Heart's Desire Chapter 13
By C. LeShay
Genre: Romance, AU
Characters/Pairings: IchiRuki, etc.
Rating: T
Disclaimer: Me no own Bleach! I don't profit from writing this fanfiction, just so you know. The kidō spells used here are courtesy of wikipedia, and I don't even own an account there. If there are certain information that is wrong, please let me know and I'll try to change it (when I'm not busy wrestling these plot bunnies you all so generously sent me. Seriously people, my room is full of them and they haven't even bred yet. Now my problem is keeping them in line.) soon.
I had to write this chapter while still in the mood. Believe me, I never once left the PC until I finished this baby. And it left me drained, I tell you! So bear with me, okay?
I also took liberty with Rukia's skills in kidō as well as with wielding Sode no Shirayuki in order for me to fit it in my planned plot. I tried to keep it as minor as possible. However, that tidbit makes this chapter OoC – to an extent. Some of the details I took from Kubo's flashback chapters in the manga.
As for the fight 'scenes' I am very sorry, I'm not a shounen writer (snickers) and I was never good in portraying bloodbath and fights in my writing. I apologize in advance if you feel that it lacked a certain intense feel or punch. Again, please bear with me.
This is the part where I'm veering far from the mangaverse of Bleach. You have been warned.
Okay, so it's now July 15 here where I come from so… Happy Brthday Ichigo-kun!
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Recap of previous chapter:
Screams of pain were heard outside. To Ichigo, it meant that someone was trying to get into the 10th – specifically in the holding cells. "Shit, Rukia, get me out of here! If whatever it is gets here, I have to fight it."
"You want me to break you out of prison?" she asked in aghast "Are you crazy?"
"I think the explosion was a distraction." Ishida said "Or it was part of this."
What was that explosion, really, and was it in any way connected to them?
Rukia stepped forward "Then let it come and I'll handle it." She said resolutely. As if sensing her determination, Inoue stepped forward as well and placed her hands on the hairpins she wore. "Hinagiku, Lily, Baigon; Santen Kesshun…"
To the surprise of the men, three small fairies appeared beside Inoue, waiting for her order.
"I'll watch your back, Rukia-san." She promised seriously.
"Whoa!" Ishida said, "What is that?"
But Ichigo was not in the mood to play twenty questions or any other trivial game to guess Inoue's abilities. "Rukia! Don't be stupid and get me out of here, you'll hurt yourself!"
Without another word, Rukia dropped her pack and unsheathed her zanpaktuô. Ignoring Ichigo's order to stand close to his cell and open the doors, she called out the release command "Mai. Sode no Shirayuki."
Once again, her pristine blade of purest white transfixed Ichigo, rendering him to say anything as of the moment. At the moment, she wasn't hearing Ichigo's rants, focused as she was at whatever threat that was ahead. Of course, Isshin's weird behavior was also a factor in why she was ignoring her husband.
"Ja ne!"
No! She thought in a hurry. There was no way it was possible…
To her surprise, Yoruichi's form stood in front of them. The cat looked smug at something.
"Oh boy, don't tell me…" murmured Rukia.
"Lets get you out of there, Ichigo, Ishida." Yoruichi said, chuckling.
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…
"This by far takes the cake! Are you all crazy?" Rukia cried out as they made a dash away from the 10th division and the commotion. "If we get caught, Ichigo's going to be in trouble – far bigger trouble than he already is!"
"Which is why you should shut up and hurry instead." Yoruichi snarled, leading the group to another location while avoiding any shinigami that lurked nearby.
Ichigo glared at Rukia for talking. He tugged at the cloak to make sure its hood didn't fall off and expose his shocking orange hair. "Man, these cloaks are really something!"
"I didn't think it was possible for something that masks reiatsu to exist." Ishida mused. He was bringing up the rear, carrying Inoue (as she was unable to match their movements in speed) as they made a dash to Rukongai using hirenkyaku and shunpo.
Inoue sighed, "I wish you made them come in another color other than brown, Rukia-san."
"For goodness' sake Inoue," mumbled Rukia in exasperation, as she threw her friend a withering glance "How many times do I have to tell you, I didn't make it! I only found it in my pack!"
"Will you all shut up?" Ordered Yoruichi, "We won't make it out of here unless we pass through the divisions unseen."
The group pushed on furiously, in an attempt to get as far away from Seiretei as they could. Though no one was voicing it, the impending disaster awaiting them, should they be caught was weighing heavily on their minds. Right now, most of the shinigamis were at the site of the explosion – as well as the few taichos present. However, that did not mean that they were completely safe. If anything, Ichigo did not let go of his zanpaktuô, just in case he needed to use it.
As they passed through the gates of Seiretei and into the forest along the Eastern side, Rukia looked back helplessly at the receding white walls. She was leaving Seiretei. She was going into self-imposed exile somewhere. Never in her wildest dreams did she think this would happen. It was not her intention to bring down another wave of embarrassment to the few people she cared for. In instinct, she fingered the silver bracelet with the crystal charm that adorned her left wrist. It was a gift from Yuzu and Karin to her on the day she married their brother.
"Ukitake will be fine." Ichigo assured her, as if reading her thoughts. "He'll be the last person to be suspected. Well, it MIGHT reflect a bit on him, considering his fukutaicho disappeared in a slightly similar fashion previously." He said wryly and with ill-humor, unaware of the dark look that passed on Rukia's face for a moment. "Don't worry about Byakuya as well – he'll be fine too. He's too much of a starched haori to feel remorse that you left."
Again, Rukia felt the insane urge to hit Ichigo. The crass and tactless idiot was only making it worse.
"I'm sure in his own way, he'll wish for your safety – like Ukitake taicho." Ichigo added seriously, vaguely looking at her before he focused on the trees ahead. "If he comes after you, I don't think he really wants it to be that way. But if he does anything funny, he'll have to get to me first." He promised.
Rukia resisted the urge to either kick him or kiss him. It was really a wonder how he could inspire her to feel conflicting emotions. "I was more worried about Karin and Yuzu." She said instead.
"They'll be okay, pops is with them." He said confidently, although there was a look of worry on his face. "Don't feel bad about this."
Wordlessly, Rukia nodded, picking up her face to keep up with Ichigo's speed the best she could.
"We're almost there, we better hurry before the dimensional gate activates again." Yoruichi said, making everyone tense in anticipation.
Dimension gate? Did that mean they were going to the living world? Come to think of it, thought Rukia, it made sense. There was no way they wouldn't be found in Soul Society, not with Ichigo's reiatsu lighting up under the radar ever so often. Her thoughts were interrupted as they reached the clearing.
There, in the middle stood a large, makeshift square of white bricks, layered on top of each other – a crude substitute for the spirit gate that shinigami use ever so often.
"Ishida." Yoruichi ordered, "place your reiatsu in it so you can control it as we pass through. Hurry it up before it activates while we're not ready." As the fukutaicho did so, Yoruichi turned to the others. "We can only pass through this in 4 minutes." She said as she watched Ishida place the contraptions Urahara gave her. "If we don't make it out in time, its game over. We're going to be stuck in between both worlds."
Inoue nodded nervously, "I got it." She said as Rukia nodded her assent.
"I have more reiatsu," Ichigo said, "Let me do it, so we can pass in our own pace."
"You can't control it properly." Snapped Yoruichi, as she made sure to take not of the surroundings. "If you make even a small mistake in configuring it, we're all going to die the moment we step in."
"Give me five minutes and we'll be all set." Ishida said, focusing on his task.
Suddenly, Yoruichi looked up. "Someone's coming…"
"Aizen taicho!" cried Rukia as she whipped out Sode no Shirayuki. There was no mistaking that reiatsu signature.
"Blast!" cursed Ichigo, swinging Zangetsu into defensive position as his muscles tensed in anticipation of a fight.
In a split second, Aizen Sousuke, taicho of the 5th division landed in front of them courtesy of shunpo, zanpaktuô held at the ready.
"Kurosaki taicho." He said in a deathly calm voice, taking a step towards the group. "I will not let you escape your punishment."
Before anyone could say anything, Ichigo was gone from his spot, and he was now a big blur, jumping in front of Aizen, Zangetsu lashing out to cut him.
"Ichigo!" shouted Rukia.
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Hitsugaya taicho looked intently at the rubble of the first explosion. The fire that followed it was fortunately put out immediately, and the other taichos hurried off to the sight of the next blast that occurred only a few minutes later.
It was lucky enough that the blast occurred a few meters away from the district where souls resided in. Not many buildings were destroyed.
Matsumoto appeared via shunpo beside him. "Taciho, the same thing occurred in the South Western districts. Kuchiki taicho is at the North West side and he is currently following the trail of the explosion and fire."
"Casualties?"
"No fatalities taicho, but there were a lot injured. Nothing severe though."
Hitsugaya frowned in thought. Something was terribly wrong here. Unfortunately, he couldn't put a finger on it, but he could feel the thought nagging at him persistently.
"Taicho?" Matsumoto said, catching his attention once more "Soi Fon taicho is busy questioning the last people seen here. Ukitake taicho's 3rd seats are taking care of the wounded and bringing them to the 4th division. Abarai fukutaicho went to Hueco Mundo to get help from Unohana taicho or Kotetsu fukutaicho." She paused "Hinamori fukutaicho is assisting with the evacuation of the districts that were caught in the blast."
"And what about Aizen taicho?"
"Eh?" Matsumoto frowned in confusion "He's not here? But he wasn't with Kuchiki taicho either."
Just then, Hinamori Momo, the 5th division fukutaicho appeared behind them. "Shiro-kun, have you seen Aizen taicho?"
"Its Hitsugaya taicho, Hinamori fukutaicho." Hitsugaya gritted out in frustration, ignoring the suppressed giggles that was coming from his amused fukutaicho. "Matsumoto!" he barked out, turning back on his heel in a snap "Lets go back to the division."
"Eh?" Matsumoto wanted to ask why, but the look she saw on her taicho's face was enough to tell her just how serious he was. "Hai, taicho."
"Hinamori fukutaicho." Hitsugaya ordered, "Check the Eastern and Southern sides of Rukongai. It seems highly suspicious that nothing is happening on that side. Bring a few shinigami with you."
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Two swords clashed, sending sparks off into the dark night.
"I will not allow you to leave, Kurosaki taicho." Aizen said as he blocked another swipe from Ichigo. "You have to take responsibility for whatever mess and disorder you caused Seiretei."
"Che! Shut up bastard, this ends now!"
For those completely unused to high-level fighting, the two combatants would only seem to be like shadows darting through and fro. But for Rukia, who was a capable shinigami, she could follow the movements of Aizen and Ichigo – to an extent.
"Ishida, is it ready yet?" Rukia called out to the fukutaicho "Hurry it up!"
"Give me a minute more!" Ishida called out before muttering that since Rukia was a proclaimed expert on kidô, she should help him as well.
Suddenly, Rukia felt Aizen expand his reiatsu. It surely meant that in a while, shinigamis would be getting a reading on their location. "Oh damn it!"
Aizen slashed and blocked. Despite the fact that Kurosaki Ichigo was definitely one of the strongest taichos, he was still able to keep up and even drive the other back several times. "Leave Rukia-san here and I will let you go free." He told the other man as their zanpaktuô's clashed and met with a sharp clang, glinting blades gripping at each other, hissing an unspoken promise of death and mayhem. "I will not pursue you if you leave her here."
"Not a chance in hell!" snarled Ichigo as he pushed the other taicho aside furiously with a barrage of slashes, his attacks increasing in ferocity the second the proposal was offered.
"This is a opportunity I'm giving you, Kurosaki taicho." Aizen insisted, as he sidestepped a swipe made by Ichigo but not before blocking a quick blow to his back. "Take it before the offer expires. This is the wisest course of action to avoid unnecessary bloodshed."
Ichigo glared as he prodded and slashed through Aizen's haori, nearly slicing the man's arm off. "Old man, you can't seriously think that I'll accept that offer, do you? Like I'm leaving her in your murdering hands!" With that he jumped back and gathered reiatsu to his zanpaktuô before shouting "Getsuga Tenshou!"
This allowed him to send off a flare of reiatsu hurtling towards the taicho of the fifth division.
"Don't be an idiot, Ichigo!" Shouted Yoruichi, knowing that by this time, the other taichos would know of what was happening. This was turning into something she dreaded to happen. "Do you want us to be found?"
Aizen simply used shunpo to avoid the blast. His impressive speed keeping up well with Ichigo's extraordinary one. With his movements both nimble and agile, this allowed him to counter attack, sending the younger taicho a successive number of blows, all rapid and strong – until both were once more locked in a close-proximity battle. Aizen then leaned in, so that his faced was as close to their zanpaktuôs as possible "Did you realize that by leaving with you, Rukia would be branded as a deserter?" he asked simply, yet quietly so that the conversation would only be between the two of them. "That Seiretei will hunt her without fail; and when they catch her she will be humiliated beyond belief - possibly given a severe punishment?"
For a moment, Ichigo's eyes went to Rukia who was standing a short distance behind them, her zanpaktuô held alight and her eyes tracking their movements as best as she could. Unable to give an answer straight away, Ichigo opted to swing Zangetsu instead, attempting to lob Aizen's head off his shoulders but missed.
As the two fought on, Inoue looked at her friend "Don't worry Rukia-chan, Kurosaki-kun has the advantage. Aizen taicho can't seem to use kidō because he's too focused on blocking the zanpaktuô."
"No he doesn't," muttered Yoruichi grimly. "He's an idiot to underestimate Aizen. He's at par with the head of the kidō corps. Close combat is no problem for him. Besides, he didn't become a taicho on his kidō skills alone. Despite his meek demeanor, he's among the few who mastered almost all kinds of shinigami combat." Seeing the worried yet transfixed look in Rukia's eyes, she added "Rukia knows this herself."
True enough, Aizen's sword fighting techniques seemed to be as good as Ichigo's. In fact, it was polished and more minimal in movement, compared to his opponent. He acted as though he knew or at least anticipated Ichigo's attacks.
Rukia mentally shook her head as she held the hilt of Sode no Shirayuki tightly. She never had the privilege of seeing her mentor fight this way with her. Her somewhat low level skills in swordfight and hand combat were not enough for him to fight all-out. Aizen taicho's zanpaktuô, Kyōka Suigetsu had a monstrous ability – one that often left her at an unfair disadvantage all the time. She knew that Ichigo was aware of it – that the moment Aizen used the absolute hypnosis, the tide would turn in his favor. Torn, she stood there stoically, trying to make up her mind on a course of action.
There was no doubt she wanted to help Ichigo, but was she willing to raise her zanpaktuō against Aizen, her mentor and friend? If she were, would she be capable enough to go against the man who taught her most of her knowledge in kidō and combat?
"If you will not take the offer, I'm afraid, I have to do away with you myself, Kurosaki taicho." Aizen said quietly, in a far chilling voice that Ichigo never heard him use before.
"Damn, we don't have time for this." Muttered Yoruichi. "Inoue," she barked out, "Give me your cloak now." Immediately, Yoruichi transformed back into her original form.
"You're really a… woman!" gasped Rukia as Yoruichi made a grab for Inoue's cloak, wrapping it around her long-limbed, naked form.
"Oh wow, is that possible?" Inoue asked as she saw the woman jump gracefully between the two, negating their movements with something that vaguely looked like kidō coming from her hands. It was the reverse demon, a hand combat technique that was rumored to be difficult to master.
Smirking, Yoruichi threw Aizen a smouldering glare as she raised an eyebrow at him. "Long time no see, Aizen. I see you've taken up cradle-snatching after a hundred years."
Jumping backwards slightly to avoid the hands of the former Taicho of the second division, Aizen inclined his head in deference to her acknowledgment. "You make it sound like I've done far more worse than you… you who deserted Seiretei, Shihouin Yoruichi."
"I would really love to have a long chat with you, Aizen." Drawled Yoruichi as she extended her right arm, building up reiatsu there, preparing to use shunko "But we're slightly behind schedule. Can I take a raincheck?"
"Step aside Yoruichi and let me kill the bastard!" Shouted Ichigo in annoyance. "Let me at him and I'll make sure this ends right here!"
"We have no time for this!"
Fortunately, he was still wearing his cloak, or else the entire population in Seiretei would have felt his reiatsu. Still, the blast that he sent to Aizen earlier was something that everyone would notice. It wouldn't be long before the other taichos would get to them, making them unable to escape. The stupid Ichigo rushed headlong into danger once again!
"Sōren Sōkatsui!" A cry was heard as two shots of burning blue fire crashed in the middle of the squabbling trio.
All three turned to see Rukia standing behind them.
"It's done!" Ishida shouted, "We better hurry, I'm sensing reiatsu headed this way!"
"Rukia! Get out of here now! Ishida, take her to the gate!" Ordered Ichigo as she pushed Yoruichi aside to get to Aizen.
"NO!" screamed Rukia as Ishida dashed to grab her and Inoue's arms.
Suddenly, Aizen disappeared from their midst. Yoruichi spun around to follow, but was preoccupied with several kidō blasts sent her way.
"SHIT!" Ichigo cursed, "Ishida – hurry it up and get Rukia out of here!"
Before he could even use hirenkyaku, Aizen was already in front of them. In a blink, Aizen and Rukia disappeared; and Ishida fell to the ground with a large gash on his right shoulder.
"Ishida-kun!" Inoue cried, falling in front of the fukutaicho. "Ayame, Shun'o! Soten Kisshun… I reject!"
Ichigo turned around to see Aizen reappearing with Rukia held close against him. "Bastard." He snarled, as he used shunpo to close the distance.
"Inoue!" barked Yoruichi as she continued to dodge more kidō blasts that Aizen was sending from different directions, "Take Ishida and pass through the gate now. We'll catch up with you as soon as we can." Strange, she thought, considering Aizen's high-level skills, this attack was not nearly as strong as she expected.
Aizen was toying with them, which was so unlike him.
"But, what about Rukia-san…
"I'll bring them over, I promise. We need to get Ishida across while there's still time. Ishida's pretty much winded, you need all the head start you can get. Make him use hirenkyaku."
Understanding the need for haste, Inoue nodded resolutely before she took hold of Ishida and pulled him in through the gate as fast as she could.
In horror, Rukia knew that this time, Aizen used the special ability of his zanpaktuô, and they were all under its illusionary spell. "No, Ichigo!" she warned, but it was too late. The next thing she saw was Ichigo lying on the floor, bleeding from a particularly deep cut. "Ichigo!"
The crumpled figure on the dirt slowly moved, "Heh!" Ichigo said in a winded tone "That was nothing, Aizen."
"Perhaps I should cut you once again, Kurosaki taicho?" Aizen suggested in an unnervingly calm manner that sent chills up Rukia's spine. Was this man really Aizen taicho? "Should I severe you in two? But Rukia-san may not appreciate the mess."
"Give it your best shot, asshole." Ichigo gritted out as he attempted to stand up.
Yoruichi was immediately at his side "You idiot, you're in no condition to fight. Let me –
Impatiently, Ichigo waved his hand in dismissal. "This is nothing, Yoruichi. I've been in much worse scrapes." He turned flinty eyes at Aizen "You better be ready bastard, because I'm going to cut your arm off for touching my wife like that."
Rukia felt her breath hitch up in her throat. Ichigo was hurt… Ichigo was hurt. Why was she just standing like a useless lump? She was the one closest to Aizen. Why couldn't she lift her zanpaktuô to hit him and be done with?
Why was her body not moving?
Fear. A voice not her own spoke in her mind. You are being held paralyzed by your own fear. Did you not remember how to wield me, Rukia? The voice was soothing and comforting but was still very much disapproving.
Sode no Shirayuki. Rukia gasped mentally. She could hear her, her zanpaktuō… where was she? Summoning her was something Rukia had never done before.
You've always heard me before, Rukia. Did you forget? Everytime you were under his illusion, I was always there behind you.
Of course! Rukia realized belatedly that Shirayuki's presence was always a comfort for her when she trained and went under Aizen taicho's illusions. It was a vague feeling, but Aizen himself commented that she was exceptionally stubborn against his illusionary suggestions when they were sparring.
Then listen to me if you want to save your husband's life. Shirayuki persisted against the haze clouding Rukia's senses. Listen to me and you will not make a mistake in a real duel against him – not like the last time
Last time? Rukia wondered in confusion. When did that happen? She never remembered fighting against Aizen's illusions outside training… But she had no time to rethink about the past. Ichigo and the others needed her. Soon, nii-sama would be here, and he was not someone she wanted to face this time. What do I do?
Use me to freeze the ground.
What? But that would get everyone in the crossfire!
A light touch will do, trust me!
"Some no mai, Tsukishiro!"
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"What the hell happened here?" Thundered Hitsugaya. The moment he got back to his division, the first thing he did was to dash to the holding cells and check into Kurosaki Ichigo. The first thing he saw was his men lying bruised and unconscious… and the cells blasted away by something.
"Taicho…"
"Matsumoto, send shinigami to the 14th! I want it combed thoroughly." He barked out "Also, send people to the 13th and 6th. Particularly the Kuchiki manor – I want it searched!"
"Hai, taicho!"
Both looked up when they felt a familiar reiatsu…
"That was… Kurosaki taicho, wasn't it?" Matsumoto asked her frowning taicho.
"And Aizen taicho. Oh damn, now we're in trouble."
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From his quarters in his division, Ukitake Jyushiro stood up to look out of his window. It was only a matter of time before he would; predictably, sense the reiatsus of Kurosaki and Aizen taicho. He figured that Aizen would be heading off to the 10th division when the explosions occurred.
The fact that they encountered each other outside the walls of Seiretei was a good sign. At least there would be a window of opportunity the group could pass through before the net closed up on them.
He was about to go back to his bed with a sigh when he felt another reiatsu. It was faint – something that could easily be missed when it was compared with the high levels of the two taichos. But Ukitake could not miss it, not when he knew whose reiatsu it was.
Rukia's.
Damn it, Yoruichi said that Ichigo would take care of her. Then why was she fighting? If it was against Aizen, she had no chance of winning.
His body shaking from over-exerting itself, Ukitake staggered as he reached his bed. Carefully, he calmed himself before taking his zanpaktuô and made his way to the door. He may be sick and weak, but he was still able to talk. Perhaps diplomacy could stop any impending disaster.
Ukitake already lost subordinates because of his unfortunate health, and his interferences only failed to help them; but he would be damned before he let anything happen to Rukia without him trying to something.
A taicho was always looking out for his subordinates. Always.
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For the first time in her life, Rukia had never seen such a wide expanse of ice from Shirayuki. It was as if the grounds turned into a large, frozen lake – pristine white and glittery.
Unbelievable.
Now wrench yourself from Aizen with a kidō spell while I hold him and his zanpaktuô.
But it wasn't enough to defeat him! Rukia thought in panic, even as her hands made the motions of a spell. "Raikōhō!"
Defeat him? It's far too early for you to do that, Rukia. All you need is to distract him while the others get to safety.
True to Shirayuki's words, Yoruichi broke free from the ice and grabbed Ichigo just as the kidō hit Aizen head on, making him lose his hold on her wrist.
The two women used shunpo and they were in front of the gate, with Rukia panting from her exertions.
"Rukia…" Ichigo called out, grimacing from the pain. "Are you alright?"
"Idiot. I'm fine." She retorted dryly. "You deserve that wound, asshole."
Yoruichi chuckled. "My, my, I didn't know how handy your wife could be in a bind." She taunted Ichigo whom she tried to hoist over her shoulders. However, as Ichigo was taller, he was instead leaning against the older woman.
"Whatever." Mumbled Ichigo, "I'm fine, Yoruichi, let me up." Suddenly he paused, "Yoruichi!" he roared, "You're not wearing anything under that cloak!"
Chuckling, Yoruichi teased Ichigo "What? And you're not happy about it?"
"Augh! NO!"
"Easy on it, too much excitement can make your wounds become much worse."
"YORUICHI!"
"Quiet, boy." She snapped as she thrust her hand into his wound, injecting just enough amounts of drugs into his bloodstream to render him temporarily unable to move. "Rukia; any other distractions you can whip up? Do it now."
Rukia stood up and pointed Shirayuki's blade to the ground. "Tsugi no mai, hakuren!"
To her horror, Aizen used his zanpaktuô to block it.
"Some no mai, Tsukishiro! Raikōhō!"
Aizen deflected it with a similar spell. Then he focused on his feet and melted the ice that encased his legs.
"Yoruichi! Get Ichigo out of here, please; I have to distract him!"
Ichigo suddenly reared up, his anger making him moderately successful against the drugs "The hell you won't!"
Looking at the nearing figure of Aizen and then at Rukia "Yoruichi nodded. "I'll throw him across the gate, but I'm grabbing you afterwards. We need to make it before the gate closes or we're trapped. How good is your shunpo?"
"Enough, but nothing brilliant."
"Well, now's the best way you can improve."
Not sure if it was a joke or a serious statement, Rukia decided to stop the conversation and get into the action already. "Sōren Sōkatsui!"
With that, Yoruichi used shunpo to pass down through the gate and throw Ichigo as far as she could before she spun back to get Rukia. They only had 2 minutes left.
"Rukia-san… Please stop this." Aizen said amidst a barrage of kidō spells that was thrown his way.
"Haien! Shakahō!"
"Please, Rukia. This is not in any way going to help Kurosaki taicho, and you know that."
"Sōkatsui! Byakurai!"
"You're wasting your energy, Rukia."
"Some no mai, Tsukishiro! Byakurai!"
Aizen stepped even closer. "Please stop before you hurt yourself. We both know that you cannot push me back with kidō." He said matter-of-factly as he used a spell to easily dissolve the ice that once more encased him, as if it was nothing more than an annoying fly.
"Sōren Sōkatsui! Kidōhō!"
By now, she was almost within Aizen's reach. This was bad. Rukia knew that even if she tried to repel him back, he would follow them through the gate. The only way she could get him off their backs was if she used a forbidden destructive spell to hurt him. Her reiatu reserves were almost depleted, plus the fact that she bypassed the incantations and combined them made it even more difficult for her to do a destructive spell.
But Rukia was trained to do complex spells, going as far as being an expert in combining two different ones at the same time.
Could she do it then? Without second thoughts, she channeled her remaining reiatsu, mentally saying the required chant as fast as she could. There were no second thoughts if this would work or not. She must not hesitate or the spell would fail.
It was time to go for broke.
"Rukia!" Yoruichi called as she appeared somewhere behind her in a blur as Aizen reached out to take hold of her arm.
"Hadou no Kyuujuu... Kurohitsugi!" she shouted as she jumped back as far as she could.
Even Yoruichi was caught by surprise as a black coffin fell from the sky, hitting Aizen, before a barrage of spears pierced it.
With a cry of despair, Rukia collapsed into Yoruichi's arms.
Taking advantage of the situation, Yoruichi immediately dashed back into the gate with Rukia's unconscious form in an impressive burst of shunpo, hoping that they would make it in time.
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Hinamori Momo ran as fast as her shunpo could go. Aizen taicho was fighting, she had to reach her taicho and protect him at all costs.
Not caring that she left the other shinigami behind, she moved on, trying to reach the clearing before her taicho could get hurt. She recognized his reiatsu as well as Kurosaki Ichigo taicho's, plus there was the disconcerting feeling that Rukia-san's reiatsu also joined in the fray.
"Please be alright, Aizen taicho!" she muttered to herself over and over again like a mantra. The division needed their taicho, surely nothing wrong would happen to him, right? He was strong and powerful, he would be able to match Kurosaki taicho!
Ahead, she felt the reiatsu of Kuchiki taicho. All was well! Kuchiki taicho would help Aizen taicho, would he not? Even Soi Fon taicho arrived – everything would be alright! She forced herself to believe it even as she felt an incredible burst of reiatsu from Aizen taicho. He had to be fine!
As she reached the clearing, Hinamori stopped immediately. "Kurosaki taicho… Soi Fon taicho…"
Something was wrong. Hinamori could tell. The way the two taichos were not looking at her was an indication already. Another was that there was no trace of reiatsu anywhere. In her musings, she failed to realize that fact immediately.
Bodies…there were no bodies of Kuroaski taicho or anyone… what was going on?
From the other side, Ukitake taicho arrived, pale faced and sweating from the effort. "What's… going… on… here?" he asked in between breaths.
Slowly, Kuchiki taicho moved aside to show Soi Fon taicho leaning over something… someone…
"Aizen taicho!" Hinamori cried out as she ran to her taicho. "Aizen taicho!" she cried, attempting to use all of her knowledge in kidō to heal the cuts all over him. To her surprise, he was not responding.
The other taichos quietly looked away as more and more shinigami, including Hitsugaya taicho, arrived.
Hinamori felt tears leak from her eyes. "Aizen taicho…" she murmured shakily, as she slowly slumped beside the immobile figure lying on the dirt. Wordlessly, she grabbed hold of Aizen's hand where a sparkling object caught her eye.
"Aizen taicho!" She cried out.
Aizen Sousuke, taicho of the 5th division, one of the most prolific kidō users in Soul Society lay there lifeless. In his right hand, grasped in between bloodied, cold fingers was a slender circle of silver with a small crystal charm dangling from it.
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C. LeShay's Corner:
I know! I know; you're all going to react about that scene wouldn't you? I can already hear the questions forming inside your heads. Heck, I even know what you're going to ask.
I make no apologies and will give no explanations. It might give away future chapters, so lets not spoil your appetites okay, kiddies?
Again, please review.