ＤＯＮＴ ＬＥＴ ＧＯ (Byakuya Kuchiki/Ichigo Kurosaki)

ＤＯＮＴ ＬＥＴ ＧＯ (Byakuya Kuchiki/Ichigo Kurosaki)- 20

Ichigo couldn't recall ever being so uncomfortable in his life. The problem with Inoue will have to be addressed but, he didn't see why they are pissed off. It's not like she broke one of their sacred rules they love so much. Walking inside the division one captains hall was like walking to his execution. At any minute he would see the one person he doesn't want to. He will without a doubt be standing in line wearing that damned green scarf, standing up straight with his eyes closed to the world in disdain of everything around him. Ichigo resigns himself to fate stepping past the large creaking wooden doors. He will just listen to what they say then go back home where he belongs.

"Ah, Ichigo-kun it's nice to see you again. I wish the circumstances were better." Jushiro manages a weak smile before shifting his eyes to Orihime standing next to Soi Fon.

"Are they ever?" Ichigo replies focusing on Orihime's pale face, forcing himself not to look at Byakuya's tall form standing to his left. "Have they hurt you Inoue?"

"No Kurosaki-kun." Orihime's voice cracks, "I-I'm sorry." she replies looking up meekly to Ichigo's creased eyebrows.

"Where is Shinji?"

"He is pacing in the tower." Renji speaks up from behind Byakuya his red hair popping out startling Ichigo. "He is pissed."

"I imagine he is." Ichigo's gaze drifts up to Byakuya's closed lids sending a torrent of emotion over him. "I knew he would just stand there acting all... heartless. Byakuya you BASTA-!

"KUROSAKI Ichigo, you have been charged with hiding the whereabouts of Inoue Orihime." Yamamoto walks in from the front with his vice-captain next to him. "What is your response?"

"So?" Ichigo folds his hands in front of his chest defiantly ignoring the whispers from the vice-captains and chuckle from Kenpachi.

"Do you want to explain why you hid her from the Gotei thirteen, even after you learned she was wanted for her involvement in the Aizen uprising?" Yamamoto slams his cane on the ground making the room vibrate with his reiatsu.

"Why would I help you?" Ichigo's eyes peer into Yamamoto's with the strength of his resolve. "When the winter war was over you made yourself clear. I wasn't needed. That your 'substitute' isn't a part of your world."

"What you say is true, it is time you choose a side Kurosaki Ichigo." Yamamoto's sword awakens from it's dormancy to point at Orihime. "She has the Hogyoku inside her, all attempts we have made to remove it have failed."

"Oi! Don't you dare!" Ichigo's reiatsu increases by large amounts, the captains surround Ichigo pointing their swords to his throat.

"She has too much power for a human, she must die."

"What do you want from me! You could have killed her without me being here. You asked me here so what do you want?"

"The time has come for you to choose a world, you can no longer keep your feet on both lands without falling. Choose!" Yamamoto's eyes blaze red with seriousness as his blade presses to Orihime's throat.

"Stop!" Orihime cries out as her golden reiatsu explodes sending the captains sliding back. "Don't touch my mother!" She looks at Yamamoto, her voice distorts and reiatsu turns blue, with her gray eyes bleeding tears of blood dripping thickly down her face.

"Inoue!" Ichigo reaches for his sword only to be enveloped in Orihime's golden shield. Ichigo looks at Yamamoto's unsurprised reaction, his arm drops back to his side. "It's alright Inoue." He holds out his hand to her nodding to Yamamoto. "I understand now, I'll stay." Yamamoto's sword moves away as Ichigo takes her hand.

"I-I'm sorry Kurosaki-kun, I thought it would be safe within me."

"Give it to me Inoue. It's hurting your baby isn't it?" Ichigo pulls her against his chest and rubs her hair to comfort her.

"It didn't know."

"I promised I'd protect you. Now, listen to me and release the Hogyoku." Ichigo breaks the embrace to hold out his hand.

"Tsubaki, Shuno, Lily, Combined Sacred Tapestry." Her flowers glow to life weaving a golden path connecting to Ichigo's chest. The Hogyoku bursts from Orihime's chest into Ichigo's with a sudden force.

The reiatsu shifts in the room as Orihime falls into Shunsui's arms. Ichigo drops to his knees as the powerful orb connects to his soul. Just as Ichigo fades into blackness he catches a glimpse of Byakuya's frowning face. His cold blue eyes looking at him veiled in mystery, revealing none of the turmoil inside his mind.