Tairei9: Yo readers, I thank you for reading this far and thanks for reviewing. Continue to do so. Here is Chapter thirty four.

"What is it?" Rukia asked but her answer was soon answered.

The vines that made up the door were slithering away. Soon it left nothing but a dark door way.

"So," Renji said, "Who wants to go through the freaky door way first?"

Chapter thirty four.

They walked in the dark, damp atmosphere. There were vines growing on the walls, ceiling, and floor. They had been walking for a while in this dark tunnel for a while and there were no signs of anyone but them.

"Geez, how long is this going to go for? It didn't look this big from the out side," Renji asked, irritated.

"I'm not sure…," Rukia said looking ahead. Ichigo said nothing to nobody. He just stared into space as he walked.

"Oi, Ichigo," Kenpachi said, looking back at him, "You've been unusually quiet."

"Yeah," Yoruichi said frowning. Renji looked back at him uneasy, knowing fully well why he wasn't talking to any of them.

"There's nothing to talk about," Ichigo said, showing no emotion.

"Ichigo…" Rukia said, softly. She looked away and sighed. Byakuya made no eye contact nor did he give any indication that he cared. Ichigo stopped caring, because he was already convinced he was cold hearted bastard.

"Hey Ichigo, lets go scout ahead," Renji offered, hoping to get him away from these guys before a fight broke out. Ichigo looked up and nodded. Rukia opened her mouth to say something but Renji shot her a glare. They left and Kenpachi said, "Man he is still mad?"

"Yep," Rukia said, sighing once again.

"I didn't think he would be so pissed still," Yoruichi said, frowning. Byakuya once again kept his silence.

"So… is your sister…semi okay?" Renji asked.

"Yeah she can go to school and do other things but she is shaky and jumpy. When she hears or sees a hollow she freaks. When she sees on of the guys that attacked us she very unsure. She's not even sure about Rukia anymore!!" Ichigo said his voice edgy.

"I'm…sorry-."

"They should be not you. You were lucky enough to get that message to me when you did," Ichigo said quickly.

"But their apologizing…"

"Byakuya hasn't said one word!! Besides I'm not the person they should be apologizing to!!!"

"Ichigo…" Renji said, softly. Then they noticed something.

"Hey!! You guys!! This tunnel leads into a room!! Hurry up!!!"

They ran down the hall way and were soon in the room with Ichigo and Renji. The room was circular and had a long stairwell going up to the next level. The room was silver and the sleek floors shined. Perfect for sliding in your socks. 'Snickers'

"Whoa," Rukia said, looking around. Kenpachi snorted saying, "How stupid."

Yoruichi walked over to the stairs and said, "Are we going or are we going to admire the room?"

"Yeah, yeah we're coming."

Ichigo, Renji, Rukia, and Kenpachi went up the stairs and out of sight. Yoruichi was going to follow when someone grabbed her arm. She looked back only to feel warm lips crash into hers. She closed her eyes and kissed back. He pulled away asking, "Why didn't you come back after they pardoned you both?"

After Urahara destroyed the item and the fight, Yoruichi was given a full pardon along with Urahara. Urahara wished to stay in the real world though, saying he was content.

"Because we still have to find Kumiko right?" she said softly. He simply nodded and gave her a quick kiss, causing her to smile. They flashed stepped to the back of the group who didn't notice that they were never there.

They were now on the next level, only to find the stairs proceeding up to the next level blocked.

"What the he-!!??" Ichigo said, only to be interrupted by a female voice.

"Now, now, you can't go that way yet."

They all turned and saw a long blond haired woman standing there in the middle of the circular room. She fluttered her eyes at them and said, "Welcome to the second stage of the Nineteenth Tower. I am your hostess for the time being and bid you all a good morning."

"What the heck is going on!?" Renji shouted grabbing the hilt of his zanpakutou.

"My, you are an impatient one," she said, sweetly, "I love impatient men."

Rukia scoffed but it almost went unheard. The blond eyed Rukia with distaste.

"Well here are the rules. See that screen up there," she said pointing to the screen up on the wall, "Two of you people will come and fight me. Only two, if any more come in to fight, there will be serious consequences to pay. If you win, you can pass."

"And if we lose?"

The woman smiled a seductive smile, "Use your imaginations."

The screen suddenly put up two pictures and names.

Abarai Renji and Kuchiki Rukia.

"Well," she said, "Let's begin!!"

Rukia and Renji walked forward and went into their stances.

Tairei9: Short I know but please review.