I DON'T OWN BLEACH

The Nephilim

"Woman is a miracle of divine contradictions" ~ Jules Michelet

Chapter 2; My beloved Fallen One

"Please! No matter what happens! They must never get-"

"I swear!" With her heart pounding, her arms around the small bundle she runs through the burning cabin. The flames aren't the danger she is immune to that crimson fire, but the smoke is going to kill her before she can reach the door. With her hand splayed wide she grabs the handle and lifts the latch. Soon as the door opens the blast of air tosses the long strands of her orange hair. The sudden shift to silence and the black and white world beyond the door make her shoulders tremble. Not again. This is happening too often.

She walks for awhile her dark eyes looking left and right as the cabin fades and the camp site comes into view. Everything is washed in monochrome. The trees stopped in mid-breeze the leaves hanging in the air by unseen strings of the architect in this place. Her eyes dart past the angel camp to her body laying next to the stream. Ichigo begins to run, if she can make it to her body, she can wake up and get out of this monochrome dream world without-

"Sure you wanna hold onto that?"

Her lower lip quivers hearing his voice in her mind. Lifting a hand to the blanket she slides the soft material away and gasp as vines begin to wrap around her. Twisted and black her body is squeezed tight. Around her thighs, her arms, and digging into the ground the thick darkness holds her in place.

"Throw IT away."

"No." she responds fighting the vines. His voice is clear now and the faint smell of water announces his arrival. Suddenly his hand is on her face... cold and soft, the urge to lean into that palm is overwhelming.

"Ichigo..."

His whisper, the incision so finely sharp cuts at her heart. Why... Why does he say her name with such warmth? Shutting her eyes Ichigo can only shake her head in refusal.

"Why...? You ask why? Still you deny that I love you?" His hand slides over her warm cheek. How precious she is too him. "Come... be with me and we can rule over both kingdoms. Our power combined is unlike they have ever seen."

"I can't!"

"My beloved Fallen One.." His bright blue eyes watch the tears trickle down to his black vines stirring the darkness to blossom into twisting flowers all over her body. "The Nejibana, only bloom for you." Colors of purple and blue snake around her tan body making him marvel even more at her power. Only she brings color to this world.

"Kaien..." Her eyes open to find Starrk's nose pressed to her cheek nudging her awake. "Was I doing it again?" she asks without expecting a reply. Sitting up on the brown pelt under her, she glances at the blue water of the stream reflecting the color of Kaien's eyes. The wolf satisfied that she is awake jumps over the stream and vanishes into the forest. "I'm sorry... I can only follow the promise I made."

"Survive... until I come for you."

Lifting her head up towards the starry sky she whispers, "Yeah..."

~/~

With the dawn new orders to Byakuya's division mean breaking camp and traveling north towards Jericho through the Whistling Woodglen forest. His men are restless at the superstition of The White Lady dwelling in the treetops of the ancient forest. So he instructs the group of one hundred men and one woman to ride through until they reach the village of Jericho just beyond the dense forest.

Pushing through the small trail at high speed, the horse's hooves kick up dirt. Byakuya slows his white stallion turning to look behind the men. The woman follows on foot far behind the crowd refusing to ride along with another soldier.

Unaware Byakuya has turned back in her direction Ichigo stops to re-tie the broken string holding a dagger to her right thigh. Starrk's white head lifts, his ears twitching at the howl coming from the dense trees to his right.

"I hear it too." she says putting a hand on his back. With the blade secure she adjusts her sword on her back and frowns at the torn leather garment fraying near her stomach. "But, it's not out problem. We are fighting demons not lonely ghosts."

They continue down the path, the wolf and half breed both listening to the increasing sounds of the woman following them. Ichigo picks up the pace in a steady run. Starrk staying close to her side glances a dull blue eye over to see her lips stretching into a smile instantly increasing his speed. "First one to the village buys dinner!"

The two dart of the path in opposite directions. Ichigo's legs lifting as she jumps over a moss covered fallen tree, her vibrant hair swirling in the air as she runs through the forest. Step after step they run past the tall redwoods enjoying the feel of the land under their feet. Her amber eyes flick to the right and suddenly Starrk is there darting in front of her clicking his teeth. "I'm going to win this time!" Ichigo says planting her foot on the next fallen tree and vaulting into the air. "I want meat tonight!"

The wolf runs back in her direction his paws digging into the dirt all the while he keeping a keen eye on Ichigo. He has it all right now, the forest, the freedom, content just to watch her landing a few few in front of him. Even if she was evil and wretchedly cold, it's this one small behavior of her that keeps him bound to her. However, Ichigo is much more than this untamed creature able to grip small moments of pleasure while traveling with the noisy angels. To Starrk she is what an angel should be, divinely beautiful, and as deadly as you would expect a demon. Embraced by neither world she dwells in the middle of nowhere, a dying breed... the same as he in so many ways. Crossing her path again he glimpses her long vibrant hair fanning out in a bold trail behind her and the smile on her face. "I could run next to her always... under her wings." Reaching up in his memory he can recall the moment she became like a bird to him. Yes, they are the same creature like this, wolf and falcon roaming through this realm in search of something lost long ago.

At full speed, her lungs begin to burn, her heart pounding her blood faster through her veins in a delicious release of energy. Touching a hand to the next tree she hops over a pile of large boulders reaching a small lake. Her tan shape flickers on the reflective surface on the water. Faster... just a bit faster Ichigo pushes her body to feel the burn move from her lungs to her legs. Her foot slides on the unexpected wet moss on the other side of the stones. "Fu~ck!" Plunging into the icy water she pops back up from under the surface to find Starrk perched on the north side of the lake on top of a large tree stump. "That was just bad luck. I'll beat you one day!" she says lifting a wet fist in the air only to see the white wolf's eyes looking past her. "Oh..." Looking over to the tall figure on the pure white horse Ichigo bites at her lower lip. "I'll be right there."

Byakuya wordlessly waits for her to pulls herself from the water. The wild woman clearly has no sense of time, and he is slightly relieved to see she wasn't trying to escape. Perhaps Aizen's warning was true and they do have something she wants. Regardless, he must keep track of her, even more so with her tendency to keep away from the others. Slanting his eyes over to the wolf looking proud and suspicious on the large tree stump. Their eyes meet and Byakuya doesn't avert his gaze. The wolf or whatever it is clearly does not like him. Is it only protective? Or perhaps there is some reason a being like that has attached itself to her?

"Use her well... in any manner you see fit. She is merely a tool to serve out her small existence for our desires. She isn't allowed to deny us anything. We have something she wants and that thing means the world to her."

Aizen's words grate at him. Not because of her being a Nephilim, but Byakuya believes a woman should be given respect, and even more for being a warrior. Few females are even allowed to learn to defend themselves let alone fight at the front of a battlefield. Then there was her obvious sword skill. She has been trained well... very well. Is the wolf responding to something that has happened before Byakuya was putting in command? "Has Aizen used her in such a disgusting way?"

He followed her at a distance through the forest, watched her fun and saw that smile. Even at play she seems consigned to this fate and he doubts she would try to escape. Not after seeing her run with the wolf. Her movement just behind him makes him focus on the ground. As she begins to pass him by he pulls off his white cape offering it to her. Her reaction, a surprised shy hand reaching for it and then pulling back makes him frown.

"I would only soil it." Ichigo says dashing away with Starrk in tow.

~/~

Upon arrival at the village Byakuya spends the remainder of the evening sitting in a small office next to the barracks. The village is used to their frequenting the area and Byakuya felt it best to build housing for his men for use during the northern campaigns. He sits near the window glancing up from his journal. Whenever the door opens and a strong gust of wind drifts through the nearby open window, the air bringing in a hint of orange blossom.

"Sir. I brought you something to eat." Renji says setting the tray of food on a empty space on the table.

"Thank you." Returning his attention to the vast map spread out on the table. He lights another candle waiting for Renji to leave before pulling out a pocket watch from his crimson colored jacket. The design is a simple one, it was never intended to be for the purpose it now serves. Two interlocking loops set on the golden surface with diamonds arranged in sakura patterns lining the bands. There is no need to open the clasp and see the clock face, he knows what time it is. Everything stopped for him on that lovely spring morning as the birds chirped happily in their nests.

Longing isn't something he is proud of. It is inside him spreading like a diesase, killing any feeling he might have for life. His thumb moves over each small sparkling pink diamond, one petal for each year he was happy. Some people bear crosses so their faith is tested and proved strong. Byakuya bears sorrow, and it keeps him from looking to God for a reason to exist. A sudden blast of cold makes him lift his gaze out the open window down to the white figure slipping around a corner just out of eyesight. "Is it her?" Rising from his seat he grabs his blade and pushes open his door. Brushing past Renji and many others down the stairs his steps move quickly.

Once outside he is surprised at the blanket of snow on the ground. Small footsteps lead him in the direction of the shape. He hears it then... just a faint weeping sound lilting on the brisk winds. Intriged he chases after the sound making his way out of the village toward the forest. The snow falling increases, the gales blowing his dark hair away from his cheeks. "Where are you?" he whispers searching the thick snow covered ground for tracks.

"I'm here..." Comes a soft voice in response. Byakuya lifts a hand over his eyes to block the large icy snow flakes from blurring his vision. His steps become slower now as he vanishes over a large hill, the long green scarf whips around his neck to lick at his face. Walking a bit further he doesn't notice the cold anymore. He is too consumed by the maiden's voice calling to him.

Suddenly turning toward a dark area with large white collums of marble he sees her standing with her face covered by her own hands as she cries. Her white furisode billows in the wind concealing her arms, only her hands are seen. Swirls of snow and ice breath drift around the woman. He song is somber with so much feeling, he walks softly toward her with the large silver moon waxing in the night sky. "Hisana?"

"Why did you leave me?"

His chest heaves a long gaps as her hands move form her face. Long silver tears stream down her perfect pale cheeks. It hurts... it hurts so deep to hear her ask. The large warm eyes he knows as his wife's pierce at the doubt in his heart. Sadness overcomes his soul, his hand reaches out to her, as she asks him to stay with her forever. "Forgive me..."

"Stay with me." She answers him with more tears, her voice crying into his soul.

His eyes grow heavy as he listens, as he steps a little closer to her side. Snow collects on his shoulders weighing his movements and keeping the woman just out of reach. The numbness finally returns giving Byakuya a small sliver of peace. "I'll stay..." Giving her a faint smile he surrenders, his feet unable to continue any further. "Don't cry." Just as his eyes are losing focus a vibrant sunrise flashes in his eyes. Long tendrils of orange rays cut through all the white around him.

"Commander... look at me." Ichigo steps in front of Byakuya. But the man's cold eyes flick to the woman behind her. "No!" Turning around she raises a hand hand to the etheral woman. "Stop this at once and leave this place."

"I want... his soul. It is deliciously sad." Comes a ficoius growl from the floating figure, her eyes turning coal black, her hair growing long. "Give him to me!"

"No." Ichigo pulls out her blade pointing it at the snow woman. "Release him or I will be forced to kill you."

"Hisana..."

Hearing his voice Ichigo's head turns to look at Byakuya. She watched him leave the village and found out from his aide that this man isn't know for wondering off. Commander Byakuya Kuchiki according to Renji is a man who spends his time writing in his journals or studying battlefield stratgies. So she chased after him and found him here near death with this Yuki Onna sucking out his life. "Byakuya... look at me. This is a Einthra, they feed on regret!" Ichigo drags Byakuya through the snow proping him on a tree.

"Hahaha! You won't reach him... he is filled to the brim with one regret after another."

"Shut up!" Lifting her blade in the wind, she pushes out a black band of energy to surround it. "Demons like you disgust me. Sucking on the pain of others." Cutting the sword into the ground the black fire makes a protective circle around Byakuya. "Starrk."

"I'm here, Ichigo." The wolf appears near her side melting up from the snow.

"Stay near the Commander." Grabbing a string from around her neck she ties up her hair. "Any suggestions how to beat her?"

"Force her into your realm with a blast of divine energy."

"Shit... you know I don't know how to use my Angelic side. Think of something else!"

"Give up?"

"Lazy wolf!" Giving Starrk a glare she turns to the Einthra rubbing her hands together. "Ok... lets see what you got-"Without time to react she is struck in the stomach with a blast of ice. "Moving before I'm ready is cheating!" Ichigo hops to her feet and dashes toward the woman leaving Byakuya in the circle and Starrk nearby.

A beady red eye watches in disdain as the angel being protected by Ichigo begins to stir. Starrk isn't hateful toward him just all angels in general. They fight in this realm without any care as to how the humans suffer in their wake. It shouldn't matter to him... before he met Ichigo he was content to sleep long months and hunt only when he felt to desire to. She changed that in him, made him howl and run with a thirst to fight. "Good, you are awake." Starrk says slipping through the black barrier to bare his teeth at the Commander.

"What is going on?" Byakuya replies trying to rise to his feet only to feel the wolf's strong paws pushing him back down into a seated position. "What are you doing?"

"Warning you. I will not stand aside and watch if you try to harm my master." Giving a low growl his fur turns a light blue. "I'll rip out your throat and devour your soul."

Blinking in shock Byakuya sees Ichigo, her hair and tan body darting in circles as she attempts to fight the snow woman who lured him out here to his death. "Did someone hurt-"

"I will tell you a story... it's up to you to decide if she was hurt."

"I don't care for stories." Rising he puts a hand out to pass through the flames when a deep heat streaks up his arm.

"The barrier will burn you unless she trusts you enough to tell it not too." Starrk passes through the black flames unscathed to prove his point. "You will listen to what was done before you arrived."

Returning to sit he listens to Starrk's voice droning on in his head. The story wouldn't change his mind about Nephilim's begin dangerous, but it will stir in him a need to find out more about the woman fighting bare handed against a demon to save him, "Tell me..." and press at him to discover what it is that the Angels have that she wants.

"Three days before your arrival we came to a small village of humans..."

Chapter two! I hope you liked it and enjoy-joy! HUGS to reviews Fuzzi