Surrender

Rukia had been summoned to attend the highest court of the Soul Society. Rukia heard stories of its power and solemnity, with punishments handed out there regularly. Furthermore, it was also said that its judges often judged quickly without finding those they judged innocent.

Rukia had been informed of her trial for passing her powers to Ichigo. Rukia was warned that should she be found guilty; the punishment would be severe.

Rukia had been ordered to stand on top of the Outer Wall and wait for her trial. While waiting there, she attempted to prepare herself. While not afraid of punishment itself, Rukia worried she might not be able to explain herself properly in front of the court regarding powers she had given Ichigo that seemed so trivial; certainly nothing that should warrant a punishment or trial.

Rukia had always upheld the principles of Soul Society and understood her obligation to comply with its directives. She knew she had done what she felt was right, so whatever punishment the court handed down she would accept.

Rukia had been waiting in silence, as what seemed like hours went by before finally, a group of robed figures, representing the judges of her court, appeared against the wall with two guards carrying swords at their sides.

Rukia stood before captain Yamamoto "Rukia Kuchiki, you are being charged with providing said powers to Ichigo and giving up classified information to Sayuri. How will you plead? ".

Rukia stood tall and said with clarity: "I plead guilty."

The judges nodded, and he continued. "Then you must prove that your actions were justified. Begin your testimony."

"As ordered, my mission has been to survey the world of living to detect any potential threats within it and assess them as accurately as possible. With that goal in mind, I traveled to Karakura town to complete this assignment."

Rukia was sitting in the center of a room surrounded by silent Captains. She could feel their harsh stares bear down on her as they looked upon her with anger, disappointment, and scorn in their eyes.

She had never felt so insignificant before. Before, she had experienced being an outsider, but this experience was something different; this verdict could not be appealed; there was nowhere she could turn for support.

Rukia bent her head, trying to control her breathing and focus on the task at hand. She was here as part of an investigation for an act she had committed, her hands quivering as her heartbeat furiously.

Rukia lifted her head up and met his gaze directly, indignation clear on her face. "I understand fully the consequences of my actions; they were simply meant to protect those I care about."

Head Captain Yamamoto looked directly into her eyes for several moments before nodding in agreement. "You are fortunate that we are willing to hear your explanation," he noted, "but understand that we hold you responsible for your actions and that we will decide your fate. Now is the time for speaking up and explaining yourself."

Rukia took a deep breath and began recounting her tale, detailing everything that had transpired since Ichigo had met Sayuri.

She then revealed how she had violated the sacred law of Soul Society.

"It was a mistake," Rukia said. "I had no intention of breaking the law. I only wanted to help someone in need. I fully understood the consequences of my actions and still did it anyways. It was hard to see someone I admired for so long suffering the way she was mentally, I understand how by giving my powers to the human Ichigo Kurosaki and aiding to help Sayuri with her memories, I broke the law and for that, I am truly sorry."

When she finished speaking, the captains listened attentively before asking some follow-up questions to clarify her account.

Finally, Yamamoto spoke. "Your explanation is satisfactory," he said. "But you must understand that you have broken the law and that you must be punished accordingly. The punishment is death." Until your execution date, you are to be detained here in the Soul Society."

Rukia slowly bows her head in silence while feeling her heart race with fear.

The words echoed in the silence of the night. Death. It was a death sentence. Rukia felt her heart sink. She had never expected this. She had been so sure that if she could just explain herself, they would understand and forgive her.

However, now she knew there was no escaping it.

Yamamoto nods and motions to his guards, who move quickly to take Rukia away. Rukia looks back over her shoulder at the circle of Captains as they lead her away, her heart heavy with weight. Rukia had come here hoping for forgiveness, yet instead had been sentenced to death; there were no words left for her to express the depths of despair that were washing over her.

All she could do was wait.

•• ━━━━━ ••✾•• ━━━━━ •••• ━━━━━ ••✾••

The White Hall of the Soul Society was bathed in the soft light of early sunset. All captains had assembled, and their discussion quickly became heated; all agreed that Sayuri's memories posed an enigma that needed unraveling while any hidden truths should remain protected from "him".

"We must take every measure possible to protect Sayuri," stated Captain-Commander Yamamoto. "He is an extremely dangerous foe and we cannot let him have access to her."

The other captains immediately agreed, discussing ways they could protect Sayuri and conceal her from him while discussing how her memories had recently started to come flooding back.

Captain Ukitake spoke up, "She is truly a remarkable young woman; soon enough she will recall everything."

"Agreed," said Kyoraku, the captain of the eighth division. "Her spiritual pressure is also very strong, as soon as she entered the seireti we all felt it, how are we to keep this from him?"

Captain Unohana nodded. "We must also do our best to provide her with the emotional and spiritual support she needs to get through this difficult journey."

Captain Hitsugaya slammed his hands on the table frustrated at the discussion at hand. He made his statement next. " We should not put her through more than she can handle."

All the captains looked at him with hesitation but nodded their heads in agreement as their discussion continued for some time, considering all the ways Sayuri could be helped and kept safe from him. After much consideration and debate, they developed an action plan.

Head Captain Yamamoto would take Sayuri into his care and decided that the best way to protect her from him would be for her to remain hidden within the soul society with him. A small team of captains would accompany Sayuri and offer any necessary support she might require.

Once their plan was in place, the captains shared one last, somber glance.

•• ━━━━━ ••✾•• ━━━━━ •••• ━━━━━ ••✾••

Captain Hitsugaya was sitting in Captain Yamamoto's office, perched precariously atop a cushion facing away from him and beseechingly contemplating what recently had been heard of Sayuri's return. His face showed signs of anxiety as he took in this information.

He ran his hand through his hair and cleared his throat before continuing, "You must understand the implications of this news," he stated, "and especially for Sayuri who will remember everything about him and all his secrets, I am very concerned that he might discover her location and come after her."

Head Captain Yamamoto examined the younger man carefully, his expression not giving much away. For several moments he remained quiet before finally speaking softly: "I understand your concern, Captain Hitsugaya," he stated, gesturing for him to continue speaking. "What are your thoughts on this matter?"

Captain Hitsugaya took a moment to collect his thoughts before answering. "I believe we must protect Sayuri above all else; I will do whatever is necessary, even if that means sacrificing our relationship, to ensure she remains safe. He must not cause her any further harm."

"I understand," Head Captain Yamamoto stated softly, still gazing intently upon Captain Hitsugaya's face. "Your loyalty to Sayuri is admirable; I'm sure she will certainly appreciate it. However, be prepared that there may be difficult decisions ahead; will you do what needs to be done to protect her?"

"Yes, sir. I will do whatever is necessary. I won't let her down again."

Head Captain Yamamoto nodded in approval as he leaned forward with serious eyes, looking intently at Hitsugaya. "In the meantime, remain vigilant for his movements- he may already be headed this way. "