In the feudal era there existed many powerful kingdoms in Japan, one such kingdom was called Karakura. The king Kisuke Urahara ruled with his queen Yoruichi. They had brought in an era of peace after the hundred year war and had a powerful alliance with the Seireitei kingdom ruled by KingYamamoto. King Urahara has an elite force of knights known as the stealth force. Ichigo Kurosaki was the leader and best swordsman in the kingdom with his deadly sword know as Zangetsu. Second in command was the master Archer Uryu. Other exceptional knights such as Renji, Chad and the youngest recruit Toshiro all formed part of this group of knights.

"Victory is ours!" Ichigo exclaimed as all the soldiers in the field rejoiced. They had just conquered the rebel forces in the outlying village that had been plotting to invade Karakura in response to raising taxes on their trades once more. The general Gin was standing by Ichigo shouted "Capture the women and the children as payment for crimes committed against his majesty!"

"What is this madness? That was not part of our plan? You want to make slaves out of these people?" Uryu asked in a defiant, sharp tone.

"Hold your tongue, Archer!" "I would only make slaves of the children we will take the women to Aizen, he could use some new whores in his business and to warm our beds tonight."

"The king would not be pleased with you Gin, defying his orders like this. We were just told to cut down these rebels. Nothing more" Ichigo said.

"Got a soft spot for these rebel whores I see," Gin said as the scowl on Ichigo's face became more defined. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fist to keep himself from slitting Gin's throat for giving such outrageous demands.

"It's not fair to them Gin, They did not do anything wrong, we should not punish them for this. They are only innocent women and children" Ichigo pleaded.

"So I should just slaughter them all then, right, the rebel bastards' bloods runs through the children's veins after all and rape the women. These bitches deserve it for giving birth to these bastards and allowing them to get out of control" Gin replied with that evil grin only Gin can give when speaking of such cruel and inhumane things.

"Gin! I plead with you not to do anything rash let us just capture them and take them to the king and he will decide the outcome of these people!" Ichigo pleaded in an outraged manner.

"Fine then, Sir Kurosaki, that seems fair enough" he paused and smiled when he addressed Ichigo and said "but we both know the fate of those women and children who are captured from previous battles. Regardless of your petition to the king, he will still side with me on this issue."

Ichigo gritted his teeth and left Gin's side, for he could not stand to look at a man so disgusting. The rest of the men pitched their tents as dusk approached. The army would spend the night here before taking the captives back to the city.

Ichigo rode through the village to find a place to eat dinner and look around the village. A woman's scream startled him. "Get off me!" exclaimed the woman. "You ungrateful bitch! Stealing from me when you already owe me money after all I've done for you!" the man standing over her said, pulling out a knife from his side. "I'm sorry, I just need some food please...don't do this. I promise I wouldn't do it again. Spare me." she said her voice trembling as fear consumed her and closing her eyes as a tear trickled down her cheek.

"Spare me?' the man said in a mocking tone and cackled. 'Why should I? You come by my stall to steal bread while I am preoccupied and have not paid me a cent since you started coming here and you want me to spare you? I'm sorry sweetie but your luck just ran out. You know what the punishment for stealing is don't you?" Orihime closed her eyes once more to prevent herself from seeing the raised knife that would swing towards her and take her arm off.

She awaited her fated, but nothing happened. When she opened her eyes Ichigo was standing before her with his hand gripped tightly around her attacker's wrist stopping the knife. "Who are you?' the man demanded looking at Ichigo. 'What the hell do you think you are doing?" the man shouted once more.

"I am Ichigo Kurosaki, leader of the king's knights and I command you to leave this girl alone." Ichigo said flatly. Ichigo loosened his grip and the man lowered his hand.

Orihime stared at the man who was her savior. A knight? A knight in shining armor has come to my rescue? Orihime thought to herself. Now I know I am truly dreaming.

"You have no business here!" the man exclaimed. "Step away from the girl or I will use force against you." Ichigo said coldly.

"That bitch owes me money. I will not stand for this." he said.

"I will pay you. How much does she owe you." Ichigo said

"One hundred silver coins!" the man said. Ichigo reached in his cloak and tossed the man a pouch with the money. "Now leave her alone" Ichigo said. The man grabbed the money but was still outraged at Orihime and lunged towards her with his knife despite Ichigo's warning.

Ichigo drew his sword and pointed it at the man's throat before speaking, 'I will not tell you again peasant. Leave the woman alone or there will be bloodshed." His tone as cold as ice in the coldest of winters. The man smirked at Ichigo, "and if I don't" he said mockingly. Ichigo wasted no time and said, 'I hope you made your peace with God. May he have mercy on your pathetic soul.' he said as he decapitated the man in front of him. The man's blood spilled out and Ichigo pulled his sword back towards him watching the man's corpse fall to the ground.

Ichigo glanced at his sword watching the blood dripping from the blade. 'I hate to dirty my sword. Such a pain in the ass it is to keep it shiny and get the blood stains out." he said in a somewhat humorous manner wiping the blood of his blade. He turned to face Orihime. 'Are you okay?' he asked her, gazing upon her beautiful but dazed face. "Yes, I'm alright." she said.

'Best if you come with me, the streets are not safe for you now.' Ichigo said.'why?' she said. 'I saved you from death and all you can say is why? Not even a thank you for your beloved hero?' he exclaimed in a joking manner.

Orihime was embarrassed and flustered and exclaimed, 'I am so sorry, Thank you sir! Th- thank you, thank you!You are a brave knight in shining armor and I am forever in your debt!' Orihime shouted. Her cheeks were red and flushed and she bent her head towards Ichigo. Ichigo stifled a laugh but could not hold it in anymore. "I was just messing with you...knight in shining armor that's so hilarious.' he burst into laughter again.

She smiled 'that's not funny! Here I am trying to thank you seriously-" she started but was cut off by Ichigo. "It's okay' he said, 'I know what you meant, now come with me we should not get into anymore trouble tonight. What is your name anyway?' he inquired. "Orihime" she replied. 'A lovely name, it suits you well. I am Ichigo Kurosaki.' he said slyly making her blush redder than ripe apples in the market. "do you trust me?' he asked the auburn haired beauty and stretched his arm out towards her. "yes " she replied. she placed her hand in his and together they rode away from the scene.