Disclaimer: Tite Kubo owns Bleach.
Chapter 12: A face behind the Mask
" Is it because the transfer was done forcefully? Is that the reason why the holy powers doesn't seem to be recovering at all? " The grand priestess asks her visitors, looking at her right hand waiting for something to happen but knows nothing will. Her hand quivers restlessly and she steadies it with her other hand.
Bishop Urahara, together with Kurosaki Isshin, pays her a sudden visit in the shrine day after their meeting inside the head bishop's office. They are currently in an adjacent resting area in the shrine and Abarai Renji stands on one side and listens to the conversation silently after tea has been served.
Urahara regards the dark-haired woman carefully, quietly analyzing all the information he has gathered thus far. They've already known of this fact since their first meeting in the village after her unexpected arrival which greatly surprised them and he has already taken the time and effort to investigate any possible explanation. " I cannot say anything for certain regarding that. We did not really anticipate this problem when we were doing that project and the fact that it took nearly a year for the fusion of the holy powers to your body stabilize, we can just consider it as a probable cause then. The process was artificial in the first place so there is no certain explanation on any other resulting factor. My data regarding the nature of a grand priestess' holy powers were limited to the Temple archives so many other things were not taken into account during the process." He admits and glances quickly at Isshin who nods his head in agreement at his words. "I was hoping that you would gradually recover it in the last few months even if slowly but that did not seem to be the case at all. The only problem at the moment is that you're no more than an average person with minimal amount of holy powers. You'll need more protection than before. We'll have to speak with Yuroichi-san and the head bishop to increase the security for you and for the shrine at least." He then looks towards the red-head knight leaning on the wall by the doorway whose expression seems to be showing agreement to his suggestion.
" It's no use!" The grand priestess tells them in a sudden outburst—surprising the people inside the room. Realizing this, she takes a deep breath and then changes her words. " There's no need for that. Focus more on protecting the goddess bloodline. I can be replaced as a grand priestess but not the Kurosaki siblings. They must be protected at all cost."
Renji obviously disliked her words as his eyebrows knit together and his jaws tense momentarily. He emits tension inside the room but one look at the grand priestess face and he eases himself in a manner of surrender. " I'll guard from outside." He murmurs and leaves the room, shutting the door behind them with more force than necessary.
Kurosaki Isshin also seem affected by the gravity of her words. " I wish you won't say those words again." He tells her affectionately. " I understand that you put your responsibility as grand priestess above everything else at the moment but you're also hurting people who cares for you by saying those words."
" I'm not only saying this as grand priestess but also as Rukia who owes your family a lot."
" I think we owe you more than you know, grand priestess." Kurosaki Isshin corrected. " The Kurosaki family would have never been formed if not…if not for the cost of your freedom and life."
The grand priestess suddenly stand up from the chair she is occupying as she looks away from Kurosaki Isshin. " A life for a life. " She murmurs to herself almost begrudgingly. " If you only think of that debt then you can already erase that now. You owe me nothing more so feel free to hate me for burdening you and your family." Then she turns her back at them. " Make sure to protect the Kurosaki siblings and with haste. Do whatever it takes to protect them." She says with finality while still refusing to look back at them. " I'll take my leave now. Please see yourselves out when you're ready." And then she leaves the room.
-000-
The tanned woman knits her brows together as she makes a sudden turn around on the dusty earth, kneels on one knee, and quickly manoeuvres an upward slash with her sword, completely parrying the rushing teen's upfront attack and disarming him and making him lose balance.
Ichigo suddenly finds himself sitting on the ground with his weapon sent flying a meter away from him and facing the sharp tip of the sword pointed at him, Shihoin Yuroichi looking down at him with a displeased look as she stands tall in front of him. " I think you're tired, Ichigo. You've been doing a lot of unnecessary mistakes." She berates him before moving her sword away and offering him a hand.
" I've been having a bad feeling." Ichigo tells Yuroichi as he accepts her hand and lets her pull him up from the dirty ground. The sun is already setting in the west and they should be ending their training by now.
" Is that the reason why you've been so out of touch since the beginning?" The tanned mentor gives him a sly smile. " You didn't even notice the grand priestess watching you." She then nudges her chin towards the side.
The Kurosaki male immediately whisks his head and finds the petite midget standing alone a short distance from them. " Rukia!" He immediately exclaims before approaching the said woman in a half-sprint. " What's wrong? You've never come here before." He tells him.
" She didn't need to when she just watch us from Kyoraku's office." Yuroichi told them as she points out at the window facing where they stood. " Every. Single. Day."
" That—!" The grand priestess blushes and is about to let out an objection before stopping herself and huffs. " That doesn't matter anymore. We're running out of time."
Ichigo can see the worry in her face clearly. It dawned to him that this is the first time that he sees her pretty face in the sunlight since coming to the temple. Thus, his perpetual scowl deepens. " What do you mean by that?"
The grand priestess ignores his question and turns to the other woman. " Yuroichi-dono, I want you to go to the Kurosaki house personally and make sure that everything else is alright in there. Bring some more knights with you to station in there and increase security."
The order forces the tanned woman to stand up straighter, the playful look fading immediately on her face. " I did hear from Kisuke and Isshin about that and I've made my knights ready for departure anytime. We're just waiting for the head bishop's approval that was given today. We will leave tomorrow at daybreak."
" No. I want you and your knights to leave at once." The grand priestess commands firmly. " We'll never know when the dark shadow will decide to attack the goddess bloodline directly. At the moment, Inoue and Ishida are there as well as a platoon of Templar knights but that is not sufficient."
The obvious worry in the grand priestess' face compels Shihoin Yuroichi to utter an affirmation without further question, " Understood."
" Can I come with you, Yuroichi-san?" Ichigo chimes. " I'd want to see my sisters as well and make sure that they're alright." He then turns to the grand priestess. " I'll be back the day after tomorrow. Is it alright if you tell dad for me? I haven't seen him all day today and I don't know where he is."
Rukia nods at this. " He's still probably with Bishop Urahara checking on the archives in the relics of the old Central Temple. I'll tell him when he returns tonight."
" I'll take our leave first then. I need to round up the knights." The Captain of the Templar knights says as she then instructs Ichigo to meet them by the Central Temple's main gates in an hour to depart before disappearing from their view through the exit.
A sudden silence ensues them as they are left by themselves. It is awkward but not uncomfortable for Ichigo but he decides to break the silence when he notices something off. " So, how come that you're alone? Where's Renji?"
The grand priestess jolts at the question as though feeling guilty. " He told me he had some private matters to settle." She answers him but does not meet his eyes.
" Where are your other guards then?" He probes.
" I've got an escort outside the training grounds. The other Templar knights are preparing for the bishops visit to the Shrine of Moon and Sun outside the temple tomorrow morning with me." Rukia sighs and then stares at him, her eyes shining like jewels against the setting sun. "No Ichigo. I can't cancel tomorrow's Shrine visit. It's been tradition and I cannot break the Templar Laws just because it is dangerous." She tells him before he even manages to say anything to her. Seeing his disappointed face, this confirms his train of thoughts. " And don't worry, I've got a battalion of Templar knights accompanying me. I've done this trip many times and nothing happened. You really don't have to worry about me. There are much more important matters to be concerned with than my safe—" She stops herself from speaking when she notices how expression changes to that of displeasure. " –I appreciate your concern for me Ichigo. But more than myself, you and your sisters' safety are my top priority."
" I can take care of myself. And I'll make sure Karin and Yuzu are safe as well." The Kurosaki male tells her, unable to refute her words. " I'll see you when I come back. Be sure to tell my dad for me." He turns around and takes a step towards the exit when Rukia grabs his hand. Her small and soft hand feels cold against his rough calloused hand. Ichigo turns his face and looks at the woman expectantly but his face then contours into worry once he sees her pained expression, looking at his hand.
" I meant what I said Ichigo." Rukia squeezes his hand tighter. " And I'm not saying this as grand priestess towards the bearers of the goddess bloodline but as Kuchiki Rukia to you, Kurosaki Ichigo." Her hold on his hand lingers a bit longer before she decides to let it go but she gasps when this time, he grasps the hand she is pulling away. She then meets his amber eyes and sees him wearing a gentle look on his face and a bright smile despite. " I-ichigo?"
" Midget, why do you play with my heart as you please?" He asks her, feeling the sensation of her skin against his. The absolute shock in the grand priestess' face at his words brings him a ticklish feeling in his gut but rather than uncomfortable, he finds it pleasing. Ichigo decides to quickly look around and when he confirms that no one is around, he captures her eyes with his own gaze once more, cupping her cheek in the process. And before she could react to his actions he quickly presses his lips on her free cheek. It lasts no longer than a second and he stares at her flustered face for a moment which is having difficulty trying to process what has transpired. " I'll settle with only this much for the meantime, midget." He tells her before he brushes his thumb across her lips. Then he steps back and leaves with light steps but does not completely exit the training grounds until he gives a final glance at the lone figure of the woman whose face is tinted red against the reddish sunset as she holds the cheek he kissed. This brings his lips to smile even bigger as he finally exits the training grounds.
-000-
" Inoue-san, would you like some tea?" Yuzu asks their temporary care taker as she offers her a cup of the steaming hot beverage.
It has been a while since the Inoue Orihime and Ishida Uryuu has come in their house with their father who tells the Kurosaki twins that the two will be their temporary guardian while he and their brother stays in the Central Temple for an uncertain period of time. Along with Inoue-san and Ishida-san, nearly ten Templar knights have also been stationed in their house, telling them that it is for safety reasons while the two older Kurosakis are absent. Yuzu remembers her twin looking at their father suspiciously and concludes him that he or their brother must have done something against the Central Temple and they may have been put in house arrest instead.
But the theory is proven wrong as they are given freedom to roam but are escorted by Templar knights. This freaks out their neighbours as well as them but they get used to it as time went by. However, the Kurosaki twins are never given an answer. They understand their brother's reason and has been rooting for him but they still don't understand up to this day why their father has had to stay with the temple as well. Isshin has promised to explain to them the situation in the future once their brother's return and so the two girls waits patiently for that.
As their father is away, it is Inoue Orihime and Ishida Uryuu who have taken over the job of physicians in the village saying that it is one of the reasons why they have been chosen to be their guardians in the first place. Yuzu accepts this easily and helps them out in the clinic along with Karin who remains sceptical with the whole situation. The two would give them general answers as about the Central Temple but if they prod about their father or brother or even the grand priestess, the two and the Templar knights stationed with them will only deviate the topic.
" Thank you, Yuzu-chan." Orihime happily accepts the offered tea cup and smiles at her before blowing on the tea to cool off before taking a satisfied sip.
The chestnut haired Kurosaki girl then proceeds to offer the same beverage to the dark-haired male sitting next to the bubbly temple healer. " I've finally find it much easier to clean the stains off the towels and sheets in the clinic because of your advices, Ishida-san." Yuzu comments as she finishes serving the people inside their living room and taking the empty spot in the couch where her twin sister is sitting quietly. " It's a blessing that even without dad here, the village folks can still be taken cared off."
" Well, the house is much quitter without the old man." Karin remarks as she silently gives their house a once over with her eyes. Then her eyes stops on the two people sitting across them. It's been a month since she's started interacting with the people from the temple and mainly with this two when helping out in the clinic and gets a lot of chance to observe them. Their treatment method is nearly similar to that of her father aside from the fact that they use their holy powers more often than him. Apart from the absence of their father and brother, not much of their lives has changes. Except for the fact that Yuzu's domestic responsibilities has diminished drastically due to the two's smooth handling of household chores. To Karin, it feels like the four of them are merely playing house. " I've been meaning to ask." She says to gain their attention which is successful as the two immediately turn their eyes towards her. " Are you two a couple?" She put it in a very straight forward manner without any reservation. " I mean, I don't think it's coincidence that you two are always together."
The three other people in the room are shock stricken by her sudden statements especially the two in question who slowly and slowly develop redness in their faces as they awkwardly flail their eyes and faces about.
" T-that—!" It is Ishida who tries every hard to control his facial expression and voice and clears his throat several times. " That is…" He trails off and opts in drinking his still steaming tea.
Inoue Orihime on the other hand fidgets endlessly as her eyes continuously steals glances towards the male beside her.
Karin smirks at their reaction and thinks to herself. 'I've missed this feeling since Ichi-nii has gone and I can't tease anyone anymore.' She turns towards her sister who wears an awestruck look on her face as though it's the first time she's realized this. " Well, I'm quite sure everyone in the temple is allowed to marry anyways." She hammers one more nail in their already chaotic expression to add some more amusement.
However, the awkward atmosphere inside the living room suddenly dispels when the outside erupts into muffled chaotic noises that can be easily recognized—sounds of metals clashing and screams of agony. This alerts the four of them and their carefree attitude turns into one of vigilance as all their eyes turn to the front door. It does not take long until the noise settles down and complete silence befalls them.
" Karin-chan." Yuzu whispers with a shaky voice towards her sister as she hugs Karin's arms and squeezes it tightly.
The dark-haired Kurosaki can feel her sister shaking with fear. She is feeling the same way but musters the courage to put a brave face and hugs Yuzu. " Don't worry. We'll be fine." She tells her sister with a strained smile.
" What's going on?" Ishida Uryuu immediately stands up, his intentions obvious. He looks at the Kurosaki twins then to Inoue Orihime. " Take the girls and hide in the treatment room. Don't come out until I come fetch three of you myself."
Inoue Orihime gives the Kurosaki twins a reassuring smile and nods at them. The three then slowly makes way towards the Treatment room and locks the door as per instruction. Yuzu and Karin occupies the sick bed while Inoue Orihime places herself in between the bed and the door protectively.
Meanwhile, Ishida walks towards the door and sees it bolted lock then slowly and cautiously approaching it while trying to listen for any other noises outside but hears nothing. He looks back to see that the three are safely inside the treatment room and is planning to check outside situation through the window when the bolted door is rammed open.
" Y-you!" The sight of a tall dark figure clad in cloak as dark as the night and mask as pale as the moon startles Ishida Uryuu. He is frozen in an instant but manages to let his eyes study him. The dark sword he holds still dripping with blood and behind him lies the Templar knights that are supposed to protect them. It is the first time he sees this creature but he recognizes him without a doubt. The name escapes his lips almost involuntarily. " D-dark shadow."
-000-
When they entered the village, it is dark and very quiet which they find unusual as it is not that late into the yet. Usually, the village pub will be bright and noisy and the houses and the road will be lit. With the amount of noise that their cavalry of horse riders are making, some of the villagers would have gone out of their houses to check by now. Yet, it remains quiet as though the village has turned into deep slumber. Above them, dark clouds loom about slowly creeping into the earlier clear night sky.
A bad omen waves into Ichigo and Yuroichi and they decided to increase the pace of their horse travel. " We're nearly there." Yuroichi, who is riding ahead of her team comments as they turn the last corner leading towards the road to the Kurosaki house.
The galloping of horses stops right in front of the Kurosaki household and the team immediately dismounts. They then notice that the house is dark and quiet.
" Something's not right." Ichigo observes and is about to take a step to approach his house when he is stopped by his mentor.
" Look." She tells him in a hushed voice as she points down towards the pathways leading to his house.
Ichigo follows the direction with his eyes and its him a minute to adjust his vision in darkness and manage to make out the figures lying in his house. His heart leaps at the ghastly sight of the Templar knights incapacitated in front of his own home—the very ones that were supposed to protect his sisters. " Yuz—" His shout is stopped by Yuroichi who clamps his mouth with her hand.
" Idiot!" She hisses at him. " Don't alert the enemy!"
The Kurosaki male wriggles from Yuroichi's hold successfully, knocking her a step backwards in the process as he hurries towards his house. He can hear the tanned woman swearing incoherently behind him but he ignores it and storms in. " Zangetsu!" He calls out his sword which appears in his hand the next moment.
Ichigo enters the house and surveys it in total darkness. This time he, moves cautiously, taking slow steps to go deeper inside. As he manoeuvres his way in to the foyer, he feels his foot touch something and hears a pained groan. He looks down and sees an outline of a man lying flat on the floor. Ichigo kneels on one knee and speaks to the man. " Oi! Are you alive? Do you know where my sisters are?"
" T-treatment room." The man answers with much difficulty. Ichigo manages to put a face in the voice despite the darkness. He recognizes it as Ishida Uryuu's, the member of the Templar Healers he's met a few times in temple before the guy's been sent here to look over his sisters. " H-hurry." Then he becomes silent.
Ichigo pauses for a moment and hears the man still breathing before concluding that he merely passed out. He lets out a relieve sigh for a moment. " I'll come back and help you after I secure my sisters." He steels himself and grips his sword tighter before heading towards the treatment room. He notices a sliver of light coming from the inside as the door is slightly ajar. He takes a peek in the gap and sees Karin being held up by the collar with one hand by someone. Throwing all caution in the wind, Ichigo kicks the door open and storms in. " Karin!"
The perpetrator looks at the newly arrived bright haired male inside the room and throws the dark-haired girl unto the bed before turning to meet his foe.
Ichigo watches as his sister lands on the mattress of the sick bed and notices his other sister lying on the floor beside it. " You!" The Kurosaki male lets out a war cry as he flies towards opponent, his sword in a thrusting position. The guy easily deflects the attack with one swing before leaping over the other side of the bed where there is more space to move around. Ichigo is also relieved with his foe's action as he moved away from where Yuzu's body laid and also notices Inoue Orihime's lying form which is obstructed by his built earlier on. The bright haired teen notices the subtle breathing of the people in the room. His sisters are alive at least. And this brings him great relief as he finally focuses on his opponent.
Kurosaki Ichigo finally takes in the form of the man across him—his black cloak and familiar white mask. " Dark shadow!" He says the name with much disgust and glares at him. He takes the offensive as he proceeds with another downward swing with his sword, this time much more powerful as his opponent no longer holds his sister captive. He can feel the familiar electric impulse coming from his heart traveling downwards to his sword. His first attack is parried by his opponent but his subsequent sword swings prove effective as the pressure of his sword forces his foe to have his back against the wall. "Hyah!" Ichigo cries as he leaps to gain momentum and swings down towards his opponent. The impact of the attack is so great that wall behind dark shadow crumbles and the villain is sent flying outside along with the rubble.
" Ichigo!" Yuroichi enters the room and sees that very moment. Behind her are the knights they have traveled with, everyone on alert as they stare into the big hole by the wall and outside where the rubble of the walls ended along with their nemesis.
The dark clouds from earlier completely enveloped the night sky, shrouding the land in complete darkness. Loud thunders bellows from the distance, slowly approaching.
Dark shadow emerge from the rubble with little difficulty however his gears are damaged. The stark darkness of the night is evident, making it difficult to identify the person behind the mask. Dark shadow stands still in the middle of the rubble unmoving. With bated breaths, everyone strained their sight towards the dark silhouette. Then lightning draw bright lights across the black sky one after the other without rest, giving them a chance to see the person standing in front of them.
His fiery red long hair tied in ponytail flows out of the hood of the cloak as his mask now halved and reveals a sharp red eye staring at them fearlessly, a satisfied smirk on his face.
The revelation of his identity shocks everyone in the room conscious with no exemptions, collective gasps escaping their lips.
" T-that can't be!" It is Yuroichi Shihoin who murmurs this underneath her breath in disbelief.
" R-renji?!" Ichigo yells out his identity with utter disbelief, his resolve wavering.
" You are indeed the bearer of the goddess bloodline, Kurosaki Ichigo. But be sure to prove your worth through your strength and kill me the next time we meet or you won't be able to protect those precious to you." His voice drowns along with the sudden heavy downpour of the rain. He tells them maliciously before he turns around and disappears into the night with the rain covering his tracks.
A/N: Take care and God bless!