Author's note: Hello all! It took a while to get this chapter ready! Between school and other personal things, and problems with my other beta reader's computer died on her… I didn't think this chapter was ever going to be posted! Well I had some free time today, so I decided to post it… I hope you all read, and review…tell me what you think so far! I will try to make the next update quicker than this one…it won't be four months from now, promise!

A HUGE thank you to Aerisboots for the awesome beta read! You are a lifesaver!!!

Gift of the Guardian

Written by gokusgirl

Chapter 6

She knew it was a dream.

Knowing that should have made her wake up; but she didn't dare. She was dreaming of the one person that eluded her dreams recently.

Ichigo.

They were lounging around on his bed, on a perfectly sunny day. Ichigo's window was open wide; the baby blue curtains pushed aside to allow the cool breeze to blow in. Rukia lazily opens her eyes, staring at Ichigo sitting Indian style at the head of the bed. As she sat up he smiled back at her, moving in to close the gap between them. He slowly reached out to caress her face softly.

Rukia leaned into his palm, grabbing his large hand with both of hers. She had missed this – his touch, his warmth. Just feeling it now made her feel so complete, so safe. She swallowed hard; feeling her throat clinch in pain as her eyes began to water.

"I miss you so much," Rukia rasped as the tears flowed down her face.

"I miss you too, Rukia…" Ichigo responded; his voice deep and echoed. "But you must wake now."

"I don't want to!" Rukia implored, the onslaught of tears running down her face as she grasped his hand tighter.

"You've got to," Ichigo told her as he smiled back at her. "You've got to take care of yourself." He pulled his hand from her grasp, lowering it downward. Just as his hand touched her stomach…

She awoke.

Groggily awaking, Rukia recognized the sterile white environment as the infirmary located at the Kuchiki estate. She blinked slowly, feeling drained as her eyes fluttered open slowly. She turned her head to the side, and saw a young woman flipping through a chart. The woman noticed her eyes had opened, and her face lit up alarmingly as she hurried out the room, calling out to someone. Rukia swallowed again – her throat dry as sand. She then felt a cool, streaming sensation on the top of her left hand. She raised it up to see it was had an intravenous unit taped down there, its clear fluid slowly administering itself into her veins. She began to sit up when a man dressed in a full white kimono entered the room with the young woman.

"Please Lady Kuchiki," The man told her as he touched her shoulder, keeping her in place. "Don't get up. How do you feel?"

Looking from the woman to the man, Rukia hesitantly replied. "Thirsty." The man gave the woman a curt nod, and she rushed over to the far corner of the room to fetch her some water.

"That's to be expected. Anything else?" The man further asked. The woman returned, handing Rukia the small saucer of water that she took with shaky hands. They watched patiently as she swallowed the water down, coughing a little as it wet her parched throat.

"…I'm a little groggy, but I'm okay." Rukia answered. "Why am I here?"

The man and woman looked at each other gravely, and the man looked back at Rukia, his mouth drawn into a tight line. "Your brother will be in to see you, My Lady. He can explain to you what's going on."

Nodding mutely, the pair left out quietly. After a few minutes, shoji door slid open again, and Byakuya stepped in. Rukia's heart began to race as she looked at his usual grim expression; but there was something else there. Could it be concern?

He walked over to side her bed, standing over her as his eyes followed up from her hand with the intravenous unit to her face.

"You fainted from fatigue and dehydration," Byakuya begin abruptly as he looked into her questioning eyes. "But there is an underlining condition that caused it."

Rukia cringed as he heard the word condition. Byakuya raised an eyebrow at her, gazing down at her staidly.

"I knew I could sense something wrong with you." Byakuya continued as he walked around the bed, his hands folded behind his back. "I didn't want to draw to any conclusions, so I decided to keep my eye on you. Then I was informed that you were venturing out into the Rukongai to purchase food and sneaking it up to your room. The servants informed me of how you would grow ill at certain times during the day. Like I said; I had no proof to substantiate my claims… until I recovered your little trinket." Stopping at the foot of her bed, one of his hands came from behind his back, holding Rukia's medallion between his fingers.

Rukia's eyes bulged. Her hand absentmindedly landed on her stomach, feeling for the stone that was laid always there. It was not. It was now in Byakuya Kuchiki's hands. She began to tremble with fear as Byakuya moved closer to the foot of bed, his face now becoming tinged with anger.

"Judging from the markings on this stone… it came from Yoruichi, am I correct?" Byakuya asked. He didn't wait for an answer as he moved around the right side of bed, stopping only a few feet where Rukia laid. "It did an incredible job masking reiatsu, and allowing you passage through the senkaimon… don't you agree?"

Rukia began to shake her head- not sure what kind of response she needed to give to her bother. She saw his eyebrows furrow, and he gripped the stone tightly in his hands as he let out a hiss.

"What are you denying, Rukia? That you're with child? Even after tests confirm that you are, you still want to deny it, right in front of me?" Byakuya spoke in a raised voice. He turned away, calming himself down as Rukia cringed frightfully. She swallowed thickly; sitting up was she exhaled sharply. The tears were already falling down her face, and as she gripped the thin bed linen as she bowed her head.

"I don't deny it, brother… I am pregnant." Rukia answered softly.

Byakuya turned back around to face her, sighing tiredly as he sat down in the vacant chair next to her bed. "Why did you not tell me, Rukia? Why did you put your life in danger by entering the senkaimon?" He asked.

"You know what happened the last time when I didn't report back home on time," Rukia replied as she kept her eyes downward. "And I was just scared to tell you. I was afraid of what you would say."

To her surprise Byakuya stood and sat down on the bed beside her, his hand reaching out the touch hers. "I'm sorry that our relationship lacks trust, given the pervious events that have occurred between us. But I want you to know right now that I am always on your side, Rukia. I could never turn you away or deny you."

Rukia felt somewhat relieved, but a little bewildered at his proximity. She gave a small nod, glancing up at his face that still looked like stone in spite of his emotional claims. She could see a question lingering in his gaze; and she knew what it was.

"Does Renji know of your condition?" Byakuya asked cautiously.

Rukia's brows furrowed with the question. "…Why would he?" Rukia asked her brother vaguely, her eyes looking away.

Byakuya paused dramatically before he gave answer. "Because he is the father, am I correct?"

Rukia nervously began shaking her leg and bit her lip as she turned her head away from her brother's expression that seemed to grow with suspense as the moment passed. As terrified as she was in this moment, she knew that he would have to know the truth. She slowly turned her head back to face him, and as she swallowed thickly she willed herself to confess to the first person in the Soul Society of her deepest, darkest secret.

"…Renji is not the father. Kurosaki Ichigo is."

He felt anxious and nauseous all at the same time. Pacing the floor of his bedroom, Ichigo felt the panic swell in his chest. He couldn't eat; he couldn't sleep- all he could do was think. Think of Rukia, think of her being pregnant, think of her not being with him, and how much he wanted to be there with her. It really was too much to bear.

And then he would have these bouts of queasiness that would send him to the bathroom, dry heaving until his throat stung with the aftertaste of bile and his eyes were red and watery. He stopped pacing to lie done across his bed, staring up at his ceiling. He was angry earlier with Rukia, for her not telling him about the pregnancy. Later he calmed himself, forgiving her all at the same time for not doing it. He was driving himself mad with his thoughts, and now as he waited for Urahara to ready and open the portal, time had slowed itself down, making his worry and concern for Rukia grow more with each passing moment.

A knock resounded at this bedroom door, and it opened as Isshin poked his head in. Ichigo gave no response to him as his father walked in, but his nostrils flared as the aroma of food filled his senses.

"I thought you came back!" Isshin told him as he set the plate of dumplings on his desk. "Yuzu made you some fried dumplings, your favorite!"

Ichigo sat upright, staring at the steaming plate of dumplings with horrified disdain. His stomach made a painful lurch as he slapped a hand across his mouth. He jumped up from the bed and clumsily ran to his bathroom, retching violently into the toilet.

Amusingly his father walked over to the bathroom door, standing here as he watched his son pray to the porcelain god. He slumped against the wall next to the toilet, groaning as he wearily looked up at his father.

"Can you please get that shit out of my room?" Ichigo spoke with a gravelly voice.

"Sure thing," Isshin laughed, walking over and setting the dish outside the bedroom door. "Can't hold anything down?"

"No, and I don't know why." Ichigo replied as he pulled himself up onto his feet.

"Couvade syndrome," Isshin explained as he folded his hands in front of him. "Sympathy pains. It's described as a psychosomatic response that suggests symptoms that may be physical manifestations of a man's subconscious attempt to adjust to the pregnancy."

"Wha…?" Ichigo groaned as he shuffled back over to his bed, sitting down as he rubbed his empty stomach. His father was talking medical terms and references, and it really made no sense to him, especially in this state.

"It will pass, don't worry about it." Isshin told him as sat down next to him on the bed. "So what did Yoruichi tell you when you went over there?"

"She said that she gave Rukia a stone medallion or something..." Ichigo croaked dryly, sniffing around the room as he picked up the smell of the dumplings that sat outside his bedroom door. "It was placed underneath her clothing."

"I see," Isshin said as he rubbed his bristly chin. "And when will Kisuke have that portal opened for you?"

"He said it would take at least five weeks the first time, but now he says he can get it open in two."

"Good," Isshin nodded as he stood. "Until then we can prepare how you're going to present yourself when you get over there."

"Prepare for what?" Ichigo asked annoyingly. "Everybody knows me over there!"

"Exactly," Isshin replied. "That's why you need to clean up your manners for this visit. The nature of this visit is very formal; and one slight misstep or lack of disrespect will have your ass thrown out or even worse- killed."

Ichigo paled. His eyes widened as he furrowed his eye brows together. "…Killed? Are you serious?"

"The Kuchiki Clan is one of the oldest and most dignified of the noble families in the Soul Society. You've dishonored them by impregnating Rukia out of wedlock. The consequences could be dire; I'm not going to sugar coat for you." Isshin explained.

"Dire for me or for her?" Ichigo asked excitedly.

"For both of you… but more for her right now since she's over there and you're here." Isshin watched as Ichigo sat there numbly, his shoulders slumping as the thoughts of what the Soul Society or her own family could be doing to her right now. He'd seen that first hand when he'd rescued her from her very brother years ago. Isshin laid a hand on his shoulder, startling him out of his revive. "…That is why you must be educated in presenting yourself properly when you come before them, understand?"

"O-okay," Ichigo conceded with a mumble. "What do I have to do?"

"Kurosaki Ichigo," Byakuya spoke, his voice quavering with detest. Rukia noticed how his hands recoiled and flexed as he spoke Ichigo's name; like it was foulest, dirtiest thing he ever said. His jaw clenched, and his eyes wondered around the room as if he was in deep thought – probably on how to kill the substitute Shinigami. He suddenly looked at Rukia, his eyes narrowed and scrutinizing. She cringed, slinking down into the bed as she held the sheet up to shield herself, from what she didn't know. Maybe she did it to ward off Byakuya's piercing glare. "…you are carrying Kurosaki Ichigo's child?"

Rukia knew the question was rhetorical, so she remained silent as he rose from the bed, pacing the floor in stark silence. He whirled around to face her yet again, this time making her jump.

"What have you done, Rukia?" Byakuya spoke as he shook his head critically.

"I can explain-" Rukia began, but was silenced by a wave of his hand.

"There is no need," Byakuya snapped. "Please keep the pleasantries of your lustrous affair with that ryoka to yourself!"

Rukia gasped, angered at her brother's words. Her face flushed and she sat upright, defiantly staring Byakuya down. "I meant that I wanted to tell you about Ichigo- about it all. And I intended on telling you…"

"When Rukia?" Byakuya shot at her hotly as he began to pace again. "When your belly became distended and round enough where the entire Society would notice? Do you know what any of this means right now? Central 46 will have to know about this pregnancy…this is far above my level of discretion now."

He was yelling now. The calm, reserved clan leader was extremely coming apart at the seams, and it made Rukia frightful. She shook her head, not sure what her brother was explaining.

"That ryoka will have to answer for what he has done." Byakuya declared in a harsh tone.

Rukia's eyes widened with horror, and she leapt out of the bed, nearly tearing the IV out of her arm as she bowed in front of her brother crying. "Don't do this brother! I love him!"

"Don't talk to me about this love business," Byakuya seethed. "And get up off of the floor in your condition!"

"Please," Rukia wept, crawling over and clasping onto her brother's robes. She looked up at him with her wet face, her sobs racking through her so hard that they made her body shake. "Please… don't do this to Ichigo… don't do this to me!"

Byakuya looked down at her momentarily, and he let out a long, tired sigh. He knelt down, cupping her jaw with his hand, his thumb wiping the tears that slid down her cheek.

"Rukia I cannot hide the ambivalence I have for… Kurosaki Ichigo, but I will not have you carry on like this. It's not a noble thing to do." He told her simply.

"Maybe it's because I'm not a noble," Rukia breathed out. "And I will do whatever I can to protect my child, and Ichigo."

"What is done cannot be undone," Byakuya spoke in a cryptic tone, and he stood. He glanced down at her once more before walking to the door. "We will speak more on this matter later… for now rest. I need to reflect on this entire situation, so I will leave now."

Byakuya walked out swiftly, not turning around to look at her as she picked herself off of the floor. And as the door slid closed, she let the floodgates of her soul tear open as she cried. She cried for what was, and what was to come.

And she prayed for a miracle.

The seireitei was in an uproar.

The news of Rukia having a baby was the most talked about topic for the last few days. Rangiku wasn't one of the many that gossiped and about the situation; she was mainly concerned for Rukia and her newly discovered condition. As she walked into tenth division headquarters she was met with fierce whispers and laughs all at Rukia's expense. Rangiku frowned, clutching her fists tightly together as she slammed the shoji door shut very loudly, grabbing everyone's attention in the room, and making the chatter dissipate completely. She glared in the officer faces, and some shamelessly looked away and blushed with embarrassment. After a rather dramatic pause, Rangiku placed a hand on one hip as she looked on in bitter annoyance.

"Since we are so engrossed in gossiping that means you don't have enough work to do," Rangiku growled lowly. "So now you can clear out the two supply warehouses today and clean them out." An outbreak of moans and displeasure broke out across the room, but it only made Rangiku's voice lift higher in anger. "…I want all your requisition forms and weekly patrol reports on my desk by the end of the day. Now get out! NOW!" She slid the door open again, stepping aside to allow the grumbling officers to exit. She heard an occasional 'bitch' or 'whore' in the mingled voices, but it meant nothing to her. She would simply map out another day of grueling tasks tomorrow for the snide remarks.

Feeling completely satisfied for fucking up their day, Rangiku smirked as she shut the door closed behind them, turning around to head into her office to catch a much deserved nap. She gasped when she noticed her Captain, Toshiro Hitsugaya standing there, looking at her absurdly with his arms folded squarely at his chest.

"Captain," Rangiku gasped as put a hand to her flowery bosom. "You startled me."

"I don't like how you abuse your position to vindicate a friend," Toshiro told her flatly. "Don't do that again."

Rangiku fumed, but held her tongue for a moment before speaking. "So it is honorable to speak ill will of a comrade? I only did what you would have done, sir."

"I do not agree with what they said; but being a leader means that you have to pick your battles." Toshiro said with a hunch of his shoulders.

"Exactly! That's why-" Rangiku began but stopped when Toshiro held up a finger to silence her.

"….And this was not your battle, Matsumoto." Toshiro told her in an icy tone. "I know she is your friend, but don't act like you have to defend her when people talk about her. It's only talk. However I will address the gossiping issue in the morning meeting, understand?"

"Yes, sir." Rangiku answered, her voice sounding deflated and composed. She hung her head in frustration as she thought of how unfair everything had to be.

"Have you seen Rukia? Since the incident at the garden party, I mean." Toshiro inquired, making his vice-captain's head snap upward, her eyes wide with much concern.

"The Kuchiki household is not allowing anyone in to see her. I had to put in a formal request to Captain Kuchiki to see her, and that was days ago." Rangiku explained.

Toshiro paused briefly before letting out a short snort. "…Well I guess I could ask the captain for you…"

Rangiku pursed her lips together; not believing what she just heard. Her smirk twitched on the end of her lip as she said, "Why Captain Hitsugaya… isn't that an abuse of your position?"

Narrowing his eyes down at his vice-captain, Toshiro mumbled something under his breath as he stalked off, his ears picking up the small chortle Rangiku made at his blunder.

Retsu Unohana quietly slid Rukia's shoji door closed and walked up the hallway that led to out into the courtyard. Patiently waiting there for her was Captain Byakuya Kuchiki and his Vice Captain Renji Abarai. When she stopped in front of them, she respectfully bowed, her hands planted firmly on her thighs. Byakuya returned the bow, giving it swiftly and without haste. Renji bowed reluctantly; remembering that Unohana was one who followed the rules of respect to the very letter.

"How is she, Captain Unohana?" Byakuya asked the fourth division captain.

"She is well, Captain Kuchiki. All her ailments are gone now since she's eating properly." Unohana replied with a warm smile.

"And the child?" Renji asked hastily as he glanced over at Byakuya nervously.

"The child is well. It does have an unusual reiatsu, and it is growing at an alarming rate. Other than that, it is healthy and thriving well." Unohana replied brightly. "Captain Kuchiki, with your permission I would like to run a few tests on Lady Kuchiki, if possible."

"What kind of tests?" Byakuya asked, raising a curious eyebrow.

"Captain I hope you do realize that this is first pregnancy within Seireitei, or one of this kind. One that defied every law of physics to come from the human world to here and remain intact…it is truly remarkable."

"And yet very ambiguous," Byakuya replied with a long sigh. "How is this possible?"

"With your permission, I would like to give you that answer," Unohana told him assertively. "I will not harm her or the child in any way. I have a theory on what has happened; I can only test it to make sure. You will not be disappointed."

Byakuya paused, thinking it over briefly before he gave his answer. "Alright, Captain Unohana. I will grant you access to Rukia so you can administer this test. But you ensure me that division twelve will not be in your facilities when it done. I know Captain Kurotsuchi has expressed his interest in seeing Rukia, but I know he's more interested in dissection."

Renji shivered. Captain Kurotsuchi of division twelve was quite intimidating; but the idea of him cutting up Rukia in the name of science was revolting and immoral.

"The test can be done here in your infirmary, Captain Kuchiki. No harm will come to her." Unohana assured him again.

"So be it," Byakuya told her as he began to walk, and Renji and Unohana followed closely. "When do you want to do this?"

"I can be ready in a few days, Captain." Unohana replied, her smile still warm and vibrant.

"Captain Kuchiki," Renji interrupted them hesitantly, making them both stop and look at him. "…would be it be alright it I visit Lady Kuchiki, if only a few minutes."

Byakuya paused, his face unreadable as he briefly thought it over. "She will be out in the garden in shortly; you can visit with her for a few minutes of that time." He turned and continued his walk back into the mansion, Captain Unohana following quietly behind him wearing a placid smile.

Renji bowed as thanks to his captain, and once the two had left his presence he stood, sighing deeply. Turning on his heel, he began to stroll towards the garden located not far from the courtyard, his thoughts plagued with Rukia and her condition.

This could be the one thing that will bring us back together, Renji thought hopefully. He knew that He and Rukia had one night together, and the possibilities of the child being his were almost certain. But then he thought of Ichigo… the young, and highly fertile man probably impregnated her the first time they slept together. Renji groaned; shaking his head as the images of Rukia entwined with his rival flashed in his mind. He was resentful of Rukia's choice – even thought she never told him directly; her actions spoke louder than words. Then he remembered the taunting words that Rukia spoke at the farmer's market in the Rukongai: You want to know how he is in bed or how is he in general? It made Renji's blood boil that Ichigo had taken his treasure. Whatever the outcome is, Renji told himself as he entered the garden through an ivy gate. I will make sure that Ichigo pays for taking her away from me.

He stopped walking when he saw Rukia, accompanied with the servant enter the garden almost at the same time. Rukia stood there, her eyes widening fractionally as she stared at Renji. His eyes couldn't help but roam across her entire face and body- especially her clothed stomach. He frowned slightly; not pleased that she still wore her obi so tightly around her stomach.

"Renji," Rukia breathed surprisingly. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to see you, Milady." Renji replied politely with a bow. He immediately heard her suck her teeth, and he grinned.

"Sora, you can leave me with Abarai-dono for a few minutes." Rukia told the young servant. The girl nodded, and walked back into the mansion, leaving them both standing there eyeing each other down. Rukia threw her head up into the air, and began to walk down the cobbled path that led out into the garden. Renji followed alongside her silently; not sure how to start the conversation between them.

"How are you, Rukia?" Renji finally asked her, his hands clasped behind his back.

"I'm fine." Rukia answered quickly, her tone flat and detached.

"Rukia… I don't want you hating me, not now. I think it's time we focus on what's important here. And it's the baby." Renji told her cautiously.

Rukia stopped dead in her tracks. She turned to look at Renji, who for the most part was smiling like a man who won the lottery. It was absurdly ridiculous. "…Did you just say that we need to focus on the baby?" Rukia asked sharply.

"Of course," Renji said with a shrug of his shoulders. "I forgive you for not telling me that you were pregnant, Rukia. I can get past that. Your health and safety is my concern now."

Rukia eyes widened when she heard that, and if spite of herself she burst out into laughter. She giggled furiously as Renji watched her, smiling perplexedly as her chortles quieted down.

"You think…" Rukia began as she pointed a finger at him accusingly. "You think that this baby is yours?" Rukia's smiled faded and was quickly replaced with a cold stare. "You know whose baby this is… you can feel it. Don't you?"

Renji frowned. There was no mistaking the strong reiatsu that came from her stomach was somewhat similar of Ichigo's. It was all too much to take in; with her snide laughs and Ichigo's strong reiatsu, it made him feel a rage that made him want to grab her by the neck, and squeeze it until there was no life left. He calmed himself from his dark fury, taking a deep, cleansing breath as he glared at Rukia heatedly. It was time to set his plan- his ultimate plan into motion.

"It's hilarious that you've got yourself pregnant out of wedlock?" Renji suddenly blurted at her, making her glower at him even harder. "That you've managed to dishonor a noble family that's set in tradition for hundreds of years? You should be real proud of yourself, Rukia."

"Fuck off," Rukia seethed, and turned to walk away. Renji followed.

"Like I said, been there- done that." Renji replied harshly. "What do you plan on doing, huh Rukia? You're going to wait for your little prince charming to come and save you?"

"It's none of your business what I do now, so go to hell!" Rukia shouted.

"Do you know what's going to happen to your little boyfriend once he gets here?" Renji told her, making her stop in her tracks. He stood behind her, and he could see how her body visibly shook at his words. Renji grinned slyly, loving how she was falling into his trap. He walked up behind her slowly, a smirk curling on the end of his mouth as his eyes floated upward to the sky. "What Ichigo has done is a crime. Desecration of a family name; to lie down with a noblewoman without consent and to impregnate her is even far worse. The moment he steps foot on Soul Society soil, he'll be put to death."

"You lie!" Rukia gasped, whirling around to stare at Renji and his wicked grin.

"Am I? Why don't you look it up, Rukia. See if I'm lying." Renji dared her. He watched in bitter amusement as she trembled, her eyes watering and her lip quivering in terror. "But you can save him, Rukia."

"I-I can?" Rukia squeaked; covering her mouth to prevent herself from crying out loud.

"Of course you can," Renji assured her as he placed his hands on her shoulders. "When Central 46 carries out their inquisition, you tell them I am the father. By then we will be married, and they will have no grounds in punishing us."

Rukia recoiled back in disgust, shaking herself from his grasp. "…Marry you? Are you insane?"

"Do you want to save Ichigo?" Renji asked her again, his tone hard and cold.

"Brother would ensure that no harm comes to Ichigo…he could convince Central 46-" Rukia tried to explain, but was cut off by Renji's evil laughter.

"Who do you think asked for the inquisition?" Renji cackled. "Byakuya loathes Ichigo. He'd rather see him dead than having him as a fucking brother-in-law!"

Rukia's head was spinning. Did her brother ask for the inquisition, which would eventually lead to Ichigo's death? And could she make the ultimate sacrifice and marry Renji to save Ichigo, a man that she did not love? She rubbed her temples with both hands, feeling herself grow ill with each passing second. Rukia stumbled over to a small bench that sat nearby, and she sat down with her face buried in her hands. She could hear Renji walking over to her, his voice now sounding soft and menacing.

"I know this is a lot to digest, Rukia." Renji told her in a caring tone. However, his face was still turned up into that nasty grin, relishing in watching her wither in her indecision and misery. Oh, she will pay for not choosing me… "But you think it over. I'm sure you will come to the right decision. And once we're married… I will give you a good life. And I'll treat his child… as if it's my own. I promise."

"Please," Rukia murmured into her hands as she raised her head up. "Just leave me. I will think about it- just go!" She broke out into a sob, and she covered her face with her hands once more.

That's the look I was going for, Renji thought icily to himself, making his grin broaden. "Alright, Rukia. You do that- think about it. I'll need an answer in about a week's time. Alright?"

He didn't care if she gave a response, so he turned and walked away quickly. He passed the servant on the way back to the courtyard and she saw how he was smiling evilly. Sora immediately rushed out into the garden to check on Rukia, who was now bawling her eyes out loudly.

Revenge is so sweet, Renji mused as he laughed to himself. And once I have Rukia, Ichigo will never lay claim to her ever again.

::To be continued::

Author Note #2: I know a lot of you don't like how Renji is being portrayed. If any of you read my story 'Tell Her', it would explain his disposition. In any story you have to have a protagonist and the antagonist… and Renji being casted the 'bad guy' worked. Don't fret! All is well, and like most stories it will work itself out in the end! Whenever that will be… Thanks for reading! And please review!!!