I am very sorry, for not posting sooner.. have been going crazy editing.. expect re-edited beginning chapters soon.. Then there is the many projects I have taken on... But I wanted to get this up before I went to Dragoncon... fun, frolic, and stalking for the crazed fangirl. If your going just look for the one that is causing all the trouble that would be me.. Also I am on Deviant art under lillithaffect, I am only telling you this because if any good pics come out of the con that is where they will be.

I promise this is all written and complete... I just really hate editing and wanted to improve my writing.. so it was more, mature.. I like my own ideas but need to work on execution. Uch.. I do so hate editing..

OK enough of my babbling on to the next chapter.. sorry it is so short but I didn't want to leave anyone hanging..

Rayna waited alone in Byakuyas' office absently fingering the pendant around her neck as she stared out the window at the pouring rain. The sounds of the main unit hummed rhythmically through the door. Life in the Seireitei was so normal and hers was about to change so drastically. It seemed surreal. A familiar spiritual pressure approached and a grin touched the corners of her lips. Turning her head just as Byakuya walked through the doorway, she smiled at him as he silently closed the door and made his way to her.

Violet blue eyes held her captive as he approached and she was at a loss for words. Dark hair swayed around his shoulders as aristocratic features softened for her. Rayna fought to hold on to her composure, she didn't want to leave him, but what she was, was forcing them apart. When she left for court an eternity would pass before she could be near him again.

Byakuya took a long look at Rayna. Hazel eyes twinkled with brilliant sparkles of green, gold and brown. Soft plush pink lips smiled at him and were a complementary contrast to her the ivory skin of her round face. Even though the masses of auburn hair were tucked underneath a green cap, he knew it was there waiting for him to run his fingers through it.

The recruit uniform she wore was one that he had worn at the academy. Despite the disguise, beauty was all he could see. It still appalled him that he had not seen through it sooner. Seeing her dressed in his clothes gave him a strange erotic pleasure, but he would give almost anything to see her dressed as a lady in a formal Kimono.

Coming around his desk to stand behind her, he pulled her into a comforting embrace. It was inappropriate but propriety be dammed he wanted to be near her and their time together was at an end. Once she was gone he knew he would crave the feel of her body against his. Rayna relaxed into him as she turned her head and nuzzled her face against the side of his neck. Hot breath swept across his skin causing a reaction deep within him. Trailing his lips across her cheek he said, "the others will be here momentarily and it is best…" The trinket she loosely held with got his attention as he trailed off. Reaching up and around her, he gently fingered the pendant. "You carry a relic of the king?" Byakuya questioned with a tone of curiousness in his voice.

Pride and sorrow filled her eyes as Rayna half smiled up at him. "A gift from my mother, she was one of the kings sentinels'. It allowed her to travel between worlds in order to transport and protect the kings many treasures." Removing her hand she let Byakuya study it freely as she continued to explain. "It can only be used by someone that carries the kings blood trait, for some, even then it can be difficult."

Rubbing his fingers over the small triangular shaped pendant Byakuya studied the treasure. Three perfectly balanced sides of highly polished black stone with inlaid gold wording written in the Kings scroll. The bottom was rough and slight ridges could be seen as if it had been broken. "All who seek purity may find the path," he read aloud as he continued to study the pendant that hung from a thin gold chain.

"My mother told me what it meant when I was very small," Rayna said brushing her fingers over his. "It needs pure Reiatsu to work. If the power you feed into it is not pure it will never open the gateway no matter how strong it is. For me it… it requires minimal effort and I pass through the worlds quit easily." Rayna further enlightened him, which explained how easily she went from the soul society to the world of the living.

"The verse is incomplete," Byakuya breathed over her shoulder as he continued to study the artifact. "All who seek purity may find the path of truth and light beyond the darkness.' This relic is incomplete." His voice suddenly changed as he stiffened against her. Rayna did have the answers after all. There was a second half to her talisman. If Kane had even the smallest traces of Lady Hirans' blood trait he could use the other half to open a portal to Hueco Mundo. Testing a theory he asked, "what realms can you travel to?" His tone came out a little harsher than intended as he reverted to his warrior self.

In turn Rayna stiffened against him as she looked over her shoulder at him. "Just between the soul society and the living world any other gateways are unstable."

Aware that he was alerting her to his thoughts Byakuya took a moment to relax back into Rayna and softened his tone purposefully. "I am certain your mother meant you to have it as a means of protection." Releasing the stone he brought a hand and caressed the side of her face as he kissed the soft skin of her cheek.

"Oh, no you don't…," Rayna started, "There is something you aren't telling me." Turning in his arms she looked up at him. Challenge reflected in her eyes as sparks of yellow ignited. Byakuya tightened his hold even as she pushed her hands against his chest. The defiance didn't last long and she melted back into him. Although flecks of annoyance glistened in her eyes and her chin was still slightly set against him, she wound her arms around his neck. "I know you are trying to protect me but, I am not a child."

Sighing outwardly he clasped her chin with his thumb and forefinger. "No, you are not," Byakuya said as he ran the pad of his thumb over her bottom lip. "Rayna, you may have given me the answers I need to fulfill your request, that is all." Unable to resist he brushed his lips over her inviting mouth, and felt her respond immediately. The pull they felt was undeniable and he found it comforting that she felt it just as strongly as he did.

Accepting the kiss and the partial truth Rayna said, "be careful Lord Kuchiki… the traitor that pursues me has already killed one captain." Worry filled Rayna despite knowing the ability of the twilight eyed noble. His power was unmistakable but they faced a cunning enemy. "I know I have added to your obligations with my own…'" There was so much she wanted to say but couldn't find the words. "I just want…"

"I know," Byakuya whispered against her lips as he cradled her face in his hand. Raynas warning was not taken as an insult because her intention was protecting him. Stealing one last kiss, he tasted her again drinking deeply. Gently he caressed and explored her mouth trying to savor it. Reluctantly he pulled away and said, "we are expected." Gently he guided her toward the door. When it opened without warning, Rayna pulled away from him.

Musagai burst in uninvited, with a look of deep concern on his face. Yarinju could be heard behind him, "let no one pass after us." There was a very clear or else in his tone and when he entered the room he headed straight for the two standing next to the window. The pair of them where dressed in Shihakushō, both carrying their Zanpakuto and had a battle ready looks about them. Something was wrong and fear paralyzed Rayna.

Seeing the look on Raynas face Musagai tried to calm her, "Rayna it is time to go, I am sorry there has been a slight change in plans."

Yarinju did not mince words or actions he walked over to Rayna grasped her arm and started to drag her with him. "I am sorry Lady Rayna we have to go, there isn't much time." Turning to look over his shoulder he added "Captain it is best you come as well your assistance may be needed."

Digging her heels in Rayna forced Yarinju to stop. "What has happened?" she asked with a clear tone of authority. It was time for her to stop blindly fallowing them and allowing others to die for her. The strained voice of her long time companion told her that there was about to be bloodshed. "I will not follow you blindly while others fight my battle. What has happened?" The question echoed into silence. Setting her chin in defiance she reiterated, "I will not comply until I have the truth." When she finished she tugged back at the arm that was held by fatherly companion, forcing him to look at her.

Yarinju was suddenly weary beyond words. The promising future that he had planned for Rayna was coming close to slipping away. "I am sorry mistress I have failed you again. Bad happenstance and political maneuvering have made you more hunted than ever."

"I don't understand, I thought I was going to court." Rayna questioned looking from Yarinju to Musagai. The two remained silent and Rayna pulled her arm away from Yarinju and stepped closer to him. Grabbing his hand she comforted him with her Reiatsu before asking in a gentle voice. "Yarinju Saenon, my protector, my adopted father, and my most trusted friend it is time to tell me all of the truth."

Yarinju looked deep into emerald green eyes of love and his heart almost broke. "I never understood how ones such as you and your mother could be so hunted." His voice cracked as he began. "Most of the past you know. But, you don't know what has transpired since I left to petition the court on your behalf."

Rubbing a hand over his mouth he began, "The King had no knowledge of your existence before the day I appeared before him, you were such a well kept secret. Unfortunately the measures that we took to hide you also kept you hidden from his ever watchful eye. As final proof of your power Akarui were sent to the soul society to find you and report back to the king." The older man stopped he was unable to continue he just looked down at the hand he had unknowing placed on Raynas shoulder. Self contempt was written across his face.

Musagai stepped forward and calmly continued; "only when they came the seal around your neck hid your power and your existence from them. They left reporting that either you didn't exist or had been killed. Yarinju thought you dead until he…" The calm noble paused trying to find wards that would not shock his sister. "Until the day I intercepted him in Captain Kuchikis' office. That very night we both went back before the King begging for an asylum for you. Despite my assurances, his majesty still required proof." Musagai stopped looking into deep hazel eyes that matched his own. "The breaking of the seal was to be the final beacon and allow for you to take your rightful place in court." The noble lord couldn't meet his sisters' gaze any longer. "I am sorry, little sister, I should have been protecting you all along," he finished unable to keep the shame from his face.

Stepping forward Rayna came to stand next to Musagai and tucked an errant hair behind his ear. "I am sorry for leaving you for so long, I should have ignored my pride and returned dishonored thief or not." Looking slightly up at her twin she could not keep the tears from her eyes, "I wish I didn't have to leave again so soon."

"I would rather be separated from you than suffer another of your deaths." Musagai said with rare vehemence, before wrapping an arm around her neck and placing a soft kiss on her forehead.

"I am sorry; we have to find a place to hide you temporarily." Yarinju started again, wishing he could allow more time for the twin children of Lady Hiran but the situation had become dire. He had to push them forward, "Time is short Lady Rayna. Because, your title had not been fully bestowed by the king, we were helpless to stop what has happened. The Head Captain had not received a binding order for protection from the Akarui. He was forced to heed the warrant issued for your arrest and immediate neutralization. They are coming for you."

"But why not just release the seal?" Rayna asked looking between the two men.

"Because, when Captain Kuchiki breaks it, the surge of power will be beyond your control and it would take no less than three Shinigami of captains' strength to conceal and contain it." Yarinju said as he rested his hands on his hips. "The Akarui will not be arriving for another hour yet, we need to find a way…"

A commotion outside stopped Yarinju mid speech and all looked to the half open door. Yarinju quickly moved placing himself between his charge and the door. Rayna did not miss the look of urgency on his face. He was desperately afraid for her. Looking over his shoulder at her pleaded, "Rayna this time they plan to weaken your body in order to control your Reiatsu, you have to run now, as and as fast as you can. Go to Kisuke, he will know what to do. I will fallow as soon as I can."

"I will not leave you behind to die for me," Rayna said as she clutched his arm. The strange feeling of finality was back. Death circled them all as if they were in an ocean of sharks. Shaking her head in disbelief she looked around the room at the three men who all had pleading looks on their faces. They wanted her to run and leave them behind. They were willing to stay and fight, maybe even die in order to protect her.

The noise of fighting outside the room seemed to rebound deep into Raynas soul and then there was sudden silence. Renjis' stern voice could be heard. "That is as far as you go, Captain Kuchiki doesn't want to be bothered."

Another voice was heard saying, "I'm sorry Renji, Kane Hirosasuke has issued a warrant for his sisters arrest. You know I have to follow our orders."

"Yeah, and you know I have to follow mine." Renji answered in challenge. The clashing of blades echoed eerily into the room as the fight continued.

Rayna didn't hear anything else as clarity rained over her mind and truth was washed free of its darkness. It seemed strange to her that she should feel so calm as the violent events of the past suddenly had sense and meaning. "All along it has been Kane," she whispered, wondering how she didn't' see it sooner.

Violence erupted into the office they stood in as several Shinigami invaded. Musagai was the first to intercept, slashing at them with his Zanpakuto. Yarinju raised his spiritual pressure preparing to enter the battle; he pulled himself away from the hands that clutched him. Byakuya had already drawn his sword. Rayna was so afraid for them that she had to act. Suddenly in that moment of clarity, she made up her mind. "I will go without protest," she yelled and the entire room froze.

"NO!" Yarinju shouted, drawing his Zanpakuto from the air around him. The opposing force seemed momentarily stunned, awed by the enemy they now had to face.

Byakuya glanced over at Rayna just in time to see the dangerous look come across her features. Before he could act, she flash-stepped across the room. With a grace that he could only marvel at, she took advantage of the lull and disabled several of the opposing Shinigami without inflicting any serious wounds. From the door way she addressed the room as she placed her Zanpakuto back in its sheath. Taking on her noble presence she said to the room of felled opponents "I said I would go without protest, I didn't say I would go on your terms. Tell Kane this ends tonight." Without a sound or even a rustle of fabric she disappeared.

Todays background noise included Boom Boom Satelites.. chaotic music at its best.. and Eureka... (did I mention I am stalking Colin Fergusun... poor guy doesn't know what is going to hit him)

Tite Kubo owns Bleach, I don't, but I am still a fan even if i am a little disappointed in him lately.. (although now that Byakuyas eye color has been finally confirmed I have more editing to do. I really figured them for a dark blue.. dusk color.. sorry)