Warnings: there will be fighting whether it is good or not is up to you. Other than that nothing much else.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with Bleach.
The sounds of screams and clashing metal filled that air in a small town that became one site of a decisive battle. The soldiers of Kuro fought hard to protect not only the townspeople but also the only thing standing between their fellow soldiers and utter ruined. The Cambridge Bridge.
It was an old weather rickety looking thing that seemed that it would collapse as soon as a person step on it. But it was the few routes that connected the two army fronts it taken then the Kuro army would be cut off from each other and give the Shinigami a firmer foothold.
Standing in the way of such an event were two units one of which was still consider green compared to the veterans manning the walls atop the main gates. But since the battle first started such thoughts were quickly dismiss as the Wyverns showed that they were more than green recruits. None more than their acting Captain and the youngest Prince of the royal family, Ichigo.
The young orange headed teen was busy holding off the intruders that had tried to blast their way into the town via a hold in the wall. It was there that the teen was busy fighting off one of his most fanatical opponents. Kenpachi Zaraki and Ichigo was trying his best to keep the lunatic away from the others in his smaller group. Even if he had the full force of his unit he would never let any of them near the juggernaut. No, he knew that he was one of the only ones able to take on the human torpedo.
He had been able to push their battle a good distance from anybody else more for him and others welfare then anything. With the distance he could let his power out without the worry of others being effect. Of course, he would use his zanpakuto the two spirits wouldn't let him go any further is he didn't.
Ichigo tossed his ordinary blade off to the side and brought out both blades from his soul just as he was charged by the grinning Kenpachi. Using his wings to keep him more stable he used the larger of them to block as he swung the smaller in an arc over the man's head. Kenpachi at the last minute dodge the strike and used his remaining momentum to push Ichigo off balance. Ichigo was flung a few feet tucking his wings in so not to cause them damage before regaining his foot hold he snarled and changed his center of gravity when he was charged again this time he didn't budge when hit. He was the one throwing his opponent a few feet thus taking the advantage as he let his hollow closer to the surface.
"You gotten better since the last time kid," the laughing Captain said. "Show me how strong you can be."
Ichigo knew better than to say anything but he couldn't really not say nothing either. "I doubt that you could handle me if I showed you my full strength," he taunted his wings arched up high in an unconscious move to make himself look bigger.
Most men or women would be insulted if they were told something like that but not Kenpachi instead he laughed the sound vibrating the teen to his very bones and his wings making them twitch.
"I think I like you kid."
That was something that Ichigo shivered at. He really didn't want to hear that it meant a life of ducking and dodging just to get some peace from the fight happy manic.
"You excuse me for not feeling the same," Ichigo said bring the larger of the two blades up the edge glowing in a blue light. "So I'll just be sending you on your way."
Again the harsh laughter sent goosebumps up the teens arms but it didn't affect his swing as he brought Zangetsu down with a flash of light arch towards Kenpachi. The man took the full brunt of the hit not even staggering but he did grunt when Ichigo appeared out of the smoke it caused and struck a deep gouge in the man's chest. Both of them hit with blood from the wound.
Kenpachi smiled when the pain hit. He returns the favor when his own ding and crack blade plunged into the teens side nicking the wing behind it when Ichigo had tried to pushed himself away. The ground was showered as the ragged blade came freed.
'shit,' he growled. It had been awhile since he let himself get a lucky hit in like that in the back of his mind he could hear Shiro growling along with him. so he was surprise when the hollow offered something that could help him.
"King let some of our power out."
"Why?"
"Don't ask question just do it," the other growled. "ya trusted me up till now so why don't you continue to do so!"
"Fine."
Ichigo felt his power flow but instead of it flowing outwards like normal it instead pooled at his hands. Curious the teen glanced down and much to his surprise where normal dull human fingers once were there were now clawed tips. They reminded the teen of Severn's hands as well as what his fingers looked like when he had been full hollow.
"he goes on brute force Ichigo, so used that force against him. Use us after striking him." the old man's smooth voice spoke up. "These claws are like smaller versions of us so it is as if you are using us still."
Ichigo still unsure what that plan was only nodded expecting to understand once the fight continues. He plants both blades onto the ground and brings up his new claws in front of him. As Kenpachi stares at him Ichigo suddenly remembers how the Grimmjow of his world used his claws once. So he changes his stance focusing his power into the tips.
"You think that using your hands will help you; you disappoint me kid," Kenpachi frowned. "You'll regret not keeping your swords."
"I doubt that Kenpachi, you never know I just may surprise you," the teen smirked flaring his wings out.
Both stared and waited the tension rising as the sounds of other battles start to fade. Ichigo kept his full attention of the man in front of him. with a snap of his wings Ichigo shot towards Kenpachi using the force of the snap to give him more speed. He flared them again to stop him quick enough to cause the other to paused giving Ichigo an opening to slice open the Captains shoulders then adding another five wounds to his neck.
With a flap he was up higher his feet level with Kenpachi's face and before the man could spit out the blood in his mouth Ichigo deliver a savage kick to Kenpachi's face. The sound of bones crunching under the assault rang out but otherwise it was covered up by the still ongoing fights. Ichigo didn't stop as he came back down using his feet to hit the open wound on the other's shoulders. He felt the bone in one give way from the force of impact.
It was also enough to make Kenpachi bend his knees, but the man gave as good as he got. With quickness that Ichigo didn't remember him having the man grab the hovering teen by the ankle and slammed him into the unforgiving ground. He wasn't given a chance when he was picked up and swung again the momentum sending him into the wall with a crash and dust.
"Ichigo!"
"Captain!" "Your Highness!"
The teen could hear the concern shouts and yells from those who had come with him, Keiths being the loudest. He pushed himself out of the hole he made and was quick to stop them from getting one the healers.
"Not now there are other people who need their attention."
"Ichigo"
"Keith, keep the men back and let me finish this fight."
"But-
"But nothing," A clawed hand flashed in front of Keith stopping him from coming any closer. "this is my fight and I have to finish it; just keep those bastard out of the town until I get done."
"…yes sire." Ichigo flinch from Keiths tone and his usage of the word sire instead of his normal usage of his name.
"I promise I 'll let you hover over me once I kick his ass back across the border. I won't even argue this time." It was a small peace offering and Ichigo smiled when Keith nodded.
He then returns his attention back to Kenpachi who weirdly had been silent through the exchange. Rolling his shoulders and giving his wings a flick Ichigo walked back to the man waiting for him out in the open field. He picked up both blades as he enters Kenpachi's personal space.
"So now you get serious?"
"I've been serious but sense you seem to think otherwise I'll just have to hit harder."
"Heh then bring it kid."
The two glared at each other before rushing, Ichigo dodge at the last minute but not without having to slice open Kenpachi's side with the smaller Zangetsu. He pivots soon after stabbing the larger into the man's back just missing his spinal column. It doesn't deter the bigger man who turns on the teen trying to grab him. Ichigo seeing the danger is quick to stay out of the man's range but he soon has to get back into it in order to give his own strikes.
Those watching stopped their ow fights to watch this deadly dance. With the exception of those on the wall on the other side of the town everyone was enrapture by the two powerhouses going at each other. Keith didn't remain idle though he sent for a healer to start treating those who were injured as he pushed their enemies back. Now they were waiting on their leader to finished.
It was near the middle of the next day that the participants were starting to show signs of slowing down. It was also then when Keith saw how injured the teen was. He knew that Ichigo had great regeneration powers but he, as well as the Doctor, knew that those powers had limits and by looking at the teen he was reaching his.
So it was no surprise when the climax of the battle came with both fighters charging each other. Kenpachi from land; Ichigo from the sky. Keith watch as the orangette's blades pierce Kenpachi with enough force that they came out the man's back all the way to the hilt. He winched when Ichigo received the same but in his case the blow took out of his wings completely shearing it off.
He jumped when the bigger man fell to the ground with a mightily thud not moving but his attention was back on his Captain when the teen crashed hard into the ground and skidding damaging his wings more. Soon Keith, the healer, and two others were racing across the battle field towards their very still Prince. The others kept an eye on the Shinigami who were doing the same to their own fallen Captain.
"Ichigo! Hey Ichigo!" Keith shouted to the unresponsive teen.
The teen was too pale for the soldier's liking and the man watched the healer working franticly to keep what little blood was left in the orangette's body.
"Hey you stupid swords; can't you do something!" those with him looked tat Keith like he just went insane when he started yell at the two blades. The swords flashed an angry red and Keith jerked back as if his hand was on fire. "Shit," he yelled looking at his bloodied hand.
"Sir!"
"I'm alright," Keith said in a daze. He stared at his bloodied hand and an idea popped inti his head. He remembers something the Ichigo once told him in one of their many conversations. "Healer take my blood and give to Ichigo."
His order was met with stun silence. "Well, get to it man he doesn't have much time!"
The healer doesn't argue but Keith knew that the Doctor would be haring about this but at this time he didn't care. He didn't even flinch when his arm was puncture with a very large needle nor did he let the sudden dizziness affect him. before it affected him though he did see that the Shinigami Captain being hauled off the field and disappearing into the forest with his soldiers. he would have to get the full report later on the rest of the battle once Ichigo was awake.
He had gotten so out of it that he didn't even feel nor saw both him and Ichigo being lifted up and put on stretchers and hauled off back into the town. Ichigo being carried more awkwardly since his wings took up more room. Keith was handed off to another set of healers while the Doctor and the vet's CMO took Ichigo into another building that was their temporary surgical rooms. Keith didn't know much else as he blacked out due to his own blood loss.
oOooOooOooOooOooOooOo
He heard someone calling him but whoever it was sounded so far away that Ichigo could hear the echo. He tried opening his eyes but they felt heavy that Ichigo barely could crack them open before he closed them again. Ichigo decided that he wasn't ready to wake up yet so he let himself fall back into oblivion.
When he came back to consciousness again he didn't feel quite so heavy, so he was able to open his eyes a little bit. What he saw wasn't the linen white ceiling of the healer's tent instead it was wood and the bed was actually a bed and not the stiff cots that he was just getting used to. he also found himself wrapped up tight in warm cotton blankets and he struggle to move with how tightly he was wrapped.
'what happen?' he gave up trying to get out of warm cocoon as he tried to remember what happen since before he woke up the second time. "I remember getting the Kings message and then going to bed, waking up to explosion, fig—oh yeah I remember now I fought Kenpachi."
He didn't even bother wondering if he won that fight or not. If he was here and not dead, he could give a pretty good guess how it ended. He went back to getting out of his cotton prison as he stomachs gave its own opinion on what he needed to do.
He cried in triumphed when he got an arm out and was striping the blankets off when Keith came waltzing in with a plate of food that Ichigo's mouth watered when he smelled the stew. The blond grinned when saw Ichigo's struggles and Ichigo was very tempted to throw the nearest thing, which was a heavy book, at him.
"I am glad that your finally back to the land of the living," the big man smirked and he sat down the plate and moved the object that could be used as a flying projectile.
"Yeah well, I must have over did it."
"Ya think."
Ichigo didn't bother to respond as he took a spoonful of meat and potatoes. His tent was silent as he ate and Ichigo could see the blond waiting patiently for him to finish before saying what he came to say. But he knew that the Doctor would have given firm orders that Ichigo will keep his butt in his bed until the Doctor said otherwise.
"So in spite of the Doc. telling you not to tell me anything; what happen after I fell unconscious?"
"Well, you fought the giant, got a whole lot of new scars, hit the ground hard from falling from the sky, and I gave you some blood after seeing that you loss half of yours. Oh, your sword is a real right bastard." Keith leaned back with his arms crossed, "There is something that I just found out and you may not like it."
"I get the feeling that I might want to not hear it." Ichigo set his bowel aside and turns to face Keith. "Let's hear it."
"Our new C.O. was badly injured during that battle, so was his SIC. Right now the only one leading the unit until one of you three are back is the highest ranking career soldier." A frown formed on Keith's fce when he said it and Ichigo wondered if the man was at odds with the acting leader.
"You don't like him?"
"What, un no."
"Then what was with the tone?"
Keith growled before giving a weary sigh, "I can't hate him because the acting career soldier leader…is me."
Ichigo stared at the man, "How can you be in charge; what about all those veterans? I know that almost all of them out ranked you."
Keith gave the lounging teen a sad smile, "yeah that was true heh you would think that the newbies would be the ones taking the heaviest of losses but…we loss almost all the vet's last night. They were the targets and our boys who were sharing the same wall as them tried their best the blunt the hits but some got through. Of course that doesn't mean that we got off lightly either."
Ichigo kept quiet, he didn't want to ask but he needed to know, "How many did we lose?"
Keith sighed, "About half of our frontline men and some of our archers. So about half of our unit."
"Damn," Ichigo scrub his hand over his face. "I need to get out there this is no time for me to be in bed."
"Yeah I don't think so," Keith said. "Doc says that you need to stay in bed till those wings finish healing and I can see that your normal rate of healing isn't up to snuff. Besides I fear that Doctor more then I fear any tribunal."
"But."
"I'll bring you everything that happens and I report everything I do plus bring ya in when I need ya but come on Ichigo have fate in my abilities." The last part said in mock hurt and Ichigo had to roll his eyes at that.
"Fine but I doing this with protest."
Keith was specious when the teen didn't fight more but ignored it in favor of getting back to chatting with his friend rather than his superior officer. It was rare that they could relax like this just talking about nothing and he knew that these moments wouldn't last. So he took what he could before the war came back.
oOooOooOooOooOooOooOo
In the following months word of the Macaw battle and the small unit of soldiers defending the Cambridge Bridge spread. Ichigo and his men, now combined with the veterans that were there before, were given orders the stay there and guard it until told otherwise. During that time Ichigo had many of civilians come up to offer their help so now he had several scouts that knew the land better as well as those who stayed in the village help take care and fill the open spots in both mess staff and healer's aids.
It also put him back in the forefront of the Sereitiei eyes. In those months he had been targeted by assassins and it was only thanks to him and his new bodyguards that the attacks had failed. These attacks prompted man of his men to take up and form a new of fighting and he had a whole new internal group forming what could be compared to black ops.
As the months turned into a year, word had reached the town and Ichigo that both Grimmjow and Shinji had escaped and were now back with the man army. Ichigo was relieved at that. As more battles over the small area more of the newest recruits were sent towards him but luckily he only got a few compared to the other units and among the latest shipment was Toshiro.
The small dragon had come this time and told Ichigo in no uncertain terms that he was staying. While Ichigo was happy to have to extra firepower in the event that the Shinigami when a shot more lighted arrows at the houses. He rather wished that the little dragon stayed at the castle guarding it from the internal saboteurs.
The only thing that Ichigo was more worried about was that fact that the High King had yet to make an appearance. Until just before Winter had hit full force Ichigo had gotten the news that was one of his nightmares. King Isshin had been near fatally injured. Not on the battle field but in his own tent and not by the High King but by one of his own friends that he had known since they were kids.
Ichigo didn't know how long he stared at the parchment before it slipped to the floor and he fell to his knees. Keith was instantly at his side with his bodyguards covering him as he taken to his own tent. Ichigo wanted to fly to his adoptive father but he knew that he couldn't not without knowing where the King had been hidden to recover. All he could do was send a letter to Kaien who now was in charge of the entire army. Ichigo felt more weight than he ever did before being sent to this new world and in the last few years. It would be awhile before he would get any word about his new father and it would be another two years before he would even get the chance to deal with the one who had hurt his new father.
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Chapter End.
Thank you for reading. There will be a two-year time skip in the next chapter.
