An Accomplished Oath! Get back Rukia!

Summary
The preparations for the execution of Rukia Kuchiki are almost completed and Rukia is trying to come to peace with herself. Captain Soifon notes that there are many captains and lieutenants missing for the ceremony, when Captain Byakuya Kuchiki walks up. Rukia shows surprise, but Byakuya ignores her and takes his place. Captain Commander Yamamoto asks Rukia if she has any last words to say and she says that she has one thing.

Meanwhile, Captain Komamura and Captain Zaraki are still fighting. Komamura has released his Bankai and is about to continue his attack when a flash of light signals the beginning of the execution ceremony.

Running toward the Soukyoku Hill, Orihime, Uryū and the others all see it. Captain Hitsugaya and Matsumoto see it and step up their pace to the Central 46 Chamber to try and stop the execution, not seeing a shadow following them. As well, Captain Ukitake's subordinates see it and tell him that they are running out of time. He emerges from his room with a shield-like object in his hand saying that they have only one option left: to destroy the Soukyoku.

Orihime and the others wonder what the light is and Yachiru informs them that the execution has started. She says she will go ahead to take care of the strong people and see if she can help "Icchy." She takes off leaving the rest of the group staring after her and marveling at her speed.

Back at Soukyoku Hill, Commander Yamamoto agrees to send the ryoka home unharmed after the execution. Lieutenant Isane of 4th squad says that it is cruel that the Captain Commander does not intend to send the ryoka home alive. Captain Unohana (4th Squad) arrives telling Isane that it is mercy so that Rukia will have less doubt when she dies.

Guards step up to the Soukyoku and Commander Yamamoto orders them to release it. The ropes binding the spear of Soukyoku are released to the ground and all around Soul Society people notice the release. Rukia watches in silence, reflecting about her doubt and thanking all who helped her in her life to calm herself. Blocks arise from the ground at Rukia's feet releasing her bonds and taking her up into the sky to the Soukyoku's cross.

As Rukia stops, the spear of Soukyoku is engulfed in flames and it rises out of the ground. The flames solidify into the shape of a giant phoenix which Commander Yamamoto calls, Ki-Kou-Ou. Yamamoto explains that it is the true form of the Soukyoku and when it pierces Rukia, the death sentence will be over. At the sight of the Soukyoku's true form, even the Captains are in awe. Rukia looks back for a last time, thanking Ichigo, Renji and others as she prepares to leave with no regrets.

All this time, Captain Ukitake's group and Orihime's group are rushing to try and stop the execution. Rukia says a final goodbye as the Soukyoku charges forward.

There is a flash of light and a crash of sound. The onlookers are watching in shock because something is wrong. Rukia opens her eyes in wonder and sees Ichigo, who has blocked the Soukyoku with his sword, floating in front of her. Rukia quickly recovers and starts shouting at him to run away because he will be killed if he fights Byakuya and the other captains.

The captains are still in shock that the Soukyoku, which is supposed to have the destructive power of 1,000,000 Zanpakutō, was blocked by only one. Soifon says: "What is he?"

The Soukyoku does not waste time and rears back for another charge. Despite Rukia's pleas, he charges at the same time. At the last moment, a cord goes over the Soukyoku's head trapping it. Captain Ukitake arrives much to everyone's shock and then Captain Kyouraku moves to Ukitake's side. Soi Fong catches on and tries to send Oomaeda (Vice-captain of 2nd Squad) to stop them. She is too late, to stop them from destroying the Soukyoku.

Ichigo is confused by the turn of events but he jumps over to the Soukyoku cross and promptly destroys it, shocking everyone once again. Rukia is still worried for him but he reminds her that her opinions are rejected. The light clears showing Ichigo holding Rukia under his arm standing on what is left of the Soukyoku cross. He once again states that he will save her.

On the ground, the other onlookers are still shocked but Captain Kuchiki and Ichigo simply stare each other down. Rukia interrupts his thoughts questioning him on how they will escape. He simply states that he will run and save everyone who came to help. Rukia feels his strength and accepts without much argument.

Suddenly Renji appears, taking care of the unsuspecting guards. Ichigo and Rukia greet him, then Ichigo, to their shock, throws Rukia down to Renji and tells them to run. Rukia is furious but Renji quickly obeys and runs. Soi Fong commands her lieutenant to follow and catch them and the others lieutenants follow suit. Before the three of them can go far Ichigo appears in front of them. Before they can attack he knocks them all out with his bare hands.

Rushed footsteps are heard as Ichigo draws his sword and spins just in time to parry Captain Kuchiki's attack.


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