When Yuu got back to Sōkyoku Hill she had to let go of Shūhei's hand. She couldn't stop both her hands from coming to cover her mouth in horror. Yuu's incredible mind betrayed her and committed every detail to memory. The scene she saw would forever play in her nightmares.
Ichigo laid eagle spread, face down on the ground. His Ban Kai outfit was torn in to streamers and was hanging off of him. He had been cut what looked to be a thousand times but he wasn't bleeding, he had almost bleed out. It also looked like his spine had been snapped. Ichigo was struggling to push himself up.
Renji was in a similar position. His long bright red hair was loose and on the ground around his head. Zabimaru, his Zanpakutō, was in pieces, scattered around in a random pattern. He was unconscious.
Uryû, Chad, Ganju, and Orihime were on the other end of Sōkyoku Hill. It was clear they had just arrived. Uryû was standing in front of Orihime with his hand wrapped around Chad's arm, very clearly keeping the taller boy back. They were joined by a trio of Soul Reapers. Two of them Yuu recognized as Yumichika Ayasegawa and his friend with no socks. The third was a girl who looked to be maybe eight years old with pink hair. Yuu noted the lieutenant's armband on her left arm. They seemed to have no idea what was going on and were struggling under immense spiritual pressure.
There in the middle of the hill were three adult male Soul Reapers. The first was a dark skinned man wearing a Soul Reaper uniform without sleeves, like Shūhei. He was also wearing a twisted, orange scarf that pointed straight up behind his braided ponytail. Across his eyes was a strip of either, blue plastic or, blue glass. It was clear enough that Yuu could see he was blind.
The second man was the man from the gate and the source of the spiritual pressure causing the others to struggle. Yuu noticed some more about him this time around. He had silver hair that was cut so it fell into his shut eyes. He was tall and lean with long tapered fingers and long legs. He was pale but it was a cream colored paleness. He was staring at Yuu or at least he was facing Yuu. He wore a basic Soul Reaper uniform. His captain's overcoat lacked sleeves. Just like last time he sent shivers down Yuu's spine.
The last man had disheveled brown hair and glasses. He was also a captain. His captain's coat had sleeves. He looked harmless and his back was turned towards Yuu. Yuu knew he was Sōsuke Aizen by the symbol for Fifth division on the back of the white coat. At Yuu's arrival he turned to face her. There was glint in his brown eyes that was undiluted evil. His square fingers were wrapped around Rukia's red collar. Rukia was dangling like a lifeless ragdoll, fear plainly etched on her face.
What Yuu did next was pure stupid. Yuu, truly, had only had two instincts. Everything thing else was thoughts. Most of them were subconscious thoughts, yes, but Yuu's core was made of two things. Run as fast as possible and keep her family and friends safe. In that moment both came into play in the most idiotic fashion.
Yuu flipped her right hand causing Kakuchū no Ryū, which was tied to her right wrist, to jump up. She caught the revolver in her left hand. She rushed forward; her body fell in to a perfect running form. What she saw narrowed to Rukia and Aizen.
From behind her Shūhei shouted, "Yuu! No!"
At the same time Ichigo ordered, "Be careful!"
Yuu took aim while running. Aizen was locked in her mind. Then, just as she was about to fire she was thrown back. Six green, pointed pillars thrust out of the ground. Yuu righted herself midair and landed on her toes. She lost her balanced and was force to fall forward on to the splayed fingertips of her right hand. She looked at the circle of pillars separating her from Rukia.
"What the hell?" the curse fell from her lips.
"Ah Miss Katsu," Aizen's voice was a dangerous purr. "I'm afraid you missed my explanation and I simply do not have the time to explain it again. Though I'll admit the emergence of you powers interested me for a bit."
Aizen tossed Rukia forward as his other hand snapped a small tube. The hand that snapped the tube turned green and his fingers got longer and skinnier. He threw that hand forward and plunged though Rukia's chest. The whole thing took less time than a blink.
"RUKIA!" Orihime, Ichigo and Yuu screamed simultaneously."
"Interesting no permanent damage to the soul," Aizen rehooked his fingers on Rukia's collar. He held her out. "Gin, kill her."
Later Yuu and Ichigo would both wonder how they saw all that happened in that moment.
Yuu began to rush forward. Kaname Tōsen, the sleeveless man, rushed her. Shūhei shouted at her to look out. He got his Zanpakutō across his traitorous captain's throat. Yuu tripped and sprawled forward. Gin Ichimaru, the silver haired Soul Reaper, released his Zanpakutō. Yuu blinked at the same time the sound of a sword stabbing flesh occurred. Yuu opened her eyes. Byakuya Kuchiki was holding Rukia in one arm and Ichimaru's Zanpakutō in the other. The long sword pulled back from where it had stabbed the captain of Sixth division. Yuu scrambled to get up.
Ichigo shouted, "Yuu he's hurt!"
Yuu took aim haphazardly, "Fire Ao no Ryū!"
The blue dragon flew towards Byakuya, who had fallen and was being supported by Rukia. It made contact just as Yuu used Shunpo to flash around to their location. She stood with her ribbon stretched out.
"Come on Captain get up! Do you seriously think I can take Aizen by myself?"
The noble stood up as Ao no Ryū patched him up. Then Ao no Ryū flicked out. Captain Kuchiki fell again. Yuu knew what that meant. She was running out of spiritual pressure. She was doomed but Yuu would go to Hell before she went down without a fight.
Aizen went to unsheathed his Zanpakutō. Just then there was a shadow in the sky. Aizen looked up but Yuu didn't dare take her eyes off her opponent. She didn't have to; she heard Jidanbō and Kūkaku. Kūkaku was yelling something but Yuu couldn't tell what. There was some kind of ringing in her ears but her eyesight was amazingly clear.
There was a flash of Kidō and the pair landed. When the smoke cleared it was obvious it hadn't affect Aizen. Luckily Yoruichi and a female Soul Reaper Yuu didn't recognize, with black hair in a kind of spiky bob expect for two wrapped shoulder length pieces, leapt in using Shunpo to stop the devil. Yoruichi's hand was on the hilt of Aizen's Zanpakutō, to keep him from pulling it out. The Soul Reaper's Zanpakutō was on Aizen neck. There was some dialogue but Yuu just couldn't hear it, she only caught the lips of the speakers moving.
Gin Ichimaru was caught by a female Soul Reaper with wavy orange hair and blue gray eyes. Her uniform was open showing her tremendous assets. She had a pink scarf around her shoulders and some kind of chain that fell into her cleavage.
His eyes opened for just a brief moment. Yuu let out a hiss at the picture that moment presented. Gin forced Yuu to meet his eyes. He smiled a soft smile and closed his eyes. Yuu could breathe again.
Even though all three captains were captives and, Lieutenants and Captains began to arrive. Yuu didn't dare think victory. Not until all three of them were safely behind bars. Just then Yoruichi screamed something and she and her partner pushed away from Aizen. A bright light came from him and Yuu followed it to a crack it the sky A whole set of Menos Grande pushed their way out. Similar pillars of light came to encase Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tōsen. Yuu took aim.
"Fire Aka no Ryū!"
Her hearing returned as the eldest of the captains explained why Aka no Ryū just bounced of the yellow light.
"Stop! That is Negación, A technique used by the Menos to rescue their fellow Hollows. Once enveloped by that light it is impossible for those with in and those without to interact. Once that light touched Sōsuke Aizen he became part of another world, impossible for us to reach."
Yuu gapped in disbelief. There had to be something she could do, anything!
Uryû shouted, "Yuu," She turned to look at the Quincy. He was pointing straight up. "You'll need a boost!"
Yuu saw what he saw and yanked her head around to find Shūhei. He nodded and cupped his hands. Yuu took off running, fighting both time and herself. Time, because if she didn't act fast she would lose her chance. And herself because she was about to collapse. Yuu reached Shūhei and leapt in to his hands. He pushed her up with all his strength. She flew upwards and took aim.
"Fire Aka no Ryū!"
The dragon flew and made contact with the giant Menos Grande's forehead. It accomplished nothing. Yuu began to fall. Aka no Ryū returned to Kakuchū no Ryū. Kakuchū no Ryū reverted to its sealed state. Yuu dropped her Zanpakutō and it clattered on the ground. She twisted herself and landed on her hands. The contact with the ground sent shock waves up her arms. Yuu's arms were not just broken; they were fragmented. Yuu bent at her waist and landed on her feet right next to Ichigo. She craned her neck to look at the retreating men. Ichigo reached up and Yuu bent down. Yuu forced her injured arms around her 'cousin' to pull him up. She ignored the pain but a hiss escaped.
The long white haired captain from division Thirteenth spoke, "You've joined with the Menos, have you become so corrupt?"
Aizen responded, "You are blinded by your self-righteousness." He took off his glasses and pushed a hand though his hair, sweeping it backward and away from his face. "From the beginning no one has ever stood at the top, neither you, nor me, nor the gods. But soon that unattainable vacancy will be filled. From now on I alone will stand at the top."
The other teens from Karakura Town came to stand next to Yuu and Ichigo. They were in their line but there was almost no space between them. Yuu still had her arms wrapped around Ichigo, her arms protesting at the abuse she was putting them though. She made eye contact with all four of her original companions. Their eyes all said the same thing.
"Goodbye Soul Reapers." Aizen's voice was mocking as the crack began to close.
"You made a mistake Aizen!" Ichigo stated. His voice was quiet but could be heard by everyone.
Aizen let out a laugh. "What would that be?"
"You left us alive," Ichigo said.
"Goodbye Ryoka boy." Aizen said "If I have to admit that, for a time, you and she were amusing."
"You left us alive," Ichigo repeated
Yuu finished the thought, with ice colored eyes, "We will stop you!"
The last thing Yuu saw as the crack snapped closed was Aizen's contemptuous sneer. Chad came over and Yuu handed Ichigo to him. The taller boy gently placed him back on the ground. Orihime started her healing technique. Uryû walk to where Kakuchū no Ryū had fallen. He picked it up and brought it back to Yuu.
"I got you Zanpakutō," Uryû noticed her arms. "Do you trust me to hold on to it for you for a while?"
Yuu nodded and managed to unbuckle the belt with her sheath on it. She let it fall to the ground. Then she held her arms well away from her body. Uryû picked up the sheath and put the Zanpakutō away. Yuu felt a pair of hands on her waist. She turned to see Shūhei.
"Help me down?" Yuu asked.
The lieutenant nodded, as he helped her into a sitting position. "I have to go," his voice was full of pain caused by the betrayal of his captain. "I have things I have to do."
Yuu muttered in the affirmative and watched and the young adult hurried off. She was so tired. Bone deep tired. A power nap couldn't hurt. She laid back down with her arms off to her sides and drifted off to sleep.
**Scene Change**
Ichigo was attempting to sneak. He wanted to see Yuu but, the captain of Fourth division had declared that she needed rest and was not to be disturbed. Captain Retsu Unohana scared Ichigo. He needed to see Yuu; he hadn't seen her in two days. He knew what room she was in. He opened the door as quietly as he could. He slipped into the room as soon as the gap was big enough for him. He looked at Yuu and let out an exasperated sigh.
Yuu looked like she was asleep, propped up by a pile of pillows. Her chest rose and fell in a rhythmic fashion. Her eyes were closed and her face was tilted away from the door. It was a deception Yuu practiced with great care and fooled most people. But Ichigo knew her longer than most people and knew her tells. Her left hand was clenched tight over her left hip.
"Relax, it's me, Ichigo said as he sat down in the chair in the corner by the window.
Yuu opened her eyes and whispered, "What are you doing here?"
Ichigo matched her tone, "I came to see you."
"Captain Unohana will kill you if she catches you here."
"Yeah I know, don't care."
Yuu closed her eyes, "I'm supposed to be sleeping. Every time someone comes in and I'm not they drug me. I hate it."
"Well you did almost kill yourself twice."
"So did you that I know of. More if I'm not mistaken."
Ichigo scoffed.
Yuu's eyes were still closed. "Tell me a story."
Ichigo sighed, "About what?"
"What happen after I ran off?"
Ichigo sank deeper in to the chair and began. "I fought Ikkaku Madarame, The bald Soul Reaper. He had an ointment that patched up injuries. I beat him and he fainted from blood lost. I used his cream to patch us both up. He told me where to find Rukia. I went to look for you and Ganju. I found him and we were chased by Eleventh division grunts. We tried threating another Soul Reaper but Hanatarō is from Fourth Division and the two divisions don't like each other. We ran off and accidently took Hanatarō with us. He told us he could take us to Rukia. We went through the sewers. When we got out Renji was there. We had a rematch; I won. Then I had to fight Kenpachi Zaraki., the captain of Eleventh division. He's crazy just so you know. Hanatarō and Ganju went on ahead while I did that. Turns out Rukia killed Ganju's brother because he was turning in to a Hollow. Ganju didn't know that. Byakuya showed up. Hanatarō moved to stand between him and Rukia. Ganju decided he had to help out. I showed up. Then you showed up. What happened to you?"
Yuu whispered tiredly. "I went to fight Yumichika. Ganju tossed me out of the way. I guess he had some kind of chivalry thing. I made my way to the Senzaikyū. I figured that I could see more from there. I kept to back alleys. I had Kiiro no Ryū going to make me feel like a Soul Reaper. Daidaiiro no Ryū was going to look for Rukia. I got tired and I saw a banner that was the color orange connected to the weird feeling I had" Yuu opened her eyes to look at Ichigo. "I told you about that right?"
At Ichigo's nod Yuu continued her story, "I stopped in an alley to get a closer look. There was a poppy flower on it, which means oblivion. Shūhei Hisagi, Lieutenant of Ninth division caught me. And here's the weird part that I don't quite get; he and I are soul mates. I don't understand it but all six of my dragons agree on that and he feels the same connection. He told me that Rukia was in the Senzaikyū. I got away. I took a nap. When I woke up I headed to the tower but stopped in the closest alley. I sent Murasaki no Ryū to talk to Rukia. Something spooked it. I headed to the tower. I ran into you. What happened with Aizen?"
Ichigo groaned. "Okay Aizen always wanted power and He and Mr. Urahara both made something called the Hōgyoku. Both were incomplete. So Aizen decided to join the two together. Mr. Urahara figured out what Aizen was doing and hid his inside Rukia's soul. The Gigai Rukia got from him was designed to turn her into a regular human. When Aizen found Rukia in the World of the Living he murdered the Central 46, the Soul Society's government. The orders to capture Rukia and have her executed all came from Aizen. His Zanpakutō has the ability to make anyone who has seen it believe whatever Aizen wants them to believe. They're two ways to remove objects from a soul. We were trying to stop the first method so Aizen need to do more research on the second method. He faked his own death to give him more time to look. Kaname Tōsen is blind and so Aizen's power never worked on him. Tōsen was convinced to join Aizen; something about justice. Who knows why Gin Ichimaru joined him? On that note did you see him when that woman caught him?"
Yuu had been looking and her 'cousin's; dejected form. At the end of his explanation she sighed.
"You saw that too did you? I half hoped it was my imagination." Yuu's hands clenched and unclenched, only to clenched back shut again. Yuu looked down at them. "We'll figure it out Ichigo. How to beat Aizen. What you are. Why I have a damn soul mate. The mystery behind my eyes. It will take some time but we'll figure it out." Yuu closed her eyes again. "Now I actually do need some more sleep."
Ichigo nodded, "Can I stay?"
Drowsiness tinted the girl's voice, "Until Captain Unohana kicks you out."
Yuu drifted off to sleep. Ichigo slumped in his chair. He thought to himself. Why did life have to be so hard? High school and homework were bad enough. Now they had to deal with power crazed maniacs and soul mates. Ichigo's thoughts took on a random pattern as he followed Yuu to dream land.
Author's Note: It's my birthday! Happy Birthday to me! That's one of the reasons why you're getting this now. The other reasons are named: DarkAngelLilithX, SS-lover06 and, NarutoKurosaki99. Now I have a birthday wish. Please go vote in my poll, especially if you follow and/or favorited this story. Thank you. In other news: I've written up to where the Karakura Group goes home. Which is kind of why I need you to vote. I have two more chapters and then I have no clue what to write next. So vote; I'll leave it up for a week and when I post the next chapter I'll give you a new poll with the top three choices. The week after that I'll post the last pre-written chapter and tell you which answer won. If you don't like the winner you can either get over it or leave. I won't miss you and neither will Yuu. Anyways I'm off to find Korra. Love you all, LadyAnnaLee
Btw: I don't own Bleach but I did think up Yuu and her Kakuchū no Ryū