Chapter 2: Confirmation and Insanity

Byakuya Kuchiki took long strides down the ridiculously lengthy hallway. Komamura resided in the most secluded part of Heaven. He represented the beasts that lived in the souls of every human, the animal instinct that is carried in every man, woman, and child. Many feared Komamura and thought he belonged in Hell due to his… animal like appearance. Komamura was also close with Tosen, a traitor. People thought he was on Tosen and Aizen's side when they attacked Heaven from the inside while rebel demons and lost souls attacked from the outside. Many had forgotten about Gin, he had played the double agent, and was forgiven while he was dying. Though their 'partner' was long forgotten by all but a few, Tosen and Aizen would go down in history as the most evil of souls. Komamura would also be remembered as the one who trusted one of the traitors, which is why he secluded himself from most of heaven. Only gods and very dedicated souls can reach him now. Byakuya was so glad when he finally did reach the end of the hallway.

"Komamura, I need your help. Please trace the scents on this kimono."

Byakuya asked hastily, the wolf man looked up from his desk work and gave the other god a questioning look but took the garment none the less; if Byakuya was coming to him, the reasons behind the visit must be very important. Komamura took a long breath, inhaling the scent still stuck to the clothing Byakuya had presented him with. Rukia's scent was heavy and deeply imbedded in the fabric. There was something else, the frost of winter, but that was to be expected, knowing Rukia's love for the snow. The sent of the forest and river were present as well. Then it hit him. There were other, very small, traces of things… darker things.

"Fire… traces of blood… hell."

Byakuya's head nodded, that much he guessed. Now he has proof that his little sister is in hell. If Komamura can't find who took her, the Kuchiki plans to take this information to Yamamoto. With his approval Byakuya will be able to attack and invade hell, allowing him to retrieve his sister.

"Can you track the demon who took her?"

Byakuya asked quickly. Komamura took another whiff, his yellow eyes shutting in concentration. Byakuya watched as his whiskers twitched and his nose wrinkled. Komamura's head shot backward, away from Rukia's kimono.

"This demon… he is unlike any I have faced before. He is strong, intelligent, with unimaginable power. I believe… he may be the Demon King, Ichigo Kurosaki."

Byakuya's eyes widened at the other god's words. Ichigo Kurosaki. That bastard will die by my hands. His fists clenched and his eyes returned to their normal stoic position, but darkness rested within them. He now had everything he needed; Byakuya could now formally charge Ichigo on the account of Rukia's kidnapping. This gave Byakuya the right to go into hell, address Kurosaki and bring him back to the Divine Court to be put on trial. Ichigo would be locked up for the remainder of his pitiful, disgusting life or better yet, Byakuya would be able to legally kill him.

(^^) (^^)

Grimmmjow growled, the king and queen were at it again. Ichigo had made it very clear that no one was to disturb him while he was spending 'quality' time with his wife to be. The blue haired demon knew his king could feel his presence, just outside the bedroom door.

Grimmjow hated to be the barer of bad news, though he often was because he was the only one who wasn't piss scared of Ichigo. Someone who didn't belong was prowling the streets of Hell. Whoever it was, he or she was powerful and angry, letting of waves of negative energy that attracted many demons and a few 'guards'. These 'guards' helped Ichigo keep the damned souls in check; they had demons inside of them and were much more powerful than any demon ever could be, much to Grimmjow's dismay. He wasn't fond of many of the guards, the little blond one, named Hiyori, pissed him off the most.

The guards hadn't done anything about this intruder, but it was getting closer to the castle where Ichigo, Rukia and a few demons lived. Ulquiorra had already raised the castle defenses, readying the demons for battle and summoning some of the guards. All that was left was to notify the royal love birds, and by the sound of a feminine scream, it would seem they were done.

Grimmjow pounded on the door. A growl followed but a pissy sounding 'what' was heard.

"Sorry to interrupt, but something is coming and it feels like you pissed someone off again, King." Grimmjow replied. He leaned on the wall opposite to the door and waited. When they came out, Ichigo was first. He was dressed in nothing but his black pants and he had Zangetsu over his shoulder. Rukia was a little more modest, but not by much. She had a black halter top that barely reached the bottom of her ribcage and a long black skirt that reached the floor, covering her tiny feet. Her neck had three hickies on it but she showed no shame; though it did seem that she cared about how she looked, she was combing her mussed hair with her fingers. When she deemed her hair 'fine' she stopped and her head snapped to her left.

"Nii-sama…"

She whispered. Everyone knew he would come; Rukia was suprized he didn't come sooner. She has sent her old kimono down the Sode No Shirayuki River to give him a clue. Rukia wanted her brother to know she was safe and that she was leaving her old self behind. She would no longer be the obedient little baby he made her out to be. 'I'm Rukia, not Hisana. I am stronger than she was, I'm not weak or made of glass.' She thought when she threw the fabric into the water.

"Grimmjow, come with me. Ichigo, go meet my brother. If he has proof I'm here then go with him. He probably has a warrant and won't leave here without either you or me."

Rukia ordered. Ichigo gave her an unsure look and Grimmjow looked shocked. 'Me? With her? Why?' Grommjow thought. He knew he was her 'appointed' body guard but Ichigo would do a way better job, he was stronger and in love with the damn woman. Rukia gave both of them a look that said just go with it, you'll regret it if you don't.

The three went their separate ways and Ichigo became a bit anxious. Her brother was here and there was no doubt that the god would want to kill or at least fight Ichigo. Ichigo tightened his grip on Zangetsu and the sword replied. She said to go with him. She knows him far better than you do. Trust her, she won't lead you astray. Ichigo smiled lightly at his swords words. He knew Rukia wouldn't let him down, she would figure out a way to make things right. They would be married and her brother and the rest of the damn 'Divine' Court would leave them alone. Ichigo knew they were just as power hungry and dangerous as some of the demons in hell. The only reasons they were deemed 'good' was because they sought power through giving out free favors and demanding little in return, but what little they did ask for was necessary for the gods' survival. Those who lived in hell sought power by doing what man does, using force and pushing every bit of information so it will get the most leverage on the opponent; torture and violence were the ways of both man and demon.

"Robes." He ordered. A petite demon named Luppi brought one of Ichigo's best robes, black with red and gold embroidery. He also carried matching black pants and boots. Luppi also made sure to bring socks; Ichigo was so fickle about socks and Luppi being the biggest suck up, made sure he had a pair. Ichigo quickly changed and strode down the red hallway into the throne room where Byakuya would be presented to him. He sighed as he slipped into the mahogany chair that was his throne. The elegant chair was stained a deep red and engraved with many intricate designs. The black seat and back cushions that usually offered him comfort felt very stiff today.

The large oak doors creaked open and Ulqiorra briskly walked in, Byakuya not two paces behind him. The demon came before the throne and bowed, sinking to one knee.

"My lord, I present to you Byakuya Kuchiki, brother of Rukia Kuchiki and the God of Logic and Law."

His voice was low and firm, but Ichigo knew better. He knew Ulqiorra was just as nervous as he was, if not more so.

"Thank you, Ulqiorra. You may leave."

(^^) (^^)

"Open it."

Rukia ordered. Her voice was sharp and her senses were on edge. Her brother was in the castle, his energy almost crushing her with its intensity. Grimmjow huffed and sent a shot of energy into the key hole. Only demons can unlock the prison doors, why Rukia wanted to be in here eluded and scared Grimmjow. Is she here to frame the king, me even? What the hell is she thinking? The door popped open and creaked on its hinges. Rukia quickly headed down the spiral stair case, her black skirt flowing behind her.

The temperature dropped and the two soon had goose bumps. The cries of the damned souls could be heard now, a disgusting wailing echoed off the stone walls. Rukia felt the grime of dying men, their excrements and blood littered the floor and stuck to her dainty feet. Her nose scrunched in disgust and she tried to put the nastiness of the dungeon out of her mind. Ichigo had told her of a secret room in one of the cells, it was guarded buy the other half of his soul, the demonic part. Ichigo said if anything were to happen, she should take shelter there. She had no idea where the cell was, she just knew she had to get there.

They had gotten about halfway through the cells when they heard him.

"Queen! Queen... our queen!"

The cell's occupant kept repeating those words, he had to be insane. Rukia cautiously moved toward the cell.

"My queen! You've come! My queen, our queen."

Rukia slowly put a hand on the rusty bars.

"Yes, I'm your queen. I'm here."

A loud and cackling laughter rang out. The soul inside rushed to the bars and tightly gripped Rukia's arm. His face was visible now, pale and dead like with the creepiest smile Rukia could imagine. His eyes were black as night with yellow irises. The sight was most haunting.

His grip softened and he started to stroke her arm that he knew he bruised.

"My queen... our queen... stay. Please stay!"

With his mouth opened his black teeth and tongue revealed themselves. Rukia felt herself pull back, his grip tightened.

"Stay. Stay. Stay my queen. Stay!"

He started shouting, his voice sounded pained and scratchy. Rukia brought her hand to his dirty one. He was colder than death and though his eyes were evil looking, they had a quality like a lost child's. Those eyes now made her feel pity and she slowly nodded.

"I'll stay, but you have to show me where the room is."

She hated playing tricks on people but she needed to help Ichigo and the only way she could was in that room, or at least she hoped. His smile turned more sinister than before and his laughter rang out again. He pushed himself off the bars rather violently and slammed his fist into the opposite wall. The stone he had hit sank into the wall and the floor started to spin and slowly descend.

"Grimmjow, open the cell!"

Rukia quickly ordered. His hand turned blue with energy and he put his hand over the lock. A soft click and Rukia swung the door open and hopped onto the platform that was the floor. Grimmjow gave her and unsure look. "Go help Ichigo, if he needs it."

She ordered again. He nodded and shut the cell door, but left it unlocked. The queen and Ichigo's demonic half... this can't be good.