Title: Endgame

Rating: G

Pairing / Characters: Kurosaki Ichigo, Rukia, Yoruichi, Kuchiki Byakuya

Word Count: 627 words

Warnings: Sheer, unadulterated sappiness at the end

Summary: When all is said and done

A/N: The ending seems abrupt. It is. It's deliberate, so in case I want to add something later I can. Also the end just makes me cringe, hopefully my readers will like it. I sure don't. This one is definitely not me, but I sure had fun writing it!!!

FOR TED. AGAIN.

Ichigo's tone was pure insolence. 'You want to do what, exactly?'

For the first time I could ever remember, Byakuya's expression was one of astonishment. 'This – this is not possible. How can you be alive? I killed you!'

Ichigo laughed softly. 'No, you didn't. As you can see, I'm right here.'

Yoruichi gasped suddenly. 'Impossible! Isshun-'

Ichigo nodded curtly. 'Is very much alive, Yoruichi-san. We can talk about that later.'

I backed away, giving Ichigo room to draw his zanpakutou. It looked different from the way I remembered it - the shape of the blade, the hiltless handle, even the colour of the blade… it had to be shikai. At that moment, I was prouder of Ichigo than ever.

The battle between Ichigo and Byakuya was something I had never seen before. Ichigo's reiatsu had increased, as had his physical strength. It soon became apparent that Byakuya was having trouble keeping up with the sheer speed of Ichigo's movement. I bit my lip. A part of me did not wish to see Byakuya die, for he had taken me in despite his hatred of me, but I knew he could not be allowed to live, for I would never sleep again without the fear of him waiting in the shadows for me.

Ichigo brought his zanpakutou down on Byakuya's, and I felt, rather than saw Byakuya's shock as his blade snapped cleanly. Still moving, Ichigo brought his blade up with a snap of his wrist, bringing the point to rest beneath Byakuya's chin.

'Game over, Kuchiki-san,' he said, his tone steely. 'You've had your fun but it stops here. Rukia and Yoruichi are coming with me and you will do nothing to stop them.'

Byakuya glared at him. 'Foolish child. You're surrounded by captains. Do you honestly think they'll let you leave?'

Ichigo's eyes flashed, and I could not be certain I had imagined the yellow in their depths, but for an instant, the quality of his spirit power changed. It seemed… evil, somehow, tainted, and I could not understand why.

'Forget it, Byakuya. You're a thousand years too early to try and defeat me now. Of course, if you're so willing to meet your Maker, I could arrange it…'

Byakuya didn't say another word, clearly just as bewildered as I was.

Ichigo turned to me, holding out his hand. His expression was as gentle as always. 'Come on, Rukia. Let's go home.'

I wanted to cry. Home. Somewhere I belonged. Without hesitation, I slipped my hand into his and glanced at Yoruichi. 'Are you coming?'

'Of course,' Yoruichi said simply. Her expression was filled with sorrow as she gently touched Byakuya's cheek. 'You've changed so much, little Byakuya. I hope you one day find the peace that died when Hisana did.'

Byakuya covered his cheek with his hand. 'Goodbye, Yoruichi.'

It was over. I was free.

Epilogue:

I am Kurosaki Rukia. Yes, that's right, Kurosaki. The last six months have been the happiest of my life, as clichéd as that seems. I have a home now, with a family. Sisters that I can talk to. A father. And… Ichigo. Our relationship is harder to define; we aren't just friends, not just partners, but something more, something… special. I'm regaining some of my lost powers thanks to Kurosaki Isshun, and partly because of my exposure to Ichigo's spirit power. While I'll never be a shinigami again, I'm not totally powerless. Three days ago, my new power made itself manifest – a bracelet that can actually make it snow. I have yet to learn what else it can do, and how I will be able to work alongside Ichigo, but I have a whole lifetime ahead of me to do that.

A life that I can live with happiness.