Title: Courting Darkness

Authorial Notice:

Alright, this chapter is dedicated to Snow and Shellybee. They wanted to make sure I didn't forget this story. So be sure to thank them.

Next, I really, really love the messages you guys have been sending me. They brighten my world and I want to respond to all of them, but sometimes that takes me awhile. So please don't be discouraged if it takes me more than a couple of days to get back to you. K?

Well, it's embarrassing how much fun I had writing Ichimaru in this chapter. He's starting to grow on me as a character, I think.

Chapter Six

Gin Ichimaru skulked down a quiet Tokyo street. Taking care to avoid the light, he dropped off the road and around the back of a hedge that masked a rarely used entrance into an elegant private residence. There he was met by a humorless manservant with long, cornrowed braids.

Gin smirked, not that it mattered since the man was blind, but still… Tousen always seemed to know.

The man's frown deepened fractionally before he directed Ichimaru to follow with practiced movements. Soon, they stood before a set of thickly carved doors that were guarded by two men.

His new employer had been very particular about the scheduling of Gin's visits. Never before a certain hour and never unsummoned. He had been invited on multiple occasions since his employ began, but more often since he had killed that girl. It was funny that she had been the link that had brought them together in the first place. Quite ironic.

Gin smiled pleasantly as the doors behind him closed with the solidness of timber striking timber, then he strolled unhurried toward the desk that took up the far end of the room. It was massively proportioned, sitting on a raised dais, probably meant to intimidate. Although, in his opinion, a well-placed knife or properly spoken threat was far more effective, but that was the way his employer worked, subtly.

He took a moment to appreciate the painting behind the desk.

To be owned by such a mild mannered gentleman, it was decidedly violent in nature, depicting the battling samurai of the Feudal Era, hacking each other apart with swords and kamas. Amused, he eyed the severed head of a warrior that had rolled across the battlefield, leaving a gruesome trail of blood.

Imported liquor sat on the desk, glowing warm bronze against the crystal flask that contained it. He shook his head, causing strands of his silver hair to fall into his eyes. He never drank. A disgusting and stupid habit. But then again, he wasn't a wealthy aristocrat. In his line of work, even half a breath's hesitation was the difference between whether you were counted among the living or the dead.

His eyes narrowed as he stared at the glittering light playing through the bottle.

Ichimaru couldn't count the number of men that had been stupid enough to mistake his smile or thin frame as weakness, but he was always happy to teach them otherwise. It was comical that he could outwit them so easily, even occasionally double-crossing an ally. It helped a man's reputation to that sort of thing every once in a while.

The heavy doors at the end of the room opened and he shifted to keep an eye on the entrance. His employer entered, sedate as ever, passing him by with as little regard as he spared for the heavily ornamented furniture.

Gin smiled cheerily, sweeping a low bow as he shoved his hands into his sleeves. The man didn't seem fooled by his congeniality, but then again, he rarely was.

"Have you found her?"

Gin's jaw twitched, but he kept his tone light. "Not precisely."

The man paused on the steps, turning back.

"Do I need to remind you what will happen if she reveals what she saw?"

Suppressing a sigh, Gin let his master cover this well-trodden ground, allowing his thoughts to wander while still keeping one ear on the conversation. It wasn't his fault she couldn't be caught.

He took in the family crest stitched into the silk of his employer's haori. His dress was impeccable, his manner polished. The mane of brown hair was pushed back to reveal a high forehead that spoke of intelligence, while he still somehow managed to sustain a sympathetic air… but appearances were deceiving.

Even his pacing seemed dignified as he expanded on the direness of the situation.

"Were you not supposed to be the best, Gin? Yet, she still roams free…"

He let his smile widen in response to the intended slight. The tips of his fingers brushed the hilt of Shinsō. "But this one's quite clever, ne? Hasn't attempted to contact the authorities, and even when we catch sight of her, she disappears like a wraith… Someone's helping her."

The man took his seat behind the desk, steepling his fingers in front of his lips before dropping them again.

"I told you not to underestimate her intelligence. Everyday longer she remains uncaught the risk to us grows. Find her, find out who is helping her. Kill them, but I want her alive. Do you understand?"

"Of course."

"Good, leave."

Gin bowed again before turning, the spot between his shoulder blades tickling as he walked away.

Ichimaru Gin was considered a very bad enemy to have, but this man… Yes, appearances were deceptive things.

Not a mistake he would make.

After all, Gin hadn't told his employer everything, not the entire truth. He hadn't told him about his old protégé's re-appearance or that it coincided with that girl vanishing from their tangled web. Telling him something like that would only seem like incompetence and inefficiency on Gin's part. No, best to just sort Hichigo out on his own, and he knew just the person to do that.

Gin smiled as he let himself out and silently disappeared into the night.

()()()

Orihime dropped her napkin over her empty plate and leaned back with a contented sigh. The food here was delicious. Even her smallest culinary whims were humored, no doubt on the castle lord's orders.

She chewed her bottom lip, thinking of the orange haired man that had both saved and tormented her.

He made no sense, changing from moment to moment like he did. One instant, he was Kurosaki-sama, both courteous and accommodating, showering her with every sort of indulgence. The next he was Hichigo, pestering and twisting her into panicky knots, then unraveling them slowly, silently mocking her as she came undone.

What kind of man did these things? She didn't know whether to fear or admire him.

She sighed again as she thought of Jinta and Ururu. There was no telling what had happened to them. One of her greatest fears was that they would be recognized as the children that had been with her the during the murder. She had never come back to their small, shared dwelling that night. What if they had gone out looking for her?

Orihime had awoken that morning to realize she had been fooling herself. Hichigo had been right. Her problem wasn't simply going to go away, not while there was still a chance that her pursuer could find her. He wasn't the sort of man to give up easily, she knew that for certain. No, she had to go some place that even he couldn't reach her, and she would take Ururu and Jinta with her.

She had considered Europe, but it simply wouldn't be far enough. They would go to America. She heard they accepted immigrants of every nationality. Just like a big pot of homemade stew.

Her brother had always talked about taking a trip there. She could escape from her predicament into a world where no one could find her, a place where people wouldn't ask too many questions. She could finally go to school or find a tutor. They were supposed to be making great strides in the world. Perhaps there, she could finally be free from the ugly truths of her parents' past.

There was little to keep her in Japan, after all. With her brother's death and her family's situation, it would probably be a blessing to them. There was aunt Matsumoto. Orihime didn't want to leave her, but if she couldn't attract a husband, all she would ever be was a financial burden. She had never liked being a burden on other people, but she had accepted her fate. Because of her lack of fortune and the scandalous lifestyle of her parents, there were no other options for her.

But now that she had survived the worst hovels in Tokyo, Orihime had new confidence. She was sure she could make it on her own and there would be the children to help.

Her life would no longer be lived among the aristocracy, true, but it was sure to be interesting and challenging. In America, her small financial independence would afford her more luxuries. She would certainly be able to buy a home. And Ururu and Jinta could pose as a maid and footservant. Not that she would let them serve her, but just to keep up appearances.

She would have to sell her book. That was upsetting, but she couldn't travel with it. It was far too valuable. She supposed, she could always send it back to her father, but even the thought of Sora's precious treasure funding a month's worth of his gambling binges made her ill.

Orihime took a sip of her tea before the hand holding it stilled. Her book! She had forgotten it. Hastily, she sat down her tea and went to the bedroom. She had been so tired that night. She hadn't remembered it was stashed in her clothing when she took it off.

Digging through the large wardrobe, Orihime felt for the hard corners of a book, but found nothing. It wasn't in there? She shook them out to be sure. Nothing. Did she not remember moving it? Could it have fallen out? Whirling around, she checked every available surface.

No… that wasn't it. The book wasn't there.

Her hands went cold. If someone had stolen it, she should go to Kurosaki—

She stopped pacing.

Hichigo.

How did she not see it immediately? Of course, he took it. She was certain. He was the master thief, wasn't he?

Orihime jerked the servant pull then raced back to the wardrobe and began pulling on clothing without waiting. She had just realized she was mixing two separate outfits when the maids arrived. They exchanged glances before hurrying to help.

To Orihime's relief, they quickly sorted out the mess she had made of things and began pulling and layering her robes until she was properly attired. She heaved a sigh, grateful she hadn't been forced to leave like that. Her mother would have been horrified.

"Thank you. I need to speak with the lord. Do you know where he is?"

They exchanged another glance and Orihime furrowed her brow.

"Yes, lady... He often visits his father and sisters at the temple. He took a horse a few hours ago."

Orihime blinked and turned to look at the girl that had spoken.

"Did you say temple? Are they religious?" She couldn't imagine anyone related to the infamous Hichigo serving in a priestly capacity.

"I suppose so, lady. They moved there shortly after Kurosaki-sama took up residence."

"Alright then, have a horse prepared for me as well." Orihime nodded, feeling the maid's hands still, pausing in their task of looping and pinning coils of hair.

"L-lady? Are you sure, don't you want a litter or rickshaw? We keep them prepared."

"No. A horse will be fine."

She had left with the two women gaping after her, at a loss. But Orihime intended to question Lord Kurosaki and it would be done without prying eyes. Servants could be horrible gossips. Besides, she loved to ride. Her brother had taught her- like he had taught her so many things- secretly and without their parent's consent.

A half hour later and after getting directions from the stable boy, she was riding across the countryside headed toward the temple. The journey was magnificent and she had to concentrate not to be distracted by the picturesque landscape.

She followed the well-worn path through a wood and across a small stream until the trees thinned, revealing a large stone temple blanketed in vines and moss. It seemed to Orihime that it sprouted straight out of the forest, without warning. The effect was breathtaking. The temple itself was eerily beautiful, the way things were in dreams. Sunlight filtered in through the canopy of trees, casting a golden haze over straight walls and stone steps. At the top, a dark headed girl clothed in red and white stood, sweeping away leaves.

Orihime dismounted and pulled the hem of her kimono out of her obi, making sure her legs were once again covered. As she made her way up the steps, she watched the girl push aside leaves only to have them blown back again in what appeared to be a never-ending cycle. A scowl graced her forehead and her mouth was moving, but it wasn't until Orihime got close enough that she could hear the rather imaginative curses and she realized why.

"Damn it all to hell…" She threw the broom down. "What a stupid job."

Orihime was stunned. She had never heard of a cursing priestess.

The dark headed girl looked up, finally noticing her. She seemed startled and quickly bent to pick up her tool.

"Oh, uh… Welcome to Karakura Shrine!" The smile looked more like a grimace. "Where all… uh, where all… Damn it, I can't remember. I'm Karin, who are you?"

"I-I'm Inoue Orihime."

The girl's face relaxed.

"Oh, why didn't you say so?" She tossed the broom back down.

Before Orihime could respond, another girl in the same outfit with blond pigtails rushed out to greet her. Bowing, she attached herself to Orihime's arm and began pulling her along.

"Welcome to Karakura Shrine, where all your blessing and warding dreams come true!" She smiled. "We don't really get many visitors out here. The shrine sells talismans and prayer beads… Or did you need a repelling spell?"

"Eh…"

Orihime was pushed along and she glanced back toward the other girl, hoping she could explain, only to see her sprawling under a tree, opening a book. She disappeared from view as they rounded a corner and came upon the entrance.

"We have everything you need, just step this way. Daddy, a visitor!"

Orihime snapped to attention. "I'm Inoue."

"Huh?" The blond girl stopped pulling. "Oh, that's you?" She gave Orihime the critical eye before apparently finding whatever she was looking for. Dropping a curtsy, she rose with another dazzling smile. "Kurosaki Yuzu, pleased to meet you. Ichi-nii told us all about you."

She bit her lip. "He did?"

Yuzu snatched up another broom that had been leaning against the entrance and directed her toward a low, stone wall. Orihime had to sit quickly to avoid the cheerful burst of sweeping that followed.

"That's right."

"And do you know where your… where Lord Kurosaki is?"

"Call me Yuzu, and he's around here somewhere, probably playing with daddy."

It was all Orihime could do not to return the girl's contagious grin with a confused smile of her own. "Playing?"

"Mmm… They do that. And you shouldn't worry, you know. Oni-chan won't let anything bad happen to you."

"E-excuse me?" Just how much did this girl know about her situation? Orihime's forehead tensed. "I don't think it's that easy. My problem is complicated."

Yuzu looked up with interest. "Why's that?"

Orihime wasn't used to being asked such direct questions and wasn't sure how to respond appropriately. She looked out over the flowers growing beside the temple, feeling a new weight on her shoulders.

"You mean not having an escort and being alone with him? I'm sure he'll think of something. And no one would try to take you while he's around, if you're worried about that. They're afraid of him."

She watched the girl sweep away imaginary dust and wondered what to say. She seemed to think her brother was a cross between a magician and some sort of legendary hero. Orihime was in no mood to disappoint her by recounting her enigmatic problems. There was no simple solution. The only option left was to leave and as soon as possible. Which was why she needed her book.

"Do you know where he is?"

"Try turning around."

Orihime yelped at the voice that spoke directly over her shoulder and spun, almost falling over the stone partition. Ichigo cursed and grabbed her arm.

"You can handle three story buildings, but walls are your downfall?"

She leaned forward, brushing dirt off her side to hide her blush. He certainly seemed to be in a good mood. Unfortunately, it was at her expense. He had also forgone his sleek black suit in favor of the more traditional hakama and shirt. It suited him.

As soon as she was sure her face was a more natural shade, Orihime rose and faced him before blinking. "Did you know you have leaves in your hair?"

His face switched to a scowl and he reached up to brush them away. His ebony katana was back on his shoulder and she wondered if there had been some sort of trouble.

"It was for the old man."

"What?"

"You were wondering about the sword. It's practice."

Yuzu cleaned a circle around them with her broom. "Told you they liked to play."

"It's not playing. It's sparring." Ichigo crossed his arms. "You make it sound worse than he does."

"Come now, Ichigo. There's nothing wrong with wanting to frolic with your father." She turned to see a tall, dark-headed man with thick stubble coming up the walk. "You must be Lady Inoue. It's an honor to have such a noble guest."

Orihime smiled and prepared herself to bow to the head priest.

Ichigo stopped her with an arm. "Don't do it. It'll only get him over-excited."

She shook her head. "It's disrespectful not to perform the correct rituals."

He gave her a look before turning back to the high priest. "You better get something on that eye if you want to see out of it tomorrow."

The little blond miko turned from her sweeping and tsked, examining the man's eye, which seemed to be turning a deep shade of blue.

"Oh, poor daddy." She fussed, patting his hand. "Come inside, I think I still have some of the herbs from the poultice I made last time."

The man seemed crestfallen as he passed her by, tugged onward by his daughter.

Orihime watched as they walked away, unsure how to articulate her thoughts. "That's…"

"My father." He finished.

She turned back to look at him, mouth slightly open. "And you hit him?"

"It's not as bad as it sounds. How did you get here, anyway?"

"I took a horse."

"You rode a horse? Alone? And you're lecturing me on correct behavior?"

"You wanted me to teach you, and I had a very good reason for coming."

He waited and Orihime tried to remind herself that she was supposed to be angry or at least irritated with him, but her body wasn't listening. Chills shot through her from all the places where the wind blew his clothing against her.

"What's wrong?"

Orihime jumped at the unexpected comment. Still flustered by his close proximity, she spoke without meaning to. "There are children. They helped me, and I'm afraid they might be found."

"Anyone see you with them?"

"I don't think so."

She dropped her eyes when he tried to search them.

"I need more than that."

Orihime took a deep breath and stepped away from him, trying to regain her ability to think clearly. "They were with me, when…"

He nodded. "Alright, if you tell me where they are, I'll have them moved."

"Where?"

"It's probably best if you don't know."

She turned to look at him. How was she supposed to escape with them, if she didn't know where they were? But that was probably what he was counting on. She pushed the problem to the back of her mind, resolving to deal with one crisis at a time.

"Where is my book?"

"Your book?" He walked a circle around her, stopping at her back. "I'm keeping it for you, in case you decide you want to run off in the middle of the night."

"But I…"

He twirled her around by the arm and she shivered, realizing his eyes had gone dark. "You were still going to run."

"I-I have to."

Looking into his eyes was like being swallowed by the ocean. "You can't"

"Why?"

He stared at her, a small muscle in his jaw twitching. Orihime wasn't sure she had ever seen him at a loss. But he was… and there was a frustrated, desperate look in his eyes that puzzled her. Why did he care if she left? Her mouth opened slightly as she contemplated the idea that maybe he desired her company just for the sake of it.

"Why can't I go?"

He continued to glare at her, still struck speechless. A strange twitter filled her heart as she waited.

When he spoke, it was between his teeth. "Because I said so, and I thought you were going to help me with my fiancée."

The warm feeling that had been crowding her heart snapped like a twig and Orihime had to fight back tears. She should have known better. The idea that she could have caught the attention of someone like Ichigo Kurosaki was ridiculous. There had only ever been one man that had claimed to love her, and he—

Orihime shook her head, banishing the ugly thought. She would not waste anymore of her life on that man. She was starting over, and to do that Orihime needed Ichigo.

"If I prepare you for your fiancée's visit, will you help me get to America?"

He was still scowling, but after a few tense moments, he gave a stiff nod. Orihime released her breath and looked away. When she spoke, they both knew it was a lie.

"Alright, then, I'll stay."

A/N

And that's that.

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