Disclaimer: I, ShadowWolf XIII, do not own Bleach and is complete property to Tite Kubo-sama and the Viz media company. I also do not own the idea! All credit goes to neko neko for coming up with the idea. I only managed to bring this idea to life, which would be the only thing I can take credit for.
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Chapter 11: Ichi-napped!
A figure dressed in a cloak made from rags walked along the forest path. It stopped walking when it arrived at a run down shack. Looking around there was no one in sight and the figure hurriedly stepped inside.
"Heh, thought you would never show," a grumble made the cloaked figure jump.
"So, got your payment?" another voice came out.
"P-Please, some child came in and stole my inventory," the voice was old and withered.
"So who gives a damn?" one figure stepped out of the shadows, the light from the hole in the roof showing his appearance. The man was skinny yet not someone to be underestimated, he was known as Rukon's infamous criminals and known for his intelligence. This man was known as Nezumi "Rat" of the Rukon district. "You do know what happens when you don't pay…right? Daisuke," with a snap of his fingers a large figure appeared from the shadows, back slightly humped and looked like an immovable wall, "Finish him off."
"Wait!" the elderly voice protested, "You were a former soul reaper correct?"
"Daichi," Nezumi waved a hand for the giant to stop, he turned towards the old man, midnight blue eyes gleaming, "Yes…so what if I was?"
"C-Can't you just hold a ransom? The child that stole my inventory traveled with a captain," the old man pleaded for his life.
"Oh? A captain," the man mused and turns around to face another, "What do you think of this Hayate?"
The man who was sitting in a corner, where another patch of sun poured through the roof, was staring through the large hole. He remained silent, as if he never heard the man speak.
"Silent as always," Nezumi sighed, "So which captain are we talking about here?"
"T-The captain of squad eleven," the cloaked man started to tremble.
"Squad eleven," the dark haired man growled and unsheathed his sword that was on his hip, "I despise the very name… Maybe this idea will prove useful, I hold a ransom get revenge and money, why didn't I think of this earlier?" He chuckled darkly then swung his blade around few times, "Such memories…under the orders of Captain Zaraki…" He crashed the blade down with force, destroying the old floorboards and turning them into dust, "Left there to die on the battle field and all the captain can say was "those who beg for their live desire to die", tch."
The old man gripped his cloak and trembled, he still never relaxed even as the sword was sheathed, and whimpered "P-Please let me go."
"Hmph, go ahead and leave, we'll be expecting next month's payment," Nezumi glared at the figure and the cloaked old man fled away to the outside. "Revenge never sounded so sweet," he snickered.
"Hehe…sweet," Daisuke said rather dumbly.
"Shut up," Nezumi hit the big giant on the back of his head which made him cry, "Such a fool…"
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"Good evening master," Senbonzakura greeted.
"Good evening Senbonzakura," the man returned the greeting while continuing to focus on one of his practice books. The samurai took his usual spot on the porch and noticed the small stack of books and a bottle of ink and a brush right next to his partner.
"What are you trying to do master?" he inquired the Kuchiki.
"Inspiration," Byakuya muttered as he flipped the page and examined it closely, "I can't seem to find the last line to the unfinished poem."
He admired the man's dedication sometimes; once Byakuya was determined to do something he would see it to the end. It was something that was left of his old personality from his childhood. There were times where Senbonzakura wished that those days would return yet he couldn't complain. The samurai just didn't want to burden Byakuya or anyone just for his selfishness. Although…there were some frustrating times when he did wish the man would relax. The constant stress made Byakuya's inner world lose its sunlight, and it was the only thing that seemed to be alive…until cherry blossom buds started appearing, since then the stress had been cut in half.
"Brother! I got a message from Renji!" he heard Rukia Kuchiki shout.
And all that stress comes back again…
With a sigh Byakuya put his brush down and shut his book just as Rukia arrived, "What is it Rukia."
She tried catching her breath as she spoke, "Trouble…work…letter came…this morning."
"Did Abarai state what kind of trouble it was?" Byakuya stood up and started to walk, Senbonzakura got up from his spot on the porch and followed the man along with Rukia.
"Well no…he only said there was some sort of emergency," Rukia informed her brother as they walked into the manor.
"Very well, I'll go see to this. Rukia, you can head back to work, Senbonzakura go take care of Ichigo while I'm gone," the man went inside his bedroom and both people sighed as the older Kuchiki disappeared behind the door.
"Well…I better go back before someone messes up the paperwork, I'll come by on my break," Rukia waved off the zanpakuto.
"Will you tell Sode no Shirayuki 'hi' for me?" Senbonzakura asked.
There was a moment of puzzlement in the girl's eyes for turning and leaving. Maybe she thought that zanpakuto could communicate to their fellow kind whenever they wanted. "All right!" Rukia ran off to get back to work.
"I wonder what could have been so important…" Senbonzakura mused.
"Whatever it is I better not find him slacking off," his master appeared with perfect timing. He was already dressed in his standard shihakusho and haori, the windflower scarf and kenseikan were back in place as well. Senbonzakura just couldn't help but inwardly sigh, there was never a moment's rest was there?
"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you? I could help with the paperwork…" Senbonzakura muttered.
"Are you still feeling responsible about last time?" Byakuya started walking making his scarf flow around him.
"Somewhat," Senbonzakura replied and fell into step with his wielder.
"Then make sure he does wander off, just keep him in the gardens and he should be all right," the noble advise.
"Master…I can't help but feel that something is going to happen," the samurai spoke, worry edged in his words.
"It's called paranoia, Senbonzakura," he informed the samurai.
"I know what it is!" he sighed, "I just…what if I'm not capable of protecting anyone?"
He knew that his zanpakuto could read his emotions, his mind if he wanted to but Senbonzakura always kept that to a minimum. Somehow he just couldn't help but feel that Senbonzakura could mirror his thoughts sometimes without even reading them. Senbonzakura was a separate personality and separate mind all together but their sharing of emotions and thoughts represented how close they were. This morning the Kuchiki had felt that the wind was somewhat ominous today but decided that it would best not to get too paranoid. Now that Senbonzakura was telling him this that same feeling returned and doubts of protecting Ichigo filled his mind. Never in his life did he see himself protecting anyone on a personal level; it came with anxiety and frustration at times when you weren't near the person. Yet, what was once a strong young man was nothing but a fragile young boy and he needed to be protected.
"Just think of those who need to be protected. Senbonzakura, you are my zanpakuto and you have a bankai. Are you saying that you don't even believe in your own strength?" Byakuya questioned.
"N-No!" Senbonzakura fisted his hands.
"Then I leave this to you," Byakuya left with a flash step.
Even with flash step it had taken a while for him to get to his office. Most people were surprised upon seeing him there; others started whispering how much of a workaholic he was yet he didn't stop for a second. Whatever this emergency was it had better be important enough for him to come to work.
He reached his office and quickly opened the door, "Abarai Renji."
Some papers flew up in the air and the red head immediately popped up from the tall fort of paperwork that had been gathered in his office.
"Captain?" Renji looked puzzled by his appearance, "What are you doing here?"
"I was called for an emergency Abarai," he answered, "Rukia came by earlier to tell me this."
"Rukia?" Renji repeated with more puzzlement.
"Right here!" Rukia popped up from the smaller size of the paperwork 'fort'. The young Kuchiki looked towards her brother, "Brother? What are you doing here at work?"
"You sent for me…" Byakuya muttered.
"I was here all the time helping Renji organize the paperwork. You know how hopeless he is when I comes to organizing," Rukia reminded her over working brother.
"Hey!" Renji objected.
"Rukia, were you or were you not at the Kuchiki manor earlier?" Byakuya tried to settle the confusion.
"No, I was here since I went for work, Captain Ukitake wanted me to give Renji a hand," Rukia confirmed.
Dread started piling up on his shoulders and it all clicked down. Renji and Rukia stared at the silent captain for a moment before they finally understood as well. Then as it was finally pieced the alarms went off throughout Seireitei.
"Intruder Alert! Intruder Alert! Unknown presence in the Seireitei!"
88 Just Moments Earlier 88
He found the small boy along with Zangetsu near the koi pond. The boy was happily running while Zangetsu caught up with a mere flash step. Ichigo was picked off of the ground and into Zangetsu's arms.
"No fair!" Ichigo bubbled with laughter, "No cheating, remember?"
"I only remember walking," Zangetsu muttered.
"I only remember you using flash step," Senbonzakura came from behind Zangetsu with a flash step of his own.
"Senbonzakura!" Ichigo smiled towards the samurai, "Ha! I knew you used flash step Zangetsu!"
"Whose side are you on?" Zangetsu narrowed his eyes at the samurai as he put Ichigo down.
"To be honest…" Senbonzakura let his voice trail off before leaning and whispering into Zangetsu's ear, "Any side that will get me a kiss from you."
The young zanpakuto immediately turned red and muttered, "Flirtatious samurai…"
He chuckled before asking, "So what were you two doing earlier?"
"Tag!" Ichigo hit his hand on Senbonzakura and started running away, "You're it!"
"Huh?" he looked at Zangetsu for clarification.
"Never played tag before?" Zangetsu sighed, "Figures from living in the Soul Society."
"Wait!" the teen immediately flash stepped away from Senbonzakura's hand. He appeared beside Ichigo taking him into his arms.
"You gotta catch us if you don't want to be 'it' anymore!" Ichigo called out to the samurai before they disappeared.
"What if they get outside of grounds?" Senbonzakura panicked.
"Then that would be a problem, wouldn't it?" an unfamiliar voice came from behind him. He turned but felt something hit his blind spot. The samurai fell to the ground unconscious before even seeing his attacker.
"Daisuke," the large man appeared beside Hayate, "Go get the boy, I'll restrain the other one."
He left and was surprisingly fast despite his size and Hayate restrained the samurai with a Kido spell.
"Zangetsu…" Senbonzakura groaned.
Hayate narrowed his eyes and examined the samurai more closely. Removing his eyes he clenched his teeth in disgust, the samurai had looked like Byakuya Kuchiki. The Kuchiki heir didn't have any brothers…his zanpakuto then? None of it mattered anyway, he knew he just needed to get under the Kuchiki's skin and to do that…go after those in the Kuchiki manor.
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"Strange," Zangetsu muttered, "He should have followed us by now." He was somewhat alone; Ichigo was just a few feet away from him, not want to let the boy get too far away from him.
"A butterfly!" Zangetsu snapped his head towards Ichigo. He was currently chasing a small white butterfly. The teen rolled his eyes; Ichigo was truly childish now that he was younger.
"Ichigo you were suppose to remain-," Zangetsu widened his eyes and quickly turned, blade summoned. Another blade clashed with his and he pushed the other away with more effort.
The man landed on his feet in the clearing, "You are more skilled than I thought. Not only did you detect my presence, you also deflected my attack."
"Are you from the second squad?" Zangetsu questioned. This man was almost dressed the same way the men from squad two were, the only difference was the right side of his face was plainly visible.
"Not even close," the man raised his sword.
"Ichigo run!" Zangetsu yelled and turned his attention to the boy. A large man dressed in a big dirty brown kimono shocked him as he held the unconscious small boy. He turned once more and swung his blade, sending a Getsuga Tensho. Damn! It missed!
"Since that boy's name is Ichigo…" he mused as he stepped forward, "Your name is Zangetsu, correct?" Zangetsu narrowed his eyes and didn't answer, carefully watching the man in front of him while staying alert to the giant who had Ichigo. "What relations do you have with Byakuya Kuchiki?" he questioned.
"Why should I answer you?" Zangetsu calmly retorted.
"Hm… a smart one, aren't we?" Hayate sheathed his blade, which only made Zangetsu go more on the defensive.
"What would you want with Byakuya Kuchiki?" Zangetsu questioned the man before him, "I can send more of those attacks that I sent earlier."
"Ah…Zangetsu," the shadow dressed man played wit his name which made Zangetsu tense, "Strange name "Slaying Moon", not normally used as a regular name. From what I can tell from 'slaying' part you must be a manifested zanpakuto." The teen felt himself tighten his grip on the blade, "Still not answering. Daichi, if you will, give the boy a light squeeze."
"Ah!" the small boy screamed in his unconscious form.
"Ichigo!" Zangetsu raised his blade, ready to fire a Getsuga but was stopped again when the man appeared before him.
"'Senbonzakura' is also quite strange for a regular name, don't you think?" Zangetsu looked at the glowing kido rope and looked over to the side. Senbonzakura was unconscious and bound by a kido spell, yet the young zanpakuto stayed true to his nature by remaining calm. What was important was getting these two out of here.
"What do you want with Byakuya Kuchiki?" Zangetsu repeated.
"Most would panic from seeing their most important people in danger, I'm most surprised," the dark eye narrowed, "Tell me, you can't really be that young boy's master. How is it that such a young fragile boy can manifest a zanpakuto?"
"Getsuga-," energy started gathering around his blade. He was interrupted when he was hit from behind, the air escaping from his lungs and his blade disappearing. Zangetsu coughed as he felt a tight kido spell restraining him from any movement.
"The name is Hayate," the man said from above, "All I want is to have my revenge on the Kuchiki clan…" Zangetsu tried to summon enough spirit energy to break free, yet he was knocked unconscious; the warning bell started ringing as he closed his eyes.
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Byakuya rushed back at to the Kuchiki manor, Rukia and Renji followed just behind him. Once they had arrived Rukia and Renji started searching the gardens while Byakuya started searching inside of the large manor. The heir had gone through half of the rooms until a voice had stopped him in his tracks.
"Byakuya Kuchiki!" he spun around, seeing his angered grandmother and his grandfather right beside her. The old man looking at him with sympathy while his grandmother was fully enraged…not good.
"Now is not the time-," the old woman interrupted Byakuya as she held up a document.
"Explain this!" her voice would have frighten him yet right now he was more focused on finding the young boy. He quickly snatched the paper out of her hand and read it, gray eyes widening upon reading the ransom note.
"I need to leave immediately-," Byakuya quickly turned to leave.
"You will renounce your custody once you return!" the woman snapped. Byakuya stopped immediately, "If word gets out then it will be on our heads! You will renounce the custody on that boy when you return!"
It was silent except the only sound that was heard was the alarms going off in the Seireitei. He promised to protect Ichigo…and he was going to get him back.
"I will not renounce it and that is final, I give you my word as a Kuchiki," Byakuya quickly left the pair.
"Byakuya!" she yelled after him. A hand placed itself on her shoulder.
"Just let him do as he pleases…" her husband calmly said.
"That boy-," she was interrupted
"That man," he softly corrected, "Has never wanted anything as badly since his late wife and then his sister. Just let him do as he wants my dear, he is our grandson and it is about time we let him take responsibility and let him make his own decisions. We've all ready stolen his youth, why not let him do as he wishes?"
She looked at the empty hall then sighed, "I wish he was more careful…"
"He is Byakuya after all," the elderly man chuckled.
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"Brother!" Byakuya looked over and saw his sister running towards him, Renji slowly following behind with the unconscious samurai.
"Captain! We found your zanpakuto in the gardens while we were searching for Ichigo," Renji explained, "Looks like he was knocked out from behind."
"Set him down," he ordered. Renji complied and set the zanpakuto down, Rukia quickly knelt down and began to heal his injury to the back of the head. A groan emitted from the samurai and Byakuya knelt down beside his zanpakuto. Reaching out he placed the tips of his fingers on Senbonzakura's mask and tried connecting to him.
"Senbonzakura," he thought to his zanpakuto, "Can you hear me?"
"Master?" Senbonzakura replied back in his mind.
"What has happened?" he questioned.
"I don't know…one minute I hear a voice from behind and the next I can't move my body or even regain consciousness," the samurai's voice echoed through his mind.
"If you are current disabled," Byakuya started thinking, "Does that mean I cannot use my shikai?"
"I really don't know," Senbonzakura sighed, "Who was the attacker and why did they attack me?"
"I don't know but I'll fill you in as we go on our way," Byakuya replied.
"What? What has happened?" the samurai sounded panicked. Byakuya could feel his turmoil; he was worried out Ichigo and his zanpakuto Zangetsu.
"Later, right now we need to test if we can use shikai," Byakuya tried to divert the conversation and stood up. He unsheathed his sword and placed the tip of the blade on Senbonzakura's mask.
"Scatter," Byakuya commanded, the samurai's body started to dissolve and turn into his shikai state. Rukia stopped her healing and watched as her brother recalled his shikai.
"Is he going to be all right?" Rukia asked her brother, worried.
"Right now he is unable to materialized, if he were to do so now he would only be unconscious, it's fortunate enough that I am able to summon his shikai" Byakuya sheathed Senbonzakura, "Renji, go take care of the squad."
"You're not coming?" Renji questioned his captain.
"No, right now I am currently unable to lead my men due to you being temporarily in charge Lieutenant Abarai so you are going to have to lead them," Byakuya reminded them soul reaper.
"I'll go check on the squad then," Renji saluted then disappeared with a quick flash step.
"Should I come with you brother?" Rukia stepped next to her brother.
"No, you were placed under orders that you assist Abarai. Go to Captain Ukitake and see if you will receive any new orders, if not then you would go assist the lieutenant. I'll shall go off and find Kurosaki on my own, this situation involves the Kuchiki clan's head and I am to go alone," the older Kuchiki told his adopted sister.
"Brother…please be careful," Rukia muttered softly.
He left without looking back or without saying a word. Right now every second counted to maintain the pride of the Kuchiki's but more importantly to get Ichigo back.
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"Ah," the black cat sighed as she walked along the forest, "It was a good idea to visit Kukaku's for lunch…now time to check up on…" Immediately her ears pricked up at the sound of Seireitei sirens, it was all there were footsteps.
"Do we get to kill them yet Hayate?" a huge deep voice asked. Chills ran down Yoruichi's spine as she saw two men pass, a man who wore clothes that covered him completely with the only part visible being the right side of his face. He was carrying a small figure with bright orange hair. The man that followed him was large, wearing a dusty old looking kimono and carrying another figure that was cloaked, had short brown tousled hair, and looked around to his teens.
"So that's what Zangetsu looks like when he's younger," Yoruichi thought as she let the men pass by, "No time to be thinking of appearances, I have an irresponsible kid a lesson to teach and a plan to carry out."
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When a groan was about to escape his throat he pushed it down, remembering what had happened before he opened his eyes. It was dark, except for one ray of sun near the corner. Zangetsu scanned the room and saw no sign of Ichigo. He tried moving but something restrained him, looking at himself he was covered in a kido Bakudo spell.
"Damn," the teen thought as he struggled against the glowing chains, "I need to get out of this spell. Wait a minute, I thought only soul reapers could perform something like this…but then how could that man perform kido…?"
Immediately he heard footsteps and closed his eyes, trying to look like he had not awakened at all. There was the rough slid of the door that sounded close to his ear then there were footsteps. They stopped and Zangetsu tried his best to look like he was unconscious.
"I told you to kidnap Yachiru of squad eleven not some kid and a teen!" a voice yelled.
"You never specified which child so I grabbed the nearest one Nezumi," the man Hayate scoffed.
"I work with fools!" the other man stomped out of the room. It was quiet, Zangetsu though he was alone after a few minutes until he was grabbed from the back.
"I know you are awake zanpakuto," Zangetsu's eyes flew open as he was tossed down, and hissed from the pain of a foot being slammed into his back, "You did not answer me the first time, how close is that boy to Byakuya Kuchiki?"
"Why are you even asking me this?" Zangetsu questioned the man back.
"In order to get revenge I must destroy his pride and a mere child does secure this," he stated.
"The Kuchiki has a heart of ice, you will never get to him," the young zanpakuto countered.
"True…" Hayate mused as started walking away, "If using the boy does not work…there is always you then. I can already determine that Byakuya Kuchiki's zanpakuto is quite fond of you and by holding you I can basically control his zanpakuto, therefore destroying his pride as a head of the Kuchiki."
Zangetsu froze; no way was he going to get used…he needed an escape.
"You'll regret ever kidnapping him," Zangetsu tried to warn the man, "Byakuya Kuchiki will tear you to shreds, even without his zanpakuto."
"Ah…thank you, looks like Byakuya Kuchiki is quite fond of this boy," Zangetsu went rigid as the man walked out of the room.
What had he done?
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It had taken quite some time to convince the people to open the gates and each second that passed by agonized him. The thought of any harm coming to Ichigo had sent chills running down his spine. Now they were heading towards the gate in order to go to the Rukon district. He rushed past the gate and immediately the gate slammed back down again. Looking around the streets were empty, not a wandering soul on the streets.
"Can't we hurry!" he could hear Senbonzakura yelling in his head.
"Calm down," Byakuya thought back at his over worried zanpakuto.
"What would you know of someone you lo- close to you was kidnapped Byakuya?" Senbonzakura yelled back at him, "I failed to protect the boy once and him putting him back into my hands has not only resulted in failing him but Zangetsu! I'm not capable of protecting anyone!"
"Senbonzakura enough from you!" Byakuya snapped at his zanpakuto inwardly, "So now you're just not even going to try to protect Zangetsu? Are you really that overzealous that you love for him meant nothing to you?"
He froze when he heard no response from his zanpakuto. Carefully, he placed his hand on his blade and tried to feel anything from his zanpakuto and regretting his words. "I know you're sorry…" he heard Senbonzakura's voice echo through his head.
"Forgive me, it's just… I…for some reason I can't stop thinking about getting him back…" he sighed.
"It's called anxiety, Byakuya," Senbonzakura chuckled a bit. Cherry blossom blade appeared in front of the Kuchiki and gathered together. The last disappeared and Senbonzakura stood in front of his partner.
"Are you all right now?" Byakuya questioned his zanpakuto.
"I'm fine, right now we should be worried about those who have been kidnapped rather than those who have been attacked," Senbonzakura flashed his sword in the open, ready for attack.
"Correction, those who are irresponsible should be the ones you are worried about," another voice called from behind. Both men turned to see a woman walking toward them.
"Shihoin," Byakuya narrowed his eyes.
"You know, I could report this to the head captain and convince him to give me and Kisuke the custody," she crossed her arms.
"No games Shihoin, you know where he is, don't you?" Senbonzakura looked back and forward between the woman and his master. Just how did he know? For all he knew Yoruichi just could have saved the boy by now and gained the custody… Yet the hard look Byakuya was giving her was deadly serious, Yoruichi's eyes were calm and unreadable.
"I may happen too…" she smirked.
"Then why haven't you saved him?" Senbonzakura yelled at the woman.
Her eyes flickered toward him and cooed, "Worried about someone birdie?"
"Birdie?" Byakuya raised an eyebrow towards the samurai.
Senbonzakura flinched, Byakuya still hadn't guessed, yet even so he did not want to be embarrassed! "Shihoin!" Senbonzakura yelled.
"Ha! Ha! Ha! Well looks like I've angered little birdie over there," she continued to tease.
"Enough Yoruichi," said woman widened her eyes at the use of her first name, "Maybe I remind you that Kurosaki is currently a young boy that has been taken hostage. Or do I have to raise my sword against you?" He unsheathed his sword and readied himself to fight against her.
"Hmph, it would take you a thousand years for you to catch up to me little Byakuya," she sang song, "Although it is possible for you to obtain more power faster than ever but you're too oblivious to see it."
Byakuya only lowered his sword by a fraction, "What?"
"Never mind," she sighed and waved a hand, "We've wasted enough time, come let's go." With that she vanished and reappeared high on a tree branch, "Hurry it up slow pokes!"
"I hate that woman," Byakuya muttered as he sheathed the blade.
"You and me both," Senbonzakura sighed as he tried burying his deep blush of embarrassment.
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"Damn it!" Zangetsu huffed as he fell to the floor again from one of his failed attempts. He was in bankai form, how could he be so weak!
"Zangetsu?" a voice echoed just behind the door.
"Ichigo?" Zangetsu answered bewilderedly.
The door slid open and the small boy was there all sunshine and smiles without a hint of fear like this was all some game, "I found you!"
"H-How did you escape?" Zangetsu looked at the boy with shock.
The small boy blinked his eyes, "Well there was no one around and I just wiggled my hands free from the rope." Zangetsu let his head drop on the floor; they left the child unguarded, figures they would be stupid enough. "You know Zangetsu it's not good to say bad words," the small boy lectured.
Zangetsu let out a sigh, if only the kid knew how ironic he was being right now, "You're going to have to run before they come back Ichigo."
"I'm not going to leave you here!" Ichigo pouted, "You're my friend who's like a big brother to me!"
"This is no time for arguing just leave while you still can!" Zangetsu tried to persuade the boy.
"Can't you just turn into a sword again?" Ichigo raised an eyebrow and tilted his head.
Zangetsu's head crashed into the floor, how could he be stupid enough to forget, he thought to himself, "Come on Zangetsu…gather what pride you have left and get Ichigo out of here."
Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath he felt being pulled away from the world and into his inner one. Opening his eyes again he the lonely skyscrapers towering around him, everything feeling familiar yet he somehow felt different…
"Zangetsu it worked!" the small voice echoed through his mind.
Zangetsu sighed and though back, "Glad it did, now get out of here and go try finding help."
"All right!" Ichigo chirped.
Zangetsu sighed, maybe he was wrong about his connection. Nothing seemed to change except the fact that he couldn't feel Ichigo's emotions like before…
"Just stay calm Zangetsu," he tried assuring himself to calm down, "The only thing you need to worry about is Senbonzakura…"
88 Meanwhile outside 88
"You'll pay!" Senbonzakura yelled as he threw the man back with a single sweep of his blade. Byakuya blinked at his zanpakuto, who knew he could have so much power and energy to through back a giant like man with just his plain sword?
"Hayate go take care of the Kuchiki!" the leader ordered the man beside him.
"Scatter!" Senbonzakura swept his sword to release the scattering blades.
"Looks like you've made birdie here a little mad kidnapping his fellow-," Senbonzakura intervened.
"Shut up Shihoin or you're next!" he threatened.
"Whatever you say," the cat woman flapped a hand.
Byakuya had to withhold a sigh of embarrassment, sometimes Senbonzakura had too much of a temper…hard to believe he was once like that when he was a kid. He watched the man dressed fully from head to toe (except for the right side of his face) in black stood there and had not done what had been ordered to. Byakuya placed his hand on his sword just in case, carefully watching yet reminding himself to keep an eye on his zanpakuto.
"Hayate! What are you doing standing there?" the man Nezumi yelled.
Senbonzakura called back his blades preparing himself for another attack, "Sca-."
He was interrupted when the man was attacked from behind and hit on the head. Nezumi fell to the ground unconscious while they looked at the small boy who had hit the man with his sword from behind.
"Take that you big Meanie!" Ichigo stick his tongue out lightly.
"I-Ichigo?" Senbonzakura stuttered as he looked at the small boy who had just knocked the man down by himself.
"Senbonzakura! Byakuya! Auntie Yoruichi!" Ichigo smiled towards the two.
"Hi Ichigo!" Yoruichi waved a hand towards the small boy then cooed, "Ah, so he calls me "Auntie" now."
The Kuchiki clan head narrowed his eyes towards the woman, if only he could strangle her… "First things first," his eyes flickered towards the very silent man, "I need to take care of the other."
Yoruichi noticed Byakuya drawing his sword then sighed, "Calm down Byakuya it isn't necessary."
"May I remind you that there is still one of them standing?" Byakuya narrowed his eyes towards her direction.
"True, but that man is one of my men undercover," Yoruichi yawned as the man kneeled down.
"Lady Yoruichi," Hayate greeted the woman with great formality.
"Get up Hayate," Yoruichi sighed at being called that again. The said man rose and stood up again at her order.
"What is the meaning of this?" Byakuya glared at the woman.
"That man lying unconscious right there had been causing trouble in the Rukon district and has avoided capture among the soul reapers," Yoruichi informed, "I was ordered by the head captain to investigate in the matter and I sent in one of my family's subordinates. Since he was a former soul reaper I thought he might have been quite a challenge, after all like I said before he did manage to avoid the soul reapers."
"So the kidnapping?" Senbonzakura turned towards the woman.
"Hm…why did you kidnap Ichigo Hayate?" Yoruichi mused.
"I was ordered to my lady," he answered.
"Oh? By who?" Yoruichi crossed her arms nonchalantly.
"That information is strictly disclosed," Hayate answered, "I'm sorry my lady."
"Think nothing of it," she waved him off, "Go home now and rest."
"Thank you lady Yoruichi," he bowed and disappeared.
"That takes care of that matter," Yoruichi yawned and stretched his arms.
"Shihoin…" Byakuya threw an icy glare at the woman.
"Aw, does Byakuya need a hug?" the werecat snickered, "Oh Ichigo! Why don't you give him a hug?"
"Byakuya!" Ichigo ran and jumped into the man's arms with laughter.
"Are you hurt anywhere?" Byakuya muttered as he checked the kid for any injuries.
"Acting more like a worried parent everyday," Yoruichi smirked, "Or should I say lover?" Byakuya still managed to keep his composure despite what she said but that still managed to penetrate into him. Why in all the Soul Society would she say that! "That doesn't matter anyway, little Ichigo here is safe and sound now isn't he? I'll stop by some other time Ichi!" Yoruichi waved off before smartly leaving before Byakuya could say anything about it.
"That Shihoin and her games…" Byakuya muttered.
"Well that werecat is right about something," Senbonzakura came up and ruffled the small boy's hair, "Ichigo is safe now." He inwardly sighed and thought as he looked at the sword strapped to Ichigo's back, "So is Zangetsu…"
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It wasn't until a few minutes afterward did they return back home with Rukia and Renji waiting for them. After seeing the small boy was safe they both returned back to work. After sensing all was calm Zangetsu materialized and checked on Ichigo before leaving him alone with the older man to take care of him. He would have joined them but with today's events he just didn't have any strength left in him. He was surprised when a pair of arms wrapped around his waist and jumped slightly.
"Sometimes I feel like I need to lock you up to prevent anything from happening to you," Senbonzakura whispered in his ears.
Zangetsu instantly turned red, "I don't need to be treated like I'm weak."
"No it's not that," Senbonzakura sighed as he kissed Zangetsu's neck that made the teen jump slightly in his arms. He lightly chuckled and smiled, sometimes…sometimes Zangetsu was too adorable for his own good and it made his heart race. "Whenever I even think of you in danger I just can't stand…" Senbonzakura trailed off.
"But being scared?" Zangetsu finished for the zanpakuto.
He felt the older spirit wrap his arms tighter from behind, "How did you know?"
"Because I nearly put you in danger…" Zangetsu thought with great guilt. He told the Kuchiki he wouldn't harm Senbonzakura and if Hayate hadn't truly been Yoruichi's subordinate then…then. "Ichigo is reckless and puts himself in constant danger, I would know something," Zangetsu instantly lied.
The samurai seemed to buy it, "I never want you breaking…"
"Neither do I…" Zangetsu closed his eyes and lightly muttered. His heart just couldn't stay quiet, could it?
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Chapter 10 Reviews!
To Love Psycho: Yes indeed! Way cooler than some girly cupid costume. Once again thank you for pointing out that mistake, saved me the embarrassment! Hurray! Cupcakes! I love cupcakes! I shall use them for energy since I barely have any at all these days. Plus once again I shall not reveal that! You'll just have to continue reading to find out! Let's say…the next chapter?
To Lil Mexican: Well I can't get the goofy grin off my face from looking at your reviews! Thanks and I'm sorry about the late update! I try my best!
To OracionMist: I was also trying to recall if Ichigo was ever in the water, luckily he never truly was. He was near water sometimes but he was never really in it. I really can't go back and look at the anime since I can't want videos on this darn thing called a computer. Plus the manga is usually checked out in my library so I never have the chance to read it. I can't rely on Wiki either since that's almost always bias. I'll try to bring a reaction about Ichigo meeting Toshiro but for now I'm sort of busy trying to get these responses finished due to my even-busier-than-before schedule.
To Kuugen: Gah! I am so sorry! I hope you found this chapter at least a little bit good, I'm sort of rushed here at the moment and even the AN from above is sort of a long time ago. I am really feeling guilty about the updates; summer is coming soon so just hang on for a bit! Really hope this wasn't all for nothing! I am dead serious about rewriting the whole chapter, I know it adds stress but I'm willing to do anything for you guys.
To BBQkitten: Ah! Sorry it took me like I dunno three weeks to publish this chapter. It's not even my best work actually… Man I just really hope no one hates me or gives up on me for the disaster of keeping up with updates. Thanks to you for the sweet compliment!
To The Fan of Almost Everything: I wish someone would make my day, in all honestly it's starting to get worse and worse and I'm just being piled with mounds of review work for the finals. Hopefully I will have more free time in the summer to write more because I really might be busy over the summer as well which is sad since I don't get to relax. I also agree, the zanpakutos are just epic and I wanted to have them back. I'm sorry if I disappointed anyone, I'm honestly rushing through this in order to go work on my real life work. Right now I'm trying to balance my online life and my real life and so far my crappy real life is starting to outweigh.
To shebajay: Just saying that when I really was like "Huh? I did?" I was freaking out and looked over the chapter to see if I really did make Zangetsu say that he loved Senbonzakura, he didn't officially say it but he truly does love Senbonzakura, with all his heart, he'll confess but right now is not when I want for Zangetsu to start outwardly confessing. To tell the truth I wasn't even thinking about a party until the idea came to my head and the chapter started to write itself, the whole Byakuya getting splashed thing was my little joke, if there was going to be a pool I at least needed for someone to get splashed. Thanks for the luck! I'll do my best on the exams and on my updates!
To xXxOtAkU-444xXx: I hoped you liked this chapter then! Sorry about the wait!
To the dark euphie: Indeed he is, Byakuya is perfect for taking care of little Ichi isn't he? Who can deny it? Well…other than hater but still.
To mightnighticelover: I try and make it as cute and lovable as possible, it's what keeps my readers addicted! Sorry you had to wait so long! Gah, honestly feels like an arrow is hitting me from behind from getting all this "can't wait for the next chapter" it does make me happy to here but when this isn't my best work it makes me feel guilty.
To skyglazingMaro: Ah…a love that just grows and grows, I also look forward to it despite me being the only one who knows what happens of course. You guys just get to sit back and just watch the magic while I try and perform it to the best of my abilities and deliver it on time before the audience disappears.
To neko neko: Yep! Your chapter got chosen and here it is! I hope I managed to write it well enough, I honestly don't think it's worth the three weeks wait but I also have a life to balance out at the moment and trying to score high on my finals. To be honest my sword fighting didn't improve at all so I'm going to look like a fool on the football field this week. Hurray…I get to make a fool out of myself in front of the entire school…fun…
To ATPT557: Yeah I couldn't bear with a love triangle either… honestly those just disappoint people; I hate doing that. I'm trying to make readers enjoy the story not hate it because of some pairing! Aw! I'm so glad you find those moments adorable. In all honesty I forget what I write sometimes and when I read it again my reactions are like they happened the first time. I try my best to hint at there being something a little more, first I must build up the relationship a little more. Ha! Just must love how they are so oblivious right? I find it cute; others find it frustrating because well…you guys are practically packed with hormones! Sometimes I'm curious what would happen if I added a lemon…to tell you the truth I could have added one a long time ago but I was like "Nah! The readers wouldn't want a lemon now!" then at times I'm thinking, "Hmm…maybe they do want one…" no one said anything so far so I don't write one (shrugs). By the way, I'm just gonna leave you hanging on that questions, asking if the elixir was life threatening was a pretty good question but I'm not going to answer it.
To Hesymi: I try with detail but looks like I fail, especially here in this chapter. Glad you thought it was a good idea! I also love how my brain works sometimes. Ha! I also agree that little Ichi is addictive! I love the little guy he's just so cute I want to cuddle him- (clears throat) I meant pat him on the head…gotta watch what I say, don't want Byakuya to hear. I also started to notice how I was starting to make Byakuya more of a "father" type, he will be pointing it out or at least I will later on. Guess having a kid around really changes a person, see clever don't you think? Although Ichigo is going to have to turn back sometime, all good things must come to an end eventually yet something greater is still yet to come for all of us.
To demonlifehealer: Yeah, it's a little gag I like to call "Torturing Renji", it's basically putting Renji in tortuous situations, least he still has Rukia. Hmm…I would like to think more as Byakuya getting it from Rukia…after all she like the 'mother hen' in this story. The rivalry came from the zanpakuto arc, I saw how they were challenging each other which was pretty silly so I added it in there. True, I put Ichigo in danger a lot but your right about it being worth seeing Byakuya reactions and the cute little moments here and there. Ichigo isn't always going to get in trouble but it's mostly a majority thing. So sorry for the wait!
To FinalFantasy7Yaoi Cloud Love: Don't worry there's plenty more of chapters to come! Senbonzakura really is a heart stopper with the look and Byakuya really does make a good seme but save that for later when Ichigo is older okay?
To Kichou: I'm sorry I try but honestly my hands are getting cramped from trying to type faster than I usually can! I'm glad you loved the chapter and I hope you're satisfied in reading this one as well!
To Musa Silver-Hawk: Umm…because I wanted to leave it there? I guess? Sorry! Sorry for the wait! I don't deserve the jar full of cookies do I…? (Sighs) Sorry for the wait! Hope it was worth it!
To Aimtist: Yep, big brother Zangetsu just trying to make sure what's best for little Ichi, he does care! I honestly also loved Ichigo getting over his fear of water…I wish I could get over my far of swimming too…but I don't have anyone to help me on that close of a level and I'm practically expected and forced to do it for my "Survivor" program at school which didn't really help, just worsened it. I wonder if Ichigo really hates the rain, I thought Zangetsu was the one who hated it.
To Glitterpinkkitty: Warn me with out? You honestly made me had a panic attack when I first read that and please don't kill me! Shade! I'm being threatened!
Shade: Hmph, maybe that will show you.
Ryo: I told you I have a life to take care of! So glad that I got one of your rare reviews! You don't know how honored I am to hear that! I'll try to keep up with the work and I promise to do even better on the next chapter!
To woof: Gah! Once again the arrow of words and stress stabs me at the chest! Sorry for such a long wait, promise this will be the only bad update I will have unless an emergency comes up!
To orange puppy: Hey! I haven't heard from you in a while! Thank you for your concern I'm fine, just had to deal with some stress and depression but that's nothing a little music can't handle. The only thing I'm worried about is getting sick from all the stress, it's bad on the health and I have been feeling worse for the past few months. There are times when I freak out I may have a major case of sickness but I have to pull myself through and fulfill my responsibilities here and in my real life. Thank you for loving this story and your concern, it honestly touched my heart to hear you were so worried about me. Thank you so much!
ShadowWolf XIII logging off!