First Time All Over Again

Chapter 11

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A/N: hehe, hi everybody…So, whoever still will want to read after a five to seven month wait, enjoy this chapter I finally had the inspiration to do. You can thank my creative writing class for this, because I feel I have gotten better as a writer, so I hope not to let you down. However, my bleach knowledge as far as trials go may be a little rusty. Hell I may just make up my own version…just please bare with me as I try to get my muse back. This chapter is named after "Check Yes Juliet" by We The Kings. Note: there may be some differences in this chapter from the last chapter, like Ichigo not going to the shrine at all, but having his execution and trial right away. I would just like to clarify that with those who might be confused. All right, NOW I'm done talking.

Check yes Juliet, are you with me?

The next thing Rukia Kuchiki knew, she was in a dark and empty cell. It was similar to the prison barracks; only this one is much bigger and accompanied the same emptiness inside as the overall void she now felt inside of her. Her violet and keen eyes scanned the circumference of the tower. From above the staircase and on the upper level of the shrine, light protruded from the small window, indicating the break of dawn. She fought against her aching bones to move up the stairs to the window. The floor is ice as she makes her way up the stairs, causing goose bumps to appear on her arms and legs. The only article of clothing that kept her warm was her shihakusho

. She had not noticed until now how thin and uncomfortable it rubbed against her skin. Rukia had grown so accustomed to wearing clothes that Ichigo provided her. They felt much warmer and right compared to the dark colors they are required to wear at all times. No wonder humans like clothes shopping. It gives them an opportunity to find all kinds of varieties that suit their personality. What her uniform told her was that identity and diversity is unthinkable in the Soul Society. So traditional and unwavering its customs were.

Rain is falling down on the sidewalk
I won't go until you come outside

The light shone brightly on Rukia's skin. The sun above her casted its rays onto her, ironically telling her everything would be alright. She smiled but the light had not reached her eyes yet. They were as cold and glassy as the floor she sat on. The only one who could make her purple orbs sparkle with vitality is being given corporal punishment. Soon her life would have no meaning or purpose but what did that matter? It's not as if she were going to live much longer either. Maybe this was Byakuya's way of being kind and thoughtful, providing her an escape from this life to finally love Ichigo with no boundaries in Heaven. That is if there is one.

Her face fell even further. "How am I supposed to keep my head high anymore?" Rukia forced her hands tightly together as several tears slid down her pale and lifeless cheeks. "God, if you are somewhere out there, I ask for your forgiveness. I am sorry for burdening you and going against your will. You gave me a second chance at life and I blew it. Because of my selfishness, Ichigo Kurosaki, one of your precious children is on death row for giving my life meaning once more. If you could please, find us a way to salvation. If we must die, let us die together and not apart. Amen." Her eyes were red and puffy as her sobbing had ceased. Without any energy left, she collapsed onto the floor, her perfect ebony locks fell in front of her as it to shield her guilt-ridden face from the world.

Check yes juliet
Kill the limbo
I'll keep tossing rocks at your window
There's no turning back for us tonight

The sun had risen higher into the sky as three Shinigami ascended the steps that would lead to the execution site. They had a hunch that the person they were looking for would be in the one place they knew the best. Renji, Ishida and Orihime were almost near the top when something had stopped them. Fearing it was another Shinigami or captain they froze in anticipation. Renji bravely looked around only to find Lady Yoruichi and Chad approaching them at a steady pace. Yoruichi is in her human form. Her hair is tied back in its usual ponytail with her body dressed in her familiar combat suit.

"Sorry we're late, we took the long way here," apologized Sado in his deep masculine voice. Lady Yoruichi just smirked in her smug way that they all had come to know and love.

"But we aren't late yet to the party. We still have time to prepare. On our way here, I saw Ichigo with his wrists tied and face covered. The execution will start in a few hours so we mustn't waste a second." They all nodded in agreement and continued at a faster pace.

Lace up your shoes
A O A O O
Here's how we do

Ichigo looked up disdainfully at the sun, only to look away as to not be blinded. The cover over his head helped in hiding his face but not his shame. His life had gone in a complete circle. He was born into the world, lived a long life, died, had a rebirth in the Soul Society and would die once more. He wished he were a normal human again, or at least somewhat closer, where he would have the blessing of dying once. However his genes and origins wouldn't let him. His father being a Shinigami and his mother a human, Ichigo had complicated roots. His destiny had finally unraveled when Rukia Kuchiki stepped her feet into this small forgettable town. He cracked his stone hard face into what had the potential to be a smile, thinking of her. Maybe they would find each other in a better place soon, in a different world.

"Keep your feet moving!" The guards behind him roughly pushed him forward. Apparently, he stopped as he reflected on his life.

"Did your mothers ever tell you if you frowned too much that it would stick? Apparently not…" Ichigo smirked as they both scowled at him. He couldn't help but crack a joke. It distracted him from the ugly fate he would soon face. He only prayed Rukia would not be there to witness it; his world would fall even further. Yamamoto led everyone at the head of the group, not looking back. Behind the guard were a few other captains, which included Byakuya, Ukitake, Soi Fon, Unohana and Shunsui. They all had their heads bowed in silence with the exception of Soi Fon and Byakuya who kept their noses pointed upward. They were perhaps the only two captains who didn't warm up to him. They only saw him as a disrespectful and reckless ruffian.

Run baby run
Don't ever look back
They'll tear us apart
If you give them the chance

The walk seemed to drag on even longer to Ichigo. Wasn't death supposed to be quick and painless? Just getting to the top of soukyou hill made death seem more desirable. I wonder where the rest of my crew is…they are probably still somewhere around here. I can feel their spiritual pressure. If they are smart, they will stay away from here.

Don't sell your heart
Don't say we're not meant to be
Run baby run
Forever will be
You and me

First a heartbeat, then another. The sound of her heartbeats resonated throughout her eardrum with her head being cradled in her hands. She awoke with a start, somehow a reiatsu broke through the walls and it belonged to Ichigo. He is near…which means his execution is soon! Her heart began to practically beat out of her chest. The view of the soukyoku, which had been rebuilt and repaired after Rukia's near death. It took over a hundred years but now it stands, a V.I.P spot for Ichigo Kurosaki and him only. She couldn't be able to bear watching it from her window.

Check yes juliet
I'll be waiting
Wishing, wanting
Yours for the taking
Just sneak out
And don't tell a soul goodbye

Rukia gasped, as she heard the door below her begin to open. The sound startled her so much that she let out an inaudible squeak. Who could possibly still be lingering around here? Was it the guards to let her know the execution was beginning so she could turn her head away? As the door completely opened, Rukia had more reason to be shocked. Below her were all familiar faces, each baring a determined smile. Her eyes teared up.

"There isn't any time for a special reunion, so get down here and lets move!" The first voice belonged to Renji. He had no serious scars or battle wounds. In fact, neither of them seemed to be hurt in any way, which meant they skillfully avoided any kind of confrontation.

Check yes juliet
Here's the countdown
3...2...1... now fall in my arms
Now they can change the locks
Don't let them change your mind

"Ichigo needs our help, or else this plan wont work. Ichigo needs you Rukia." Said hostage only grinned to see Inoue.

No words needed to be exchanged as Rukia quickly descended the flight of stairs and jumped on to Renji's back. It felt like old times when he had to help her escape so Ichigo could fight her brother. Her child hood friend assumed the role of the leader as he guided them out of the shrine and toward the execution site. Time was running out fast.

Lace up your shoes
A O A O O
Here's how we do

Ichigo gruffly was pushed onto the stand. All the captains were lined up with their respective vice captains. Only one Taicho was missing a subordinate and he was the only one who looked the most sorrowful. Ichigo wished he could have talked to Ukitake earlier, so he would know this is all some sort of hoax and that he does not deserve to be put on death row, but orders are orders. He breathed in and out deeply as to calm himself down.

"Kurosaki Ichigo, you are under arrest for endangering the world of the living and exposing our world to a mortal by the transferring of powers. You are found guilty on all charges. Do you perhaps have any last words?"

Run baby run
Don't ever look back
They'll tear us apart
If you give them the chance

The ex vice captain lowered his head in defeat to look as though he had given up. He felt the piercing glares from almost everybody behind head captain Yamamoto.

"I have only one wish."

Only half a mile away, six pairs of feet thundered toward the soukyoku hill. They picked up their pace even more, feeling the execution drawing closer.

Don't sell your heart
Don't say we're not meant to be
Run baby run
Forever will be
You and me

"I want to have all of my friends, wherever they may be to be escorted peacefully away and for my family to know everything." Ichigo had lifted his eyes somewhat, and what lay inside those amber orbs were unfathomable.

Ichigo's picture became clearer to Rukia as they neared in proximity. They could not carelessly save him. Everyone had to wait until the legendary bird swept closer to Ichigo to strike so the captains and vice captains could be disoriented for a moment, leaving Ichigo's company of friends to collect themselves and prepare for battle. Rukia felt her resolve return to her. It was her time to save him just like he had done years ago.

Ukitake and Shunsui did the preparations and now it was time for the Soukyoku bird to awake. Ichigo smiled to see the powerful phoenix looking at him in the eye. He had the power of over a million zanpaktou and yet somehow he had bested him over a century ago. Time had slowed down and Ichigo met death in the eye. He smirked smugly.

"Sorry old friend, but it's not my time, not yet." His spiritual pressure skyrocketed at that moment, breaking all barriers that kept him restrained. They may have sealed most of it away, but Ichigo possessed so much power in his blood that not all of it could be restricted. The bird exploded once more and caused the stand to be split once more.

We're flying through the night
We're flying through the night
Way up high,
The view from here is getting better with
You by my side

Everyone below had their mouths agape in shock as though they had not expected this to happen. The Soul Society really underestimated the vice captain. Yamamoto attempted to assemble everyone into battle position, but the smoke had not cleared and the captains were too surprised to make a quick decision.

"Ichigo!!" His head turned quickly to see his beloved companions and Rukia arrive in the flesh. He only had eyes for her though. In her large violet orbs, he saw the warmth and compassion that he missed.

Run baby run
Don't ever look back
They'll tear us apart
If you give them the chance
Don't sell your heart
Don't say we are not meant to be
Run baby run
Forever we'll be
You and me

"Let's do this!!"

Rukia jumped off of Renji to join Ichigo on his right side. They flash stepped away from the scene, preparing themselves for an eventful fight.

You and me...

"I thought I told you to stay back."

"You obviously don't know me then, because I can't stay away from you forever." Rukia smiled at him lovingly but didn't stare at him for too long.

"Are you ready to bring the Soul Society down?"

"You talk too much fool, and the answer is yes."

You and me

…So what do you think? Hehe, I hoped I haven't lost all of you yet! Next chapter is the fight and end, chapter after that is the end and then a short epilogue! I promise that the next 2 and a half chapters will not take as long as this one did. The only reason why this chapter took so long was because I had a really bad writers block and every time I tried to write, I could only make out a few sentences before I wanted to change everything. I must have written and rewritten this chapter twenty or so times. So please R & R!

This chapter is also a shout out to Loveroflove who inspired me to finally complete this chapter once and for all after she updated her story Run to you after a long break. See ya next time!