Okay my lovely readers, this is probably going to be my last chapter till a few days after Christmas. I'm sure you understand all the hustle and bustle of traveling around the holidays, but the weekly chapters will resume the following week. I hope y'all have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! :D
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach
Chapter 30
In the little hut hidden within the trees, Rukia and her new "babysitter Yoruichi watched the fights. Outwardly, Rukia was calm and cool, but inwardly, she wanted to scream bloody murder and go on a bankai rampage taking out 4 of the 5 people there. How could Byakuya do this? Why on earth would he make Ichigo fight all three of them?
"Yoruichi, can you please tell me what's going on now? I thought that Ichigo would just be facing Captain Kenpachi not my brother and the Captain-Commander." Rukia asked as she watched pink petals swirled around Ichigo attempting to form a circle.
The former captain just smiled at the petite soul reaper. "He's proving himself today. Many people have great expectations of Ichigo, myself included."
Great that was basically code for mind my own damn business even though Ichigo is my business!
"I think he's already proven himself enough. He did save the Soul Society multiple times." Rukia countered. Her breath hitched as she watched Byakuya called forth his bankai capturing Ichigo in his Gokei. "The idiot is going to die if he keeps fighting like that! He could have at least taken two of them out by now, but he's playing everything safe, which is rare for him." Rukia cried out frustratingly. Yoruichi placed a supporting hand on Rukia's shoulder.
"He's restraining himself, which is good a good sign." Her companion stated, which made Rukia even more curious now.
"What are you not telling me, Yoruichi?" Rukia asked, well more like demanded. Yoruichi was amused by Rukia's over protectiveness of Ichigo. This was going to be the push to shove those two together.
"These past two challenges were just trials for another reason." Yoruichi stated with a sly smirk.
"Then what is the damn real reason you're smirking like the cat who caught the canary?" Annoyance ran through Rukia's voice.
"Well, I don't see any harm in telling you since you're with me, but Kenpachi finally has the power to release his shikai and bankai. That is Ichigo's true challenge today."
"Do you want to get Ichigo killed!" Rukia yelled at her companion.
"He'll be fine, Rukia. No need to get so hostile." Yoruichi replied with a laugh. "Besides, your anxiety will just increase Ichigo's out there."
Suddenly as if sensing Rukia's brief anxiety, Ichigo looked around for her in a panic. "He noticed your minimal flare of spiritual pressure, my dear." Rukia's violet eyes widen as Yoruichi's cat eyes narrowed. Rukia sensed that Yoruichi was formulating a horrible plan as they spoke. "I wonder what he'll do if you're out there in the middle of everything. His hollow is bond to come out and protect you." She told her with slight amusement.
With a yelp, Yoruichi scooped Rukia up and made a mad dash towards the fight. "Yoruichi! No! Put me down. Byakuya and Ichigo will kill you for this!"
"Old Byka-bo has to catch me first." Yoruichi replied as she dashed away placing Rukia in the middle of the clearing before leaving for the tree line.
Rukia cursed Byakuya for involving Yoruichi as a "babysitter". Didn't he know that she only made plans more complicated?
In an instant, Ichigo appeared in front of Rukia. "You need to get out of here... right now." He told her as Kenpachi slowly approached the couple from the side. Ichigo's once amber eyes were two toned, even his voice was a little different now.
"She'll keep putting me back in here if I escape, Ichigo." Rukia told him softly as they stared at one another for a minute. He nodded telling her he understood. Resolve filled his veins. He had to finish this fight so they could go have a long discussion about everything, but first he owed her an apology.
"Rukia, I …" Ichigo started to tell her how sorry he was, but his opponent stole the lime light.
"Ignore her, lover boy. Your fight is with us. Now, show us what you are capable of…" Kyoraku started as he slipped into Kenpachi's shadow only to emerge behind Rukia. During all of this, neither Ichigo or Rukia sensed Kyoraku's presence until it was too late. "Or little Kuchiki here disappears for a while."
Amber and gold eyes widen in shock. "Byakuya, are you really involving her in this?" Ichigo asked angrily to the only captain missing, but he knew that Byakuya was near.
Suddenly, Byakuya was standing next to Ichigo. "Kyoraku, leave my sister alone. She will come with me, and you can conduct your little game with Kurosaki." He commanded only to have Kyoraku disappear with Rukia again before Byakuya could flash step to retrieve her.
"This wasn't part of the deal." Byakuya growled angrily. If any of his comrades were shocked by his display of emotion, they didn't show it. The only thing on up holding the Kuchiki emotionless state was Rukia at the moment. She never once struggled or tried to escape from Kyoraku's hold. Her face was the epitome of calm, which inwardly scared the shit out of Byakuya. The last time that happened, she froze everyone near her in a solid block of ice.
Kyoraku knew where Byakuya's thoughts went, but none of them heard him ask the little soul reaper to play along. Rukia knew her captain-commander wouldn't hurt her so she did as he requested.
Tipping his hat to Byakuya, Kyoraku said, "Our deal involved testing Ichigo. He's been tested, but he was found lacking for what I had in mind. Now, he'll fight because he's fighting for his life and Rukia's."
Anger coursed through Ichigo. Byakuya wasn't better off, but he regained semi-control of emotions. In a blink, Ichigo's mask formed on his face. The area hummed with his spiritual pressure. Any lesser souls in the area would be at the mercy of his emitted power.
"Give me Rukia back." Ichigo commanded.
"No." Kyoraku replied. "She's mine for the time being." He glanced over at Kenpachi. "Captain, Ichigo is all yours. May the best man win." He stated before he joined Yoruichi at the tree line.
"I hope you know what you're doing, Captain-Commander." Rukia told him. "It's not a good thing to antagonize Ichigo."
"How else am I going to see if he's been letting himself go? It has been a little while since the last war." Kyoraku replied with a smile. Then everything clicked in Rukia's head.
"This is his test for a captain or a lieutenant position, isn't it?" Rukia asked in hope because that meant Ichigo would have a reason to stay in the Soul Society.
Instead of answering Rukia, Kyoraku just shrugged hiding his smile beneath his hat. Rukia Kuchiki was too smart for her own good at times.
From the safety of the trees, the three soul reapers watched Byakuya approach Ichigo, "This was not how today was supposed to go, Kurosaki, but I'm having my hand forced." Byakuya gritted his teeth. He didn't like being forced to do anything. With an emotionless face, Byakuya continued, "As of right now, Ichigo Kurosaki, your final challenge begins. You shall fight Captain Kenpachi Zachariah of Squad 11."
Ichigo sneer at the captains. His hollow showing through more ever sense Rukia disappeared with Kyoraku. He knew that she was close, but his hollow and himself wanted her in their sights. "He'll lose." A confident twisted voice replied to Byakuya's challenge.
"Good luck, Kurosaki. Don't make me regret this all this. I'll kill you..." Byakuya shot a glance off to the side while his lips quirked up into a faint smirk. "Or she will." After his warning, Byakuya joined the three soul reapers along the tree line.
Kenpachi's malicious grin would chill the blood of any other opponent, but Ichigo just responded with one of his on egging the man on. Then the world stood silent as Kenpachi said, "Drink, Nozarashi."
"Am I supposed to be scared?" Ichigo asked as his hollow mask formed over his face. A maniacal laughter echoing through the air. "Don't think for a minute that I'm backing down." Ichigo growled. Hollow, man, and zanpakuto were in one agreement. The Captain of Squad 11 was going to be at their mercy and beaten all for Rukia.
"Good. I hate to be disappointed, Ichigo." Kenpachi charged as he brought down his zanpakuto. His former katana took the shape of a large cleaver with a cap on the top and an abnormally large tassel at the end. The zanpakuto was twice the size of Kenpachi, and its blade was glistening in the sunlight.
Without waiting long, the blood thirsty captain attacked. A swoosh was heard just in time for Ichigo dodge Kenpachi's stroke as a massive hole replaced where he once stood.
"You'll have to be faster than that to get us, Kenpachi." Ichigo's hollow taunted him. Barriers didn't exist in Ichigo anymore. The inner struggle for control was gone. Ichigo and his hollow/zanpakuto were fighting as a single unit. What one thought, the other did or said.
Kenpachi growled in annoyance as Ichigo appeared everywhere using his flash step to create speed clones. The large man charged at any clone that he could not land a hit because he was too slow.
Suddenly, a black and red Getsuga Tensho came out of nowhere hitting Kenpachi in the arm. A slight cut appeared causing Kenpachi to grin. "It's my turn now…"
A massive energy wave caught Ichigo unexpectedly by the left allowing Kenpachi to slice his shoulder. Ichigo heard hear a faint, soft laugh, but he shook it off.
Another wave of Getsuga Tensho hit Kenpachi, but he redirected it with his spiritual pressure. Onlookers watched the men as their swords whirled around one another blocking and slicing. Blood pouring from any unprotected orifice of a successful strike. The area was full of overwhelming spiritual pressure as each man applied more per every blow.
Finally, Kenpachi decided to up the stakes. It was time for Ichigo to shut up or man up!
"Bankai." Kenpachi mumbled as he slowly got up. Immediately, his body was transformed. The Captain of the 11th Squad no longer stood before Ichigo, but a red and black monster with a beaten cleaver the length of a normal katana in his hands.
Ichigo was in shock. Kenpachi never even said his bankai's name, yet he changed. Realizing his situation, Ichigo decided it was time for a change. "Bankai Tensa Zangetsu."
The men circled one another. Ichigo and his hollow were formulating a plan when Kenpachi charged, but not at him. The wild beast headed for the tree line, specifically for Rukia.
"Why does everyone have to go after her!" Ichigo growled as he side-swiped Kenpachi. They tussled and fought. Dirt flew around them as Ichigo flash stepped and Kenpachi chased him like an animal. Each man blocking and attacking each other every few steps until Ichigo was thrown into a nearby building.
Pour unsuspecting souls fell to their knees. Ichigo's internal safe everyone button kicked on while Kenpachi was still in wild man mood. He blocked numerous attacks, but both men's spiritual pressure was crushing everyone around them.
Ichigo knew that he had to protect the area so he called forth he latest bankai attack. His power merged with that of his hollow and part of his Quincy powers. "Gran Rey Cero." Ichigo acquired a horn growing on the left side of his head while his eyes remain yellow and a black streak ran down his face.
People fled in terror as Kenpachi attacked the newly transformed Ichigo. They were on the same power level now even if Ichigo did not get off an attack. He was able to throw Kenpachi knocking down multiple buildings. Shortly afterwards, Kenpachi returned the favor again.
Buildings were crumbling left and right, but people were mysteriously disappearing out of harms way. Rukia, Byakuya, Yoruichi, and Kyoraku were stealthy moving the civilians out of the way. There wasn't much that they could do for the buildings, but the poor souls were another matter.
Soon, Kenpachi sensed the heightened spiritual pressures in the area. He heard the happy voice in his head mention something about a petite, black haired soul reaper. His new target picked up three kids – one on her back and two in her arms while her zanpakuto was at her waist.
"King! Rukia! Go save Rukia!" Ichigo heard his hollow shout as he saw the red monster charging at her. Realizing that she could not defend herself without something happening to the children, Rukia attempted to flash step out of the area, but the monster still followed her.
Raising his sword, the monster version of Kenpachi aimed for Rukia but Ichigo stopped the blade with his body. Blood poured from Ichigo's shoulder, but he fought blow for blow until Rukia and the children were far away.
With no one else around, Ichigo released his attack – a powerful cero mixed with his Getsuga Tensho. His Gran Rey Cero attack was more than enough to knock the monster that was previously Kenpachi unconscious. But Ichigo was fighting a losing battle himself. He lost a lot of blood from taking Kenpachi's wild attacks and the blow meant for Rukia.
Glancing around at the chaos, Ichigo held his breath as he slid down a partially standing wall. At least the captain commander was here now because Ichigo and Kenpachi would be thoroughly screwed. They just so happen to destroy the majority of district 30.
Rukia felt the massive explosion of power. She pulled Yoruichi aside before going to check on Ichigo. "I have to go check on Ichigo, but you have to help me."
"What do you expect me to do?" Yoruichi's yellow eyes studied the pissed off woman in front of her.
"Since this is particle your fault for dropping me off like a sack of potatoes in the middle of a fight, you get to be the distraction." Rukia growled.
"You had your sword. You weren't helpless." She countered at her petite companion, which made Rukia clinch her fist. All she wanted to do was deck Yoruichi at the moment.
Instead, Rukia chose to yell at her. "Of course, I wasn't helpless, but you almost got Ichigo killed!"
"I highly doubt that, Rukia. The boy is stronger than you know." The werecat said with pride.
"Don't try to patronize me! I know how strong he is!" Rukia glared at Yoruichi, but this only provoked a smile from the werecat. "Now, can you actually be useful and distract the men while I slip away with Ichigo to the hot springs in the training grounds. It'll be easier taking him there than fighting with him to go see Captain Unohana."
"Congratulations, Rukia, you've convinced me to help you..." Yoruichi said with a large smile with her hands on her hips. "But be warned, Kisuke updated the hot springs. They are equal pairings with the one in Kirinden now so there may be some residual effects."
"Ichigo should be fine. He used the ones in the Soul Palace without consequences before." Rukia replied confidently.
"Well, if you insist!" Yoruichi took off with a mischievous smile on her face. Rukia didn't want to know what Yoruichi was going to torture her brother and Kyoraku, but whatever the hell she did, Rukia hoped they learned their lesson.
While they were preoccupied with the Yoruichi, Rukia followed Ichigo's spiritual pressure. She found him up against a wall with Kenpachi and Yachiru not to far from him.
Gently, Rukia slung Ichigo's arm under her shoulder lifting him up. "Midget, I'm fine! I can damn well walk." He complained.
His whole body felt like it went through a blender, but he wasn't telling her that. Hearing his words, Rukia paused for a minute just to show Ichigo how weak he really was. The moment that she quit touching his body, the young man nearly crumbled to his feet, but Rukia caught him before he even had a chance to fall.
"What were you saying, you stupid strawberry?" Rukia asked. "We need to let me tend to those wounds before you even think about moving to far." She told him more gently this time. Why did he have to be so idiotic and put up a fight?
A dark scowl covered Ichigo's handsome face. "I'm fine, Rukia!" Ichigo told her, but she didn't believe that at all, especially after the demonstration while ago.
"The hell you are! You're bleeding everywhere!" She looked at Ichigo with angry, violet eyes. "You got these for trying to protect me, stupid. It's my job to take care of you now. Just let me help you, Ichigo. I hate seeing you like this." Rukia's eyes softened.
"Rukia…" His vision swam before him as he started to sway only to fall back down into Rukia's grasp. "Why is there two of you?" He asked her with an unusual smile on his face now.
"Okay, so you're worse than I thought." Rukia concluded as she sat him back down. A blurry blue light appeared from somewhere close by. Ichigo assumed that Rukia was healing him with kido.
About 10 minutes later, Ichigo's vision returned. He was thankful that he didn't see blurry figures or doubles again. One Rukia was enough for him to handle.
"Come on you, we need to move you to the hot springs now. Captain Kenpachi's bankai did a number on you." She told him.
"Whatever you say..." Ichigo replied as Rukia took some of his weight. A smile smirk graced his face as he realized that he could walk a little better now.
He's being awfully calm about this. He normally would be screaming and yelling by now.
"Can you put a little energy into flash steeping?" Rukia asked the worn out Ichigo.
"Yeah, I can." He told her as they took off in a flash. Ichigo's spiritual pressure gave hers a boost for some reason. She assumed that his hollow was helping both of them.
At least one of them likes me and minds.
When they arrived at the underground hot springs, Rukia gently placed Ichigo down up against a rock. But an arm wrapped around her waist making her fall to the ground - only she didn't hit the ground. Rukia fell into Ichigo's lap as he pulled her closer smelling her hair.
Panic filled Rukia for a moment. Just what the hell did Ichigo think he was doing?
"Hey, midget..." Rukia hummed a reply. She was curious as to where all this was going. With a smirk, Ichigo continued "You're hair smells like strawberries. Did you miss me that much?"
A feverish blush crossed Rukia's face as she tried to get up, but Ichigo's arms keep her in place. "Ichigo, let me go!" Rukia commanded him, but he only pulled her closer. His hand cupped her face and turned it towards him.
"I'm not letting you go again." He told her as his lips touched hers. Rukia's heart froze at their kiss, but her body responded with passion. Their kiss sent chills down her spin and electricity through her veins. Ichigo's grip tightened pulling her closer. This was a long awaited moment for both of them.
Except, the couple's brief interlude was soon interrupted by a familiar face.
"Oh, seems like I've come at a bad time." Kisuke stated as he hid his smile behind his fan. Rukia turned a thousand shades of red while Ichigo did nothing but grin at Kisuke like an idiot.
Rukia quickly scrambled to get off Ichigo's lap while he was stuck in a daydream like phase. "Since you're here, Kisuke. You can help Ichigo with the hot springs. I have to go... uhmm... find my brother." Rukia stated. She quickly left the underground training area as her heart fluttered a million miles an hour. Soul reapers couldn't die of a heart attack right?
As soon as Rukia was out of ear shot, the two remaining soul reapers began to discuss Ichigo's future and its endless possibilities.
Thank you to everyone who reads, reviews, favorited, and followed this story! Y'all are AWESOME!
Here it is! The final fight and the kiss basically a confession, right? Were you happy with the after battle confession/kiss? Also a side note, I've seen Drink or Swallow for Kenpachi's release word so it depends on the translation. For those confused her, Yachiru is Kenpachi's Zanpukto spirit, but in my version she can change to human form when ever she wants to unless Kenpachi goes into shikai or bankai.
Bleach Power: Thank you for your sweet words and the review! I do get some reviews, normally 3 for sure on every chapter. Sometimes I get PM's too, but I do know a lot of people read the story. Sometimes people are just not overly fond of reviewing, but I'm not complaining! I have my wonderful, faithful readers like you :D ... You're absolutely correct! Ichigo was going light on the captains until this chapter. Byakuya did promise Kenpachi another go at Ichigo, and he was fulfilling his promise here. Don't worry. Ichigo is fully aware of his feelings. That's one thing him and his hollow/zanpakuto agree on - Rukia is Queen and there is no one else for him (them?). I thought a confession after the battle was a great way to do it, but everything isn't over yet. Rukia is still having conflicted issues because she's scared that she's taking away his life in the human world.