A/N: Sorry folks. I was plagued by a severe case of procrastination. I've had this chapter written for a while now, but didn't feel like typing it. Cause it's long, and I hate typing. Anyway here ya go. Oh, and I know I promised better revision, but yeah, not happening this time. (I will be dying over all my mistakes later if it makes you feel better)

Castianamicheals: Teehee...So glad someone saw through my scheme XD I did my best to entertain thee in this here chapter.

Mugetsu Nura: Sorry...this was no where near a soon update. I'm bad at procrastinating. Here is the long awaited next chapter. I have begun chapter 7 already, so it hopefully won't be as long a wait for that update XD

No warnings this time! I think…

I disclaim ownership of Bleach.

…

Chapter Six: Escape

Byakuya once again swept his gaze over the figure huddled in the far corner. He hadn't spoken at all when they threw him back in, he merely grunted at the impact before settling in a corner of the cell.

He tried several times to get the boy's attention, to ask what had happened this time around, however, Ichigo remained unresponsive, hidden in his own thoughts.

Concern etched the noble's face more so than before. He had expected the boy to return unfazed as usual, to keep bragging that he was fine when it was so obvious he wasn't. The now silent teen worried the Captain even more than the false bravado from before. He searched the figure for any injury that may have reduced the boy to such a state. Other than a few bruises on his sides, and bleeding gouges on his wrists, he seemed no worse than the day before.

Byakuya opened his mouth to try yet again when the boy lurched to the side and emptied his stomach on the floor beside him.

"Ichigo-"

"Sorry. Was trying not to do that." Ichigo mumbled hoarsely as he scooted away from the mess he made.

As he moved closer to Byakuya and away from the corner, Byakuya could see the bruises clearly.

With growing horror, he realized the marks were, in fact, hand prints. He felt sick himself as he realized what had transpired during Ichigo's absence. Anger surged within the noble at first, but he fought it back. It was not yet time to loose his anger, that would come later. Right now, he had to take care of a traumatized boy, while hopefully convincing him to follow Byakuya's plan.

He reached out to place a hand on the teen's shoulder, hoping to somehow reassure him. Ichigo saw the movement and flinched violently away before his hand landed.

"Ichigo, I'm not going to hurt you," Byakuya said quietly.

"But-" Ichigo began, looking at the noble fearfully. He could see the teen's eyes begin to glisten as he fought back tears.

Without a single thought toward his dignity, he grabbed Ichigo and enveloped him in his arms. Ichigo struggled frantically, trying to push the noble away. Byakuya only tightened his hold, successfully stilling the teen against his chest.

"Byakuya?" a quivering voice sounded.

"Hush Ichigo. I know. I know what it is they did, and I'm sorry I couldn't protect you from such a thing. I won't let them touch you again." He tightened his hold even more when he heard quiet sobbing coming from the boy.

A few long moments passed before Byakuya gently pushed Ichigo away so he could speak. "I've thought of a way out, or at least a way to alert Soul Society of our whereabouts. I'm afraid it's something you will be quite adverse to though. I think that if we used your strongest form, we may be able to be free of this place. Your hollow can come out as he wishes, therefore I'm sure we can-" Byakuya instantly stopped talking as he watched Ichigo's expression change from slight fear to outright horror. "Ichi-"

"I can't," Ichigo interrupted. "You don't know what that beast can do, I might kill you Byakuya! Hell if no one can stop me I could destroy everything! I can't. I don't know what will happen."

"You could also be very helpful, like you said, you don't know, neither do I. We have a chance to get out, we should take it. I am confident I could stop you if you lose control."

"I can't, I won't risk it. What's the point if we die in the process. I wo-"

"Oh, shut up. Fucking wimp!" A double voice rang out as Ichigo's body stiffened momentarily and a white mask began to form. "Here the man's got a good plan going, probably our only chance, and you won't even consider it? Pathetic."

Byakuya released the teen before him as the hollow took full control.

"I can release him, if that's what you really want. You have absolutely no idea how unpredictable he can be, so I suggest you don't underestimate 'im. Zangetsu and I keep him under lock and key. Ichigo's instincts are wild, and very easily provoked. None of us will have any control once he's loose, so it's up to you to end his rampage. I suggest aiming for the mask, even a small crack if you can, that's how it ended last time."

"I see."

"You best brace yourself. I'll hold on to the chain and your collar before the transformation, maybe he'll break them. Get ready, shinigami. He's on his way out, and he's freaking pissed."

Shiro slipped his fingers under the reiatsu collar while gripping the shackle's chain in his other hand. Byakuya shifted to a crouch, prepared to dodge should an attack come his way. He watched as Shiro closed his eyes, watching for the faintest hint of change.

A flicker of reiatsu was all the warning Byakuya had, before a heavy black and red curtain crashed down around them. Byakuya struggled to keep his balance as the heavy reiatsu pressed down on him. He gasped for breath as the overwhelming power nearly crushed him. He vaguely heard the door to the cell opening and the panicked voices of their captors.

Pain bloomed around his neck as sharp claws raked across tender skin. They served their purpose as a moment later the suppressor was shattered. Byakuya jerked back and watched worriedly as the black reiatsu receded, revealing a fearsome being.

Byakuya studied the figure before him. The once warm eyes were now black holes, his skin ashen white. Sharp angled horns protruded from his head, blood red lines streaked down its face before disappearing into the hole on his chest. Fiery tufts of fur lined his collar bone, wrists, and ankles. His hands had turned into vicious claws, blacked at the tips. Long orange hair flowed from beneath the mask, slightly duller than Ichigo's vibrant shade.

Byakuya stayed as still as he could behind the owner of the crushing reiatsu, if he could nearly flatten him from just standing, he was sure the beast would have no trouble killing him.

A low growl filled the room as the being looked at the fear-stricken faces before him.

A few tense seconds passed as their captors stood in utter shock. Then the leader took a step back, while shoving his subordinates forward. "Don't just stand there, get him. We can't let them escape!"

One man hesitantly stepped forward, however before his foot met the ground, the hollow was behind him, with a claw protruding from the man's middle. Byakuya blinked in surprise at the speed the being possessed. Before anyone else could comprehend what had happened, the vanished again. Moments later, the rest of the subordinates lay on the ground, either dead, or grievously wounded.

The leader turned and bolted down the hallway, hoping to escape the same fate. Byakuya had expected the hollow to pursue the man, instead he roared angrily before bending at the waist and charging a cero between his horns.

Byakuya's eyes widened as the pressure from the death ray increased dramatically, forcing the captain to his knees. He fought to stand again as Ichigo released the energy, leaving a path of destruction before him.

He needed to end the hollow's rampage, before he got too far out of control. He began reciting the spell for his favorite kido, hoping it would be enough to shatter the hollow's mask. He stood and held his hand out as the hollow turned toward him.

Byakuya didn't waver. He kept his voice steady, even as the hollow vanished from his senses. A second later the hollow appeared right before him, wrapping it's clawed hand around his throat. He quickly pressed his hand against the mask as he finished the spell, and released the blue lightning point blank.

The hand crushing his throat tightened even more, before the hollow stilled and the mask shattered.

Byakuya gasped in relief as the pressure around his neck loosened and Ichigo's face was once more visible.

Ichigo's skin slowly regained it's color, as the boy took back control. "What's going on?"

Ichigo looked around in confusion, he took in the destruction around him before looking at Byakuya questioningly. He didn't notice until that moment, that his hand was lightly gripping Byakuya's throat. His eyes widened as he let out a strangled gasp. Beneath his hand was angrily bruised skin, marred by deep, bleeding gashes.

"I'm sorry, Ichigo. I know you didn't want to," Byakuya started as Ichigo removed his hand and swayed dangerously. "Don't blame yourself for my actions."

"I did it again, I'm sorry." Byakuya reached out and caught the teen as he fell, exhausted and unconscious.

"Forgive me, Ichigo." Byakuya murmured as he lifted him in his arms and flash stepped through the debris.

...

"Captain Ukitake! A hollow has been detected in the mountain range west of Karakura Town. It's an espada level signature, it may be the strongest on record!"

"Send Squads Ten and Six to investigate. It may be who we've been looking for."

"Right away sir!"

"I do hope it is them."

"I do too, Captain."

….

A/N: Tis done. Sigh. Not the story! Just the chapter. Forgot how exciting I made it XD I hope you enjoyed it!

If you haven't already, please check out my other fanfictions! Don't forget to Review! It's very helpful, and the more you bug me the less likely I'll procrastinate. Seriously.

Anyway, I feel like this story is almost over, maybe another chapter or two. Might squeeze in three.

See ya next time!