Blade of the Shinigami

by RamenRenegade

Kurosaki Ichigo was a normal teenager, until one night his world was ripped from him as all those he ever loved were killed before his very eyes. Now, reunited with his older brother Renji whom he once thought dead, they struggle to learn the truth behind their cursed past as members of an ancient order of demons slayers tasked to defend the world from the creatures of the night.

14. The Hunted (Part Two)

INTRODUCTION

Welcome back to the Blade of the Shinigami. As always I like to begin by stating that I do not own Bleach. Please remember to leave a little review once done. Thanks.

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"Due to their lack of formal training Ryoka lack the understanding of what it means to be Shinigami. Shinigami must cleanse demonic entities while keeping this world hidden from the masses lest there be chaos. Ryoka lack the respect for this purpose and jeopardize the balance we strive to preserve. A balance that must be preserved at all costs."

-From the Holy Book of Origin

Blade of the Shinigami

Season One

Episode 14: The Hunted (Part Two)

Ichgo knelt in the pool of blood in the darkened ally. In his arms he held the pale, lifeless body of Tatsuki as he rocked back and forth. Ichigo held her tight to his chest as he cried pitifully. Somewhere from the shadows he could hear a familiar voice. "Do not cry for us. This is your fault and yet you cry. You failed to save us and yet you cry. Your tears can not absolve you of your sins. Crying will not gain you forgiveness. You failed to protect her. You failed to protect us all."

Ichigo could hear footsteps coming from the darkness in front of him and seconds later he saw Chad, his body decaying, his eyes full of malice, staring at him. "You did this to us!"

"No," Ichigo whispered as he cried.

"You couldn't protect us!" Chad yelled accusingly.

"No," Ichigo said.

"You could have stopped this!" Chad yelled.

"No," Ichigo said.

Then, to Ichigo's amazement Tatsuki's eyes opened and she turned her head and looked at Ichigo. "You failed to protect me Ichigo," she said.

"Tatsuki…no," Ichgio said as he cried.

Tatsuki then sat up and turned to face Ichigo. "You did this to me," She said.

"No!" Ichigo yelled.

"Yes," Tatsuki answered. She held Ichigo's hands in hers and showed him the blood that stained them. "My blood is on your hands Ichigo."

"No," Ichigo said as she shook his head in disbelief. He pulled his hand away and clenched it.

"You said you loved me," Tatsuki said.

I do!" Ichigo whispered.

"You said you'd protect me," she said.

"I tried!" he whispered.

"You said we'd be together forever," Tatsuki said.

"That's what I wanted!" Ichigo replied.

"You promised to give me the world," she said.

"No!" Ichigo whispered.

"But you failed me," she said.

"No!" Ichigo yelled.

"You let me die!" Tatuki screamed.

"No!" Ichigo yelled.

Tatuski then put her hand into her gaping bloody wound in her chest and then took her bloody hand and slowly wiped the blood on Ichigo's face. "And now," she said as she slowly ran her hand down his face. "My blood will stain you forever. What can you give me now?"

"I…I...I can give," Ichigo mumbled.

"Yes?" Tatsuki asked.

"I can give," Ichigo said.

"Yes?" Tatsuki asked.

Ichigo stopped crying and his eyes became steely and full of hate. "I can give you vengeance." He said.

He then heard footsteps from the darkness behind him moving methodically closer until an older man stepped into the light. It was the same man from his previous dreams. Tatsuki rose to her feet and both she and Chad stared at the old man blankly before they suddenly vanished. The man then looked at Ichigo and rose his hand out towards him "You are still not ready to know me," he said as Ichigo was surrounded by darkness.

Ichigo woke up in a cold sweat. He was breathing heavily and he felt like every nerve was on edge. As his blurred vision cleared he could see the familiar, high arched, white ceiling of Kisuke's home. Ichigo began to take deep, measured breaths to calm himself as he could feel his heart racing. As he tried to sit up he felt resistance and as he looked at his chest he realized he was strapped to the bed "What the hell?" He asked.

At the same moment the room door opened and Kisuke walked in. "Oh! So you've finally woken up Kurosaki-kun!" Kisuke said cheerfully. "I was wondering how many more days you'd be asleep!"

"Days?" Ichigo asked. "How long have been out?"

"About two," Kisuke said as he walked up to the bed. "Which was long enough for you to fully heal thanks to your advanced healing ability and Ururu's efforts." Kisuke then held Ichigo's face and moved it about as he inspected him. "Yep, not a scratch on you. I must thank you by the way. Because you show up half dead all the time Ururu's medical ability has improved ten fold."

"What the hell is going on?" Ichigo asked.

"Oh, you mean the straps?" Kisuke asked. "Compliments of your brother. He said you can't be trusted to look after yourself." Kisuke laughed and said, "I wonder where he got that foolish idea from?!"

"Damn it Kisuke, let me go!" Ichigo yelled.

"Sorry, no can do," Kisuke said as he sat on the side of the bed. "Your brother might not look it but he can be a scary guy when he wants to be. I mean he beat you like you stole money from him. And he loves you. Imagine what he'd do to me."

"Damn it Kisuke! I'm not playing around! Let me go!" Ichigo yelled as he tried in vain to break free. "This is kidnapping!"

"Only if you look at it that way!" Kisuke said with a smile.

"Kisuke!" Ichigo yelled.

Kisuke patted Ichigo on the arm and stood up. "Sorry Ichigo but this is for your own good. At least that's what your brother told me to tell you. Anyway, I have business to attend to. I'll have Ururu stop by with something to eat shortly." Kisuke immediately made his way to the door and left, leaving Ichigo alone. Ichigo stared at the door in disbelief before looking up at the ceiling and sighed.

~~~~~~Meanwhile~~~~~~

Renji walked down the partially lit hallway with only the echo of his own footsteps his companion. Shit! Renji thought. Shit! Shit! Shit! I haven't heard from Rukia since that night. She won't return my calls and she's never home. Shit!

After leaving Kisuke's place two nights ago Renji spent a long time just standing in the parking lot of the club looking up at the night sky. He felt nothing but regret for what he'd said to Rukia and immediately tried to call her. It went straight to voice mail and has every time since. He must have left over a dozen messages. She hadn't called back. And as he walked down this lonely hallway for the life of him he couldn't blame her if she never did.

"Lt. Kurosaki!"

Renji turned to see who had called his name and saw a young man in a black suit running towards him. "Hmm? Oh! Rikichi, it's you. What is it?"

Rikichi was one of the newest Shinigami recruits that had been recently assigned to Renji's division. He was a bit younger than the average recruit, being only sixteen. He was about 5'6"and his hair was parted on the left and fanned out at the tips. Also, on the left side of his head, three strands were beaded at the tips.

From the moment Renji had been introduced to Rikichi he wondered how a kid like him could have made it through training. It wasn't that he was a bad soldier. Renji found him to be quite knowledgeable and exhibited textbook skill with his Zanpakuto. But Renji found him to be a bit too meek. To Renji, Rikichi lacked a certain level of aggression needed to be a successful Shinigami. Thankfully, it seemed that Captain Kuchiki had noticed it too and for the most part Rikichi was only ever sent on the lowest ranked missions. Otherwise he remained at headquarters performing menial tasks.

Renji wasn't sure what it was about Rikichi, but he reminded him of Ichigo. So Renji would spend time with him, training him and just hanging out. Rikichi, for his part, seemed to look up to Renji, going so far as to accompany Renji to his favorite tattoo parlor where he would have a tattoo of a blade placed above his left eye.

Rikichi ran up to Renji and immediately put his hands on his knees as he fought to catch his breath. "There…you are Lieutenant!" Rikichi said as he huffed and puffed. "I've been looking everywhere for you. The captain sent me to find you. He wants to see you in his office ASAP."

"Tch! What could that guy want now? Such a pain in the ass!" Renji said to himself. He then looked to Rikichi and smiled. "Thanks kid. I'll go see him now. How have you been anyway? I haven't had time to check in on you lately. How's that sword technique I taught you? You're still practicing?"

Rikichi stood bolt straight and saluted. "Yes sir!" He said. "Of course sir!"

Renji laughed and patted Rikichi on his back. "Good! Good! You'd better master it by the time I check in. I'll be testing you! And don't be so damned formal kid!"

"Yeah Renji," Rikichi said as he relaxed.

Renji then put his hands in his pockets and began to walk back from where he'd come. "See ya later Rikichi! And remember…eyes and ears open kid."

Ten minutes later Renji found himself in the elevator heading to the top floor. A chime and the door slid open leading into the lobby of Captain Kuchki's office. As Renji walked across the plush tan rug and past the lavish oak furniture, Renji looked to a large ornate desk that sat just outside the double door entrance to the Captain's office. It was Mihane's desk. And it was empty. Renji was somewhat surprised that it was. Despite the late hour Mihane was usually there acting as the Captain's assistant and gatekeeper. Everyone knew that when the Captain was in his office so was Mihane no matter how late or early. Oh well! Renji thought as he shrugged. At least I won't have to deal with her smart ass comments or disapproving looks tonight. Small blessings I guess.

Just as Renji raised his hand to knock he heard Captain Kuchiki's voice from behind his closed doors. "Come in Renji," Byakuya said.

I hate when he does that, Renji thought as he opened the door. As usual, Byakuya's office was dark with the only light emanating from the large computer screen on his desk. Byakuya was staring at the screen, typing so quick it almost seemed to have its own rhythm. "Sit," Byakuya said flatly without looking away from his screen.

Renji took a deep breath as he walked across the room and sat in the seat on the other side of Byakuya's desk. "You wanted to see me Cap?"

Byakuya remained silent as he continued to type as though he hadn't heard the question and did not know Renji was there. A moment passed before he stopped typing and he looked up at Renji. "How goes the search for the Ryoka?"

"No good," Renji said. "Every place we've checked has come up a dead end."

"Hmm," Byakuya said. "It's as I feared. For the last few days, every location we've gone where we located traces of his Riatsu has been a dead end. This proves my theory that he's being helped."

"How so?" Renji asked.

It's no coincidence that the moment we begin to close in on this person that suddenly we start finding traces of his Riatsu in random places," Byakuya said. "He knows our tracking methods and has sent us on a wild goose chase forcing us to check dozens of locations that he knows bear no clues to his whereabouts or identity."

"We've checked every viable location and thoroughly investigated every possible clue," Renji responded.

"Have you now?" Byakuya asked as he slid a manila envelope from his side over to Renji. Renji opened the manila folder as Byakuya continued to speak. "As you know about two nights ago there was a disturbance at Hibiya high school in the Nagatacho district. There was a terrible fire at the school that nearly destroyed it. We found large readings of two unknown Riatsu signatures as well as the Riatsu of our friend. What's strange is that none of this was mentioned in the report you're reading. The one that was handed to me this morning." Byakuya then pulled another folder from his top right draw and held it up. "Luckily I was able to get an un-edited version beforehand. I'm currently investigating how this information could have been removed."

Renji put the folder down and looked at Byakuya without a hint of surprise. "Well, you do demand long hours from your staff," he said. "It's possible this was just an oversight." But Renji knew the truth. The morning after hearing his brothers' story and making sure he'd been put on lockdown; Renji had headed to R & D headquarters and spoke to Second Lieutenant Akon who owed him a favor for setting him up on a date with Kiyone Kotetsu, Third Lieutenant of the Thirteenth Division a few months back. It ended up being a spectacular failure of course. Akon had no skill with women. But the favor was to get him a date, not make it successful.

Akon allowed Renji access to the file on that investigation, believing Renji just wanted to double check some facts and, without Akon's knowledge, Renji used a program he'd learned to erase that portion of the data. Clearly Byakuya had gotten to it first. Renji cursed Byakuya's thoroughness but now was not the time to show any hint of guilt.

"Indeed," Byakuya said. "I'd hate to think someone in my Division would try something so foolish. They would have to know nothing escapes me eye. In any event I've put some men to investigate the situation." Byakuya then slid the envelope across the table. "I want you to go over this information. See if you can find any usable clues."

Renji hesitated momentarily before taking the file. "Understood."

Just as he was about to stand Byakuya said, "Tell me Renji, how have you been?"

"Huh?" Renji asked.

"I can't help but notice how distracted you've seemed these past few weeks," Byakuya said. "The Order…I myself…can become so consumed with the mission that we often forget the human element of this organization. I feel like part of being a good captain is understanding his subordinates better."

"I'm fine cap," Renji asked as he again began to rise out of his seat.

"Really?" Byakuya said as he again went into his drawer and pulled out another file. "That's surprising considering what happened to your family a few months ago."

Renji felt as though he'd been stabbed in the heart. He paused in mid air and slowly sat back in his seat. He knew any attempt at denial had been thrown out the window. "My…family?"

"Yes," Byakuya said as he read the file. "The Order makes it a point to monitor the friends and family of our members. For their own protection of course. I'm sure you're aware of the violent deaths. And yet you never mentioned it and continued to do your job. It must weigh heavy on you."

"You know what they say captain," Renji said with a bitter smile. "The Order is a machine that never stops. It waits for nothing. Especially grief."

Byakuya nodded and then sat forward in his chair, his arms crossed on his desk. Renji could see the reflection the computer screen in his glasses. "So true." Byakua said. "Do you know why I chose you to be First Lieutenant Renji? It's your ability to compartmentalize your emotions. You might be reckless but you get the job done. You understand the importance of what we do and why nothing can stand in the way of that. Many others don't get it. But you and I do. You remind me of myself in a way."

"But nevertheless, I know this must be hard for you," Byakuya said as he got to his feet. "Especially when you factor in your little brother."

Renji swallowed hard. He could feel a cold sweat on the back of his neck. "My brother?" He asked. "What about him?"

"Well, according to the files the ones murdered was your mother, father and two little sisters," Byakuya said. "You're brother however seems to have disappeared and is currently wanted for questioning by the police. They can't find him. But what makes it even more curious is that we can't either. I took the liberty of looking into it and we can find no trace of the young man."

"Yes well, I'm sure he's fine," Renji said.

"Yes. But what I don't understand is why you chose not to inform me of this," Byakuya said. "Surely I could have helped in the search earlier."

"As I said, the Order has its mission," Renji said. "And it's not to find idiot runaway kids."

Byakuya nodded and then turned to the large bay window and stared out at the stars. "You know Renji I'm an older brother too," He said. "I know what it's like. The sense of responsibility you have for younger siblings. Especially when they do things to constantly disappoint you. Like me for instance. I happen to have a young sister who every so often likes to dishonor herself by finding a new Shinigami to fuck"

Renji's eyes opened wide as he felt all the air leave his lungs. His entire body was suddenly on edge as he prepared himself for anything. But to his surprise Byakuya looked back at him without a hint of malice and said, "Don't worry Renji. I have no intention of doing anything to you. I've long since given up on my sister and protecting her honor. You're not the first toy she's played with and you certainly won't be the last."

Something about that angered Renji deeply as he clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. Luckily Byakya had already turned to face the window and couldn't see Renji's momentary loss of composure. By the time Byakuya spoke Renji had already cooled.

"But I know all to well what it's like to have a rebellious sibling," Byakuya said. "No matter how much you warn them; no matter how much you try to protect them, they constantly put themselves in dangerous situations." Byakuya turned around to face Renji. "Situations that sometimes have…very bad consequences." Despite Byakuya's flat tone and blank stare, Renji could now see malice in his eyes.

Byakuya walked around his desk and sat on the front of it, next to Renji. "But of course I shouldn't have to worry about you. Because as I've said, you're a man who puts duty above all else. Right?"

"Of course," Renji said.

"Let's just hope we can locate the young man," Byakuya said as he folded his arms. Renji looked up in his captain. Despite his calm demeanor, the malice in Byakuya's eyes was unmistakable now. Renji knew there was a storm brewing under the calm exterior Byakaya now showed. "Before someone else does." Byakuya said.

Renji cleared his throat and got up out of the chair. "I should go get started on this." He said.

"Of course," Byakuya said as he motioned to the door. Byakuya watched as Renji make his way to the door and began to walk around to other side of his desk. As Renji reached for the door knob Byakuya said, "By the way, did you know that Hibiya high school happened to be the same school your brother attended? Small world isn't it?"

Renji nodded and opened the door and quickly got out of the room and closed the door behind him. He took a deep breath and looked at the file in his hand. He then made his way to the elevator and as he rode down he reached into his phone and made a call. "Hello? Ganju? Where's your sister?"

~~~~~~Sometime Later~~~~~~

Ichigo grunted as he strained against his bonds to no avail. "Hey!" He yelled. "Anyone out there?! Get me out of here! You can't do this! Hey! Kisuke!? Ururu!? Let me out!"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk," came a voice from the shadows.

"Who's there?!" Ichigo said as he strained to see.

"Oh how the mighty have fallen," said the hidden person.

"Yoruichi?" Ichigo asked as he recognized the voice. "Is that you?"

Yoruichi walked out of the shadows and slowly made her way over to the side of the bed. "How could you let yourself end up like this Kurosaki?" She asked.

"It's not like I had a choice!" Ichigo yelled angrily. "God damned Renji, sucker punched me! What the hell was I supposed to do?!"

Yoruichi shrugged and said, "Duck maybe." Yoruichi sat down next to Ichigo and asked, "So what now lover boy? You got your brother putting you on lock down and the entire Order looking to take your head. It's not looking too good for you."

"You knew this was going to happen, didn't you?" Ichigo said. "You and Kisuke knew that if I started doing this on my own that this would happen."

"Me?!" Yoruichi yelled as she feigned innocence. "Why would we do such a thing!?"

"You set me up!" Ichigo yelled. "Why!?"

"I'm sorry Ichigo but I don't recall forcing you to do anything," Yoruichi said with a devious smile. "Remember, you're the one who asked Kisuke to teach you how to become a Shinigami. You're the one who said this was the only path open to you now. You're the one who chose to go out night after night. You chose to walk down that yellow brick road Alice and you can't go home again."

Ichigo sighed and stared up at the ceiling. He knew she was right. He had every opportunity to step away. Hell, everyone around him asked him numerous times. This was his decision. And he had to deal with the consequences. "I-I don't know what to do," Ichigo said. "Everything I've done so far has seemed like a mistake."

"Has it really?" Yoruichi asked. Ichigo looked to her but said nothing. Yoruichi sighed. "This is what I can't stand with humans some times. A clear lack of focus. Tell me lover boy what was the reason you decided to walk this path?"

"To find out the truth," Ichigo answered. "To find out the real reason my friends and family were killed."

"And do you feel like you're getting closer to that answer?" Yoruichi asked.

"After what happened that night? Yes." Ichigo said. "But that's not the point. Chad…he was used against me. I-I can't…"

"Don't tell me you think that you could walk this path without being scarred?" Yoruichi asked. "How naïve. So are you saying you lack the resolve to go through with this?"

"Maybe Renji's right." Ichigo said. "Maybe I don't have what it takes. Maybe I should just let him handle things."

"Well, the choice is yours Ichigo." Yoruichi said as she got to her feet. "But I wonder if you could live with yourself if you walked away now." Yoruichi walked to the door and opened it. As she closed it behind her the straps that held down Ichigo suddenly snapped open.

Ichgio sat up on the side of the bed as he considered his options. A few minutes passed by before he took a deep breath and stood up. He quickly walked over to the door, intent on sneaking out of the building when, too his surprise Kisuke was leaning on the wall across from the door with his arms folded. His head was lowed and with his bucket hat on it was impossible for Ichigo to see his face. "So I take it you've made you're decision?" Kisuke asked.

"Yes," Ichigo said. "No matter what happens. No matter what I face. I will continue on."

Kisuke raised his head just enough for Ichigo to see his eyes. "Excellent," He said with a smile. "I was beginning to wonder how long I would have to keep you locked up. We have work to do. First off we need to get you back into fighting shape."

~~~~~~Later that Night~~~~~~

Byakuya sat in his darkened office as he typed away on his computer in silence. He knew he was getting closer to his target with each passing day. Most of the locations where the Ryoka's Riatsu had been found had been investigated and catalogued. It was clear that the Ryoka was now leaving traces in random places in order to throw him off. But with his well trained eye and analytical mind Byakuya was able to dismiss those locations. They were getting closer and he could feel it.

"Sir," Mihane said as she poked her head through Byakuya's door. "I'm stepping away for a moment. Is there anything I can get you?"

"No," Byakuya said as he continued to focus on his work. As he again reviewed every clue, he again came to the same conclusion. Despite his best efforts it was something he could no longer deny. "Damn it Renji," Byakuya whispered to himself as he shook his head.

Just then, Byakuya felt a breeze pass by him and the faint hint of Riatsu. Instinctively, his Zanpakuto appears at his hip and his hand went to the hilt as he jumped to his feet. "Who's there!?" Byakuya demanded as he looked around. There came a slight squeaking behind him and he turned to see that his window was open. Byakuya walked to the window and looked outside but he saw nothing out of the ordinary. He quickly closed the window and looked about and saw an envelope sitting on his desk. Cautiously, he picked it up and opened it and read the contents before putting the paper and envelope in a nearby shredder.

Byakuya then returned to his seat and continued reviewing his work.

~~~~~~The Next Night~~~~~~

Renji walked out of his division headquarters into the cool night air. "Rukia," he said into the phone by his ear. "I acted like a jackass, I know. Just…please call me back." Renji hung up and took a deep sigh. He'd left another message that he was sure wouldn't be returned.

"Trouble in paradise?"

Renji looked up to see Byakuya standing by the curb in front of a black, chrome BMW that was left running. He wore a black suit with no tie and an open collar and a long black trench coat. "Captain?" Renji asked. "What are you doing out here?"

"Come with me Renji," Byakuya said as he turned and walked to the car.

Renji took a deep breath. What now? He wondered as he followed his captain into the back seat of the sedan. In the drivers' seat was Masayoshi, the captain's usual driver.

"Shakujii," Byakuya said before he pulled out a tablet and began to work.

"Shakujii? As in Shakujii Park? Whay are we headed there?" Renji asked Byakuya. But Byakuya remained silent as he continued to work. Renji sighed and looked out of the window as buildings and people whizzed by.

Some thirty minutes had passed before the sedan pulled into the entrance of the park. Without a word Byakuya put away his tablet and exited the car. Annoyed, Renji got out and walked around to the other side. "Mind telling me what the hell we're doing here at two in the morning Captain?"

"We're going sight-seeing," Byakuya responded flatly. He then looked to Masayoshi who had also stepped out of the car. "Stay here. We'll be back in an hour or so."

"Captain," Masayoshi said with a salute.

Byakuya immediately turned and walked into the park with a confused Renji in tow. After a few minutes of walking deeper into the quiet park Renji could no longer keep his impatience in check. "Ok Captain!" He yelled. "Enough with this cloak and dagger crap. What the hell are we doing out here? This clearly isn't a hunt. So what is it?"

"Do you know what I like about you, Renji?" Byakuya said. "Do you know the real reason I chose you to be First Lieutenant? It's your ability to not only think for yourself but your ability to make proper decisions. It's my experience that when you give most people the opportunity to lead and to make decisions in pressure situations they tend to fail. But not you. You might be rude, inconsiderate, rebellious, impatient and ignorant."

"Is there a complement in there somewhere captain?" Renji asked impatiently.

"But in the end you care about your comrades and you know how to get the job done." Byakuya continued. "You are a man unafraid of big moments."

"I'm pretty sure you didn't bring me out to a desolate park in the middle of the night for a pep talk," Renji said. "Why are we out here?"

Byakuya stopped walking and looked at Renji. "We're here to face another big moment." Almost as if on cue Renji felt a burst of powerful Riatsu coming from the wooded area to his right. Byakuya remained calm as though he felt nothing at all.

"What the hell?!" Renji asked as his zanpakuto appeared at his waist. He could feel two distinct Riatsu signatures coming closer. The smaller Riatsu had a foul feeling to it. He knew right away that it was the Riatsu of a demon. The other he couldn't place. But it was powerful. Suddenly he could feel the ground rumble and the sound of snapping trees and the tearing of bushes. Renji drew his sword and readied himself as the sounds got closer and closer and the Riatsu closed in.

Renji looked back and yelled, "What the hell is going on captain!?" But Byakuya didn't answer. He merely adjusted his glasses and remained silent.

Before Renji could turn to face forward a large figure erupted out of the forest into the open area in front of them. Renji turned to see that it was in fact a large lizard-like demon. Renji quickly faced the demon and prepared to fight when to his amazement someone jumped out of the forest at the demon, screaming.

As the person landed Renji could see his face and was speechless. The man, seemingly unaware that he was being watched, immediately closed in on the demon. The demon opened its mouth and a large tongue lashed out at the man. The man easily avoided it and swung his sword down, cutting the tongue in half. The demon reared back and howled in pain as the man leapt high into the sky and sliced the demon in half with one blow.

The demon faded and melted away as the man stood and watched in silence. It was then he realized he wasn't alone and turned to face the two men behind him. When he saw Renji's shocked face, the man gasped. "R-Renji?"

As the shock wore away, Renji began to feel the anger rise within him as he stared at his little brother, covered in cuts and bruises and blood. "Ichigo…" Renji said in disbelief and anger.

Without a hint of surprise Byakuya said, "Well, well. It's amazing what one will come across during a late night stroll isn't it?"

~~~~~~To Be Continued…~~~~~~

Next time: The confrontation between Renji, Byakuya and Ichigo comes to final, stunning conclusion.

Blade of the Shinigami

Episode 15: The Hunted (Part 3)

"Draw your swords all ye saints and sinners!"