(A/N: Ok originally this chapter and the next was going to be one big chapter, but I split it. But hey at least you get a treat of two chapters back to back.)

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or Tales of the Abyss.

5 minutes before the start of Rukia's execution

Sokyoku Hill

3rd Person pov

Nebilim and Nemu walked side by side, arriving at the Sokyoku hill. No one spoke a word since they knew Captain Kurotsuchi had kicked the bucket, many were quite intrigued that the 3rd seat and Vice Captain of the squad had bothered to show up at the execution rather than mourn for their captain, especially since Nebilim wasn't even required to be at the execution site. Unohana was the only one to say anything to her, "I'm surprised to see you two here. I thought for sure Captain Kurotsuchi's loss would have…"

Nebilim cut her off, knowing what she was going to say, "There will be time to do mourn later," Nebilim said even though she had no intention of doing so at all, "That said since my captain cannot be here and Nemu holds the highest rank I decided to accompany her since I hold the second, not to mention I've applied for captaincy for after this is all over."

"You're a strong individual to care about your division Nebilim-san," Unohana smiled kindly, but not in her demon smile. It was a warm 'I admire your attributes' smile.

"Strength has nothing to do it," Nebilim said with a straight face. She couldn't wait for her captain to croak, but of course she hid that factor quite well. Now then, she looked around, where is that Ryoka kid Kurosaki Ichigo?

Sidled along the hill Soifon looked around, "It seems odd that so few people showed up," she said to herself aloud, "It's no surprise Squad 5 didn't show up given their casualties and I think Zaraki's lost it, but what about all the other squad captains and lieutenants?"

Her thoughts were cut short when Byakuya walked onto the hill platform. He didn't even make eye contact with Rukia as he stood alongside Nebilim and Nemu. "Got the blood off your cheek I see," Nebilim commented. Byakuya didn't respond, "Not in a talkative mood I see," she glanced over to Rukia, "I can understand why."

"Rukia Kuchiki," Yamamoto spoke, "Your execution is about to begin. Any last requests?"

Rukia thought about it for a minute and said, "Hai, just one."

30 seconds after the start of Rukia's Execution

Hitsugaya, Rangiku and Luke were traveling together.

"Damn the execution's started," Luke turned around.

"Hold on," Hitsugaya grabbed his arm.

"Let me go. I have to save Rukia!" Luke told him.

Rukia's going to be fine, A voice rang through his head suddenly.

Asch.

Nebilim is up there, if she has anything to say about it Rukia won't be executed, plus there's the Ryoka kid Ichigo, and didn't you say your captain was planning something as well, Asch reminded his duplicate.

"Problem Lieutenant Fon Fabre?" Hitsugaya asked.

"No, never mind, come on, let's get going," Luke said taking the lead. We're going to get to the bottom of this.

Where are you heading anyway? Asch asked.

Central 46, Luke answered.

Keep me posted if you manage to find anything out, I'm making for the Sokyoku, if Aizen's planning something he'll definitely make an appearance, Asch told Luke.

Makes sense, Luke said, Good luck.

There was a brief pause Luke thought Asch may have hung up but after a few seconds Asch responded with the words, you too.

1 minute and 30 seconds at the start of Rukia's execution

13th Division grounds

"Captain we're going to be late the execution has already started!" Kiyone said banging on the door.

"Damn it where's Lieutenant Fon Fabre when we need him the most?" Sentaro grumbled.

"Fon Fabre-fukutaicho said he was heading for Central 46 with Hitsugaya-taicho and Matsumoto-fuktaicho," Kiyone answered.

"What? At a time like this!" Sentaro was in shock.

"I guess he trusts us to take care of it, but Captain come on already!" Kiyone shouted.

As if on cue Ukitake opened the door, "Sorry to keep you waiting. Breaking the seal took a bit longer then I thought, but this should work. Since our appeal to the Central 46 was turned down this is the only recourse we have left. Time to go!" He stood proudly with a shield and a baton bearing the Shihoin clan symbol, "Let's destroy the Sokyoku!"

"Right!" Sentaro and Kiyone said together.

3 minutes and 45 seconds after the start of Rukia's execution

Asch was making his way up to Sokyoku hill. He was in no rush. He knew Rukia's execution would be stopped one way or another. There were too many factors in play for something to go wrong. Factor number one: Wanted Ryoka Ichigo Kurosaki. Factor number two: Captains Ukitake and Kyoraku were planning to destroy the Sokyoku. Factor number three: According to Nebilim she had something up her sleeve in play as well if all else failed. The plan had been coordinated way too thoroughly they couldn't fail. He's going to show up at some point. I shouldn't be in a rush, my target is him. He firmly gripped the scabbard of his Zanpakuto. That's the whole reason you lent me your power so I could surpass him.

Asch's train of thought was broken by the high-pitched shout of, "Nise-kun!" This was followed by the weight equivalent to, and in actually was, a small child jumping on his shoulder.

Why does she have to call me that? Asch grumbled internally, Luke's the fake not me! "What is it Vice Captain Kusajishi?"

"Are you going to the Sokyoku to help Ichi too?" Yachiru asked.

"Something like that," Asch stated walking with Yachiru on his shoulder, "Why is that what you're doing?"

"Yeah, I was with Cabbage, Jiggles, Muscles and Pencil earlier but I took off on my own in order to get to Ichi quicker.

Who did she…forget it I don't wanna know. "Come on then, we'll go together, just try not to fall," Asch told her and the two headed off together towards Sokyoku hill.

5 minutes 21 seconds after the start of Rukia's execution

Sokyoku hill

Nebilim watched as Rukia was raised up high into the air and the Sokyoku began to be released with large amounts of fire. Nebilim fiddled with a small object in her hakama. I hope I don't have to resort to this, she told herself and looked around. Where are you Ichigo? She wondered. With the full release of the Sokyoku it transformed into a giant flaming Phoenix. It stared down Rukia momentarily and then charged right after her.

"Oh damn it all!" Nebilim pulled the small object out of her pocket and made to throw it, but stopped short when Nemu grabbed her arm.

"Gelda-sama look," Nemu pointed to where a lone figure stood in front of the Sokyoku. He had orange hair and was wearing a cape. He had a long sword as long as his body shaped like a cleaver.

Nebilim smiled and put the small object back in her pocket, "About time he showed up," she smiled compliantly.

"Hey," Ichigo spoke to Rukia up near the Sokyoku.

Rukia gasped, "Ichigo." The orange haired teen smirked happy he had saved her in time. Rukia was very happy to see the boy, but she didn't want to show it, "Idiot!" She shouted, "I said don't come back!"

Ichigo spurted incoherently, "What…but I…?"

"What's it going to take for you to finally realize? You can't defeat nii-sama! He'll kill you for sure this time! I'm not asking you or anyone to rescue me. I'm resigned to my fate. GO AWAY!

"This can't be," Soifon was in shock, "The Sokyoku has the power of 1 million Zanpakuto. How can he stop it with just one? Just who is this guy?"

"The wanted ryoka, Ichigo Kurosaki," Nebilim stated folding her arms. The others turned her attention to look at her, "Orange hair, sword as long as his body, it's gotta be him." She said, even though she knew she was right, having met him.

"I guess it figures in the end it was the Ryoka who saved the day," Shunsui commented.

The Sokyoku reared back and made to strike again.

"Looks like it's my turn to shine," Nebilim said and pushed off from the ground.

"Head Research Assistant Nebilim!" Soifon was in shock at Nebilim's sudden action to push up from the ground and appear next to Ichigo.

"Need a hand?" she asked.

"You're gonna help me?" Ichigo asked confidently smirking.

Nebilim released her Shikai without calling it out, "Of course I am."

"You two alone will never stop it. Don't sacrifice yourselves for my sake please!" Rukia pleaded. Ichigo ignored Rukia's pleas and charged towards the Sokyoku. Nebilim hung back and raised up her hand.

"Nebilim-senpai talk some sense into him!" she shouted.

"Just be quiet you're gonna screw up my incantation," Nebilim said and focused her mind targeting Ichigo with a spell, "Nine arms of the fell gods grip me with your eternal power. Grant me the strength of many and diminish the weight of the world as you approach the gates of heaven. Oh great warriors of the cemetery, ye great smiths of the heavens. Give me the protection to face my enemy in battle so that I may live to see the glory of dawn."

A double incantation? Rukia was intrigued at Nebilim's tactic.

"Hado 22 Denryoku no Saji! Bakudo 89 Yobunasoko!" (Surge of Power, Extra Armor) A large gigantic ball of spirit energy gathered in Nebilim's hands as the gems on her coat cuffs glowed with energy. "Project!" The blast was fired forward and enveloped Ichigo with body armor to massively increase his defense and also his reiatsu was given a fierce boost. Nebilim's willpower was what was holding Ichigo with the level of strength Ichigo currently possessed. The two looked like they were about to collide when a rope bound itself around the Sokyoku's neck. Nebilim dismissed her support to Ichigo and Ichigo stopped in his movements. Nebilim and Ichigo looked down to the ground where Captain Ukitake and Sentaro and Kiyone had just arrived. "About time you showed up Ukitake!" Nebilim shouted.

"Hey there Mr. Handsome," Kyoraku said to the white haired captain as he began to help Ukitake with whatever he was scheming, "I was starting to wonder if you planned to show up."

"Ah Captain Ukitake? Kiyone? Captain Kyoraku?" Isane was confused and befuddled by the turn of events and the Head Captain was most displeased.

"It took a while to break the seal," Ukitake said as he lugged a large shield in front of him, "but this ought to do it!"

That's the Shihoin clan symbol, Soifon recognized the emblem on the Shield Ukitake was holding, "Stop them!" she shouted at her lieutenant, "They'll destroy the Sokyoku!"

"Me? What can I do?" Omaeda asked her, not wanting to be the one to cross two senior captains. Said captains took out their weapons and slid them into the shield creating a surge of energy, which ran up the ropes connected to the shield and burst the Sokyoku into pieces.

"Nebilim-san what's…" Ichigo turned to the white haired 3rd seat.

"Let's just say that the people against Rukia's execution are larger in number than you think," Nebilim told him.

"I suppose I should thank you for that then shouldn't I?" Ichigo asked.

"Do what you gotta do," Nebilim told him.

"Right," he said and leapt on top of the Sokyoku monumental structure.

"Ichigo what are you going to do?" Rukia asked him as the teen twirled Zangetsu above his hand.

"Isn't it obvious?" he asked, "This stand is about to tumble down."

"That's crazy!" Rukia shouted, "Ichigo, you can't you'll only end up killing us both! The Sokyoku is too strong."

"Don't worry about it," Ichigo told her pointing Zangetsu at the wooden structure, "Just shut up and watch." He thrust Zangetsu into the stand. There was a large explosion. Nebilim leapt back across the air and looked at what had occurred. When things became visible Ichigo was holding Rukia under his arm and stood on the structure. Splinters were flying everywhere from the part that was destroyed. "I don't want to be rescued you said. Just go home you said. You know, sometimes you talk too much Rukia. Good thing I don't listen to you. Now this is the second time I've had to tell you this. I've come here to rescue you. Got it?

"What a fool," Rukia said choking back tears, "I'm not going to say thank you. I won't," she hyperventilated.

"I didn't expect you to," Ichigo said to her.

"Ichigo, Nebilim-senpai," Rukia said as the latter drew nearer and stood next to Ichigo, "What do we do now? How can we possibly disappear? With so many eyes watching us."

"You leave that to me," Nebilim said, "I'll give you guys cover."

"By yourself?" Ichigo asked her.

"You need to take Rukia and get out of here of course, besides, my cavalry should arrive shortly," Nebilim commented. Suddenly there were sounds of struggle as releasers of the Sokyoku were ruthlessly tossed aside and knocked to the ground. Their attacker: one Renji Abarai. "About time you showed up Renji!" Nebilim shouted down to him.

"Renji!" Rukia shouted to him.

"Rukia!" he shouted up to her.

"Oh Renji it's you I'm so glad you're still alive!" Rukia squealed joyously.

"What don't I get a thank you for ensuring his survival?" Nebilim joked. "You owe me one you know!" she called down to the lieutenant.

"I'll be sure to pay it back later," Renji responded.

"I figured you'd show up," Ichigo called down to his new ally.

"What choice did I have? I couldn't just rely on you to save Rukia could I?"

Ichigo smirked, "All right," Ichigo hoisted Rukia above his head with one arm, "Here you go."

"Um…Ichigo what exactly are you…" Nebilim was unsure what the teen was up to. So was Renji.

"Ready?" Ichigo asked. Winding his arm back.

"Ichigo what do you think you're…" Rukia and Nebilim said together.

"Hey hold on now you wouldn't dare…" Renji said at the exact same time.

"Look out below!" Ichigo threw Rukia straight at Renji. Nebilim gasped and covered her mouth at the stupidity and hilarity she had just witnessed.

Rukia screamed as Renji cried out, "Gah you're insane!" Rukia's small body slammed right into him and they went skidding along the ground.

"Gah damn you Ichigo!" Rukia said getting up.

"You idiot what if I didn't catch her!" Renji shouted.

Nebilim sighed and leaned against the stand post, "Dear me, you really do some stupid things Ichigo."

"Take her and go!" Ichigo shouted to Renji, "Don't just stand there. Get her to safety. Take her far away from here. That's your duty. Protect her with your life." Renji then ran off with Rukia under his arms.

Nebilim watched as Isane, Omaeda and Sasakibe charged down after Renji. "I've got them, you take Byakuya." Nebilim told Ichigo.

"I was about to say the same thing," Ichigo said.

Nebilim took off and stood in front of the three lieutenants, "You want Rukia you gotta get past me first."

"Nebilim-san why are you doing this?" Isane asked.

"Does it matter you're orders were to go after Lieutenant Abarai and I'm in your way. Are you going to try and get past me or not?"

"Like a measly 3rd seat could hope to stand against three lieutenants!" Omaeda shouted. "Smash Gegetsubiri!"

"I concur," Sasakibe said, "Bite Gonryomaru."

Isane swallowed the uneasiness she felt, "Run, Itegumo!"

Her hands in her coat sleeves Nebilim turned towards Sasakibe and hit him in the jaw with some form of invisible force. She turned her attention towards Omaeda, leapt and planted her foot right in his face. He reflexively let go of his Shikai and Nebilim whammed him right in the stomach with her fist and knocked him out. Then she turned her attention towards Isane Shunpoed and grabbed the pressure point in her neck, which caused Isane to drop to the ground. She looked over to Byakuya and Ichigo who were already engaged in battle. Nebilim would let them be for now. She had to fan out the flames that had spread from the confusion. She took a look at who remained on the hill. Yamamoto, Nanao, Ukitake and Shunsui had fled elsewhere leaving the only other people on the hill to be Sentaro, Kiyone and…

"Nemu!" Nebilim shouted as she noticed that Soifon was ruthlessly kicking around her vice captain and Kiyone of squad 13. "Leave her alone!" Nebilim decked Soifon across the face as the latter was beating up poor Nemu.

"3rd Seat and Head Researcher Assistant of the 12th Division Gelda Nebilim," Soifon spat wiping the side of her mouth where Nebilim struck her, "I never thought you'd be one to commit treason."

"Gelda-sama…" Nemu looked up at Nebilim, the sun glaring into the girl's eyes. She could see the angered resolve in Nebilim's face as the woman stood stoically with her coat flapping in the breeze.

"Don't worry Nemu," Nebilim said looking straight ahead, "I'll protect you."

"You traitorous scum!" Soifon shouted and kicked towards the side of Nebilim's head. The 3rd seat blocked with her arm projecting an arm guard onto it using her Shikai's power. It shattered against the force of Soifon's attack, but it gave Nebilim and opening as she struck Soifon in her chest with an open palm thrust. The second division captain used her momentum to back flip and pressed her hand to the ground to allow herself a proper landing. "That Shikai of yours is something else. You use a matrix generator to allow yourself to generate different types of weapons and protective gear and equip it to your personage. You always keep your hands in your pockets when it's not in use to keep the energy from clashing since unprotected matrix generators that clash into each other set off hyperatomic reactions resulting in an explosion that could take out the entire Seireitai. You can also create energy using the generators to shoot off energy blasts of different types much like the blast you used to project your Kido over to Kurosaki Ichigo. That's not all. If that were all I would've broken your arm just now with that kick earlier. You have some sort of barrier around that surrounds your immediate area. After punching through this barrier you still had an arm guard made of your own reiryoku to weaken the momentum of my attack even further."

Nebilim clapped slowly, "Very good. You figured out so much about my Shikai in such a short amount of time. You truly are a captain worthy of her title. However, you missed an important detail." She created a sword with her left hand and pulled her right hand out of her pocket.

"Stop what are you doing?" Soifon asked, petrified.

"You said that unprotected Matrix Generators gave hyperatomic reactions, however, I never said that mine were like that." Nebilim held her left sword over her right matrix generator. "Watch and learn." She tapped the sword to the generator. Blue lighting sparked off it in several directions. Soifon gracefully dodged each bolt headed her way. The lightning created dark black charred residue where it struck. Soifon looked at the ground thanking her lucky stars she wasn't struck by that. "You truly are worthy of being the 2nd Division captain," Nebilim said, "to be able to dodge lightning of that speed and voltage. If you had been struck by that you would've been in quite a lot of pain." The two women stared each other down when Nebilim pointed and said. "Hey what's that behind you?"

Soifon used Shunpo and got behind Nebilim within vital range, "Did you really think I'd be one to fall for such a cheap trick?" She made to attack Nebilim only to get swept away by an unknown force.

Nebilim folded her arms, "No, no I didn't." Her attention was immediately drawn to Ichigo and Byakuya's battle in progress.

"Will you be all right staying here?" A voice asked behind her.

Nebilim turned to see Captain Unohana behind her, "Yeah, I'm going to observe." She said.

"Very well, I can tell that whatever your reasoning for doing what you did earlier you believe it is the right thing to do. For that I am not going to engage you, besides…" Unohana glanced down at Nemu.

"Please ensure that she is all right," Nebilim said.

"I will don't you worry," Unohana said. She gathered up the injured and took them with her in the giant manta ray thing that was her Shikai.

Nebilim continued to watch Byakuya and Ichigo fight, taking in careful observation as she watched, "I see you have mastered the flash step," Byakuya observed of Ichigo. "Don't think it'll change anything it won't."

"What's all this casual analysis about my powers?" Ichigo asked. "You said talk was useless but now here you are taking it easy on me. I thought you were gonna kill me," his mouth formed a wide grin, "Didn't you say you intended to cut me down?" Byakuya stared wordlessly, "You haven't put a scratch on me yet Byakuya. Does your silence mean that this is all you've got? Hah, I don't believe it. Show your Bankai Byakuya," Ichigo demanded boldly. Byakuya made no response, "Come on. I heard what you said. You told me you were going to kill me and then execute Rukia with your own hands."

"So I did," Byakuya spoke up.

Man of few words as always I see, Nebilim commented to herself.

"I will not allow that!" Ichigo shouted, "I'm going to defeat you Byakuya. I'm willing to risk everything. And I'm going to crush you until there's nothing left. You act as if there's some reason it has to be this way. You say I wouldn't understand. Well you're damn right. I could never imagine what kind of monster would threaten to murder his sister. But I promise you you'll never say such a thing in front of Rukia again. Release your Bankai now or I'll kill you where you stand Byakuya."

"What an empty threat. All your boasting and bragging will not change my mind. And it will not change Rukia's fate nor your own." Byakuya held up his sword, "You want my Bankai? Careful what you ask for fool. You'll die but it's 1000 years too soon for you to die by my Bankai." He turned his sword flat in front of him, "Scatter, Senbonzakura."

The thousand blades, what will you do Ichigo? I know how I would survive this, but what about you? Nebilim asked in her head.

Ichigo grit his teeth, raised his sword high above his head and swung down with massive force ejecting a bright powerful high-density beam. Both Nebilim and Byakuya were in awe at the sight. The sheer strength split the Sokyoku hill in half. Byakuya's hand was cut by the damage he received as blood dripped down from hit. He didn't seem to care or notice, "What is that light that I saw?" he asked Ichigo, "Is this the true power of your Zanpakuto Kurosaki Ichigo?"

"That's right," Ichigo said, "When I swing my sword all of my reiatsu is absorbed by my Zanpakuto then it gets released in a super high density beam. That gives it an incredibly amplified swing. That's Zangetsu's power. You know the funny thing is I've never actually aimed it at anything before. Until just now I wasn't really sure how to fire it. Kisuke Urahara told me 'I can only teach you the stances'. Now I finally know what he meant. There was only one person who could teach me how to wield Zangetsu and that was Zangetsu himself. The name of that attack just now is Getsuga Tensho. I'll say it once more Kuchiki Byakuya. Release your Bankai now. I'm going to destroy you completely this time!"

"Heaven Shocking Lunar Fang…what a pretentious name. All right then since you're not willing to take no for an answer then feast your eyes. Behold my Bankai," Byakuya picked up his sword and held it upside down.

This will be the second time I have ever seen Captain Kuchiki's Bankai, Nebilim told herself. Renji was completely torn apart by it. What about you Ichigo? Will you suffer the same fate and force me to step in? Or will you prevail?

"Don't worry this will be over swiftly," Byakuya bragged, "You will turn to dust before another thought passes through your head." His sword sunk into the ground. An infinitely large number of large blades rose from the ground. "Bankai," the swords turned pink, "Senbonzakura Kageyoshi." The hundreds of blades scattered releasing infinitely more tiny blades. Ichigo picked up his sword and rushed past the blades hurtling towards him and made to strike at Byakuya, but the 6th Division captain sent forth a blast of blades, which Ichigo dodged past and jumped into the air. The blades followed. Ichigo used Getsuga Tensho. "Pathetic," Byakuya scoffed and blocked with a wall of blades before sending said wall at Ichigo. It rushed past him, split into two and came at him from behind as it formed into one again. Ichigo turned his attention to it only for Byakuya to send up another wave at him from behind. He dodged the incoming only to soon find himself surrounding on all sides by Byakuya's Bankai. He was slammed into the ground by the countless blades. Nebilim and Byakuya both watched with cold stares, the former knowing that Ichigo was made of stronger stuff than that. He'd get up again. "Think of Senbonzakura like this: a relentless assault from all directions by billions of blades attacking simultaneously. The abilities of your Zanpakuto are more than I imagined. However, your attacks are for too broad and clumsy. You could never evade the nimble assault of Senbonzakura."

"Damn," Ichigo huffed, "I thought I could do better than that. I should've known I couldn't take on a Bankai using only my Shikai. Just had to try though."

"That arrogant mouth of yours is going to be the death of you," Byakuya scowled, "You talk as if you already achieved Bankai."

"Yeah…you catch on pretty quick Kuchiki Byakuya."

15 minutes after the destruction of the Sokyoku

Hitsugaya, Rangiku and Luke were running through the Seireitai making great haste towards Central 46.

The Ryoka and your captain came through Luke, Asch told him, Rukia's spiritual pressure vanished from the hill along with my lieutenant's the Ryoka kid is battling my captain. I'm on my way to get a closer look and wait for Aizen.

I'm still on my way to Central 46, Luke stated, thanks for the update

No problem, Asch said.

"Guys, update," Luke said, "Rukia's been saved and the Ryoka, Kurosaki Ichigo, is battling Captain Kuchiki on Sokyoku hill."

"Good then let's hurry to Central 46, the only way we're going to gain control of the situation is to let them know what's going on," Hitsugaya said.

"Should we mention what happened with Captain Aizen too?" Rangiku asked.

"Yes," Hitsugaya answered, "Only I intend to tell them way really happened."

Bullshit that's your job, Asch told Luke.

I know, Luke said.

"Let's hurry," Hitsugaya said and the three began using Shunpo to make their way towards Central 46's domain.

15 minutes and 37 seconds after the destruction of the Sokyoku

Sokyoku Hill

"What did you say?" Byakuya asked Ichigo.

"Don't make me repeat myself," Ichigo said, "I think you heard me. You just don't want to believe it. Then again I don't care what you think you'll believe it when you see it Kuchiki Byakuya." Ichigo took a stance. He held out his sword behind him and held his palm out facing down towards the ground in front of him. He spread his legs to make an equilateral triangle between them, the ground and his body. He let out a fierce battle cry and began to gather spirit energy together.

So you managed to do it kid, Nebilim folded her arms smirking, I don't know how you managed to do it, but you did. A thought struck her as she touched her pointer finger to her lower lip, then again that cape he was wearing had a Shihoin clan symbol on it, as did the shield Captain Ukitake had, but who could've…yeah gotta be her, Nebilim smirked, that was definitely who I saw back on the bridge. I don't know where you've been this last century, but it's nice to know you're still alive Shihoin Yoruichi.

16 minutes and 2 seconds after the destruction of the Sokyoku

2nd Division Grounds

Yoruichi sneezed, "Yoruichi-sama are you coming down with something?" Soifon asked her in concern.

"I'm fine," she sniffed. "Someone's just probably talking about me somewhere."

"I cannot take that chance," Soifon said and rushed inside her office coming back with several items. "Here an orange for raising vitamin C, antibiotics for your immune system and a box of tissues for your sinuses as well as some Claritin in case its allergies."

Yoruichi laughed as she grabbed for a tissue. She blew her nose and stuck it in her pocket. She pat Soifon's head. "It's nice to know you haven't changed much."

"Yoruichi-sama."

16 minutes and 20 seconds after the destruction of the Sokyoku

Sokyoku Hill

Ichigo finished gathering spiritual energy and brought his sword arm forward. He bent his free arm and grabbed his elbow with it. Zangetsu's cloth wrappings wove themselves around his arm. "Ban-kai!" he shouted. Powerful energy shot straight out from Ichigo's sword and towards Byakuya. A torrential dust cloud was formed from the massive energy being swept up in it. Nebilim had to use Shupo to escape being dragged into it and made for the safe high ground atop the Sokyoku stand and even then still braced herself and shielded her eyes. When everything cleared she could see what had transpired. Byakuya had protected himself using a bunch of his Bankai's blades like a bubble wrap barrier. Ichigo however had taken on an entirely new look. His Shihakusho was now a coat with bandages underneath. The ends of the Shihakusho were frayed like that of flames. Ichigo's sword had turned into a long black Katana, the guard shaped like the Kanji for 'Ban' and a chain hanging from the end of the hilt. "Tensa Zangetsu."

"So then that's it?" Byakuya questioned, "That little weapon? That's your Bankai? It looks just like a regular Zanpakuto. Now I understand, this is no different from when you stopped the execution. What it comes down to is that you enjoy treading on things we hold sacred. What you need is to be taught a lesson! I plan to show you what happens to immature brats who try to insult our honor!" Byakuya sent all of his blades at Ichigo like a flood wave but the next both he and Nebilim knew Ichigo's sword was at this throat.

When did he…? Nebilim couldn't believe her eyes. She hadn't even seen Ichigo move and he completely made it to Byakuya's throat with his sword.

"You wanna talk about pride? You so called honor demands that you kill Rukia. It takes a lot of honor to kill your own sister doesn't it?" Ichigo moved his blade from Byakuya's throat, but still stood in his face, "If that's the kind of pride you're talking about then you can bet your ass I'm gonna mess with it." He leapt back to his original position and pointed his blade at Byakuya, "That's the reason I got this power your stupid pride!"

17 minutes and 5 seconds after the destruction of the Sokyoku

Central 46 grounds

Luke, Hitsugaya and Rangiku had finally reached the grounds of the Central 46 chambers.

"That's odd," Luke said, "Isn't there someone usually guarding the front gate?"

"Yeah you're right," Hitsugaya pushed on the door lightly. It opened without any resistance.

"I've got a bad feeling about this," Luke said as they saw the place completely deserted. Hitsugaya, Rangiku and Luke walked slowly across the bridge above the water surrounding the main chamber.

"This place is deserted," Rangiku said.

"Well someone's here," Hitsugaya said, "Because the door to this place is locked from the inside." He took a deep breath, "You must open this door immediately it is of the utmost importance my name is Captain Hitsugaya of Squad 10." In response a seal formed over the door in the form of criss cross sword blades.

That figures, Luke sighed in his head

What? What happened? Asch asked.

Central 46 locked us out. Luke rolled his eyes.

Those damn self-centered bastards. Get in there. Break the door down if you have to! Asch demanded. We've come too far for these political assholes to get in the way!

"We'll have to try breaking the door down," Luke said.

"I suppose it's the only way," Hitsugaya said, "You two stand back," he unsheathed his sword, "I'll try to open it."

17 minutes 43 seconds after the destruction of the Sokyoku

Sokyoku Hill

"Tell me why," Byakuya spoke to Ichigo, "why did you take the point of your sword away from my throat? Well, answer me. Arrogance destroys the footholds of victory. That move of yours is not Bankai. There could never be a Bankai as small and fragile as that one. And a lowly Ryoka could never attain Bankai, it's inconceivable."

Appearances can be deceiving Captain Kuchiki, my Bankai isn't all that impressive in appearance either, but it gets the job done right, Nebilim smirked from above. And you're one to talk about arrogance by the way.

"With this attack," Byakuya said to Ichigo, "You will regret not slitting my throat when you had the chance. A miracle only happens once. Your luck has run out, boy." Byakuya sent out a flood wave of blades at Ichigo again. Ichigo dodged it again. His speed was immense.

Amazing! Nebilim observed, His movements are so fluid and so fast if I wasn't all the way out here I would hardly be able to see his movements at all. That said, even with the large difference in both power and battle experience between Captain Kuchiki and myself, standing there right in the fray must make it tough for even Captain Kuchiki to see his movements. "You've got this Ichigo, keep it up and don't screw it up."

Nebilim watched as Ichigo ran circles around Byakuya taunting him. Byakuya began to move the palms of his hands in rhythm with his Bankai making his movements twice as fast. There's nothing I can't capture, he said to himself as he surrounded Ichigo with his blades. Nothing. He converged all of his blades around the boy. Hacking away like a madman Ichigo sliced and deflected every last one of Byakuya's blades. Impossible he sliced through all of them.

"A miracle only happens once huh? So what do you call this?" Ichigo's voice came from behind Byakuya. The black haired captain turned around and tried to grab Ichigo's blade only to get stabbed right in the side of the gut. On top of that Tensa Zangetsu also sliced right through the skin of Byakuya's hand that was now holding the upper part of the blade. Said Katana went all the way through Byakuya's inside and came out the other end, blood dripping down it.

"I see," Byakuya said, "by focusing all the power of the Bankai in that small blade that Bankai gives you incredible power. Its size combined with its intensity allows you to fight at unimaginable speeds. Even I have to admit that the true power of your Bankai is impressive. Byakuya pulled Ichigo's sword up and out of his gut, "Very well then. There's nothing for me to do, but to completely crush that power!" Byakuya's spiritual pressure surged. Nebilim had to cover her face with her coat sleeve and project a shield since she had no idea what was about to happen.

19 minutes 22 seconds after the destruction of the Sokyoku

Ion and company finally reached the top of the winding staircase now they stood at the other end of the small wood that led to the clearing at the top of the hill.

"Damn it we can't go any farther then here not with all that spiritual pressure carving up the hill like that," Ion said.

"I don't sense Rukia at all, was she already executed?" Uryu wondered.

"Actually no, she escaped," the group turned to see a red haired soul Reaper leaned up against a tree.

"Ah you're from the time at the gate!" Uryu shouted.

The Soul Reaper stood firmly and placed a fist over his heart, "3rd Seat of Squad 6, Asch Fon Fabre."

"Asch!" Ion smiled brightly.

"You know him Hakutan-san?" Uryu asked the green haired Soul Reaper.

"Asch is my friend just like Luke," Ion said.

"What do you mean Rukia escaped?" Chad asked Asch.

"Kurosaki saved her then he passed her off to my lieutenant, Abarai Renji, their spiritual pressures disappeared off the hill together so that's the only thing that makes sense. Right now the only spiritual pressures on the hill are Kuroaki and Captain Kuchiki Byakuya's…at least when it comes to fighting."

"What do you mean by at least when it comes to fighting?" Uryu asked.

"There's a 3rd spiritual pressure out there on the other end of the hill, it's hard to tell who it is or if I recognize it because of the crushing weight of Kurosaki and my captain."

"So is the person waiting on the hill a friend or foe?" Uryu asked.

"I don't know, I'm just going to wait patiently for now and see what happens."

"Say Asch-san have you seen a small pink haired girl come by here going by the same of Yachiru-chan?"

"Hi guys!" Yachiru appeared over Asch's shoulder.

"Haha it seems, like you made a new friend Asch," Ion laughed.

Asch just grumbled.

"Lieutenant you're safe," Makizo Aramaki said to her.

"Hi Makimaki!" she waved to him.

"How lovely," he muttered to himself, "my old nickname."

20 minutes after the destruction of the Sokyoku

Sokyoku Hill

Byakuya slid his hand off the length of Ichigo's blade and both combatants slid back. "Watch carefully Kurosaki Ichigo," he told him. Byakuya became surrounded in a field of pink flames. The flames moved around Ichigo's perimeter too. The formed together and created a barrier dimension cutting off Byakuya and Ichigo from the rest of the world. "What you see is what happens when I abandon all defense and risk everything to kill my enemy. This is the true form of Senbonzakura." Many pink swords surrounded the walls of the barrier dimension creating four revolving circles. "Senkei Senbonzakura Kageyoshi. Don't worry though. This is just your funeral procession. The thousand blades you see here will not attack you all at once. So relax. This Senkei is the form I show to only those special few people who are truly worthy of my vow to kill them with my own hands. You are only the second to ever see it."

"I'm truly flattered," Ichigo commented.

21 minutes after the destruction of the Sokyoku

Outside the barrier dimension Nebilim was now completely cut off from the fight between Ichigo and Byakuya. I can't even sense Ichigo's reiatsu anymore, she grit her teeth in frustration. Captain Kuchiki really is deserving of being a captain to have such a magnificient ability hidden with in his Bankai. Don't go losing all now Ichigo. Don't make me have to get in there and save you. You have to win this. For Rukia's sake, for the sake of your life, for the sake of your friends' lives and for the sake of the lives of those of us who have helped you. We are all counting on you Ichigo. You have to win.

24 minutes after the destruction of the Sokyoku

Inside Byakuya's Senkei

"You have nothing to be ashamed of. You've gotten farther than anyone thought you were capable of. You even survived slashes from the Senbonzakura," Byakuya lectured Ichigo, "but you can feel it now. Your body is dying. You're only a human. Although your spirit has not yet been broken there is a limit to what you can endure. You have reached that limit." Byakuya summoned a new sword. "This is the end Kurosaki Ichigo." He raised the sword above his head and prepared to swing it down

Move…I have to move. Move…damn it! Ichigo cursed. Why am I here? Why have I come all this way? It's all for nothing if I don't win. I…want to win. I…NEED TO WIN!

"Che," a creepy alien like voice came out from Ichigo's body and grabbed Byakuya's sword, "I thought I told you already it's a big problem for me if you get yourself killed." White mask fragments began to form over Ichigo's face.

"That's impossible," Byakuya was completely dumb founded by what was going on, "Who or what are you?"

The alien voice laughed, "You want to know who I am? I have," it picked up its head revealing half a hollow mask on Ichigo's face, "NO NAME!" Ichigo had been taken over by his inner hollow as it attacked Byakuya and began cackling like mad. The bestial creature within him fought Byakuya like Kenpachi on steroids. It managed to severly wound Byakuya dealing several lacerations, creating a blackened version of the Getsuga Tensho and even destroying Byakuya's precious Kenseikan. Byakuya was panting by the time the relentless assault finally ended.

"This twisted spiritual pressure," Byakuya panted, "That white mask. Are you a hollow?"

"Who cares? I don't have to tell you anything because as soon as I'm done with you you're going to…"

Disappear!

Ichigo's inner hollow became panicked. The left arm of Ichigo's body reached up and began to pull of the mask on his face.

I don't need you stop interfering!

"You're the one who's interfering!" The hollow shouted flinging about wildly trying to suppress Ichigo's will…and failing, "Don't you get it? I was about to kill him! You'll win if you just leave it to me! You fool! Damn you!" The hollow screamed as Ichigo succeeded in willfully pulling off his mask. The fragments tumbled to the ground.

Ichigo was back in control. He panted for a bit and then stood erect, "Whew." Byakuya looked at him with the most priceless WTF face EVER! "Sorry about that," Ichigo said, "That was an unwelcome interruption."

An interruption? That's what that was to him? Byakuya was still recovering from the experience it seemed. I think he means that if he had been in that form for much longer, then even if he had defeated me the victory wouldn't have truly been his. "Very well. I won't ask you to explain what that thing was. I don't think either of us have the strength to continue this fight for very much longer. We'll finish this off with one final attack."

"All right," Ichigo agreed to Byakuya's terms. "But first let me ask just one more question. Tell me why, why wouldn't you save Rukia?"

"If you actually succeed in defeating me, then I will answer that question," Byakuya answered. He gripped his sword with both hands and held it out in front of him. All of the blades creating his Senkei created a brilliant flashy display of two white wings with a halo behind him. "Shukei Hakuteken!"

"Wow," Ichigo admired, "That's really incredible. Sorry I don't have anything to match that. Zangetsu only taught me the Getsuga Tensho. So all I have left now is to compress all of my spirit energy into one final attack." A swirling ball of black surrounded Ichigo and he prepared to face Byakuya head on one last time. "Here I come Kuchiki Byakuya!" The blades collided and Ichigo and Byakuya's attacks blanketed the Sokyoku hill in a brilliant flash of Black and white. The barrier dimension was destroyed Nebilim who was in close proximity barely managed to sustain her ground the barrier that surrounded her immediate area completely shattered forcing her to disengage before she sustained further damage to it and to let the barrier recompose itself while Ochitamegami rested. When everything had cleared Nebilim took a look to see Ichigo and Byakuya on either side of one another facing away from each other.

So, who won? She wondered. As if on cue blood poured from Ichigo's back. No don't tell me he…

Ichigo planted his blade into the ground. "I won't fall!" he told himself.

He's still standing but what about…? Nebilim looked over to Byakuya as blood spurted from the noble captain's shoulder. He staggered forward trying to maintain his footing. After a few fumbling steps he managed to do so.

I lost…it's only fair. "You wanted to know," he said out loud. Ichigo picked up his head and turned to look at Byakuya. "You wanted to know why I would allow Rukia to be executed. Criminals must be brought to justice. Once their punishment is decided it must be carried out. That is the rule of the law."

"You honor the law? Even over the life of your own sister?" Ichigo questioned Byakuya's motives.

"Sympathy towards a relative; what could be more pointless?" Byakuya asked.

"How can you say that?" Ichigo was disgusted.

"Feelings and emotions have no value compared to the law. Luckily I've never been burdened by such useless sentiments. The Kuchiki clan is one of the four great noble families. We're duty bound to serve as examples for all Shinigami. How can we enforce our laws if we ourselves are not willing to obey them?"

Ichigo let Byakuya's words sink in and processed them. He then said, "I'm sorry, but I still can't understand. I swear, if I were in your position I would fight the law. I would fight until I ended your stupid law!"

Byakuya was moved by Ichigo's words and his eyes became full of kindness, compassion and understanding, I see now. I was never his true enemy. What this child has been fighting from the very beginning was the law of the Soul Society. "Kurosaki Ichigo because of your free spirit and reckless abandon you have broken my sword." Byakuya turned around and walked away. "You have my word. I will pursue Rukia no more. You have won." The 6th Division used Shunpo and left the Sokyoku hill.

Ichigo let out a wary cry of victory. You did it kid, great job. Nebilim smiled. You've become so strong Kurosaki Ichigo. Thoughts of her student, Jade Curtiss, flashed in Nebilim's mind. Well done Ichigo, I'm proud of you.

To be continued…

(A/N: Ichigo WINS and Nebilim is just a memetic Badass and caring individual as always. So yeah you probably aren't reading this since you're just gonna skip on over to the next chapter now. I'll save my breath. Go enjoy it).