I'm sorry for the delay! i'm busy with orientation and cny so it took me quite a while to update.

as usual, i wanna thank BellaLuz64 for always reviewing, and everyone else who reads this story.

Disclaimer: I do not own bleach.

Skye

"Hey. How do you feel?"

"Argh. My head hurts." Renji puts his hand on his forehead. "Where am I?"

"You are, unfortunately, in the detention centre." I explained. "But not before Unohana taicho treated your wounds."

"I screwed up huh." He signed as he opened his eyes.

I managed a small smile dancing on my lips. "You're fine. But you did look in a bad shape when I saw you."

"Nonetheless, I lost to that ryoka." He took note of my form leaning against the cell. "Ichigo." He whispered.

"You're not weak, Renji. I actually felt relieved that you didn't win."

"You what?" He sat up suddenly. "Ouch. You wanted Ichi- that ryoka to win?" He said, amazed.

"Rukia told me about Ichigo. So he's not just 'that ryoka'. Are you not even a tiny bit happy that he'd won?"

Renji stayed silent for a moment. "He's the one who is going to save Rukia. Not you, not me, but him. We are just two cowardly shinigami who can't choose sides. So shouldn't you be thankful that he can continue what we hoped to do?" I said quietly.

"I've known Rukia from Inuzuri. We grew up together and we were good friends until…until she's adopted into the Kuchiki family. From then on, I feel that I can't reach out for her, no matter how hard I try." He confessed.

My eyes bore into his slouched form. His shoulders slacked and eyes drooped. What's more, he hasn't completely healed yet. He really looked defeated, and there's nothing I can do to help him. Nothing I can say to comfort him. I can't give him any advice because, heck, I can't even give myself any.

After a few minutes of silence, I decided to leave him in his thoughts. "I undid the kido spell surrounding the detention centre." I said as I turned and walked away.

"What do you mean?"

"You can get out of here and save Rukia if you want. Just break through your holding cell." I gave him a tired smile.

"You want me to escape?"

I shrugged. "You will, even if I don't help you. I'm just making your life easier, idiot."

"Where are you going?"

"To find Ichigo. I promised Rukia he will not end up dead. Nor will any of the other ryokas."

Renji threw back his head and gave a painful laugh. "He will not end up dead, alright. Unless he faces Byakuya. Skye, promise me something."

"…"

"Don't let him kick Byakuya's ass before I do. Ichigo is stronger than me, but I'm not sure that he's strong enough to defeat Byakuya. 'sides, how can I live with myself if he actually wins Byakuya?"

I stopped at the entrance as Renji stopped talking. "I'll promise you if you promise me something."

"What?" Renji's voice echoed in the cell.

"Let's save her together. I'll be waiting for you." Without hearing his reply, I shunpoed away.

I thought about what happened as I looked out for the flash of orange. In the past two days, I've visited Rukia, tried to look out for Ichigo, kissed my captain, suspected by Hitsugaya and provided some help for my futaicho to escape from jail. Not to mention my body felt like crap.

Added to the sleepiness were feelings of guilt, repent, anger, grief and sorrow. How could I forget about Taeda and just kiss Byakuya like that's the most normal thing to do? How dare he say I smell like jasmine? That sentence, like "Minori", can only be uttered by one person. How can I enjoy myself when he left?

Lately, I have been feeling again. Feelings like embarrassment, desire, and fear, all gathered together in my abdomen when I see Byakuya, which is only worsened by his close proximity with me. I vividly remember how I felt when I touched his dry lips. All my defenses, emotions, thoughts were knocked out, replaced by only one word. More. I had wanted more. If Byakuya hadn't said anything, I would have fallen deeper into my sin. Who knows what I would have done with him then?

These feelings scared me. Scared me to hell. As a result, I feel a twinge of fear whenever I am alone with Byakuya. I don't want to feel this excitement when I'm with him. I'm not supposed to. This feeling is only reserved for Taeda. Byakuay makes me lose the little control I have over myself. Not that I like being in control. In fact, the old me was a totally out-of-control freak, who just randomly do things and say things without caring or thinking.

This really got me to wonder, how certain events can affect an individual. I changed so much. Sometimes, when I looked in the mirror, I don't know who that reflection I'm staring at is. Who is that dark purple colored hair girl who looks exactly like me. We may look alike on the outside, but deep down, we are completely different. I wanted to believe that I have not changed. I'm still that innocent girl who believed in everything and loved the world. Everything that has been happening scared me. They push the real 'me' deeper into my mind, where it is buried in a small corner of my heart, too lonely, too afraid, too powerless to get out.

I went faster, eager to feel the air resistance against me. It doesn't matter how I feel, for all that matters, it may only be a crush. I mean, Byakuya do look gorgeous. Maybe that's why I feel so attracted to him. But judging by his idiotic attitude, I guess this affection will not last for long.

Hey, Skye, would you focus on the current situation already? You're making me as messed up as you.

That surprised me. Hotaru no Hikari chose the best of times to disturb. Finally, when I thought I can uncover myself….But she's right. I'm technically in a middle of war, and I need to know which side to stand on.

Thanks, Hikari.

What am I really going to do? Defy all the rules and save Rukia? Am I really going to do that? The me now certainly wouldn't'. But the me then…my lips curled up into a naughty smile that haven't shown itself for ages. So what if the old 'me' was locked up in some remote corner of my heart? I just broke out of it. I grinned. For a while, just until I saved Rukia. I promised.

Now this is going to get interesting. I thought. Or not. I took in the scene in front of me in horror. There, covered with blood, was the captain of the 5th division, Sosuke Aizen.

Byakuya

I can't believe Skye just obeyed my orders. After spending some time with her, I thought her disobedience was innate. She couldn't even hide it. But there, she just proved me wrong.

Even though the kiss we shared was etched strongly in my mind, I didn't let it affect me. I couldn't let myself get carried away the next time. This was a mistake. I betrayed Hisana the moment my heart beats faster at the sight of Skye.

She may have her own conflicts, but she immersed herself to deeply into those miseries. She needed help. Someone to drag her away from the dark patch of her life. I have been tempted to help her, but decided against that. This is not the behavior of someone from the Kuchiki clan. Skye is just my 3rd seat; she doesn't deserve more of my attention. However, if she continues like that, one of these days she is going to break down. And then there is nothing anyone could do to save her.

I had actually cursed her presence before. After seeing Skye, I became more conflicted. If Hisana were here, she would have provided me with the exact solution to my problems.

Hisana or my parents? That single question haunted me for days. Now Skye is added into the picture. I groaned. She asked Ichimaru for help. No doubt she will try to save Rukia too. I would need to stop her when that time comes. I don't know if I could muster up my courage to hurt her. Skye was strong and delicate at the same time.

"Byakuya taicho. I have a message from Unohana taicho. All captains are required to gather at the 4th division to identify the body of Sosuke Aizen." The messenger continued gravely. "Captain Aizen was found dead an hour ago."

There is one question that I have a definite answer to. The feelings I have for Skye, is it pity or love?

Skye

"I can't let you hurt him, Hinamori." I said calmly as I stopped her swinging katana with my right arm. I just can't be bothered to draw my zanpakuto, so I raised my reiatsu to counter her attack. But how can I be calm when Aizen lie dead in his division in broad daylight?

Hinamori, out of sorrow, anger, and Hitsugaya's warning, decided to put the blame on Ichimaru. Kira should be there to defend his captain, but he was still a step away when Hinamori attacked. Ichimaru, on the other hand, could have blocked easily, but he stood there grinning as usual. As a result, I, who have nothing to do with this whole thing, have to stand between Hinamori and Ichimaru to make sure they don't kill each other.

"You!" Hinamori screeched at me. "You betrayed Aizen taicho too! You are working together with him!" She pointed at Ichimaru. "Hitsugaya kun was right all along! Now stand back and let me kill that murderer!"

Without hesitation, Hinamori moved around me and swung her zanpakuto again, this time with much greater force.

I was ready to draw out my zanpakuto too, when Kira intervened. Seireitei is officially in disorder, I thought as watched the fight. Apparently, after Kira and Hinamori released the zanpakuto, Hitsugaya came in with a timely intervention and sent them both to the detention cell.

"I apologise for the trouble, Taicho. Kira cause ya some trouble there…" Ichimaru began but was cut off by Hitsugaya.

"Ichimaru, were you planning on killing Hinamori?"

"What do ya mean?"

"I'm warning you, if you make Hinamori shed even one drop of blood, I'll kill you."

"My my, that's very terrifying! If ya feel that way about her, ya ought ta be careful not ta let bad guys get ta her."

I grabbed Ichimaru. "Shut up, Gin. Let's go. I have something to ask you."

Hitsugaya flashes me a glare, but not as deadly as the one he gave Ichimaru. "I don't know what you're up to, Skye, but you need to choose your stand soon. My warning applies to you as well."

"Don't be stupid, I won't hurt her." I replied.

Hitsugaya raised his eyebrows, surprised that I talked this way.

"Thanks to your reminder, I decided to let go of the past. For a while." I added the last three words quickly.

I dragged Ichimaru to a rooftop, then released him. "So, do you intend to explain yourself?"

"Skye chan, nice ta know that you're back ta normal!"

I grabbed his haori. "Stop fooling around, Gin. Answer. My. Question. Or do you want to get hurt?" I threatened him.

"Ya saved meh from Hinamori, then ya want ta kill meh?" He gave me his trademark mocking smile.

I remembered how I used to hate that smile. "Try me." In a split second, my zanpakuto was at his neck. "Now, tell me you are not about to do anything bad. Are you?"

I made it a question, because as much as I wanted to deny it, I do have my doubts about Ichimaru. I know him for a very long time, and because I do, I know that he is a very unpredictable person. And I know he will not answer me willingly, thus my decision to force him.

"Aww…Skye chan, ya getting as scary as Byakuya!"

Again. He's not answering the question. Now I feel more anxious. He's the one person who is familiar with me and my past, I don't want him to disappear from my life, like Taeda and Kara. He can be annoying and sarcastic at times, or all the time, but I'm used to it. I like him just the way he is.

See? That's what happens when I'm 'me'. I am vulnerable.

Be brave. This is what you choose. You need to carry out your promise. Don't retreat back to your shell at least until Rukia is saved. Besides, not answering doesn't mean that Ichimaru is the bad guy.

Hotaru no Hikari. I silently thanked my zanpakuto for her support.

"I don't want you to be my enemy." Finally, I lowered my defenses and hugged him, changing my tactics.

Ichimaru didn't reply. I wanted to look up and see if I wiped out that big smile of his, but I'm afraid any tiny movement would disrupt our peace. At the instant I embraced him, I realized that I knew nothing about Ichimaru. I feel so far away from him. I suddenly realized that the strong bond that I thought we shared can actually break anytime, anywhere.

I felt Ichimaru ruffle my hair. That's as close as he would get. I signed, slightly disappointed by his reaction. He pulled away from me.

"Skye chan. Ya shouldn't look so sad." Despite his grin, I can sense his seriousness. He raised his reiatsu so much that I find it hard to move.

"Gin. Promise me." I called out for him, desperate for him to stop. I know he will disappear and I'll probably not see him again until this whole ruckus end. He's always like that. Going somewhere without telling me.

He stopped. "Promise me you will not leave, like Taeda." My voice raw.

"Ya know I won't. Ya always will be my sora chan."

Byakuya

It's just a premonition. But I feel that something is wrong. I looked in the direction of the Senzaikyu. Rukia. I quickly shunpoed there.

Skye

"Leave him to me." I smiled at Yachiru.

I bent down and looked at him, close up. By now, I'm thoroughly amazed at this orange hair guy called Ichigo. He just defeated Kenpachi. I know I did too, but Kenpachi didn't even release his full reiatsu when fighting me. I'm just lucky I got over with that fight quickly enough.

Ichigo is at a totally different level from me. He's powerful, alright. And he genuinely loves his power. I put my hands in front of his chest and started the healing kido. Green light emitted from my palms.

"What are you doing?" He caught one of my arms.

"Healing you. I'm not from the 4th division, so I'm only doing basic healing." I continued as though nothing as happened. After Gin left, I gathered up all my courage and forced myself not to think about it. I had a lot of things to do. Fighting back my drowsiness, I finally found Ichigo.

He opened his eyes, dark brown orbs staring at me with a frown. "I don't need healing. I'm fine. In fact, I don't have time to waste. I need to be on my way –"

"You are really stubborn, you know." I cut him off. "I know you have to save Rukia, but Hanatarou and your other friend already headed to Senzaikyu. Can't you have faith in them, Ichigo?"

He suddenly sat up, disrupting my healing. He roughly grabbed my chin and turned my head from left to right, scrutinizing me.

"Mmm…who are you? I haven't seen you around before. How did you know my name?"

I raised, offering him a hand to stand up, but he refused. Typical of guys his age. Full of pride. "Rukia asked me to make sure that you are fine. She especially mentioned you name. Come on, let's go."

He sheathed his zanpakuto and followed me. "You are helping me then?" He asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Idiot. Of course I am. What does it look like I'm doing then?" I rolled my eyes at him.

He chuckled, letting the tension between us disappear. "You're the second person here who didn't want to kill me. Thanks, I suppose."

I snorted.

"So, what is your name?"

"Minori Skye. Just call me Skye."

"Alright then. Skye." He looked at me expectantly. "What division are you from? I thought everyone here are proud to announce the division and position and blah to newcomers."

"Newcomers?" I smirked. "I'm the 3rd seat of the 6th division. Just so you know, Renji's my futaicho. You beat the crap out of him."

"Oh Renji. He asked me to save Rukia." Ichigo fastened his pace. "And I will. You're saving her too?"

I was just about to answer when I sensed the reiatsu coming from the entrance of Senzaikyu. I stopped.

"Hey, what's the matter? We need to get up there quick." Ichigo barked at me impatiently.

"You go first. Quick. Your friend is in trouble." I whispered.

I barely managed to finish my sentence when Ichigo dashed off. I looked up to see a part of Senzaikyu.

"Byakuya." I breathed. "What are you doing?"

Byakuya

The second I sensed that reiatsu, I knew who I was expecting.

"I'm here to save you, Rukia."

Ukitake was surprised beyond words. So he made it this far. But, it's my duty to stop him here.

"You can get mad later." Ichigo turned away from Rukia and met my gaze. He have changed, indeed. His gaze now held determination, something I didn't expect from him. "After I defeat him!"

"Byakuya, who is that?" Ukitake seemed to have recovered from his shock.

"He's a nobody. Compared to the person laying behind you, he's not important. He's just a drifter that I would destroy. This is the end of this meaningless rescue. Everything ends now."

Skye

"Minori Skye! Move your feet, idiot! Get up there and stop the fight! You are well aware that in his condition, even if a miracle happens, Ichigo is not going to defeat Byakuya!"

I didn't move. Too shocked at the overwhelming amount of reiatsu Byakuya released. Even captains are not allowed to release their zanpakutos, unless…it's a war. So Yamamoto taicho declared this as a war. This is going to be bad.

"Release me, Skye! Rukia is there, remember? Stop doubting yourself and trust your instincts!" Hotaru no Hikari screamed in my mind.

"Yeah. I know." I snapped out of my thoughts. This is it then. My stand is clear. Saving Rukia meant fighting Byakuya. This is something that I should've known. I judged the situation. I encountered Byakuya's zanpakuto before. I know I have to be quick if Ichigo is going to be 'fine'.

"Let's go, Hotaru no Hikari." My sword shone with white light as it is released. It'd be faster to move with Hikari in the released state.

"Chire, Senbonzakura."

Looks like I got there just in time. In a spilt second, I was on top of Ichigo, waving my zanpakuto at inhumane speed as I deflected all the small pieces of Senbonzakura, unseen to the naked eye.

Byakuya

"Chire, Senbonzakura."

Ichigo surprised me by blocking my sudden attack as he actually spotted me moving in shunpo. He has potential, I have to admit, but he will not be leaving this place alive. There is no way he could block Senbonzaukura now. He's going to end up like that guy from the Shiba family.

In that moment, I saw a flash of light, not blinding, but warm, moving around Ichigo. It looks like mini fireworks, but all white.

It took me a while to realize what was happening. Something, or someone, was protecting Ichigo, and I am sure I know just the person behind it.

Skye

"You…you…how did you move so fast?" Rather than looking at me, Ichigo looked at my glowing zanpakuto with his mouth wide open in an exaggerated manner.

"It's called speed. You better thank me. I released my zanpakuto to save your ass." I turned to see Rukia shaking.

"Rukia, are you alright?" I asked, lowering my reiatsu so she could stand.

"I'm fine." She mumbled. "You shouldn't be here, Skye chan! You are going to get into trouble!" She glanced nervously at Byakuya.

I looked into Byakuya's eyes. Hurt, surprise, anger, confusion, they are written plainly over his head, though his face revealed nothing. I shook my head. No time to think about Byakuya. My task is to make sure that Ichigo is fine and Rukia is not dead.

"I'm already in trouble for visiting you that day." I murmured.

Byakuya's zanpakuto seemed to return back in one piece. "As your captain, I ask of you only this one time. Are you helping these scums save Rukia?"

I flinched at his choice of words.

"Hey Skye chan." I nodded in acknowledgment as Hanatarou whispered to me. "Please don't get into trouble. For Rukia chan. If you are thrown in jail, then things are going to be hard. Who's going to save Rukai chan then? Please don't fight Byakuya taicho here. We can't win against two taichos."

What he said makes sense. And I haven't even prepared myself to stand against Byakuya. But if I don't do anything now, Rukia is sure going back and Ichigo, what will happen to him? With his hot-headedness, he's sure going to engage in a one-on –one battle with Byakuya. And Byakuya will not let any of us go easily either.

"I was just sticking to the promise I made to Renji. I promised him I won't let Ichigo engage in a one-on-one battle with you." This is the best excuse I could think about now.

"It is not of your concern who I fight. You are acting without my order." Byakuya raised his zanpakuto again. "I should have requested to demote you along with Renji during the meeting just now. Idiots like you do not deserve to be ranked at such a high position in my division. Now, be gone."

I was so shocked at what Byakuya said that I just automatically tuned out. He was never this menacing towards me. He never looked at me this way. Like I was a rat scurrying at his feet. He never called me an idiot. I thought I should feel anger, but all I felt were pain. Invisible spears piercing through my flesh, tugging at my heart, trying to pull it out. Surprisingly, I don't feel my eyes becoming heavy. I didn't cry. I couldn't. It was just so sudden, so unexpected, that I just stood there, my tears not even having enough time to form.

I didn't hear him when he commanded his zanpakuto to charge again. I didn't hear Rukia's scream. But I did see a tanned, magenta color haired woman coming out of nowhere and restrained Senbonzakura.

I didn't hear what they say, but that woman used houten on Ichigo.

"Hey you're going to stand like this forever? Get your butt moving, lady!"

With that, Hotaru no Hikari awakened me, pushing me back to my senses.

"You are trying to save him, Yoruichi." Glad that she's not the enemy, I thought.

"Did you think that I would allow it, sempai?" from the way they talk, they know each other. Well, they can fight each other for all I care. Right now, I don't want to have anything to do with Byakuya.

"Rukia, I'll make sure you won't die." I walked towards her.

She looked at me worriedly. "Skye chan, you don't have to sacrifice this much for me…"

"No, I do. You are my friend. I will save you, no matter what it takes. I've lost too many people already, I can't afford to lose you too." I meant every word I said as I thought about Taeda, Kara, and…maybe Gin.

"Three days. In three days, I'll make him stronger than you. The fight between you two is postponed until then. You can follow, but the god of shunpo will not get caught so easily."

We turned to see Yoruichi on the roof, with Ichigo in her arms. She's fast. I wonder if I could catch her.

"I will not let you get away. What makes you think I will be even fighting with that slut in the first place?" Byakuya made no move to catch Yoruichi.

Instead, he turned to me. "As of now, I am still your captain. With your speed, I'm sure you could catch her. This is your chance to prove yourself." Even as he's asking for my help, Byakuya still gave me an inferior look.

I have had enough of this. Ignoring what he said, I shrugged. "My job here is done. Please take good care of Ichigo, Yoruichi san!"

She looked at me for a moment before chuckling. "I like you. Byakuya, she's too much for you to handle." With that, she disappeared into the wind.

Finally, it ended. No, it didn't. It's just the beginning of the end. I don't know what Byakuya is going to do with me, and I don't want to know. It feels like everything bad is doomed on me. I feel…helpless.

I gulped as Byakuya fixed his death stare at me. Rukia whispered to me. "Good luck, Skye chan."

Byakuya walk away without saying anything. He doesn't need to. I can feel the anger radiating from him. I just hurt his pride by disobeying his orders in front of others.

"Hey, where are you going, Byakuya? What about the others?" Ukitake called out.

"I lost my interest. Do whatever you want to them." As he passed me, he said, not bothering to hide his disgusted look at me, "Follow me." He didn't even glance at Rukia as he walked by.

Ignoring the little voices in my head that shouted at me to run away as far as possible, I followed him.

Byakuya

This is unforgiveable, I decided. Who does she think she is, challenging the head of the Kuchiki family.

She walked behind me, turning corridors after corridors. How could I kiss someone as filthy as that? She put on a brave face when she was with Rukia, but now, alone with me, her ego seemed to have crumbled. Good. I wanted her to feel defeat.

I stopped abruptly, wondering how long she is going to keep following me in silence. She should be the one who opens her mouth first and apologize. Instead of that, she bumped into my back.

I hissed in anger. I do not want any part of her touching me. She jumped back in shock at the sudden brief contact. Still, she did not apologize for knocking onto me.

I grabbed her arm tightly and threw her against the wall. "Who do you think you are?"

My voice louder than usual

She stared at me defiantly, but I can see her body trembling with fear. "Where do you want me to go? The holding cell?"

"Do not answer my question with another question." I grabbed her shihakusho. "Pass me your katana. Now."

"What?" She whispered.

I pulled her up so we are at eye level. "You are going to the detention centre now. If you do not wish to be restrained, I suggest you hand over you katana."

I put her down. She unhooked her zanpakuto from her back and held on to it, unwilling to let go. After a few seconds of internal struggle, she passed it to me hesitantly.

She entered the holding cell and sat at a corner. I looked at her pathetic form. As I leave the cell, I said to her blandly, "You are not worthy to be in the 6th division."

and thanks for reading! -.- i really hope to have more reviews, they show me how much you appreciate my story...and i will try my best to update soon! until then. 0.o