Thank you to all who have review I really like them. It's like a little present just waiting to be open.
Warning: yaoi, violence, this and that, mild stuff, and so forth.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything that has to do with bleach.
"I have a request Ichigo Kurosaki." Komura calmly said sitting low to the ground as much as his new appearance allowed.
Ichigo for the life of him couldn't believe that the Captain of squad seven was here and asking him for something. He was also more than specious of why said captain was here in the first place.
'I mean soul society was and still is trying to kill me. What is Captain Komura doing here and how did he find me?'
Now more than ever wishing for the familiar weight of his zanpakuto and that he could see spirits, Ichigo tenses his body ready in case he needed to start defending himself from those he could not see.
"Ichigo Kurosaki, I mean no harm." Komura states, "I have been place in the same category as you when it comes to the soul society. Because of my appearance I was placed under arrest. I complied, I did to wish for my squad to suffer."
Hearing that bit of information still didn't settle Ichigo, for all he knew this was a clever ploy to make him trust the Captain. After all he didn't know this captain in particular as well as the others.
"I think this should be continued inside." Keith said as he started leading Ichigo into the house still putting himself between the young man and the wolf. No matter is Ichigo knew him Keith didn't trust the canine. "Wouldn't won't uninvited guest to see us talking to a wolf and start asking unwanted questions."
"Make yourself at home uh Komura right?" Keith turns questionably to the wolf who only nodded before settling down in the middle of the room. He can't help but think anything less of the being setting in his living room.
"Yes ex captain of squad seven of the goti thirteen." The wolf being said without moving his mouth.
"Riiight, you two go ahead and start talking I'm getting a beer. You want one too Ichigo?" Keith shouts from the kitchen.
"Yeah make it two, I think I'm gonna need it." Ichigo yells back, flopping down on the coach pinching the bridge of his nose before looking back to Komura. "So, you got jailed for being different? And it took them this long to do it? How long have you been part of the goti thirteen?"
"To start off, I only a few people who knew what I had looked like before I discarded my helmet. And central 46 could only do so much when the head captain kept a close eye on me. They only made their move when Head Captain Yamamoto disappeared and has put their own puppet in as head captain. They had been removing those who were loyal to the Head Captain. You and I were just the easiest targets for now. I am not sure how long before others find themselves in similar situations."
By the time the Komura had finish Keith had come back with more than six beers, and now there was only two left. The story was depressing and Keith knew that soon he may have to trust the canine being, but first Komura was getting a once over by Damon and Maverick just to be on the safe side. From what he has heard so far Keith isn't letting anything that has the remote possibility of causing harm near Ichigo or his family. But he knew that Ichigo was thirsty for information on any of his friends and the wolf was currently the only one who could give it, so Keith will wait until he can talk to the canine alone.
"What about your squad? I can't imagen that they would allow you to be jailed." Ichigo asked
"Yes my lieutenant as well as my entire squad, who acted against my orders, broke me out of my cell. However whoever were my jailers had me drug, so I wasn't sure who had helped me until I awoke in this gigai with a note tied to my paw. I imagen that Kisuke Urahara supplied the body, I feel quiet degraded in it." He said with his ears drooping and huffing the last bit to show his irritation earning a quiet chuckle from Ichigo and Keith.
Sighing as he was getting up from his chair Keith walks to the kitchen its then that his cell phone buzzes to life. Checking the caller I.D. and seeing that it's Maverick. Keith moves towards the back door.
"I'm going out for a bit ok."
He yells as he opens the back door before it slams shut. He only stands there for about a minute before walking off in no plan direction. Hitting the green call button Keith quickly yanks the phone from his ear as a trio of loud voices scream from its speakers. Ricky being the loudest.
'Damn why must they connect their calls like that. It's annoying.' He thought before hitting the speaker phone.'
"Will yawl stop yelling I can't make out what ya are saying!"
Quiet was the only thing his phone emits until Maverick clears his throat.
"Keith we were only calling to check in on you. We felt something strange not too long ago." Maverick calmly stated as if the headache they had given Keith was no big deal.
"Yea, we were concern since your other call sounded urgent." Ricky said sulkily that Keith can almost see the pout on his older brother's face.
Heaving out a loud sigh that sounded more like an irritated huff, Keith really couldn't blame his brothers for their actions.
"Look it's just that it has gotten tense here and I have no idea how to handle it. Not to mention all the crap that the old man said we have to do. I need yawl to come by its better it ya see it for yourselves. Plus there are some things best left behind doors."
"If that is what you think is best then. But what has you so tense in the first place." Asked Maverick
"It Ichigos past isn't it?" came Damons almost quiet voice. "Someone from his past has shown up right?"
Keith stares at the phone in shock. He knew Damon can see things that normally no one can but to even know that much in just a short amount of time.
"That's way too freaky bro. how did you even know that? I just met the dog, err, person. I think he is a person. Hell I can't tell." Keith shouts as he drags his hand down his face.
"Well let's just call him a puppy. Make sure that he gets all his shots and-
"Shut Up Ricky!" Keith shouted into the phone.
"Sheesh, don't shoot off like a rocket bro I was just kidding." Ricky mutter
"Why you-
"I think it would be best if we all met up at our house and finish this discussion there. We can also keep an eye on Ichigo and guest, if that's alright with you Keith?" Damon cut in after snatching the phone from Ricky.
"Fine" Keith huffs out. Closing his cell he hops in the ATV and drives off in the direction of the twin's tree house
oOooOooOo
(Back in the living room—Keiths house)
After Keith left the living room was silent, until Ichigo cleared his throat.
"Um Captain Komura? Have you heard anything about the Vizards or my family and friends?" Ichigo asked hopefully.
"No I have not. But I doubt that they have been taken."
Ichigo leans back and lets out a weary sigh.
"That's good." Relief making Ichigo go warm at the thought that those he knew where still safe.
"However, before I was arrested I did happen to overhear that two of your human friends were with the group that went after you."
"What?" Ichigo asked the relief he had felt now felt like ice water had been dump on him.
"Yes, if I heard right it was the girl and the Quincy."
The news sends Ichigo out of his seat and grabbing Komura tightly.
"And Chad? What about Chad?" Ichigo shouted as he started to shake the wolf desperation crossing his face.
Komura even though that boys grip wasn't strong it still caused him to wince, but mostly from shock at how fast the boy leap on him as his worry for his friend raised.
"I do not know." He didn't know what else to say all he heard were rumors and Komura felt that Ichigo deserved more than just rumors. His gigai didn't allow much room for comforting others but with nothing else coming to mind he leans forward and nuzzles the orangette.
Ichigo stilled this was not something he had ever expected from the Captain of squad seven. But he accepts the offer of what little comfort. In the back of his mind he wishes that Keith was still here to give him comfort. The moment doesn't last long and Ichigo gets up to head out to the porch, he felt like some fresh air was needed.
"Want to join me on the porch Captain Komura?" Ichigo ask holding the screen door open.
"You know that I am not a Captain anymore." The wolf says not really answering but was heading out with the orangette.
"Your point." Ichigo says it as more of a statement then a question as he plants himself on the porch swing then turning sideways and reclined back with is feet up on the swing handle.
Conceding to what the boy meant Komura laid down under the swing with his head in his paws. It isn't long before a noise causes him to lift up his head. Ichigo catching the movement first looked at the wolf then following his line of sight. What Komura heard, Ichigo saw. Coming down that dirt road was a cloud of dust that only can be made by a fast moving car. Ichigo knew it wasn't Keith and he can take a good guess that it wasn't anybody else he knew.
'Who could it be?' he wonder as he got out of his reclined position and walked down the last few steps with Komura not far behind him. He got degusted when the car stop and a dyed blond stepped out. She was wearing an outfit that left nothing to the imagination with hooker heels and a push-up bra, yeah anyone with eyes could tell what undergarment she was wearing, and seem to have started adding orange streaks to her blond hair. When she turned to Ichigo she started to walk with a sway before stopping right in front of him.
"Well I see that you're here, can you please go get Keith I must speak with him." she says with a dismissive wave of her hand and started to go through her i-phone.
Ichigo just looked at her like she was nuts. He only goes back up to the swing and starts to swing it back and forth enjoying the look of anger on the woman's face.
"Excuse me, I believe I gave you an order."
"Yeah what about it?" Ichigo says stuffing his hands in his pockets as he leans against the post.
"…excuse me? Hun do you know who I am?" she ask with a tilt of her hips and holding her head high looking down her nose.
"No I don't, and I don't care either." Ichigo sits on the step putting his chin in his hand and giving the woman a bored look.
"I am the daughter of Luray Maxima and the future faience of Keith Anderson and your new boss." She smiles triumphantly
"Oh really, hate to break it to ya but I really doubt your anything to Keith much less my boss."
Ichigo smirks at the impressive shade of red the woman sports. He starts to pet Komura, who watches the exchanges silently, waiting to see what the woman does next. And he isn't disappointed.
"I know for a fact that Keith already has someone and it ain't you plus I know that he would never sell his or his brothers land." Ichigo turns his head away from the woman as he talks and gives Komura his full attention. Running his hand over the wolf's head right between the ears. He whispers to him to play along for a bit.
"Oh and how would a delinquent like you know? With that bad dye job you must be desperate for attention, what couldn't make on the street corners so you gave a sad story to one gullible guy and think that you be able to jump in bed and get his money? His land? Please boy I can offer him so much more then you." She squares her shoulders and places both hands on her hips thinking that she's won. But she is surprised when Ichigo only laughs.
"Ahhahaha oh that's rich. Where did all that come from? Hehheh" Ichigo laughs out, huffing could be heard from the wolf that could be thought of as laughing but he ignores it for now, getting himself under control he coughs a bit before looking back at the infuriated woman. "Hate to break it to ya but this" he points to his hair, "Is natural and as for me being a hooker sorry but Keith found me in a snow bank and I tried to run from him not to him. Get your facts straight. And I can say that you have nothing that that man needs nor wants, I already give him enough that he only notices me."
Ichigo whispers into Komura's ear before standing up and walking to a fuming female. He gets just a few inches from her bumper before turning fully in her direction.
"I think it's time for you to leave, wouldn't want your nails to get dirty now would we?" Ichigo says sarcastically.
"You…you two bit male hussy, you'll regret this. You have no idea who you're messing with."
"No hun you have no idea who you're messing with and if you had plans of sending any goons be prepared to receive them back bloody and broken caused I am no slouch." Ichigo says his smirk growing as he crosses his arms. Komura starts to growl pushing the point home that anything done by the woman would be a bad idea.
The woman shaking with rage takes two steps toward Ichigo raises her hand making a claw before sending down towards the man face, only to have it caught by the one she was striking at. Ichigo looking bored tosses the woman's arm back making her stumble into her car. She gives one last venomous stare before slamming the car door and driving off.
"That was the most unpleasant female that I have met." Komura huffs out scratching behind his head.
"Yeah, I bet she'll send some goons to deal with me." Stretching his arms above his head hearing a cracks before grinning. "Oh well, at least I'll get some exercise, it's been awhile since I had to fight anybody."
"You do realize that she means you harm right?"
"Yes, I would appreciate if this little encounter stayed between us. I don't won't Keith to worry."
"You care for him huh?" Komura says as Ichigo heads towards the door.
"It isn't just that," Ichigo mutters as a blush tints his face, "If he were to find out he would try to keep me isolated up here and I like going into town every now and then."
"Ah a protective alpha then." Komura says nodding his head as if he understood.
"…right lets go with that…I need to start making dinner let's go in." Ichigo wanting to change to subject leaves the wolf captain outside but he leaves the door prop open in case the canine wanted to stay out longer.
'An interesting person you are Ichigo Kurosaki.' Komura thinks before walking in and using his tail to shut the screen door.
oOooOooOo
A few hours later Keith made his way home. The conversation that the four brothers had still fresh in his mind. They hadn't gotten anywhere concerning the wolf or what the old man wanted, since the bastard has now disappear again, Keith figure that he would just pop up when he thought they needed it not when they wish him to pop in. the only good thing that has happen is that Ichigos coughing subsided.
"Hopefully it'll stayed that way till the seal is removed. I don't want to find out what could happen if we are rushed to undo it before that old codger stated." Keith mutter out loud.
From what his brothers were able to get out of the old man before he disappeared was that they had to have Ichigo at the cave on the night of the full moon. If they were to do it before or after, well, it was only implied on that it would be a very bad thing.
Sighing again Keith hopes that everything will be squared away before too long, he doesn't won't things to spill over outside the farm. And if he can guess he knows that Ichigo wouldn't want it to happen like that either.
Thinking of the orange hair man Keith frown turns into a smile. When Ricky had showed, through the surveillance cameras Keith had placed years ago, what had happen during his absence with that blond thing Keith couldn't be prouder or happier. He hoped that what Ichigo said might be true and that it meant that Keith had a chance. He can't deny that the younger man is attractive and he can't deny that he has feelings towards Ichigo. The only problem Keith can see is if the orangette feels that same way.
The sight of his house came into view, Keith figured that he'll abide Ichigos request of him not knowing anything of Ichigos encounter earlier in the day. So Keith walks in with a smile on his face acting completely ignorant of everything.
"Honey I' m Home!" he bellows
He catches a flying cup aimed at his face.
"Oh Ichi don't be mean, I'm sorry for taking too long but I had to finalized the big get to gather."
"Stow it" came an irritated reply. "What get to gather?" Ichigo asked
Looking at the wolf and deciding to just go with it Keith beams at the orangette.
"Well there's good news and some great news with side effects, which you want to hear first?"
"Just get on with it!" a tick forming on the orangettes head. Ichigo wasn't really I in the mood for word games.
"Ok, ok look." Keith says seriously, "You'll be able to get that seal undone soon. In fact it'll be done in about a couple of days."
"Really!" a hopeful look crosses Ichigos face.
"You have a way to get Kurosaki his powers back?" Komura asked sounding skeptic
"In a way but Ichigo, there may be side effects if we do this early or later so I asked that you be patient." Keith warned.
Keith watches the younger man as every emotion fly across his face. He is happy for him but Keith hopes that he isn't getting the boys hopes to high.
"I don't care, if I can protect everyone again then it'll be worth it." Ichigo quietly said.
Silence envelops the room the only sound is the bubbling of water on the stove. Keith wants to argue with Ichigo tell him that he should care tell him that even if he got the power to do what he wished that if he suffer then others would suffer too. But Keith knows that no argument would deterred Ichigo, he can see it hear in his voice. Keith knowing this will do what he can even if he must knock the boy out to keep him safe he would do it. Ichigo may hate him but Keith rather have Ichigo alive and hate him then dead.
"I think that you need to think it over Kurosaki, now is not the time to be reckless." Komura cut in causing Keith to come out of his thoughts.
Keith is glad that the wolf man said that, he sure that if he had said anything like it Ichigo might have taken it wrong but coming from the wolf it doesn't sound like he was being condescending. However, looking at Ichigo, Keith can see that the young man has already made his choice.
"Ichigo your pot is overflowing." Keith said changing the subject.
When Ichigos back is turn he gives Komura a look gesturing with his head for the wolf to follow him.
"Hey Ichigo I have to check something out at the barn, Komura is coming with me, be back in a sec." he yells out
"Kay" came a retuning yell from the kitchen.
It's silent walk to the barn. A million thoughts run through Keiths head, it's when they enter the run down looking darn that Keith turns to Komura.
"Alright I got a few things to say, first off I still don't trust you fully." Stopping the wolf from interrupting him, "Secondly, if any harm comes to Ichigo and you are responsible, I will personally kill you, and third I will admit that I need your help keeping an eye on him. Finally I know about what happen today and I want you to stay with him when I'm not around. I am putting a lot of trust in you so don't blow it."
"I give you my word that Ichigo Kurosaki will be unharmed by me or any who are my allies. I appreciate the trust you place in me." Komura said bowing a little.
"Don't think much on it I just need the extra help and having someone who knows him from before will help—
BANG
"What the hell?" Keith said, "That sounded like it came from the house."
BAM BANG
"Ichigo!"
Before Komura could say anything Keith was out of the barn like a shot racing towards the house.
oOooOooOo
(a few seconds before)
Ichigo heard the door slam following the sounds of feet and toe nails. He has a feeling of what Keith would want with the ex-wolf captain, but he'll let them deal with it. Going back to the pot in front of him he slips into his thoughts slowly stirring the sauce.
It doesn't feel long when he hears the screen door screech.
"Keith, Komura, your back already?"
Hearing nothing Ichigo puts his spoon down he walks out of the kitchen.
"Supper is almost ready. If you wouldn't mind could you get—oof"
A fist slams in his face forcing him back against the wall. Two hands grab his throat and started to squeeze. Grappling with the hands on his throat Ichigo tries to free himself but the man's face is out of reach from his own hands. Giving up on that Ichigo goes for the next thing in reach, a piece of frame from a picture that been hanging. Gripping it tightly he thrust it in the man's arms stabbing him deeply and causing him to be let go. The man is cursing up a storm as Ichigo jumps up and knocks the man to the floor and started to slam him with punches going for any exposed area. The man weighs more than him so he shouldn't ne that surprise when he is thrown off but he ducks when a fist aims for his head again. He sends his own fist and kicks when the man goes down again Ichigo rushes to the phone trying to get a hold of Keith. Before he dials out a sharp pain in his chest causes him to stop. He falls to the floor as coughs forces their way out of his throat. From the corner of his eye Ichigo sees that man get up and draw something from his back pocket. He instantly ducks when a loud bang. It's only his own luck that the shot misses him and hits the wall instead. Trying to catch his breath Ichigo finds he can't move, the man readies another shot and Ichigo thinks that this is too ironic.
'I fight over power mantic and survive only to die by a robber with a gun, tch, figures.'
He barely hears the gun go off and black start to fills his vison. When he is about to go under he sees Keith fly in the room and decking the man so hard that the man flies into the wall causing a hole. Ichigo tries to move but a firm and gentle hand keeps him down. He can see Keith's lips move but hears nothing, Ichigo wishes that he can say something but see slips into unconsciousness.
"Ichigo! Ichigo stay awake! Ichigo!"
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Chapter End
Thank you for reading.
