A/N:**TRIGGER WARNING!*** This chapter contains graphic violence and attempted rape, PLEASE read at your own risk.
Now that that's out of the way... I'm back! This took longer than I wanted, but still a vast improvement in timing lol. Please please please let me know what you think of this chapter!
The sun was beginning it's descent, painting the sky brilliant shades of orange and pink. It looked like a painting in a fancy museum, a perfect fall sky if she'd ever seen one. With the daylight finally starting to fade, she knew she only had a few more hours of travel before she had to get some rest. By tomorrow afternoon she'd be in front of the walls that guarded the Seireitei. She was already crossing into the 12th district as it was, and she was sure to be into the 11th before nightfall.
She had to travel through the districts in cat form, careful to slink along walls and carts unnoticed. The fewer people who noticed her meant the fewer chances of being caught. She might look like a plain black cat to anyone on the street, but Aizen and his men would know it if they spotted her. And since they liked to roam the upper districts on occasion she would be damn sure to blend into her surroundings as much as possible.
Ever since she lost the trail on that mystery spiritual pressure a few days back, she'd been on high alert. Hoping that she'd get just a small glimpse of it again. Or maybe she would see them...or even smell them in her current form. There was a mission to complete, but she was distracted.
She had decided that the mysterious pressure belonged to Byakuya. And she really hoped she was right. Not that she wouldn't also be thrilled to see Rangiku. She missed that buxom blonde and their drinking nights something awful. When she thought about it, it would actually make more sense for it to be Rangiku. Surviving out in the Rukongai would be easy for her, like second nature. Still, there was something about the familiarity of it that told her it was Byakuya.
Sure, there hadn't been a trace of him even once in all this time, but she had a gut feeling. And she didn't like to ignore those. In fact, she had a nagging feeling that something big was going to happen, soon. And it wouldn't be their attack on Aizen so she hoped it was being reunited with him. What she wouldn't give to find them both.
Rukia would love to have her brother back. Oh the tears that reunion would cause, and not just from Rukia. She was sure everyone back in the living world would be touched. And she could just imagine the look on Toshiro's face knowing his former lieutenant and big sister was alive and well. Elation wouldn't begin to describe how she'd feel at being able to have a drink and some "girl talk" with the woman. Shunsui would definitely worm his way into that. Just the thought of it made her giggle.
An hour later she was making her way through the shopping markets in the district, full of food stalls, restaurants, clothing shops and the like. It was always difficult to decipher one smell or sound from another in places like this. Add to that the huge crowds of people all bustling about everywhere. Her heightened senses were overwhelmed with the information they were receiving and she had to concentrate extremely hard to single any one thing or person out. It was probably one of the most dangerous times of day to be traveling through, but there was still daylight and she didn't want to lose any more time. She'd just have to be extra cautious and not get distracted until she got out on the other side. Which of course was always easier said than done.
The sky was gaining hues of purple as the sun dipped lower towards the horizon by the time she was halfway through. Stopping to catch her breath for a moment (concentrating so hard was exhausting), she found a nice spot to hide under a food stall.
"I'll just be over there looking at all the cute clothes." A woman's voice stopped her in the middle of cleaning herself. Why did that sound so familiar? She watched from her hidden perch as a purple kimono walked away across the street. Poking her head out to get a better look, just to make sure it was a stranger, she found the person she was looking for, and that was when she felt it.
She didn't even have to look to know who was making their way through the area, it was Noitorra. She would know the rotten feel of his spiritual pressure anywhere. He was much closer than she'd like him to be, she'd just have to wait for him to move on before venturing out again. It was odd that she hadn't felt anything until he was so close. Maybe he'd been suppressing himself up to that point. She wasn't sure why he would randomly choose the middle of the market to announce his presence, but then again he always was erratic.
Aizen had ruled that his Espada and Arrancar weren't allowed to kill their charges, or helpless plus souls. But that didn't stop some of them from still having their disgusting fun. Beating, raping and just generally terrorizing people. Noitorra was one of the worst offenders, he left them alive, but lately he'd been pushing the limits. She was sure he was going to end up killing someone soon. And while that was a terrible thought, she was interested to see what Aizen would do about it. If he found out of course. She supposed one plus soul might be easy enough to get away with.
Watching as he approached, she'd completely forgotten the woman in the kimono. That was until the poor thing turned to call out to someone and literally ran into him. Her eyes grew large and her face paled, it looked as if she recognized him. She immediately bowed her head in apology, clearly hoping he would let it go. There was something about the raven haired woman that was nagging at her.
"Hey! Watch what the fuck you're doing!" Noitorra griped loudly, grabbing her by the arm."
"My deepest apologies, it won't happen again." That voice, she knew that voice. She crept out from under the food stall slowly, attempting to get a better look.
"You're damn right it won't! Do you know who I am?" Lifting the woman from her feet by the arm, leaving her dangling in his grip as he leaned his face in closer to hers. He looked her over like she was a piece of meat he was considering for dinner.
"Hey! Get your hands off of me! It was an honest mistake."
No fucking way…it was Rangiku! Great, and now Noitorra had her in his sights, literally. He must not have recognized her though, as he continued to treat her like a helpless plus soul. Either that or he didn't care. Speaking of helpless, where was Haineko? She couldn't possibly be hiding her in that kimono, that would be impossible. Why was she unarmed?
She was so caught up in watching what was unfolding that she hadn't noticed the man standing next to her. Until he unceremoniously dropped his take out all over her that was. She was about to slash at him with her claws when she caught his scent. Looking up with wide eyes, she was greeted with the sight she'd been hoping for all day. Not under these circumstances of course, but she'd still take it.
There stood Byakuya Kuchiki. His hair had been cut and bleached, but she would recognize him anywhere. The look of sheer terror on his face was something she'd never seen before though and she knew he was struggling with what to do, same as she.
"Haha, a feisty one eh? I like 'em with some fight in 'em. And aren't you a sexy little thing? Come on, I'm gonna teach you a lesson you won't forget." A lecherous grim breaking out across his face as he put her back on her feet and began to drag her towards the alley nearby.
Rangiku struggled against him for a few moments, her head snapping up to look in their direction as she was pulled violently by the arm. It was so harsh she was almost pulled from her feet. Her gaze locked with Byakuya's for a fleeting moment before she disappeared.
"Go…run." She mouthed, the look in her eyes was heartbreaking. She knew she wasn't going to escape.
She half expected her hot headed little Byakuya-bo to go charging in after her with Senbonzakura, but he just stood there in shock for a few moments. When he did finally move, he took one step as if he was going to actually listen to Rangiku and run. But then they heard a painful scream erupt from the alley and he immediately changed course. It seemed he didn't have his Zanpaktou either and he surveyed the area for a moment, trying to formulate a plan.
What the hell was going on? Apparently they were together, but why were they both without weapons? What were they doing in the 12th district all dressed up like they were? She knew he was strong, even without Senbonzakura, but could he really take on the fifth Espada without it?
Apparently he thought so, as he was moving just a few moments later. Crossing the street and moving to the other side of the building next to the alley she'd disappeared down. She wanted to help, but she couldn't just transform into a naked woman in the middle of the road, especially if she didn't want word getting around about a shape shifting woman roaming the upper districts. Rich people tended to gossip like it was their job after all.
She would let Byakuya handle it for the time being. If given no other choice she would transform in the alleyway just long enough to knock the disgusting pig out. It would be a calculated risk she was willing to take to have her friends back.
Why tonight, why now? The night had been so perfect, and she was planning to tell him everything on their way home (just in case he turned her down, then it wouldn't ruin dinner.). Now she was being attacked by an Espada and she'd likely never get the chance. If she'd just stayed with Byakuya while he purchased their dessert instead of giving in to the urge to window shop this wouldn't be happening.
It was just her luck. She knew things were going too well. Nothing ever truly worked out for her, she should have known better. And that lecherous ass-hat Noitorra was just lucky that she didn't have Haineko at her side, or he'd be in for a real fight.
Still, she wasn't just gonna to let him have his way. She'd been in a similar situation a time or two before and she'd always gotten away. No man had ever successfully raped her. This time though, she wasn't so sure she'd come out of the encounter with her dignity intact. Fighting like Hell was her only shot.
Another hard tug on her arm, this time twisting her body around, brought her out of her thoughts for a moment. He damn near ripped her shoulder right out of its socket, and she could tell he wasn't using even half his strength. His spiritual pressure had risen, but she could tell it was a deep well, she couldn't hope to overpower him. Which is why she was momentarily surprised when his death grip released her. However, she quickly realized there was nothing but a brick wall behind her and he was in front of her exit. So he wasn't as dumb as he looked. That didn't bode well for her.
"Let's start with getting me ready, ne? Bow to me and await your gift." He sneered at her, his hands moving to untie his hakama.
Nope. She would die before she voluntarily sucked his dick. She'd bite off her own tongue before she let him put it anywhere near her mouth. Crossing her arms over her chest, she decided not to respond. Instead giving him a flat look that clearly conveyed that she would have no part in that. Her heart was pounding in her ears and she felt like she was gonna throw up, but she wasn't going to let him see her fear.
"I said Bow!" He said in a dangerously low tone, flaring his spiritual pressure to make her comply. Unfortunately for him, she wasn't the plus soul he had mistaken her for. She wasn't completely unaffected though, her breathing became labored and keeping herself upright was taking a lot of effort.
It took so much of her concentration that she didn't see him move, his Sonido every bit as fast as Shunpo. The next thing she knew his large hand grabbed her by the face and she was lifted off her feet at alarming speed. If she was going to survive this encounter, there was no point in hiding her abilities, it would only get her killed faster pretending to be a plus soul. Releasing her spiritual pressure from it's cage she focused it on her head, neck and back as quickly as she could. It effectively created a sort of cushion to absorb some of the blow just as she collided with the wall, brick crushing around her as she sunk into it.
Stars exploded in her eyes, her vision going completely white for a moment from the force of the impact. The world around her spun on its axis disorienting her as the pain slammed into her senses. She couldn't hear herself scream over the ringing in her ears, but she felt the burn in her throat. Her shoulders and back cried out in revolt as the shockwave rocked through her core, and she could feel the wet warmth of blood running down through her hair and along her neck. If she hadn't reacted fast enough she'd would've been dead on impact, she was sure of it.
"Oh? So you're not just a plus soul eh? Now I don't have to be as gentle with you." His voice laced with malice as his free hand roughly groped her hips and thighs. He hadn't released her, and the weight of her body dangling from his grip was harsh on her was no time to let the fog in her mind clear, she needed to react, now. Grabbing his wrist for leverage she kicked out at him. It was mostly to test the distance between them, not to actually hurt him. She wasn't stupid, she knew he had the strongest hierro of all the Espada. But she couldn't see anything with his hand in her face, and if she was going to attack, she had to know it would land, or it would be a waste of her energy. She felt her foot connect with his core and heard him laugh.
"You're gonna have to try harder than that. But first, let's get you out of these clothes."
She could see his other hand raised in the air in her peripheral vision and the next moment she felt her flesh ripping open, pulling another scream from her. This time she'd heard it, and she was sure most of the people out there on the street had too. Though she wasn't expecting anyone to come to her rescue, what could they do anyways?
Thanks to his hierro his sharpened nails behaved more like claws, effectively shredding her clothing as he intended but also her body in the process. He'd split her skin diagonally in long gaping slashes from her collar bone to her waist. She shivered as she felt the cool evening air hit her skin, her clothing falling in pieces to the ground. Before she could recover he attacked again, a straight line down her other side, ripping and tearing down to her mid thigh. She could hear fabric rustling and she realized it was his hakama dropping to the ground.
Crap, she had to do something, but just as she was about to kick out again, much harder this time, she too was falling. All the blood had rushed to her legs while she was being held in the air, so when she hit the ground her legs crumbled and she landed on her hands and knees. Dammit, looks like she'd bowed to him despite herself.
There was no time to get her bearings and go on the offensive though, he grabbed the hair at the back of her head and yanked it back bringing her up onto her knees and face to face with his manhood. The yelp of pain she'd let out was the opening he'd been looking for and suddenly his hardened member was halfway down her throat. She felt her eyes bulge from intrusion and her airway was completely blocked. His hips started to move as he held her there.
It was all happening so fast she hadn't been able to attack even once. But that ended now. Raising her hands to his hips she didn't push or fight against him, letting him continue unimpeded, and instead began reciting a kido chant in her head. Thankfully she didn't need to voice the incantation to use it. He mistakenly thought she was cooperating, which was what she was hoping for. In fact, his grip on her lessened as he started to get carried away in the feeling of being in her mouth. It made her sick, but she'd rather deal with this than the alternative.
Just before the Shakkaho was complete she took a risk and bit down on him as hard as she could, prepared to break a few teeth if his hierro did in fact extend to his genitals. His momentary shock and knee jerk reaction of pushing her away left her just enough space to not get caught in her own blast and she hoped she'd get lucky enough to blow his dick off. That would definitely get her out of this.
Unfortunately, it wasn't enough. He'd felt it, but there was nothing more than a scratch on him. And though she'd managed to get back to her feet he'd easily grabbed her by the throat, yoking her back up against the wall. She could feel her airway constricting and focused on keeping calm so she wouldn't pass out.
"You little bitch! You're gonna pay for that!" His fist colliding with her core and the sickening crunch of her ribs breaking. What air she did have in her lungs was swiftly spent and she couldn't even cry out in pain. Trying to inhale was like fire in her lungs, it was torture.
"I'm supposed to drag you into Aizen Kami when I'm done with you since you have spiritual pressure, but I Think I'm going to fuck you to death instead." His free hand groping her chest as he spoke. His face was so close she could see the big number five on his tongue. Sucking in what little air she could, she spat in his face.
"Fuck you!" She managed with as much venom as she could muster.
He reacted by letting his spiritual pressure loose at full power, slamming her into the ground and striking her across the face with his palm. It might as well have been his fist as the force sent her reeling. Strange images flashed through her mind and she swore she could feel her brain rattle against her skull. She pushed against him with all of her own spiritual pressure, landing a hard kick to his stomach. He stumbled back a step, releasing his death grip on her throat. Gasping for air she immediately started another kido spell, hoping to get it off before he could retaliate. But just as she released it he grabbed her by the wrist and squeezed with all his might, forcing her hand backwards. The kido went errantly over his shoulder and her bones gave way easily as everything from fingers to elbow shattered apart inside her skin. He then pinned her to the ground by the opposite shoulder, using his palm he pushed into her hard enough to separate the joint, effectively leaving her without the use of either arm.
"Your screams of pain just make me more and more excited." He whispered, leaning his body over hers and licking her neck with that disgustingly large tongue. Moving lower, he bit one of her breasts hard enough to draw blood. Lapping at it before pulling back and forcing her legs apart, attempting to settle himself between them.
She wasn't running low on spiritual pressure yet, but her body was reaching its limits. She could handle the pain, but she'd lost a lot of blood. That combined with what she was sure was a punctured lung stopping her from getting the oxygen she needed, was causing her brain to start shutting down. She couldn't, and wouldn't give up though, kicking him again and giving it everything she had. She hadn't fought for survival her whole life for it to end like this.
"Ah ah ah.." He chided, grabbing her by the ankle and stopping her attack almost effortlessly. Adjusting his hold, he wrenched her foot and ankle to the side so hard the force continued all the way up into her hip. She felt the tendons and ligaments tear away as her joints popped, breaking every bone as the pressure tore through her. Dropping her broken limb to the ground he gave her a licentious grin as he stroked himself a few times.
Her body was going into shock and no matter how she tried, it just wouldn't listen to her anymore. His fingers invaded her body unprepared and tears sprang to her eyes as she realized this was it. She was going to be raped to death in an alley and discarded like trash. It somehow seemed appropriate given her upbringing. She was just glad Byakuya got away.
Byakuya. Her sweet, patient, amazing Byakuya. Haineko had warned her not to wait too long to tell him how she felt, and now here she was, wishing she could see him one last time. Her heart broke at the fact that he'd never know how she loved him, she'd been so close to telling him. But she could at least take solace in the fact that he was safe and alive. He would avenge her, she knew it.
Everything blurred and blackness was starting to creep in at the edges of her vision. Thankfully she wouldn't be conscious of what was about to happen to her. But as her head lolled sideways, she caught a glimpse of shadow on the roof of the building to her left.
Even in the shadows she recognized his silhouette and felt a smile pull at the corners of her lips. He came back. Her heart swelled at the sight, knowing he was there to save her. As much as she wanted to yell at him and call him an idiot for risking his life, she couldn't deny the wave of relief that washed over her. If he was there she didn't need to worry anymore. His presence meant she was safe now, he'd never let Noitorra finish the job.
Turning back to look at the pig on top of her, she watched as Byakuya's Rikujokoro spell bloomed before her eyes, the bright light of the six rods a welcome sight. The look on his face, as he was rendered immobile with his pants around his ankles, was priceless and she felt her smile grow as she looked him in the eye. She turned her gaze back to Byakuya, but he had lept from the roof and was now flying down at Noitorra, delivering a swift hard kick to the side of his head. Unable to react to the blow, it stunned him, throwing him head first against the building to her right. Byakuya wasted no time in casting two more Rikujokoro, following that up with a Hyapporankan for good measure. It wouldn't hold for long, but it would be enough for him to get her out of there.
Being lifted into his arms was excruciating with all of her broken bones, but somehow it still felt wonderful. She was so happy she could cry when the familiar feeling of safety that came from being in his arms washed over her. She knew she was in bad shape, and if she was going to die, his arms would be a much better place than where she'd just been. The feeling of the wind whipping past assured her that he was getting her the hell out of there, and she finally let the blackness threatening her vision claim her.
"Oh my god…I want one of everything." Sipping from her glass as her eyes roamed the menu in front of her. Her little story about her anniversary had earned them a complimentary bottle of the house's finest wine and they were enjoying it while they decided what they wanted to eat.
"Indeed, it all sounds wonderful."
"Maybe we should divide and conquer. You order half the menu. I'll take the other half and we'll split it all. We won't be able to eat for the next month, but I think it will be worth it." Smiling at him from across the table.
"If we ate all of that, I don't think we'd need to eat for a month." He replied with a chuckle at the idea of them both waddling out of there pregnant with "food babies" as she called it.
"Yeah, you're probably right. We could still find two things we'd both like to try and split if you want though."
"Considering we won't have the chance to eat like this again for quite some time I think it sounds like a great idea."
Finally having decided and ordered they sat in a comfortable silence for a few minutes, surveying their surroundings. His eyes kept drifting back to her time and again and it didn't escape his notice that it was the same for most of the men (and women) in the restaurant. How could he blame them though? He felt the old sensation of pride in his chest at being with the most beautiful woman in the room. No one would know it, but he was nervous as Hell.
Well, she might know it. She'd always been able to read him, but lately it was almost uncanny how she seemed to know what he was thinking or feeling. Though he supposed several more years spent together had a lot to do with that. Still, it was strange not being able to hide behind his normal stoic facade anymore. And to some degree, he didn't think he really wanted to keep up that farce any longer. He liked the person he'd become in these years with her, he felt like a real person for the first time in a long time, if ever.
"I bet you miss this kind of life huh? Expensive clothes, food, booze. Exclusive company and all the "finer" things." She said suddenly, topping off her glass and pouring the last of the wine into his glass.
"On the contrary." He said without hesitation.
"This kind of life looks glamorous and fun from the outside I suppose. But honestly it's a lot of politics, stress and boredom. I missed it at first, because it was all that I knew. The simple life we've been living is one I never had the option of. But in the last seven years, I have not had to attend a business or work meeting. I haven't had to do a stitch of paperwork. There is no pressure of living up to other people's expectations. I can train, eat and sleep whenever I wish to, and if I don't feel like it I don't have to. I feel…liberated." He hadn't meant to say that much, but his damn nerves kept him talking.
"Wow. And here I was thinking about what I wouldn't give to live the fancy life. But I'm glad that you aren't bored with our simple life." She said with a slight blush.
"When this is all over, if my family business and fortunes aren't run into the ground, I promise to let you live the "fancy" life for a while. I think you'll find it exhausting though." A wink in her direction.
"Really? You'd spend that much on me? Cause I want the full experience ya know." Flashing him a mischievous smile.
"I would spend whatever is necessary, and then some." Watching her smile grow from ear to ear.
"If only to see you smile like you are right now." Keeping his gaze on her over the rim of his glass.
She flushed a deep scarlet, sipping her own wine and breaking their eye contact, seeming to want to look at anything but him for a moment. It was completely endearing, and he wanted to make her blush like that for the rest of his life.
"Thank you." She said quietly after a moment to compose herself.
"Not necessary, but you are welcome nonetheless." Reaching across the table and taking her hand in his. She looked at him with surprise, but didn't pull away.
"What? You're supposed to be celebrating your anniversary with your lover are you not?" Trying to explain himself, instead of revealing himself.
"Oh. Yeah, I guess that makes sense." Her posture relaxing as she reached out for his other hand. Running his thumbs over the backs of her hands, he felt like it was finally the right moment to speak up. But just as he was about to confess, their dinner arrived at the table. Breaking the spell and taking the wind right out of his sails. Besides, she looked so excited about the food, he couldn't interrupt her.
They ordered another bottle of wine even though it was out of their budget. Reasoning that they wouldn't get a chance for another night like this until after Aizen was defeated and they should really make the most of it. Even after that traitor was dethroned, who knew how long it would take before there was some semblance of normal life again?
He wasn't lying when he told her he enjoyed the life they were living. When this was all over, he wanted to find a balance between his old life and the new. No more working himself to death, no more keeping others at a distance. He was fully intent on living his life the way he wanted, and no one would convince him otherwise. And he hoped she would be a part of that life.
Their meal was fantastic, which was to be expected after seven years of home cooked meals. Not that Rangiku wasn't an excellent cook, they just couldn't afford higher end ingredients. And honestly, as long as it was edible it was good enough for them for the time being. So to eat something so exquisite was truly a treat.
Leaving the restaurant the sun was painting the sky brilliant hues of purple, orange and pink. It's light made her look like she was glowing, the smile on her face was one of complete satisfaction. And he was pleasantly surprised to feel her lace her fingers through his as they prepared for the walk home.
"Hmmm…I think I changed my mind about desert." She said suddenly.
"Shall we go back?" Giving her hand a light squeeze.
"Not at all. I don't want it right now. I was just thinking that by the time we get back home, I'll probably want a snack. We can just grab some strawberry mochi, or some dango from one of the food stalls. It doesn't have to be fancy."
"Hmm, while I don't usually indulge in sweets, I agree that some strawberry mochi sounds like a perfect way to end the evening." Scanning the area for what they were looking for.
"Doesn't it though? Ooh, there's a place that looks good." Pointing to a place up ahead on the left. The crowd had cleared out a bit, so they didn't have to worry about losing one another.
"Oh my God, that scarf is adorable!" She said, looking at a shop across from the food stall they were approaching.
"Do you wanna get a closer look? I can handle buying dessert on my own if you wanna wander over there." Watching her large grin turn into an
"If you don't mind. I'll just be over here looking at all the cute clothes."
Surprise was a mild word for how he felt when she suddenly raised up on her toes and kissed him on the cheek. Winking at him before making her way across to the shop. He watched her go in stunned silence. His hand felt cold without hers in it. Was she still playing up their little story from the restaurant? Or was it possible she felt the way he did, but was more bold about it? It was going to drive him nuts until they got away from all these people and he finally told her.
His nerves were going haywire at the thought of spilling his guts to her mere minutes from now. He had practiced what he wanted to say a million times in his head, never daring to say it out loud, but he was still afraid of messing it up. It's funny, he was a powerful captain and head of a high noble family before all of this and he'd never felt nervous about anything. But along came Rangiku, and he was falling all over himself. Apparently she had that effect on men. He used to quietly make fun of Hisagi for the way he fawned over her, and now here he was under her spell.
Finally his turn in line, he ordered the desserts and was just paying for them when he felt a burst of strong spiritual pressure. He felt his eyes go wide in surprise, and made sure not to turn around. If he didn't look at the Espada, who was apparently right on top of them, maybe he would pass through without noticing them. Afterall, they didn't have their Zanpaktou. So as long as they kept their pressures hidden he shouldn't look twice.
Awkwardly he accepted the mochi that the stall owner handed him. The poor man's hands were shaking like a leaf as he too was trying to avoid looking at the Espada. He took a moment to put money back in his coin pouch and tried to turn as casually as possible to check on Rangiku. There had been a commotion but he wasn't focusing on it. Though once his eyes landed on where she'd been standing it was clear he should have.
"Hey! Get your hands off of me! It was an honest mistake." She cried, her feet dangling above the ground.
His stomach lurched up into his throat and he felt like he might lose the entire dinner he'd just eaten. He was absolutely terrified at the sight before him, the fear slowing his mind to a crawl for a few moments. All of his senses were dulled and the only thing he could hear was his own heartbeat in his ears. He vaguely felt the sweets fall from his hand as she was put back on her feet. But Noitorra didn't let go.
She was going to be taken by him, if he didn't snap out of it and do something. But what could he do? He didn't have Senbonzakura, so the chance of defeating the Espada one on one, hell even two on one, was dismal. But there was no way she could take him on her own either.
Their eyes locked as she was being dragged away and he could see how scared she was. There was something else in her gaze that he couldn't place, but broke his heart nonetheless. "Go…run" she mouthed to him, gesturing with her free hand. They had agreed long ago that if either of them were to be caught the other should run, and should get away as fast as they could. He'd agreed, always believing he would be the one to get hauled into the first division, if either of them, not her.
Shaking the fog in his head away a bit he took one step towards home. She wanted him to be safe and find a way to save her, and everyone else. But then he heard her scream, and he realized that Noitorra wasn't taking her to Aizen at all. He'd dragged her into a dark alley to assumedly have his way with her. Why else would he go through the trouble to make sure they weren't out in the open? Nothing about the situation sat right with him and he wasn't just going to abandon her. Especially when he felt the creeps spiritual pressure flare out, she was definitely not making it easy on Noitorra.
Even without Senbonzakura he was still well versed in many powerful kido spells. He wouldn't need to engage the Espada in combat, he could simply bind him up long enough for her to get away. Now all he had to do was find the right vantage point and wait for the perfect moment to strike.
Finding another alley just beyond the one they'd gone down, he used the shadows to hide the fact that he was launching himself up to the roof. It wouldn't do well for someone to see him using his Shinigami skills in the upper districts. Staying as low as he could he made his way across the rooftops until the two of them came into sight. Noitorra had her by the throat, his larger body blocking most of his view of her. He wanted to jump right in and wrestle her away from that piece of shit, but he knew he couldn't. He had to wait for the right moment no matter how hard it might be to see her being hurt.
"I'm supposed to drag you into Aizen when I'm done with you since you have spiritual pressure, but I think I'm gonna fuck you to death instead." He heard the "man" say, and he felt his blood boil. Containing his hot headed nature was going to take everything he had.
"Fuck you!" She rasped out, spitting in Noitorra's face.
The Espada's spiritual pressure let loose as he slammed her into the ground. She responded in kind, kicking him hard enough to make him stumble back a bit, allowing her some much needed air. Wasting no time she started charging up a Shakkaho, but Noitorra was faster, her spell being thrown wildly off course as he grabbed her. The sound of her bones breaking and her screams of anguish would haunt him for the rest of his life. He couldn't wait any longer, the moment wasn't perfect but he had no choice; this couldn't go on any longer.
Casting a Rikujokoro he launched himself at Aizen's henchman, landing a hard kick to his head. It was just enough to allow him time to cast a few more binding spells. It wasn't going to hold him long, but his Shunpo was second only to the demon cats and he was sure he could get her out of there before the spells broke.
She was hurt so badly, but there wasn't time to be gentle, lifting her into his arms and disappearing in a burst of Shunpo in one swift move.