Warnings: this and that. I got tired of spelling out Second in Command so I shorten it to SIC.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with Bleach.

The guard really hated his job sometimes, the weather not adding to the appeal. While his current job was simple, all he had to do was watch over two of another countries Princes, he wished that someone else was standing out in the rain in the middle of the night. He didn't agree with some of his comrades with how they had been treating the two but there had been nothing in the orders that said that the two royals had to be treated fairly either.

The guard sighed, 'when did things get mo-

The guard thoughts stop as the small blade was ran up into his head from underneath his chin a hand covering his mouth to keep him from crying out and alerting any others. Ichigo watch as the man died and silently slump to the ground. He drags the body off to a darken area then continue circling the camp making his way over to wear he last saw Kaien and Shiro. Kaien and Shiro were being kept separated from each other but Ichigo could see that someone had place Shiro where he was more covered from the rain.

He crept over to Kaien first thinking that he would be the easiest too free first. Plus, having him help with Shiro just in case the other was too injured to move about on his own. As he got closer he took out two more guards from behind the two Princes. He left them looking like they were still standing guard hoping that that would give him more time to slip all three of them out before any noticed what had transpired.

Kaien looked like Ichigo does after a few fights. Burses, cuts, a black eye, and Ichigo was sure that something was broken with the way Kaien was sitting and Ichigo wondered if he was truly bad off with how deeply Kaien was sleeping. He gave his brother a once over before gently shaking his being careful of any broken bones. He was quick to move when Kaien took an unconscious swing at him.

"Damn even injured and half asleep he has fast reflexes," Ichigo muttered as he tried to get Kaien back to full wakefulness.

Ichigo covered the raven's mouth before the Prince could say anything. He made sure the raven could see him before removing his hand. He didn't like the way that Kaien's eyes looked unfocused and the teen tried to keep the other awake as he went about unchaining the raven Prince. Once that was done Ichigo helped Kaien to his feet and had to steady Kaien when the Prince started to sway. The orangette felt the raven's skin and cursed; Kaien had a high fever.

"This just got a little more troublesome." Ichigo walked carried Kaien over to Shiro who had yet to move and Ichigo knew that Shiro was a light sleeper. So, it concerned him when the Prince didn't even acknowledge their presence. "You just sit right here till I get Shiro," he ordered Kaien who numbly nodded. 'At least he can still understand me.'

Once he was sure that Kaien was settle he made his way over to Shiro. Ichigo cringed at the sight of the Prince. He was worst off then Kaien was and Ichigo worried that many of the wounds were already infected. But what really concern him was the wound under the bandages on Shiro's face and Ichigo had a sinking feeling on what that injury was. Just like Kaien Shiro also had a high fever but unlike the oldest brother; Shiro was in critical need of care.

"How am I going to get them out of here?"

Ichigo could carry them both but it would draw too much attention and he would need both of his arms freed if he wanted to get them out. but with Kaien unsteady and Shiro out for the count Ichigo had very little choice, until he saw an unman horse still attach to a wagon. While not the silent getaway that he hoped it solved his other problem and he could still fight off those who would come after them until he could out race them. he could always ditch the wagon if need be later on.

With careful steps he loaded up both Kaien and Shiro covering them with what blanket Shiro had on him. even though Kaien was half aware he was still aware enough to take Shiro into his arms to share body heat. Ichigo hopped up into the driver's seat with a deep breath snapped the reins knowing that soon all the camp will fall down on him.

They were almost out of the camp with the sounds of alarms rang out. Ichigo quickly urge the horse faster but they hadn't made enough distance when the first trio of riders caught up to them. Ichigo didn't know what to do and when one of the riders was about to jump on the wagon Ichigo let go of reins to kick the guy in mid-air. The wagon served nearly knocking him off. Ichigo jumped back to the front only to find that the reins had fallen off to the area between the horse's hooves and the wagon. The only thing keeping the beast form running off was that he was still connected to the wagon.

"Damn it!" Ichigo was going to try and reach for the reins but he was too busy blocking the sword strikes. The serving wagon not helping him in the least he was making too many mistakes resulting in injuries that he would normally be able to avoid.

With one turn he was able to knock the second rider off his horse but he didn't have time to grin when the other remaining rider surged forward and started to hack at the only thing connecting the horse to the wagon. Ichigo was quick to stop him from going further but the man had backed off and Ichigo wondered why when he turned back to his own horse and saw a sharp curve on a cliff coming up.

Ichigo paled when he understood why that rider attack the connecting poles and not them. if he didn't slow down the wagon the horse would take the turn while he and the others would go flying off of the cliff. For a little bit he panics but quickly got a hold of himself.

He jumped into the back tore off his tunic and brought out his wings. Using his shirt, he tied both Shiro and Kaien to him. what he was about to do was sure to be rated as one of his idiotic spur of the moment ideas. Getting low to the wagons floor he waited until he felt the wagon fly off the cliff and they begin to drop. He unfurled his wings and they jerked back as the wagon fell leaving him and his brothers hovered. His plan was to slowly lower them to the ground so long as nothing happens between now and the ground. But his luck just wasn't on his side today as a shout from Zangetsu alerted him that something was heading towards him. he manages to avoid the worst of the arrows but one lucky one hit the joint in his wings locking it in place. Turning them around so he took the full impact Ichigo and his brothers fell into the trees below them.

oOooOooOooOooOooOooOo

Kaien woke to unfamiliar surroundings, well more unfamiliar then what he was in previously. But he had to admit that his current accommodations were better than his last one. For one, he wasn't tied up and he didn't feel like shit. Kaien carefully sat up and winch when his ribs protested the movement and looked around. He spotted Shiro right next to him wrapped up tight with looked like black and red bandages around his face. Kaien knitted his brows in confusion.

'how did we end up here?'

The raven scooted closer to his brother ignoring his ow injuries. He could see, with the limited light given off by a low fire, that they were in a shallow cave that looked more man made then a natural formation. While keeping one eye out for trouble Kaien looked Shiro over; his brother was a burse mess with a few large cuts but what Kaien was worried about was his head. He dared to look under the bandages and wished that he hadn't his little brother would never be able to see out of that eye again.

'those damn bastards,' the raven clutched his brother tightly feeling like he failed again at keeping his siblings safe. But just as that feeling came it went Kaien knew that what happen could just have happen to anyone and they were in a war and such injuries do happen.

Thinking of his family Kaien remember that before waking he thought that he had seen Ichigo. 'But that's impossible he is way back somewhere safe and sound,' Kaien let out a huff of air but he did wonder how they had ended up and who had rescued them. He heard a light scuffled near the cave entrance and turned placing Shiro behind him. whoever was coming Kaien was sure to keep them and Shiro separated.

What he didn't believe nor expect was a mop of orange spikes, a pair of black wings that were slightly drooping, and Ichigo's warm brown eyes. The teen was scrap up and Kaien could see that something wasn't right with his wings but he was between being angry and happy at seeing his littlest brother.

"Oh Kaien your awake," Ichigo's voice echo in the small space. "I was worried that the fall did more harm than good."

The teen was ignorant of Kaien's shock and was surprise to find himself in a tight hug before being brought down next to Shiro with Kaien going over his small to Ichigo's mind injuries until the raven got to the wings.

"Hey watch it!" Ichigo hissed in pain when Kaien touched the injured joint. He didn't know why they had yet to heal Zangetsu couldn't give him an answer either. He kept them out thinking that pulling back into his body would be more painful then the injuries themselves.

"Damn this isn't good Ichigo," Kaien frown at the teens wings. The feathers were a mess and one look broken not counting the joint in the other. 'no wonder he hadn't retracted his wings yet.'

Kaien still forcing the orangette to sit started to run his fingers through the feathers. A form of preening to keep them healthy and to keep Ichigo from doing more damage to them.

"I could see that," he heard the teen say but there was nothing behind the words as the orangette started to relax under the preening. Kaien smirked, apparently Ichigo enjoyed this as much as him and Shiro did and he used that to his advantage.

"I hope that you will give me the whole story once we rested up but I can guess that since you are alone that something happens to those that would have come with you?"

Ichigo nodded, "Shinji and Grimmjow got capture but they told me to continue."

Kaien hummed in thought and grinned when he saw the teens eyelids start to droop as he relaxes some more. "So I am also guessing that since you were out in your condition that there are no enemies nearby?"

Ichigo nodded, "good so it won't hurt for you to take a small nap." Of course Ichigo protested but Kaien was firm and it help that Ichigo was half way to being asleep. Kaien grinned as he laid the orangette next to Shiro and took a spot at the front of the cave.

Kaien listened to both of his brothers breathing and heard more than saw Shiro scoot closer to the orangette before settling again. The raven sighed, while he was glad to have been rescued neither of them was fit for the trip back across the border. And without Shinji or Grimmjow they were at a disadvantage. With his back against the wall his body nearly taking up the entire entrance Kaien settle down as he took his turn at sentry he hoped that Ichigo had a decent plan to get back.

oOooOooOooOooOooOooOo

Ichigo woke up a day later a little grumpy that Kaien had let him sleep that long. But he understood that the two eldest weren't the only ones who needed the rest and it did Shiro some good, his fever had dropped a little. With the exception of his wings Ichigo was about almost healed and it was that reason alone that he was the one out in the woods hunting for food and water.

He didn't have much luck and was lucky to come back with a pair of scrawny rabbits. But it kept them fed and Kaien was able to find other things that they could eat. Ichigo had been trying to find another way to get home since he couldn't use his wings nor were his brothers in any shape to take such a long trip without extra help.

"So any ideas," he asks both Zangetsu.

"Don't look at me."

The old man was quiet and Ichigo let him be as he scowled at the other spirit who scowled back. A staring contest ensued before the old man put a stop to it.

"There is nothing you can do but make your way back. Stay off the roads and I know you wish to help Shinji and Grimmjow but you can't at this time."

Ichigo stopped what he was doing, "Yeah; Shiro needs a doctor and Kaien insist that I need my wings looked at but he also needs to looked over."

"All we can do for you is block the pain and keep any infection out."

"When we find that bastard with the bow and arrows he'll regret ever picking one up."

The teen hid his own grin when hearing how protective the blade sounded. But he wasn't as worried about the mystery archer he had other things to worry about. He would have to do what Zangetsu suggested while he hated that he would have to leave the two his priority was his brothers.

With that in mind he made his way back to the cave and told Kaien what their next actions were. The raven had some reservations but he also knew that staying there for too long would lead to their discovery. So, they went about preparing what they could for the trip back. Kaien was well enough to take what little meat they had and dry it and find ways to carry water with them. Ichigo was busy gathering more previsions and he decided to make a sling that they could use to carry Shiro. The sling was the hardest thing to make since they would be dragging the Prince instead of carrying him.

When they were sure that they had enough they loaded Shiro in the sling and strapped him in. Ichigo grab one side with Kaien on the other and both started towards what they determine was the right direction. Neither wanted to admit that they were lost but they both hope that soon they'll find out just where they ended up at.

oOooOooOooOooOooOo

For once it wasn't raining on them as they may their way through the wilderness and adding to their luck they had missed all of the shinigami patrols they came across. Ichigo thought their luck was rising Shiro fever was coming down and he was showing signs of consciousness and he was even more hopeful when they came to the village that he recognized as the one that he last saw Shinji and Grimmjow in. Ichigo had offered to go and see if the two were still there and see if they could get them out. Kaien was hesitant.

"I don't know," the raven looked to the village then to Shiro then to Ichigo. "It's a huge risk Ichigo."

"I know, but I know that I can sneak in and out and it'll be really quick and I'll go at night," the orangette gave the raven pleading eyes and thanks Yuzu for showing how to use it when she used it on him.

Ichigo thought that he heard the raven mutter, 'stupid puppy eyes,' before the raven spoke louder. "Fine, but you're in and out if you don't see them then you get your little orange headed ass out of there. Am I understood?" Kaien was using his authoritative voice but Ichigo was immune to it. Kaien must had seen it too, "I mean it Ichigo don't make me leave Shiro out here while I go in there to find you."

Ichigo flinch when Kaien used the white Prince against him and the raven knew he would feel guilty if Kaien had to do that. "I understand, just give me till midnight."

"Alright," Kaien throws a spare cloak at the teen. "I suggest you get going then."

Ichigo gave him a lopsided grin before he threw the cloak on and left. Kaien watched him go and went to distract himself by taking care of Shiro. he didn't want to think of all the things that could go wrong.

Ichigo walked at a normal pace once he reached the village limits. He pulled the hood of his cloak down and had wrapped a piece of cloth over his mouth so no one would be able to recognize him as a Prince of Kuro. So far no one had given him a second look and to his relief there were not that many shinigami like the last time he was here. He had spent the part of the day wondering around trying to find any hints that Shinji and Grimmjow were still in the village and if not where they were taken too.

He tried going back to the tavern and backtracking their route from there but he lost the trial before he even got halfway. His time in the village was running out as well the sun had already set and the moon near high in the sky. He decided to try one more thing before leaving and getting back to Kaien and Shiro and that was heading towards one of the local gossip spots. If he knew one thing about people is that there were always gossip about something. He just needs to find the right group and as luck would have it he found one and it was near the village limits.

Unfortunately, he didn't hear anything worthwhile and he was pushing it with his deadline to leave. he was sure to get a disapproving look from Kaien once he got back and the only way he could get rid of that was either good news or show the raven that he had restock their water and food while coming the village. He would neglect to tell though that he didn't pay for the stuff.

"…half breed thieves being sent…"

"Ugly blue headed freak…"

"…spies caught…weeks ago…"

"…put to death…"

Ichigo paused, while the snippets could have been about anyone and Grimmjow wasn't the only bluenette around he had to see to make sure that the old biddies weren't talking about the two SIC's. but no more information was forthcoming and Ichigo soon saw that he was already past due to get back. He pushed his limits just getting back to their hiding spot and grimace when seeing that Kaien was outside arms cross waiting for him. Like a child that knew that he did wrong Ichigo walked up to the frowning raven.

"What part of being back at midnight did you not understand; no don't answer because right now I…" Kaien stop and to Ichigo's surprise leap at the orangette and gave the stun teen a tight hug. "Don't cause me any gray hairs brother."

Ichigo understood, his lateness had cause his brother to worry and he felt a little guilty about that. He squirmed to get the raven's attention and when Kaien let go Ichigo showed that his time in the village wasn't a waste. If he was part of any other life beside his past and current one, the teen realized that he makes a good pick pocket.

"I probably don't won't to know how you got these with no money and without reveling your identity."

"Yeah you probably don't," with that the two went back into their little cubby.

With the knowledge that they were on the right path they had plan to leave before the sun came up which left them little time to rest. Ichigo forced Kaien to sleep stating that he naturally was use too little to no sleep and could and would function just fine. Kaien made to argue but stop himself he nodded and got settled.

"Getting real comfy using our power like a damn battery aren't ya King," Zangetsu's voice rang out in the quiet night.

"The good doctor will not approve and most likely you will have stay under his eye once we get back to the others."

"Not to mention that giant making good on his threat of sitting on ya to keep ya there."

"I know I know you don't have to tell me and for once I don't think that I would mind." That sentence had the zanpakuto concern, Ichigo wasn't known to be the best of patient on a good day and to hear him state that he would most likely stay in the healer's tent showed that he realized that his human body was slowly breaking down from overusing his powers.

The two would keep an eye on the wielder and for once hoped that there would be no reason to used their power before Ichigo had time to recover. The old man also plans on discussing or more like forcing the teen to start using other blades and to only use his powers in the direst of circumstances. Because if Ichigo kept using and over using their normal output of power like he is use to then his new life would be shortened and nether Zangetsu wanted that. They wanted their King to live long and to find the happiness that would finish the healing in their combine soul.

"We will guard the guardian," the old man said breaking the silence.

"Damn straight," the other blade answered.

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Chapter End.

No I did not kill off Shinji and Grimmjow they will reappear in later chapters.

Thank you for reading.