Remembering a Story
Disclaimer: Standard disclaimers apply.
A/N: Hi Rei Eien, yes, it was Aizen and his cronies who were pulling the strings but at the time, and it was only after "Aizen" was found dead that Toshiro Hitsugaya suspected that something's up. At this point in the storyline, they thought that the Central 46 were still making the "Supreme Court" decisions. They have a reputation of harsh punishments but cannot directly interfere with the rules of the noble families unless they were accused of treason. Rukia's crime, was considered as such. It's a pretty lengthy discussion why.
Rukia faced him courageously when he visited her in her cell at the 2nd Squad compound. Omaeda stood watch. His face was sad. Rukia had been his playmate when they were younger but they were never really close. He was already visiting and later on a seated officer with the 2nd Squad when she started training here. It gives him grief that the girl he grew up with would be reduced to nothing but ash. Omaeda nodded to Byakuya as he walked. Byakuya did not acknowledge him, his attention was fully on Rukia who stood when he walked in. "Why?" He asked. Rukia looked directly into his eyes. "Because he was young, he loves his family and they were all about to be killed by a hollow. I was injured, I wouldn't be able to save him, so I did what I did." Rukia replied, her voice devoid of emotions. "You knew the consequences." Byakuya said angrily.
"But I had no choice. I vowed that I would never allow people to die. Not when I can help it." Rukia replied looking at the floor. "You did not even think about your father, your family and your friends." Byakuya answered angrily. "You did not even think about me." He half-whispered, Rukia looked up at his shaky tone. "But I did. I thought of you and how you fight to protect those you care about." She answered. "They denied your father's petition." Byakuya said instead. Rukia nodded. "They said you'll be executed in 25 days." She gave a nod as well. "I deserve it. It's our law." Byakuya placed a hand inside the rails and squeezed her hand. "You don't. I will find a way to get you out of here." He whispered. Rukia shook her head. "Think of your squad. Think of your clan. You have a lot of responsibilities. If you do this, I will not be the only officer to be executed on the Sokyoku Hill." Rukia answered. "It does not matter." Byakuya answered determinedly. Rukia looked at him in horror and saw that determined look on his eyes. She knows that nothing could sway him once he set his mind to something. He took both of her hands and squeezed them before he shunpoed from the holding cell.
"Did I ever tell you about how my grandparents ended up together?" Rukia asked Byakuya who was eating Udon with her in the 7th Rukongai district as they were waiting for their friends. "Arranged marriage?" He asked. Rukia laughed and shook her head. "No, they met when my grandmother was still in the world of the living. It was over 3000 years ago or so. Grandfather Ryo was a shinigami at the time, the captain of the 8th Squad." Rukia continued.
Byakuya step foot inside the senkaimon to enter the world of the living, he surmised that whoever the shop keeper who gave Rukia her gigai would have an idea where the others who defected are. He didn't like Yoruichi. But he knows he can count on her for help or at least an idea how to get Rukia before she gets executed.
"Grandmother Nadeshiko was a healer in her village. Grandfather was surprised when she was able to see him as he went through his rounds. Like most humans do, she died early. In fact she died quite earlier than most human beings, I believe she had an illness then. She was only 15 when she died. Grandfather took her soul by the hand and took her home."Byakuya looked at her in surprise. "Isn't it against the rules to fraternize with humans while we are in the World of the Living or was this rule not in place then?" He asked. "Oh no, it was already a rule back then. They almost court-martialed him until your grandfather interceded. However, grandfather said, love is worth fighting for." She answered. Her story was interrupted when Kira, Renji and Shuhei came along.
Byakuya stood right were the senkaimon sent him. The streets of Karakura almost deserted at the lateness of the hour, although there were a few people who still walked the streets. He extended his reiatsu, searching for anything he could recognize and seeking for anyone who could help in his search. He then saw a familiar face peering from what looked like a hat the size of a small bucket. He immediately shunpoed to where the person stood.
'Yes, Rukia, love is worth fighting for…' He thought to himself.