Chapter 11: Kamikiba

"Wake up, Byakuya," Amaya hissed softly, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Oh, don't rush him," Aizen rebuked her, chuckling, "there's plenty of time. In a short time, he'll be all yours, Amaya. But, while we're waiting, why don't you give him a taste of what's in store."

She leaned forward and kissed him on the mouth, running her fingers through his hair. She stroked his bound wrists and slid her hands down his arms to his torso as he moved restlessly beneath her touch. Byakuya's eyes opened and gradually focused on her. She opened his kimono and ran her hands slowly over his chest and down to his abdomen, kissing him more forcefully as he twisted, trying to pull away from her. He strained against his bonds, gasping sharply as they cut into his wrists. Amaya forced his head to the side and kissed him again, starting near his mouth and running down the side of his face until she reached his throat.

"Amaya…stop!" he gasped.

"What's wrong?" she admonished him softly, "You seemed to enjoy it when I posed as the waitress and kissed you before."

"Why are you doing this? Why would you help him?"

"Don't you know?" Amaya said, leaning forward, "I am helping him because I want you…You're the one I've wanted all along."

Her hands moved teasingly over him as she kissed him again.

"Amaya…you have to stop! Don't do this!"

"Don't worry, Captain Kuchiki," Aizen said calmly, "I won't let her take things too far. It isn't time for that yet. I just wanted you two to warm up to each other."

"Why are you doing this, Sosuke Aizen? What are you planning?"

"All in good time, Captain. Now, before we begin, there is something that needs to be done. Amaya…I think it's time."

Amaya laughed softly, baring a set of gleaming fangs. Slowly and methodically, she sank her fangs deeply into the noble's throat near his shoulder. Byakuya gasped sharply, straining against his bonds. Amaya held him tightly, feeding on his blood, moaning with pleasure as Byakuya's body writhed beneath hers, his chest heaving. After a time, she drew back smiling, his blood dripping from her bared fangs. To Byakuya's surprise, she was no longer a soul reaper, but now wore a hollow mask.

"You!" he gasped, staring in dismay at her bone encrusted face, "You're a hollow? But you…helped me! You helped me when I was dying. Why do that if you just intend to kill me now?"

Aizen stepped forward, leaning over Byakuya.

"Oh, we don't intend to kill you, Captain Kuchiki. I went to a great deal of trouble to weaken you so I could bring you here. I figured if you were able to complete the Soul Dive and return, you would be weakened enough for me to bring you here and make you a part of my plans. I was the one who gave Amaya the serum and told her to act as though it was her conscience making her save you. You see Amaya was mine from the start. I knew about her and Kiyoshi. I knew about them because I was the one who set them up to meet. I was aware of your decision to go against the rules and marry Hisana…so I sent Amaya to the Rukon District to find a peasant to make her husband. I then made sure that members of your clan became aware of their relationship and I used my zanpakuto to convince them to punish Amaya and Kiyoshi to set an example for you. In truth, I was the one who made certain that Kiyoshi perished in the prison. When Kiyoshi became a hollow, I made certain he found his way to me, and he begged for me to help them be together somehow. He also wanted to make certain that you died. What Kiyoshi didn't know was that he could have been with Amaya anyway. Amaya was part of a line of research I started many years ago. She was the first of my test subjects to live through the transformation you will soon undergo. After her transformation, I returned her to the Sereitei. So when Amaya came to you in the cemetery that night, she was already under my power. You probably wonder how you missed that. I perfected the art of hiding hollows after I left the Sereitei. I taught the hollow to use a version of the Soul Dive to hide within bodies to escape detection. It wasn't easy. Many of my subjects died just to make this work. In addition, I used my zanpakuto to hypnotize Amaya. She actually believed everything she told you. That's why it was so easy for her to deceive you. I especially enjoyed her performance at the river, just now. She even convinced you she was Yoruichi. And you believed her so readily. One might question your faith in the real Yoruichi. You were terribly quick to turn on her."

"You bastard!" Byakuya hissed.

"Interesting choice of words, Byakuya Kuchiki," Aizen said calmly.

Byakuya's eyes darkened dangerously.

"Yes, I know your every secret. You hide nothing from me. But I have hidden everything from you, even using you to protect Amaya. It was a stroke of true genius letting you think she was being forced into all of this by Kiyoshi. You actually had it in your power to stop my plans, but because you believed her to be innocent, you protected her instead of finishing off both her and Kiyoshi! If you had killed her then, you wouldn't be here now. How does it feel, Byakuya? How does it feel to have been so used?"

Byakuya stared at him silently, his eyes blazing.

"You surprise me, Byakuya Kuchiki. It surprises me to have found that one so strong, one so intelligent, could be so easy to manipulate! I knew it would be easy to isolate you. Your pride, your lack of trust, your inability to rely on others…all of it placed you directly into my hands. Now, you and Amaya are both mine."

"You are sick," gasped Byakuya, "Something like this is madness, even for you!"

"Temper, temper, Captain Kuchiki. You don't want to get worked up. That bite you just received is a special one. You see, Amaya is a very gifted creature. She is a soul reaper who carried massive spiritual pressure when she was transformed. I began the process with simple hollowfication…but I went further. I crossed the hollow with a creature I found here that could subvert and transform whatever received its venom. This resulted in Amaya being transformed into, not just a hollow, but one that is Espada level…and one that can subvert others who have the sufficient amount of spiritual pressure…those like yourself. In addition, these special hollow retain a soul reaper form in which they can conceal themselves…even when penetrated by a Soul Dive. That's why, even though Kiyoshi entered Amaya's soul, he had no idea what kind of monster she had already become. In addition, these creatures can change form to resemble any creature they see. This is what allowed Amaya to appear as the waitress…and then as Yoruichi. I call these creatures Kamikiba. Amaya's bite has put you on the path to being like her. She has, as you know, the power to subvert and transform. She made you a human…and now she will make you a hollow. With the combined strength of your noble bloodlines, the two of you can raise an entire family of Kamikiba!"

"You are insane!" Byakuya exclaimed, straining against his bonds, "You cannot think this will work!"

"Of course it will work," Aizen said, smiling, "You see, I've weakened you so that I could take you out of the equation. When you start to transform, the hollow part of you will gain control. You will be forced down and while you are there, unable to resist, your hollow will obey my commands. And even if it doesn't work out, you have given me another alternative. You see, I actually didn't anticipate that I could drive you into Yoruichi's arms the way I did. Your son is really just an unexpected side effect of all this…but he's also a failsafe. If you die, I can simply take him and make him over instead."

"No!" cried Byakuya, straining harder, "You won't touch him!"

"Ah, look Amaya, it's beginning. I knew if we angered him, it would speed things up."

"No!" Byakuya cried again, his body rising up, shattering his bonds.

His cry rose wildly into a monstrous shriek as the hollow mask began to form. He staggered toward Aizen, his arms outstretched. Amaya stepped between them and latched on to Byakuya, bringing him slowly to his knees.

"Let go of me," he cried, twisting wildly and tearing the mask away.

"Don't fight it," she said in his ear, her grip tightening, "It won't be this painful for long, I promise you. Soon now, you'll see. We're meant to be together, Byakuya. Soon."

"No! I won't do this!"

"You can't stop it," Amaya breathed softly, "It's already too late, my love."

He tore free of her and summoned his zanpakuto. Senbonzakura appeared instantly in his hand.

"Scatter," he said, raising it before him.

Senbonzakura flashed strangely and began to pulse with alternating pink and black light. Byakuya watched in horrified fascination as his attack on Amaya faded before his eyes. He looked down at Senbonzakura in amazement. The great katana shimmered in his hand and slowly faded away into nothing. A moment later he fell to his knees, gripping his face in agony as the mask re-formed. Aizen stepped forward.

"You can't stop this, Byakuya Kuchiki. You were mine from the moment you left your house that night. No one can blame you for joining me. The decision was never yours to make. I took away your choices. You are, of course, absolved of any real responsibility for what you have become. Soon, now, Byakuya, you will bow at my feet and call me 'Master.' When that happens, you will take your place at my side and you will help me rule, not just Hueco Mundo, but any lands I choose. I think my first act will be to send you back to the Sereitei, hiding in soul reaper form so that you can subvert every ranking officer they have. You will cut the very heart out of the 13 Court Guard Squads. Perhaps you'll even be able to take down Yamamoto, himself."

"Damn you, Aizen!" Byakuya gasped, "I will never lower myself before you and I will die before I betray the captains of the 13 Court Guard Squads. No matter what you've done to me…I will not do this!"

"Why don't you just see this for the honor it is, Byakuya. It is a testament to your power, to your strength that I chose you."

Byakuya bent forward, gasping and panting. The hollow bones continued their encroachment.

"Well, I choose not to accept this honor. You can take your honor and…"

"Now, now, don't get nasty, Byakuya. You wouldn't want to say something you might later regret."

Byakuya's arms trembled violently and he slowly sank to the floor as the hollow bones closed around him. Amaya knelt next to him, watching eagerly as the mask was completed. She leaned forward, pulling him into her arms. His head dropped heavily onto her shoulder, the hollow bones growing and extending freely over his body. He screamed again in fury and pain, tearing into her with his bony claws, his body shuddering uncontrollably. She eased him to the floor and watched in awe as a large hole formed in his chest. His body arched sharply, cracking the brittle bones that grew all over him. He shrieked and twisted furiously, striking out at Amaya, raking sharp talons across her face.

Aizen stood, glancing back at Byakuya calmly.

"Gently now, Shinotsuro, don't do her any permanent damage. I need her. Yes, I know the name she gave you when she made you a human…because that is what I told her to call you. I had a plan for you all along."

The now fully formed Kamikiba that had been Byakuya reared back, howling. His eyes glowed red with hatred and his talons dripped with Amaya's blood. She circled him slowly, her red-gold eyes blazing with anticipation. His eyes followed her and his violent shriek shattered the very air around them. He moved forward aggressively.

"Good, Shinotsuro," Aizen said smiling, "Show her your strength. She only submits to superior strength."

Shinotsuro's eyes glinted and he struck out at Amaya, slamming her roughly to the floor, snapping and cracking the bones of her hollow shell. She rolled to her feet and attacked immediately, throwing him backwards. Swiftly, he turned in mid-fall and twisted, sending her roughly to the floor beneath him. He held her pinned beneath him, screaming in triumph. Amaya slashed at him and missed. He raked his claws across her bone-covered cheek, scoring the bone deeply. Amaya shrieked back at him, but remained still beneath him. A low threatening growl issued from Shinotsuro's throat as he tightened his grip on Amaya.

"Very good, Shinotsuro," Aizen praised him, "She has accepted you. I will leave you now. Enjoy her. Gin and I will be back later to see how things go."

Smiling to himself, he left the room. Shinotsuro glared hatefully down at Amaya. He struck her across the face and she bit into his arm, causing him to rear back, howling. Amaya twisted, trying to break his grip, but he threw her down roughly again. He dropped his full weight onto her, holding her down. As he pressed forward, a satisfied gleam came into her eyes. He leaned forward and sank his fangs into her neck, growling with pleasure as he drew her blood. Amaya gripped him tightly, pressing closer to him. Her breath quickened as she reached up and stroked the hollow mask that covered his face.

"I've wondered for a long time," she said in a low growl, "what it would be like to be with you. Aizen promised me that I would have you when you came to Hueco Mundo. He said that since your family took Kiyoshi from me, he would bring you to me instead. He said that you would be more satisfying, that your strength would please me. Show me your power, Shinotsuro!"

"I am not commanded by you, bitch," he growled threateningly, "nor do I fear him. I will do as I choose. You mean nothing to me. You will do as I tell you or you will pay in blood."

"Of course, Shinotsuro," she purred softly, "you are the greater power…at least for now."

He held her beneath him, glaring down at her for a moment longer, and then he moved forward.

"Byakuya Kuchiki, can you hear me?" called Amaya's voice.

Byakuya gasped softly at the touch of Amaya's mind on his.

"Amaya?" he whispered uncertainly.

"Our bodies are in physical contact with each other. That is why you are able to hear me."

Byakuya gasped sharply again as he felt the truth of the situation begin to reach him. For although he was submerged deep within himself, he realized that he was fully aware of Shinotsuro controlling his body…

"Stop!" he cried, trying to fight the icy grip of Shinotsuro, "You can't…"

"Shut up!" Shinotsuro's voice echoed in his mind and Byakuya felt himself being forced down more firmly.

"You haven't the spirit energy to fight him right now. Aizen knew you wouldn't. That is why he weakened you before he brought you here to be transformed. He wanted to make sure you couldn't stop this from happening. There is nothing either of us can do." Amaya said calmly, "but I am hoping that you will find a way to break free, Byakuya. You are my last hope."

"I…don't understand. What do you mean?"

"I haven't felt the touch of another soul reaper's mind in so many years! Yours is the first since Aizen took me and…and turned me into…this…"

"But you…"

"It wasn't me, Byakuya. It was the hollow using me…as Shinotsuro is using you. We are Kamikiba. We are able to look, act, and appear to be our soul reaper selves even while controlled by the hollow. Aizen plans to use this ability to destroy the 13 Court Guard Squads. He thinks that you can do this single-handedly and, frighteningly enough, I believe he is right."

"How? How can they do this? It's not possible!"

"Aizen is evil and he is also highly intelligent…a dangerous combination. He has already used me to capture and transform you…and now we are creating more strong allies for him. His plan is working exactly as he said it would, but I still think he can be defeated, Byakuya."

"How?" Byakuya asked quickly.

"I have been watching you. You have friends who search for you. If they can free you from Shinotsuro's hold on you, you can gain dominance. When you challenge your hollow, you will be transported to another place, an inner room in your soul where your spirit energy will return and the two of you will do battle. If you gain dominance, you can return to the Sereitei. And…there is one thing more."

"What?"

"The Soul Merge means that some of your power will not be within you when you travel to that inner room. Aizen failed to foresee this! If you call to you the one who holds that power, after your arrival in that place, you can gain enough power to kill the hollow!"

Byakuya felt a shiver go through him.

"That has never been done," he said softly, "and if I fail, the hollow might gain permanent control. Still…I…may have an attack that…"

"Your attack must be swifter than thought and must kill in a single strike. Do you wield such an attack, Byakuya Kuchiki?"

"Hiheishi," Byakuya whispered.

"You must stop Aizen. You must kill Shinotsuro. Then, when you return to the Sereitei…there is something you must do for me."

"Amaya, I don't even stand much of a chance of surviving if I kill Shinotsuro. Wouldn't the wiser choice be to win dominance and be more certain I will live to escape?"

Amaya was silent for a moment.

"I know you feel what he is using you to do. We are soul reapers. It is our job to kill the enemies of the Soul Society. If you try to return to the Sereitei with Shinotsuro still inside your soul…there would be the constant threat of him breaking free and putting Aizen's plan into action! He is too strong, too dangerous for even you to try to control for any length of time. Even more, my blood boils at the thought of him getting away with what he is doing to us!"

"Very well, then," Byakuya replied, "Shinotsuro will die for what he has done…to both of us."

"I will make a more difficult request, Byakuya Kuchiki. I know our families are at odds and they have been so for many years. We now know that this was generated by Aizen and that it was all part of his plans. I need you to live. Somehow, I need you to return me to the Sereitei and help me regain control of my body. I cannot kill my hollow, but perhaps with your help, I can gain dominance. My hollow is not as strong as yours. I have no way to defeat it, but I can learn to control it."

"Amaya…it is a given that I cannot leave you here in Hueco Mundo like this. Of course, I will help you escape and I will help you gain dominance over the hollow. I must warn you, however, that you will have to be confined until we can control the hollow. You will be a constant threat to those around you."

"I know. I will allow myself to be confined…for everyone's safety. But there is yet one more thing…You know that my clan is dying out with me. I was the heir and I have no children, yet."

Byakuya inhaled sharply.

"I must also tell you that for Kamikiba to reproduce, two merges must occur. Our bodies, controlled by the hollow have done so…but this will only result in the birth of a very strong hollow."

"Amaya, I can't…" Byakuya began

"Please, Byakuya, hear what I have to say! The second phase is a merging of spirit energy, which must be given by the submerged souls. So for the child to be Kamikiba, we must will that a portion of our spirit energy be passed to the child. Only then can the Kamikiba come into being. If the child is a hollow, we are duty bound to kill it, but a Kamikiba could possibly be saved!"

"I can't…"

"Do you think this is easy for me? I have blamed your family for Kiyoshi's death for all of these years and despite Aizen's involvement, they do bear some responsibility for our predicament. How do you think it feels to place my clan's fate in your hands?"

"You are asking me to betray someone I love."

"I am asking you to give our child, who will be born one way or another, a chance to live, Byakuya Kuchiki. I am asking you to save an entire clan from dying out. I am asking you to make right a wrong you had a hand in. You needn't be a part of the evil act Shinotsuro is committing. The two of us only need to allow a part of ourselves be passed on into this child…"

"Amaya…I…"

"You owe this to me, Byakuya! Aizen used your family to ruin my life and Shinotsuro is using your body to hurt mine! Now I ask that you allow yourself to be used to make things right! Give this child a chance to survive!"

"Amaya, I understand your desperation, but…the Kamikiba are more of a threat to the Sereitei than other hollows. They can infiltrate the Sereitei and subvert other soul reapers. This child could be used in this manner. I cannot allow that."

"Then you must be certain that you help us escape. Help me save this child and help us escape…then we will accept confinement until we can gain dominance over the hollow and we can be freed. You owe me this, Byakuya. You and your family owe me!"

"Amaya…"

"Please, Byakuya, you brought me this small bit of hope, please do not let it die! You have said you will help me escape, but what happens when this child I carry is born? Will you force me to have to kill my own child? Will you kill our child? Byakuya, we cannot knowingly bring a hollow into being…and if we can act so that the child can be saved, then aren't we doing what is right? Help me, Byakuya!…Byakuya…please!"

XXXXXXXXXX

"They are nearby," Yoruichi warned the group of rescuers softly, "Can you feel the power?"

"All right," said Ichigo, nodding, "I think they're beyond that door. We need to be careful when we go in. It could be a trap. I'll go in first, then Yoruichi, Renji, Rukia, Chad, and Uryu. Yoruichi can set up the defense shield around the rest of you. If he's been hollowfied, it will be a nasty battle. Be ready."

They nodded silently.

"Okay," whispered Ichigo, "Here I go."

He opened the door slowly, peering cautiously into the room. It turned out to be a great hall with vaulted ceilings and red-orange stained glass. The furnishings were few and simple; a few oak chairs here and there, a large oak table, and in the far corner, a large bed with a set of broken chains attached to the headboard. As they entered, a low growl sounded from the far end of the room and two hollow rose up from the bed, the glow from their hateful eyes reaching all the way across the room. The first hollow, they recognized as the twisted form of Amaya. The second remained in the shadows. Amaya stepped forward, grinning wickedly, her fangs glowing strangely.

"So, you have come, Ichigo Kurosaki. Aizen said that you would, but I wasn't sure. And you brought others for me as well."

"I came for Byakuya Kuchiki. Stand aside. I know he is there behind you," Ichigo said, drawing Zangetsu.

"He is mine, now. I have turned him into a hollow. There is nothing left for you to rescue. You must know that. The human transformation and Soul Dive weakened him so that he was easy to capture and to turn."

"Silence, cur!" a heavy grating voice said from behind Amaya, "I belong to no one…least of all to you!"

She turned briefly to look back at him.

"Of course…forgive my clumsy words, Shinotsuro," she said a bit too submissively, "Shall I kill them?"

"Yes, I tire of their scent. They are nearly as repugnant as you."

He stood back, watching as Amaya moved toward them.

"All right Espada," Ichigo Kurosaki demanded, raising Zangetsu threateningly, "Move aside or I will cut you down!"

"Ichigo," Yoruichi said, her face paling, "This isn't an Espada."

"What?" Ichigo said, still holding Zangetsu ready.

Amaya moved closer.

"This is something else. Remember, she was a soul reaper. She has been hollowfied, but I sense something darker even than that. Be careful."

Yoruichi turned and raised a shield around those who followed, save Rukia and Renji. She and the two stepped forward and took a stance beside Ichigo.

"Move aside!" Ichigo shouted again.

Amaya smiled, her fangs gleaming brightly now. She tensed slightly, coiling her legs to spring forward. The four soul reapers sensed her plan to attack and summoned their power. White and gold lightning suddenly surrounded Yoruichi and streaked out of her across the room to strike Amaya. Ichigo and Renji simultaneously released their Ban Kai. Rukia released her zanpakuto. Amaya was engulfed in the simultaneous attack and driven upward into the air. Suddenly, from within the blinding mass of attacks, Amaya began to laugh. She rose higher and higher above them, invisible now in the thrall of the power that surrounded her. The room went dark, save for the eerie light of the shield that surrounded the rest of their group. Amaya's laughter shook the room now, causing the walls to crack. Suddenly, their attack power was turned and thrown into the shield. The shield shattered, throwing the ones behind it in all directions. Hanataro rolled to his feet, dragging Orihime behind some boxes. Chad and Uryu came to their feet and ran for cover.

"Don't attack," Uryu warned Chad, "She's just using their own power against them."

"I see," said Chad.

Uryu watched intently as the battle continued. Again and again, the soul reapers advanced and tried a barrage of attacks, but each time, Amaya simply absorbed the energy and redirected it back at them.

"There," he said softly to himself, "She lets them attack and captures their power as if in a net, then releases it in whatever direction she chooses. A powerful technique, but not unbeatable. I have to watch the timing."

The room was on fire, now, the smoke growing thick and choking. Uryu rushed to Chad.

"Gather your power to attack," he cried, "I have the ability to see exactly when our attack will strike her. Wait for my signal."

Chad drew back his arm, light coalescing all around it. Uryu focused heavily on the battle before him, pulling back on his bowstring.

"Now!" he cried.

Their attacks streaked across the room, catching Amaya just as she was about to redirect another attack. She fell back, roaring with rage. The others converged on her now, striking her in an endless, blinding barrage of light and power. Her scream shook the room again, causing part of it to collapse. She crashed to the floor, reducing most of the room to rubble and sending everyone diving to the floor. The room went nearly silent, the only sounds, the crackle of fire, the swooshing of dust and debris falling and the harsh sounds of their breathing as they choked on the dusty air.

"Is she down?" asked Renji, coughing heavily.

"Yeah," said Ichigo, gazing warily at the second hollow, "We got her. Stay back. If I'm right, that second hollow is Byakuya…but obviously, he isn't himself. I might be able to help him."

"Ichigo," Yoruichi said softly, "If it is him and they have subverted him, there may be nothing we can do. We'd better all understand that if he is beyond our help…"

"Don't say it…I know," Ichigo replied stepping forward.

He froze and caught his breath as Byakuya stepped out of the darkness, looking completely normal. He stood silently, his eyes on Zangetsu.

"Byakuya?" Ichigo said slowly, lowering his weapon, "But, I thought that…"

"While you fought Amaya, I broke free of Shinotsuro's power. The hollow is submerged…for now. We must escape before Aizen returns. Come."

He stepped past Ichigo and moved quickly towards Yoruichi. Yoruichi turned and began to summon the return portal. As Byakuya reached her, he slipped an arm around her shoulders. Yoruichi smiled briefly as the portal began to form. Suddenly, Byakuya grabbed her and pulled her away from the others roughly, his eyes flashing red and his face twisting in anger. Yoruichi gasped and tried to break free, but his grip was too tight. He backed away from the others now, moving into the darkness again and holding Yoruichi tightly against him.

"I will allow you to leave if you go now," Shinotsuro's voice rasped, "but I want her."

Ichigo raised Zangetsu and moved forward. The dark form tightened his grip on Yoruichi and Ichigo heard her begin to struggle for breath.

"You bastard! Let her go!" Ichigo yelled, "I won't let you do this!"

"You don't have a choice," Shinotsuro said quietly, "You murdered my mate, so I want this woman. You will leave now or I will kill her."

"You're going to kill her anyway!" stormed Ichigo.

"No," Shinotsuro breathed, lowering his face towards Yoruichi's neck, "I actually have something better in mind for her. I will take her alive."

All at once, lightning flashed from Yoruichi's hands and Shinotsuro was thrown roughly to the ground. Yoruichi tore free and ran towards the others. The hollow leapt to his feet and moved forward out of the dark corner and into the light. The rescuers gasped sharply, seeing him clearly now for the first time. Although still somewhat recognizable as Byakuya, the creature before them looked more beastly than man-like. His thick black hair was shot through with hollow bone. His face was covered with a cracked white, red, and gold mask that covered most of his face. Only his right jaw and cheek were visible, along with his mouth. The part of the face that showed was definitely Byakuya's but his lips curled back to reveal sharp fangs and through the mask, his eyes burned red-golden and brimming with hatred. His powerful bent torso and arms trembled with readiness for battle and his thick bone-armored legs were coiled and ready to spring. He waited ahead of Ichigo, his red-gold eyes fixed on the rescuers, his body tense and poised. Ichigo moved slowly towards him, his eyes meeting Shinotsuro's fearlessly. He halted several feet away from the hollow.

"How in the hell did you show us Byakuya's face?" Ichigo demanded.

The hollow stared back in silence.

"Why haven't you attacked me?" Ichigo asked finally.

The hollow lowered his eyes to Zangetsu.

"I am curious," he replied, "Your zanpakuto…its power. It speaks to me. I know this weapon."

"Yes," Ichigo replied, "This is Zangetsu. My zanpakuto is the one you battled on Sokyoku Hill in the Sereitei. It also saw you through the Soul Dive."

"I do not know Sokyoku Hill nor do I remember any Soul Dive. Likely it is just memories of the other interfering."

"The other?"

"The one you call Byakuya…my other half…my weak and useless half. If I could, I would kill him and have done with it, but Aizen wants him alive. In any case, I cannot kill him. I can only submerge him."

"I see," said Ichigo, "but this is a problem because he is our friend and ally. You must release him and let him return with us to the Sereitei."

"Come, now, Ichigo," the hollow laughed wickedly, "You are like me. You have a hollow inside. Would you yield yourself out of any concern for him?"

"This body is mine, just as the one you inhabit is Byakuya's. The hollows are unwelcome invaders."

"Invaders?" the hollow hissed, "Is that what you tell yourself, Ichigo Kurosaki? The hollow are merely a turning of the soul, itself. I am a part of Byakuya as surely as your hollow is a part of you."

"You are an aberration, a twisting of his being. You must allow him to surface."

"No."

"Then you leave me no choice," Ichigo stated, raising Zangetsu.

Black petals erupted suddenly from the hollow's bare hands and bore down on Ichigo with blinding speed. Zangetsu flared brightly and blasted a path through them. Shinotsuro leapt nimbly aside, releasing another attack. From behind Ichigo, lightning struck, driving the hollow backward and smashing it into the wall. The room shook and rang with the cracking of bone.

"Ichigo, get away from him!" Yoruichi called frantically, "Watch out!"

Black petals burst from the hollow's hands and tore into Ichigo, throwing him to the floor. Renji and Rukia ran forward, releasing their zanpakutos.

"No!" cried Ichigo, "Wait!"

He rose up and blocked their attacks with Zangetsu, and then turned in time to deflect Shinotsuro's next strike. Renji and Rukia froze, looking back at Yoruichi. Shinotsuro rose and moved towards Ichigo threateningly. Ichigo stared into his eyes and let his hollow emerge. Shinotsuro stopped short, staring at the golden-eyed hollow.

"Interesting," Shinotsuro breathed, "You are a hollow, but not controlled by him. Who are you?"

"That's not important," Ichigo said softly, "What is important is that I need to speak to Byakuya."

"And I told you, no," the hollow replied, stepping forward aggressively.

Ichigo disappeared suddenly, reappearing at Shinotsuro's side. He reached out and grabbed the mask that obscured his face. Shinotsuro's claws rose up and raked down Ichigo's back. Ichigo cried out sharply, but only tore harder at the mask, loosening it.

"Let go, damn you!" screeched Shinotsuro, tearing at him again, "Let go!"

"Not until you release him!" screamed Ichigo.

"I won't release him…and you are about to find out exactly what kind of hollow I am!"

Shinotsuro lunged forward, knocking Ichigo to the ground beneath him. Swiftly, he forced the boy's hands to the ground and moved forward, baring his fangs.

"Ichigo, don't let him bite you!" screamed Yoruichi.

A moment later, a blast of lightning tore into Shinotsuro, sending him tumbling away from Ichigo. Ichigo rolled to his feet and raised Zangetsu.

"What the hell?" he gasped, "What is he?"

"I don't know," Yoruichi admitted as the hollow circled them, preparing for another attack, "But watch out for those fangs. They must be poisoned…or worse!"

"Problem is…to get the mask off, I've gotta get close."

"Ichigo, it's too dangerous! He's too powerful for you to…"

"No," Ichigo yelled fiercely, "I can do this!"

He flash-stepped suddenly and appeared next to Shinotsuro. Quickly he grabbed at the mask and pulled with all of his strength. Shinotsuro blasted Ichigo at point blank range with a mass of black petals. Ichigo was thrown backwards, but the force of the blast tore the mask away from Shinotsuro's face. He screamed, rearing backwards, his hands holding his head. The hollow bones on the rest of his body shattered and Byakuya emerged, dropping to one knee near Ichigo. Bleeding profusely, Ichigo dragged himself towards Byakuya. Byakuya reached up slowly, touching his face tentatively.

"Be careful," warned Yoruichi, "It could be another trick."

Ichigo staggered to his feet and stepped forward, Zangetsu held ready. Byakuya stood up slowly, his legs shaking beneath him.

"How do we know if it's really him this time?" Ichigo asked warily.

"Senbonzakura," Byakuya managed, finding his voice, "Shinotsuro cannot summon or use my zanpakuto."

Byakuya reached out and his zanpakuto appeared in his hand.

"Also…before he can assume my soul reaper form, he must gain control using the hollow mask. You would see that. But even now…he could return suddenly. I don't know…how long I can…maintain control."

"Yoruichi," Ichigo said softly, "complete the portal. We have to get out of here."

Ichigo held Zangetsu ready, watching Byakuya closely as Yoruichi turned back to the partially opened portal. Rukia stepped past Ichigo, ignoring his harsh warning and wrapping her arms tightly around her brother. Byakuya stiffened for a moment, then relaxed into her embrace, his body shaking uncontrollably.

"Rukia…" he whispered in a tremulous voice, "you should stay back. I don't know if I can…"

"It's going to be all right now," Rukia said softly, "We're going to get out of here."

"Yes," agreed Yoruichi, "We can deal with the hollow after we get out of here. We can't let Aizen recapture you before you regain some strength."

"Yoruichi," Byakuya said, his voice wavering, "I have to…"

"Not now. We're getting out. Come on."

She turned and started to summon the portal to take them back to Kisuke's training room. Behind her, Rukia held Byakuya close to her, whispering assurances. He lowered his head and listened for a moment, and then squeezed her hands gently in response.

"Rukia," he said finally, "there is something I need you to do for me."

"What, Brother? What do you need me to do?"

"If…if anything…prevents me from getting back, I want Yoruichi to know that I'm sorry," he said softly.

"What do you have to be sorry for?" asked Rukia, gazing up at him.

"I should have been stronger. I should have fought harder…but…Amaya…posed as Yoruichi. I should have seen through it…but I didn't trust my instincts."

"This is how they brought you here?" Rukia asked.

"Yes," admitted Byakuya, "Amaya posed as Yoruichi. She said that she was…letting me go. She wanted our son to stay in the world of the living…and never to go to the Sereitei…never to even know of me."

"Oh Byakuya!" Rukia gasped, "You thought it was real!"

"If I'd trusted Yoruichi…if I'd listened to my heart…I would have known it wasn't true. But I just shut down. I left to return to the Sereitei and I was abducted by Aizen and Amaya and brought here. I need Yoruichi to know it was my own fault. I am responsible for everything that happened as a result."

"Don't worry about that, Byakuya. We can talk it all out when we get home. We just need to get you home."

She was so intent on watching Yoruichi at the portal that she missed the look of desperation that had entered his eyes.

"Please…" he pleaded softly, "She deserves to know…no matter what the cost, Rukia…You have to tell her…"

Rukia turned to look at him.

"Brother, what is wrong? I can see you're trying to tell me something. What is it?"

"Amaya and I aren't normal hollows…Aizen…he calls us Kamikiba," he began, "He used us to…"

"It's ready!" Yoruichi called to them, "Let's go!"

Rukia squeezed her brother's hands gently.

"Come on, it's time to go home! We can talk this out when we get home."

"Rukia!"

"You think that's it, do you?" said Shinotsuro's voice out of nowhere, "Well, the fun is only beginning. It's time for our showdown, Byakuya Kuchiki! Ichigo Kurosaki may have been able to help you out here, but let's see how you do facing me on your own!"

Byakuya cried out sharply, falling to his knees as the mask began forming again. Hollow bones formed swiftly around him, this time closing over his entire body before anyone could reach him.

"Byakuya!" Ichigo, Rukia, and Yoruichi cried as one.

He sank into a netherworld, awakening on a lonely plain. He climbed to his feet slowly, drawing his zanpakuto. He looked down at himself. He was surprised to see that he still remained a soul reaper. An evil coughing laugh sounded in the haze ahead of him and Byakuya looked up. In front of him stood a hollow, a twisted version of himself. It smiled at him and reached for him.

"Scatter, Senbonzakura," Byakuya said softly, releasing his zanpakuto.

The hollow emitted a heavy shower of black petals that rose up and devoured Senbonzakura's blades.

"You think you can control me? You are weak. You are weary…easy prey for one such as me!" the hollow laughed, "Yield. Kneel at my feet now. Resistance will only force me to break you."

Byakuya's eyes were lowered, Senbonzakura held ready.

"You seek to lie to me, Shinotsuro? I know I am at full power. When we entered this place, I felt my spirit energy return. I assure you…if anyone should kneel, it is you. Kneel before me and pray that I spare you."

"Spare me? Spare me? Don't tell me you would actually try to kill me! I am a part of you. The only way to kill me…is to kill yourself along with me! And with our power in balance, you do not have the ability to do that."

The hollow shrieked with maniacal laughter, making the wind rise around them, causing swirls of dust in the air.

"Do you really want that badly to die?" it hissed.

"You have a false sense of security, Shinotsuro. I know more about death than you think. Remember, my death was a part of this great plan of Aizen's. I had to face death to regain my soul reaper form. There was the certainty of my death as a human…and no guarantee that I would survive the Soul Dive. I do not fear death, but you do…as well you should. When I kill you, you will be reduced to dust. After what you have done, there is no sanctuary, no afterlife, no salvation, and no hope for you. There is only destruction."

"What I did? What I did, Byakuya? What about what you did? I attacked Amaya…but you were there! You know she was willing!"

"You refer to her hollow…not the woman trapped within. What you and her hollow did to her was unconscionable! For that…you will die."

"Do I need to remind you, Byakuya, that you and Amaya were there as well, and even contributed to the creation of a child?"

You need not remind me that you put us in a position where we had to choose to cooperate so that the child would stand some chance of survival. You poison all you touch, Shinotsuro! I will draw that poison out of myself and destroy it!"

"Even if you had the power, you would only destroy yourself. I am a part of you. I came from the darkest region of your own soul. Remember, Byakuya Kuchiki, you yielded to me before…when you lost your wife, you allowed my darkness to hold power over you."

"Yes," Byakuya admitted, "I let the darkness consume me. I gave into it and allowed it to eat away at my soul until I was so numb I couldn't feel the pain anymore."

"Yes…I absorbed that pain and gave you comfort. I helped you," the hollow insisted.

"That kind of comfort damaged me. It kept me from turning to others who might have helped me. It isolated me so that you could hold greater power over me. It allowed you to use my own guilt against me. I was wrong to depend on such a dark part of myself. It was this that caused me to distance myself from Rukia. It was this that encouraged me to give in to and even support Central 46's decision and execution order. If not for Ichigo, I would have descended into that darkness and you would have taken over completely."

"You speak as if I was an invader, something outside of you that came in and took over. I only did what I did to protect you."

"Don't think for a moment that I'm that naïve," Byakuya said coldly, "I know that you were born, as all hollows, from my own pain…because I wasn't strong enough to deal with my loss, but I am strong enough to go on now without you…and you cannot tolerate that!"

The hollow wavered in the air before him. Byakuya could feel its power rising.

"You will attack me and your attack will fail," he said softly. "You will lose…and you will die."

"How could that be?" Shinotsuro asked sharply, "We are of equal power. This is merely a battle for dominance. For control."

"You will never control me again, Shinotsuro. Senbonzakura will not allow himself to fall into your hands. He will not share power with you. We are united in this. I know you feel his power increasing. When we release our attack, it will be with the intent of completely destroying you."

The hollow stepped back, staring.

"And you called Aizen insane. He doesn't hold a candle to you, my other half. Very well, then. Attack and try to kill us both, Byakuya Kuchiki. I look forward to engulfing your power…and making it my own!"

"I will allow you to attack first, Shinotsuro," Byakuya said softly, "Be certain your aim is true. You will not get another chance."

XXXXXXXXXX

Yoruichi and Ichigo dashed to Byakuya's side. They lifted the hollow-enshrouded captain and carried him toward the portal. As they reached it, it flashed brightly and faded.

"What the hell…" gasped Ichigo.

"It's Byakuya," Yoruichi said, "He can't enter the gate like this! We have to wait for this to be over. It had just better end before Aizen returns or we're all dead!"

Yoruichi knelt beside Byakuya, her hands on his mask, her senses searching.

"Ichigo," she said softly, "He isn't attacking. He is only defending. The hollow is hitting him with all its strength and he is just repeatedly blocking."

"What does it mean?" asked Ichigo.

"They are of equal power," she responded, "This is a fight for dominance only. Neither can destroy the other because of the balance built into their power. Aizen planned on this to keep reapers from simply killing their hollows and allowing themselves to die, so they wouldn't give their power to the enemy. As you know, Ichigo, that balance of power means a constant struggle for dominance."

"Yoruichi, Byakuya told me that because of the soul merging, I would retain some of his memories and his reiatsu."

Yoruichi's eyes widened.

"He wasn't full power when he became a hollow. And your reiatsu would not affect things. So when he was transformed and his power was divided, each of them only received half of the power he wielded at that time. The balance is in you. If we somehow returned that bit of his reiatsu to him now, it would give him just enough additional power to overwhelm and destroy the hollow. But the hollow is a part of him, now. It was made from the subversion of a part of his soul. The shock of killing this hollow, this part of himself, might kill him as well…and, in any case, we're out here…and he's inside his own soul, Ichigo."

"Byakuya also said that there was an open conduit between us…" Ichigo continued.

"Ichigo, no. It's too dangerous!" Yoruichi exclaimed.

"You just said that it would shift the balance of power in his favor."

"It may also cause him to destroy himself. Ichigo, you know him. He would never allow his power to fall into the hands of the enemy. He would rather die."

"But if we do nothing, we can only stand by helplessly and hope he gains dominance. Think about that, Yoruichi. Is that what he would want?"

"Ichigo…" whispered Yoruichi.

"I don't want him to die, either. But I know what it's like to live like that and I do know what he would choose…I shared space with his soul, Yoruichi. It is my duty to honor the connection I have with him and to do what I can to help him."

"Even if it means his death?" she whispered.

Ichigo nodded.

"Even then. Yoruichi, this is Byakuya Kuchiki we're talking about. He is the strongest of the captains of the 13 Court Guard Squads and the power he wields is unimaginable. I know in my heart that he would want this. I think if you look in your own heart, you'll know it, too. It is a terrible risk, but imagine the horror of what would happen if Aizen takes control of that kind of power. Imagine how Byakuya would feel…and don't tell yourself he wouldn't be aware when it happened. I know what happens when a hollow takes over. You feel everything…every moment as your will is dominated, as your body is stolen from you and made to do evil things. It could obliterate a person's soul, Yoruichi. You are in love with Byakuya. More than that, you honor what he stands for. How can we stand by and let him be used to destroy the very things he lives to protect? Don't you see that this is a risk he must take?"

Yoruichi stroked the mask gently, and then turned away. They could see her shoulders trembling. White-faced and nearly crying, Rukia went to her and led her away from Byakuya.

"Ichigo is right. Byakuya would want this. We have to believe in him. My brother is in terrible danger, but even now I feel his strength. I feel his determination." Rukia whispered to Yoruichi, "We have to help him succeed, whatever the cost. We have no choice."

"I've…already had to watch him die once…I know you're right, but Ichigo, I cannot bear the thought of losing him again!"

Ichigo moved to her side and pulled her close.

"Byakuya loves you. He's going to do everything he can to return to you. Trust him, Yoruichi."

Yoruichi nodded, her hand tightening on Rukia's. Renji stepped to Ichigo's side.

"I know you're right and that this is what Captain Kuchiki would want," he said quietly, "but are you sure you know what you're doing?"

"Renji…this isn't easy, but…it is what he wants. That's why he's just defending right now and not attacking. He intends to kill the hollow. It's a different, more powerful one than the one within me. He knows it's too dangerous to allow the hollow to live within him. He's waiting for me. If I don't go, the hollow will continue to attack and he will defend endlessly. The hollow could get lucky and one of his attacks could succeed. What choice am I left with?"

"I see…and I think that you're probably right. Well, good luck, Ichigo. We're counting on you. Maybe you can bring him to his senses. Maybe you can convince him to…"

"What, Renji, to live like me? To take the chance that the unchecked power of Senbonzakura will be used against the Sereitei? Remember Renji, I came face to face with that power during the Soul Dive. I don't think anything would convince him to give that power to Aizen. Now move back and shield them. I don't know what will happen when I go to him."

XXXXXXXXXX

"You cannot simply keep defending forever, you fool," the hollow hissed at Byakuya.

"No, that is not my intention," Byakuya said quietly.

"Then attack and have done with it. I grow bored with you!"

"Soon, now, my other half," Byakuya said sarcastically, fending off another attack.

"What are you waiting for? What do you think will happen?" the hollow demanded.

The air around them started to shimmer and waver as the shape of a man formed at Byakuya's side. A mixture of distress and relief registered quickly in Byakuya's eyes and was gone in an instant.

"Ichigo," he said, his tone betraying mingled fear and hope.

Ichigo moved into position behind Byakuya.

"I know what you intend to do, Byakuya. Are you sure this is what you want?"

"It is what must be," Byakuya said softly, his eyes still on the hollow, who had ceased attacking and now watched them suspiciously, "Remember, Ichigo, I carry a measure of your reiatsu within me. Because of this, I do fully understand the burden you carry. Because of the power I wield and my position in the Sereitei, I cannot be vulnerable to a hollow's interference, especially one like Shinotsuro. He is far too dangerous! With the reiatsu you possess, I will gain dominance and I can destroy the hollow. There is an attack, an extension of my Ban Kai called Hiheishi that I have not dared to use in battle before. Its attack is so powerful that it will crush the hollow instantly and turn it to dust. I know that the shock of releasing that attack and destroying the hollow will critically wound my soul and impair my ability to channel my own spirit energy. The shock alone may kill me or leave me weakened for a long time…still I cannot allow myself to be used to attack the Sereitei and the soul reapers who defend it!"

"I thought that might be Aizen's plan. That's why he weakened you using the human transformation, and then brought you here. He wants your power…the power of the Kuchiki clan."

"When combined with Amaya's noble bloodline, the resulting hollow would wield power beyond imagination, Ichigo. I would not choose this path if there existed another way. Now, return my reiatsu and let me end this."

Ichigo laid his hand on Byakuya's sword arm, studying the calm set of his face, the resolute determination in his eyes. The captain stood frozen, staring in horrified fascination at what part of his soul had become.

"The evil inside me must be driven out…at whatever cost…to whatever end," he whispered, "Now, Ichigo, while I still have the chance!"

"I see your mind is made up. Good luck, Byakuya."

"Ichigo…"

"Huh?"

"Before I do this, I want you to promise me something."

"What?"

"You know how I feel about them. Even when you return my reiatsu, you will remember. You must promise me that if…if I cannot return to them, that every ounce of your power will be used to protect them. I may have had doubts about you, Ichigo, but the one thing I've always known is what you would do for the ones you care about. You obtained your power so that you could protect them. Remember that your power overcame even mine. Promise me now that you will use that power on my behalf to protect Rukia, Yoruichi, and my son. Promise me this, Ichigo, so I can go into this battle without holding anything back."

Ichigo paused, staring. Byakuya's eyes focused intently on the still-waiting hollow, his body held poised ready to attack. His hand curved around the hilt of Senbonzakura, his grip relaxed and alert. His body was shining with the iridescent glow of his spirit energy, held at full power and waiting for the infusion of reiatsu that would give him dominance over Shinotsuro.

"Ichigo…" he said again, with greater urgency.

"You have my word, Byakuya. I promise you…all of my power, everything I have, I will use to protect them."

"Promise me one thing more, Ichigo," Byakuya said, his voice trembling slightly.

Ichigo felt a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.

"What?" he asked nervously.

Byakuya swallowed hard, his eyes glinting with anticipation and determination.

"If I cannot destroy the hollow with the Hiheishi attack, I will, as a result, be weakened to the point that the hollow will gain control. After that point, it is doubtful that I would ever be able to wrest control away from it. In addition, the hollow would then be able to appear as a soul reaper as it did when it tried to take Yoruichi. We cannot let that happen. If that were to happen, Aizen would use me to destroy all of the officers of the 13 Court Guard Squads! If I am defeated in this battle, you must…"

"No…" breathed Ichigo, paling, "No, I can't…"

Now the desperation rose in Byakuya's eyes. The sword in his hand trembled softly. The hollow smiled, biding its time, confident now.

"Please, Ichigo. You honor what I stand for…more so than I thought possible or you wouldn't be here. You extended your friendship to me and I rejected it time after time. But I accept it now and I ask you to honor it. I promise you that I will give all of myself over to this battle, but I must know that if I fail, I won't be used against the Sereitei. You have no idea of the evil in Aizen's plans, Ichigo. I cannot allow myself to be used by him!"

He was shaking visibly now and his eyes had grown murky and panicked. Ichigo stared as the stark hint of fear entered Byakuya's eyes. He had never before seen Byakuya lose his composure in battle. The captain was pushed beyond reason and swiftly approaching the very ends of his sanity. He realized suddenly what was needed to pull Byakuya back from the edge. He tightened his hand on Byakuya's arm, closing his eyes against the vow he was forced to make.

"Okay," he said in a choked voice, "I give you my word…if…if you fail…" his voice failed him.

"You will destroy me completely," whispered Byakuya, "Ichigo, you're the only one who can!"

"I will destroy you completely," Ichigo managed, numb with dread, "But Byakuya, you promise me something in return, okay?"

"What?"

"You promise me that you'll fight with all of your strength to live for them, Byakuya Kuchiki! No matter what happens in this battle, you promise that you'll fight to survive it. I understand you may have to sacrifice yourself, I accept that…but you give everything you have to returning to them. I can only stand in for you. It's you that they need. You remember how much they need you. Hold on to that. It will help you stay alive…I know. You see, that is what gave me the power to defeat you. I knew that they needed me to return to them. Knowing that, gave me the strength to hold on through everything. It can help you too, Byakuya. Keep them in your mind while you fight. Hold on to them. Live. Now you promise me, Byakuya. Promise you will not just win this battle. Promise me that you will live!"

Byakuya's eyes moved slightly, still watching Shinotsuro, but adjusting to take in the sight of Ichigo at his side. A soft shiver went through him and left him calm and steady once more. The strength returned to his eyes and hand shifted almost imperceptibly on Senbonzakura's hilt. Across from him, the hollow's face twisted in anger and he prepared to strike.

"I will," Byakuya whispered, "I want to live to see my son. I'll fight for it. I promise you, Ichigo."

Byakuya raised Senbonzakura and drew the balance of his reiatsu from Ichigo. His eyes flashed with power, his spirit energy increasing unimaginably, nearly sending Ichigo to his knees. Ichigo felt him prepare to unleash it.

"Shinotsuro! The balance of power has shifted…" Byakuya hissed in a deadly calm whisper, "Now, my other half, you will die."

"Ban Kai…Hiheishi, Senbonzakura, Kageyoshi," he said calmly.

In one flawless move, Byakuya released his attack in a relentless blast of what appeared to be pure white cherry blossoms, simultaneously shoving Ichigo back through the conduit and sealing it off behind him. The hollow reared back shrieking as the attack connected, surrounding the beast with its pure white light and sending a blast outward for miles in all directions. In the very core of the blast, the white blossoms spun around Shinotsuro and collapsed inward on him, shattering the hollow's body and reducing it to dust at Byakuya's feet. The great white light slowly faded and Byakuya felt the power leave him. He stood in silence for a moment staring calmly at the pile of dust that had been a part of his soul. Then he felt the darkness take hold of him as he started to fall.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Ichigo reappeared suddenly, tumbling away from Byakuya's hollow-enshrouded form. The next moment, the dry bones burst apart and Byakuya was thrown free. He rolled to his knees and gained his feet. For a long moment the rest stared at him in breathless fascination, captivated by the fierce pride in his dark eyes. Then Senbonzakura flashed strangely and slowly faded from his hand as he sank to the floor.

Scrambling to his knees, Ichigo crawled to Byakuya, turning him over and searching frantically for signs of life. Yoruichi appeared beside him, studying Byakuya's motionless form as well. Pushing Ichigo aside, she placed her hands on Byakuya's chest and summoned an eerie green mist that surrounded his body and then seeped inside. Byakuya ceased all movement.

"What did you do?" Ichigo asked in shock.

"Suspended animation…I'm trying to save what's left of him, Ichigo. He would have died within moments. At least now we can try to get him back to the Sereitei. I don't know what they'll be able to do…but I can't give up, not until we have done everything possible to save him."

Ichigo turned to the others.

"Renji, you have to get us to the Sereitei. Yoruichi can open the gateway to Kisuke's so we can get back to the living world. He can open a gateway into the Sereitei for us from there. Rukia and Hanataro, you will go with Yoruichi."

Yoruichi was already opening the gate.

"Go quickly, before Aizen comes!" she ordered.

Renji and Ichigo followed the others into the gateway. As they disappeared, Yoruichi pulled Byakuya close and summoned a hell butterfly. As she, Rukia and Hanataro passed the through the gate and closed it behind them, Aizen smiled from the open doorway and let them go unharmed.

"Amazing, Gin," he said softly to his counterpart, "He actually did it. Something told me that if anyone could, it would be him. He may not live long, but he lived long enough to prove it's possible. Simply amazing!"

"Why did you let them go?" Gin asked, grinning widely, "you had her dead to rights with the child and him, not to mention sister Rukia! I wonder at you sometimes."

"Thrill of the chase, I guess," Aizen answered, "I wouldn't want it to end too soon. Let them think they are safe. Let their connections fade. Let them think they've won. Right now, they are tightly bound together. I will wait for another opening and I will squash them beneath my heel, one by one."

Aizen turned suddenly and swept out of the room. Looking back for a moment, Gin followed, closing the door softly behind him. Across the room, something stirred slightly in the debris.