"I can't believe we're actually here," I whisper to Riko as we continue to walk. I was in my other form- or really I had my zanpakuto on my back and my hair off to the side in a ponytail without my hat and my black robes on, my Soul Reaper clothing.
Riko, on the other hand, had to steal a robe. She couldn't be caught here with the clothing she had on. We'd knocked out another girl that came by and tied her up so thoroughly that she'd never be able to escape without our help. She had her hair in a clip on the back of her head.
"We just have to act normal as if we've all ways been here." She was calm for once, but wore a silly smile. "Be nonchalant."
"Look for Ichigo." I looked stern as I walked, making everyone get an air of superiority as I walked. She stood a step behind me as we walked.
The day progressed as such. We just couldn't find them anywhere. I was getting tired and had no idea where we were going to hide out tonight.
"Any ideas?"
"The sun hasn't set yet." I was determined to find my brother. "It's still light out."
It was true, the sun was still a good hour from setting, but the idea of being in the dark here was a scary thought.
But I was confident after the training I'd gone through with Urahara.
Even if I did sense the remarkably higher energy around me in random spurts. I knew I could handle myself if even for a little while. I may not last, but I was cocky. Just like my brother, we shared confidence in ourselves.
"Hmm, who are you two?" A man with grinning eyes and silver hair appears. He had literally appeared out of nowhere. He was walking in our direction now. "I don't believe I've ever seen either of you before, yet you seem to be in the thirteen court guard squads." He had indicated the little arm thing I'd stolen from someone that walked by, a little snatch and grab, and the band on Riko's arm.
How could he see us anyways? His eyes were closed...
"Well, I don't tend to be social with anyone besides her." I immediately take charge. "I am Sumiyama Misao and she's Kurakashi Riko."
"Hmm." He studies us over. "Ichimaru Gin. And I'm not so sure if-"
"They're legit, Ichimaru. I know them both personally."
The voice was from behind us. The two of us stop, a shiver sparking up us slowly. The very voice was rough.
We turn our heads enough to nearly squeak, seeing who had spoken on our behalf. It was a really tall man with scars on his face and an eye patch, his hair in tall liberty-like spikes with bells. He, like Gin, wore a white robe over his Soul Reaper attire. He was seriously freaky.
"Are you sure, Kenpachi?" Gin had that fox-like smile still on his face as he showed a small bit of teeth now. He was directly in front of me, my chin between his thumb and index finger as he studied my face closely. "I could all ways bring them in to make sure you know. We have to be careful about the Ryoka running about. How about I bring her in just in case?"
"Leave the girl alone Ichimaru." The man orders. "I'm sure she doesn't want you anywhere near her."
Boy was he right! This guy may be cute, but this close he was dangerous.
"Ah, now don't be so mean Kenpachi." Gin puts his face an inch from mine. "I'm sure Misao wouldn't mind, now would you?"
"Actually," Riko speaks. "We have to be going. We were ordered to check for Ryoka in another... district."
"Hmm." Gin chuckles, still in the same position. "Yet you don't have your zanpakuto?" He meant Riko.
"She must have left it. I'll accompany you both." Kenpachi notices the badge on our upper arms, reading the same thing. "They're in my squad. Now, ladies."
We hesitate. We weren't sure whether to go with the smiling man or the crazy-looking one. It was a 50/50 chance, but either was a risk. I was hoping Riko would help me decide.
"Yes, we're coming." She follows after the one dubbed Kenpachi, meaning for me to follow. I break away from Gin carefully and allow him to watch me as I walk off, his grin still burned into my mind. It was a scary thought.
As soon as we're out of earshot and I made sure no one was around, I quickly step up to beside him. "Why did you help us?"
"Kurosaki Ichigo."
I jerk a little while keeping up the fast pace. "How do you know that name?"
"He gave me injuries I shouldn't be up and about for, but Yachiru told me she saw two strange girls wearing my squad's badges. So tell me, you know Ichigo?"
"Are you friend or foe of him?" I question.
"Foe, but I'm only that in battle. I'd rather find a thrill in fight. Now tell me. How do you know Ichigo?"
"I'm his twin," I easily remark. "And I'm looking for him. I have something I have to give him." I let my eye twitch. "Have you seen him then?"
"Not recently." He brings us to a building. "Your names are?"
"Kurosaki Misao."
"Thomas Riko."
We make it into the room he was leading us to finally and look at the people in there.
"Orihime? Uryuu? Chaz?" Riko and I blink in unison. "What are you three doing here?" We knew Uryuu had been training to go with Ichigo, but definitely not Orihime and we weren't sure on Chaz.
"Mi? Riko?" They also stare.
"Orihime!" I leap at her, giving her a huge hug. She hugs back, but not as deathly. "Are you okay? You aren't hurt?"
"No, I'm fine."
"How'd you two get here?" Uryuu questions.
The others in the room were watching us discuss our affairs. I paid no mind. Even the little girl seemed especially interested in that question.
"Same way you all did." Riko was bubbly again. "Idiots!" She giggles.
"Meaning we took the same route you all did. Urahara got on my bad side." I narrow my eyes.
"Plus he has a thing for half-naked girls." She whistles innocently as everyone sweat drops. "Wha-at? We were playing strip poker and after Misao couldn't beat the information out of him, she had to beg. It was actually kind of convincing!"
"Yeah, it ain't happening often." I scoff. "Where's my brother?" I grab Uryuu's collar. "Tell me, now."
He gives a small nervous laugh. "We haven't seen him in days."
"We have a time limit here." Riko informs everyone. "Five days and we'll be called back."
"Meaning I'm determined to find Ichigo, damn it!" I begin shaking him. "Where was he seen last? I'll track his sorry, punk ass down!"
"I don't know!" He was dizzy when I stopped.
"Kenny fought him not to long ago." The little girl bounces up to me. "I'm Yachiru. You must be friends of Kenny's for him to bring you here!"
"Hi! I'm Riko!" She bends down to stare the little girl in the face. "You're so cute!" She hugs her. I sweat drop.
"Misao. If you guys don't know anything, then I'm not sitting around. I'll find my brother if it's the last thing I do." I let my eye twitch again while releasing Uryuu's collar. "Let's go Riko."
"We need to stay somewhere for the night," she rationalizes. "We'll set out in the morning and scan the place. I'll flash-step even, if I have to."
"Fine." I look at Kenpachi. "You mind if we crash here?"
"No, just don't call attention to this place."
"Got it." I nod. Everyone goes about their own conversations as I confront him. "Thanks for helping us out. What's up with that Gin guy?" He motions me to sit on the cot beside his chair. I sit and stare at him as he speaks.
"He's a badass captain, as he's called." He didn't have to explain the concept of captains. Urahara had disclosed that information to me long before this escapade was even planned. I enjoyed the tales he gave me of the Soul Society and his time here, but it took asking and begging and even blackmail to get it out of him. "He enjoys killing almost more then me."
"And that's a lot I take it." I sigh. "Man I'm going to hurt him when I find him."
"So why are you looking for him?"
"I was supposed to come with him here. I have more control over my zanpakuto then he does and can wield it better. At least, I used to. My friend trained him thoroughly like he did me, so we're both even stronger now. I have no idea who surpasses who. Anyways, I just have to find him and make sure he's fine. I can sense his energy, but I have to see him." I glare at the wall. "He is going to get hurt when I find him, but at least I'll know he's still kicking when I do find him."
"So you just love your brother!" Yachiru pops into the conversation. "Aw, Kenny we have to help her find him!"
"I'm looking for him anyways. We have a score to settle." He was still staring at me. "You said you were better then him?"
"I'm not sure now."
"You might be a worthy opponent."
"Not my problem right now. I'll fight when I have to. Until then, I'm on a mission to find him and I'll weasel around it as much as possible. Unlike my idiot twin I know when not to pick a fight and when to get on about my business." I yawn. "I'm going outside for a moment."
I stand and bring my still small zanpakuto with me as I pull myself on top of the building. I was so worried about Ichi that it hurt. I was sure to give him a piece of my mind when I saw him.
If I saw him.
"No! I can't think like that." I wipe away a quick tear. "I'll find him and pummel him to a bloody pulp!"
I could only hope.
