AN: Hello and welcome to well- the almost end. While I've had a picture of my finale in my mind since I actually began- this has been hard to actually get out. Honestly, it's a bit of a reluctance on my part to bring about the end- you know how it is- you develop a relationship w/ characters and plots and it's hard to let go (obviously why so much fanfiction is out in the verse in the first place)! I've been trying to let my original ending evolve I guess so that I don't miss something or feel unsatisfied. In any case- sorry for the delay and I sincerely hope that you will be pleased.
Leyshla Gisel: Hello darlin'! Yet again I have lost myself in the tide of things- but I hope this chapter makes up for my absence! Hope you're well!
Lindivor: Heeyyyy! How are ya my friend? Well here were are. A lot going on this chapter, but I really hope you approve! You're sweet! There's only a smidgeon of Ichiruki this chapter, but there are plenty of other characters that have come in to have their further 5 minutes! Enjoy! And thanks so much for the support!
Tlcatlady: Hi! Hope all is well! Thanks for reviewing! Byakuya finds his center this chapter- he's just so gallant yet kinda emo in his own way… It's just fun to see- to give him a little wiggle room. Hope ya like it!
Tuliharja: Ahhh my dear! This time I know I've been gone a bit long! I hope you're ready for all this! I couldn't help but laugh when I read your review! Letting Byakuya run amok is/was highly tempting- but then I thought that might spin into a whole other plotline about him becoming this conqueror with the need for unification and perhaps a skewed sense of justice that brings about this new order in which he is loved yet hated and there are all these plots against him and no one is really sure if he's good or bad… Phew! But yeah- in all honesty letting the guy loose would be hella fun. But I have essentially reined him in- didn't want to cut him off at the knees but to bring about my ultimate vision I couldn't let him take the crazy-train. *Sigh* Still, I hope that you will appreciate what's laid out. And again, I can't thank you enough for your opinion. Hang on- we're almost there!
Warning: Huge chapter! Several Charac. Appearances-it's canon-character-centric w/ here and there OC- obviously the antagonist shows. And action- that's hopefully seamless (though I doubt it-not my forte admittedly).
Thank everyone!
Fulfillment
Chapter 26:
Sail
To control the Twelfth was essentially to have a firm grip on the whole of the Seireitei. It was the center for information as well as the source of all technology and energy. It was the central hub of the Seireitei.
But superior intelligence often spawned superior arrogance. One did not have to grease palms when such conceit caused loose lips within the division; Mayuri's staff did have a tendency to brag. Thus the infiltration had not been easy, per se, but far from difficult. After gaining access with disguises, the invaders spilled through the halls and into rooms, smashing command panels and cutting circuitry- destroying anything that looked of importance. This rampant destruction did not last long, yet the goal had been achieved in that short time.
When the Twelfth's ears rang with the warning signal the members had wasted no time drawing up the security footage to find the source of the disruption.
Thousands lived in the districts of the Rukon, and by sheer number the force of miscreants had caused a good deal of damage in a short space of time. Realizing that these were but mice scurrying about gnawing at wires, Mayuri Kurotsuchi stood in the main control room wavering between indignation and amusement. Indignation won out however when one of the labs alarms began sounding, before abruptly cutting off- the footage to that room scrambled unrepentantly.
"What is this?" Captain Kurotsuchi hissed to himself staring wide-eyed at the gray fuzz filling the monitor, "What are those gutter rats up to?"
His eyes narrowed as he mentally filtered through the individual purposes of all 52 labs laid out within the Department for Research and Development. Slowly lips drew back over the wide flat teeth in a sneer, "Kageroza's leftovers…"
"Ikkaku! Yumichika!" Renji called over the clang of swords and scuffling sound of feet in the dust cloud-streets of the 21st District.
A roar of exhilaration tore from Ikkaku's throat as he thrust the flat of his foot into a man's stomach- sending him crashing back to the ground. He had already peeled off the top of his uniform. It looked as though he had been testing the opponents that dared face him as there were flesh wounds trickling blood on both his arms and chest. It was more than apparent that he was viewing this fight as little more than a pub brawl. White teeth flash as he spun only to knock the butt of his spear into a charging man's spine, laughing heartily as the man dropped to his knees to land face first in the dirt.
On the other side of the square Yumichika had yet to break a sweat as his comrade. With a yawn he covered with a graceful flutter of his hand he side-stepped a barrel-chested man charging at him with blind adrenaline. A quick flashstep and the man, who was already off balance due to the shinigami's disappearance, found a knee driven right into his gut. A groan of surprise and pain and the huge man crashed to the earth with an audible thud gripping his bruising middle.
With half-lidded eyes, Yumichika gazed down at the man with unveiled disgust. As he pushed back his dark hair so that it fluttered against his neck, he scoffed, "How disgraceful. There is no beauty in fighting the untrained."
"Ayasegawa." Renji's chest heaved slightly as he stopped before the Eleventh Division Shinigami.
"Abarai-Fuku-Taichou," Yumichika greeted with a smile, "Why you're out of breath!" He raised a well-sculpted brow at this and teased, "Surely you don't find this rabble taxing?"
The red head seemed to gloss over the jibe, too preoccupied as his eyes darted around the square, taking in the few scuffles going on between the shinigami of various divisions and the enflamed citizenry. He spoke honestly, admitting, "Some of these guys are well-trained. They've been planning this. But most are just lashing out with whatever strength and instinct they have…"
Yumichika's flippant expression fell slowly as he too began to take stock of the chaos they were slowly gaining control over. "Ah… You have to wonder why they are taking such measures and how it is we've had no inkling of this uprising."
Eyes narrowed Renji nodded, "Ah."
The Fifth Seat watched him closely for a moment before questioning, "You think this is connected to that lab found some months back?"
"I know it. We didn't find too much in the way of clues to what the lab was used for, but now it seems pretty obvious. Even with training the reiatsu in some of these guys ain't natural." Renji responded hand flexing around the hilt of his zanpaktou still secured at his side. He missed the indulgent smirk that graced the other man's face at the way his speech always filtered back to its careless drawl, indicative of his origins in these very streets. Yumichika was well aware that the lieutenant still considered the Districts his home and like he himself was protective of it.
He pasted on a bright smile again, clasping the tall lieutenant on the shoulder, "Well then we should hurry up and find the source of all this madness, hmm? Take out the leader and the followers will fall in line… You can leave this to us you know, Fuku-Taichou…"
Renji couldn't help but snort at this as he glanced in Ikkaku's direction, "Yeah, I can see that…"
The clean-shaven man was like a dervish, whirling between a cluster of opponents and knocking them all flat with the staff of his spear, all the while antagonizing them with provocative jeers. He did look to be enjoying himself- perhaps a little too much.
"Actually," Renji turned toward Yumichika after a moment, "I- I've been looking for my captain throughout. No one at the Sixth has seen him. Ukitake-Taichou and Kyoraku-Taichou have been doling out orders for our division. Told me to go after my captain."
Caught up in the sudden state of emergency, neither of the elder captains had thought the red head might need direction. As it was no one could have predicted that the Kuchiki's reiatsu might shift so suddenly it would be hard to detect, even for his closest friend.
"Haven't you caught his reiatsu?" Yumichika blinked in surprise.
"Only for a minute- it flared and then- nothin'… I… I'm not sure what to think…" The lieutenant shook his head and swallowed hard.
After a deep breath, Ayasegawa Yumichika tilted his chin up, eyes narrowed as he tried to hone in on the noble's spiritual pressure. One thing that most did not know about this particular shinigami was that he was more sensitive to reiatsu than most. He could recognize the differences between one shinigami's power and another's, could filter through and define the elements that separated each individual's strength. It was an unexplainable talent that was, while not unheard of, rare.
Renji watched the man with a trace of anxiety in his features. He had had a rather rotten feeling all morning regarding his captain. Byakuya had sent a message to Renji before dawn explaining that he would be paying a call to the Thirteenth and that he expected his lieutenant to take up command for the time until his arrival.
"Renji," Yumichika's voice was slightly strained and the sound drew the man from his thoughts instantly, "Your captain needs you."
Dark eyes widened and Renji prompted, "Is he-,"
"Not injured," The fifth seat shook his head, unable to meet the other man's eyes as the strange feeling of the captain's cold fury had left him shocked and unnerved, "The noble estates-the far west-" His eyes finally snapped up to meet the lieutenant's, "Go. Now."
Renji's lips parted as though another question drove him, but his jaw clenched and he disappeared from sight.
"Damn." Yumichika felt some of his tense energy drain, slumping only slightly as he gazed unseeingly at his partner still beating back the thinning masses. A wry smile played on his lips as he shook his head murmuring, "What an unpredictable man. So much more emotional than he lets on… Funny that it's always a woman that pushes him to the brink."
The sound of distress that arose from the boy was just enough to jolt him- forestalling the crimson color that seemed to be coating his vision.
His blade had just barely parted flesh and he drew back slightly, easing the steel tip from the man's stomach.
The doctor had fallen to unconsciousness in the shinigami's grip, and only the smallest sound escaped him as the pressure of the sword biting into his skin disappeared.
Distracted, from the surging pull of retribution, Byakuya turned his head slightly. At Xochitl's side now, his face pale with dismay, Ikarosu kneeled; his hand shook as he reached out to touch her cold cheek with his fingers.
The heavy reiatsu was like a fist in the boy's throat, it caused gooseflesh on his skin, yet he was not as effected as someone of low spiritual pressure might be. As it was, it was fear that overpowered his senses and chilled his skin as he stared at the nearly lifeless woman on the floor before him.
Byakuya's grip loosened with little realization of it as he watched the boy try to rouse her. He watched, eyes dimming ever-so-slowly of their fearsome bloodlust.
It was an unexpected voice that finally shattered the haze of loathing that had taken root.
"Byakuya!"
Yoruichi had felt the unsteady thrum of the captain's spiritual pressure from a distance away. It had paused her on the path behind the fast messenger boy. Alarmed by how strange the normally familiar energy felt she had quickened her pace. She had alighted on the outdoor deck only to shudder as the scathing energy seemed even more foreign in its darkness. Stepping into the doorway she had made a brief assessment and come to a startling conclusion.
For a moment the flash-goddess berated herself for being so short-sighted. A memory of happening upon this man months ago buoyed up sharply in her mind's eye. It was no wonder why he had been worked into such a lather…
She had arrived in the Rukongai just before the coupe, Kisuke's warning in her ears as she looked about to note that several of the districts were strangely void of activity.
If she had not been who she was, she might have been barreled into by Ikarosu. Bloodied and bruised the boy had looked at her in a slight daze before recognizing her and launching into rapid sign. He confirmed her partner's suspicions with firsthand knowledge of the uprising. With frantic green eyes he had signed a name she did not know. Then he- a boy that did not seek familiarity with any- had reached out and gripped her arm.
Yoruichi let her surprise swiftly fall away however and smiled, reassuring the boy with her natural confidence, 'Let's go to your friend then, huh? Lead the way, Hermes.'
Self-assurance renewed, the boy had given a nod, only to turn and kick up dust. He had not even sneered at her for her use of the bothersome nickname.
Finding Byakuya Kuchiki here, in this noble's home and on the edge of reason was startling to say the least. But she would never stand by and helplessly watch as a fighter fell into the chasm they all bordered with each battle and loss. Those that had seen tragedy in all forms fell to this pitfall after years of being on the job. It was not completely unfathomable for a hardened warrior to succumb to that despair- cloaked in Death, walking hand in hand with it as Its servant; it was easy to fall when a precious life was on the line.
Not this boy. You will not take him.
Concern hardening her molten eyes, she had taken a breath and spoken his name firmly, 'Byakuya!'
She saw the burning light leaking from his blind eyes, falling away to reveal steady grey once more as she felt the strangling reiatsu falter. His hand wrapped around the man's throat lost some of its force, but did not fall away.
Hand on the frame of the shoji she met his gaze, "Byakuya." He said nothing, though his sword fell to his side and his jaw worked only to clench tight once more.
She took another breath and a gamble, "If you wish that girl to live then your best bet is Unohana. Take her to the Fourth." For several moments more they stared at one another without wavering.
Finally the man turned away. He eyed the limp figure in his grip, the consuming flame in his chest dampened until it was just an ache. Little by little he centered his reiatsu, let it pool comfortably in the core of his being where it was meant to flow serenely.
Byakuya closed his eyes, fought off the voice that was still railing its affront to the man in his clutches. He was aware of how somewhat misplaced his anger was.
Slowly he let the man slide to the floor down the wall, stared a moment as the man drooped to one side, head lolling. He knew the man was still alive, had felt a pulse yet.
Regret came and went. Byakuya turned on his heel and walked toward the other corner of the room.
He kneeled opposite the boy at her side and after a moment met his green eyes calmly.
"I assure you, I will see her cared for." He promised the boy solemnly, letting him read his lips.
Ikarosu swallowed the hard knot in his throat, letting the man's reassurance blanket the sense of panic rising in him.
He gave a nod.
From the doorway, Yoruichi smiled. However, her keen ears were soon assailed by the sound of drumming footsteps across the courtyard, pounding through the gate. Her eyes narrowed.
It's not over.
A grey sky hung overhead when he finally emerged from the room. Heavy icy flakes were just beginning to descend, creating a hush throughout the Seireitei- making the sounds of battle somehow muted- relegating it to the background.
Tall and assured, his frustration reined in once more, Byakuya paused on the decking to scan his surroundings.
The boy had taken flight only moments before, supporting the doctor against his frame.
Yoruichi was engaged in a rather one-sided skirmish off to his right. His brow just barely twitched as her voice rang out in taunts and laughter as she flitted between opponents, beating them back with languid ease. In another setting it might have been humorous the way she so obviously toyed with them. With reiatsu infused fingers the Flash Goddess could flick one to the ground with barely a touch as she extended a leg behind her to catch another in the solar plexus.
Yet again he wondered if he had ever offered any gratitude to the woman. While she was troublesome and intrusive, she was also a rather dependable ally to have- especially when he needed one to be blunt and unapologetic.
He glided forward, the feather-light weight he cradled reminding him that hesitation might take this presence from him- that the wind might whisk it away with little force.
There was no time to fall to dismal thought; a troop meant to bar his way approached and he came up short. His zanpaktou rattled in its sheath, anxious to be drawn. With irritation he eyed them.
The ground was soon strewn with bodies.
He re-sheathed his sword. Yet he paused as he thought he heard the softest exhalation fall from his charge's lips.
His eyes fell to her face.
"Nii-sama!"
The cry of that affectionate title was followed by the distinct sound of slicing fabric and flesh being torn by steel.
In a second he had turned and stood back from where the body of a guard was falling and then thudding to the ground with a groan.
His eyes met Rukia's over the sheen of the blade, not a glimmer of red marring its pure edge.
She was breathing heavily with exertion, but she managed a contrite bow. Her short hair just hid the sides of her face as she murmured sincerely, "Sorry I'm late, Nii-sama."
As she had perched on the top of the wall her eyes had skimmed the courtyard desperately. Lady Yoruichi was ensconced, but far from outmaneuvered, her catlike smile a calming sight. As for her brother…
A barrage of house-hold guards, reiatsu-enhanced as many of the villagers she fought, warily circled him. Like shadows they had seemed to come from nowhere and their intent was obvious. She had only let her eyes pass over them briefly- reiatsu-enhanced or not they were still no threat to her brother. As it was his grey gaze was impassive- unconcerned it would seem to any who did not know him. But the girl in his arms was held with care, her waning life-force obvious even from the wall's vantage. He may have looked at them as though they were ants, but the clenching of his jaw assured Rukia he would not hesitate to grind them into the dirt without mercy.
There was something almost feral about his rising spiritual pressure. Always tempered and fluid, his energy strong, but pure as water, was now tainted with anger once more. If he wished he could drop these men daring to ambush him with a flare of his true power, but somehow she knew if he did so his control would be hanging by a thread yet again.
Every second wasted was time stolen from Xochitl's life. The surrounded noble dare not place her on the ground lest these men think to take her. He managed to tuck her into one arm, her shallow breath just barely felt at his neck.
The Kuchiki Princess held her breath as the confrontation began. Even with only one arm at full use the noble lord was precise, deft, and deadly as he dispensed one man after another as they encroached. They were better skilled then the civilian revolutionaries, but it made no difference as Byakuya flash-stepped, striking too quickly for these men to truly defend.
Rukia wondered if he had looked much the same when defending her those times when she had fallen prey to unconsciousness at the hands of an enemy.
Her expression turned wistful and she squeezed one hand in the front of her robes. So Renji was right.
Her senses tingled suddenly and her throat tightened. As the last man fell to her brother's blade a figure lying in wait in the shadows skulked forward, taking the opportunity to try his luck when the captain turned his back.
She didn't think she had ever moved so quickly, pure adrenaline empowering her limbs as she let Sode-no-Shiriyuki waltz, slashing at the guard's exposed flank as he half turned in her direction.
She had called out to him, 'Nii-sama!'
As her brother turned with an almost stunned expression on his face, she knew that something had stolen his concentration for him to have missed the opponent at his back.
Now bowed before him, she hoped he forgave her. She had been so oblivious- so blind to her Nii-sama as a man.
Ichigo had gathered all of her attention. She had never fathomed that her brother would find himself longing for the same sort of consideration he had held within another's eyes long before. How selfish had she been to not realize that he might no longer be a man who craved solitude?
"Rukia."
Slowly she raised her head, her eyes bright with regret, begging pardon.
Softly he gazed at her, assuring her of the futility of her contrition.
"Come," He finally said, "Stand by my side. More are coming." The gentle mien that had settled on his face was wiped away, however in only an instant. He turned. Rukia stiffened stepping to his right.
A nobleman smiled at them from his place across the main pathway, just inside the central gate. His wavy blonde hair was pulled back from his face and his blue eyes, unobscured by glasses, seemed uncommonly bright despite the dullness of the sky.
For tense moments, Rukia nearly held her breath as she felt her Nii-sama wavering in his calm.
The two men stared each other down, ignoring the force slowly taking up position behind the minor lord, spreading to cut off the exit through the gateway.
"More are coming," The blue-eyed man finally spoke, "From the East and West and even the South. I made many friends in my travels and they agreed with me about the hypocrisy that has reigned much too long in this world."
There was a chuckle from the enclosing compound wall to Rukia's left. She looked over, eyes wide.
"Good thing we've spread our forces, ne? Even to the roads outside the Rukon…" Kyoraku tipped his hat back to smile down into the courtyard. Rukia's captain was at his side, snow mingling delicately in his long hair so that it shimmered as it wavered in the breeze. The twin swords at his sides were sheathed and his hands rested lightly on them as he eyed the would-be-rebel noble and his retinue calmly.
The blonde man acknowledged them with a thin smile, "Kyoraku-Taichou, Ukitake-Taichou."
"You've caused unrest in this treachery, young man. Do you not think it is time you cease this folly? Leniency might be shown if you end this now." Ukitake spoke firmly, looking down at the upstart noble.
Amusement lit Noboru Kita's face as he gave a laugh, "Forgive me Ukitake-Taichou, but one can hardly control men once they're out for blood. Besides- why would I stop such lovely- unrest did you call it? Shinigami have had the upper hand for some time- about time they realize all empires can fall."
Kyoraku lifted a brow at this, "You've orchestrated this to prove such a point then?"
"Perhaps… Or perhaps it's just spite… Greed. My own vision of vengeance coming about after years of realizing who was to blame for my clan's misfortunes. But I am not here for talk of justice- that will come about later. I like to finish what I start… Thus if you will kindly release my intended, Kuchiki Byakuya." An antagonizing light turned hard as Noboru shifted his gaze from one captain to another.
Granite eyes stared back at him in silent refusal, Byakuya's hold tightening slightly around the young woman.
Both Kyoraku and Ukitake alighted on the ground, taking up supportive stances behind and to the right of the Sixth Division Captain. Noboru did not spare them a glance.
"Give her over to me and I can assure you she will live… Only I can save her." He insisted, again with that bordering-feral glee twitching on his face.
Byakuya could feel his spiritual pressure surging again, heating and flowing, "I would never give her over to someone with so little regard for life."
The Kita Lord laughed, spreading his hands, "You villanize me! I would hardly intend harm to my future wife. Besides- it was into my arms she ran to escape your reach. What kind of regard do you suppose she has for you? Ironic isn't it? I once begged for an audience only to be denied as I was not of consequence… And now this girl- you would save her from a harsh Fate- yet only I have the key to that… You will answer for your grandfather's rash dismissal, won't you?"
Byakuya paused, his jaw aching. Finally he bowed his head, closing his eyes, "Indeed."
"Kuchiki…" Ukitake-Taichou stepped forward in alarm, but stilled, knowing this was a battle that could not be forestalled.
Byakuya turned to the older man, meeting his eyes. Slowly he approached the venerated captain of the Thirteenth.
Ukitake held out his arms accepting the child the other captain carefully placed there, throat tightening at the trust he knew was expressed in the action.
Byakuya spoke steadily as his eyes lingered on Xochitl's face, "It is my duty to answer any grievances that have come about due to my family's decisions whether past or present. Their burdens and failures are mine to take up for the sake of my clan's pride." He turned back to his opponent.
"Yes," Noboru grinned, a well-crafted sword slowly clearing its sheath at the man's side, "And I suppose in this case I take on the pride of not only my clan- but that girl I would have as my wife. I see her, Kuchiki Byakuya. I see her as you cannot. And would give her more than your over-inflated pride will allow you to... So I give you one more chance… Offer her to me- abandon your self-righteous conceit and give her a true chance at this afterlife."
His answer was the clang of metal against the blade he held in his own hands. He had just barely blocked, but his startled expression dropped and morphed into a grin. With both hands around the hilt of his sword, Noboru pushed back, never casting his gaze from the grey fire boring into him.
"Very well," He sneered, shifting into Gedan no Kamae- a low postured stance that at a glance looked defensive yet…
Byakuya looked nonplussed, yet his eyes seemed metallic, aglow with power. He let only a hint of his reiatsu pool in his hands and lick up his blade, eyes steady as his enemy charged.
The attack was near instant- a brief moment of flashstep before Noboru thrust upward with his sword- aiming for the seasoned shinigami's throat. The attack was easily side-stepped, but Byakuya's opponent quickly rebounded with a series of assaults.
The blue-eyed upstart moved back suddenly, creating space between them again. He paused. The two elder captains had exchanged looks. He made a prompting noise and his men stepped forward as the pale-haired captain adjusted the weight in his arms. There was a tense silence and then as a group the mercenaries rushed forward.
Ukitake leapt only for Kyoraku to take his place on the ground his swords high to block the blades of Kita's guard.
Byakuya only had a moment to watch as the captain of the Thirteenth division streaked away over the wall, no doubt heading toward the Fourth. For just that moment he allowed himself a rush of gratitude, mingled with relief that culminated in a surge of renewed faith.
The moment was gone and his opponent struck again.
Noboru came from the left and then the right, swinging to one side then the other with a swiftness and precision that belied training. Byakuya twisted his torso each time just enough to avoid the blade, the tip of Senbonzakura pointed at the ground even as he blocked the strikes with the back of the katana. The other man was not as tall, thus he was using flank attacks- a sound strategy, but the captain was too swift for these to be cowed.
But Noboru was nothing if not versatile and he went from one offense to another with a fluidity that was admittedly impressive, striking out now overhead. Byakuya simply dodged.
Yet when the captain maneuvered to block an overhead blow, the Kita Lord proved his ingenuity. One hand held his sword now, pushing down against Byakuya's own, but his other hand gripped the other noble's wrist.
Eyes wide in helpless surprise, Byakuya glanced down to note the hand aflame, clamped around his arm. The cloth of his sleeve sizzled, yet did not burn, still he could feel the scorching heat of the man's palm searing into his flesh beneath. The attack had been so quick and unexpected- for a time all he could do was register the pain and scent-the charcoal smell of forbidden kido rising up to assault his nose.
Once Byakuya looked back up it was to see the other man's lips parted in a ferociously pleased grin his astonishment vanished.
Forcing the man back finally, the noble Kuchiki flashed away to reassess, grey eyes narrowed.
"Did I not mention my travels? I spent much time in the West where demon magic is revered and even the darkest of spells are still practiced- albeit in secret." Noboru smiled, his hand merely glowing a dark purple.
Until now, Byakuya had not even released his shikai, thinking that doing so was dishonorable against a man who posed little threat in combat. But the sting in his arm made him aware that he had indeed underestimated his foe. He could feel the hum of the dark energy in his ulna. He flexed his arm, tightening the muscles to try to shake the sharp feeling.
More than remedial flashstep… Indecent- untaught kido… Even passable with a sword… I can no longer be reflexive...
His enemy began to side-step, starting to circle. "I almost made the cut- remember? I was almost a soul reaper… Did you think I spent my time away so frivolously that I had forgotten the training I received?"
"It would seem you went beyond the training of a mere first wave cadet." Byakuya remarked coolly, as though unconcerned with the revelation of the other man's skill.
Noboru gave a nod to this, his slick smile unshakable. He stopped abruptly, now standing to his rival's left. The Kuchiki Lord had not moved.
Byakuya drew in a breath, slowly awakening Senbonzakura, as he inhaled the wintry air. He thought of his sister and was suddenly aware of how tensely she held herself behind him. Her dark hair fluttered around her pale face as snow alighted on her, catching in her dark lashes as she watched him with both trust and anxiety.
Renji.
His lieutenant was now at her side, brown eyes dark beneath his inked brows, righteous indignation radiating for his captain's sake. He had only barely acknowledged that his second had come. The man stood, his own blade unsheathed, held tightly in one hand at his side. While there was anger in his gaze, Renji seemed to breathe with a steadiness that bespoke of his confidence in the battle's favorable outcome.
Never to be left out, even the shinigami-daiko now claimed a place on Rukia's other side. He wore a similarly serious expression that seemed to mirror Renji's yet, when he caught Byakuya's glance he smirked- not so much an antagonistic gesture as an encouraging one. The boy would not step in unless necessary.
He did not need to dart his gaze to the other side to see Kyoraku's lazy smile or Yoruichi's smug countenance.
Everything had seemed to pass in an instant. To both sides of him as Ukitake had set off, the noble's followers had started forward and Byakuya's own comrades had met them. Flashes of the skirmishes around him filtered through his mind. He had been aware of it all and yet it seemed as though he had dreamt it- seeing brief snippets while he remained a part of another reality.
Now none moved. The foe's foot soldiers littered the courtyard- unconscious or groaning in pain. There was nothing left but to end it.
Byakuya's lips twitched and his focus narrowed, seeing only the enemy before him. "Come. Let us see whose pride Victory will favor."
A chilling laugh saturated the air, "Let's."
Darkness grew from the vengeful noble's hand, creating amethyst flame that slashed outward at the captain's side. Byakuya vaulted over the man only to have more kido-created heat shoot up at him.
"Chire, Senbonzakura."
The pink petals obscured the dark fire. Yet Byakuya could see sharp edges curling in on themselves- like true petals- frail and threatened by licking flame. But his shikai held strong, swirled, tearing at the dark tendrils of vicious power until there was little left but smoky vapor.
But Noboru burst through this screen with a roar, poised to strike downward right at the vital space between the captain's collar and neck. The killing blow was thwarted as Senbonzakura changed trajectory, Byakuya directing the disguised blades with an elegant flick of his hand. Sparks flew as the sound of steel grinding against steel echoed as the Kita lord's kitana slid harmlessly against the rosy shield. With a growl he rapidly began attacking at any opening that caught his eye, but the legendary power of Byakuya's zanpaktou cut off any advance.
When suddenly Senbonzakura reformed into its single state, Byakuya wasted no time going on the offensive. Like a whip his steel lashed out at his enemy, each strike almost a blur in its swiftness.
To counter, Noboru's hand began to cut back and forth, waving the devilish fire in his left hand to create confusion and disguise the moves of his sword.
Yet again the other noble was too clever to be thrown by this tactic and was forcing the other man back bit by bit. Sweat now trickled from Byakuya's opponent's face and his breath was hissing out between clenched teeth in quick angry bursts.
Naturally, Byakuya showed no sign of wearying. His arm throbbed, the unnatural aura of the dark kido laced there making him feel slightly nauseous, yet he looked unaffected.
I must end things… End him. Not only because of his seditious acts but because that power is a threat to all and if he has further schemes yet to be expedited he might just cause a true rift.
These thoughts in mind Byakuya turned his torso and gave a powerful thrust toward Noboru's mid-section. He watched as the other man skipped back to put distance between them and stumbled, nearly dropping back on one knee.
The captain held, eyeing Noboru's sneering face with cold calm.
"Once more," Byakuya said, a hint of challenge in his silky baritone, "Come at me again, Kita Noboru, to finish this."
The man across the way was shaking now, both fury and exhaustion making his limbs visibly tremble even as he met the noble captain's icy gaze.
"Yes." His voice wavered, bordering hysteria.
He knew he was outmaneuvered. He had always known taking this proud man on was folly. Underhanded plots and manipulation had always been his strong suit. Despite his training and apprenticeship beneath adept kido-wielders and sword masters, he found no true strength in combat. Learning at the feet of unconventional yet bright minds had taught him that a battle could be won in calculation. But still- he was nothing against a man who had power, skill, and the strength of mind to strategize. And he had always known this.
Noboru swallowed hard, his body aching with his frustration, "Yes…You'll-you'll- want to go to the Fourth as soon as possible. Seeing as how you refused my help- and do-doomed that girl…" Byakuya's eyes narrowed a fraction, but he did not reply.
The other man smirked, "You owe me blood Kuchiki. I mean to see that vibrant blue in your veins…" For the child I would have raised as my own. For Liliana- for the death of the sister I knew.
The clang of the swords came in quick succession- the parrying of blows made with ease as the strikes were slow and desperate. The blood shed was meant as a warning, yet despite the wounds now on his arms and about his middle, Noboru did not retreat.
He is anxious for death. Shall I give him the satisfaction?
But as much as Byakuya still felt the burn of his anger in the pit of his stomach for what had been wrought by this man- he would not be petty. He quelled the longing to see this man rent by his blade- to watch as the petals dug into his flesh shredding skin, tissue, then bone… He gritted his teeth against the consuming hatred. And instead, in a moment of hesitation on his opponent's part, he took the opportunity to truly finish it.
"Sokatsui."
The blue blast was minimal, only a small gathering of power placed into the hado, but it had its desired effect. Noboru Kita was pushed back by the ball of energy. He staggered, holding his stomach where the spell had hit, burning away his robes and negating the last of his own reiatsu. His hand was pale-powerless- as he held it to his bruised abdomen feeling how his ribs had cracked, sword held limply at his side now as he tottered. Blonde waves hid his eyes as he gazed down at the blurry ground. He chuckled morosely as his knees gave out and he fell forward.
In the silence that followed Byakuya could swear he could hear the snowflakes pattering as they collected slowly on the ground. He closed his eyes and performed chiburi before sheathing his blade.
He turned his back on the felled noble and started an unhurried pace toward the gate, "Our fight is done, Kita Noboru. I deeply regret that you felt slighted in the past by my family. But in crossing blades with me to seek your vengeance you were most foolish." He paused, turned his head enough so that he could cast a glance back, and offer one last quiet comment, "And in attempting to take what is mine, you ensured your defeat long before you pointed your sword at me."
The words cut to the quick and Noboru's ire welled, giving him one last burst of strength. Loathing bright in his eyes, the man raised his head, pushing himself up on unsteady arms. His blood-flecked lips moved.
Each individual in the courtyard stiffened, warning prickling along each spine as the noble's body began to glow.
Rukia cried out and grabbed at Ichigo, who she knew would not hesitate. She pulled him close even as her voice rang out, "Nii-sama!"
Byakuya whirled.
But it was Renji who struck. A sickening crunch resounded in the courtyard as Noboru's neck snapped from the force of Zabimaru, the back of said blade hammering down as it's master's sandal crushed the man's hand without fail- cutting off the means for which a dark spell might be released.
He may have been awful at demon magic, but Abarai Renji knew the incantations and recognized a forbidden spell when it was murmured.
Again a hush fell as he stepped back, chest heaving with adrenaline. Perhaps he had been overzealous- but to let such a kido loose- aimed at his captain… He had done the most practical thing… Still he second-guessed himself as he watched his captain stare hard at the sprawled body on the ground between them. In the end Byakuya only spared Renji a glance- an indecipherable look- before his body shimmered and the space he occupied became vacant.
Uncertainty caused a shudder up the lieutenant's spine as he looked at the serrated edges of his zanpaktou turned up toward the sky. Had he just unintentionally trampled on his superior's pride by stepping in?
Renji startled slightly when he felt Rukia's hand grasp his wrist. His head whipped to the other side to gaze down at her.
"We should go," She prompted softly, lapis eyes urging calm as she met his gaze, "We should be near at hand for him…."
He swallowed the uncomfortable lump that had grown in his throat. He nodded and she dropped his arm gently before striding away, leaving him to follow.
His shoulders slumped in exhaustion and possibly burden as he suspired, once more looking down at the unconscious noble. His eyes closed and flicked his wrist before sheathing Zabimaru once more.
Ichigo sighed, capturing their attention, "What a mess. How come all these uprising are such a pain to clean up?"
Stopping in her tracks, a dark brow lifted over Rukia's eye, "You act as though such things happen all the time…"
Vigorously the boy scratched at his head, muttering, "That's because they practically do."
The raven-haired woman's eyes narrowed, but her friend beat her to the punch.
"Shut-up, kid." Renji gave a weary growl as he loped toward the gate past them.
"Who was talking to you, ya pineapple head?!" Ichigo, red-faced, shouted at the lieutenant's back. Oddly, enough however, Renji did not retort as he passed under the archway of the gate and then disappeared.
It was Rukia's turn to sigh as she rolled her eyes and started forward again, "Come, you fool, don't waste time."
After a very deep scowl that looked suspiciously like a pout, Ichigo gave a grunt and fell into step next to his partner. Soon, they too, had vanished from sight outside the gates of the Kita compound.
Kyoraku exhaled heavily as he looked about himself, tipping his hat back, "My, kids these days… They talk about cleaning up a mess, yet walk away just the same…" He clicked his tongue and shook his head slowly. A smile started to curl on his face as he rubbed the back of his neck, "Say, Yoruichi-san, you still have pull with the Onmitsukido, don't you? Think you could get some of those guys to come do a little- ehem- damage control?"
The Captain of the Eighth was met with silence.
He blinked and turned his head to look over his shoulder, "Yoruichi-san?" Soon his shoulders slumped and he sighed again, "Really… kids these days…"
The Fourth was relatively quiet, its members dispersed throughout the Seireitei and Rukon to treat both civilians and shinigami alike in lieu of the uprising. Yet Unohana had met Ukitake at the division's gate as though expecting her expertise to be needed.
By the time Byakuya arrived the Captain of the Fourth had just concluded her tests. Her patient lay beneath a barrier of healing kido in a secluded ICU.
On the other side of the hospital bed Xochitl lay in, Ukitake sat, keeping vigil in the other captain's stead.
Captain Unohana spoke as if merely informing Ukitake, but she was well aware of the other captain's presence in the doorway, "The barrier has kept the damage from progressing while I ran the necessary assessments. The results have concluded that internal repairs must be performed via surgery in order to truly stabilize her. Of course there is risk in this- her immunity is disturbingly low. But, if she is to survive this plan of action is her best option… It is imperative I have my lieutenant at hand for this."
Ukitake rose and nodded in understanding, "Of course. I will send a hell-butterfly so that you might stay and focus on the task at hand."
"Thank you, Ukitake-Taichou. I will prep the O.R. myself while I await Isane." Unohana smiled.
With that Ukitake moved to exit, there was a solemn expression on his face, but when he made it to the door, he offered the man there a small smile. He clasped the man's shoulder as he passed by and then strode down the hallway.
The healer also turned from the bed, but the attention she paid the man haunting the threshold of the room was brief. With her passive mask in place she glided toward the door, seemingly ignoring the other captain. But he knew this woman was likely aware of everything and in her way was offering her support as well as respect by not acknowledging him.
Soon the room was pleasantly silent and Byakuya approached the bed, his heartbeat steady as it had not been since he had woken in anticipation of the dawn.
Haori swishing against the bed as he stopped, his fingertips brushed the golden light and it curled gently around his hand, warm and unthreatening. His hand passed through the dome and he stopped short of touching the prone figure's face.
He could feel it radiating from her- the illness that threatened her and his hand balled into a fist as he drew back slightly.
The feeling in his chest was anger- frustration, a fearful helplessness that left him on the brink of irrationality once more.
Byakuya's eyes snapped shut tightly, his normally sedate temper on the rise. Is there justice having left that man alive? Have I achieved nothing in giving into my sense of morality? In truth I wanted his blood… What really stayed my hand? I cannot fathom him living if she…
His eyes opened, shining like hematite beacons beneath his sooty lashes. He breathed deeply and penetrated the shield again, hands sliding against her frail skin to cradle her face as he leaned in.
"You do not have my permission to leave this world." He murmured the command against her ear. He remained, holding still simply to breathe as though doing so was dependent on this girl…
Her ever-so-faint scent in his nose, he straightened his spine then, turned on his heel with a flap of his robes, and departed to wait.
AN:
Just a few notes about this chapter:
Yumichika having his own kind of rare super power wasn't something I had planned on- it kinda delved into more AU than I was trying for. But having added that piece, I guess it's just an expansion on his possible character because I really like him and he isn't featured often. He plays blonde at times and I wanted to give him an opportunity to be a supporting character with a subtle/unsubtle hand in things.
And to me- well- Renji just had to save the day! Wuv.
The other appearances can be explained away as wanting to show that Byakuya had the backing of his comrades- that in the end the people's opinions that mattered the most to him were those that would put faith in him regardless.
Apologies for another cliffy ending!
Next chapter: The lovers' fate. It shall appear sooner rather than later this time! Thanks for your support!
*Random perhaps unnecessary note: This chapter was named after the DevilDriver version of the song, "Sail." Dunno why exactly- for some reason- it popped into my head and I thought it fit…? Yes? No? Maybe? Eh. Give it a listen- good stuff regardless.
Thanks everyone!
