Lots of apologies today, sorry for taking so long, sorry for it being so long, sorry if you don't like it, and really there was only one way this could have gone right?
Sorry again it took so long.. I just have a gabajillion projects I am working on at once. Oh, Oh go check out lillithaffect on deviant, in my faves is an awesome fan art piece, it is of Byakuya and Rayna kissing, and I loves it. Glee, I have deviant fan art.
Yep, still don't own Bleach, Tite Kubo does, but I am happy to report one of his favorite characters is one of mine.
Today's editing back ground noise was Souleater.. don't ya just love stein and spirit? and music by Lostprophets. (sexy rocker boys, Yeyeah)
One more chapter to tie up loose ends.. be here or not.. its all good.
"As impetuous as she is Rayna is smart, she has a mind for tactics and would not go in without a plan." Yarinju said to Byakuya as they looked down on the Hirosasuke manor from their perch on a cliff. Concealed by a thicket of trees, they watched for any sign of Rayna. "Kane will give audience to you because you are the most prominent of the nobles. Hopefully we can stop my lady before she does something foolish."
Byakuya looked at Rayna s childhood home with a mixture of unrelenting fear and absolute fury. The impetuous redhead gave no thought to her actions or safety. Forcing all his thoughts aside he said, "It is best you stay hidden until the opportune moment presents itself."
"Agreed," Yarinju said, "remember captain I am not here to seek proof of Kane's treachery. But, I cannot do what needs to be done with my lady as witness. Do not engage the enemy, just get Lady Rayna to the Akarui safely." he ordered before turning away and disappearing. The power coming from him was menacing and almost murderous.
"Come Renji," Byakuya said to his lieutenant before heading toward the house that once was Rayna's home. Using Shunpo the two appeared at the gate in moments. The guard was only surprised momentarily, but then that surprise turned into awe as he recognized the high lord before him. Soft spoken words in a stern voice had the man opening the gate immediately, and he fallowed the quivering underling in.
The garden leading to the house was somewhat overgrown and unkempt. It was still a grand manor but not as grand as the Kuchiki house, because of lack of care. The inside suffered from the same neglect. As Byakuya fallowed the nervous guard he was disgusted by the build up of dust and obvious disrepair. The Hirosasuke clan still had power and money, so the derelict state of the house must have been due to the carelessness of Kane Hirosasuke. Honorable lords took interest in their estates, right down to the tiniest pebble of the smallest coy pond.
Still shaking, the servant led them through the house to a receiving chamber that looked like it had not been used in years. The room they had been placed in was overly large with several doors that led to the estates garden. Heavy curtains were recently tied back and dust was still settling. The floors were warped and looked as if they could be rotten, and the only furniture in the room was threadbare and faded. There was a slightly raised platform located at the front of the room that sat between two ornately decorated pillars. Unfortunately their beauty was lost to a thick coating of dust and spider webs. Renji's face flashed with disgust before he neatly masked it.
Byakuya could easily imagine a small auburn haired Rayna running through a much grander house trying to contain her free spirit. Brushing those thoughts aside, he scanned the room for any signs of the woman. He was certain she was already here. With the barest of eye movement he motioned to Renji, who took up post at one of the doors to the garden.
Approaching footsteps told them they would not have to wait long to speak with someone. When Kane Hirosasuke entered the room Byakuya was almost surprised, he was certain he would have been 'dealt with' by a servant. The lord looked regal and commanding dressed in a red Kimono with light gray Hakama. Azure blue eyes assessed the two underneath overly long white blond hair. He carried himself with presence as he walked into the room, ignoring its state.
Bowing politely to Byakuya, he said, "I expected you sooner Lord Kuchiki. I assume my wayward sister is still giving you trouble."
"It is a matter that may require more time to resolve," Byakuya explained truthfully. Partial truths were the best misleading lies.
"Then let us not mince words. You have come here looking for her?" Kane said folding his arms inside his sleeves.
"I have come to offer my assistance. The charge of treason is one that is not taken lightly," Byakuya offered, carefully scrutinizing the noble.
"I no longer require the assistance of Gotei 13," Kane said with no expression on his aristocratic features. "Kurirayna will be held accountable for her betrayal. I will be the one to issue that justice, and her actions will no longer plague you."
"Lady Hirosasuke's actions should be judged by the proper authority," Byakuya corrected. "And, if it deemed that she is in fact a traitor then the punishment should be dispensed by the court guard."
A strange look crossed Kane's face, "Let us be clear, Kurirayna no longer has the right to call herself a lady of this family. I hereby strip her of the name and any titles that are afforded with it. Further more I have no intention of letting you or the court guard interfere in our matters any longer. It seems despite my efforts to assist in my sisters capture and neutralization of her power you have spectacularly failed." The noble did not wait for a reply before he continued, "Instead of chasing her, I will force her to come to me. You see, I have bait."
For an instant Byakuya thought that Kane was about to try and subdue him, but instead he gently clapped his hands together. Two servants came in dragging the nearly unconscious body of Musagai with them. The young noble had been severely beaten and blood trickled down from a cut on his temple and the corner of his mouth. Dark bruises were starting to from were the skin wasn't tight and swollen. The guards holding him unceremoniously dropped him in a heap in front of Kane.
"I intercepted my brother on his way to try and convince the Akarui that Kurirayna belongs at court. Imagine the shame of it." For a moment anger flashed in Kane's eyes before he hid the emotion. "However, I am grateful for your presence, Captain Kuchiki. Today I rid my clan of its cursed blood line and restore power to the rightful heir," Kneeling over Musagai he spoke softly, "Don't worry brother I will release you from her corruption."
Pushing himself up on his hands and knees, Musagai spat, "it is you that is corrupted. Lay one hand on Rayna and I will kill you myself." A swift kick to the face from Kane put Musagai back on the ground. Byakuya was helpless to stop what was transpiring, he was there simply to get Rayna out. Anything else was inconsequential.
A guard handed Kane a katana. "Very well then, I will release into death. I charge Musagai Yutsu Hirosasuke with treason and demand the ultimate punishment." Raising the blade over his head with the point aimed at Musagai's back he continued, "I cleans both you and your weapon with your death."
Forced to hold his position Byakuya could only watch as the blade made its decent. The distinct sound of steel hitting against steel stopped the blow as a figure suddenly appeared between Musagai and Kane's blade. Rayna half crouched half knelt over her twin blocking the attack with Zanpakuto. "What is your intention brother?" she asked in a deadly calm voice. With a quick movement she disarmed the lord and the blade flew from his hand, landing ten feet away.
A face splitting smile came across Kane's features as he said, "I meant to draw you out dear sister."
"And, hear I thought she would never fall for such an obvious trap," a new voice interjected as Gin walked into the room fallowed by Grimmjow and the boy Saezu.
Byakuya had Senbon Zakura and was heading for Rayna when his path was blocked by Grimmjow. Without hesitation he attacked, always keeping the noblewoman in his line of sight. The menacing Espada was an expert swordsman and did not give any openings. The clash of their blades resounded through the room. Renji had also joined in the foray but found his own efforts blocked by Saezu.
"My, my, don't make me do somethin' I don't wanna'," Gin said loudly. A flash of blade cut through the crowd and stopped with its point next to Rayna's throat. In that same instant Yarinju appeared next to Kane, with his blue gray Zanpakuto at the lords back ready to strike. The room froze in place.
It was Kane that spoke next. "I have waited years for this moment. Did you truly think I would be so ill prepared for your tactics Akarui Saenon? Kindly step away or Gin kill Kurirayna."
"I will kill you before you either of you the chance," Yarinju hissed.
"Spoken like someone that has already lost. Step away, or she dies," Kane ordered.
The room remained frozen as Gin walked closer to Rayna fallowing his blade as he shortened it. When he was next to her, he reached down and grabbed a handful of her hair and pulled the her to him. "Such a fuss over one little girl," he sneered as he continued to hold the blade dangerously close to the redhead's throat.
Rayna had already known it was a trap. She just didn't want to believe that her oldest brother was so lost to his lust for power. Worst fears confirmed, she had been forced to act when he raised his blade to kill Musagai. Now it was her turn to trap them. Purposefully she flung her weapon to the ground, it clanged loudly against the floor. The circumstances did not change her plan, it only made her more desperate to protect the men that had come to rescue her. No one noticed the discrete flicker of her hand at Shaditsukaya. There attentions was so focused on Kane and Gin they did not see the katana dissolve into a golden cloud of dust.
Yarinju was forced to head the threat and took a half step back away from Kane. "This isn't over. Now that you have proven yourself a traitor..."
"I have no use for your threats and even less use for worthless titles. I will be taking my sister and leaving," Kane said as he pulled a chain from his neck. Suddenly the room filled with a very familiar spiritual pressure as a door way opened behind Rayna and Gin.
"How?" she Rayna asked, not at all surprised.
"Simple my dear sister. I have the ability to capture and store the Reiatsu of others. Growing up with you has given me a great deal of power. It is that same power that I used to open up a gate to Hueco Mundo." Raising his hand he held up a familiar looking, gold engraved black pendant. "Mothers Pathkey was always meant for you. But, such a powerful trinket should not be given to the disgraceful. This half was my reason and reward for killing her." Kane stepped forward and stood in front of Rayna, looking down at her he continue to explain. "Lucky for me you came today I was nearly out of your Spirit pressure." Turning to the room he ordered "go now the gate will not remain stable for long."
Rayna nearly lost her composure at his admission. The only thing that stopped her was the others that had come to save her. If she became desperate they would act and certainly die. Swallowing hard she forced back un-shed tears.
Byakuya helplessly watched Gin pull Rayna through the blackness into Hueco Mundo. He did not miss the look of painful sorrow that flashed in her eyes before a familiar look of dangerous mischievousness glowed in them. Unfortunately the distraction cost him and Grimmjow's blade sliced into his forearm before he disappeared into the opening.
Kane waited long enough for everyone to travel safely back to Hueco Mundo before he stepped back toward the portal. "Now, that my rightful power can be restored I will sit at the right hand of Captain Aizen as he becomes a Go..." The blade of a Zanpakuto exploding through his chest stopped anything else he had to say.
"No brother, you will stay here and die," Musagai said with vehemence as he twisted the blade into Kane's heart. Blood spattered to the dusty floor as the noble gasped for breath. The blade was ripped through his torso and the light of life left his eyes. Without his Reiatsu to sustain it, the portal to Hueco Mundo closed, trapping Rayna there with Aizen.
Musagai sank to his knees out of breath. Faded azure eyes held him in deaths stare as he looked on the form of his older brother. Urgency made his voice come out an octave higher. "I may be able to open the gate with the resonance of Rayna's power," he said without mentioning the events that had just transpired.
The remaining guards raised their swords in threat and found themselves cut down by a gray blue blade. "We must go now, Musagai," Yarinju said as angrily as spiritual pressure began to flood the room.
Pulling the pendant from Kane's hand he said, "the gateway won't hold for long."
"Do it anyway," Yarinju barked. "If she can overcome it the seal you created, then she can break it."
Byakuya hovered near Yarinju ready to move at a moments notice. Without looking at Renji he ordered, "go to the head captain explain what has transpired. He will alert the Akarui. Make preparations for our return."
"Aizen won't kill Lady Rayna, he obviously wants her alive," Renji said.
Byakuya had seen the dangerous look on Rayna's face. Gin had taken her right where she wanted to be. His voice was full of impatience when he said, "Heuco Mundo is the one place Rayna could release the full measure of her power without fear of harming the innocent."
Rayna fell into the white sand of Hueco Mundo as she was shoved forward by Gin. It scraped and cut into her hands when she tried to catch herself. For a split second she was able to look around and register her the darkened sky and the glowing earth, then the anguish of the infinite souls around her started to call out painfully.
"My my," Gin started, "it must truly be difficult for a Tenshiawai of your power here. All those broken souls and nothin' you can do about it." There was a strange knowing smile on his face.
"Now Gin that is now way to treat our guest," a new voice broke in. Rayna looked up to see the tall dark and devastatingly handsome figure of Sosuke Aizen coming toward her, white robes blowing in the wind. Behind him stood a blonde haired female dressed in same style. They were expecting her, there trap had caught its prey.
Still on all fours, she forced herself to try stand despite the pain. Souls called out to every fiber of her being and she felt each one acutely. Only able to make it to a sitting position her head hung back as she breathed deeply trying to ignore the torment of her body and mind.
Aizen studied her with a curious look, "interesting the seal prevents you from calling upon the power you need to defend yourself. I imagine it is quit painful."
Rayna remained quiet, because he was wrong. She could and would when the time was right. Closing her eyes, again she tried to rise. Despair penetrated into her and she felt weak and shaky. It was impossible to move.
"Gin we can't have our guest groveling in the dirt." Aizen said as he reached down and lifted her by the arm. The treacherous captain exuded power and Rayna opened her eyes and found her gaze caught by his scrutinizing brown eyes. "I know what your thinking and it won't work. If you call upon your spiritual pressure the seal will siphon it off. I am surprised you are even conscious. You are truly an amazing creature."
Finally able to find her voice Rayna said, "mine is not a power you can take."
"That is where you are wrong, I can and will," he said coming so close to her she could feel his breath on her face. A fear Rayna had never known gripped her. Thousands if not millions of souls called to her, but not Sosuke Aizen's. An age old lesson that she had never really understood finally made sense. Some souls were just corrupted and beyond her reach. This evil was happy in its malevolence, it was happy killing and betraying others for power. Fear like she had never known gripped her and for a moment her courage failed.
"There is nothing to be afraid of," Aizen said reading the fear in her eyes. "You misunderstand my actions. It is time for a new order, with me as its God."
Resolve took hold and she fought against pain and fear, "Your new world is for you alone. Power is not all that exists and wielding it does not make you a God." Rayna said as she realized that she needed to do what she came here for. Aizen was toying with her so that he could study her, but she saw his weakness. "True Godhood will always elude you because those that seek power will always be usurped by their own kind."
There was a crack in the calm shell of the former captain and his lips narrowed for the barest of seconds. "I have not even come close to reaching the fulcrum of my ability, but then I don't expect you to understand. Just know in the end, I will be God and sit above everyone."
Finally reaching that stage of absolute calm before the storm, Rayna knew that the time was now. The tiny spark that had once saved her soul, ignited and burst with power and as it did so it flooded into her body with such force the caller around neck shattered into dust. Reiatsu surged into them both spilling out all around them.
Aizen threw her away from him in absolute disgust. Finally able to combat the pain of misery that surrounded her, Rayna was able to move. Catching herself before she hit the ground she landed on her feet with one hand stretched in front of her. Hazel eyes glowed with power as she reached out behind her. Shaditsukaya formed in her hand from the air around her.
"Akarui Saenon has trained you well. But, a simple technique used to conceal your weapon is useless." Aizen said as he continued to study Rayna, "I have over estimated you. Your parlor tricks are nothing against my power."
"You speak of power as if it is a weapon," Rayna said taking on the presence of her nobility. "You will never understand what it is to wield true power and that will be your downfall." Swinging her blade around in font of her, she cupped the hilt between her hands before pressing her Zanpakuto straight. Concentrating, she closed her eyes for a moment before thrusting the blade upward. "Bankai, Shaditsukaya Genkae Akemiharu," She said as her Reiatsu continued to build. The white blade floated upward, glistening in the darkness of Hueco Mundo. Shaditsukaya burst into millions of feather like golden pieces and reformed above her in a brilliant sun of growing Spiritual pressure. The pure power created from her virtue flowed without restraint and as it did the redhead started change. A stags horn protruded from her forehead sparkling with Reiatsu as large feathery wings grew from her back. "Now you will see the difference."
Though he craved it, Aizen realized that the power of a Tenshiawai was useless because he could not control it. "Kill her," he ordered, but his creations were frozen in place. Halibel stood straight as a board, sweat poring from her face. While Grimmjow crouched in the sand howling in pain. Saezu fought to control his pain and struck out at Rayna. Shaditsukaya struck back, and powerful Reiatsu flowed into him. The souls he had collected escaped one by one as they happily floated upward. When nothing was left but the boy, he glowed with light as he too drifted toward the heavens and disappeared. Pure joy lighted his the childish face, and laughter could be heard as he faded away.
"Interesting," Aizen said with a smirk. "You spiritual pressure has the power to purify souls, how useless." Stepping further away from Rayna he turned his back to her. "Gin," he commanded simply and the silver haired former captain stepped forward drawing his blade.
Several things happened at once. Afraid of losing their new found power Halibel and Grimmjow fled leaving their lord behind them. Everyone left could feel the force of the oncoming Hallows. Millions had been drawn in by Rayna's beacon of alluring happiness. As the miserable force descended upon them a powerful barrier formed, sealing all of them in.
Gin, finding himself facing Byakuya, was forced to engage him as an enemy. A strange knowing look crossed his face as he said, "You know what the weakness of the Tenshiawai is?"
The question didn't seem out of place to Byakuya. All he saw was Gin coming toward Rayna, intending to kill her. "Their power is so virtuous they are hunted for it," he replied.
"Come now, Captain Kuchiki surely you figured it out by now," Gin said without attacking. "I guess I'll have to tell ya then." Finally confronting the dark haired captain with his blade, it clashed against Byakuya's as he said, "Tenshiawai can't kill." Finishing what he had to say the former captain attacked in earnest.
Aizen forced to take matters into his own hands drew his blade and headed toward Rayna. When he struck out, his katana didn't hit the soft flesh of her body but cold gray steel. "I was wondering when you would make an appearance, Akarui Saenon. I have no doubt, you will find yourself defeated by my blade."
"I am no fool, Aizen, you will find yourself well matched do not underestimate me," Yarinju warned as the steel of his katana glistened with power. Nothing else was said as he attacked Aizen with every intention of killing him. His gray blade was met with Aizen's white one, as he repeatedly struck out at him.
Rayna watched horrified and held in place by the power that was building and as it did her form continued to change. Another burst of Reiatsu fed into the comet of feathery gold above her and Yarinju turned his attention to her. "Rayna!," He yelled desperately. "Control your Reiatsu or…." Aizen used the distraction to tear his blade through Yarinju's chest.
"NO!," Rayna screamed as she watched the man she had come to love as a father fall to his knees. The barrier surrounding them weakened as her power grew.
Hearing Rayna's scream Byakuya unleashed his blade. "Scatter Senbon Zakaura" And is he did so thousands of tiny blades flew through the air. Raising both his hands he sent half flying at Aizen while the other half formed a shield against Gins onslaught.
Despite being nearly mortally wounded Yarinju released his own blade as he called forth his own Zanpakuto. "Bankai, all the piercing rage of the hound storm inmetsu-uindo." A howl unlike anything that the hollows were making ground out from the gray Katana as it transformed into a duel ended blade that was curved on either side. Yarinju still held it in the middle as the blades continued to extend to match the length of his body. Quickly he spun the blade as he slung all its power at Aizen. Grey clouds burst forth in misty shapes of toothy hounds, snarling and tearing their way toward their target. As it headed for Aizen an audible growl could be heard.
The power of the attack was a force that could not be stopped and Aizen was unprepared to be impaled by the wind blade. It pierced him and split him in two. Then the image disappeared altogether. Yarinju knew then that he was under Aizen's hypnotism and feared that this was a battle he would lose. Silently he cursed the court guard for letting such a corrupt soul to become so powerful and maneuvered himself to stand within earshot of Byakuya. "Captain Kuchiki, I order you to take Lady Rayna and return to the soul society."
Byakuya would have protested, he was not a coward, but their mission was to retrieve the lady and he knew that he was overpowered. This was not a battle they could win right now. He too had lost sight of Aizen, and knew that he was now under his spell. Fending off Gin's attacks he backed his way toward Rayna.
"Captain Aizen will not allow such power to exist, her death has been decided," Gin explained holding his attacks momentarily.
Understanding Gin's words drove Byakuya to an anger he did not know he possessed. Aizen had figured out Rayna's power could not be controlled, contained or stolen. She had proven herself to great a threat and now he would destroy her. Suddenly he felt a blade pierce through his shoulder, stabbing downward into his lung. It had nearly impaled him from top to bottom. For a second he wondered how someone could get the drop on him then he realized Aizen was standing behind him using his Kanzen Saimin. Focusing his blades, they all cascaded in a deadly tidal wave behind him.
Rayna watched as Aizen casually plunged his blade into Byakuya's neck. With a flick of his wrist he pulled it out spilling blood all over the white sands. Another scream tore from her throat as she watched the menacing captain casually walk away from the bloodshed. Tearing her eyes away from the wounded, the redhead watched as he approached her. For a split second she felt the image of him waiver but her power was like a beacon of truth and she watched unaffected as he approached her.
"Your tricks will not work on me. Purity will always break through the veil of darkness even if that veil is black." Reaching up a hand she slashed down through the air and the bursting commit aimed toward Aizen with a speed he could not rival. Power surged into him bringing him to halt. The only outward sign that she had affected him was the slight trickle of blood that seeped down at the corner of his mouth. With a slight grin he wiped it on his stark white sleeve smearing it in the process.
Moving forward again he suddenly appeared before her and said, "Your weakness is one of the worst kind, Tenshiawai. Never hesitate to kill your enemy." In a flash he was gone, he appeared before Yarinju just before plunging his blade into the mans chest. There was no look of surprise on the Akarui's face as he slumped forward and when Aizen pulled back his blade the man fell to the ground in a heap.
"Yarinju," she yelled, as she watched her second father fall to Aizen's treachury.
"And your power is not absolute it can be corrupted…" Aizen said as he continued on. Sensing what he was about to do next Rayna put all her power into her flash step and placed herself between Byakuya and Aizen's blade. It slid into her body without protest and for a sickening moment she thought she had not stopped the blade from piercing the beloved captain. Looking down she was unable to stop the gasp that came out as the blade was pulled back out of her and blood began to poor from a clean hole in her chest.
Byakuya felt Rayna's presence before he realized she was there. The bond of her Reiatsu broke through the hypnotism he was under. Suddenly Gin stopped and backed away from him, a strange look crossed his features and a hint of blue eyes could be seen. "It seems that Captain Aizen has pierced your heart," he said without any tone of malice. The pressure of a body sliding down his broke through Aizen's kido, and he barely managed to stop her bloodied body from falling to the ground. Blood poured from a wound in her chest as her Bankai faded. Golden wings and horn evaporated into a cloud of sparkling dust.
The sun form of Rayna's Bankai evaporated leaving behind the manifested form of her Zanpakuto. Shaditsukaya held Aizen in an angry golden stare. Unaffected by his abilities she charged the former captain. Aizen's eyes opened wide in surprise when the Qirin's horn ripped into the tender flesh of his abdomen. "You were correct in your assessment, she cannot kill. But my spirit is not hers alone, and I can." Stepping forward, the golden beast placed a hoof on the traitors chest, forcing his body to the ground. With the last of her energy she ripped the flesh from his stomach using her many pointed horn.
Aizen laughed as blood spurted from his mouth, "but, tied to her life none the less. You are to weak to kill me." Even before he finished the Qirin faded into a cloud of sparkling Reiatsu and formed back into Rayna's Katana.
Holding Rayna close to him Byakuya gathered the blades of his Zanpakuto and formed them back into a katana. She was too weak to stand on her own and her breathing came out in gurgling gasps. There was no help he could offer until Gin had been dealt with. Focusing his power, he said "Bankai, Senbon Zakura Kageyoshi" and dropped it into the ground. Huge swords appeared around him before they scattered into countless deadly blades.
"Don't waste your effort, Captain Kuchiki," Gin admonished with a half grin, "I thought you came here to save the girl." Purposefully he sheathed his blade before he disappeared. The raven haired lord turned just in time to see Gin retrieve Rayna's Zanpakuto and throw it at him. With a wave of his hand, and a warm smile, he picked up Aizen and disappeared through the barrier into the black of thousands of Hallows. Grabbing the katana he stowed it next to his.
Byakuya did not question his sudden retreat from battle. Rayna was dying in his arms the bond between them had been reformed and he could feel her beautiful soul fading. "You reckless fool," he said tenderly as he summoned Senbon Zakura back to him.
"S s sorry Capt cap..." Rayna tired to analogize.
"Save your strength," he said as he picked her up and cradled her against him, ignoring his own nearly mortal wound.
Byakuya was next to Yarinju in a flash of movement. The Akarui was now on his knees leaning against his Zanpakuto. Reaching out a bloodied hand he held up the second half of Rayna's pendant. "Only she can get you home safely, but you must act quickly my barrier will not hold for much longer." Yarinju looked up at the woman he had loved as a daughter. Dimly lit hazel eyes held him in fear, she was afraid of losing him. Standing, he held in a loving gaze, "Do not fear for me child," he said softly. The barrier around them began to shrink. "I have led a life full of joy and happiness. It was my greatest honor to protect you."
Tears streamed down Rayna's face. Forcing herself to speak she gulped out, "then don't leave me."
Stepping closer to Rayna he gently smoothed a hand over her temple, before placing a second hand over her bloodied chest. With his remaining power he tried to heal the wound, unfortunately all he did was make it easier for her to breath. The blue light faded as the barrier around them collapsed in even further. Howls of maddened Hallows got louder. "It is time to return, Lady Rayna." Placing the pendant in her hand he wrapped her fingers around it and ordered, "now go."
Tears continued to stream down Rayna's face as she forced the last of her dying Reiatsu into the pendant. To weak to control it, the doorway opened underneath her and Byakuya. The motion of falling was lost to the vision of Yarinju getting further away from her. Millions of hallows descended on him as she weakly reached out to him. The rest of her strength faded and she slipped into unconsciousness as she fell through the darkness.
As Byakuya fell, he held Rayna closely to him. Blood continued to seep out of the wound in her chest and it soaked through to his clothes. Seconds seemed to take hours and her breathing started to become shallow and sporadic. Soon a light appeared beneath them and he pushed them toward it. Just as the two of the burst into the soul society, the bridge to Hueco Mundo imploded behind them. Propelled by the collapsing wave of power, they hit the ground with bone shattering force.
Byakuya felt and heard several bones break when he hit the ground. The force of the impact made him release his precious cargo. Rayna flew some ten feet away from him, even though he had taken the brunt of the impact. Debilitated by his injuries, he started to crawl to her as he released a large amount of his Reiatsu. It was an emergency call directly to the captain of the 4th division and she would fallow that call and come quickly. This was a fail safe designed to protect the captains but Byakuya now used it to call help to Rayna. Broken bones protested and his own blood spilled from the wound at in his neck. All he could think about was getting to the woman that lay mere feet away.
The clothes he had given her were now soaked in blood. Twisted and broken she lay with her soft features facing him. "Rayna," he said, commanding her to open her eyes. The tiny spark of her soul was fading into a flickering ember. "Rayna, fight to stay with me," he staunchly ordered as he continued to crawl toward her.
Slowly, emerald specked hazel eyes opened to him. With every passing moment they continued to fade into empty brown. Quivering lips parted and she breathed out, "Byyyyyaaaaakkkkuuuyyyyyaaa." Rayna's lips moved again as if she wanted to speak but instead a long slow breath came out and she never took another. The dull eyes that were once so full, glistened with the barest traces of life. A tiny tear traced a path down her ivory cheek and the ember of her soul flickered and went out. Before it had a chance to re-ignite itself a powerful kido barrier surrounded the noble woman and several dark shapes appeared all around them.
Byakuya continued pushing his way toward her, ignoring the newcomers. "Rayna," he questioned, desperately searching for her soul, he felt nothing of her life.
"Leave the captain to the court guard," a melodic female voice said before it spoke directly to him. "I am sorry Lord Kuchiki, in life or death, she belongs with us." The figure crouched next to him waiving a hand over his body, the beautiful Reiatsu that Rayna had gifted him with, was painfully sucked out. "And I can't allow you to keep this," she said standing and leaving him laying on the ground. As she stepped away from him, three other figures joined her as they surrounded the kido engulfed body. With their hands raised in unison the clapped them together loudly as spiritual pressure exploded all around them. When the energy faded Byakuya was left alone.
"No," the staunch captain ordered to the empty world, challenging the king himself. "No!" he yelled again, feeling the painful emptiness engulf him. Byakuya continued to claw his way to where Rayna's body had been. Grunts of pain escaped him as he slowly dragged his way through the dirt. When he got there, he reached out a hand feeling for the tiniest trace of her spirit. There was nothing but filth and dirt. Unaware of what he was doing a feral howl of pain escaped, him echoing into the hallow world. Consumed by his loss, he gave in to the void inside him and lost consciousness, just as Retsu and Renji appeared.