A/N: Its been 2 weeks since my last update. Deal with the devil is like 3,322 words without notes :D 10 reviews, 239. Have fun reading!
Numb
Chapter 16: Deal with the Devil
Ichigo tilted his head, as if daring Kuchiki Byakuya to continue. "I don't accept."
The king replied in the same manner. "Then you leave me with no other choice."
Ichigo's eyes widened as he saw thousands of silvery, pointed needles heading towards him. Dodging quickly, he flipped over and landed on a bare spot.
Ichigo snarled. "I see your powers have grown quickly, my lord, so quickly that you managed to use the strength of the partner sword, Shirayuki. However, I will have you know that no matter how strong you are, you will never defeat me!"
Byakuya deadpanned. "I will suggest, before you make any ignorant assumptions to carefully observe the area where you are standing on."
Ichigo hissed as he realized that a pink tentacle emerging from the ground had caught his feet. Biting his lip as it branched into two and proceeded to inch up his leg, sucking his blood, he swung zangetsu, cutting off the tentacles, jumping to another spot, before flipping over as thousands of tentacles emerged, squirming and wriggling. Ichigo's eyes narrowed as they started to grow longer, and started to travel towards him. Spinning around, he flash stepped to a tree.
He turned to face his enemy. "Your power have grown to be a vile as you, vampire. You have combined Senbonzakura's strengths, Metaphyta, with Shirayuki's stealth. Indeed an excellent combination, and also the only way to defeat a enemy with a big range attack. Yet, you seemed to have overlooked the fact that, I too, have bankai."
He held his sword in front of him, narrowing his eyes in concentration, he chanted, "Tensa Zangetsu!"
Byakuya narrowed his blood red eyes, and bared his fangs as he held his sword ready.
Suddenly, out of a cloud of black, a streak of a black-clad man rushed at him. Byakuya blocked Ichigo's sword with his left arm, ignoring the pain as the blade sunk deeply into his arm, and slashed Kurosaki's body with his sword.
Then, as fast as he could, he delivered fifteen blows to Ichigo's torso, before ripping the sword out of his left arm, pushing Ichigo with strength that made Ichigo soar through the air before crashing into a mountain.
Flash stepping to Ichigo's limp body, Byakuya lifted him up agilely before throwing him up, and leaping up after his body, to deliver a few fast kicks.
He hated.
Byakuya hated Ichigo. Ichigo had everything he didn't have, Ichigo had freedom he didn't have.
That was the only thought that registered in his anger filled mind. Slashing Ichigo's body savagely again, Byakuya pushed his knight down, and stepped on orange head harshly.
"Now, do you accept my offer?" Byakuya spoke, a hint of danger in his voice.
A hand moved to grip on his shoe. Ichigo opened his eyes and glared at him, before pushing Byakuya's foot away and rising to his feet. "I haven't even started feeling the pain."
Gripping the black handle of his sword tightly, Ichigo continued. "I told you just now that combining the strengths of Shirayuki and Senbonzakura were perfect for a wide range attack sword like Zangetsu. However, when I release my bankai, the once-perfect combination of Senbonzakura and Shirayuki is no longer applicable."
Gathering energy to his feet, Ichigo continued. "You are the strongest Shinigami. But now, let me take down the title of being the fastest and strongest Shinigami!"
With a streak, he sped towards the direction of Kuchiki Byakuya. He disappeared just in front of Byakuya then twirled to the back, and slashed with his might.
Byakuya's red eyes narrowed as he realized what just happened, as he turned around and intercepted Ichigo's second blow.
Ichigo jumped backwards, landing silently on a tree, laughing. "Now that was fast wasn't it? And to think I used your favorite move, Senka, against you! It seems that you are unable to keep up with my speed!"
Byakuya's blood trickled steadily from his arm and back as Ichigo continued laughing. Raising a pale hand to touch it, he smiled slightly as he saw that his hand became blood red. Lifting a finger, he licked it clean. "Vampires are the royalties of hollows. I am, as you know very well, a Vampire. Like all vampires, I love blood."
Red eyes glinted dangerously. "Let me enjoy the sight of a blood red battlefield today, Kurosaki."
He tilted his sword upside down and released it slowly.
A sound was heard, as though someone was sheathing his sword.
A distinctly sweet smelling, yet dangerous scent engulfed Ichigo.
"Bankai, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi."
A bead of sweat trickled down Ichigo's face ominously as tall blades began to rise from the ground slowly, surrounding him.
The energy given off was powerful, so crushing that Ichigo could hardly stand, let alone try to fight back. This was the power of a real King, the power of the real vampire King.
Red eyes flickered slightly, turning to black for an instant before they became blood red again. A metallic voice commanded, "Mai, Senbonzakura."
It was silent for a second. Then the swords burst into a thousand million white blades, flickering in the light, momentarily blinding Ichigo.
Ichigo felt like he plunged into someone's inner world, beautiful on the outside, but painful in the inside.
He hissed as a single white petal cut into the side of his face, drawing blood from him.
Ichigo looked around him frantically as he seemed to be trapped inside a spinning and dancing world. He realized that a thin sheet of ice had formed under his feet.
Suddenly, the blades seemed to move to surround him in an orderly manner, before becoming still.
"Kurosaki Ichigo." Kuchiki Byakuya spoke, voice barely above a whisper, yet, the world was so silent that Ichigo could catch every single word. "Her execution is today, we will end this quickly."
Ichigo closed his eyes slowly, "If you win, I will aid you, as a faithful knight."
Then, angry amber eyes opened fully, "If I were to win, you will be killed."
Kuchiki Byakuya spoke, "I will not be easy on you."
Ichigo replied, "Just because you can't afford to lose doesn't mean that I will be easy on you also."
The petals beside Ichigo shifted angrily.
"Very well."
Ichigo flash stepped in front of Byakuya, delivering a fast blow, only to be blocked by a mass of petals.
Ichigo flipped backwards before attacking again, "If you," a twist to the side, "really love her" a well placed slash, "so much," he dodged a kick, "why can't you save her yourself?"
Ichigo landed, panting heavily. He straightened up as he looked at a King, a long fallen King who was now also heavily gashed on the right shoulder blade.
The next few moments happened too quickly. Suddenly, Ichigo was flung backwards, and when he landed, he realized that he too had a matching heavy gash on his right shoulder blade.
Blood dripped off from the tip of Senbonzakura. Byakuya licked the blood off slowly before speaking, "You speak too much, boy."
Ichigo hissed and cursed under his breath as he got onto his feet. Gripping his sword tightly, he spoke, "You are the ignorant one. You were the one who wanted to follow your rules, your laws, at the stake of her life. Even if neither you nor I reach her in time, she will be the one who dies. Other than being sympathized for having such an unruly adopted sister, you will not be affected. Because of that, I detest you."
Ichigo closed his eyes, as if remembering something. "Everyone thinks that she is a street rat and view her as one."
Ichigo moved far behind Byakuya. "You know the truth,"
Ichigo spun next to Byakuya. His speed was increasing with his anger. "Yet you refuse to tell them."
A slim black sword was rested on Byakuya's neck. "You did not protect her. Even when you were the owner of this body, you never made any move to save her!"
"Why are you regretting your decision now, Kuchiki Byakuya? Why are you fighting to save her now?"
A white sword was held against Ichigo's neck in a split second. Kuchiki Byakuya slashed furiously, before moving beside and slashing Ichigo from the side again.
The demon spoke, voice as strange, as metallic as always. "I always said that you spoke too much."
Ichigo recovered to his position on his feet. "You know what, Kuchiki Byakuya? You noble look pisses me off."
Swords clashed and grinded furiously, as Ichigo flew forward to attack Byakuya.
The black knight never deceives, only helps. He speaks naught but the truth. He will assist the king in everything. Once the King lets him out, he will not go back until he is sure that the King can fend for himself, until the King is ready. That is a knight's mission.
Byakuya narrowed his eyes as he landed on a frost covered tree, before leaping away from it as a black swirl of spiritual energy was sent in his way.
He stared at the charred remnants of the tree.
As he turned around, the petals stilled in the air, and surrounded Ichigo and him in an oval shaped arena.
"Senkei, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi."
It happened all too quickly. The scattered petals were quickly united to form complete swords.
Byakuya held out a hand, his blood red eyes never leaving Ichigo's face once. A single sword descended gracefully from the top row, falling silently into his outstretched hand.
The rows moved to close up the gap.
Byakuya spoke, "This is when I give defense potential, and to attack, and to kill. You should be honored to see this, boy."
Ichigo smirked, "Thank you very much then."
Swords clashed, as their masters glared at each other menacingly, both not giving up.
Separating his white sword from the black one, Byakuya twirled behind Ichigo, changing to a back handgrip and finished off with a twist.
He narrowed his eyes as Ichigo managed to meet his blow.
Both of them forced their strength into the blow, refusing to separate.
Kuchiki Byakuya lifted a pale hand from his white handle grip. Red eyes still not leaving Ichigo's face, he stretched his arm as another sword fell into his grip.
He stabbed Ichigo's left foot, immobilizing him.
Reaching out the same hand, he chanted, "Hadou no yon, Byakurai"
It was his first successful demon arts spell…
He was weak as he lacked one thing… hatred.
He might not be a prodigy, he might not be a genius, yet, as long as he hated the world, he could be stronger, better than before.
Yet somehow, a little, just a little, it didn't seem to apply anymore.
The spell burned a clear hole through Ichigo's shoulder. Ichigo stumbled slightly, his immobilized feet still unable to move.
Byakuya reached down to pull the sword off his foot, and watched as it fell back to its original position, but this time, stained with blood.
Byakuya looked up at the dark sky. His inner world, it was always so dark. The Shinigami-turned vampire sighed softly. The execution was drawing closer.
He turned to face his knight. "We will end the battle in the next attack."
Ichigo looked up, only one thought occupying his mind. He was ready to go. Smirking, he said as he gathered all his spiritual energy, "Let's go, Kuchiki Byakuya!"
"Shukei, hakuteiken." Wings sprouted behind him as the last release took effect.
Two people, a vampire, a Shinigami, white, black, charged at each other.
For a few moments, there was silent. Then, a loud roaring was heard as their spiritual energy clashed, releasing blinding light.
A few moments later, it stopped, just as abruptly as it began.
The fight was over.
The orange-haired man stumbled as he fell, weakened from the energy he had used. He sunk onto his knees as he crawled to a nearby rock. Leaning on it, he panted softly. "It's all over. The battle is yours."
Byakuya's hand shook slightly as he opened it, revealing pink petals.
Closing his eyes, his wings closed around him as rain started to pour gently, ridding the battlefield of its bloody smell.
Kuchiki Byakuya was tired, so tired. He wanted to lean into the warmth that his wings gave him, he wanted the rain to wash away his wearies. But he must not fall, not when he was so close, so close to getting near to his goal.
Sheathing his sword, he watched as the wings dissipated away slowly.
Bangs dripping a combination of sweat and rainwater, Ichigo questioned, "So, what is the job, King?"
Kuchiki Byakuya turned his grey eyes to Ichigo. "Save her."
Ichigo sighed softly as he picked up his cloak. "I will."
-ßЯ-
Yoruichi Shihouin breathed in slightly as she landed outside the captain quarters of the thirteenth division.
Pushing the door open, she was shocked to see that the white-haired captain was already up and about.
"Yoruichi. It has been long." Jyuushirou said.
"I am here for a favor." Yoruichi said.
"It is Rukia's execution today." Jyuushirou replied, "I too have a favor to ask."
"You wish to stop the execution?" Yoruichi said, perfectly serious.
"No less than you wish to, my dear friend. Therefore, I need the Shihouin seal that is able to stop the whole execution."
"The Ukitake seal isn't functioning well is it?" Yoruichi asked. "You are welcome to it. I might have to see you at the Urahara's shop soon."
Jyuushirou replied, "Ahh…"
"The Kuchiki Elders will not be easy on you. You are welcome to join us any day; there are always free rooms in the shop."
Jyuushirou considered the matter slightly. "Of course, anything against the law shall be deemed as an enemy, and will be quickly exiled, or killed. That was the same with the Sugeti family."
Yoruichi narrowed her eyes slightly. "The sugeti family's blood is as pure as the Kuchiki family's. Of course the Kuchiki Elders will take action. The Sugeti family was born from the Kuchiki family when the 26th head of family gave birth to two sons, both equally powerful in their own rights. The first son, Kuchiki Ginrei, became the 27th head of family, while the second son started his own line, named after himself, the Sugeti family. The ones who felt like they were unwanted in the Kuchiki family were always welcome to join the Sugeti family, and will have their child be named as a Sugeti."
Ukitake sighed softly. "That was what happened to Isamu and Shima."
Yoruichi snorted. "Shima must be so glad; she was born a Shihouin, then became a Kuchiki by married, and died as a Sugeti."
Ukitake replied. "They left the then young Kuchiki Byakuya alone, with no one to care for him."
Yoruichi snarled in anger. "And to think, that the Yomi had the nerve to turn up on the Kuchiki doorstep, after a thousand years, to announce that the royals, Kuchiki Isamu and Kuchiki Shima had passed away."
Ukitake replied, "At least Isamu and Shima did not bear a daughter before they left the house of Kuchiki. The Kuchiki Elders will only be too delighted to have found a wife for the heir."
Yoruichi looked amused suddenly. "Well, Ukitake, after living in the real world for more than a thousand years, I realized that humans are really strange."
Ukitake raised a thin paper white eyebrow as the serious conversation took a sudden change. "How is that so?"
Yoruichi smirked as she replied. "According to them, marriages between relatives are strictly prohibited."
Ukitake laughed, "Imagine if that were to apply to Soul Society. How did they think purebloods like Kuchiki stayed pure? Shihouins, Ukitakes, Unohanas and the fallen Shibas are also branches of the Kuchiki family. Having a marriage between the Unohanas and the Shihouins will still be the same as marrying close relatives."
Yoruichi laughed. Then, tilting her head up to observe the sky, she turned serious. Turning to Jyuushirou, she said with a soft sigh, "It is time. Get ready."
-ßЯ-
"I am coming in, Taichou." A busty blonde announced as she slipped into her captain's room.
"Matsumoto…" A spiky, white haired captain replied tiredly. "I am in no mood for your nonsense."
"I have brought a report from the fourth division. This has not been disclosed to any Taichou." Matsumoto spoke, no hint of humor in her voice. "You are to read it in place of Kuchiki-soutaichou."
Toshiro looked up, partially in shock that his normally lazy lieutenant was so serious today. "What does it contain?"
Matsumoto paused slightly before replying. "The autopsy reports of Aizen Taichou and Hinamori-fukutaichou…"
Slightly trembling hands placed the envelope holding the insignia of the fourth division, a single bellflower on the vast desktop.
A pale hand reached out for the report, taking it steadily. A slight tearing sound was heard as the captain opened the envelope.
A single white brow was raised as the captain read the whole of the report swiftly.
"Taichou…" Matsumoto spoke, "I am so sorry."
Green eyes narrowed before looking up at the taller woman. "For?"
The lieutenant sniffed slightly. "You and Hinamori were always such good friends."
"Matsumoto, we are Shinigamis. We live in a world where people come and go, where nothing is ever stable. One day, you might be living, and the other day, you might not." Toshiro spoke with a soft sigh. "Do you understand, Matsumoto? That was one thing that Kuchiki Byakuya deeply believed in."
Matsumoto sighed as the conversation took a new turn. "Byakuya never believed in hoping. That way, if he didn't get it, he won't be disappointed."
Toshiro sighed softly. "It is his last chance today."
Matsumoto, fringe covering her eyes, spoke. "Something big will happen today…"
Toshiro remained silent.
-ßЯ-
Gin smirked as he watched his lieutenant walk in. "Why, good mornin' Kira."
"Good morning, Taichou." Kira said.
"Per fect dae today!" Gin smiled contently as he leaned back into his luxurious chair. "Skys blue n ever'thin."
Kira bowed his head in response.
"Per fect dae to die too! Aint it?" Gin leaned over to smile at his lieutenant, who was now sitting opposite him. "If ya know what I mean."
Crimson red eyes flashed slightly, grin never flattering.
Kira replied. "Are you referring to the execution of Kuchiki-san?"
Gin, if possible grinned even wider. "Perh'aps"
-ßЯ-
Deep within dark chambers, there was a slight laughter. A man in glasses smirked as blood splattered on the floor.
"Taichou! You… you said…" A female's frightened voice could be heard.
"Goodbye, my faithful lieutenant…" The male replied, as he held the female in a final, last embrace.
-ßЯ-
Rukia kept on her Kuchiki façade as she was walked out of the shrine of Penitence. Breathing the fresh air in, she smiled slightly. She wanted to enjoy her last day of existence. She had been calming her nerves down since she overheard the guards mentioning that her execution would be held on the 31st of January. She had smiled at the irony, it was his birthday.
She let out a shuddering breath as she took another step forward. The twin pillars towered over her, casting their shadow on her.
Raising her head, she gazed at it before lowering her eyes to the ground. She knew there was no way of escape.
A/N: Okay, I am writing a new series of one shots/short stories, for all of you who reviewed. First is dedicated to Awesome, who is a friend of mine and also the 200th reviewer. To awesome, if you are reading this, I HOPE I can finish it today. :D It still need about 300 words to hit 1k. I think I will add more description about Byakuya's beautiful face :D
This is the 16th chapter! I can't believe that I actually managed to stick with numb for so long.
(On a side note, I still have yet to reply reviews... Oops!)
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