I'm very sorry that this took so long to get out. I had a bad case of writers block on top of a few other problems. I tried to write a good fight scene, but I'm not sure if it was very good. i'll try to do better next chapter which i will write asap, but with school about to start again, I may loose some time. Either way sorry for the long wait and as always thanks for sticking around and please R.R.

Chapter 20: On Angel's Wings.

Tegami Hondo 28th seat of the 9th Division had the easiest job in all of Soul Society. His one job in life was to guard a Senkaimon gate that had not been opened in over 60 years. Heck, he didn't even remember where it went to. All he knew was that he had to guard it. He leaned back in his chair and took a drink from a cup of tea that had been brought to him by a 4th Division member. This was the life. He never had to fight hollows and when Aizen caused all that trouble, he got to sleep through it all. Come to think of it, Hondo didn't think anyone in the 9th Division remembered he was here. It didn't matter. As long as he was out of danger, got his paycheck and plenty of food from the 4th Division, he didn't care. Hondo was leaning back and was about to fall asleep, when he heard a creaking noise. Sitting up he looked around and didn't see anything. Shrugging to himself he leaned back and closed his eyes again when suddenly the Senkaimon gate started to shake and groan. Hondo fell off his chair and rolled out of the way as the Gate started to slowly swing open. Bright light blocked his view for a moment before a pair of silhouettes appeared. Hondo hid behind the chair as the two silhouettes turned into two men in strange blue outfits he had never seen before. One of the men was short with a full beard and was smoking a cigar. The other man was taller with short black hair and grey eyes. Hondo looked at the taller man and he seemed familiar, but he couldn't place where he had seen the man before.

Both of the men looked around. "I don't see our welcoming committee Captain," said the smaller man chomping down on his cigar.

"You seem to be right, General Grant," said the taller Captain. "After that little report Amberrain sent, I was expecting them to be meeting us here. Maybe our frightened little friend can help us out here."

Hondo realized they were talking about him, and got out from behind his chair and shakily pulled his zanpakutō. "H..Hold it right there," he said nervously. "Who are you and what are you doing here?"

The taller Captain smiled reassuringly at Hondo. "We are just visiting," he said. "I'm here to visit some family and my friend here would like very much to talk to your General Yamamoto."

Hondo held his zanpakutō higher. "I…I'm taking you into custody," he said. "Don't make a…any sudden moves."

The Captain shook his head. "Son," he said softly. "I think you need to put that away, because if you don't my two friends there are going to hurt you badly."

Hondo looked at the man confused until he felt a tapping on his shoulder. He turned around and saw two people in the same blue uniforms as the two men. A woman had a sword resting on his shoulder and a big man was holding out his hand. Dejectedly Hondo handed his zanpakutō to the big man. He took it and then he and the woman saluted the two men. "Sorry it took us so long to get here."

General Grant pulled his cigar out of his mouth and returned the salute. "Think nothing of it," he said. "Better late than never."

"Sir," said Amberrain. "I regret to inform you that we were unable to get Rukia to a secure location. Right now, Lieutenant Grey is about to do battle with a man by the name of Ichigo Kurosaki-Shihōin. If Ichigo wins Rukia will marry him, if the Lieutenant wins, she will marry Mako Akashiya."

The Captain put his hand to his chin and thought for a moment. "It looks like my plan didn't go accordingly," he said.

Grant puffed on his cigar. "In my experience," he said. "The best laid plans usually fall apart about two seconds after you start them."

"I know," he sighed and turned to Amberrain. "Why did Grey decide to participate in this fight?"

"A servant Girl that the Lieutenant rescued was captured by Akashiya," said Amberrain. "If he loses the fight, she will be killed."

"Well that explains it," said the Captain. "The Lieutenant always had a way with the ladies."

"At least he thinks so," muttered Amberrain.

"Well I better go see what is going on," said the Captain.

General Grant nodded his head. "And I'm off to see General Yamamoto," he said. "I wish to discuss a mutual problem that may be coming our way soon." Grant turned to Hondo who was trying very hard not to be noticed. "As it is my first time in your lovely city," he said. "I would like you to guide me to General Yamamoto's office."

Hondo stammered as he pointed at himself. "M..me?" he said.

Grant walked up and patted the man on the shoulder. "That's right son," he said. "Now let's get going," he said. All Hondo could do was nod as he was pushed forward by Grey Wolf. "I'll take Grey Wolf here and I will see you later," said Grant. "Have fun at your Family Reunion."

The Captain smiled. "I'm sure I will," he said.

Ichigo and Grey stood apart from each other. Ichigo held Zangetsu across his shoulders as Lieutenant Grey put on a pair of brown leather gloves. As they got ready for the fight Ukitake and Rukia walked over to Ichigo. "Be careful, Ichigo," said Ukitake. "American's fight differently than we do."

"How?" asked Ichigo.

"I don't really know how to describe it," said Ukitake. "They tend to be more… physical. The term gutter fighter comes to mind."

"Great," said Ichigo. "That tells me a lot."

Ukitake's face became serious. "They are dangerous," he said. "They fight with no restraint and do not put limits on what kind of Kido spells and attacks they use. As a Lieutenant, you can bet he is just as powerful as a Captain."

Ichigo nodded. "I understand," he said.

Ukitake nodded his head and left him and Rukia alone. Ichigo looked down at her and smiled. "Don't worry," he said. "I'm going to win this fight."

Rukia smiled at him. "I know," she said. Saying nothing else, she grabbed a fistful of his robes and pulled him down covering her mouth with his. Ichigo stroked her hair and kept her close until they both had to come back up for air. Holding him for a moment, Rukia let go and walked away. She didn't say anything else. She didn't have to.

"I love you," said Ichigo.

Rukia paused and turned back around. "I love you too," she said smiling.

Ichigo turned back to Grey who had his arms crossed with a smile on his face. "What are you smiling at," he asked.

Grey uncrossed his arms and cracked his knuckles. "Nothing," he said. "I'm just thinking about how things could have been different if he had known."

Ichigo raised an eyebrow. "Who's he?" he asked.

Grey closed his eyes for a moment then opened them again. "I'm sure you will find out soon," he said. "Until then…" Grey pulled his saber from its scabbard and held it up with the tip of the blade pointed right at Ichigo's throat. "I have my own friend to save."

"We can help each other," said Ichigo. "We don't have to fight."

"Sorry pal," he said shaking his head. "If I don't beat you, then an innocent girl will die because of my mistake. As much as I would love to take you up on your offer, I'm afraid that anything we do will end her life before we could save her."

Ichigo nodded his head in understanding. They were both fighting to protect someone and neither could afford to back down. "Just so you know," said Ichigo. "I'm not going to back down either."

"I wouldn't expect anything less,"

Slowly they started to circle each other. Ichigo held Zangetsu in front of him while Grey held his Saber horizontal with his right eye the tip pointed at Ichigo's head. Not waiting another moment, Ichigo charged the waiting American sweeping his blade low and to the right. Grey anticipated the move and ducked low as the blade swept above his head. Grey swung his saber at Ichigo's legs causing Ichigo to take a small leap back. Using his saber's momentum, he allowed the weight of the blade to help add power to a spin and swept his leg between Ichigo's legs tripping him. Ichigo fell on his back and had to roll out of the way as Grey slammed his saber down on the spot Ichigo was laying. Ichigo rolled to his feet and held Zangetsu in front of him and charged at Grey again. Ichigo feinted left then right as he forced Grey backwards. Finally Ichigo's zanpakutō landed on the left side as Grey parried the blow. He caught Ichigo's blow on the forte of his saber and brought it up and over in a big circular motion. As he did this, he slid forward and found himself standing shoulder to shoulder with Ichigo. Grey cranked his left elbow up and slammed it into Ichigo's chin driving him backwards. Grey slashed his saber trying to split Ichigo from shoulder to hip, but Ichigo managed to dodge out of the way in time. Ichigo tasted blood in his mouth and wiped his split lip.

As he dodged, Grey pointed his finger like a gun at Ichigo. "Destructive Attack number 20, Six Shooter!" A red ball of energy formed at Grey's fingertips and flew at Ichigo at a high speed. Ichigo began to flash step to dodge to attack, but Grey kept tracking Ichigo and firing. Finally the six shot hit Ichigo in the chest causing the wind to be forced out of Ichigo's lungs. Grey smiled as Ichigo dropped to a knee and charged bringing his sword down over his head. Ichigo raised his zanpakutō and blocked it. For a moment they were face to face pushing on each other's zanpakuto. "Give it up kid," said Grey pushing down hard with his.

Ichigo pushed back harder and slowly started to force Grey back. "I'm never giving up," he yelled. Pushing with all his might Ichigo sent Grey flying backwards and as he flew back Ichigo held Zangetsu over his head. "Getsuga Tensho!"

Grey's eyes widened as the blue crescent flew at him. He didn't have time to dodge, so he held up his Soul Slayer and tried to block it. Grey tried to plant his feet, but he was steadily being pushed back by the force of the attack. Just as it seemed that Grey would be overcome by the power, he started to raise his Spiritual pressure and pushed Ichigo's Getsuga away from him. Grey watched as the attack shot up into the sky then looked back at Ichigo. "You are strong," he said breathing hard. "I was hoping I wouldn't have to release my Soul Slayer, but it seems that I can't hold back." Ichigo grimaced and set himself for what was sure to be Grey's release. Grey held his sword up to the sky. "Spread Your Wings, ANGEL!" Ichigo watched as the saber transformed into its released form. It tuned into a golden long sword with pure white wings that came down to the bottom of the pommel where the hand guard would be and around the pommel of the sword was a halo. As Ichigo watched, Grey spun the blade around until fire started to form around it. "Fire of Heaven!" yelled Grey. He pointed the sword at Ichigo causing a vortex of fire to emanate from Angel and spin towards Ichigo.

Ichigo raised his sword. "Getsuga Tensho!" The blue crescent flew to meet the fire, but Grey rotated his wrist and caused the vortex of fire to move out of the way. "Shit," yelled Ichigo as the vortex surrounded him in a tornado of fire. Ichigo tried to cut through it, but he couldn't make a dent in it. Outside, Grey spun the sword then stabbed it into the ground causing the tornado to close around Ichigo in a sphere of fire. Slowly the sphere started to get smaller and soon Ichigo's Spiritual pressure was shrinking.

Lord Akashiya smiled as the flames engulfed Kurosaki. "It seems this fight is over," he said to his son.

"That was faster than I thought it was going to be," said Mako. Mako turned to Kagome. "It looks like you get to live for another day."

"I doubt that," said Lord Akashiya. "They are both going to die for their treachery and our plan will move forward."

Mako nodded then looked at Rukia who stood nearby. "Looks like our wedding will be going on as planned," he said smiling.

Rukia stared at him with the full force of a Kuchiki look of contempt in her eyes. "Idiot," she said. "As if Ichigo would be defeated so easily by an attack as weak as that."

Rukia turned her attention back to the fight as Mako looked at her blankly. "We shall see," he said. "We shall see."

Grey pulled his sword from the ground and watched as the sphere got smaller. "Well," he said. "That takes care of that." He turned and started to walk away when he felt a sudden increase in power. He turned just in time to see tendrils of black Reiatsu start to bleed out from the flames. Grey spat on the ground. "Shoot," he said. "I should've known it wouldn't be that easy.

"Bankai!" yelled Ichigo.

The sphere of fire expanded as it tried to contain the energies that were inside of it without success. Everyone covered themselves as flames flew in every direction. Grey just closed his eyes as the flames wrapped around him. When he opened, his eyes widened when he saw Ichigo standing in front of him with his Bankai. "So that's what your Bankai looks like," he said. "From what I've been told, Bankai are supposed to be huge displays. That big meat cleaver looked stronger than that thing." Ichigo didn't say anything and right before Grey's eyes, he vanished. Grey's eyes darted around looking for Ichigo. That's when he felt Ichigo behind him. For a moment things went into slow motion as he turned around bringing his sword up to try to block the attack that Ichigo had started. He managed to get his Soul Cutter around, but not enough to deflect that attack fully. Grey felt the tip of Ichigo's blade cut though his uniform and into his flesh. Instinctively Grey jumped back away from Ichigo and put his hand over the cut in his arm. "Blast you," he said gritting his teeth in pain as blood flowed down his arm.

"Unlike most Bankai," said Ichigo. "My Zengetsu's Bankai increases my speed by compressing all of my spirit energy into the blade."

Grey let out a little laugh. "So all you did was increase your speed?" he said. "Well then let's see how much faster you are. Destructive Attack Number 45, Gatling Gun!" Grey extended his arm and pointed it at Ichigo. Green energy wrapped itself around his arm and then almost faster than the eye could see, several hundred small energy bullets flew at high speeds at Ichigo. Ichigo didn't even raise his sword as he flashed stepped out of the way of every burst of fire as Grey tracked him with his hand.

Suddenly Ichigo flashed stepped in front of Lieutenant Grey and raised his zanpakutō. "Getsuga Tensho!"

The black crescent of energy flew at Grey who raised his arm up in front of him. "Shield of Faith!" A blue kite shield with a red cross on it appeared over his arm and stopped the Getsuga. It pushed against the shield with tremendous force as Grey pushed back, but his shield started to crack and then shatter allowing the Getsuga to hit him. The attack exploded throwing Grey backwards and obscuring him from view.

Ichigo held his sword in front of him as he tried to peer through the dust cloud waiting to see the result of his attack.

As he waited Lord Akashiya put his left hand inside his right sleeve and gripped the hilt of his zanpakutō. "It seems our bodyguard has failed," he whispered to Mako. "Get ready. When I give the word kill Kagome and Rukia, and I will kill Byakuya."

Mako looked at his father dubiously. "What about Yoruichi and her "brother?" he asked. "Between them and the two captains we may be in trouble if they decide to stop us."

"Leave them to me," said Akashiya. "The two captains cannot interfere no matter what happens. As for the Shihōin Clan, I have a kido spell that will take care of them."

Mako smiled at the thought of killing the heads of two of the most powerful families along with Rukia. "I can't wait for it, father," he said.

Akashiya was about to pull his zanpakutō when he saw movement out of the corner of his eye. Suddenly everyone felt a huge amount of power appear. He turned and saw that the dust had begun to clear and everyone could see a cocoon of feathers. "Arise, Archangel!" No one said anything as the feathers began to part and revealed themselves as wings coming from Grey's back as he bowed as if in prayer. Grey's uniform had changed as well. He was wearing a light gray long sleeved hooded shirt with a sleeveless dark brown leather wrapping, trousers, leather calf braces, leather wrap arm bracers, a white sleeveless surcoat, and leather foot wear. Grey stood up his wings spread to their full width and pointed his sword at Ichigo. "I really didn't plan on using this," said Grey his eyes covered by his hood as he looked down "It's a rare event that I use the second stage of Angel." Grey's head snapped up his blue eyes crackling with electricity and a gold halo over his head shined brightly. "But this will be the end of you Ichigo!" Grey suddenly disappeared from Ichigo's view and reappeared behind him slashing his sword down at Ichigo.

Ichigo turned and blocked the sword and noticed that it had not changed shaped like other Bankai. Ichigo brought is Zanpakuto up and brought it up trying to cut Grey in half. Grey blocked the attack and the two of them pushed against each other. Ichigo saw movement out of the corner of his eye and felt a sharp pain in his side. He pushed out of the way and back off a little. He looked at Grey whose right wingtips were coated in blood. "So the wings are blades as well as shields," he said holding his bleeding side.

Grey nodded his head. "My Bankai's ability gives me wings of pure Reiatsu that increase my speed, attack, and defense abilities," he said. "My basic attack for Angel doesn't change, but I'm still more than a match for you. This fight is over."

"Don't claim victory yet," said Ichigo brandishing his zanpakuto. "This fight is far from over."