Chpt 12 – Taken
Renji was determined to fulfill his task for Head Captain Yamamoto: retrieving Rukia and Sayuri from the world of living - however, this mission would prove much more complicated than anticipated.
He stormed into the head captain's office with an intense determination in his eyes.
"Renji, I knew you would take up this task!" replied the head captain with a wink of amusement.
"Yes, sir!" Renji replied confidently as he proudly stood to show his allegiance to Captain Yamamoto.
"Very well," replied Yamamoto with folded hands together, "you must return Rukia and Sayuri from the World of the Living safely.
Renji nodded his head firmly, bowing deeply. "Yes, sir."
Yamamoto encouraged Renji with an encouraging smile: "Your mission will put your loyalty, determination, and wits through rigorous trials; but I know you're up to the challenge!"
Renji nodded again and gave a salute, promising not to displease or fail him in his mission. "Yes, sir. I won't disappoint or fail you."
Yamamoto nodded and clapped his hands, his expression showing complete satisfaction. "Now go, Renji. Your mission awaits!"
Renji bowed low as he left his office, his heart racing with excitement and anticipation.
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After days of searching, he finally managed to locate them.
Renji rushed towards Rukia shouting, "Rukia! Rukia! Rukia!"
Rukia looked back, seemingly speechless. Ichigo and Sayuri followed suit.
Renji glanced over towards Rukia and spoke quietly. "It's time."
Rukia nodded.
"What is time Rukia?" Sayuri asked inquisitively.
Renji stepped closer, taking an active interest. "It is time for both of you to return," he stated firmly, "to the soul society."
Rukia had decided not to face them directly.
"Come now," Renji spoke softly, "you knew this moment would arrive Rukia."
Rukia did not communicate.
Renji pleaded, with some exasperation in his voice: "Please Rukia, don't make me do this the hard way!"
Rukia and Sayuri exchanged glances before turning back towards Renji.
Renji was perplexed. "Don't you understand?" Renji demanded incredulously. "We must return."
Sayuri firmly shook her head to express her disapproval.
"No thank you; I don't even know you!"
Ichigo approached quickly behind Sayuri. Infuriated, he quickly shouted out "You aren't taking her anywhere and who are you anyways!"
Renji stepped forward, holding his zanpakto in his left hand; its familiar weight providing comfort as well as foreboding him. Looking across at Ichigo, Renji saw resolve in his eyes that was strikingly similar.
"Very well," Renji stated confidently and reliably.
Rukia swiftly ordered Renji away in an angry voice: "Renji No!" Rukia shouted angrily.
"Lets get this over with," Ichigo advised, his sword now poised and ready.
Renji nodded in agreement, never taking his eyes off Ichigo. Renji had long expected this momentous day would come: that their paths would cross.
Without speaking a word to each other, they encircled one another their swords clashing fiercely in an intense exchange of sparks and steel. Time seemed to stand still as each tried their hardest to gain an edge in this epic contest of strength, skill, courage, and resolve.
Ichigo suddenly unleashed his blade with forceful thrusts, striking Renji's shield with an impactful clang. Renji attempted to defend himself, but it was too late-Ichigo had already moved back with his sword.
Renji raised his shield to defend against Ichigo's onslaught, feeling his strength diminish during the fight. Reluctant to strike, Renji patiently waited until an opportunity presented itself so he could strike one final decisive blow that would end this confrontation for good.
Renji finally took his chance, dodging beneath Ichigo's sword before thrusting forward his own blade towards Ichigo's stomach - hitting its mark precisely and ending their struggle.
Ichigo managed to dodge most of Renji's attack, yet his blade still managed to make contact with his stomach and penetrate him with alarming precision, leaving Ichigo instantly frozen as Renji sliced across.
Renji stood with his sword pressed through Ichigo's stomach for an extended moment before pausing to view each other with a silence break only by wind rustling through trees.
"This is where it ends," Renji declared with confidence in his voice.
Ichigo's sword had fallen to the ground, his breathing becoming shallower as tension increased in the air; Renji could feel this mounting tension but was determined not to let Ichigo go.
"Ichigo!" Screamed Sayuri as she ran to Ichigo's side to embrace and comfort him in her arms.
Ichigo eventually collapsed while clutching his stomach and experiencing intermittent vision impairment.
"Sayuri..." he whispered out with great emotion in his voice.
Renji nodded his thanks as he realized his victory, releasing a deep breath before sheathing his sword with pride as an overwhelming sense of achievement filled him.
Renji decided to move closer towards Sayuri.
Unknown forces suddenly took over and caused her to collapse to the floor and her eyes to dim rapidly releasing Ichigo out of her arms.
Renji rushed swiftly to catch Sayuri when she collapsed unconscious into his arms.
Rukia gazed wistfully back upon Ichigo before telling him to simply cherish every moment and conserve his energy – "this may well be our final goodbye. – I'm sorry Ichigo."
Before succumbing to his injuries, Ichigo watched in distress as they slowly vanished away, feeling helpless and vulnerable.
