(AN) Sorry it took a little longer to post this chapter, but I was trying to decide to split this or not, and the word count kept growing so yeah lol. I should have part 2 posted Sunday/Monday.

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

Chapter 29

The next afternoon, Rukia stole Rangiku from Hitsugaya. She needed assistance a someone to talk to after last night's debacle. One night of hell was enough for her from the traditional dress to the horrid makeup to the people wanting to kidnap and marry her. You'd think people would learn by now that she wouldn't go down with a fight.

Rangiku eyed her petite friend as she stood lost in thought staring at the closet while millions of thoughts were running through her head. "Are you okay, Rukia?" Rangiku asked. Something was bothering her friend, and it was more than just the recent events.

Violet eyes turned to greet her. You could tell that Rukia barely slept that night by the circles under her eyes. "Ran, what do you think of Ciel?" Rukia asked. This wasn't the answer that Rangiku was expecting. Why would she ask a question with a question unless Rukia was deflecting? Or even worse, considering Ciel to be an actual suitor?

To satisfy her friend, Rangiku asked, "Oh, the little, black haired noble with bright blue eyes from Central 46?" Rukia nodded. Rangiku tapped her finger to her lip thinking of an appropriate answer. "He's cute and nice enough, I guess..."

"I can't figure out what to make of him." Rukia said with a shake of her head. "Yes, he's attractive, but is there more to him? I mean, he witnessed my first dispute with Akhiro last night, and he didn't spread any rumors so he has a point in his favor." Rukia replied solemnly.

Rangiku pitied Rukia. Her once bright life was resorted to sorting through who was actually friend or foe. Thankfully, all her friends had her back, especially one handsome carrot top, who should be receiving an earth shattering note. Now, all she had to do was plant seeds of doubt about Ciel so Rukia would think twice before she dated him again. "You know, Rukia, I asked around about Ciel after your impromptu visit this morning."

"Oh…Did you find anything I should be aware of?" She asked skeptically. Rukia needed all the information that she could gather. Ciel seemed nice enough the other night, but so was Akhiro before his drive for greed consumed him. Forewarned is forearmed.

"Well, I have two things that concern me. One, he seems to have a penchant for spending large amounts of quality time with one of his manservants – if you understand my meaning." Rangiku stated with a wink. Rukia just raised a raven-haired eyebrow at Rangiku. If this was all that Rukia had to worry about, then she was in the clear.

Rangiku bit her lip. "Rukia, other rumor concerned Ciel's previous lover."

Before Rangiku continued, Rukia interrupted. "He's a nobleman, Ran. Rumors are going to whirl around him like do me. One day, I'm marrying Ichigo, the next Toshiro, then Kenshin the next. Hell, someone even suggested Renji because we were seen sparring and laughing together. I mean really, can those idiotic people make up their minds?" Rukia stated with an exhausted sigh. Could her life be anymore complicated?

"While you're the latest gossip, Rukia, Ciel's rumor was from a few years. Some people say that his blonde-haired lover mysteriously disappeared, there were even rumors that she was his fiancée. One theory is that she ran off with lower class nobleman or a peasant while the others say she disappeared without a trace around the time Ciel's man servant came into the picture." Rangiku told Rukia excitedly. If Rukia didn't know better, she thought Rangiku was telling her all this over dramatically on purpose.

"It's most likely that she wasn't happy with her lot or she feel in love with someone else so she ran off. Honestly, Ran, I am not worried about it because Byakuya will not make me marry him. All I have to do is survive this date." Rukia stated as she picked up her new emerald green kimono with water lilies painted on it.

Rangiku marveled at Rukia's resolve. She was so calm unlike last night, but that's all going to change shortly. She hid her smirk as Rukia turned around to show her the simple, but beautiful kimono. "What do you think? Is it too formal or just right?"

"I think he's tongue will be wagging for you - if he's straight." She said with a little laugh. "But you know who else would love this kimono?" Rangiku asked cheerfully causing a frown to appear on Rukia's face.

"Rangiku, I will freeze you if you say the two names I am thinking about." Rukia promised. She was tired of hearing her always throw Ichigo or Hitsugaya's name in every available conversation.

"What? I was going to say Kenshin! He's so fond of you!" Rangiku stated as she nudged Rukia in the side. Her targeted shoved her into the chair where Rangiku landed with a light flop.

"You, stay right there! I'll need your help in a minute!" The petite soul reaper commanded as she headed to her changing area.

"Like I'm going to miss a moment of this!" Rangiku exclaimed in a high pitch voice then she proceeded to grab a sake bottle from who knows where.

Rukia couldn't help but shiver at Rangiku's words. Just what the hell does Ran expect to happen on this date?

Rukia exited the manor with Rangiku slowly following behind her. When Rukia wasn't looking, Rangiku snuck over to where Byakuya was waiting. "Is everything ready, captain?" She asked him.

"Do you even have to ask?" Byakuya's expression remained stoic, but it took all his strength not to roll his eyes at Rangiku.

"I just want to make sure he's here. If not, I'll kill him myself for breaking her heart." Rangiku said softly so Rukia wouldn't overhear them.

"You'll have to get in line, lieutenant." Byakuya said with a smirk on his face. He didn't even try to hide his chilling glaze of how much pleasure that he'd get from killing Ichigo if he hurt Rukia.

The pair watched Rukia as she approached the gate. To her surprise, it wasn't Ciel Genpu waiting for her, but a mammoth of a man. "You've got to be freaking kidding me!" Rukia muttered.

She had to hold her composer. Part of her wanted to break and run, and the other part was trying to resist changing into her bankai. At least she could get a running start and possibly survive the outcome of their battle then.

Do not show fear. He can't seriously be here to replace Ciel. Maybe I should have listened to Ran...Kami, I'm sorry for whatever I did! Don't make HIM my date!

A pink head of hair popped over the Captain of Squad 12's shoulder. "Rukia! We're here for you!" Yachiru shouted happily as terror filled Rukia's violet eyes. The lieutenant and the captain of Squad 12 was not two people that you wanted to see at your manor. Destruction and missing sweets always followed them - normally in that order.

"Little Kuchiki." Kenpachi greeted her. "You've grown stronger since our last meeting. It's a shame that I'm here for Ichigo and not you."

Wait! He wants Ichigo? Why would he be here? We've hardly spoken in a month.

"Good luck with that, Captain Kenpachi. Ichigo and I are not on the same page right now. Using me as bait would be pointless." Rukia told him as she stuck her nose in the air. She had to retain her Kuchiki composer since her brother was somewhere around here.

"Kuchiki, I can't fight you because I promised your brother that you'd be safe, but Ichigo is another matter altogether. If you're ever in trouble, he'll come for you, especially after our unique invitation." Kenpachi told her with a blood thirsty smile. Just thinking about fighting Ichigo got his adrenaline flowing.

"Unique invitation? What are you talking about?" A surprised Rukia asked. Byakuya didn't tell her anything about this.

"Simple - Fight or be banned from you and the Soul Society until his natural death." He stated proudly as he watched Rukia pale.

Byakuya agreed to this? I must have fallen asleep. This has to be a dream. He wouldn't dare ban Ichigo like that, would he?

"Awe! He'll be here. Ichi loves Rukia!" Rukia marveled at Yachiru's words, but she didn't have the heart to correct the girl. Everyone knew Ichigo was back in the human world doing stupid human things while she was here trying decide who to marry.

Determined not to be a part of this, Rukia turned to head back inside when her brother and Rangiku appeared in front of her. "Where are you going, Rukia? Your date is here." Byakuya asked. He didn't get any joy from torturing her like this, but Ichigo needed to prove himself in more than one way.

"He's not my date! My date was Ceil Genpu. Now, I'm going back inside the manor to read. I refuse to be a tool for his to fight Ichigo, especially one that you set up, brother." Rukia replied with all the pose and grace of a Kuchiki.

Kenpachi looked confused for a minute as he listened to Rukia's rant. "Oh, you meant that punk over there?" He asked as he pointed to a poor, splattered soul on the floor. The Kuchiki healers were trying to keep him alive until they could get him to Unohana.

"You allowed a fight? Are you insane?" A terrified Rukia asked her brother. Her large, violet eyes begged him to not confirm her suspicions.

"Kenpachi challenged the boy to a fair fight. He is a soul reaper and a noble. Genpu could have turned the challenge down." Byakuya stated with an air of superiority about him.

"Genpu only did what was right." Kyoraku said as he appeared on next to her replacing Rangiku. Suddenly, Rukia noticed the pattern. The three captains had her blocked in on all sides.

My brother is against me. The Captain-Commander is against me, and Squad 11 captain wants to kill my best friend ... Why am I always involved in these people's psychotic games?

Instead of yelling at the three captains like she wanted to, Rukia chastised her brother. "You knew Ciel wouldn't back down because that would go against his pride and dishonor the clan. Yet you still let him fight and nearly killed by Captain Kenpachi."

"Believe whatever you want to, Rukia." Byakuya stated. "But you have to go with Kenpachi now. It's a matter of honor. Yoruichi will be there shortly to keep you company as you watch the fight. I wouldn't want you getting hurt." His face was devoid of emotion. This was one of his toughest challenges yet. He knew that Rukia didn't understand, but she would soon.

Rukia grabbed Byakuya's arm. "Is this some sort of punishment, brother? Have I angered you in anyway?" He shook his head no. It took all of Rukia's will power not to loudly, verbally challenge Byakuya in front of the elders. "Please, brother. If you love me, don't do this." Ice started to form at her hand.

Ignoring Rukia's plea, Byakuya looked to his fellow captain. "Kenpachi, our deal stands. But if any harm comes to her, I'll kill you." Byakuya promised. His death threat reflected in his unflinching eyes.

Kyoraku tried to reassure the petite lieutenant. "This is for you own good, Rukia." Kyoraku smiled. "Your help will be on his way soon. As a matter of fact, I can feel Ichigo's spiritual pressure entering Soul Society as we speak."

Rukia almost lost all her composer. How dare they do this to her? She turned to glare at Kenpachi. "You are not allowed to kill him, do you hear me? If you do so help me Kami, I will go bankai on you and make everything I did before look like child's play." Pure ice reflected in her eyes. The challenge was issued. No one could kill Ichigo, but her.

"Putting his life on the line makes you braver, Kuchiki. You're like a she-wolf now." Kenpachi said with a grin as he helped her onto his back. "If you ever want to join the 11th squad just let me know!"

Rukia rolled her eyes. "When hell freezes over." She muttered as the took off.

Shortly after, Ichigo arrived in a huff at the Kuchiki mansion only to find Byakuya and Kyoraku waiting patiently for him. "You're nearly late, Ichigo Kurosaki." Byakuya warned him.

"Like I was going to stay away from Rukia." He sneered causing Kyoraku to laugh. The boy was passionate about many things, but no one threatened his little midget.

"He's a keeper, Byakuya. Little Kuchiki is in for a real treat seeing him all worked up like this." Kyoraku joked.

"What are you even talking about? Why isn't she here?" Ichigo asked. He knew Rukia didn't plan this, but why did her brother?

"Because she's at the challenge location, my boy. I hope you prepared for one hell of a battle." Kyoraku stated as he flash stepped off to Kenpachi's location.

"Kurosaki, if you win, I grant you permission to court Rukia and marry her if she so chooses." Byakuya told a shell shocked Ichigo since Byakuya generally hated him.

"That's big coming from you, but I believe Rukia has a say in the matter of whether she wants to date me or not." Ichigo chided the great noble Byakuya Kuchiki.

Instead of retaliating, Byakuya looked Ichigo dead in the eyes. "Follow me, Kurosaki. If you're alive after this challenge, we'll talk." You could feel the tension in the air, and its trail of aftermath as Byakuya took off to an unknown destination, Ichigo following hot on his heels.

In a little shack off to the side of the "battlefield", Rukia waited anxious with the Captain-Commander. "Kuchiki, quit pacing. You are going to wear a whole in the floor." Kyoraku told her.

"If everyone would mind their own damn business, we wouldn't be in this situation." Rukia growled. The captain-commander just smiled at the petite lieutenant. She reminded him of his Nanao when she was feisty.

"Ignoring Ichigo has made you grump." He stated as he took a swig of sake. Rukia noticed the drink appeared from nowhere.

"Give me that!" She swiped his cup from his hand and drank deeply. A sake filled Rukia was going to be the least of their worries if they hurt him.

"I didn't take you for much of a drinker, Rukia." He said in a soft-tone as she glared at him. Kyoraku was impressed; her glare rivaled that of Nanao.

"If I'm going to survive this torture, then yes, I am drinking." She told him. Rukia looked out of the window just in time to see Ichigo arrive with her brother. Byakuya flash stepped off the side leaving Ichigo in the middle of the clearing.

She could sense that Ichigo was searching for her spiritual pressure to make sure that she was safe. Unfortunately, Ichigo was so consumed in finding Rukia that he missed the massive force of spiritual pressure waiting for him hidden in the trees.

A big gust of power disrupted the area causing Ichigo to turn around to see Kenpachi landing right behind him. "Surprise, Ichigo!" He yelled with maniacal laughter swinging his sword.

"What the hell, Kenpachi?" Ichigo asked as he blocked a swing.

"Glad you could join me!" Kenpachi said with a sick twisted grin on his face as he removed his eyepatch. "Welcome to your first trial!"

"Where's Rukia?" He asked as he was assessing the situation before they began.

"She's safe. Do you really think Byakuya would let anything happen to her?" Kenpachi asked with a sneer. "Besides, little Kuchiki can take care of herself. You don't want to piss that woman off."

An orange eyebrow arched at Kenpachi's last statement. Ichigo made Rukia mad all the time and he was still alive. He didn't get what Kenpachi was referring to unless it was their last fight where his hollow made an appearance. "For you to make that comment, she must have been pissed… Did you tell her Chappy the Rabbit was stupid or something?"

His smile got even bigger. "I threatened you." Kenpachi said simply as he raised his zanpakuto to attack. Ichigo didn't have time to be astounded. A fury of attacks followed Kenpachi's words. Loud clashes could be heard for miles away as each opponent tried to overpower one another. One minute, Kenpachi would have the upper hand, the next minute Ichigo would.

After what seemed like hours of fighting, Kenpachi looked happy covered in his and Ichigo's blood. "You seem to be slacking. Where is your hollow, Ichigo?"

"I can do this without him." Ichigo growled as he ignored the laughter in his head. For some reason, the hollow was cooperating with him for now. He wanted to beat them on his own.

"You should really call for your back up." Kyoraku said as he and Byakuya arrived in the middle of the fight. The two captains drew their swords, and you could hear a pin drop. Ichigo was so lost.

"Welcome to challenge 2." Byakuya said with a hostile glare. "Scatter, Senbonzakura." Byakuya commanded his zanpakuto as a slight smirk graced his handsome face.

Kyoraku followed suit as he drew his two swords, "Flower wind rage, and flower god roar! Heavenly wind rage, and heavenly demon snear! Katen Kyokotsu."

"I have to fight three of you!" Ichigo shouted.

"We did say challenge. Kenpachi was your warm up. Now, you have to deal with us." Kyoraku said with a smile.

Byakuya sent a way of pink petals after Ichigo while the two other captains let the men fight. Ichigo flash stepped to avoid the attack, but Byakuya was right beside him. "You'll have to do better, Ichigo. Wouldn't want me marrying her off to Kenshin, would you?"

"Damn you! She can marry whoever the hell she wants!" The carrot top charged at Byakuya, who blocked him with ease, as Ichigo's temper to get the better of him.

A wicked gleam entered Byakuya's eyes. "You mean as long as it's you?" Byakuya countered knowing full well what Ichigo meant.

Senbonzakura's petals began to wrap around Ichigo, but he broke them with a one command, "Getsuga Tenshō."

Suddenly, Byakuya disappeared from his previous spot. In his place stood Kyoraku greeting Ichigo with both of his zanpakuto. "Hey, Ichigo! Want to play a game?"

"Nope! I'm good, Kyoraku! Don't you have something better to do, like run the 13 Court Guard Squad? Ichigo appeared stunned as he flash stepped a safe distance away to eye his opponent, giving the normal peaceful man a break.

Unfortunately, Kyoraku wasn't in the peaceful mood today. He quickly flash stepped over to Ichigo surprising him with a cut on his shoulder.

Ichigo grimaced in pain as he shot his opponent and glare. "Dammit!"

"You have to play the game, Ichigo, if you want to move to the final challenge." Kyoraku taunted.

"Then do you care to explain the game to me?" Ichigo growled as he blocked the two blades - one with his hand and the other with Zangetsu.

"You're biting off more than you can chew here, King. Call for my mask. We can take all of them." His hollow told him.

"Shut up, and let me concentrate!" Ichigo replied to the laughing maniac in his head.

"I'll see you soon, King, if you want to live." The hollow stated before he left Ichigo alone to focus on his fight with the captain-commander.

"If you want to win, you're going to have to start paying better attention to your opponent, Ichigo." Kyoraku chided as he missed Ichigo's ear by a hair.

Ichigo smiled at Kyoraku. "You never did explain how your game worked.

"It's simple. Whoever is higher up wins!" Kyoraku said his own lazy smile as he disappeared from Ichigo's sight.

Then it clicked for Ichigo. He knew what he had to do as they played Kyoraku's game. The men tried to out do each other, but Ichigo could tell Kyoraku wasn't putting up a hard fight. He knew the man hated conflict; although, sometimes it was unavoidable. This felt more of like a training exercise to Ichigo - almost like he was testing him for something.

When Kyoraku got tired, he switched back with Byakuya. The captains fought him singly while the others waited patiently at the sides observing the fight.

As always, thank you for reading, reviewing, following, and favoriting! Did anyone see Kenpachi part of the challenge? Also, I know you are probably dying to know why did Kyoraku got involved in the first place with this challenge, but it will be revealed later on.

Bleachpower: Thank you so much for your support! It means a lot! Yeah, I'm sure if Ichigo ever found out about his distant cousin, then he'd be dead, but who's to say Kukaku didn't already kill Akhiro for saying horrible things about Kaien! I'm particle to the Shiba guys 3 I hope this chapter surprised you! It's not exactly how you predicted yet, but there is a lot of fighting!

That1person: I know! I'm sorry! Please forgive me! That's why I put please don't kill me in your message last week lol. As much as I love HitsRuki, I decided to go with my OTP on this one! But just so you know, I may write another HitsuRuki one later! But THANK YOU for not quitting! You are one of my few who review, and I enjoy reading all of your comments! :D Also be on the lookout for a Christmas Shuuhei/Rukia one :D Thank you for the comments on The Wish too! Have you read the Love Under Gunfire? You'd love Senbonzakura in there!