Chapter 36: Fighting Alongside One's Heart

*First off, thank you to those of you who wished me a happy birthday. :) I did have a good birthday and all.

PLEASE READ ALL OF THIS~ And second about Rukia's attack, thank you for pointing this out TemaxShika forever I knew someone was going to point this out so here it is. It's the icicles, they ricochet the sound only between each other. I know in actual physics this probably wouldn't work, but this is fanfiction people.

Third...Yumichika...isn't physically there...

Naoko: So basically I'm going crazy...again...

Me: Well...just read on and you'll find out. BUT Naoko and Yumichika will get back together...eventually. And when they do you're going to want to slap Yumichika, you'll see why later on.

So this is the chapter I've been looking forward to. It's split into two parts, first Naoko then Uryu. Naoko's part is a combination of a memory she has (italics) and what's actually happening (normal font). This chapter along with Ch. 35 and part of Ch. 37 could (perhaps should) be seen as the climax of this story.

If you've been paying attention not just to the story but to my writing style you'll find out why this chapter is possibly the crux of the story. And it's not just about the fluff in this chapter folks!

Naoko: Yes it is.

Gin: *looks around* Hey...where's Seirin?

Naoko and Me: *shrug* ?

Gin: Hope she's okay and that Aizen didn't get to her again.

Me: Well until then folks please review. I do not own Bleach (even though I asked for it for my birthday) or Seirin or Ayame, just a plethora of OCs.*

"Bloom, Fuji Kujaku..."

That voice echoed in Naoko's head. I'm about to die and I'm thinking of him...She mentally scoffed. Naoko briefly closed her eyes and a memory flashed before her.

"So that's your Shikai?" Naoko asked pointing to the four bladed sickles Yumichika held.

"Yes it is. Why? You sound doubtful," he chuckled.

"Well it's just the way you go on about beauty being so important...I just thought that..." Naoko drifted off.

"I see. You thought I'd have something flashy and beautiful right?" He chuckled again, "Well you'll see soon enough that there's much more to my sword then you think, my dear."

The pair were facing each other in a sparring match in the pristine snow and ice coated garden the belonged to Naoko's grandmother. The elderly woman was dressed in a lilac kimono with a thick haori draped over her shoulders, sitting on the porch sipping tea and watching her granddaughter and her close friend.

"You're the one who always says looks can be deceiving Naoko," Setsuna said lightly.

"True," Naoko murmured. She was feeling antsy. Even though the Winter War had just ended, Naoko still had a bit of fight in her. And who better to fight with then someone from a fight loving squad?

Naoko ran straight for him, her bladed staff connecting in a brief shower of sparks against his four blades. Both fighting to push the other back. They both jumped back and clashed forward again and again and soon their fighting took on a dance like appearance. Footwork, body twisting and weapons being twirled made it look more like a Broadway dance then a sparring match.

Finally Naoko lost her footing and fell onto the cold ground. Yumichika stood beside her with his blades raised and was about to bring them down upon her neck...

Naoko's eyes snapped open just as Abigail's scythe was hurtling down. The Quincy princess jumped out of the way just in time. The blades bit into the frost coated ground and Abigail's head shot up to where Naoko was now standing.

"You're pretty quick on your feet there princess. I thought you were ready to die?" The blonde sneered smiling.

"I never said that," Naoko responded boldly. "Let's just say I've got my second wind."

"Let's hope it's better than your first," Abigail said as she pried loose her weapon and gave it another swing at Naoko.

"You have a serious habit of waiting for the last possible second don't you?" Yumichika said right after Naoko rolled and jumped out of the way of his blades.

"Only in battle," Naoko panted holding a kunai in front of her.

"That could get you seriously hurt or even killed," her feathered friend chided.

"True, but it does have its advantages like being able to see what your opponent is about to do. If you rush in as fast as possible you could make an equally grave mistake just as if you were moving slowly," Naoko argued gently.

Yumichika looked at her in shock, "I hadn't thought of it like that before."

Naoko chuckled this time and she saw Yumichika blush. She took that moment to rush him; the other man barely had a chance to block her. This time both slowly started smiling and laughing a bit as they exchanged blows.

To Naoko it felt liberating and idyllic. She could wield a blade with greater ease then her own bow. A blade felt so much more natural for her, which since she was a Quincy wasn't really normal. 'Naoko isn't a normal Quincy' is a common phrase spoken in her family, both endearing and insulting. She liked feeling unique and different but at the same time she felt it isolated her from her family and her own kind.

Right now, being able to fight her own way with someone who didn't care how or what she fought with was blessing. And the fact that he was good at fighting and very attractive were added bonuses. Naoko blushed as they came into close contact even if their blades were pushing against each other.

Naoko swung her foot under Yumichika's legs and watched him fall flat on his back. She pinned him down, legs on either side of his chest and her hands pinning his arms down. Both looked at each other, sapphire and lilac locked together.

Naoko then leaned down and...

She pushed against the scythe with her kunai, already caught in the space between two of the blades. Naoko didn't think the space was big enough for her to slip through but it was. She could feel the tip of the larger blade digging into her right hip. With a burst of energy and reiatsu Naoko pushed the blade far back, but the tip that had been digging into her cut into and around her back. It left a long bleeding cut that stretched from her right to left hip around her back. She could already feel blood cascading downward.

Naoko jumped back before the momentum carried the blade back to her. She pressed herself behind a tree, hoping for a moment that she could catch her breath. The princess was awarded with a few extra seconds before one of the scythes hit and embedded itself in the tree right above her head.

The Quincy lass jumped out and saw how deep the scythe was stuck, and then an idea hit her. I wonder...

Yumichika flinched expecting either Naoko to bite or kiss him. Instead he felt something being plucked from him. He opened his eyes to see Naoko's face hovering above his with one of his feathers in between her teeth. It took a few seconds to register that it was his and Naoko was trying hard not to laugh and drop the feather.

The slightly featherless man laughed, "Naoko Ishida I had no idea you had a kinky side."

Naoko smiled wider and rolled her eyes before getting up off of him. She took the feather and stuck it in her fascinator. "If you want it, come and get it."

Yumichika was more than happy to oblige.

Naoko did her best to make this quick before Abigail either realized what she was doing or before she freed her other scythe. The Quincy princess slid behind another tree hoping to recreate it the first time.

"That's it, you're just going to run and hide?" Abigail shrieked sounding frustrated.

"Not exactly you dumb blonde," Naoko murmured to herself.

With one of Abigail's scythes stuck in the tree her left arm was crossed over her chest. She swung the scythe in her right hand into the tree hoping to kill Naoko but only succeeding in getting her scythe stuck in the tree. Now both her arms were crossed against her chest and she couldn't let go of her weapons because of the thick barbed wire that wrapped her hands around them.

Naoko calmly walked back into the clearing and stood in front of her. For once, Naoko didn't want to kill her enemy using a blade instead she wanted to use her bow and arrow. If I do that...I might kill myself.

The town was still drained of reishi and using her powers to that extent could be called suicide.

"Then let me help you..." Yumichika said gently.

Their sparring match had lost most of its heat by now and they were going to call it quits until Setsuna mentioned Naoko finally being able to manifest her bow. Yumichika immediately wanted to see it. Naoko quickly expressed her hesitation. Sure she had used it a lot during the Winter War but now...she suddenly felt self-conscious.

Naoko squirmed a bit, "It's not...you wouldn't like it."

Yumichika looked at her perplexed but then smiled warmly, "Come now Naoko I now anything that involves you is going to be not only powerful but beautiful as well. Now, may I see it?"

"I don't think I have the energy to summon it anymore. It takes a lot out of me and..." She stopped when she felt Yumichika behind her.

He rested his hands over hers, his gentle warmth seeping into her skin. It felt as though that warmth was also warming up something in Naoko's heart. A surge of power rolled like an ocean wave in her chest.

He gently guided her hands up and into position. Her heart pounded fiercely against her chest and her breath felt shallow and fast, especially when she felt Yumichika's chest pressing against her back. The waves of warmth and power grew stronger and more frequent.

She heard him chuckle when she tensed up, "Relax, I'm not going to do anything. You're the one doing the work not me. Now...how does a Quincy summon their bow?"

Naoko licked her dry lips, "It's sort of like dipping into your heart and drawing it out. Like pulling an arrow back."

As Naoko spoke her shimmering silver bow manifested in her outstretched hand...

And held it tightly. Abigail looked on in complete and utter shock. That's...that's im-impossible! She shouldn't...be able to do that! Naoko smirked softly, "You look shocked."

"You're going to kill yourself, not that I mind, but why and how?" She screeched.

The princess smiled softly again as she lifted her bow, "You would be very, very surprised at what a Quincy can do when they open up their hearts. I remember my grandmother saying that a Quincy who dips into their hearts with the greatest power the heart can give...then they can achieve extraordinary power. "

That familiar swell of power she felt back then was coming back now. It encompassed not only her heart but her whole being. The headache and all her aches and pains felt like distant faint throbs. All she could feel was a pleasant surging warmth spreading from her heart.

Naoko curled her fingers around the silver string and slowly pulled back. A glowing electric blue arrow with a silver coiling around it appeared. She took aim at the center of Abigail's head.

"And what power would that be Princess?" Abigail sneered, panic evident in her voice.

"Love."

She released the arrow.

"I must say that is the most beautiful bow I've ever had the pleasure of seeing," Yumichika complimented. "It's sleek, shimmering, and so pristine and gorgeous."

"You're just saying that..." Naoko mumbled looking away.

"No, I mean it." He insisted. "If Quinces draw their weapons from their hearts like Soul Reapers from their souls then your bow would be a reflection of your heart right?"

Naoko nodded slowly.

"Then your bow shows how beautiful and powerful your heart is."

Naoko sat on the ground slumped against a thick tree. She was exhausted but not as much as she thought she'd be. The princess leaned her head back and looked up at the night sky and full moon then to the mansion. She could still feel her brother's reiatsu though it was quite weak.

If she had any considerable strength left she would've been up and walking back to the mansion. But she was forced to be content with sitting on the ground near the body of the woman who killed her grandmother and just tried to kill her. Naoko took a deep slow breath, you better not die Brother. You've come too far to be killed off by these pitiful fools.

Uryu lay on the cool marble floor shuddering and trying to breathe. Blood was pooling out from under him and filling up in his chest cavity. He propped himself up on his elbow, his body shaking as he fought to breathe.

Come on get up! I fought better than this even when I had my organs crushed by that damn Espada. I can fight through this. Uryu smirked at his next thought, I can't let Ichigo kill the tyrant of my people now can I?

He pushed himself up onto his knees, blood and sweat mingling as they dropped off his skin. Uryu clutched his side futilely trying to staunch the bleeding. His white uniform staining red. He carefully peeled his hand away to see it drenched in bright red liquid. He then grabbed the Geist Klinge next to him, activated it and jumped right back into battle.

Uryu blocked Erhard's sword right before it could cut through Ichigo's neck from behind. The masked captain, startled, turned to see his injured friend defending him.

"Uryu? What the Hell are you doing?" He growled surprised.

Uryu turned his head just a bit to catch Ichigo's now gold eyes, "What does it look like? I'm not going to let you have all the fun in killing this bastard Ichigo."

Though his face was covered with the Hollow's mask, his eyes widened in surprise. But then he remembered who he was dealing with, one stubborn as Hell Quincy who still had a competitive streak with him. He gave an acknowledged nod before sidestepping away and then towards Erhard from the side.

"Very well then boys, shall I show you what the Queen of Hearts can do?" Erhard taunted. His sword briefly glowed red before he charged again at the boys.

Ichigo and Uryu exchanged blows with him before Ichigo was left open and Erhard's blade cut down his left arm. Rukia looked down at her arm when she suddenly felt a sudden pain there. She saw a deep crimson leaking gash.

"What in the...?" She said looking at the wound in confusion.

She knew she didn't get it from Emanuel, who was now disoriented and stumbling. Rukia and Angelica were getting close to defeating him. His attacks and defense attempts were sloppy and easy to avoid.

Out of the corner of his eye Ichigo saw Rukia look at her even bloodier arm. She received the same wound that Ichigo just did.

What in the Hell...? He thought.

"Figure it out yet?" Erhard called out mockingly. "Whatever wound you receive from my sword is then received by the person you hold the most dearly to your heart."

Makes sense I suppose. But that means I've got to be even more careful. Whatever injury I get from him, Rukia will get too. I have to be careful, for her. Ichigo thought as he dodged Erhard's sword.

Uryu came up from behind Erhard but the other man stopped the prince's blade. The younger man twisted his body but when his back was left open Erhard swung his sword leaving a gash across his back. Uryu was sent crashing onto the floor.

Nemu suddenly felt a prickle of pain going across her back and warm blood trickling down. She looked up at Harman in shock thinking he had wound her. But he stood in front of her smirking.

"I see you appear confused. That wound you received is the exact same one I'm sure your dear prince received as well. The Kopf Ritter has used one of his swords special abilities," The heavily injured man chuckled. "Wait until you find out about the King of Clubs."

The teen captain let out a deep animal like growl. That's it King move over, I'm taking control! Shirosaki yelped as tried to pull Ichigo back so he could take over.

What? No! Absolutely not! I don't want a repeat of Hueco Mundo! Ichigo shot back.

You're getting your ass handed to you! I'm taking control! His Hollow said settling in deeper into Ichigo's mind.

Uryu could see Ichigo struggling. Damn it Ichigo! Of all times for your Hollow to want to take charge. The prince dove and stopped Erhard's blade, succeeding in getting his attention away from Ichigo. The silver haired man swung his blade causing Uryu to skid back.

"I never thought I'd live to see the day a Quincy would sacrifice his life for a Soul Reaper," Erhard teased.

"He's my friend and ally, he just happens to be a Soul Reaper," Uryu remarked.

"You have a knack for slipping through loopholes don't you?" The Kopf Ritter said smoothly.

"It's a gift," The prince said smugly.

Ichigo, I think it's best if you put off this squabbling for now. Your friend can't keep up this fight on his own for much longer, Zangetsu said intervening.

Hey stay out of this Old Man! The Hollow hollered.

Ichigo pulled himself back into reality to see Uryu on his last leg fending Erhard off. Before a fatal wound could be delivered onto Uryu Ichigo intervened. He still had his mask on but he felt like he had a better grip on things especially with Zangetsu's help in reigning in his Hollow.

"Finally have control over your inner demons eh boy?" Erhard slightly cackled. He jumped back and when he landed he tipped his top hat a bit. "Well this has been all well and good but the night is waning thin and it's time this is dealt with once and for all."

The Knight took his sword and held it point down in front of him, "It's time for the King of Clubs to show his power."

The sword briefly glowed black. Suddenly both Ichigo and Uryu's muscles locked and became as heavy as lead. The two men couldn't move on their own but their muscles started working without their consent. Both were forced on one knee, backs bowed as if they were bowing to a king.

"What in the Hell?" Ichigo struggled to say as he tried to move but couldn't and as his mask slowly cracked and crumbled away.

"I can't—I can't move," Uryu gasped painfully.

Erhard Wilter slowly waltzed up to Uryu and gently used the tip of his blade to guide Uryu's head up. The Knight smirked and looked absolutely self-satisfied.

"Oh how long I have waited for this moment. The moment when royalty bow down to their servants like the lowly dogs they truly are. Careful planning and patience truly reaps bountiful rewards, it's a shame Aizen didn't learn that. Pity but at least I can still enjoy slitting your throat," He drawled as his blade tip edged closer to Uryu's pale exposed throat.

Erhard raised his blade and before he could bring it down upon Uryu's neck it was stopped. Uryu's blue eyes widened at what he was seeing. Lieutenant (or rather former) Izuru Kira was blocking Erhard's blade with his own Shikai.

Furious Erhard stepped back, "What are you doing lieutenant?"

Kira gripped his curved blade in front of him, "Something I should've done from the very start. I knew this was wrong, every last bit of it. The only reason I went along was because I was worried for HInamori. I know she's not in the best state of mind but..."

Uryu caught what he was trying to say, but I went because I wanted to keep her safe because I love her. Isn't that right lieutenant? Hell not too long ago I would've said the same thing when it came to Orihime.

Just then Momo Hinamori ran out from the shadows she and Kira had been hiding in. She stood between Erhard and Kira with her arms spread open.

"Izuru what are you doing?" She cried. "We're supposed to be helping them not stopping them remember?"

"Hinamori...please step aside," the blonde said trying to sound firm but the pleading in his voice could be heard.

The young woman shook her head, "No, I won't. I won't let you ruin my chance to be with Captain Aizen again! Remember?" Her voice back slightly hysterical as she turned her head to look at Erhard, "You'll still tell us where he is won't you?"

Erhard smiled warmly at her and rested his hand on her head, "Of course my dear. I wouldn't want to keep you and Aizen apart."

"You're just filing her head with lies aren't you?" Ichigo hissed, still unable to get up.

"The perception of reality is all a matter of opinion young Kurosaki," Erhard said smoothly. "Death and life are the same way."

*Done. One thing I gotta say: My story, my rules!

Quick explanation to Erhard's Bankai:

Jack of Diamonds: Increases the hardness of the blade to the point where it can cut into another person's zanpaktou.

Ace of Spades: Creates a shield at the wielders whim. The attacker or attack hits the shield and bounces off.

Queen of Hearts: Cuts both the opponent and the person they hold closest to their heart, both parties receive the same wound.

King of Clubs: Forces opponents to drop everything and bow down to the wielder. Their muscles are locked and are immobilized.

There I hoped that helped. I have a question. I noticed a lot of you guys were excited when you thought Yumichika was going to make an appearance. Is that because you love Yumichika himself or you like him being paired up with Naoko? Just wondering.

Ayame: I actually think they make a nice couple.

Me: Yeah, you'd say that considering I almost had Naoko paired up with Hitsuguya.

Ayame: You almost-WHAT?

Me: *shrugs* It was when I was first designing Naoko. But when I saw how many HitsuXOC pairings I was like...yeah no.

Seirin: Seems like everyone wants a piece of the snowy midget.

Me: Where'd you come from?

Seirin: I have ninja skills. :D

Me: Right, well please review everyone.