"Why are we running!" demands Ichigo.
"Unohana-taichou, can you heal Hitsugaya-taichou please," Byakuya says ignoring Ichigo's words. The medical captain nods.
"Explain yourself Byakuya!"
"I do not need to explain myself to you," Byakuya replies coldly.
Ichigo explodes in anger, "She's your sister! You're just going to let her stay Aizen's captive!"
Byakuya does not reply.
"I'm going back," Ichigo says while turning his back on the sixth squad captain. Just as Ichigo is about to leave, Renjy mutters, "I'm going with you. I'm sorry, Taichou, but I can't let Rukia stay here." Without waiting for an answer, the two flame-haired shinigami sprint in the direction of Aizen's castle.
"Don't waste your breath, Hitsugaya-taichou," Byakuya says without looking at the young captain, "We'll follow them as soon as you're ready."
"Aizen-sama, it seems we have some un-welcomed guests," Gin says with a devilish grin. "Shall we activate the traps?"
"No," Sosuke replies with a sideways glance at Yukiko, "let them through. If Yukiko fights them, she'll surely resist only quickening weakening her will power. The sooner she's under our control, the better."
Gin nods before rushing to the control room.
"Tousen, bring Kuchiki Rukia here. A hostage would make the fight much more interesting," Sosuke orders. "Yuki, please prepare for our guests."
"Don't you think it's odd, Kuchiki-taichou?" the younger captain asks as they run through the maze-like halls of Sosuke's castle. "I would have expected Aizen to fill this place with traps."
"Just stay on your guard," warns Byakuya.
"Oy, Ichigo, don't you think it's odd that we haven't run into any traps yet," Renji asks as he follows Ichigo into yet another room.
"Just think of it as getting closer to-Rukia!" Ichigo suddenly shouts seeing his friend sitting in the middle of an empty room. "Rukia! We're coming!"
"No! Ichigo don't come any closer!" she exclaims, but it's too late.
"Way of Binding #4, Hainawa." Two ropes shoot out from the shadows, immobilizing Ichigo and Renji.
"Too easy," Yukiko sighs as she steps out of the shadows. "I would have expected more from the famous Kurosaki Ichigo and Vice-Captain Abarai Renji."
Out of the corner of Yukiko's eyes, she sees Rukia move. "One more move, and I'll kill you," Yukiko threatens, unsheathing her zanpaktou.
"Yuki! Please let them go!" Rukia cries. Yukiko just walks past her. "I'll give you a choice," she tells the new hostages, "you can die by my blade, or by my kido."
"I will never die by your hand until Rukia is safe!" Ichigo retorts.
"Oh? In that case, I'll let you live for as long as you can. Cherish each breath you take and every second that passes, for no matter what you want to believe, you will die by my hand and Rukia will stay with me."
Yukiko walks over to the two "heroes" and places a palm over Renji's heart. "The initial death may be quick, but it's the moments before death itself make this worthwhile. You may thank Kurosaki Ichigo for this."
"Ye lord!" Yukiko begins reciting the prayer for the simple hado, slow and calmly. "Mask of flesh and bone, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man!" As Yukiko continues, fear grows in Renji's eyes, and Yukiko can feel his heart begin to race. "Truth and temperance, upon this sinless wall of dreams unleash but slightly the wrath of your claws."
"Yuki stop!" Rukia wails.
"Way of Destruction #33, So-" Yukiko's attack was cut short by a lightening bolt being shot directly at her.
"N-Nii-sama!" Rukia exclaims.
"Kuchiki-taichou," Yukiko taunts, "did you come to watch your lieutenant die?"
"Give up Hitsugaya. You're clearly outnumbered," Byakuya replies coldly.
"How so? One is my puppet, two are being held by my kido, one is a medical captain, and the other is my brother. You're the only one that will truly fight me," Yukiko replies simply. "But even you have a weakness." Yukiko smirks while walking back to Rukia, and placing the tip of her blade against Rukia's throat. "One move, and I'll kill her."
Nobody takes a breath. After a long pause, Byakuya takes a step.
"No!" Ichigo and Renji shout at the same time. Rukia tenses waiting for the blade to cut through her like a knife through butter. However, Yukiko doesn't move.
"Please," Yukiko murmurs as Byakuya gets closer, "Please kill me." Yukiko's arms shook as she spoke. "I'm begging you! Please!" Yukiko stares up at Byakuya through watery blue eyes. As Yukiko spoke, the ropes binding Ichigo and Renji slowly disintegrated into thin air.
"You'll be fine," Byakuya whispers while lowering Yukiko's arm, letting the tip of her sword touch the ground. He signals Ichigo to grab Rukia.
"Leave now! It's not safe," Yukiko chokes out. "I don't want to hurt you."
"Leave. I'll follow in the rear," Byakuya orders. The other shinigami obey and begin to file out of the room. Once everyone left, Byakuya leans down and kisses Yukiko lightly on the cheek. "Be safe," he whispers.
"Why won't you kill me? With me in this state, I can't guarantee anyone's safety."
"Because I trust you." Byakuya turns and disappears through the doorway.
"Then you are a fool." Yukiko repeats the words that Byakuya had once said to her.
"Wake up and kill," Sosuke whispers with a snap of his fingers. Yukiko could feel the darkness's claws pull stronger on her until she couldn't fight it anymore and fell back into the bottomless pit. Then, there was a scream and a pool of blood.
Don't you just love cliffhangers! :) Now, the epic part~WHO'S BLOOD IS IT!!!!!!
Luv, Candygrl2008
