So this is a small idea and you can take it however you wish. To my readers of my other stories I will be trying to update them soon and the last year has been crazy and so much has changed. Either way, hope you enjoy this small little story. This story is between the time that Captains Kuchiki and Kenpachi escort the advance team back to Soul Society and going to Hueco Mundo.
She was brought to the squad 6th barracks and stood with Renji expecting for her brother to berate them. However, what happened was the last thing she would have imagined her brother left there and left with his parting words still ringing in her head.
"I was ordered to bring you back to Soul Society, I was never given any order concerning when you got here." Byakuya stated simply and left the two.
Rukia could only share a look with her best friend while they both processed what happened. Within a few moments, they shared a look and both started running to get everything ready for their trip into Hueco Mundo. As Renji went to his home, Rukia left for Kuchiki Manor. As she entered the large house she did not stop and flashed stepped into her room. She stopped cold when her eyes landed on two white cloaks that rested on her bed. There was no note or indication of who could give them to her, but she closed her eyes and felt her brother's reiatsu. He had been in her room recently.
Rukia grabbed the cloaks, readied what she hoped was all she was going to need and flash stepped back to the sixth division barracks. As she re-entered her brother office division a subtle reiatsu signature got her attention. A cold breeze called out her and she turned towards the last Shinigami that she wished to see. "Captain Hitsugaya," she greeted.
The white hair captain studied the violet eyes woman in front of her and sighed, he had been leaning against the wall near the entrance of the sixth division, waiting for her to appear. It hadn't taken him long to figure out what was going to happen, and he dearly wanted to accompany her on her mission. Nevertheless, he cannot, he is a captain and unlike her and the lieutenant they wouldn't be immediately missed. "Rukia," he replied losing all formality and wishing for her to do the same.
Rukia inwardly flinched, she did not hear anger in his tone, but she had wanted to avoided him before she left. "Toshiro…. I…" she began; however, she was stopped from going further.
He raised his hand, "I know what you are going to do," he saw her ready to argue and quickly continued. "I am not going to stop you, Rukia, I actually wish that I could go with you. Inoue has been a gracious host and is a wonderful girl. I know that she did not betray us purposely."
She hadn't wanted to exploit, yet his words reminded her pf her early frustration. "Then why didn't you say this before the Head Captain forced us to return?!" She demanded.
He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, "before you and Kurosaki arrived Ukitake and I were working under the premise that Inoue had been kidnapped. We were already working on a plan, and we had presented it to the Head Captain, however before we could go, we had to confirm that no one had had contact with Inoue." He stopped for a moment and Rukia didn't need him to continue, "Kurosaki confirmed what the Head Captain had been thinking. Inoue was taken as a means to separate our forces; Head Captain knows this and Inoue was given a choice as well."
Rukia clenched her teeth and nodded, at that moment his hands were tide. Ichigo because of his big mouth had stopped everything that her Captain and Toshiro had been working on. She understands that he wanted to make it clear that Inoue is alive, but he gave enough reason for the Head Captain to not want to send a Captain into Hueco Mundo. Her brother coming for them hadn't been about them, it had been a show for Hitsugaya to return to Soul Society.
"You should get back to your division," was her replied and went to enter her brother's division. Renji and Byakuya should already be waiting for her.
Toshiro cupped her face with one hand, "I'm here to see you off Rukia. I will be the one opening the Senkaimon for you and Renji to leave to the World of the Living. Captain Kuchiki has other work he must complete."
Rukia's eyes widen and she understood, "thank you Toshiro."
He turned and went for the entrance of the division, she kept up with him and walked just a step behind him as etiquette mandates. "Just know you have my support Rukia and I expect you to come back."
She heard what wasn't said and she wishes she could promise him that she will come back to him. However, she would be going to the unknown world of the Hollows and who knows what she will have to face there.
"I'll do my best Captain," she stated and the continue the walk to her brother office in silent.
Once they arrived, Rukia wanted it to take a bit longer, she was not prepared to say goodbye. He didn't stop and opened the door confidently, on the other side was Renji and his eyebrows flew to his hair line once he saw that it wasn't his Captain that came with her.
"Captain Hitsugaya," he greeted and flickered his eyes worriedly at her. "Captain Kuchiki isn't here at the moment."
"I am aware Lieutenant Abarai," he replied and turned to Rukia. "I am here on behest of your Captain. I believe the two of you are late, Kurosaki and his friends will not wait for you."
Renji straightened and bowed at the young Captain. "Of course, sir, and thank you for the assistance."
Toshiro nodded and turned to the other ice wielder, "be careful and stay vigilant." He stated and grew his sword from his back.
Without another word he inserted his sword into the air and turned it, the gates of the Senkaimon appeared and two small butterflies appeared. Renji sprinted forward and with a few hesitant steps Rukia flowed, she shared one final look with the white hair Captain and darted into the light. Rukia dared not look back and ran after Renji, she could not have doubt in her heart and has to believe that they will find each other again once this war is over.