BLEAK

Chapter 11: Repentance

----at the repentance cell; Hanataro managed to steal the key to get in---

"We're coming for you Miss Rukia!" 

The three of us made it to the front door, and I sensed a strong spiritual pressure headed our way. 

No.. it.. can be. Byakuya?!

He stood before us at the opposite end of the bridge to get to the Repentance Cell, and Rukia stood now out in the open. "Brother..!"

"You fools..You need to get out of here, my brother he'll-" 

"I'll get him.."

"Lady.. Kusonarii..?" 

I turned around. "Rukia.." I smiled at her and withdrew my zanpoktou. "If I harm Byakuya-San, please forgive me." 

"Wait! I'm backing you up!" Ganju bellowed as Byakuya flash stepped past me and took a closer look at Ganju. "Ah, so you're a member of the fallen Shiba clan.." Ganju tried to attack, but Byakuya's spiritual pressure was too overwhelming. He managed to get Ganju cut open with a chest wound. "You're weak. Even for a fallen noble." 

I stood there in my tracks, horrified to see how inconsiderate Byakuya has become. He used to be so caring.. but now, he's cold. 

"What has become of you.. Byakuya.." 

"What do you mean, Hisana?" He stood before me, clutching his zanpoktou, Senbonzakura, in his hands. 

"You're.. not.. the man I fell in love with." I looked up and he was gone. Ganju was on the ground, bleeding. Byakuya was now behind me, I could feel his breath against my neck. "I uphold the law.. and honor it. You're a noble, where's your honor? Trying to save Rukia...Shameful. " I then felt a sharp pain in me. Byakuya took a jab to my gut with his zanpoktou. I felt so much heat coming out of me. "Why... did you.." The ground was becoming stained with crimson. 

"Byakuya..." I fell to the ground, bleeding out. 

But then, we all faced a strong spiritual pressure coming our way. 

Coming in on a device that was exclusive only to the Shioin family, was Ichigo- healed from his battle with Renji. 

"Getting cocky, aren't we boy?" Byakuya stood before Ichigo who stood over me, and saw Rukia. "I'm here to save you, Rukia." 

"You fool.. I told you not to come back for me!" Byakuya and Ichigo began to clash. "Hm, you've gotten stronger since the last time we saw each other. Hanataro was healing me with kido, and all of a sudden- Yourichi appeared. 

"Yourichi.. Shioin.." Byakuya was shocked, but she stopped the fight between him and Ichigo. "He's not ready to fight you yet, but here- in three days time, he will mastered bankai. Then, will I let him fight you." 

"I'll cut you down right where you stand." 

"You've never been able to catch the likes of Flash Master , Yourichi Shioin." 

"Like to see me try?"

"Good luck." Youruchi evaded all of Byakuya's attacks. "Nice try."

She took Ichigo, and disappeared. 

"Byakuya.." Captain Ukitake appeared. "I'll take care of Rukia, now please go on. Wait- is that..."

"Yes, that's Hisana Kusonarii on the ground..I'm taking her with me."  Captain Ukitake put Rukia back in the Repeteneance Cell and took Ganju and Hanataro away. Meanwhile, Byakuya looked down at me and scooped me up in his arms. 

I opened my eyes, now in an unfamiliar place. A servant appeared, and ran out of the room, saying: "Master Kuchiki! Master Kuchiki! Lady Kusonarii has awoken!" 

I heard a door open, followed by footsteps. The door to the room I was in opened, and Byakuya appeared.

"B-Byakuya..." My eyes went wide in shock. He sat down before me, and looked straight at me. "Hisana. Welcome home. "