"There would be no passion in this world if we never had to fight for what we love." -Susie Switzer-
Chapter 36 is finally here! :D I hope you will enjoy this one... though it might come with a bit of surprise (whether or not you'd like it, that remains to see until you have read the whole thing :D). I hope you enjoy this regardless.
Thank you for all reviews of the previous chapter! *hugs*
Now here we have Chapter 36. :)
The wind blew treacherous and sharp through the wide area. Captain General Yamamoto sat on the chair overlooking the line of Shinigami Captains on the left and lieutenants on the right, a huge distance of space between these two lines.
And right in the middle of this space was… the Spirit-Sealing Pit. It sunk into the ground as a deep, black hole. The sekki sekki rock shone like innocent marble, white and glistening. And yet the elite Shinigamis stood twenty steps away from the mouth of the pit and its potential reiatsu-draining power, as instructed by Captain Yamamoto.
The massive crowd of Shinigami officers stood at the rear of the arena, where a line of Second Division guards blocked the perimeter of the execution area. Almost every Shinigami was present, having heard of the horrible sentence awaiting the Kuchiki princess, whom they all knew on good terms and who was always polite despite her fairytale adoption into the noble family. All of them were talking loudly, in contrast to the quiet squad of powerful, high-ranking Shinigamis gathered ahead.
"How could they?"
"What did Kuchiki Rukia do?"
"This is madness!"
The loud flurry of voices turned into shouts as they saw a small figure walk out across the arena, escorted by six black-clad guards. The entourage stopped a good way from the pit, facing the Captain General.
The overwhelming noise stopped.
"Kuchiki Rukia." The ancient voice spoke.
Rukia looked up quietly, the edges of her hair sweeping the collar of her white kimono.
"Today is the day you will be executed for your crime."
Rukia remained looking straight and nodded. "Yes, Captain General."
"Do you stand by your last words yesterday?"
Byakuya's head rose up slightly to look at the Captain General. Rukia nodded again, her voice soft. "Yes."
"Do you know what this is, that you stand before?"
Rukia had already seen the pit on the way in. She watched the dark, black hole for a while. "The Spirit-Sealing Pit."
"This method of execution will be used for your sentence today."
A massive roar went up in the crowd of Shinigamis at the end of the arena.
"W-What!"
"They are really going to sap her off her spiritual energy and set a Hollow on her?"
"She would not have committed any crime deserving of this cruel punishment!"
Rukia looked up. "Hai."
Yamamoto put his hands together as he sat back in his chair. "Get ready then. Guards."
Rukia bowed slowly to the Captain General. She felt the guards alongside her move forward, closer to the black hole and she stepped with them. Slowly, they approached the Spirit-Sealing Pit.
Five steps away from the mouth of the pit, Rukia felt it. The immense draining power of the sekki sekki rock. She felt the first of her reiatsu start to flow away, as if swept bit by bit by the soft breeze around her.
This was her only time.
Rukia looked up at Byakuya.
It was the first time seeing him in three days, ever since her sentence was meted out. He looked so handsome and regal, like the Kuchiki noble head and Division Captain that he was. His kenseikan, the silver windflower silk scarf, the Captain haori. His handsome face, the grey eyes, the strong chin. Lean figure, broad shoulders, and flawless appearance.
Rukia smiled softly, taking the few precious seconds to fix that image permanently into her heart.
I don't blame you, Byakuya.
Rukia stared straight at Byakuya, trying to let him see that she fully accepted her fate, and bore no hatred to him. But he would not look at her, keeping his hard gaze ahead of him, though she knew he was not focusing on what he was looking at. He was just trying not to look at her.
I understand, Byakuya.
Rukia felt her spiritual power slowly drain away. She was going to stand tall, and not collapse. She wasn't going to make him suffer or feel conflicted and burdened any longer.
I thank you.
She closed her eyes as she heard the guards retreat from behind her. Then she saw Captain Soi Fon step away from the line of Captains and approach her from behind.
Thank you for everything. The memories, the moments, the feelings… the love.
She felt Soi Fon's hand on her back, before the hard push and she plummeted into the darkness.
I love you.
Byakuya watched as Soi Fon pushed Rukia forcefully into the dark hole. Rukia did not make a sound, just disappeared into the blackness of the circle. She stood straight, did not cry out, did not gasp, did not say a word. Just silence. Resignation.
In the distance, Byakuya could hear the roar of the Hollow they were going to utilize for the sentence. He could hear the sounds as it trashed around nearby, waiting for the time to feast. He could picture the massive crushing body and the deadly sharp teeth.
Byakuya stood straight, motionless.
"Sting all Enemies to Death… Suzumebachi!"
Byakuya saw the sword begin to glow in Soi Fon's right hand before it merged onto her hand as a black and yellow gauntlet. A chain linked it to the sharp yellow stinger blade on the middle finger.
Soi Fon stepped toward the hole and held out her right arm, where the yellow and black Zanpakutou shone on her hand, sharp and deadly. She stopped some safe steps before the edges, guarding the entrance. She then turned to Byakuya and smirked at him, as if challenging him to come and get Rukia. Byakuya did not move an inch, nor did his calm expression falter.
Rukia hit the stone floor hard and looked up, rubbing her arms. It had been a long way down. The light above her seemed like a pinprick. Rukia turned to face the pit in which she was in. The walls were rounded here, much like the bottom of a massive, wide well. They were smooth and white, as she touched her hand to the wall.
Rukia's spiritual power was long sapped dry.
No way out.
Rukia closed her eyes.
And that was when she heard the terrible roar of the Hollow.
Byakuya watched the enormous Hollow as the Second Division guards heaved the chains around it towards the mouth of the pit.
It was a massive Hollow, worm-like with a dozen eyes on the top of its head. The chest was armoured with thick plates of skin and the tail swished back and forth, powerful and lethal. The Hollow opened its mouth and let out a roar that shook the ground around the arena, displaying rows of sharp teeth.
Byakuya stared ahead as they released the Hollow and sent it down into the Spirit-Sealing Pit.
Rukia.
He flashed back on last night.
Byakuya curled up next to Rukia in her cell, and she never knew that he had stayed by her side for that short period in the night. He had vanished the second he felt her twitching, leaving only his warmth as her company for the cold.
Byakuya had then proceeded to that room in his mansion, the Kuchiki altar room. The place where all his ancestors stood watch over the peace and prosperity of the royal bloodline, and also where he now kept Hisana's picture. The noble house. The name that held all of the respect and honour of Soul Society. The family who upheld the rules… above all other.
"My Lord, dispel the fear and uncertainty in your heart," Kazumasa had spoken behind him.
Byakuya had closed his eyes before his ancestors.
Forgive me.
Soi Fon felt the powerful rush of air as a figure materialized expertly right next to her. She did not have time to react, the reflexes and speed were just too powerful. The next second, a force hit her so hard in her stomach she was thrown back from the pit entrance towards the stone wall of the arena. Her eyes widened in shock as she realized she was not going to be able to stop herself in time before crashing into the hard structure.
Damn it!
"Tsk."
Soi Fon felt the familiar touch around her waist and the wind as she was pulled away from the wall by quick Flash steps. Master Flash steps. She looked up gratefully.
"Always in trouble are we, Soi Fon?"
"Y-Yoruichi-sama!"
"That little Byakuya will always be the same. He doesn't see anything else in front of him when he wants something so badly." Yoruichi placed Soi Fon gently on her feet.
They both turned to the hole in the center where Byakuya had just disappeared into.
Rukia backed away as she watched the massive Hollow rise up from its position from where it had landed in the pit. She had never come to appreciate how enormous a Hollow actually was, when you could not fly up in the air and land slashes on it with your blade. When all you could do is stand powerless and watch as it advanced on you.
It was just Rukia and the Hollow now.
She watched its mouth open displaying the sharp teeth, watched its greedy yellow eyes. She heard the echoing roar all around her.
She couldn't run, didn't even want to run. Why prolong the pain?
Rukia suppressed the small fear that had sprung into her heart momentarily. No, it was alright. She allowed the image of Byakuya to fill her mind, her body, her everything. The warmth followed easily as she thought about him. Unexpectedly, her lips curled into a smile.
It's time.
Rukia closed her eyes and gave everything over.
Byakuya had timed his actions properly. He had probably only a few seconds before the stone absorbed the bulk of his spiritual power. Byakuya had to move fast, and precise. He had gotten Soi Fon out of the way (and paid her back in doubles for what she had done to Rukia), and now he had condensed his reiatsu into a powerful orb around himself. He figured by doing so, the absorbing power would eat away at the reiatsu on the outer side, leaving him with enough residual power to finish the Hollow and get Rukia out of this place. And he was right, as he felt the outer layers of his power begin to peel away but his core reiatsu still intact right within him. Byakuya did not have any time to lose. He could see the enormous shadow of the Hollow as he grasped his sword firmly before him.
"Chire, Senbonzakura."
"My Lord, dispel the fear and uncertainty in your heart."
"There is no uncertainty nor fear, Kazumasa. I have to fight for this… for her. For my life."
Kazumasa smiled. "Then you have already decided. So stand strong, straight and proud to do it, my Lord."
"The Kuchiki elders will be very disappointed in your influence, Kazumasa," Byakuya spoke as he looked up over the countless golden name plaques.
"I beg your pardon, my Lord, but on the contrary. They will be angered certainly… but I believe they will be secretly proud of this Kuchiki who stood up against the conventional royal family rules… in the face of love, something most royalties have a tendency to… lack."
Byakuya continued staring ahead. "I have broken the rules more times than the rest of the Kuchiki family put together. But this, the third time, I am breaking them... without doubt."
He let the unspoken words drift in his thoughts. 'I carry a lot on my shoulders. My Captaincy, my family name, the nobility reputation. Lest I fail tomorrow, I have let everyone down, including the Kuchiki noble name. But what more important... is that I am completely prepared to do so.'
"I have to attempt this."
Kazumasa smiled. "Attempt? My Lord, you sound as if you are clueless of your own power. But worry not too much, my Lord…" He bent over his young master and spoke into his ear. "… for love always prevails in the end."
Rukia heard that familiar voice, and she felt like the sun itself had come down to shine in the dreaded darkness she was in. It was sweeter than that of the beautiful tinkling windchime tunes, sweeter than the birds calling out to each other in spring, sweeter than anything Rukia had ever heard in her life.
How things could change…
A second ago, she was at peace, completely ready for the final wrenching feel of pain. But just the sound of his voice could turn it all around. It was amazing for a Shinigami to feel so much, all at the same time. Fear, fear for his life. What was he doing, what was he doing here in the pit? It was dangerous! Regret, that he was once again going all out to save her. And yet she could not help feeling that familiar happiness… that happiness of being saved, of being loved… of not being alone.
Instantly, her eyes flew open.
"Byakuya," Rukia whispered, as a tear slid down her cheek.
Byakuya did not even glance at the Hollow as the petal-like blades tore into it. He Flashed next to the small, petite figure who had been standing motionless in front of the Hollow as it slowly advanced on her.
"B-Byakuya, I-
Their eyes met and he saw them. The tears in her eyes. The regret, fear, happiness, gratitude. Without a word, Byakuya swiftly bent down and gathered Rukia in his arms before he Flashed once and brought them out of the pit, the roars of the dying Hollow behind them.
They appeared at the mouth of the Spirit-Sealing Pit, Byakuya carrying Rukia just as the entirety of his reiatsu diminished. Byakuya stumbled forward at the sudden suction of power but his feet did not give way. Rukia looked up worriedly at him and made to get down. Her eyes widened when his hands tightened on her, not letting her go.
He wasn't going to let her go.
The entire squad of Captains were looking at them dumbfounded, their expressions shocked. Even the massive crowd of Shinigamis at the end of the arena were all watching with bated breath. Byakuya ignored all of them. He stepped forward some more with shaky tentative steps, away from the mouth of the pit. He felt his reiatsu slowly seep in with each step he took. If he got farther away, he could perhaps gather enough spiritual power to escape…
The Second Division guards went into a defensive formation in front of him. Byakuya stopped at the twentieth step away from the Spirit-Sealing Pit, the pink petals floating around them in the wind.
Rukia looked up worriedly, still carried by Byakuya. "Byakuya, please stop."
"Stop?" His deep voice answered her and she looked up.
"I-
"As the head of the Kuchiki family, I order you to keep your words to yourself." Byakuya's voice was deep as he stared ahead at the guards. "You will hold onto me as hard as you can… and watch me fight."
Rukia's eyes widened.
And how do you intend to do that?" Byakuya looked up with narrowed eyes as Soi Fon stepped out from behind her ninja guards, apparently unscathed from their brief brush just now. "Not when your hands are real… full at the moment." She glanced at Rukia and smirked.
"Guards." Soi Fon looked sideways at her team. "Give Kuchiki Tai-chou here a taste of our combat style."
Byakuya moved back slightly in a defensive pose.
"Rukia." Rukia looked up quickly at his deep voice. "Your hands, as per my order."
Rukia reached up and hooked her arms securely around Byakuya's neck, taking care to leave as much room as possible for his movement. Her reiatsu was slowly returning and Byakuya's ought to be as well, but they were surely far from the optimal level for battle. And facing Soi Fon and her expert corps, it would be near impossible to-
"And I take one order back about keeping your words to yourself." The deep voice jolted Rukia from her thoughts. Byakuya turned to look down at her, his grey eyes burning and fierce.
"Banish all those words and thoughts from your mind now. I want you as you are during battle… as you were all those battles."
Rukia's eyes widened. All those battles…
Battling Miedo…
Rukia, do you trust me?
Y-Yes, Nii-sama.
Then do not move from where you are standing, no matter what.
B-But…
I believe you will not need to move away because… he will not reach you.
Fighting the flames of Sol Gemelos…
Will me… and I will follow.
Let me protect you this time, Byakuya...
Rukia, be safe…
And against the odds of Corazón Herido…
I am not afraid to love her now.
Because I am the woman Byakuya fell in love with…
He is mine…
Rukia's violet eyes hardened and she locked her hands firmly behind Byakuya's neck. "H-Hai."
Their hands tightened on each other at the same time.
It is us against the whole world, Rukia. The two of us…
The two of us, Byakuya, please…
The guards attacked.
Byakuya dodged the attacks easily, though he moved substantially slower than usual. He delivered single hits with the hand to incapacitate the ninjas as quick as he can, occasionally using Senbonzakura's petals. The ninjas were too many, he would have to bring them down fast before Soi Fon chanced on any opening. And there were just too many openings she could have used, Byakuya knew. His speed was markedly diminished and he could not use Shunpo or Senbonzakura's petal blades as much, having to reserve whatever little reiatsu he had. He had already been hit several times by the ninjas, something he would normally never have had to go through. Maybe it was her ego but Soi Fon just stood by and watched, not doing anything.
Rukia abided by his orders and kept herself tight and safe in his arms, allowing Byakuya to sometimes use both hands at once in combat. Byakuya did not know what she was thinking but she kept very still and quiet in his arms, only gasping occasionally when a ninja managed to land an attack on Byakuya's body.
Soi Fon watched her men go down one by one, until less than a quarter of the numbers remained.
Idiots.
She looked at the Captain General.
About time anyway.
Soi Fon launched herself forward.
Byakuya saw the Flash and immediately brought his hand to the left. It held against the magnificent black and gold Suzumebachi on Soi Fon's right hand. His eyes widened as Soi Fon smirked and shot her left hand towards Rukia. Byakuya released his own left hand from below Rukia and swiftly countered, pushing her hand back. Both Captains slid away from each other across the ground, kicking up dust in the arena.
The line of Captains and the huge crowd of Shinigamis watched with wide eyes. The two Captains rushed forward and both disappeared in remarkably-executed Flash steps, appearing so many steps away near the wall, engaging in a fierce hand-to-hand combat.
But it was clear who was on the offensive. Byakuya was still struggling from his minimal reiatsu and he was carrying an extra load. Soi Fon mocked him again and again with her jabbing attacks as he held her off. She sometimes went for Rukia, proving a disastrous distraction to the Sixth Division Captain. Soi Fon jumped back after a particularly close attempt at the petite, wide-eyed Shinigami in Byakuya's arms. Byakuya had been forced to use both hands to counter her attack.
"So this is what the Sixth Division Captain looks like in his final moments." Soi Fon smirked, looking at Byakuya's right arm.
Rukia's eyes widened as she looked down. A black butterfly-like stamp marked the skin on his right arm.
"Bya-
"Ignore it," Byakuya spoke in his deep voice.
"The next hit…" Soi Fon lifted her right hand with Suzumebachi in front of her face. "… will be the last."
"KUCHIKI-SANNN!" Rukia's eyes widened at the voice and she looked ahead. She watched Kiyone and Sentaro run to the front of the crowd. And in Kiyone's arm-
"Sode no Shirayuki!" Rukia exclaimed happily.
Kiyone grinned and threw the Zanpakutou as far as it could go. It flew higher, higher and stabbed into the ground of the arena, standing upright a distance away.
Rukia hurriedly looked up at Byakuya and he understood. Immediately, they disappeared in a Flash to where the katana jutted up from the ground.
As the wind of the speed rushed at her, Rukia held out her hand and felt it connect with the sword hilt. Immediately, her hand fisted, grasping Sode no Shirayuki successfully. She swung it slightly as she kept her left hand around Byakuya's neck.
"Mai, Sode no Shirayuki." The sword glowed white and the familiar white ribbon swung out from the pommel.
"Not so fast."
Rukia's eyes widened. She looked up just in time to see Soi Fon lunge forward, the golden stinger headed directly for Rukia's hand. There was nothing left to do. Byakuya twisted away from the attack and Rukia's hand loosened on the hilt in surprise. She struggled to hold her Zanpakutou properly but her hand swept through the handle once before she lost her grip. The sword clattered to the ground as Byakuya Flashed away, bringing Rukia with him.
Soi Fon did not stop to rest this time. She shot forward again, heading towards the couple. Her black eyes widened as she caught sight of the little smile now playing on Rukia's lips. Her eyes widened some more as she saw the bizarre hand seal the female Shinigami was now forming with her left hand.
"Ancient white, thirty-four stars..."
Rukia had lost her Zanpakutou but her hand had swept the hilt momentarily before she lost the grip.
"… Pure light, endless silence, wind of the night…"
And now she had in her hand, a fistful of ice particles from her Zanpakutou. It was not much, but it will have to do.
"Snow, be my witness…"
Rukia flung out the snow particles into the air in front of her.
"... and pain to flow through the rain of needles."
Soi Fon watched as the glittering ice particles solidified into a haze of sharp ice needles. They hovered for a second before shooting at her. Soi Fon dodged them easily and allowed a mocking smile to play on her lips. Still, she was intrigued. A new kido spell borne from one's own Zanpakutou?
"Binding Art 61. Rikujōkōrō."
Her black eyes widened at Byakuya's deep voice but Soi Fon Flashed off in time to avoid potential imprisonment by the light beams. Who did they think she was? She was the Commander-in-chief of the Onmitsukidō and was previously mentored by Yoruichi!
Soi Fon flashed in front of the wall on the right. And that was when she heard the female voice, spoke almost continuous after the male.
"Binding Art 30. Shitotsu Sansen!"
Rukia's eyes widened. An opening!
Byakuya had chanced upon the opportunity created by Rukia's ice needles and sent the Six Prison Bars of Light, only to be dodged by Soi Fon. But Rukia had read her steps as Soi Fon had moved for the next Flash step. She immediately drew a triangle in the air with her hand.
"Binding Art 30. Shitotsu Sansen!" Soi Fon's eyes widened, as she watched the glowing triangle formed in succession by Rukia. She had been too focused on Byakuya's kido attack that she had not paid attention to Rukia.
Damn it!
She watched as the three points on the triangle glowed golden before shooting right at her.
No time at all.
The three golden beams slammed at precise points on her two arms and leg, pinning her to the stone wall, in similar fashion to how she had once utilized this kido on Arrancar Ggio Vega in the past.
Damn it!
"It is finished, Soi Fon." Byakuya lifted Senbonzakura's hilt as the petals began to zoom faster. Rukia gripped his robe sleeves as a reminder not to go overboard.
He pointed the hilt forward at Soi Fon in a straight motion. The petals zoomed towards their target, deadly and-
Byakuya's grey eyes widened as Rukia gasped.
A hexagonal crimson shield had materialized in front of Soi Fon, blocking the attack.
"Yare yare… youth these days certainly have hot blood, don't they… Kuchiki-san?"
The blood mist shield diminished, as Urahara and Yoruichi now stood in front of Soi Fon.
"U-Urahara-san?" Rukia's eyes widened.
"Urahara." Byakuya's eyes narrowed. "Shihoin Yoruichi." What is this?
"Kuchiki-san, fierce as always." Urahara smiled at Byakuya as he stepped forward. Yoruichi hurried to the wall and pried Soi Fon from her bindings.
"Are you intending to fight me, Urahara? Because I believe I have no business with you."
"Fight? I think we have seen enough." The ancient voice cut into the conversation and Byakuya turned, Rukia in his arms to face Captain General Yamamoto.
"Soi Fon." Captain Yamamoto glanced at her and she bowed.
"Hai."
Immediately, the black butterfly wound diminished from Byakuya's arm according to Soi Fon's will.
Everyone turned to watch Captain General Yamamoto as he rose from his seat at the front of the pit. Across from him, Byakuya stood carrying Rukia in his arms.
"Her punishment is still the death sentence."
"However…" General Yamamoto put his hands together. "There is a novel rule that stipulates… if a sibling, older or younger, than the criminal but with no blood relation whatsoever, puts the desire to save the criminal into action, the death sentence will be reversed with no remaining charges."
Stunned silence followed this statement.
Rukia's eyes widened at the ridiculously impossible rule. Then, realization hit her. So… it was all… a joke? Some sort of test?
Byakuya did not move or say anything, nor did he put Rukia down.
"Sibling… but with no blood relation whatsoever? Did Yama-ji just made up that rule on the spot or what?" Kyoraku laughed to Ukitake.
Ukitake smiled. "It doesn't matter." He looked happily at Rukia, safe in Byakuya's arms. Then, he lifted his hands and started to clap.
Kyoraku joined him, and the sound of two pairs of hands of the oldest Shinigami division captains clapping resounded around the arena. The rest of the Captains and lieutenants joined them, smiles on their faces. Soon, the entire Shinigami force in the arena was applauding Byakuya, and Rukia.
Flustered, Rukia looked up at Byakuya.
"If that is finished, you will excuse us." Byakuya remarked coolly and turned around with Rukia in his arms. In the next blink, they instantly disappeared from the arena, showcasing the unsurpassable Sixth Division Captain's flash step, and the fact that they were impossible to catch right from the very beginning.
"It was a TRICK, Tai-chou! You knew? Is that why you told us not to save Rukia? " Kiyone ran forwards with Sentaro at her heels into the arena. They stopped, openmouthed at their white-haired Captain. Ukitake smiled apologetically back at them.
"I am so sorry for putting you through this, Kiyone, Sentaro."
"AH NO, TAI-CHOU, DO NOT APOLOGIZE TO ME! But… isn't it dangerous to put Kuchiki-san in such a spot even if it was a trick?"
Ukitake shook his head, smiling. "Captain Yamamoto has placed spiritual chains around the Hollow, chains of his own that extend from his reiatsu core. It is a special creation technique by the Research division, actually… of Urahara Kisuke." He smiled at the certain green-clad figure who stood next to Yoruichi. "It binds the Hollow back and does not allow it to move too close to Kuchiki-san. It is an ancient power, and only very old Captains like me and Kyoraku Tai-chou can see this. Other than the three of us and Urahara, no one can see these chains coming from Captain Yamamoto that bind the Hollow. I believe Kuchiki tai-chou himself did not notice the Soul chains."
"OHHH, such genius, Tai-chou!"
"You two were as well... with Kuchiki-san's Zanpakutou."
Kiyone and Sentaro turned red. Ukitake smiled as Shunsui came up behind him.
"Hey, playboy! Yama-ji's certainly got a flair for drama, hasn't he?"
Ukitake laughed. "I'm guessing he learnt it from the previous ryokas' invasion. He must have gotten some of the ideas there."
The two Captains looked out over the squad officers, who were now talking excitedly amongst themselves.
"Hey, pay me money! You bet Kuchiki tai-chou wouldn't rescue Kuchiki-san!" Matsumoto hit Madarame Ikkaku on his round, bald head.
"Here… man, that lovelorn Captain has gone all soft and romantic!"
"And so heroic and macho!"
"Shut up!"
"It was so hard, pretending to be worried about Kuchiki-san,"Matsumoto smiled as she tapped her chin. "But all's well that ends well! Kuchiki Tai-chou is so romantic and heroic!" She giggled.
"Man, even Ikkaku knows? I'm a lieutenant and I was flat-out worrying the whole three days. I even practiced Bankai!" Renji leaned against the wall angrily.
"Heh. That's because you belong to the Sixth Division, Kuchiki Tai-chou's division. We were forbidden to tell any officer from that division. And only the other Tai-chous and their lieutenants know. Look, even Kiyone and Sentaro didn't know and they are from Kuchiki-san's own division. Well, except Ikkaku but-
"That's because the Eleventh Division is the best!"
"Maybe it's because their Tai-chou doesn't like romantic dramas so he didn't mind letting his squad know," Matsumoto shrugged, her leg now stepping on Ikkaku's twitching, wounded body.
"Captains, please approach the front!"
Captain General Yamamoto smiled at the Captains as they came forward. "I thank you all for giving me your co-operation no matter how hard it had been. I also appreciate it that you all took part in this for the good of a member of the Captain squad, that is, Kuchiki Tai-chou. Especially the Second Division and Soi Fon Tai-chou, who went to a lot of trouble."
All the Captains bowed. "It is of no problem. But you were confident he would not come barging into my Division to rescue Kuchiki Rukia, Captain General." Soi Fon stated. "Why is that?"
"I know him, Soi Fon Tai-chou. After all, I worked closely with his grandfather, Ginrei, and has often brushed with him when he was a boy and up to the moment he succeeded the Captaincy. Kuchiki Tai-chou is a proud noble, if he was indeed to rescue Kuchiki Rukia as he has certainly done, he would do it on the execution day. In plain view of everyone... and anyone that could have stopped him. It would be his message that he chooses to go against the law to rescue her in the open and not in hiding. I believe it is the pride that comes with the nobility blood running through his veins. And also..." Captain Yamamoto put his hands together. "... by doing so in full view of us, he wants to show that if we could not defeat him, then Rukia's rescue will be our punishment. That is the reason I have asked you, Soi Fon Tai-chou to practice combat in the last few days because you will go head-on with him. In the event that he did not overcome us, I believe he is ready for what is to befall the both of them."
All the Captains nodded, smiles on their faces.
"Pardon me for saying so, Captain General, but I'm glad you did not stop them earlier on. It gave us a chance to watch how they worked in combat. Their teamwork flowed like water, despite the sudden situation." Unohana smiled. "They worked better than Captain and lieutenant together. It is no wonder they could have defeated so many powerful Arrancars, just the two of them." She chuckled softly. "Or it could be lover's connection."
"He looked ordinary to me." Kenpachi muttered gruffly. "Nothing remarkable, almost a weakling."
Unohana smiled. "But that was because he had less than half of his reiatsu to use."
"I don't understand something though, Yama-Ji." Shunsui laughed. "It was real fun, but is it really going to help?"
Yamamoto turned to his long-time student, a glint evident in the old, wise eyes. "Sometimes, a little push is all it takes."
Rukia opened her eyes as she felt the wind of the Shunpo die down. She watched the green grass, the beautiful trees and clear glistening water of the stream. Byakuya had brought them to the garden of the Kuchiki mansion. Now, beneath a flowering sakura tree, he slowly put Rukia down.
She looked up at him. "Byaku-
"Are you hurt anywhere?"
She shook her head.
Silence.
"Did you think I would not save you?" Byakuya's words sounded almost angry, despite his placid tone.
Rukia looked up. "I… I wouldn't have blamed you if you didn't. I... I understand the rules-
"Did you think you could not compare with the rules?"
Rukia's eyes widened, as Byakuya looked away silently. "I am very disappointed that you did not think better of me."
"I…"
"Or did you think I would not have loved you this much?"
Rukia's eyes widened.
"Because I do, Rukia," Byakuya whispered fiercely, turning back to her. "I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
Rukia gasped at the confession from the usually emotionless Captain but he continued speaking.
"I never want to see you resign yourself to fate like that again, even if you feel it might put me in a better position. I want you to fight… to be with me. I do not care anymore if you do not want to be with me, for reasons only known to yourself. If it comes right down to it, I will lock you up so you cannot leave. Because…
… you have to be with me."
Rukia looked at Byakuya in wonder. His expression was unreadable, but she could almost detect a hint of vulnerability in those beautiful grey eyes. It moved her.
Byakuya could not take it anymore. He was trying not to talk too much, but the words were all pouring out of him. There was so much he wanted to say to Rukia, so much he had to make her understand, he was so affected. He thought he rather sounded like his teenage self.
"I am very disappointed that you did not think better of me." Byakuya's grey eyes widened at Rukia's quiet voice.
"How could you say that? That you do not care if I do not want to be with you? You have no idea how long this heart has always wanted to be with you…" Rukia's hand reached up and touched the side of Byakuya's face. "… because…"
Her hands now trailed over his lips, slow and tender. The grey eyes never moved away from the violet ones.
"… I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Kuchiki Byakuya."
Rukia suddenly shifted forwards from the tree. She had moved closer to Byakuya.
"Or do I have to… show you?"
Her hand hooked around his neck and pulled him closer. Closer so their faces came together. Closer so their noses touched. Closer so she could… kiss him.
Their lips met and they kissed under the sakura tree, as the soft pink petals fell around them.
When they parted, Rukia smiled at Byakuya as he gently brushed a stray strand of hair from her eyes.
"I have my answer with me now," Rukia spoke before her cheeks turned the beautiful shade of red Byakuya loved so much. "I... I mean, if your question is still valid, t-that is." She looked away in embarrassment.
Byakuya's grey eyes widened. Ignoring the way his heart was suddenly pounding so fast, he hooked his finger underneath Rukia's chin and tilted it gently to him so she was looking right at him.
The wide violet eyes met misty grey.
A single petal drifted by the two figures under the tree as the pledge made its way out of the noble man's mouth to the one girl from the rough districts he had taken in in a twist of fate and destiny. And the girl he had finally fallen in love with. "Marry me, Rukia."
Marry me. I will make you very happy, I swear I will. I will take care of you, and never let you get hurt. All I ask in return is that you stay right by my side… as my woman. I love you, Rukia.
I do. I want to be your wife. I want to make you happy, and make your heart whole again. I will kiss away all the pain and hold you tight at night when nightmares come over you. I will stay right by your side because I love you, Byakuya.
"The answer is yes... forever and always, Kuchiki Byakuya."
Woo~ And there ends Chapter 36. (not 'To Win You Back', not yet anyways :P). How long have we all waited for this? XD XD And now I think you all can guess what the next upcoming chapter, Chapter 37 will be about. ;) I'm sorry Ashy about your review... I don't think I can write 80+ chapters for TWYB, I'm trying to end it before my holidays end actually so I can focus on RL work. I've been planning out a plot sequel for TWYB last year actually (which is much, much longer than this fic... so we might actually see a 80+ chapter fic, who knows :P) but I might have to put that on hold because I think I'm going to get real busy. *hugs* Thank you so very much for the review, it made me so happy that you feel it worthy enough of being so long! :)
And now, I hope you all like this peak as well, given that it's the shortest of the three, but I thought it would wrap things up pretty nicely... Byakuya rescuing Rukia in plain sight of everyone and so cementing his love for her in public (at least that's what poor Yama-Ji who undergone a lot of bashing the last few chapters hoped for anyway :D). Seaweed Ambassador cookies to whoever who thought it would have been a trick. *smiles* I also gave Soi Fon a bigger role in this chapter as the "antagonist" because I thought she'd fit the role nicely (not to say she's antagonist material but she's the strong and rule-abiding type herself, and well the leader of the Secret Corps). So the Captains were all busy with their acting skills to fool Byakuya... before they sat down to watch a clash between the two Captains. ;D
I made up the power of the ice needles as well, which is essentially a spell which Rukia can manage even if not within reach of her Zanpakutou, provided she did possess some ice essence from her Zanpakutou. The spell chant is similar to that of her activation of the ice mirrors, except the ending ('and pain to flow through the rain of needles' compared to 'and form my shadows') and the beginning (it says 'thirty-four stars' instead of 'sixty-eight stars', just to halve the number). That, and the Soul Chains that bind the Hollow back are both evenstar lady's pure creation as well again. :)
I hope you all would wait for the next chapter, Chapter 37! :D And lastly, do review this chapter for me and give me any comments/feedback on this, the last peak... would really, really appreciate it! :)