A/n: My god. I just re-read the last chapter, to try and jump start my writing engine, and well... did anyone else cackle evil-like at Byakuya's angry thoughts? I totally just did. To tell you the truth, I don't even know how this chapter is gonna go XD I think this might end up being the last chapter? Maybe...

Chapter Nine: Revenge

Every breath he took, was a battle to remain calm and collected. Byakuya knew if he let even the smallest sign of agitation show, Ichigo would feel it. Who was, at this moment, sitting painfully still on the bed, waiting. Waiting for the nightmarish meeting to begin.

Byakuya sighed, then winced when the slight sound of his exhale made Ichigo twitch.

He reached his hand toward the boy, meaning to gently bring him out of his thoughts.

"It's time to-" Ichigo reeled away instantly, eye's widened in fear and confusion, before he scowled and looked away.

"It's time to go, Ichigo." Byakuya whispered this time. The fear in those once strong eyes sent a sharp pain through his soul.

"Right."

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Ichigo forced his mind blank as he followed Byakuya to the meeting hall. He tried to pay attention to Byakuya's reassuring words, but could barely hear over his pulse roaring in his ears. Why is it so terrifying? It's not right. I shouldn't be this scared, it's stupid. Stupid. I mean, Byakuya was there and he looks calm. How does he do that? He knows everything that happened in there- No. Don't think about it yet. Just a few more steps, then some talking, then I can go back and not think about it anymore. Yeah, sounds gre-

"We're here." Shit! I can't, I'm not ready!

"Ichigo. Breathe, try to calm down. I will be beside you throughout the meeting. I will start with my report, then you can fill in the details I was not there for."

"Yeah, I'm okay. I can do this."

Ichigo closed his eyes as the doors swung open. He moved forward when beckoned. Listened absently while the judges started the meeting. Answered when simple questions were directed to him. Then Byakuya was talking, telling the judges all that he had witnessed while chained in the cell. He even described their captors perfectly.

And all too soon, it was his turn.

His head spun as he tried to remember what he should be saying. The room all but disappeared as panic flooded through his veins. He could hear the judges repeating their questions, he knew he was supposed to answer, but his brain remained muddled. His thoughts trapped behind the rushing current of fear.

A hand landed on his shoulder, warm and strong. Byakuya's here. He focused on the steel grey eyes before him. He's here, so it's okay.

He took a deep shuddering breath, and began his report.

First, what happened first? Oh yeah, they beat me...His voice sounded odd, as though someone else were speaking for him. Many times. But I was stronger than them. They beat me, but it didn't work.

He kept his attention on the warm hand that rested reassuringly on his shoulder. It made it easier to focus.

Then, then they chained Byakuya- ah wait, Byakuya already told them that. Next, they gave me an injection. I killed my friends. No, no I didn't. It was a dream, whatever they gave me hurt a lot. It burned, then I was dreaming, it felt real though. Even now, I can't quite shake despair I felt when I saw those dreams. It still feels real.

I don't remember forcing Shiro out. I guess I did. That's what Byakuya said.

I think a few days passed after that, the effects lingered and I continued having those vivid, real dreams. But Byakuya was there for that, he's already covered most of our capture.

The only thing left is...is...

The panic that he'd tampered from before raged to life. I can't say it. God, I don't want to go back there!

Someone called his name, he ignored it. There were hands on him. They were was gripping him roughly. He couldn't move. Cold fingers moved across his skin leaving icy trails. He shivered violently as the man whispered in his ear. Pain so much pain as he was repeatedly violated. Stop, please stop. Don't move anymore. Please...Burning tears escaped passed the blindfold, he felt so very helpless. This shouldn't be happening-

"Ichigo!"

Ichigo gasped as he was none to gently slammed back to the present. Byakuya was shaking him, concern etched across his face. He was back in the meeting hall.

"What happened?" Byakuya's voice matched his worried expression.

He lifted a hand to his face as he tried to make sense of the event. Then he was pulling his hand away, his fingers damp. Shit, now I'm fucking crying in front of everyone.

"I don't think I can finish," he whispered.

"Ichigo Kurosaki, based off your report, and that of Captain Kuchiki we can see that you have not yet recovered. We will take your report as finished, but as soon as you are able, we will need at least a written account of the events that took place.

We currently have some men in custody thanks to the efforts of Captain Hitsuguya and Lieutenant Abarai. After this meeting is finished, their trial will begin. We do not require you to be here for the trial, therefore you may take your leave, both of you."

Byakuya inclined his head toward the judge that spoke. "We thank you. I'll be sure to see to it that Ichigo rests as he should."

"You are dismissed."

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"You have been brought before us for the following charges. Kidnapping of a high ranking officer of the Gotei Thirteen. Kidnapping of the Substitute Shinigami and Hero of the Winter War. You are charged with illegal experimentation with unknown drugs, for the abuse of a human minor. You are charged with sealing a Captain's reiatsu. You are charged with rape of a human minor. Lastly, you are charged with tampering with the balance of the three worlds by using high reiatsu in the World of the Living. Evidence and testimonies have proven your guilt of these crimes.

"You are hear by sentenced to live out your days in the depths of Muken. Have you any last words?"

"Hahaha! You were too late! I got my revenge on that glory thief! It was supposed to be me that rose to glory, I had the means to end that traitor! Then Kurosaki Ichigo showed up. My clan was all but forgotten. You remember don't you? The Izumi clan was about to release their ground breaking study on biological weapons, weapons that would have made winning the war quite easy.

"We were days from being the top! Then that brat broke in, Central 46 ceased all projects they deemed unimportant. Including mine. Even after the new Central 46 was introduced, my clan remained forgotten.

"Don't you worry though. I got my revenge. I broke that little brat. I fucked him up. Quite literally, too! So lock me away! I'm satisfied. This time, don't forget my name."

"Bind him! Your sentence remains. You will be immediately escorted away from Seireitei."

"This trial is now over! Dismissed!"

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Byakuya scowled as the black butterfly relayed the results of the trial. He's going to Muken. That usually takes several days to reach. I have plenty of time.

"Are you sure it's alright?" Byakuya let the butterfly go and turned toward Ichigo.

"Yes. This house is well suited for peaceful recovery. You are more than welcome to stay for as long as you need. I will show you to your room. It has been a long day for the both of us, an early rest would be good."

"Thanks. I really couldn't stand to be in the Fourth much longer, and I really don't feel like talking to anyone else at the moment. Don't get me wrong, I'll be happy to see Rukia and the rest of my friends, but right now it would be too much. Going straight home didn't sound so great either. So thanks, a lot."

"Think nothing of it. Now excuse me, I am quite ready to turn in for the night. Sleep well, Ichigo."

"Goodnight, Byakuya."

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Several hours later, a figure shrouded in black, slipped passed the gate to the Kuchiki estate.

Not a single ounce of reiatsu slipped through his expert control. No sword, nor adornments decorated the figure as he flash stepped with speed rivaling that of the Flash Goddess. His features were hidden behind a dark cloth, though he didn't care if anyone saw him. For his mind was on one thing, and one thing only.

To end the life of a monster.

…

A/n: I thought this was gonna be the last. Nope! Might as well finish with an even number of chapters XD

Actually the reason I'm stopping is cause I'm quite literally falling asleep as I type this. So yeah, enjoy, my people. I'll thoroughly edit this story and fix all grammar mistakes when I finish it. I know this chapter will be riddled.

Also, I'm sorry I didn't make the villain's back story a little more interesting. I had bigger plans, and better plans, but this is what my brain pooped out in the moment. Yeah... it definitely could have been better.

Next chapter will be the end! Thank you all my wonderful followers, and all my lovely reviewers. You are my inspiration!

Till next time!

~Eir