Author's note: I do not own Bleach or its characters. This is for the 30 Kisses challenge. This is AU. Theme 9: Dash.
Which Side Are You On?
Rangiku was not exactly thrilled at the moment. Of course, being in a battle that could decide your future did that to a person. Thankfully, she was holding her own right now, and she had pretty good backup. Nanao was fighting at her back, and the other woman had strict orders from Shunsui to stay alive and not get injured. Between the two of them, they could handle most of the lesser hollows that came after them. They had yet to engage a fraccion, but it was really only a matter of time.
A steady stream of kidou spells flowed from Nanao's fingertips while Rangiku manipulated Haineko's released form. Rangiku tried to keep an eye on the other battles going on, but truthfully, she had her hands full with the fight in front of her. And that was why she didn't notice the fraccion bearing down on them until it was too late. Rangiku reacted to its presence only after it had scored a hit on her arm. It wasn't a bad injury, but it hurt, and it would weaken her eventually.
Beside her, Nanao swore. Her friend shifted position slightly to better guard against the new threat. Together they were a match for the fraccion but just barely. And as soon as they had finished it off, they had an enraged espada on their hands. This was not of the good. Nanao and Rangiku stood supporting one another. Nanao was still uninjured, but Rangiku had managed to acquire several more minor injuries. They were obnoxious and hurt, and they were slowing her down.
She spared a glance around the battlefield to see if there was anyone who could lend assistance to the two of them. Rangiku had no illusions about herself and Nanao being able to handle an espada by themselves. Unfortunately, it looked like everyone else had their hands full too. They were on their own, and Rangiku was afraid it was going to be a losing battle. Still, that didn't mean she was going to give up. She hadn't gotten where she was because she was gave up. If Rangiku was anything, she was stubborn, and Nanao was twice as stubborn as she was.
It was a losing battle. Rangiku stumbled and felt the bite of Hallibel's blade. She heard Nanao scream something, but Rangiku was more focused on the intense pain in her side. Her hand came away completely covered in blood. This was very not good. She was losing too much blood. Her vision was beginning to darken. She heard what sounded like Yamamoto's barrier dropping.
And then in the blink of an eye, the battlefield changed. Rangiku heard a familiar voice snarl, and Gin was standing between her and Hallibel. Nanao's presence made itself known in the form of reaitsu being poured into Rangiku's wound. Rangiku found her vision clearing, and the pain receded somewhat. But she wasn't quite sure she believed what she saw, though she wanted to believe it.
Gin stood between herself and Nanao, protecting them. Tia Hallibel was dead. Rangiku didn't need to be observant to notice that Aizen and his minions were surprised by Gin's actions. And so were the Seireitei's forces. Rangiku didn't care either way. That small part of her that had keep faith in him, that had hoped things weren't as they appeared blossomed to life. She knew there was a reason she had always trusted him.
Rangiku was scooped in Gin's arms moments later. Nanao flashed her a smile before dashing across the battlefield to her own captain's side. Gin kissed her swiftly.
"Let me get you some place safe, Ran-chan."
She didn't really have a chance to respond before Gin shunpo'd the two of them away from the battlefield. Rangiku knew she was pretty much tapped out when it came to the fight being waged. Gin set her down on an isolated rooftop and kissed her again.
"Stay safe, Ran-chan."
Then he was gone again. Rangiku let out a sigh. Now came the hard part: waiting for the battle to end.
