, I want to see your full power." Mūndoragon pressed.

I nodded. I clasped my hands together and intricately intertwined my fingers, "Bakudō #99, Part 1. Kin!" I slammed my hands down on the ground and a large, spiritual fabric came from the sky and landed on Mūndoragon, pinning her to the ground.

At my feet laid my katana, my sealed Zanpakutō. I picked it up and held it directly to Mūndoragon's forehead. "It's over, I've won." I stated, panting.

She looked up at me with her piercing gold eyes and nodded. "Yes, you have beaten me." she said. "Pierce me with your blade, and I will reveal my Bankai release to you."

I took a deep breath and exhaled, raising the katana high above my head. I closed my eyes and plunged the blade into the Spiritual Manifestation. A second after I did so, I felt myself being engulfed in a warm light.

I could feel my Spirit Energy increasing all around me, and I felt so much stronger. I opened my eyes and looked around me, and that's when I noticed my Shihakushō had changed. It was now a black strapless dress with a medium length train, black frilly sleeves that were dis-attached, a white skirt, white knee-length socks and tan sandals, and silver shoulder pads.

The sword I held was glowing brightly and I saw it's shape morph into a double bladed scythe. The pole was sleek and black, with an electric blue ribbon wrapped around it, the curved blades were a shining silver. It was the most beautiful weapon I had ever seen, and she was mine. I knew her name the moment I saw her release.

"Tsuin Mūndoragon." I said with full confidence.

The light around me vanished and I was back in the training ground, my Bankai training complete.

"Damn, Zakuro you look amazing." I heard Renji say from below.

I looked down at him and smiled. "Why thank you, Lieutenant Abarai." I replied, winking. "I figured as much my blade would change, but I didn't think my Shihakushō would as well." I motioned to the dress I now wore.

I heard Momo whistle, "Damn girl, I can feel your Spiritual Pressure all the way from over here." she smiled. "Plus, you look hot!"

I shook my head and twirled my new blade.

"Now that you've achieved Bankai release, I want to teach you a little trick." I heard Mūndoragon's voice inside my mind. "Concentrate some of your spirit energy into your weapon, and then discharge it towards your enemy."

I nodded and closed my eyes, focusing my spiritual energy. I opened my eyes and twirled Tsuin Mūndoragon around my body, and her two bladed ends began to glow electric blue in color. I then spun, striking the ground, sending two blasts of spirit energy towards a giant boulder. The rock crumpled away when the blasts made contact.

"Damn." I muttered.

"That attack is called Getsuga Tenshō." Mūndoragon informed. "You can also use it in my Shikai state as well. It can prove to be quite useful in a fight."

I nodded. "No kidding." I chuckled.

"Congratulations on achieving Bankai." Mūndoragon chimed.

I closed my eyes and sealed my Zanpakutō, sheathing the katana. "Now that that's all done, I can finally rest." I felt my energy just leave me and I collapsed, right over the edge of the cliff I stood on.

Renji caught me in an instant and set me down by the hot springs area. "You alright?" he asked.

I looked up into his deep, brown eyes, and nodded. "Yeah, just exhausted is all." I answered, chuckling. "I just need to rest for a few hours."

Renji smiled. "Well, you do that." he suggested. "After all the training you've been doing, you've earned some R&R."

I nodded. "Wake me when you achieve your Bankai." I told him, laying down. "That way, we can head out and rescue Rukia together."

"It's a deal." Renji agreed.

I smiled at him before drifting off to sleep. The dream I had was more of a memory, from when we escaped the Seireitei together, making our way to where Ichigo and Momo were training.

{Flashback}

The sun had set and Renji and I stopped by the lake.

"This is a good spot to rest a while." Renji told me, leaning against the tree.

I collapsed on my knees and caught my breath. "Man, those Flash Steps can really take a lot outta ya." I panted, leaning against the tree trunk.

Renji slid down next to me. "We'll rest here a few hours, then start moving again."

I nodded. "Sounds like a plan to me." I agreed, smiling.

Feeling exhaustion take over, I leaned to the side and rested my head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around me, and rubbed my arm.

A woman's voice humming stirred me from my sleep. When I opened my eyes, I noticed my head was on Renji's leg. I slowly sat up and stretched. I walked over to the lake and scooped up a handful of water, and drank it. The water was nice and cold, just what I needed.

I sat by the water's edge, and when I replayed the humming in my head, I realized it was just my memory of my mom again, of her humming a soft Disney song that was a lullaby for me when I was younger.

"Listen with your heart, you will understand." I murmured. "Let it break upon you, like a wave upon the sand." I pulled my knees up to my chest, feeling moisture well in my eyes. "Listen with your heart and you will understand"

"Zakuro?" Renji questioned.

I jumped and looked back. "Oh, did I wake you?" I asked, nervously.

"No." he replied, helping me to my feet. "Are you okay?"

I nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine." I answered. "I was just, just thinking about my mom." I looked across the lake. "I miss her."

Renji wiped a tear from my cheek, turning my face back to him. He tucked some loose strands of hair behind my ear. My heart thudded in my chest as I looked up into his deep brown eyes.

Our faces inched closer together, and I knew I should resist, but I didn't want to. Renji's hand cupped my jaw as I closed my eyes. Then, I felt his lips touch mine and I welcomed the kiss. Renji's lips were soft and warm, and I relaxed into him. My hand reached up and caressed his cheek before resting on his shoulder. I caught a quick breath before kissing back, my heartbeat increasing.

When we pulled away, I was mesmerized by how I felt. Despite everything that's happened, somehow, it felt right being with Renji. But I still couldn't shake a feeling of my heart being pulled in two directions.

{End flashback}

I felt someone rub my shoulder and I stirred. I awoke to Renji kneeling next to me, and I felt heat rush to my cheeks.

"Ready to head out?" he asked, helping me up.

I nodded. "How long was I asleep?" I questioned, brushing myself off.

"Basically all day." Renji answered. "Rukia's execution is set for noon, today."

I gasped. "I was out that long!?" I ran my fingers through my ponytail. "Then, let's get a move on."

Renji and I made our way to the exit, where Momo was already waiting for us.

"I'm gonna go and try to find the others." she told us, smiling. "I'll meet you on Sōkyoku Hill." she winked before using her Flash Step to leave.

I shook my head, "She can be a show off sometimes." I muttered, crossing my arms across my chest.

I glanced back at my brother, who was still hard at work, training. "Hey, Ichigo!" I called. "I'm heading out with Lieutenant Abarai."

Ichigo glanced back at me and nodded. "Be careful sis." he replied.

I smiled. "Don't worry about me." I winked, turning to the exit, but looked back over my shoulder. "After all, I am your twin right."

I waved back to him as Renji and I walked towards Yoruichi, who was monitoring Ichigo's progress.

"Do you really think he's gonna be able to do it, Yoruichi?" I asked, in a low whisper.

"Tell me Zakuro." Yoruichi spoke, keeping her eyes on Ichigo. "Do you remember the first time, when you were a child, that you stood up and walked on your own?"

I blinked. "No." I answered. "No one remembers anything that early in life."

"If you don't remember but yet you did it, it means you weren't conscious of it at the time." she replied. "Humans are already born knowing how to stand. Just like birds are born knowing how to fly, and fish are born knowing how to swim. It's instinct." she continued. "So, I think Ichigo knows deep down that he has that power. I believe that he will reach Bankai."

I smiled and nodded. "Thank you, Yoruichi." I said. "Thanks for everything. This training and believing in us."

She chuckled. "I'll see you two on Sōkyoku Hill." she replied.

Renji and I took off out of the cave and made our way back to the Seireitei.

As we ran through the Seireitei, we were faced by members of Squad Six, Renji's squad.

"Great, this is exactly what we need." I muttered, reaching for my sword.

Renji halted me. "I've got this." he said, stepping forward.

I watched as Renji effortlessly took out each Soul Reaper, leaving them all unconscious.

"Come on Zak, let's get moving." Renji called.

I nodded and ran after him. I faintly heard mutters from a few Soul Reapers, who were wondering why their own Lieutenant was running through the Seireitei with one of the Ryoka.

We leapt across building roofs, and I could see the Shishinrō getting closer. A part of me wanted to ask Renji about fighting members of his own squad, but then I decided against it. Instead, I just kept up with him, focusing on the mission at hand.

"If we come across any more Soul Reapers, let me fight them." Renji said, looking over at me. "You need to save you strength for saving Rukia."

I nodded. "But what if we run into a Captain on the way there?" I asked. "Wouldn't it be better if we team up and fight together?"

"Depends on which Captain we come across." Renji replied. "If I tell you to go on ahead, then go."

I rolled my eyes. "Last time I checked, you aren't my brother." I scoffed. "I really don't have to take orders from you."

"It's not so much an order but a suggestion from a friend." Renji rebuked, stopping. I landed next to him. He looked down into my eyes and placed his hands on my shoulders. "I don't want you getting hurt."

My breath caught in my throat. "I'm stronger than I look ya know." I reminded.

Renji nodded. "I know. But save your Bankai for the real fight, which is saving Rukia."

I sighed in defeat. "Okay, I'll leave the Soul Reapers to you." I caved. "But I'm not gonna run away and leave you." I added, reaching up and cupping his cheek. "I don't leave my friends behind."

Renji smiled at me and rubbed my shoulders. "You're a great girl, Zakuro." he complimented.

"You're not so bad yourself, Lieutenant Abarai." I returned, chuckling.

Renji reached down and intertwined our fingers, caressing the backs of my hands. "Let's go." he voted.

"Uh, yeah right." I nodded, following him.

As we passed through a large doorway, we were halted by a large Spiritual Pressure, one that I was all to familiar with.

"Damnit, not him again." I cursed.

Renji's eyes widened as he looked up, "Captain Kuchiki." he gasped.

"What are you doing here, Renji?" Byakuya asked, narrowing his eyes.

"I'm going to rescue Rukia." Renji replied, raising his voice.

"No." Byakuya ordered.

Then, he vanished from the roof, only to reappear where we stood. I saw his every move, but Renji reacted before I could. He drew his sword and blocked Byakuya's move, while pushing me behind him.

"Senka, a special Flash Step with a spin. When you use that move, you destroy your opponent's Soul Chain and Soul Sleep." Renji noted.

"So that's how he did it, back home." I muttered.

"Yes, that's the same move he used that almost killed you back in the World of the Living." Renji confirmed, looking over his shoulder at me. "It's his favorite move. I've seen it so many times that my body knows how to counter it."

I gripped onto Renji's arm. "What now?" I asked, looking up at him.

"Get out of here, leave Captain Kuchiki to me." Renji answered. "I can handle this."

"So, you're with the Ryoka now." Byakuya scoffed. "Interesting."

I gritted my teeth, but Renji pushed me back. He faced me and met my eyes. "Go Zakuro, I'll be fine."

I glanced at Byakuya, who was just standing there, watching us. I looked back up into Renji's eyes. He reached down and cupped my cheek and planted his lips over mine. My eyes closed and I reached up and grabbed his forearm.

I took a shuddering breath as I pulled away, dropping my hand to my side. "Please be careful," I pleaded, looking into his eyes. "Renji."

He gave me a genuine smile and nodded. I smiled back and kissed his cheek, before using my Flash Step to get to high ground, where I had perfect view of the battle below.

From where I stood I couldn't hear what Renji and Byakuya were saying, but I could tell by their looks that the fight was just beginning. Renji's Spiritual Pressure flared up and his body was shrouded with red spirit energy.

"Damn, he's serious." I muttered, my eyes wide.

Renji's energy continued to increase and soon all I saw was red energy. Once it calmed down, I noticed Renji had changed.

"So, that's his Bankai." I smiled.

The only thing different about Renji's Shihakushō was the added pink shoulder coverings and sleeve over his right arm. There were skulls on the shoulders and a brown glove on his right hand. His sword, Hihiō Zabimaru, however was now a long tan serpent with a red mane, spikes on the body, and a snake skull for a head.

I gasped at it's power. "Wow, that's impressive." I giggled.

"Now we shall see how much stronger he's become." Mūndoragon chimed in my head.

I nodded in agreement.

The fight was nonstop action as Renji swung his Bankai, following Byakuya's every move. In order to minimize the places Byakuya could hide to doge Hihiō Zabimaru, Renji destroyed the top halves of the surrounding buildings, making me jump to the top of the doorway we entered through. I learned that his Bankai was held together by his spirit energy, and the joints could connect and disconnect. It was truly a remarkable weapon, wielded by a remarkable Soul Reaper.

"He's so much stronger than he was back when I faced him that night." I remembered.

{Flashback}

I gripped the pole and swung my scythe around, holding it in front of me. I jumped in, swinging it, blocking Renji's blade with ease. Even though he was clearly stronger than me, I held my ground, not budging.

"Your pretty good, for a human fighting with stolen powers." Renji said, pushing me back a little. "But, that doesn't compare to the full training."

I lost my footing and quickly dodged his swing. I spun my left leg in a semi-circle and blocked his next attack with my scythe. "Damn." I muttered. I felt blood run down my leg, meaning he must've nicked me when I dodged his first strike.

"That's some fancy footwork, girlie." Renji chuckled, pulling his blade back to strike again.

I chasséd to the side, dodging another hit. "That's eleven years of dance lessons, of all styles." I informed, smiling. "And don't call me girly."

I swiped my scythe and created a mild wind. Renji dodged my blade, but the wind tore at his pant leg.

"So, your Zanpakutō is a wind type, interesting." he noted, taking another stance. "But, I bet you don't know her name."

"Name?" I repeated, gripping the pole tightly.

Renji grinned and swung his blade, but it ended up being a decoy attack, and his second swing made contact with my sleeve, tearing at the fabric and nicking my arm, blood ran from the wound. That threw me off balance, and I could barely block his next attacks.

"Not so confident now, are you?" Renji taunted, aiming to run me through the stomach.

Thanks to my dancer's muscle memory, I did a motion known as a manège, which are steps that travel in a circle around the dance area, or in this case, I used it to avoid Renji's blade piercing my stomach. Somehow, he anticipated my dodge and Renji slashed his blade, and the recoil of energy sent me skidding down the sidewalk.

{End flashback}

"I thought he was strong back then." I muttered, watching Renji. "He's so much more stronger now, incredible." I sighed, leaning against the slab on the doorway pillar. I couldn't stop smiling.

Byakuya stood up and regained his composure, brushing himself off. Then, he aimed his fingers in Renji's direction and I heard him call out "Hadō #33 Sōkatsui." blue flames discharged from his hand and created a huge cloud of smoke.

I braced myself, covering my face. "He discarded the incantation and still did this much damage?" I questioned. "So this is the true strength of a Captain."

Once the smoke cleared, Renji sent his Bankai after Byakuya once more, but it collapsed inches from him.

I gasped after realizing what had happened. "Since Renji's spirit energy holds it together, then Byakuya used that Hadō to disrupt the rhythm, making it almost impossible to control." I narrowed my eyes and gulped. "This turns the battle to Byakuya's favor, which looks bad for Renji." my eyes moved to him.

Byakuya fired another Kidō spell, this time Bakudō #61 Rikujōkōrō, which trapped Renji and made him completely motionless. Things were defiantly not looking good.

Byakuya drew his sword and pointed the blade down, releasing it. I heard him say "Bankai", then everything went downhill from there.

Everything appeared to move in slow motion as I saw countless small objects tear through Renji like vicious razors. His hair fell loose and blood poured from multiple wounds all over his body and he collapsed to the ground in a pool of blood. Even the doorway I stood on was being slashed apart, so I jumped to the ground and braced myself as the ground beneath me trembled.

I peeked around the doorway and saw Renji stand, despite the condition he was in, he was still ready to fight. He lunged towards Byakuya with his sword ready, but he was soon pinned down by multiple pink swords, the pierced right through his skin.

I winced in pain and braced myself against the stone, feeling moisture well in my eyes. I faintly heard him tell Byakuya something that made me think of Ichigo, and I smiled weakly.

But, Renji's injuries were too severe and he collapsed. Byakuya closed his eyes and tossed his scarf over Renji's body, and turned and walked away.

"Renji!" I called, sing Flash Step to get to him quicker.

I fell on my knees next to him and rolled his body over, and gasped at seeing how much blood he was covered in.

"Oh Renji." I whimpered, feeling tears stream down my cheeks. I caressed his cheek and touched my forehead to his. "Don't die, you can't die on me." I cried. "Please Renji, don't leave me."

I heard footsteps approaching us from behind and quickly drew my sword, holding it out ready to attack.

"Who are you?" I asked as the Soul Reaper approached.

He was a kid of average height with black hair and grey eyes, a tattoo above his left eye, with short black hair. He skidded to a halt. "Rikichi of Squad Six." he yelled. His eyes then moved to Renji, who was laying in my lap. "Lieutenant Abarai! What happened?" he looked back to me, "Did you do this, Ryoka girl?"

I rolled my eyes, "No!" I snapped. "It was your rat bastard of a captain that did this." I sniffled, fisting the cloth of Renji's uniform.

"What can I do?" Rikichi asked.

I looked over at him and smiled. Then it hit me. "There's one person I know who can save him." I muttered. "Rikichi, go to the Squad Four barracks and get 7th seat Hanatarō Yamada. He helped me once before so he's probably in the prison cells."

"Uh 7th seat?" Rikichi questioned.

I nodded. "He can save Renji, go!" I ordered. When I saw Rikichi hesitate, I added. "If you don't do this, Lieutenant Abarai will die."

Rikichi gasped and nodded. "Squad Four, 7th seat, Hanatarō Yamada." he repeated.

I nodded. "Tell him Zakuro Kurosaki sent you and she needs his help. Go!"

"Yes ma'am." Rikichi bolted back the way he came.

I smiled and looked back down at Renji, pushing his red hair out of his face.

"Zakuro." he muttered, opening his eyes.

"Shh." I whispered. "Don't talk, save your strength." I told him, caressing his cheek.

He took a ragged breath. "Kiss me." he muttered, looking into my eyes.

"What?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I want you…to kiss me." Renji repeated. I could tell he was struggling to breathe.

"Shh, I told you no to talk." I reminded, rubbing his chest.

He met my eyes. "Please Zak…" he choked out.

I sighed and leaned down placing my lips over his and gripped his hair with the hand I was using to support him, and caressed his cheek with the other. I felt his arm reach up and his cupped my cheek with his hand as he kissed back. My heart thudded in my chest and tears fell from my eyes as I opened my mouth just a little bit wider.

I pulled away for a quick breathe before Renji captured my lips again, like he needed me to keep breathing. And honestly, I didn't want to stop kissing him either. Time seemed to stop when we were together.

I panted as I pulled away, touching my forehead to his. "Renji, don't die." I begged.

Renji took a ragged breath and his lips curled into a smile. "I really think I'm starting to fall in love with you." he muttered, before his eyes closed and his head fell slack.

I gasped. "Renji?" I whispered. "Renji? Renji!" I cried. "No, don't die on me. You can't die." I sobbed. "Renji!"

"Not to worry my dear, everything's going to be fine." came a soft voice from behind me.

I gasped and looked over my shoulder to see a woman with a long braid wearing a Captain's haori standing behind me. I gulped. "Who are you?" I asked.

She smiled. "I'm Captain Unohana of Squad Four." she introduced. Then, I suddenly passed out.

I felt someone shaking me and I slowly opened my eyes. "Damn, what the hell happened to me?" I asked, rubbing my head.

"Are you okay Zakuro?" I heard Rikichi ask.

That's when it all came back to me. "Renji?" I questioned. I looked over at him and saw his arms and chest were bandaged up and Hanatarō was tending to him. I sighed in relief. "Hanatarō."

"Oh, hello Zakuro." he greeted, smiling. "I was gonna start treating you as soon as I was finished with Lieutenant Abarai if you didn't wake up."

I knelt down next to Renji and could sense he was going to pull through. "You're a miracle worker, Hanatarō." I chucked, caressing Renji's cheek with the backs of my fingers.

He began stirring and his eyes slowly opened and met mine. "Zakuro." he muttered.

I smiled down at him. "Hey, welcome back." I replied, giggling.

"How am I still alive?" Renji asked.

I looked over at Hanatarō, who was still healing Renji. "I sent Rikichi to get Hanatarō, because I knew he could save you." I answered. "See, Hanatarō helped Ichigo, Momo, and me, because he also wanted to save Rukia. However, for helping us he was thrown in jail." I chuckled.

"And when Rikichi unlocked my cell and told me Zakuro needed my help, I followed him here." Hanatarō added. "But, when I arrived, your wounds were already bound. And I can only think of one person who could've done that."

I rubbed my head, wondering who that woman was that approached me. I know she said her name, but I couldn't remember it.

"Anyway Renji, just rest a little bit longer, then we can save Rukia together." I told him, smiling.

Renji returned the smile and nodded. "Thanks, for staying." he said, reaching up to cup my cheek.

I took his hand in mine. "You would've done the same if it were me." I whispered.

"Without so much as a second thought." Renji replied, caressing my jawbone with his thumb.

I intertwined our fingers and we stayed like that until Hanatarō was finished treating Renji's wounds.

"Now, try and take it easy, Lieutenant." Hanatarō advised, as Renji pulled on his Shihakushō.

"You ready?" I asked, resting my hands on my hips.

"Let's do this." Renji replied, pulling his hair into its usual spiky ponytail.

I smiled and looked at Hanatarō and Rikichi, "You two should probably stay here." I advised. "All the Captains and Lieutenants are going to be on Sōkyoku Hill, so things will get pretty intense." I closed my eyes and chuckled. "Besides, if we want to meet Ichigo up there, Renji and I will need to use our Flash Step." I glanced at him. "That is, if you can keep up."

"You doubt me?" Renji questioned, meeting my eyes.

I shrugged my shoulders. "Honestly, with everything I've gone through, nothing will surprise me anymore." I answered.

"Be careful." Hanatarō told us.

I winked at him. "We will." and on that note, Renji and I raced to Sōkyoku Hill.

As we neared the cliff, the ground rumbled beneath us.

"What the hell?" Renji grunted, stopping in his tracks.

I smiled. "Ichigo." I giggled. "He beat us here. I kinda figured he would."

Renji rolled his eyes. "He just has to play the hero." he scoffed.

"Jealous much?" I chuckled.

"Let's just get to Rukia before the Captains and Lieutenants make a move." Renji voted.

I weakly saluted. "Yes sir, Lieutenant Abarai." I chuckled.

Renji grabbed my arm and we ran towards the Sōkyoku.

A group of guards stood in our way, but Renji took them all on, despite not being at one hundred percent.

"It's about time you two showed up." Ichigo called down to us.

I rolled my eyes and looked at Renji. "I could've taken those guys, ya know." I scolded. "You're still not up to fighting strength yet, let me have a bit of the action."

"Zakuro! Renji!" Rukia called out, smiling.

I met her eyes and smiled. "Told ya I'd be back!" I replied, laughing. I then glanced over and saw Captain Kyōraku, who smiled at me. "Good afternoon Captain Kyōraku, beautiful day isn't it?" I asked.

He just smiled at me and tipped his hat. I saw his Lieutenant, Nanao, beside him.

"Watch out!" she called to me.

I sensed the guards get back up and easily dispatched them. I knocked out two by karate chopping their necks, kicked another two, punched one, based two of their heads together, before kicked the last one in groin, all without moving more than three inches from where I stood. Flash Step combined with eleven years of dance makes for some great skill.

"And you said that my dance lessons would never help me out in real life situations!" I called up to Ichigo.

"You were just showin off Zak!" Ichigo called back, smiling.

"Shove Zangetsu where the sun don't shine!" I shot, flipping him off.

Ichigo just laughed. "Honestly though, it took you two long enough to get here." he repeated.

"Well we weren't gonna let you take all the glory in rescuing Rukia." Renji replied.

Ichigo cracked a smile and lifted Rukia above him, before throwing her down towards Renji and me.

"You jackass!" I cursed as Renji skidded a foot or two back when he caught Rukia.

"Take her and get out of here." Ichigo told us. "Get her to safety, far away from here."

Renji nodded and ran back the way we came.

"You go with them Zak, and take out any Soul Reaper that gets in your way." Ichigo added, our eyes locking.

I nodded and smiled. "You don't have to tell me twice." I replied. I winked at my brother before taking off after Renji.

Three of the four Lieutenants present began chasing me. I smiled and skidded to a halt.

"Zakuro, what are you doing?" Renji asked, looking back at me.

"Buying you a few more seconds." I answered, standing ready. "Go, I'll catch up."

"You'd better." I heard him say as he continued to run towards the Seireitei.

The three Lieutenants, two boys and one girl, stopped in their tracks when they saw me. From their badges I could tell they were from Squads One, Two, and Four. I continued to smile.

"Come at me, I guarantee you I won't even break a sweat." I giggled, not even drawing my sword.

"Get out of the way Ryoka girl." grunted the Squad Two Lieutenant.

Each Lieutenant released their Zanpakutō.

"Run, Itegumo!" cried the female, Squad Four Lieutenant.

"Bite, Gonryōmaru ." called the Squad One Lieutenant.

"Crush her, Gegetsuburi!" grunted the Squad Two Lieutenant.

I chuckled. "I don't even need to release my Zanpakutō for you three." I lunged forward, aiming my palm at the Squad Two Lieutenant's weapon. "Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Inferno and pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, march on to the south! Hadō #31. Shakkahō!" I discharged the red flame and it shattered the Zanpakutō, and sent him a few feet back.

I turned to the Squad One Lieutenant and put my dance training to good use. I chassed to the side and hit his jaw with the palm of my hand, before firing Bakudō #61 Rikujōkōrō, to pin him to the ground.

I turned back to the Squad Four Lieutenant, who seemed either shocked or scared. I decided to hit her with a small Bakudō, since she was from the same squad as Hanatarō and they weren't really fighters. "Bakudō #4. Hainawa." I muttered, shooting a gold chain her way, tying her wrists together and tossing her aside.

I heard footsteps coming towards me, and when I spun around, I saw Ichigo block my would-be attacker with Zangetsu.

"You did great sis, now get moving." Ichigo told me. "Help Renji, and try to find Momo and the others."

I nodded. "Be careful Ichigo." I warned, using Flash Step to flee the scene. I glanced back over my shoulder at my brother and smiled.

A/N: So yeah, this chapter is one of the longest ones in the story, because it covers a span of three episodes. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy and liked the many Zakuro/Renji scenes^^ Review plz and no flames!