Hey everyone, this is my first story for bleach and also my first story for fanfiction. So it will not be perfect.
Sorry if I made any mistakes in this chapter.
Please no Flames, but Constructive criticism, advice and ideas are accepted, as it will help me write this story and improve it.
I don't own Bleach, Tite Kubo does, I only own the OCs, plotline and Ideas(some have been inspired though)
Word count: 6905 in 11 and a half pages.
Warning some course language, some sexual reference, and there is violence. Also there are some OCs but they only help the story work and the characters might be oocish but this an AU story.
5 reviews for the last chappie. So thanks to TAKCH1, Metafury, Hatake Tsughi, Ruki09 and also my newest reviewer SilverStella for reading and reviewing last chapter. Thanx for your comments and criticisms and mostly patience.
Remember if you have any questions about the fic just ask.
And Chapter 26 sorry for the delay. I've become a bit bad with my updates but at least it's not horrible. I guess the fact I left it at such cliffy made it a bit worse. Anyway sorry here is the next part to my story.
Chapter 26: Traitor Part 2: Survival
Ichigo's POV
The moment Urahara had contacted us, I'd ran. I ran like I never did before leaving the angels behind. I was pushing myself to my limits, the thick black cloud covering my eyes, but to my shock and relief Hichigo wasn't trying to get control.
"I can't, the blood bond's still working. It's because you're calling on our power more than you ever have before." He snarled in the back of my mind. I grinned feeling slightly better but that washed away the moment I saw the flames and smoke covering the cookery part of the Valley. My heart sunk further when I felt Rukia's reiatsu spike higher than normal but yet still controlled. I went straight for her hoping to get there in time. It was sinking now, down and down as she weakened. I could almost imagine her falling to the ground now. But she was breathing and that was all that mattered at this point.
"Rukia." I heard it shouted. As I flashed to the calling I saw it was Nel and Tatsuki as well as a girl who looked familiar. The familiar girl soon whizzed off with a single look at me, we locked eyes momentarily. I could see the flicker of recognition the same as me but there was no realization.
"Nel where is she?" I yelled above the raging flames.
"She fell and we went for her but one of the trees collapsed and we couldn't get to her. Ichigo..."Nel whimpered feebly. I patted her shoulder and flashed closer to the licking flames. I felt her then.
"Ichigo." Nel tried. I turned and grinned before flashing into the fire. I hissed as I felt it burn my right arm. But I persisted scanning the area and low and behold Rukia was right next to me. Maybe I'm not that bad at reiatsu sensing.
When I felt a second searing pain, I scooped her up realising I was wasting way too much time. Luckily there was still room to get out. The tree hand fallen in front of her but it hadn't cut her off completely. I sprinted round the tree and flashed straight to where the others or at least where I thought the others were.
No heroics, there wasn't time for it, I had to find my sisters, dad and my friends. How had this happened? How had everything suddenly crashed down? In seconds I was next to Nel again.
"Next to, only you would say 40 metres passed them is next to." Hichigo taunted.
'Shut up' I thought curtly back at him. He cackled and I pushed him out, clearing my mind to think. I felt Rukia taken out of my hands by Gabriel, when the hell did he get here? Immediately he began healing her burns and any other injuries she'd sustained.
I glanced around and saw Michael was present as well, as too was Yoruichi and the three ethereal wolves. I soon spotted Kaien rushing over to Rukia, following him was one of the Cruor wolves... Miyako. I didn't see that coming.
Miyako walked quickly to his side and pulled him out of the way when he started getting in the way. He fought her at first but soon gave up allowing her to lead him away. He was worried, we all were, something was wrong. This fire was no accident.
"Where's Yuzu, Karin, dad and the others?" I muttered grabbing everyone's attention. The fire was still roaring, despite our efforts it hadn't died out yet.
"I don't know. When the first explosion went off there was panic. We all got separated, some of us may have gotten out but then..." Nel trailed off unwilling to finish the sentence.
I felt myself move but then stop as Michael gripped my arm. "What are you doing? I have to find them." I exclaimed furious, fighting him. He had my arms locked to the point that when I struggled it hurt, a lot. I didn't care, I got worse from Hichigo all the time.
"And get yourself killed. Ichigo you can't help them if you're dead. So stop being foolish." He retorted, his tone patronising.
"If we leave them they'll die." Nel countered, her tone becoming stronger with her fury.
"Nel it's unsafe, even us with wings couldn't do anything without getting hurt." Orana explained, my eyes narrowed at her.
"Yes hurt not necessarily dead. I'm going to find them. If you're not helping then at least get some magic user on your back to fight the fire from above or spot survivors." Alithra growled her eyes hard.
"Alithra don't you dare." Orana warned.
"Don't you think about warning me. They're my family Orana, people I care about." Alithra hissed and simply turned. In the second she'd leapt up, she'd turned and soared upwards howling.
Someone whistled as Alithra took off speeding for the clearing. "Damn it, Nero's going to be pissed when he finds out." They stated laughingly. I turned to see who it was, it was Galeno.
"No kidding. Thanks for stating the obvious, doofus." Xanthia replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Anyway... need any help?" Galeno asked ignoring the child werewolf.
"Yes. We need people ferrying water from the lake to the water benders. It's getting too hot for them to keep pulling water from the atmosphere. Think you can handle it?" Yoruichi replied teasingly.
They nodded. "No problem we'll tell the others." Miyako stated from the side. All three turned in front of us. Miyako was sleek and lithe black wolf larger than the other two. If she stood full height she'd be taller than Chad. Galeno turned, he was tri coloured, primarily light tan with patches of random red and brown throughout his coat. The most remarkable being the small brown and red spot on the back of his shoulder. I realised it was the yin and yang symbol. He was small and wiry, built for speed. He only reached Miyako's shoulder. Xanthia was only a few inches shorter than him in her humanoid wolf form. Her coat was a pale red on her stomach shading into a darker red eventually turning purple. It was strange, I couldn't be sure what colour really went where as her coat shimmered between the colours as she moved.
They panted slightly and leapt away to do their duty. I sighed, I wanted to help. I'd been released but Michael kept a close eye on me. I glanced up hurriedly when I heard the raging roar. In the distance I could see something fly toward Hyorinmaru carrying something. I guessed it was Alithra. A moment later she dove and then pulled up, whatever she was carrying now on Hyorinmaru's back.
I focused on the energy and recognised it as Hitsugaya's reiatsu. The wind picked up, ice forming around them, more condensed and pure. I felt so useless unable to help. More element lists, more witches, warlocks, mages, shamans, and other magic folk arrived to help at various spots. Fighting the devastating flames.
Hitsugaya turned around heading near us, a few magic folk readied themselves for what I assumed was a pick up.
"Ichigo go with Toshiro. From there try spotting any survivors and then inform me." Urahara ordered. I nodded thankfully flashing nearer to the magicians. Toshiro created a large staircase of ice. I quickly flashed up there waiting for the rest to join us. Minutes later Hyorinmaru pulled away skimming just above then fire. I looked across to see Karin on her Dragon pass a few metres away from me. My eyes narrowed as I spied a few burns but I kept my peace, they were minor, we had more pressing things to deal with.
As we circled above one of the breakouts, I scanned the area below us. I could smell the burnt flesh and fur. I saw the charred bodies, some permanently curled into balls as if they believed that would save them from the fire. Others were basically ash. They were unrecognisable, some were undistinguishable from their surroundings. I snarled lowly. How had this happened? It wasn't the first time I'd thought it and it wouldn't be the last. Not until I knew the how and why. I watched the ground intently, the fire still burning below us, we slowed and there was Yuzu with Rangiku, Ashido lay beside them unconscious. Two others were with them, I didn't recognise who they were. They were all burnt but Ashido was the worst. Around them was a shield created by Rangiku and the two who I didn't know. They held it together.
'Urahara there's five near us.' I thought rapidly. I could feel the recognition in reply but he did not articulate it in verbal thoughts. Toshiro was busy with the others trying to contain the fire from spreading any further. I doubt his ice staircase would have worked. The fire created unimaginable heat forcing everything around it to swelter.
A flash of white whizzed passed me and dove. It was a wolf and it took me a moment to comprehend who it was. The wings gave it away, one draconic, the other feathered. She slowed her decent, growling slightly as the tongues of fire seared her fur. She looked huge compared to those below us. She plucked up Ashido easily and allowed one of the others onto her back. She soared upwards beating her wings regularly as if the added weight wasn't there. She quaintly landed, laying Ashido on Hyorinmaru's back, the other on her back slid off gently. Immediately a woman was on them. Ella was checking Ashido over first. Her brow was furrowed in concern. Something was wrong. Air rushed passed me as Alithra ran passed and dove again.
She spiralled downward to the last three. She landed and was there longer enough so all three could get on. As they did the shield failed allowing the trees that had collapsed against it to fall inwards. The burning branches crashing down upon the group. Alithra leapt up evading the fire nimbly. Rangiku aided her pushing the fire away so they could escape safely.
I turned away but jerked back as I heard the agonised howl. My eyes followed the white as it flew over, crashing back down Hyorinmaru's scaled back. They steadily rose, I ran to Yuzu to check on her.
Her right cheek was lightly burned, both her arms red and blistering. She had covered her face with her arms. Her clothes were singed, giving way to her stomach which too had light burns across it. It seemed they'd gotten the shield up before worse could be done. Tears ran down Yuzu's cheeks as I ran my hands lightly on the burns. She sobbed quietly and tried stopping but couldn't. She was in pain that much I could see.
Rangiku moved toward us and began muttering things here and there. Healing spells, she wasn't the best but she was more than qualified to try helping Yuzu. I glanced at Alithra she was no longer in wolf form. Currently she was drinking deeply, and I took a good look at her injuries. She was burnt, her arms legs, her hair was blackened in areas. She was panting but when Ella stood and walked to her she refused to be healed. As she turned I saw a large burn on her the back her left shoulder. I'm guessing it was the cause of the crash. Somehow she had only been her burnt by it.
"Ichigo, where are the angels?" She asked shouting to me.
I shrugged. "I think they're still where we left them." I answered. She hissed her eyes hardening.
"Hitsugaya head to Michael." Alithra ordered sternly, without being over bearing.
"But what about the fire?" Toshiro asked glancing surprised at her.
"It's to help with the fire. Trust me." She replied quietly. He nodded and silently ordered Hyorinmaru to the Shinigami. Hyorinmaru lowered and curled on the ground as Alithra leapt off.
Michael stood raising an eyebrow as she stalked angrily toward him. "Yes Alithra?" He asked seemingly bored.
"Don't yes me. How about you and your divine buddies get off their pompous asses and help contain this cursed blaze." She snarled, yelling at him.
"No. Urahara defied my orders concerning Ichigo. He was supposed to have remained behind." He stated nonchalantly.
"NO. People are dying, the valley is burning." Yoruichi countered from the side appalled.
"And I care why?" He replied.
"Oh I'm sorry I forgot how you're with fires. So you'll let more people die just because you're afraid." Alithra prodded further her voice antagonising.
"I'm not afraid." He hissed lowly back.
"Really then you're a cold hearted bastard willingly to let more die in flames for your own stubbornness just like you did with..." She was screaming but she didn't finish as Michael's hand made contact with her face. He slapped her. He SLAPPED her.
He looked at her horrified, it seemed he'd never been pushed that far. Alithra turned back, crossing her arms and grinning imperiously at him. "I told you that I'd make you snap. Now Ichigo is older enough to make his own decisions. He is no longer a child who needs to be guided with every step nor is he one of your holy warriors for you to order around. So start containing this fire before it gets any worse." She growled frustrated. Michael looked coldly at her and nodded in a second he was gone, so was Gabriel.
"Hitsugaya you can continue with your previous task but get all the injured off." Yoruichi informed and he nodded, Ashido was lifted off quickly and laid down. Ella remained with him, there was no one else to heal his wounds. He was bad, his breathing was shallow and pain stricken. His burns severe, each blistering and the skin literally peeling off him. Yuzu followed reluctantly. Rangiku and the other two magicians who were injured remained to help and with three beats of Hyorinmaru's wings we were soaring in the sky. I watched the flashes of light on the fire's most northern, eastern, southern and western points. From each point pillars rose sending out a large shield to the two it was in between, creating a huge wall containing the inferno. The fire beat against it to no avail.
We skimmed very low, just above the flames and then we heard it, Hyorinmaru jerking to a sudden stop. It was a child screaming. We scanned looking for the owner of the cries.
"There." Rangiku shouted pointing to a rocky section. An island of rocks in the sea fire. A small boy was on the centre rock, the largest that was just under the treetops. Surrounding it were other boulders some small, others nearly as large as the centre one. Around the rocks were numerous small rivers and streams protecting the area just a little more. Hyorinmaru circled allowing us to concentrate on the fire around the boy and make it safer for Alithra to help him.
'Urahara near us there's child.' I thought rapidly, again the same recognition. I heard the familiar howling as Alithra rose again nearing us.
We'd successfully beaten the fire from the boy's immediate area. The swelter had died down but in reaction I felt some energy rising. I looked nervously at the others meeting eyes with Rangiku, she shrugged not knowing what it was.
Orana whizzed closer to us landing softly in human form as Alithra rushed to the child. Still the energy rose it came from the rocks the boys stood on. Orana ran forward screaming in terror.
"Alithra pull up. Get away." She screamed as loud as possible. Alithra didn't bat an eyelid as she angled herself to dive faster than the other times she'd done this time not slowing as she came within metres of her target. There was something desperate, something rushed and determined about her dive.
"Orana what's the matter?" Toshiro asked quietly.
"Pull away now." She ordered sternly, Hitsugaya obliged. I watched from the side as the force spiked. Time slowed as it burst forth, Alithra only metres away from grabbing the boy. Something erupted from below in several places. It consumed the boy forcing Alithra to evade but she wasn't quicker enough. It hit her. I was forced to shut my eyes as it became blindingly bright.
Hyorinmaru lurched away as the explosions occurred one after another in a chain reaction. Some of it breaking through the shield, forcing the angels to work once again. Hyorinmaru's growl of pain rang in my ears painfully. I realised that who'd ever had done this had backups in place. I felt myself cursing at the bastard who'd done this. Horror sunk deep into my soul as I scanned for her and came up with only a sliver of it, Alithra's reiatsu was virtually nonexistent and I couldn't pinpoint her location. All I knew is if she didn't get help soon she'd die, if it wasn't already too late.
Hyorinmaru hissed with every wing beat, one the eruptions had hit him, but luckily the blow had been deflected by his scales some of it had hit his softer underbelly. Where it was constantly pulled by the flapping motion. He lowered and landed, curling in a ball. One by one we filed off. I glanced around hoping against the odds to see Alithra walking around fine and healing. She was nowhere.
"What happened?" Urahara exclaimed confused. The rest of us were shaken.
"Firestones, that's what happened." Orana hissed, her eyes narrowed in anger. But above all I could see her worry. Alithra had been hit badly.
"So this wasn't an accident?" Asked a small water nymph. Her eyes were a bright blue and laced with worry.
"No, this was no accident. Where's Alithra?" Urahara stated, he then turned the events onto a path that we were thinking about. I heard the thudding paw beats stop from multiply parties. I looked around to see Miyako, Galeno, Xanthia, Lenya and Nero stare at us intently. I knew he'd betrayed us so why was he still here?
None of us answered and to my surprise I heard a shaken sob escape Orana's lips as she crumpled down to the ground. "Mother." Lenya replied lowly her eyes shadowed with fear and concern.
"She was hit... by one of the eruptions." Toshiro answered his tone cold and his face emotionless but it soon broke as we all stared at him. No one spoke, the Cruor Wolves gaped, and stood stunned and shaken.
"What?" Nero snarled. "How?"
"She went to save a child and didn't listen to Orana's advice. In the end she couldn't evade the eruption." Rangiku explained for once sullen and solemn.
"God Damn it." Nero growled, and it sounded genuine. "I'm going to find her."
"Nero the place just blew up. It's dangerous." Galeno tried.
"So?" He countered venomously.
"He's just saying Alithra wouldn't want you to risk yourself like that. No need to be so nasty." Xanthia bit back. He turned to her and glared, in an instant he was gone.
"What's with the act?" I muttered.
"I don't know, he sounded like he cared." Rukia replied. Wait What? I spun to see Rukia standing right behind me fine. She smiled slightly. She stepped forward to hug me, at least that's what I thought she was doing until her foot connected with my shin and her fist with my gut. I growled lowly as I sunk to the ground in pain.
"Stop being such an idiot and risking your life like that." She exclaimed whacking my head with her shoe which mind you was still on her foot, a further six times. I flashed away from her rubbing my head, scowling. The others glanced at one another worriedly.
"Um why is Nero heading out of the Valley?" Galeno interrupted asking dumbly.
"Bastard just proved his guilt." Grimmjow exclaimed.
"What?" Miyako asked.
"One of ya's a traitor, but I don't know who. Must be Nero since he's runnin." Caleb muttered. He had a faint burn on his forehead but that was it.
"Nero wouldn't betray us." Xanthia refuted her eyes alighting in rage.
"Well someone has and it's one of you dogs." Rangiku countered equally pissed.
Xanthia leapt at her tackling her over. They wrestled one another on the floor until they were pulled apart violently by Orana. "Just stop. It doesn't matter at the moment. For God sakes the fire is still burning and there are people still out there." She shrieked angrily.
"She's right. We need to get back to work. Fighting is doing nothing to help us only furthering us into Aizen's hands. That's why there's a traitor, it's in order to divide us." Urahara stated calmly. It was true, we needed to concentrate.
"Ichigo help the wolves in transporting water. You too Grimmjow and Nel. Get anyone capable of helping to do so." Yoruichi ordered. I nodded.
"Urahara get the harpies and were-birds in the air looking for survivors. Then inform Shota or I and we'll get them." Orana responded quickly. I smiled thankful for what she was doing.
"Right if the angels are done I'll get them to help you." Urahara said acceptingly. I shunpoed away to the lake to help with the ferrying. Grimmjow followed and so did Nel. We trailed the wolves to the lake.
END of Ichigo's POV
Urahara set off informing the other telepaths to inform the others of their duties. He immediately zeroed in on Michael's mental waves.
'Michael is the spell solid yet or not?' Urahara thought enquiringly.
'Nearly, something set us back though we're not sure what.' Michael replied instantly, waiting for the answer he knew Urahara to have.
'There were more explosions, Orana said they were firestones. When you're complete, head to the skies and help Orana and Shota with the rescuing.' Urahara requested mentally. He kept his voice stern but still respectful.
'Where's Alithra?' Michael questioned back. Grilling for an answer. He was meet by silence, Urahara unwilling to answer. 'Urahara?' Michael grilled, doubt clawing at his subconscious.
'She was hit... when the firestones erupted. We don't know her current whereabouts. Just somehow she's still alive. I'll inform the other shinigami' Urahara muttered regretfully. Michael cut the connection there feeling his side of the spell complete. It was only a temporary measure, hopefully with the many fighting the fire it would hold that much longer, or at least until we could get all the survivors out before resorting to the final measure.
He spread his wings and leapt beating his wings to gain altitude. When he was higher enough he let himself glide, scanning the area for survivors. Blocking the fire's path here and there. He swooped downward seeing a group of injured below where Karin's dragon circled. He pulled one by one onto the dragon. Ignoring the fawning girls who thanked him. He weaved passed them taking flight once more.
Toshiro waited patiently as Ella healed the burn on Hyorinmaru. He watched her work, eager to return to the skies and help. He began tapping his foot in irritation as the process lengthened.
"Hitsugaya-Taicho that will not make me work any faster." Ella reprimanded, thoroughly annoyed.
Toshiro glanced to side sheepishly. "Sorry Ella, I just want to help." He replied sincerely.
"Then help the benders fight the fire while I do this. Go on shoo." She smiled sweetly, waving her hand gently. She spoke politely her voice now calmer. Toshiro smiled slightly in thanks and ran to help the others.
He whipped out his sword, focusing his reiryoku into it as he slashed sending an ice wave toward the fire. He directed it so it was in front of the benders. Rukia turned in shock, but smiled when she saw who it was. Rangiku smiled as her Taicho joined them. Tatsuki was present as were another five wielders.
They nodded to one another in recognition then continued with their duty. Toshiro focused on the right side and Rukia on the left. He saw buckets upon buckets near them so they could access water. He summoned more ice and so did Rukia, together they made the air chill. He felt it become cooler and cooler, enjoying every second as it did. They forced the fire back, agonisingly slow, centimetre by centimetre. But still they pursued it was at least back instead of forward.
Toshiro pulled energy constantly from Hyorinmaru, he gave some to Rukia but he knew he wouldn't be able to keep it up for much longer. Soon some transporters arrived, Ichigo among them. Hitsugaya had an idea light up inside his mind. Kurosaki was the answer to his reiatsu problems. Ichigo could supply not just both of them but the other seven present, he did have a seemingly infinite amount.
"Kurosaki you need to stay here." Toshiro shouted.
"What? Why?" Ichigo asked confused. "I can't do anything here." He glanced at the others as they left, ready to follow but Toshiro persisted whilst fighting the fire.
"Yes you can. You can supply us with reiatsu." Toshiro argued. It dawned on them then. Ichigo slumped and sat on the ground. Opening a valve allowing his reiatsu out just a little more. But instead it flooded out surrounding them, he pulled it back immediately trying to control it. The others felt relief as he did the unbearable pressure going with it.
They absorbed his energy little by little, their efforts becoming stronger, they began pushing the fire back even more, to them far quicker than before. Ichigo shivered as the cold from those who were causing it surrounded him. But he stayed still, they needed this and he was resigned to it.
Hours past and this steady and agonising pace of teamwork continued, until Urahara contacted each of them. 'Everyone fall back, all the survivors have been found. The angels are going to put up a dome around the fire, when there is no longer any air the fire will die out.' His voice resounded in their heads.
They sighed, exhausted, and trudged back hurriedly. Soon the small group arrived into the camp where everyone was gathered. Rukia glanced around, Ashido was seriously injured and still unconscious, Kaien had minor burns now. Ikkaku was slightly worse and Yumichika was in a similar condition. Renji was only tired, it was obvious he had been with Tatsuki so he came to no harm. They weren't even anywhere near it when it happened.
Orihime's clothes were burned and damaged though she herself was fine. She rushed around assisting Ella with the treatment. Chad was bandaged in multiple areas, he laid there with his eyes open staring at the sky. Yuzu was slightly injured but she'd be okay. Karin was fine her wounds rather minor thanks to her elemental ability. Rukia sighed with relief as Caleb bounced around happily with Nel and Grimmjow. They too were in reasonable condition just dirty. Her eyes fell on Kanisawa, she was under Orihime's care, who Rukia saw was quite rough with her job. She stifled a chuckle at it. The Cruor wolves were fine, none were burnt, though Shota and Orana were singed and cut in areas but their ailments were healing rapidly.
Tanya was frazzled, her right cheek was bruised and swollen showing that she'd fallen. Down her neck her skin was red raw, her arms and legs blistering. They healed but it was slow. The blind nymph who'd selected Rukia to dance... Sophia, lay on the ground, badly burnt. Her skin blackened and blistered. Ella worked on her now. But Sophia seemed so broken, Rukia hoped dearly that she'd be okay. As Rukia glanced around her heart sunk to see Alithra was nowhere to be found.
"Yoruichi what about Alithra?" Rukia asked, everyone turned shocked, she heard growls from the wolves. And more distinctly Ichigo.
It was Michael who answered. "We can't wait anymore, the area she fell in is currently the worst. All of you are too tired to hold out any longer and that shield we put up can't go on forever." Michael stated defensively but there was sadness in his words.
"But..." Halili tried, but the shinigami left heading to the fire, ready to finish their deed.
"Orana do something, stop them." Karin snarled offensively.
"I can't, nor can any of us. They're right. The good of many cannot be sacrificed for one." She mumbled sadly yet resolute. Ichigo wanted to leap at them as did Grimmjow but Rukia and Nel gripped their arms drawing their attention as they waited for the inevitable.
Nero's POV
I sprinted rapidly, heading to where Alithra fell. I took the long way, it was the safest way and in the long run would probably quicker. I wouldn't have had to run around fires. I regretted that decision now. I needed to hurry, the angels were going to put the spell up any second if I'd taken the more dangerous way I would have ran through the fire with no concern to myself. I turned rapidly into my full wolf form. I was able to weave through the low under bush. Heading toward the roaring blaze. I ran into the flames not caring for my safety anymore.
I hissed feeling my fur burn, rapidly I turned into my humanoid wolf form. I had to get to her. I gripped the burning stone growling as I threw myself upward. It burned my paws causing me to move more rapidly, she was close, she had to be.
I sensed her yet I didn't. She was here and alive but I couldn't tell her exact position. Bastard. Damn why did she automatically have to hide her spiritually energy whenever she got hurt. It just made my job harder!
I leapt off the rocks onto compact dirt, narrowly missing the flames that burnt around me. I gasped my lungs filled with smoke and I felt hot. I was boiling. Unwillingly I reverted back into human form in order to become cooler.
I leapt and rolled on the ground as a tall maple tree crashed down behind me. I hissed as I skidded into a smaller fire. Damn it! My ears perked as I heard flapping. My head jerked up as a shinigami flew over. Shit! I sprinted, running faster, pushing myself harder. I splashed into a little creek near a rocky crag. The water scalded my feet but I ignored it, she was there.
She laid a bit in the water, it seared her skin. I ran up to her and picked her bridal style out of the water. I sprinted back heading the way I'd came. I looked down on her. She was unconscious and reasonably so. Her entire left side was burnt, seared, her flesh red and black. Her right side fared little better. It was bruised and cut with a few blistering burns. Her hair was in remarkably good, still rather white and there. She managed to take most of the damage on her body and not her face. Though there were a few shallow cuts and scorches.
I skidded to stop as I realised that the tree that had fallen before had cut me off. I held her closer me, her burnt side resting against my chest. I took a deep breath and phased turning into my humanoid wolf. I backed up a few steps before running and leaping through the fire. I covered her, protecting her from the voracious inferno. I hit the ground and rolled. I flung myself up heading out of the fire in the most direct route.
I could feel the buzz of energy pick up, I heard the chanting in the distance as the shinigami begun the spell. I leapt up onto the rock, ignoring the burning sensations in my padded paws. In seconds I'd leapt off it. I saw the spell taking effect, it was closing and quickly too. The area where it remained open was a wall of fire.
I launched forward seeing my window closing and getting smaller, I leapt through the flames and the gap. I twisted, hitting the ground on my back with a groan as the shield snapped closed. I stayed there letting go of my turned form. She was still breathing deeply, I felt blood soak my top. Knowing it was hers, I stood up shakily, sprinting back to the healers. Damn it, why did I have to go around the fire? My mistake may have just cost her life. I knew I couldn't waste the time I took to get here. I wasn't going round, I wasn't going round the cliff I was jumping down it. I turned and began pushing myself as harder as I could go. Her weakening pulse forcing me to go faster.
END of Nero's POV
Rukia's POV
I watched the spell begin enclosing the fire. I knew Alithra would have wanted this but I hated letting her die. I knew whose fault this was. Nero. The bastard's great plan to betray us. I hated him so god damn much. Tears soaked my face; I felt my grip droop on Ichigo's arm, falling to the ground. I shook in grief. Ichigo pulled me into his arms and sat on the ground with me in his lap.
Caleb ran to me and stood sadly in front of me. I glanced up at him and pulled him into my arms hugging him tightly. Ichigo's arms wrapped around both of us. Isshin held Yuzu, while Toshiro and Karin cuddled up to one another. Karin cried silently into his chest, clutching his shoulder.
It was hitting us all at this moment. We were killing Alithra to save ourselves. I heard Kaien comfort someone. I glanced to him to see Miyako in his arms tears falling, sobs racking her body. Galeno was quiet with Xanthia standing near him, her eyes focused on something not there, as if she was remembering past events. Emmet and Leyna stood near their mother with Tanya, all unable to process her death. Balthazar's lip were in a hard line as he stood near Lucifer and Maeve both were stoic, though their eyes watered slightly. Halili sat on the ground tears falling freely, her body shaking. She recoiled at anyone who tried to sooth her.
Rangiku held Hisagi's hand tight in her own. Her eyes were clenched shut tightly and she bit her lip, but despite her efforts tears fell. Even Yoruichi's eyes watered, her head resting on Urahara's shoulder as he held her tightly. His own cheek resting on top of her head. Orihime kept healing to distract herself from what was happening. She busied herself but when Ishida gripped her arm she broke down into sobs. Wailing in his arms and gripping his shirt frantically.
Kanisawa was quiet, even she had tears lines down her face. No one spoke or moved. Only tears fell and sobs were heard. An hour past and still we remained stiff and silent. I could still feel as the angels continued the spell. It was taking a long time, or maybe they were doing it on purpose to avoid us.
"Healer, I need I healer." Someone shouted. Instantly I recognised it as Nero's. So the bastard needed to be healed. What did he stand on a sharp rock? Ichigo stood and turned growling but stopped short when Nero came into sight.
He stood burned, bruised and cut, he was panting, his breathing ragged and short. He looked exhausted. In his arms was Alithra. Immediately Ella was up barking orders. Nero complied laying Alithra gently down on the lush grass.
Ella ran around gathering things here and there. Whispering words there and here. I gasped when I saw how bad Alithra was. She was scorched all across her body, red raw and blackened to a crisp. She had lacerations across her stomach, her arms, her legs... everywhere. She had fallen badly. Her white jacket was stained red from the blood oozing out of an injury. I shut my eyes when I saw how it had happened, one of her ribs had broken and pierced through her skin. Ichigo tightened his grip around me.
I opened my eyes again, her right arm was burnt just as bad as her left and it was at odd angles to her body. Her shoulder had dislocated and her elbow broken. More bone poked out of her calves blood spilling out. It was a miracle she wasn't dead. Her face had a shallow cut across her left cheek, her nose and above her right eye. Her chin was singed, skin peeling off easily. Her right ear had been ripped.
Urahara began pushing us away to give Ella and the other healers room to work. Orihime joined them and when the Shinigami had returned and gotten over their shock, they did their part in healing Alithra.
Yoruichi guided us away to give the healers peace so they could focus on their tasks. There was a distinct cheer above us knowing Alithra was in good hands.
"Nero?" Halili asked quietly and concerned.
"What?" He snapped, I turned to him alarmed, he was such an ass.
"Nero don't snap at Halili, she didn't do this. Come off it you should have expected this the moment you joined." Emmet reprimanded lightly. His eyes narrowed in sorrow.
"Hmph, you're right. But it doesn't mean I have to like it." Nero huffed arrogantly, my dislike for him was peeking until he suddenly slumped, and all the hatred and cruelty seemed to wash away. "I... I don't get why she always does it. She gets herself in idiotic situations and then gets hurt it's like she doesn't care whether she lives or dies." He sighed resigned.
"Sounds like someone I know." I whispered turning on Ichigo. He shrugged and smirked. "Actually I've been good lately, I have something to live for now." He muttered in my ear. I felt myself warm at those words.
"Oi Nero, why did you expect her to have changed?" Renji questioned raising an eyebrow.
"Because I did, we all did. When we were younger we were all just as reckless but we grew wiser, it seems she hasn't." Nero growled darkly.
"I beg to differ on that one. Alithra is wiser because she's experienced more than us. When we broke apart we secluded ourselves the twins didn't. Alithra gained a family on a few occasions and lost them all. Now her family was in danger during the fire and she did all she could to save them when she couldn't do it for the others. That's Alithra's way and that's her legacy not the bloodshed." Miyako enlightened her voice calm and tired.
"Wrong." I spun to see who had spoken it was Balthazar. "Her legacy is what she is remembered for and that is the bloodshed. It's why I follow her because she is the only one worthy of my loyalty." He hissed his voice proud of the past.
"Loyalty? Do you even know what that is Balthazar?" Nero growled angrily, his blood coloured eyes narrowed in rage.
"Yes, are you sure you do?" Balthazar stated flippantly. Nero snarled and turned on his foot leaving the clearing. Balthazar smiled cruelly, he looked so demented, so cold there. I felt myself clamour internally to get away from him.
We remained quiet waiting for the news. My thoughts wandered to Ashido, when I'd first met him. He tested my skills with the sword and deemed them unsatisfactory. I remember huffing at the remark but after that he helped in my training, sparring with me whenever I asked to. More of my tears fell, they were working on him as well, but he was mortal where Alithra was immortal. I felt my stomach clench at the chance of his death. There was only so much a healer could do and the rest was up to the injured. And Sophia, she didn't deserve this like she didn't deserve to be born blind.
I had faith in the skills of our healers so I believed they would survive. I shut my eyes and stopped my tears, and rested my head on Ichigo's shoulder. He fidgeted and l looked up on his face. He scowled lightly hiding his emotions from me but deep in his amber eyes I saw the worry evident in him.
I raised my hand and caressed his face gently. I was being selfish, here one of the few people Ichigo could truly call family was on the brink of death. He had lost more than me and fought harder than me to keep it. I found myself angry with Alithra, she had risked her life so carelessly when so many people cared for her. But as I tried blaming her for this but I found myself coming up blank, it wasn't her fault. I understood why she couldn't sit by and let this all happen. It was the same reason I couldn't, nor Ichigo nor anyone else.
My heart sunk at the revelation, we were in danger and she went out to protect us, to her it was her duty. We were guests on her territory. Even worse this was her true home, this was where her pack and family were murdered so she couldn't see it happen again. I shook my head leaning against Ichigo's chest, I cried silently. Ichigo embraced me and ran his hands up and down my back gently massaging me in order to calm me.
So many people had been hurt, some lay dying, others fought to survive and more had already died. How many friends had we lost, how many would remain cripple all because of one damned person, of whose identity I wasn't sure of anymore. When Nero returned with Alithra doubts had formed to whether he really was the traitor or not.
More hours past, leading us deep into the night before we got any news concerning the injured.
"Everyone, we've done all we can for the injured, the healers on watch shall try help them further but you can visit them now." Ella announced her voice sounding tired. She was drained from all the healing and she deserved rest but I knew she'd be one of the first to watch over the injured.
Steadily we rose and headed to our makeshift infirmary. "Ichigo who are we going to see first?" I uttered eyes downcast.
"Ashido. I know you want to see him and Sophia, they're near each so we'll go there first." Ichigo answered holding me tight. I paused and twirled in front of him trying to decipher his emotions. His damn scowl got in the way, hiding all emotion from me.
"Ichigo..." He stopped me by tenderly gripping my chin touching my lips.
"Rukia her pack has the right to see her first, and you want to see Ashido first, he's dear to you, he's been there a long time for you..." He started patiently before I quickly interceded.
"She's been there even longer for you." I muttered pulling away from his tender hold.
"Yes..." He paused remaining quiet for a few seconds. "Rukia I won't lie to you. Ashido got hurt bad, real bad and healers can only do so much. Ella isn't sure he'll survive, there is a slight chance he will live but..."
"But what? It ain't good, well Alithra was worse, we all know it's a miracle she's still breathing." I hissed allowing my speech to go common for a second.
Ichigo's fist clenched. "I... I don't know what to say. It isn't good so please Rukia let's go see him and Sophia." He whispered his eyes pain ridden. Oh! He was hurting, he knew better than anyone that Alithra might die. He wanted to see her after the wolves were gone. He wanted to see the others, so he could watch over her later. I understood how it was. When Hisana... became ill, I stayed beside her side watching over her. I heard the screams and still remembered Hisana's iron grip on my hand as she experienced the pain. I watched her die helpless to do anything but be there. And that's what Hisana had needed just someone to have been there for her as she passed so she could rest in peace, knowing someone was there, that someone cared for her. Or that's what I'd thought. It was the same for Ichigo.
I nodded and took his hand clutching it as we walked to where Ashido lay.
Okay Cliffy, sorta. Okay so we've got injured and dead. There will be be a few deaths of those who have been used a bit in the story. Though I'm not saying who.
So what did you all think? I hope you liked it.
Next Chapter: Traitor part 3: Fire's Consquences: As the fire passes our heroes begin to understand the cost of war. The traitor is still among them and they are beginning to doubt their assumptions but as the traitor causes more damage suspicious arise further. Some due to valid concern others purely based on gut instinct. The only thing truly know it is in one of the Cruor wolves.
Note:So far I've written up about 27 chapters and a half, I think.
Remember review this chapter and read the next. Screw goals. I'll be happy with whatever I get.