A/N: I don't own Bleach

All I have is my creative mind

We meet again – HITSUKARIN

There are always threes sides to a story…. HERS, HIS, and what really happen

Present time… (Manga Spoilers)

Chapter 36: His Side… I am responsible for them both

Rangiku San

I rushed into Inoue San's apartment to find Matsumoto unconscious lying on a mat with the warm glow of Inoue San's shield healing her.

She looked pale and weak.

I looked around the room saying, 'What the hell happened and were the hell is Shoin Kasumioji?'

Hinamori looked at me saying, 'Hitsugaya Taicho, Matsumoto was attacked by Akrina Sama's Royal guards!'

My head snapped around as I said, 'What the hell do you mean Akrina Sama's royal guards!'

Hinamori look at me saying, 'They came out of nowhere saying Rangiku San had been found guilty of conspiring with the Shadow organization to kill Akrina Sama… and Akrina Sama had sentenced her to death…then they fired a weapon at her.'

I looked at her saying, 'A weapon…What kind of weapon?'

Hinamori replied saying, ' it looked like a strange looking gun…I have never seen anything like it before.'

I looked to Inoue San and asked what kind of damage was done to Matsumoto.

She looked up at me saying, 'It all but drained all of her Reisatu… even with me healing her it will take weeks for her to recover.'

I stood looking down at Matsumoto thinking, "this is a dangerous weapon, and we need to find out more about it before someone else gets hurt."

At that same moment back at the Shoten, Jinta sits in his room.

He is staring at Yuzu's torn wedding dress which is clutched in his hands.

Urahara walks in and shuts the door behind him…

An Attack on the Shiba Princess

Urahara stands looking the man he has raised as a son saying, 'Akrina is on her way to heal Yuzu Chan… so she should be ok.'

Jinta looks up at him, his eyes are swollen from tears, saying, 'Why Kisuke …Why would you not allow me to go be with her.'

Urahara takes a deep sigh saying, 'Jinta… The Vizards are on guard; they are loyal to the Shiba Clan leader and will protect the Shiba Princess.'

Jinta is upset and replies in a demanding tone, 'she is to be my wife… I should be by her side!'

Again Urahara replies saying, 'Yes, but she is also the Shiba Princess and because she has been attacked… they are following protocol and will keep everyone and everything away from her… you will not be allowed near her until Akrina or Hison agrees… please be patient.

Ururu opens the door and walks in saying, 'Jinta, Kisuke is correct… I also want to be there by her side, but right now we can't... we should concentrate on who did this!'

She now stands in front of him saying, 'when Yuzu lay in your arms she said something… what was it?'

Jinta cuts his eyes and gives a defiant stare at the two people in front of him saying, 'I should be by her side.'

Ururu becoming irritated screams, 'JINTA… WHAT DID SHE SAY!'

He clutches the once beautiful dress tighter, closes his eyes and remembers the attack on the woman who is to be his wife…

Flashback...

She had gotten upset because I was teasing her about dancing with her wedding dress on the sidewalk.

When I pulled her into my arms, she was pouting as I said, 'Come on Yuzu, you know I was just teasing… I have waited years to have you as my wife… do you really think I would want something to interfere now.'

She started to smile at me, when we heard a voice coming from behind us saying, 'Ah isn't that cute… too bad you will never marry!'

We quickly turned around and found we were surrounded by six men all wearing the garments of the Shiba royal guard.

I protectively stepped up in front of Yuzu saying, 'What is the meaning of this!'

We were all shocked, especially Yuzu when the man said, Kurosaki Yuzu, by the order of Lady Akrina Shiba; you have been found to be conspiring with the shadow and are sentenced to death.'

Ururu stepped up saying, 'what the hell do you mean!'

It was then ball of red energy is shot from on the men's hands and hit Yuzu.

When her body fell into my arms and I all but lost it, until I felt her hand on my shoulder as she pulled herself up.

I pulled her close, my eyes assessing the damage. I was relieved to see that she was a sore but ok.

If she was a normal human that blast would have killed her.

As always when Yuzu sees that I am worried about her, she smiled saying, 'I am fine, the blast did not hit me directly …it hit'

As she spoke, she turned and looked at the garment bag which now laid torn open on the ground and its contents burning.

That is when she lost it.

Her resitua instantly flared causing her beautiful auburn hair to instantly lift off her shoulders as she turned towards the six (6) assailants, her eyes full of rage as she stood pointing at the destroyed wedding dress.

I quietly stood next to her, and put my hands up taking my stance; Ururu stood on the other side her also taking her stance.

Yuzu then lifted her hands as she shouted, 'Ye Lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Inferno and pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, March on to the south!'

I could tell by their reaction, the six assailants sent to attack Yuzu never expected to be confronted with the likes of us.

They stood in shock, as a powerful red ball of energy left Yuzu's hands and hit the guard responsible for destroying her dress.

As it energy ball struck its target, she screamed, 'I will destroy you the same way you destroyed my wedding dress!'

Ururu and I each fired off an sōkatsui, the blue blast left our hands taking out four of the guards, leaving one standing.

We started to approach the remaining assailant when two more appeared lead by a dark haired man wearing a small kenseikan in his hair.

I looked over to Yuzu and saw from the expression in her eyes she recognized the man.

As Ururu battled the other assailants, I quickly moved toward Yuzu.

I watched as the man's eyes lit up with excitement as he looked at the puddle of water Yuzu was standing in. He then pointed his finger at a large puddle of water and fired a Tsuzuri Raiden.

At that same moment, I pointed my hand to Yuzu and shouted 'Sho!' hitting her with a blast causing her to not only be thrown away from me but the electrified puddle.

I rushed over to her and helped her to her feet saying, 'Yuzu I sorry I had no choice'; she looked up me and smiled saying, "I know'

I was so concerned about her, that I did not notice the man with the small kenseikan standing behind me. As he fired a Byakurai, she pushed me aside and as hit hard by the powerful lightning bolt.

She fell into my arms, I could only hold on her as I looked over her wounds.

I could see she was hurt bad, she looked into my eyes whispering, 'Tell Akrina….Tell Akrina it was Jaen Kuchiki who attacked us' then she passed out in my arms.

I turned around in time to see the man smirk then flash step away.

End of Flashback…

Jinta looked up at both Urahara and Ururu, he eyes full of anger saying, 'she took the blast that was meant for me then laid hurt in my arms whispering tell Akrina it was Jaen Kuchiki.'

Hearing the name of the assailant Urahara sighed then picked up his cell phone and walked out of the room; while Ururu hearing the SLC arriving looked to Jinta saying, 'Stay out of sight until we hear from Akrina.'

Arrest Akrina

As I stood watching members of the 4th division preparing to carry Matsumoto thru the gate, my thoughts were on Akrina, I knew our relationship was not the best, but never did I think she would do something like this… to have her guards attack Matsumoto.

In my mind I could only ask "what had happened to make her think we were against her?"

'Taicho' I turned to see two members of my division standing before me awaiting my orders. I looked down at Matsumoto's face and to them saying, 'Stay by her side report any changes to me immediately.'

I turned and flash stepped quickly to Urahara's Shoten, for some reason I felt he knew what the hell was going.

As I entered, I was met by Kurosaki Taicho, Hinamori, and, Kuchiki Rukia who were talking with the humans Inoue San, Ishida Kun and Sato Kun.

Kurosaki Taicho quickly turned saying, 'Toushirou, how is she?'

I sighed saying, 'She is stable thanks to Inoue San … the 4th division is taking her back now.'

I leaned against the wall, and once again was in deep thought about Akrina, when Kurosaki said, 'There are two squads out looking for those responsible for the attack on Matsumoto.'

I looked at him saying 'Yes, I have asked Abarai to assist by leading one of the squads, I gave him orders that if he finds Akrina Sama, to arrest her and take her back to Seireitei.'

It was then my cell phone rang it was Abarai reporting that his squad were confronting Hiyori San and Akrina Sama near the warehouse district.

Ambushed

I flash stepped to where Abarai was holding Akrina Sama.

When I arrived, I found four members of my division laying on the ground unconscious and Hiyori and Akrina both turning toward Abarai.

I quickly drew Hyōrinmaru and carefully approached them.

Akrina held her head high as she stepped toward Abarai in a commanding voice saying, 'I have been accused of a crime of which I am innocent of, someone has been injured and in need of my assistance I must go to their aid, I don't have time for this… so once again ..I don't want to hurt you...but you're in my way!'

Abarai rolled his eyes and ignored her then turned toward me, and started to report everything that had happened.

Hearing that Karin was involved my eyes turned cold as I looked at Akrina saying, 'Where is Karin Chan… What have you done … If she gets hurt, I will kill you!'

Hiyori looked at me arrogantly saying, 'You have shown that you are fickle when it comes to women and have no true feeling for Karin Chan… so stop pretending you do!'

Hearing her words I lost it and moved in quickly, striking her down while saying, 'Karin is my girlfriend, which makes her mine…I will protect what is mine!'

I stood there in front of her trying to control my anger, watching as Akrina rushed over to assist Hiyori.

Akrina then looked at me softly saying, 'Hitsugaya Taicho, Karin Chan is fine, she summoned me to come and to assist her with a personal matter… As we were on route we were abruptly stopped'

I just stood watching her and listening, as she continued saying, 'because we were not allow to peacefully pass, to ensure their safety I asked her to take Ami Sama and leave.'

After providing what I felt was lies, Akrina then attempted to walk around me and leave.

I was so pissed; I harshly grabbed her by the arm and pulled her to me saying, 'Why did you send your royal guards to attack Matsumoto and Hinamori!'

She tried to pull from me as she said, 'Hitsugaya Taicho, you are my protector, how could you think I would attack your sister and vice Captain?'

Again I felt she was lying as I pushed her away from me saying, 'I cannot be your protector when you play games with me and those I love.'

I then pointed Hyourinmaru at her and in a cold voice said, 'You will take me to Karin, and then you will go to Seireitei where you will stand trial for the crimes against the Gotei 13 more to the point against the 10th Division.'

She stood there looking at me, her hands never reaching for her Zanputkou and her voice almost pleading as she said, 'I am sorry I cannot take to you to Karin Chan…I am innocent of the crimes against the 10th …Someone has been injured that is need of my healing, I must go to them before they die, so I cannot go with you to Seireitei, you are my protector and I will not fight you …I ask that you please step aside and let me pass.'

I don't know why, but I started to believe her.

It was then Abarai, that Baka, fired a medium level Shakkaho at Akrina saying, 'Taicho don't fall for her sweet words, she is to be taken to stand trial…I will take her!'

I looked at the man, screaming, 'You BAKA,' then turned with relief to see her side step the balls of red energy.

I started to approach her to ensure she was alright, when a blast came from out of nowhere and hitting her hard sending her to the ground.

I watched in horror as she hit the ground and lay bleeding, I then turned toward an excited voice as it shouted, 'No one person shall have so much power…Now die you Shiba Witch.'

I saw a man dressed in her royal guard uniform holding some form of weapon and attacked.

It was Abarai who kept me from killing the man, he pulled me off the man by saying, 'Taicho, please we need him alive…I will take care if it… go and help Hiyori San with Akrina Sama.'

I quickly flash stepped down to where Akrina lay in Hiyori's arms.

I looked at Hiyori and saw the anger building in her eyes, as her hollow mask start to form; I quickly pulled back until I heard Akrina weakly say, 'don't … our fight is not with them.'

I stunned to see Hiyori drop her head saying, 'Hai'

Suddenly Hachi and Shinji appeared.

As Hachi quickly started to wrap his healing Kin around Akrina's body, I looked over to see Shinji bend down and place his ear to her lips.

I watched as she whispered something to him and then passed out.

He looked to Hachi saying 'we must hurry and take her back so you start to heal her.'

He turned to me saying, 'Hitsugaya Taicho what happened here'.

As we walked over and check on my men and the prisoner who lay in binds on the ground half beaten to death waiting to be taken to Seireitei, I explained all that occurred.

I picked up the weapon which was used on Akrina into my hands saying, 'I will take this to Urahara Kun, and ask him to analyze it.'

Shinji nodded, then pulled out his cell phone, dialed and then to my surprise said, 'Hison Sama, we have problem Akrina Sama has been attacked… she is hurt bad…Yes Hachi is preparing to take her back to start to heal her'

I stood there in shock hearing that my predecessor Shiba Taicho was still alive, instantly so many questions concerning the 10th division filled my head but they all vanished when I looked over at Akrina's Kin covered body.

Suddenly, my heart dropped and I felt that I had failed …I had failed to protect her.

Shinji disconnected his call, walked over to me and put his hand on my shoulder saying, 'Hitsugaya Taicho, I have a message for you from Shiba Taicho'

I looked at him not knowing what to expect, I listened as he said, 'Hison Sama said "Don't blame yourself for what has happened…just find out who has done this and bring them to justice!"'

How do you know it was Akrina Sama

After ensuring Akrina could safely travel Shinji turned to me stating he would send status on both Akrina and Karin, he then nodded to Hachi and they all vanished.

I turned to Abarai and my men instructing them, to discreetly take the prisoner and back to Seireitei and keep him locked up under a 24 hour guard, until Sotaicho and I could question him.

I then returned to the Shoten…

I entered the Shoten and went directly to Urahara Kun, giving him the weapon asking him to analyze it and get back to me as soon as possible with the information.

Maybe it was me, but I swear the man's eyes lit up with excitement as he disappeared into the back with it.

I turned around and walked back to the front of the Shoten were Kurosaki Taicho, Hinamori, Kuchiki Rukia, Inoue San, Sato Kun and Ishida Kun sat talking

Kurosaki looked over at me, as I leaned against the wall, I could tell he already got the news on what had happened with Akrina.

He walked over to me saying, 'Toushirou, you were ambushed…so given the situation it could not have been helped.'

I looked at him saying, 'She stood there telling me she was innocent but I did not listen… only after she is wounded did I finally realize the attacks were used to draw her out.'

It was then Momo said, 'Taicho, do you forget Matsumoto and I saw Akrina Sama earlier with Shoin Sama.'

I looked at her then to Kurosaki saying, 'No... I did not forget… but none of it makes any sense…first she meets Kasumioji Shoin in public, when she knows the shadow organization is looking for her and possibly Ami Sama.'

Kurosaki looked at me saying, 'Yes that is odd, because when I spoke to her, she made it a point to tell me, because Ami was staying with Rukia and my family she felt it was too dangerous and she would not come here.'

He turned to Hinamori saying, 'Momo are you sure it was Akrina Sama you saw with Shoin Sama?'

I then noticed as Urahara Kun and Ururu San quietly walked into the room and stood back watching.

All eyes were on Momo when she said, 'Yes, I saw them walkout of that disgusting place, stop kiss, then walk down the street.'

Ururu stepped up saying, 'Vice Captain Momo, can you tell us what Akrina Sama's face looked like?'

Momo replied, 'what do you mean… what does her face look like?'

Ururu stood there, her eyes intense, as she said, 'You told us she kissed Shoin Sama, so when they kissed did you not see her face?'

Hinamori quietly replied, 'No I did not… she wore her veil…Shoin lifted her veil and kissed her.'

Ururu then said, 'you did not see her face, so how do you know it was Akrina Sama?'

Hearing her question everyone turned and looked at her, I then remembered Akrina Sama and Raven had a relationship.

I looked into her eyes saying, 'Ururu San do you know Akrina Sama?'

She looked at me saying, 'Yes, I know her.'

Everyone then gasped, I then said, 'what is your and Raven's relationship with Akrina Sama?'

Kurosaki looked at Ururu then me, his voice on the edge of anger saying, 'Toushirou, Karin Chan has a relationship with Akrina and you knew!'

I glanced over to him saying, 'while touring the Shiba compound, Matsumoto and I overheard one of Akrina Sama's young students, who apparently has a crush on Raven, ask Akrina Sama if he could accompany her next time she came to the human world for supplies and see her…I was going to talk to Karin about this tonight but I was interrupted before I had the chance.'

I thought, I saw a smirk on Ururu Chan's face as I spoke the words "I was interrupted", but I shook it off then said, 'Ururu San, please tell us about the relationship you and Karin have with Akrina.'

Akrina's Friendship

I watched as Ururu Chan looked over to Urahara Kun, as if for approval then take a deep breath and say, 'We are all friends…Akrina Chan, Karin Chan, Yuzu Chan, Hiyori Chan and I'

Hearing those names in the same sentence left me shocked, I instantly looked over at Kurosaki Taicho and he too looked baffled that those five women could be friends.

Amazingly Kurosaki Taicho recovered before I did and said, 'How the hell did you five become friends!'

Ururu Chan looked at him and chuckled lightly saying, 'Well you already know Karin Chan, Yuzu Chan and have been friends for years!'

Kurosaki Taicho step towards her saying, 'Get to the point Ururu, I am not in the mood!'

Urahara Kun stepped up saying, 'Ururu'

Ururu Chan let out a sigh saying, 'Hai Kisuke.'

She then looked to Kurosaki Taicho saying, 'I am sorry'

She then sat at the table saying, 'When we went to Todai, I don't know if you were aware but in order to ensure Karin Chan's powers were under control Hiyori decided to accompany us for a month… even though Karin and Hiyori fought all the time, you could tell they are good friends …. And Yuzu Chan… who cannot be friends with her, she became like the mother of the group.'

I felt my eyes grow large as I said, 'So you met Akrina Sama at the university.'

She looked at me saying, 'Yes…it was while we were at Todai that Karin Chan introduced us to Akrina Chan.'

Kurosaki jumped in saying, 'How did they meet?'

Ururu looked to him saying, 'I cannot say exactly… that is something you should ask Karin Chan or Akrina Chan… but with time Akrina Chan quickly became a part of our group.'

Ururu sat playing with her fingers as she said, 'When it came time for Akrina Chan to go to Soul Society and take her place as Shiba Clan leader, she became nervous…. Karin Chan told her not to worry because if the tenth division Taicho were to step up and take on his responsibilities as the protector of the Shiba Clan leader…'

She then looked at me saying, 'then you Hitsugaya Taicho would protect her and she would be fine.'

All eyes were on Ururu as she continued speaking, 'After spending time with her people … it was clear to us that Akrina Chan made it her mission to build up her people and give them a better life… so when she returned for classes, we all talked to her on what we could do to help …. After brain storming it was decided that we would help her by gathering supplies for her school, seeds for their farms, and anything else she would need and send them to the Shiba Manor by way of courier.'

Hearing this I again became stunned to learn that not only Karin, but Yuzu, Hiyori and Ururu were working so closely with Akrina.

Then Hinamori asked, 'Ururu San why didn't Akrina Sama just tell Hitsugaya Taicho about her relationship with Karin Chan?'

Hearing the question my eyes focused on Ururu.

Ururu's eyes were now fixed on me as she said, 'Actually, I did ask Akrina Sama why she would not tell you the connection between she and Karin Chan.'

My eyes now were large as she continued by saying, 'Akrina Chan screamed at me saying … "NO… that she took her position as Shiba Clan Leader seriously and the relationship between the Shiba Clan leader and its protector must be based on trust between them… not based on the relationship between Toushirou Kun and Karin Chan"

She continued by saying, 'Karin Chan also agreed that the 10th Division Taicho should not know, because she would not have her relationship with him interfere with his duties as the Shiba Clan leader's protector!'

Ururu chuckled lightly as she said, 'we all were stunned that they both were so stubborn about keeping their relationships with you separate and private from each other.'

Suddenly her eyes turned tense and accusing as she said, 'It was not until Akrina Chan returned to Todai unexpectedly that we knew something was wrong between you … she would not talk about it, but what we saw in her eyes was sadness…she only said, that you would no longer be her protector.'

Momo again spoke up saying, 'So why if Akrina Sama was no longer going to have Hitsugaya Taicho as her protector, why is his still her protector!"

My attention stayed focused on Ururu as she said, 'It was Karin Chan…. her strong belief that Hitsugaya Taicho would stand by his duty as the Shiba Clan leader's protector that changed her mind….. We could tell Akrina was apprehensive about keeping him, but she agreed to work harder to get along with him and keep him as her protector.'

Hearing Ururu talk about how much Karin believed in me caused me to drop my eyes in shame.

It was then I heard Hiyori's voice coming from the open Shoten door, it cracked with emotion and sarcasm as she said, 'Hum… How can you be her protector…when you dislike her to the point that you threaten to kill her.'

I turned and snapped at her saying, 'I am her protector…and I don't total dislike her, it is only because I felt she put Karin's life in danger that I threatened her!'

Shinji quickly stepped forward looking at Hiyori saying, 'ENOUGH… now is not the time for your bickering!'

Kurosaki Taicho quickly stood up saying, 'Shinji why are you here?'

Help …

I watched as Shinji stood before us, his eyes were intense as he said, 'Hison Sama has sent us to ask Inoue San to come and save his daughter's life…'

I quickly stood up saying, 'Do you mean she is…'

Hiyori looked at me, her eyes full of emotion as she said, 'Akrina Sama is dying…Hison Sama and Hachi both have been trying to stabilize her but they cannot, she is getting weaker and weaker.'

Shinji then looked to Kurosaki Taicho saying, 'Right now Hison is trying to heal Yuzu Chan, and asked that Inoue quickly come to assist Hachi in saving Akrina Sama'

Hearing Yuzu Chan's name, my mouth dropped open while Kurosaki Taicho quickly turned toward the man saying, 'WHAT HELL do you mean save Yuzu Chan!'

Ururu who was now in tears stood up saying, 'Ichigo Kun, at the same time Matsumoto was attacked, we were also attacked and Yuzu Chan was hurt…'

I quickly turned to Ururu with an accusing voice saying, 'It was you who called Karin's cell phone!'

Ururu now stood next to Urahara, shaking her head yes, while saying, 'Karin told me, to take Yuzu Chan to the Vizards … she would contact Akrina and bring her and Ami Sama to Yuzu… where Akrina could assist in healing Yuzu and together they would work on clearing everything up.'

Kurosaki Taicho started to step toward Ururu his reisatu raising as he screamed saying, 'WHY didn't you tell me…that not one but both of my sisters are involved and one is hurt!'

Shinji quickly stepped in his path saying, 'STOP now is not the time!'

He turned his head towards Inoue San saying, 'Please…Akrina Sama is dying.'

Urahara stepped forward, his face full of concern saying, 'Inoue San…please help her…if Akrina Sama dies there is no telling how her Ni Sama, and Father will react.'

It was then Inoue San stood and shook her head saying, 'Yes of course.'

Kurosaki looked at them as he stepped forward saying, 'I need to see about my sisters.'

Shinji just nodded saying, 'Of course.'

I stood up, but Shinji put his hand on my shoulder saying, 'Please… it would cause more problems if you were to come …I will send word to you… please just wait here!'

I was about to protest when Kurosaki Taicho said, 'Please Toushirou I know you love her… I am her Ni Sama, and I ask that you wait here…there is a reason why she went to the Vizards, I need to find out why.'

He then looked to Kuchiki Rukia then back to me saying, 'Toushirou ...contact Sotachio… tell him all that has happened…tell him I need Byakuya to come personally and escort Rukia back to the Kuchiki Manor and watch over her.'

Kuchiki Rukia stepped forward to protest, he looked down at her and gently pushed back a fallen strain of hair that lay on her face saying, 'please midget… for once just do what I ask!'

She looked at him, her eyes full of worry, saying, 'Hai Strawberry…just promise you will be careful and contact me soon with news.'

He gently padded her head saying, 'Hai' then turned to Ishida Kun, Sato Kun and me saying, 'Protect Rukia at all cost'

We each stood saying, 'Hai'

Kurosaki Taicho quickly picked up Inoue San into his arms saying, 'I will carry you…that way we will get there faster!'

Then Shinji Kun, Hiyori San, Inoue San and Kurosaki Taicho vanished…

After contacting Sotachio and making arrangements for Kuchiki Taicho to retrieve Kuchiki Rukia, I quietly walked into the front of the Shoten with the others and sat on one the mats asking myself "why…why didn't she tell me?"

My thoughts were interrupted, when suddenly we all felt Kurosaki Taicho's resitua dangerously rise resulting in several hollows attack of across the area.

I ordered Kuchiki Rukia to remain with Urahara Kun and Momo, while Ishida Kun, Sato Kun and I went out to deal with the hollow outbreaks.

As I destroyed the hollows before me, my thoughts were, "what the hell has happened to Kurosaki Taicho to make him react in this matter…and where is Karin!'

I am responsible for them both

It was sunrise when I returned to the Shoten, I found Kuchiki Taicho waiting for me.

As I approached him, I knew in my gut he was going to tell me something I did not want to hear.

Sure enough, just as I suspected he stood before me saying, 'Hitsugaya Taicho, Sotaicho has ordered you to return to Seireitei to discuss all that has happened here.'

I defiantly looked at him, and was about to say, 'Hell no I will not leave without knowing Karin's condition', when Urahara Kun stepped out of one of the back rooms saying, 'Hitsugaya Taicho a word please.'

As we stepped into the other room, he looked at me saying, 'We need you to return to Seireitei'

I looked at the man like he was crazy, then he said, 'It must be evident to you by now that the shadow organization is trying to break the alliance Akrina Sama has with the Gotei 13.'

I replied saying, 'Yes, I know.'

Urahara kun then said, 'The situation is worse than that, they went as far as to attack the fifth (5th ) division Taicho's family, if it were not for the fact no one knew those women were friends. The Gotei 13 and the Shiba clan would now be at war.'

I looked at him saying, 'other than the prisoner we have locked up …and I really doubt he knows anything, plus I only have suspicions of who it was that attacked us … I have no witnesses to place a face ... and Shoin Kasumioji is still missing'

He then looked to me saying, 'I believe it was Jaen Kuchiki, who led the assault on Yuzu Chan…'

I looked at him saying, 'How do you know?'

He smirked saying, 'Once again the Shadow Organization did not have any information on Kurosaki Taicho's family … they attacked Yuzu Chan when she was with her betroth Jinta and Ururu and each one described Jaen Kuchiki as the person who attacked Yuzu Chan.'

My eyes grew large as I said, 'UGH….It will not take long before Yuzu Chan tells Kurosaki Taicho, what she saw… and he will figure it out.'

Urahara looked at me saying, 'Yes, I need for you talk with Sotaicho and Byakuya…we need to know where they stand in all of this, before Kurosaki returns to Seireitei.'

I looked to Urahara Kun and understood why I needed to go but I did not want to leave her… actually I did not want to leave either Karin or Akrina; I felt responsible for them both and needed to speak with them both.

I need to know that Karin was safe and to tell her I loved her.

I also needed to know that Akrina was safe and to apologize to her; I wanted to tell her that I would never again allow anything to interfere with protecting her.

Urahara must have read my mind because he said, 'I promise …I will have them both contact you…now please go.'

I knew I had to go, and I also knew Karin and Akrina both would not forgive me if I did not go, so I looked to Urahara Kun nodded and walked out the Shoten.

Akrina's Ni Sama

A day and a half later...

Ichigo stands quietly looking over to Yuzu who is sitting with Ami, both are in their Shinigami form holding Akrina's hands.

He notices Yuzu like Karin, did not wear the shinigami robes like those of the Gotei 13, she wore a beautiful pink kimono wrapped around her tiny waist was a pink and yellow Obi, signifying her position as the Shiba Princess.

He chuckles lightly as he thinks about how she stood proudly before him telling him name of the small Zanputkou that she had tucked in her Obi, "Shinobu" meaning (Heart under the Blade).

He now sits on the steps of the training frowning as he thinks back to a day and a half ago when he walked into the training room of the Vizards with Inoue to heal Akrina…

Flashback…

I was going to check on Yuzu and confront Hison Shiba, to ask him what the hell was going on with Akrina Sama and why her guards would attack not only the Gotei 13 but Yuzu Chan; when I heard Inoue scream, 'Oh my god NO.'

I turned to see what it was that caused her react in that way.

As I approached I saw my sister Karin Chan lying lifelessly on the Mat, as much as I did not want it to believe it was her, I knew it was her because of the golden necklace with the daffodil pendant that lay across her bloody chest.

My body trembled as I stepped closer to her, I saw she was in her shinigami form dressed in the clothing of the Shiba Clan Leader Akrina Sama, I felt tears forming in my eyes as I looked around the training room for answers.

I saw Shinji and the others looking at me with warily eyes, then my eyes fell upon the back of a tall black hair Shinigami Captain working hard to heal another laying on a mat directly across from Karin.

I knew who it was before I saw his face, it was my father.

I then saw Yuzu Chan lying lifelessly on the other mat, her small body covered with bruises.

Thoughts started to run through my mind as I looked at both Karin and Yuzu lying there on those mats until finally my mind screamed at me, "You had fought to protect everything and everyone else, but the things that are most important to you now lay dying before you, because you were not there to protect them!"

Before I knew what was happening, I had lost control of my emotions and staggered around the room with rage building up until it exploded.

I don't know how long I was like that, only thing I remembered was hearing Yuzu Chan's soft voice in my head, saying, 'Ich-nii…we are so sorry you had to find out like this, please calm down… Akrina needs us more than ever now…please calm down.'

As I started to calm down I found myself laying on the ground under one of Hachi's barriers, as I sat up I noticed that I was surrounded by the Vizards each one exhausted and bruised from battling me.

I looked over and saw my father, he was in his shinigami form standing over to me with a concerned look on his face saying, 'Ichigo, please forgive me and allow me the opportunity to explain once Akrina has awaken.'

My eyes turned to Yuzu who was now resting in her shinigami form, once again I heard her soft voice saying, 'Ich-nii, I know you are upset, but I am okay and Akrina will be okay...we just need to rest...please be patient'

I then glanced over to see Inoue sleeping, in her arms laid a sleeping Ami who tightly held on to Akrina's fingers…

The only words I could say before passing out from exhaustion was, 'Tell me who did this!'

I heard Yuzu softly reply saying, 'we will tell you everything when Akrina awakens.'

End of Flashback…

Ichigo now thinks back to the time Akrina, no in his mind Karin, spent in Seireitei; all the work she had done with the Shiba Manor and its Clan.

How she stood proudly at his Taicho ceremony, watching as he took his place as Taicho of the 5th division.

He smirks as he remembers how she used Shoin Sama to escort her home after Toushirou acted so rudely towards her.

He starts to chuckle as he thinks of when she first appeared in the main hall, how she gracefully approached all the Taichos, then held her own when confronted by Byakuya about the marriage agreement between the Kuchiki and the Shiba Clans.

His heart starts to beat faster as he realizes the marriage between the Kuchiki and Shiba Clans …the marriage between her Ni Sama and Rukia… was in fact a marriage between him and Rukia.

He shakes his head in disbelief until his mind wanders back to when he and Akrina talked in the library that she so proudly had built for her Ni Sama.

The bet she made with him; "She would allow him to judge if her Ni Sama was good enough for Rukia, and she would release Rukia from the betrothal if he found him not to be good enough, but if he found him to be good enough he would stand with him at the wedding ceremony."

His mouth drops and he whispers 'Damn' as he now realizes Akrina even had him measured for the wedding, without him knowing it.

Ichigo suddenly feels a strong pull at his heart, and glances up at the ceiling of the training room. With tears rolling down his face as he now remembers when she told him why her Ni Sama was not by her side...

Flash back…

I glared at her saying, 'If your Ni Sama is not Coward… then tell me why he does not stand up and protect you instead of you having Toushirou to do it!'

I leaned closer to her saying. 'I have two sisters that I love and adore and I would NEVER allow them to face the dangers you are facing without being there for them!'

My words hit her hard, because she sat there and dropped her head.

I sat on the sofa beside her and took her hand softly saying, 'I don't mean to hurt your feelings.'

She raised her head and looked towards me saying, 'You did not hurt my feelings… it is just hearing your words made me realize just how much I miss my Ni Sama and wish he could be here with me.'

I held firmly to her hand and looked at her saying, 'Tell me please… why isn't your Ni Sama here with you?'

She sighed as she up looked to me saying, 'I love my Ni Sama, I would give my life to protect him and my Clan… so before coming here, I decided that he would not be informed about what was happening until he arrives which will be the day before the wedding.'

I looked at her saying, 'Wait do you mean to tell me he does not know?'

She shook her head, then I said, 'How could he not know… what is he a BAKA?'

She pulled her hand from mine saying, 'My Ni Sama is not a BAKA, his is a great warrior… it is just in order to protect him and Hison Sama's lineage, from the Shadow organization, I had to do something I am not proud of … I had to lie to him.'

My eyes grew large with understanding as I then said, 'You are the bait being used to draw out the shadow organization.'

She looked up at me saying, 'Yes… as the true Shiba Clan leader it is my responsibility to protect my Clan and I will do that … even if I must lie to those I love.'

My eyes became soft as I said, 'do you think he will understand, when he finds out?'

She looked at me saying, 'Not at first, but I hope with time he will forgive me.'

End of Flashback...

Ichigo feels a small hand tug on his sleeve, he looks down to see that it is Ami, she is looking up to him, her eyes are nervous as she says, 'Ich-nii... Akrina Ne Sana has awakened.'

Meanwhile …

Hitsugaya sits quietly looking out of the 4th division window; he runs his hand through his hair as he thinks about the women he left behind in the human world.

Hearing the door as it starts to open, he glances over to Matsumoto's unconscious body and quickly stands while placing his hand on Hyourinmaru.

He watches with caution as Byakuya unexpectedly walks into the room saying, 'Hitsugaya Taicho we need to talk.'

At that same moment….

Shoin Kasumioji sits in the Kasumioji Library talking to his mother, He shows her photos taken of him and another while in the human world, while saying, 'you see Mother, here is proof that I have taken Akrina Sama as my woman.'

After looking at the photos Shia Sama grins with satisfaction saying, 'Have KuKaKu Sama brought to me immediately!'

A/N…

I hope you enjoyed it…

I am sorry it is a long chapter but there was no way to shorten it…

As always please review...

Next chapter: Her Side… Akrina's Ni Sama arrives

As always please review...it is not hard just push the button and tell me your thoughts about the chapter you just read. (Be nice)

LeRukia