A/N: Hello everyone! Hope you all enjoyed the last chapter, we'll have two more with Shizuka's mini Arc and then get back to more Ulquihime fluff. The next one might take me a bit to finish since I've just started college and it's a long chapter, but I'll try to have it ready by February at the very least. Thanks for your feedback last chapter and if you like this one too, feel free to leave me a comment as well. I hope you like and thanks for reading! 😋

*Trigger warning for: mentions and depictions of abuse (physical, emotions and sexual)

©Bleach and its characters don't belong to me. They belong to Tite Kubo and Shounen Jump. Only Anna, and The Fujiwara Clan, belong to me.

Chapter 31: Fearless

"She's gone. I can't even begin to assimilate it." Tatsuki snuggled close to him, Ichigo wrapped his arms around her.

"I know. I don't think any of us have." He glanced at Chad, his best friend was lost in thought, not speaking or interacting with anyone. "You ok, Chad?"

"Yes. Sorry, I'm just tired."

He didn't press the issue further. All of them had the right to feel tired, especially Chad.

"I think it's about time we all head back to our houses. We have been invading your room for quite a while already." Ulquiorra sat up. "It would be wise for Riruka and Nemu to stay elsewhere, at least for tonight. I'm sure you don't want to stay in the house without Shizuka."

"You're right. I really don't want to go back home right now. What about you, Nemu?"

The shinigami didn't answer. She was clutching her phone tightly and trembling.

"Nemu, are you okay?" Ichigo asked.

When Nemu turned around she looked like she would break her phone in a rage. "I'm afraid we have a problem. Shizuka's betrothed is Tokinada Tsunayashiro"

The mere revelation made him nauseous. The others weren't reacting well to it either.

"Is Asami insane?! Not only is Tokinada twice their age but he killed his previous wife! Who's to say he won't do the same to Shizuka!"

"Legally speaking, it's likely he won't. Kakyo's murder was likely 'overlooked' because she was from Rukon. Shizuka is a noble, and from a family that surpasses the Tsunayashiro clan in wealth. If he kills her then there would be severe consequences. Anything else he does once they're married, however, is fair game."

"Damn it," Ichigo muttered. "Should we proceed as planned?"

"I say we do. Despite this revelation, Shizuka specifically asked us to trust her. Besides, it's likely the Soul Society has us under surveillance."

Shizuka had told him to stay put, and Ichigo would follow through. Still, he needed to do something, and he had to do it soon.

'They can observe everything, but not our dreams.' Resolved, the substitute shinigami knew just how he would help his friend.

He was often the one summoned, not the one doing the summoning.

From the moment Jeanne had told him Anna could help, Ulquiorra has made up his mind. He didn't expect Kurosaki to do the same.

The redhead appeared beside him, likely calling out to Anna as well. The two men didn't say anything, just nodded and acknowledged each other.

Soon enough Anna came to them. Unlike their other encounters she seemed confused and a little miffed.

"Boys, I know that the device allows you to contact me too, but can you not give me a headache when you do? The only person allowed to call on me this late is Aizen."

Ulquiorra raised his hand in front of him. "Do not continue that sentence, please."

Anna chuckled and rolled her eyes. "Alright. Why is it that you've called for me?"

"We need your help, concerning Shizuka. Her sibling has moved up the day of her wedding and she's now back in the Soul Society." Ichigo explained. "And to make matters worse her betrothed is Tokinada Tsunayashiro."

Anna looked surprised. "He did what?! No, no, it's too damn early... We're not ready."

"Jeanne told me that you were likely to have a way around this. One that wouldn't make Asami's threats come true."

Anna closed her eyes, looking absolutely heartbroken. "Yes. I do. But I'm afraid that the solution I can offer does not guarantee success. I was expecting this ordeal to be over before April, but since that won't be the case then I'll have to use my back up plan."

"Must we do anything?"

"No, Kurosaki. The success of this is up to Shizuka-san."

Ulquiorra sighed. It looked like his friend's fate was in her own hands. He believed in her, but still wished she didn't have to carry such a burden alone.

"Don't worry darlings. I'm certain that things will work out. Just trust in our plans."

"Riruka! Riruka it's time to wake up!" Chad knocked on the door to his guest room.

Riruka had agreed to stay with him for the night, while Nemu stayed with Uryu.

Sleep had been troubled for him, full of nightmares and difficult to recuperate once he awoke, but seeing how Riruka hadn't made a sound all morning, he thought it would be best to let her sleep late.

The fullbringer didn't answer when he knocked. It was worrying him. "Riruka, I'm coming in."

The room was empty, save for a note on the bed. He also noticed the window was opened.

Chad quickly put the pieces together and picked up the note.

I'm sorry for this sudden departure. I'm grateful for everything you and the others have done for me, but I cannot put you in danger any longer...

He stopped reading for a moment. 'Danger? What danger? Unless...' Chad kept on reading, fearing the worst.

Orihime, you, and I have sworn to stay on our best behavior to assist Shizuka, but Tsukishima and Shishigawara haven't. Leaving things unresolved could cause trouble for us, and I do not want you and Orihime to face consequences for my inaction.

Shukuro has only one motive for attacking you, and that motive is me. I'm going to put an end to this once and for all.

Thanks for everything! Please be safe.

Riruka

'No, no she can't win against him alone!' Chad ran out the door as fast as he could. He didn't know where to look, as Riruka had never disclosed her previous residency to any of them. He could only hope to find the answers he needed in Shizuka's house. If not, his friend would be alone in this battle.

Riruka had been gone for only a month, yet her memory of the upper Karakura district was muddled. There was one thing she still remembered; the two-story white mansion that was hidden away in the deepest part of the district.

Her old home looked as if nothing had changed, except for the absence of four other residents...

Riruka walked towards it, not pausing for even a second, as she knew that once she stopped she wouldn't be able to go through with it.

He appeared earlier than expected. Riruka felt a cold blade on the side of her neck.

"So you've finally come back."

His voice was cold and tired. Riruka knew all the shades of it by now. Tsukishima wasn't going to forgive her. "Get it over with."

He seemed to hesitate. "Just like that? No, not until you tell me why you came back."

"What's it to you? I'm a traitor, aren't I? What I tell you, won't have any merit."

"No I suppose not, but I'll get you to talk anyway."

He took the blade away from her neck, but before Riruka could process it she felt a sharp stab in her side.

"Do you remember the truth serum we were working on? Well, I've finished it."

"Damn it!"

Riruka felt like she was going to fall, her vision was slowly darkening. Shukuro held her and placed her gently on the floor.

She could see him looking over her, a mix of both pain and anger in his eyes. Riruka chuckled as she raised her bloodied hand to touch his face.

"Sometimes I wish I could hate you... but no matter what you do, and how much you fuck up, I can't... You always win."

Uryu woke up to the sound of sobs and screaming. He woke up on his sofa and quickly put on his glasses.

'Why am I here? Oh, right, Nemu-san.' Realizing that she must've been the one screaming he rushed to his bedroom, where he'd given up the bed to her.

As predicted Nemu was crying in her sleep, likely having a nightmare. Uryu gently shook her. "Nemu! Nemu you need to wake up!"

She almost hit him in the head when abruptly waking. The shinigami was struggling to breathe and was still weeping.

"Hey, it's okay. It was just a nightmare." He tried to calm her down.

He'd never seen her like this. The Nemu he knew was indifferent to almost everything, but now she was clutching onto the blanket in horror.

"Nemu, what happened?" he asked.

"I...I dreamt about Shizuka. The man that she's betrothed to... He's a monster. She can't marry him! She just can't! Shizuka can't go through what I did!"

Everything else he'd expected save for the last sentence. He'd been the only one to see what Captain Kurotsuchi did to Nemu, what he continued to do without any intervention.

"What do you mean by 'What you went through'?"

Nemu hesitated for a second, but then she faced him. The empty gaze in her eyes was enough for him to know, still, she spoke. "The circumstances would differ but not the punishments. The heads of the noble families have full ownership over their families. They could even kill them if they deemed it necessary. If Shizuka marries Tokinada he could beat her, or worse he could..." Nemu's voice trailed off, yet Uryu knew what she would say.

"Did Kurotsuchi did that to you? Did he?!" Uryu raised his voice but quickly backed away. "I'm sorry."

Nemu's eyes filled with tears once again. "Yes. Many times. I suspect it's because of my DNA progenitor. She's a woman from the Royal Guard that Master Mayuri both hates and fancies... But I can take it. I've grown accustomed to it and can deal. Shizuka for all her fortitude and goodwill, wouldn't be able to endure it even once."

His lip bled, Uryu didn't even realize he was bitting down so hard. 'Of course, I wouldn't put it past him to do that.'

"Ishida-kun?" Nemu called out to him, but his voice failed to come out.

'I should've taken her with me. After I fought him the first time I should've taken her with me, damn it! Maybe I could've prevented it... if just once...'

"Ishida!"

He finally reached out to hug her, when Nemu nodded, he fully wrapped her in his arms.

"I'm sorry. I'm so very sorry I couldn't stop that from happening."

His voice broken and now he was the one crying

"It wasn't your job to look after me. You did what you could when you were able."

"That's not enough! I should've killed him. I should've taken you with me, even if you hated me for doing so. Why?! Why don't they do anything?! Even your own squad could try!"

"I'm afraid not. They're all scared he'll kill them. I do not resent them, self-preservation is only natural instinct."

"No! You can't except this! You can't let him walk away without consequences! Next time I see him, I'll slice his head open!"

The words coming out of his mouth surprised him, but Uryu didn't regret them. It was his duty as a Quincy to protect others, he would protect Nemu too. No matter what.

She smiled at him, softly wiping away the tears. "No one's cared that much for me. The woman's association, my squadmates, the people of the 4th squad. All I've received is pity.

Yet from the moment I set foot here in Karakura you have all taken me in and loved me like I deserved it. Especially you, thank you, Ishida-kun."

She kissed him on the cheek. It was so innocent and soft, that it broke his heart for the second time that day.

Uryu held onto her tighter. "You won't suffer again. I swear it to you."

They stayed like that for a few minutes, locked in a sweet hug. Uryu heard a loud knock coming from the front door and went to open. Chad was there, out of breath and very worried.

"Sado-kun, what's wrong?"

"I need Nemu's spare key to Shizuka's house."

"Did something happen?" Nemu walked into the room, having heard the loud noise.

"Yes, Riruka might be in great danger."

She woke up dizzy. The living room was just as she had left it. 'Those two are bigger clean freaks than me."

Riruka tried to move, but her body wouldn't respond. 'Great, just great.' To make things worse, her hands were bound by handcuffs.

Shukuro walked into the room. "Finally you wake up."

"I thought we agreed not to use handcuffs." she joked with a sly smile.

"I see you haven't lost your sense of humor." Shukuro sat across from her on the other sofa. "Now, I have some questions for you."

"Just ask already. It's not like I'll be able to lie!"

"Why did you really come back? The last time we spoke, you made it clear this wouldn't be happening. Did they already tell you to leave?"

Riruka glared, it seemed to surprise Tsukishima. "Wipe that smug grin off your face, because that's not what happened!

The fullbringers are in danger. All of us."

"Why? What have the shinigami done now?"

"One of them used us as leverage so that Shizuka-san would follow his orders. If she did, we'd be allowed to live, if not there would be another purge. So she obeyed and is now trapped in the Soul Society for trying to protect us!"

Riruka took a breath. She didn't look at Tsukishima, but did expect an answer.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Why do you think?! You feel things deeply, Shukuro. It's hard for you to forgive and I know well that you're still enraged at me! I thought that if I gave myself up then you wouldn't cause anything that might alert the shinigami."

"I wouldn't have killed you! Nor would I have hurt your friends. You should've known that..."

"Maybe I should've... but I still didn't want to take any chances. Shizuka was willing to sacrifice herself for all of us and I cannot let that go unrewarded."

He looked lost in thought, analyzing what she just told him. "Were you really willing to die for her?"

"She's willing to basically die for all of us. So yes, yes I am. It's not just Shizuka though, even after all we've been through, I am willing to die for you as well.

You can hate me, tell me that you won't forgive my betrayal or even this, but that doesn't mean I'll give up on you. I'm sorry Shukuro, but I'm different from the little girl who would follow you without complaint. I'm not going to be as bitter as Ginjo, when I've seen first hand that there are good people out there that want to help."

Shukuro walked towards her and undid the cuffs. Riruka touched her wrists in disbelief.

"Your friends are looking for you. Go back to them. I won't interfere with your plans, and I'll communicate with the others so that they do not do so as well..."

This was more than she would've expected. "I really did judge you wrong. I'm sorry."

Riruka walked towards him, Tsukishima didn't move, not even when she stood on her tippy toes and kissed him. He only wrapped a hand around her tiny waist and pulled her close. The touch was almost pleading.

"Thank you Shukuro. I promise I'll see you soon. That is if you'll still have me."

"You know well, that I would."

"I can't find anything either!" Orihime lamented.

Everyone was looking around Shizuka's house for any information on Riruka's possible whereabouts. The fullbringer hadn't told any of them where her old home was, and so far their search for answers provided no results.

"Wait, I can sense her." Nemu quickly rushed to the door. She opened just as Riruka was about to knock.

"Hi."

Orihime rushed towards her and gave her a tight hug. "Thank the stars you're okay! We were worried sick!"

"I'm sorry, but I had to take care of our unresolved matter with Tsukishima. We won't have to worry about that anymore."

Orihime could see the sadness in her friend's eyes, aside from the bloodstains on her dress. She used her Rikka to heal the wound.

"Are you both okay?"

"I think so. I'm certain he's still hurt and angry, but just the fact that we spoke and that he's stepped back shows improvement. Maybe in the future, we'll be able to fix things."

"Good. Now come on, the guys need to talk to us over breakfast."

Tatsuki, Ichigo, Chad, Uryu, and Nemu were all waiting for them in the dining room.

"Good to have you back Riruka. We were worried." Ichigo told her.

"I'm sorry I gave you all a scare, but it might be worth it, as now we have one less thing to worry about."

"That's true. Well, now that we're all here there is something important I must tell you. Ulquiorra and I spoke with Anna Maria yesterday in our dreams.

This was a surprise for her, but in retrospect, Orihime guessed they would do that. As she herself had considered it.

"She wasn't aware of the wedding change but now that she knows when and who it'll be to, she's told us that she has plans to stop it."

"Is it wise to believe her?" Uryu asked. "We might not be actively opposing her anymore, but Anna is a known manipulator."

"I say yes. Anna wouldn't lie when it comes to her sister, that I am sure of." Orihime knew those two were like her and Sora.

"Tsukishima said he'd make sure the others don't disrupt our plans, so if Xcution knows then it's likely Anna will keep them in check too."

"Does that mean we don't have to do anything?" Chad asked, still worried.

"It seems so unless we're given any instructions. Shizuka's fate is entirely in her own hands."

Shizuka was planning to spend the day wrapped in her blanket listening to sad songs, but that wouldn't do her much good.

'I must find a way to stop this circus.'

She headed for the library, it would be the best place to start her research.

Unfortunately, she bumped into Asami on the way there.

"Good Morning Shizuka. We'll be having a breakfast meeting with the Tokinada clan, so get dressed."

She held back her anger and smiled. "Sure I'll be right there!"

'So much for the research, I'll just talk a little and then excuse myself. Should be easy enough.'

Shizuka went back to her room to get ready. Kitomi was waiting for her there, along with her baby.

"Hey, I suppose Asami sent ya to doll me up."

"Yes, but I also wanted you to meet Hidone-kun. He's yet to meet his auntie Shizuka."

Hidone Fujiwara was a pale bundle of joy with a patch of platinum blonde hair and the biggest blue eyes she'd ever seen. Despite being very young, the baby extended his small arms towards her and cooed.

Shizuka picked him up and smiled at him. "Hello, little one. Aren't you a handsome squishy? A little bit early outta the oven though. Wasn't he supposed to arrive in April too?"

"Yes, but Captain Unohana told me he might be premature. It was a hassle to conceive and it seems like Maya-san's genes were passed on strong to Hidone-kun. It's a miracle he's this healthy."

Shizuka looked down at the baby, no doubt her mother would've been ecstatic to be a grandma. 'I wish you were here. Things would be different.'

"Fair enough. Let's get ready to get downstairs. I don't want your husband to get suspicions."

Kitomi laughed. "Very well. I'm sorry he's been such a pain. I've tried to coax him into going into therapy but so far I been unsuccessful."

"He's as stubborn as a mule. I know Akito's methods got to him worse than me but that's what therapy is for. Jerk still thinks he's fine. Makes me wanna deck him."

"Well, just tell Hidone to have an 'accident' when it's Asami's turn to diaper change. Revenge achieved."

"Good call. Can you do that for me, little one?"

Hidone cooed in answer. The girls laughed as they got ready to head down for breakfast. Unfortunately, that's when the smiles ended.

The extended Fujiwara family was not numerous. Just an aunt, her kids, and husband, along with two distant cousins. Still, to Shizuka they all felt like a gigantic darkened silhouette of judgment. Their silver eyes were just as analytical as Asami's. She tried to ignore them but it wasn't easy, especially since the larger Tsunayashiro clan also tried to pry into her.

The typical pleasantries were asked; 'how are you?'' how's work?' 'have you gained weight?'

To her, it was all irritating but she tried to stay polite.

"Shizuka-sama, you're putting too much-grated daikon on your eggs. They might be too spicy to eat." Her future mother-in-law told her.

"I've developed a taste for spicy food."

"Really? When?" One of her cousins asked.

"When I was stationed in the human world."

Try as she might to hide it, both her eyes and her words radiated sadness.

"It must've been so difficult to stay in such a daft environment. Not to mention the company."

"Oh I agree, humans can be so uneducated! Good thing they didn't tarnish your good taste."

Shizuka roughly discarded her cloth napkin on the table. "I'm sorry, I think I've lost my appetite." With that, she left, not caring what the others would say. The nearest balcony provided some comfort, with the warm sun rays and light breeze soothing her anger.

Before she could go back inside she noticed Tokinada had come after her.

"Oh hi, I didn't see you there."

The man didn't look happy. "I can be discreet enough to remain hidden. Now tell me milady, do you have an affinity for the human world?"

"Is that a problem?"

"It is when I don't take kindly to outbursts. It's unseemly for a lady to behave in such a way. You understand, don't you?"

Threats, thinly veiled fucking threats. That moron had killed his previous supposedly 'poised' wife and now he was threatening her.

"You can't do to me what you did to Kakyo. I'm not scared of you and I am not scared of death."

She stared him down, unflinching. That surprised him for a moment but he tried to take back control by wrapping his hand around her neck and slamming her into the nearest wall.

"I may not be able to kill you, but there are things worse than death, milady. Hold your tongue and we won't have any troubles, otherwise, I'll be sure to suggest certain measures regarding your little human friends."

Shizuka didn't answer him this time, but her fearless gaze didn't shake. It still didn't disappear as she hid in the library and began looking.

'Either I get the fuck out of here or drown myself after the wedding.'

There was no way she'd marry that man, let alone touch him. Sex was something she had no interest in unless there was a romantic attraction, and if she ever found a version of herself that did love that man she'd shoot the poor double out of pity.

Books provided a distraction, but not the answers she craved. Instead, they all made a point to show obedience towards the four noble clans.

'What a load of horseshit! Hanabira was a better writer.'

She heard the door of the library slam shut. Asami came in, completely enraged.

"What have you done?! Your betrothed is terribly disappointed in you and you've also made the family mad!"

She rolled her eyes. "Didn't know grown adults could be so sensitive. And since when are you my babysitter?"

That only pissed him off further." I told you to behave, didn't I?! Now unless you want me to get rid of those pesky humans you'll act like it's expected of you!"

Shizuka slammed the book shut and stood up. "I'm going through with this bloody wedding, aren't I?! You're going to be just like Akito and break all the damn deals you make?!"

"Father arranged this for you! He knew what was best for us!"

"No, he didn't! That walking waste of oxygen is the reason our childhood went to shit! He probably arranged this because he was just as corrupted as Tokinada!

Have you forgotten the beatings he gave us?! The way he looked at me?! I'm grateful every day that he died before I got older! Hell knows what he would've done if I ended up looking more like mom! Or what about the things he said to you because of your genderfluidity!"

"That was a dumb kids phase and you know it!"

"Yeah right! I can tell you're still suppressing it! If you'd only gotten damn therapy before we wouldn't be in this mess!"

"Shut up already Shizuka! I'm doing this for own good and if you keep acting like a spoiled kid then I'm going to treat you like one!"

He looked so much like their late father at that moment. Shizuka sighed, pulling at the collar of her kimono and showed her the choke marks Tokinada left.

"Is this what's best for me? Is this what you want? To kill your twin sister?"

He was silent, his eyes glued to the wound all too similar to the ones they'd been given as children. For a moment he was the same child that hid with her from their father, that let Anna and Aizen shower then with affection and healing comfort, the child that once promised to be the opposite of their tormentor and now was breaking said promise.

Then he averted his eyes. "I'm not killing you."

"Yes, you are, and you know it."

She picked up the book and locked herself up in her room. So far the search was strained and yielded no results, but there was no way she would leave her quarters.

"Shizuka, it's Kira. I'm here with the gang. Open up."

She got off the bed and opened the door to her room.

Kira was there with Kitomi, Rose and Rangiku. They all went for a hug, which she gladly reciprocated.

"We know. Just let it out."

Her Captain's words were her undoing. After a strained cry, she wept silently in their arms. It wasn't long before her tears ran out.

"I'm sorry my dear. We've tried to plead to Asami and the Central, neither will budge."

"Don't waste your breath on those bloody idiots. I'm going to get out of this by their rules and then fucking off forever."

"While I do consider you to be one of my best employees, and would be sad to see you go. If there's anything I can do to help, just tell me."

"Thanks, Captain."

"The same goes for us. Asami's my husband and I love him but you're also my family and this isn't what you deserve. You deserve happiness. Count on me." Kitomi told her.

"Rangiku and I are just lieutenants but we'll fight for you if necessary as well. Right, Rangiku?"

"Definitely! I might be a plumpy mean lady but if you need me on your side I'll do it."

"Thanks, everyone. I don't think I would've made it this far without all of your support."

The afternoon went by her so fast. Jokes were exchanged, along with sake and Kira even bandaged up her neck. The room felt empty when her friends left, where the only sound that could be heard was the rain droplets outside. 'The sky is crying again' she mused.

Shizuka decided to sleep, hoping that would dull the ache in her heart. She fell into a dreamless sleep for a few hours, until a pair of familiar hands wrapped themselves around her waist.

"It's been a while," Anna whispered. Her head was on Shizuka's shoulder.

Shizuka smiled and nuzzled close to her. "It certainly has."

The atmosphere around them changed to the koi pond in front of the mansion. It was their favorite spot to play as children. Anna let her go and they both sat down.

"I hear my little sibling has taken a page from Akito's book."

Shizuka nodded. "Like you can't imagine. I'm not even sure if the real Asami is there anymore."

"He is, but his defense mechanism is to act as if he's Akito. That way the real Akito won't come back."

"But he's dead!"

"Yes, but not to Asami. His wounds are still stinging and therefore his tormentor still lives."

Regardless of their differences Shizuka still suffered on behalf of her brother, she loved him a lot, but that didn't mean she would bend and break to please him.

"Anna, what can I do? I don't want to marry Tokinada."

"I know starfish. That's why I am here, to provide you with choices.

There are two things you can do. The first would be to come with me to my pocket dimension."

Shizuka's eyes filled with tears and her voice broke. "You mean it?"

"Yes. There have been many moments where both Sosuke and I have regretted not taking you with us. We won't make the same mistake again. If you say the words I will come to whisk you away from that nest of snakes."

It was so very tempting. To have her beloved sister back, to have Aizen and the fullbringers too, but... but if Anna's plans failed she'd be trapped as a fugitive for the rest of her life. Not to mention she would never see her human friends again.

"I can't... They're counting on me. I'm sorry, I'm really sorry."

"Don't apologize. I had a feeling you'd say that." Anna kissed Shizuka's forehead. It made her smile through the tears. "Now, there is another choice you can make, one that will fully free you, but I am afraid that it's the hardest of them all."

"What is it?"

"Before your mother succumbed to her illness she made me promise I would keep a secret that could save you in a time like this.

Maya knew Akito would say Asami was the older twin, but he's not. You're the oldest twin."

She froze. "Are you certain?"

"Yes, my dear. There's proof of it. In the library, there's a document hidden inside the Frankenstein novel. It contains your birth documents signed by your mother. They're the original ones. Neither Akito nor Asami ever knew they existed. Take them to the Central 46 and they'll have no option but to deem them legitimate.

That being said it's likely they won't immediately appoint you as the new head of the family."

"What? But isn't that my birthright then?"

"Technically yes, but you know our society is still very much patriarchal. As such, they'll be hesitant to have a woman take the Clan's leadership. Especially one that wasn't trained for it.

What they'll do is force you both to duel."

"A-A duel?! With Asami?!"

"Don't be alarmed. It won't be a duel to the death. You just need to best him in combat. If you do they'll deem you worthy of taking Asami's place."

It was a dream come true. As the clan's leader she'd be able to break off the arranged wedding, the threat to her friends would be fully gone and finally, her brother wouldn't ever be a problem anymore.

But could she win? Shizuka had trained hard since infancy, she achieved Shikai early on, and her Bankai while still in need of polishing was extremely effective. That being said, she knew her sibling was knowledgeable in both the offensive and the medical field. Not mention she didn't know if he had a Bankai as well. That could put her at a disadvantage, and not only throw away her only chance at total freedom, but further enrage her abusive husband to be.

"It's all up to you. You can run, you can fight, you can stay or chose to die."

It was an obvious answer but she knew Anna wanted to hear it aloud. "I've spent my entire life hiding from my abusers. I won't do that anymore. I'll face Asami in battle and win."

"That's my girl! I'm so proud of what you've done and how much you've grown. I'm sorry I had miss it."

"That's okay. I know why you did. This place, this treatment, I would have gotten out ages ago if I had the chance. I still love you."

She hugged Anna, who returned the hug tightly. "I love you too."

"Onee-san, can I ask for a favor?"

"Anything."

"Would you train me for my duel?"

Anna smiled proudly. "We can start right now if you wish."

"Yes. I'd love that."

Their zanpakuto's materialized and both women grabbed them, getting into a fighting stance.

"Whenever you're ready, come at me."

This would be a long week, but Shizuka swore that by the end of it, she would be ready to fight Asami.