Chapter 1: Restoration

"We talk the talk and walk to the beat

We hurt ourselves and it's clear to see

In the end‚, we would rather be

Anything but lonely"

Anything but Lonely - Fivefold - Open Letter - 2015

With slow and steady steps, a cloaked figure made its way along the trellises and broken mortar. Nimbly hopping down to the cobblestone bridge, they crept to the large, thick reinforced door, pulling it with a noise of effort. Clicking their teeth when they slinked into the darkened, massive hall, they slipped their hand into their pocket, pulling out a letter. The figure reread it before placing it back.

Flickering of the burning torches dimly lit the staircase that wound down into the prisons. The cold stench of death filled their nostrils, causing the cloaked person to swallow back a cough. Dripping condensation fell from the broken bits of the stone ceiling. As the figure approached a cell, they peered in, finding a man shackled to the wall. He was badly beaten and bruised, dried blood crusting the side of his mouth. Long, messy orange hair lay tangled on his shoulders and his face was beaded with perspiration.

The figure let out a soft sigh, pulling a cell door key from a pouch on their hip. Slipping it into the rusty lock, they struggled a bit before the mechanism moved, unlocking the cell. Tiptoeing over the restrained man, they were startled when he moved.

Raising his head, the man's dark amber gaze was menacing. His lips thinned into a snarl as he spoke.

"When I get out of here, I'll kill you all myself."

Pushing back the hood, the figure was revealed to be a woman with braided auburn hair and gentle, kind stormy grey eyes.

"Shh," she soothed. "Be still, now. I'm a healer."

"What? You're not with The Order, are you? Quickly get me free," he rasped, his bravado evaporating at the woman's assurances.

Raising her hands, the healer let the power she'd honed glow from her fingertips and flow in tendrils, surrounding the injured man's body. The magic glimmered as he was healed, and a relieved breath left his lips once his wounds closed.

"What's your name?" The woman asked.

"Ichigo Kurosaki. I'm a mercenary and bounty hunter," he said as she unlocked the metal chaining him to the wall.

Stepping back, her keen gaze looked him over for any other injuries. Satisfied that he appeared unharmed, she beckoned him.

"My name is Orihime Inoue. As I said, I am a healer. I was given a letter in Karakura to search for a man imprisoned in an old fort. Let's get you out of here," Orihime offered a leather glove-clad hand to Ichigo.

"Wait! We can't leave just yet. One of those bastards took away my sword and armor. I know it's a lot to ask, but I need it back." Ichigo said, lifting his hand to halt her.

Biting her bottom lip, the auburn-haired woman considered his words. She dropped her head in a nod.

"Alright," she obliged, still holding out her hand. "Where is it?"

"I'm not sure, but I'm certain the asshole stowed it in one of the guard rooms. Let's head deeper into the prison." Ichigo stood with her assistance, a bit wobbly from being stuck in the position he was in for so long.

Watching him as he stretched his spine and arms, Orihime noticed several scars covering his back. Something broke inside her chest, feeling saddened for him.

"How good are you at keeping to the shadows?" She asked as they crept out of the cell and crouched against the crumbling stone of the tower.

"Better at it in my armor," Ichigo replied while scoping out the dimly lit halls. "Padding, bootless feet make unwanted noise."

"Okay," Orihime nodded. "Stay behind me."

She pulled out a dagger that glinted even in the dull light. Jewels glistened with magic at the hilt and the metal of the small blade was ebony. The man nodded when she pressed an index finger to her lips.

The pair moved along the walls up steep, cracked, short stairs to a room with a man in expensive-looking armor. The helmet hid his features, but the stench of alcohol emanated from his breath as he snored loudly. Orihime skulked over to a wooden chest and pulled out a lock pick.

Ichigo padded over to the snoring guard and wrapped his arm around him in a chokehold. The guard struggled as he woke up, flailing his limbs before Ichigo's strength subdued him.

"There you go," Ichigo said in the other man's ear. "Go to sleep. Consider yourself lucky that I didn't end your life."

Tinkering with the lock, Orihime let out a sigh of relief when the mechanism fell away. She stood when she pried the lid open, using a finger to beckon Ichigo over.

"Is this all of it?" She asked as she peeked in the chest.

Stepping over to her without a sound, Orihime jumped when Ichigo replied beside her ear.

"Yeah," he nodded. "That's everything."

"Goodness!" She whisper-shouted. "I thought you weren't very stealthy without your gear!"

Grabbing his armor, Ichigo quickly began equipping it piece by piece, buckling the thick metal and clamping it into place.

"It all depends on how a person I'm sneaking up to trusts me. Odd that you didn't flinch or notice me at all." Ichigo grinned crookedly down at her.

Orihime blushed, trying to hide it as she tugged her hood over her head. He noticed regardless and his grin grew.

He pulled his nodachi from its sheath, examining it before sliding it back in and placing it on his back. Fastening his gauntlets he nodded to Orihime.

The two climbed the winding stairs and left the prison.

"So," Ichigo started as they reached the main cobblestone road. "I've got a proposition for you."

Orihime turned to look at him curiously. "Which is?"

Appearing slightly flustered, he rubbed his gauntleted hand on the back of his neck shyly.

"Look," he said, clearing his throat. "I'm not good at this, but I wanted to offer my protection. I feel that I owe you. So, if you'd have me, I'd like to repay you for your kindness."

She smiled softly at him. "That's a very generous offer, but don't feel obligated to travel with me. I have been doing this on my own for years."

Quickly amending upon seeing him begin to look dejected. "I'd enjoy the company, though."

"I've got your back," Ichigo smiled in return.

"Good," Orihime grinned. She raised her hand to gesture westwards. "We need to head out to West Rukongai. I have a contact to meet up with. It's a dodgy hold, but I'm known there. There should be little to no trouble."

"Oh?" Ichigo quirked an eyebrow. "Who is your contact? That place is notorious for thieves and pickpockets."

"You'll see," she grinned as they began down a hill. "I mean no offense, but I'd rather keep their identity hidden."


It took nearly an entire day to reach the hold, but Orihime enjoyed the journey. They were surrounded by wildlife. Forest animals ran through the thick trees. The cobblestone road got more chipped and broken as they went.

The scenery began to change as they approached the smaller hold. The greens of the leaves were now an orangey yellow. The bark of the trees had become light as birch. The foliage was scattered about instead of the previously forested area. Wildlife was teamed with smaller animals, like foxes and rabbits. In the distance, Orihime and Ichigo could hear wolves howling.

Walking up to the gates of the town which was protected by a few guards and tall stone walls, Orihime nodded to the guard.

A larger guard stopped their entry by branding his halberd. "Stop. Before you enter, you must pay the visitor's tax."

"Oi!" Ichigo said roughly. "That's ridiculous. Why the hell should we hand over coins to get in?"

The helmed guard turned his attention to the mercenary. "For the privilege of entering the city. What does it matter to you?"

Before a fight could occur, Orihime pushed back her cloak hood, revealing her features. Two well-armed guards at the gate were clearly shocked and knelt before her. The large one stayed in place, glaring at Ichigo.

"You idiot!" One of the men shouted. "This woman is the sister of the leader of the Midnight Mockingbirds. Show some respect!"

Backing down from his challenger, the large man joined his comrades in a respectful kneel.

"Please," Orihime spoke softly. "Rise. Allow my companion and my entry. I promise not to tell my brother about this incident."

"Are you kidding?" Ichigo said incredulously.

Orihime's gray gaze fell on the mercenary. "Clearly, this man was unaware of who I am. I suspect he is new. There is no need for violence."

One of the men stood to open the large wooden door, dipping his head as Orihime and Ichigo stepped past the threshold.

A strong scent of salt water filled Ichigo's nostrils as they made their way around the rundown buildings built into the dock-like pathways. To the left stood several shops and a few room and board houses. A small, sturdy-looking wooden bridge led from the residential side to the tavern in the center of the port town. Below, tenement houses were fashioned into dirty stone and mortar walls, with more boarded dock ways and creaky stairs leading up and down. The lower circle was surrounded by water, looking murky and dark from sewage filtering out of the pipes in the walls.

Sounds of people arguing, hawking wares, and drunken rabble grew louder as the twosome made their way into the tavern. The pub was lively. Music and laughter mixed with the smell of sweat and mead. Ichigo let his gaze survey the bar, keeping close to Orihime.

"Oi, Sparrow!" A loud, slightly inebriated, male voice called, waving at his companion. "Long time no see!"

Ichigo glanced at the man calling out. He was tall and on the slim side. His hair was spiky and his face was marked with tattoos. The lout was grinning from ear to ear when Orihime smiled at him and began making her way over to the man's booth.

"Hello, Raven. It has been a while, hasn't it? May we join you?" Orihime greeted him sweetly.

"We?" The man referred to as Raven looked over at Ichigo. His gaze was searching as if he was trying to suss out what kind of man was accompanying Orihime. "You got yourself a protector, little Sparrow? You know you could just ask any of us for help, yeah?"

Gesturing to Ichigo, Orihime slid into the opposite seat from her friend. When Ichigo chose to keep standing, she looked at him and shook her head with a smile, then patted the space next to her. Still a bit on guard, Ichigo nodded to her and slid into the offered spot beside her.

Once Ichigo was seated, Orihime replied to her friend. "I do know that and thank you for again offering help. This situation is different. He is my companion."

Ichigo and Raven sized each other up until Orihime spoke.

"Is Falcon back from his most recent job? I'd like to speak with him as soon as he is able."

"Yeah," Raven nodded and turned his attention back to Orihime. "Should be down in the Gulch as we speak. He's just returned from a fishing expedition and has been very jolly since. You might even catch him being more generous."

Orihime giggled at that, while Ichigo tried to not appear confused.

"Thanks, Raven. I'll get down to the Gulch now. It was good catching up with you!"

"Yeah!" Raven smiled crookedly at her as she and Ichigo stood.

The mercenary had one hand on the tavern door when the other man shouted over the din of the crowd. "You keep Lil' Sparrow safe, or they'll never find your body. Understand."

Tempted to flip the man off, Ichigo just barely stopped himself from rolling his eyes. He raised his free hand to wave at Raven before pushing the thick wooden door open.

As the twosome proceeded to amble towards a set of wooden stairs leading down to the first circle, Orihime's companion looked at her.

"So what is this Gulch and who was that?"

Taking a moment to glance up at the mercenary, Orihime smiled wistfully. "A lieutenant of my brother's. Don't mind him. Everyone in the organization tends to be over-protective of me. He's a good man. Best coin purse snatcher in the area."

"And the Gulch?" he asked as they made their way across a short bridge to a shady-looking entrance that led underground.

"It's the organization's version of a tavern. You'll see."

Orihime unlatched the metal gate and opened the reinforced steel door with large rivets with a noise of effort.

"Is this dangerous?" Ichigo said. "Should I be on my guard?"

The healer raised a finger to her lips to hush him.

"Yes," she whispered. "If you don't know how to get there, you may happen across a drunken beggar ready to fight you for your last gold coin. You could step in a beartrap or you could open a door that is boobytrapped and send poison darts at us. Just follow my lead."

The mercenary nodded silently and crept alongside his companion. The stench of the sewers grew worse as they went deeper into the tunnel system. Multiple times Orihime had to stop him from triggering a trap. Each time he felt annoyed with himself. He had boasted earlier that he was good at these things, and yet, she was preventing him from getting them killed.

Finally, the pair made it to the final door. After opening it and gesturing for him to follow, Ichigo took note of the dank cistern. A stone path led over the waterway to the bar area. Loud laughter erupted from the center where a group of leather-armored people we haunched over.

When the two approached, the crowd parted to reveal a tall, well-muscled man with long, crimson-red hair. His face was covered in jagged tattoos, that continued down the sides of his throat from his forehead. He had vivid golden eyes and a sharp jawline. His hair was bound in a purple cloth that was braided into deep red strands.

The man, who Ichigo guessed was the leader of the rough-looking group, stood after noticing Orihime and he step into the parted circle.

"Well, well, well!" The man smiled widely, revealing surprisingly well-kept teeth. "Has my little Sparrow come to rest with her mates, or has she come to visit her fiendishly handsome big brother?"

"Falcon!" Orihime cheered as she ran to him and hugged him fiercely. Falcon stood and swung her about in the embrace.

Falcon eased Orihime back to the ground, still smiling happily. "You've been well, I hope?"

"Yes," the healer giggled. "I have missed you a great deal! It's been too long."

"Yeah, definitely has." Falcon's eyes turned to Ichigo. "Who's this, then?"

"Oh! How silly of me!" Orihime was quick to make introductions. In a way, it seemed to prevent a fight from brewing. "Falcon, this is my companion, Ichigo. I recently was sent to rescue him from the abandoned prison northeast of West Rukongai."

Studying him for what felt like an hour, Falcon finally stepped over to the mercenary and offered him a hand.

"Good to meet you, Ichigo. Been watching over my sister well, it would seem. Not one scratch on her." He squeezed Ichigo's hand tightly and there was a protective threat in the tone of his voice along with his gaze.

Not one to back down, Ichigo returned the handshake with applied pressure. "Nice to meet you as well. It was an unremarkable journey. Little than a wolf or two on our way here."

Watching his sister's companion for a few more uncomfortable minutes, Falcon finally let the man's hand go and turned back to Orihime.

"So!" The man said jovially, gesturing to the wooden chairs at his table. "What brings you down to the Gulch, Lil' Sparrow?"

"I have a letter for you from Starling. She said she requests an audience with you this Full Moon," Orihime explained.

A shadow passed over Falcon's face quickly, and Ichigo was certain only Orihime and he had noticed.

A grin that appeared on his face was too wide and too tight to appear natural. Orihime's kind gaze sharpened on it, frowning a little.

"Well then, how kind of her," Falcon said smoothly, but there was a sad lilt to his voice. "I should manage to make my way there a week beforehand. Several shopkeepers to talk with and businessmen to greet."

"Brother," Orihime said softly. "Would you like me to take your response to her? It's on our way to Karakura."

Falcon's expression melted into a warm, brotherly smile. "You need not do that, Orihime."

Frowning at her brother, the healer stepped up to the man that dwarfed her by sheer size. "I'd better or she may never receive your reply. I had to deal with that a fortnight ago and I would rather not again."

Her brother sighed resignedly and dropped his head in defeat. "She shouldn't have done that."

"What did you expect?" Orihime's voice rose a bit as she spoke with incredulity. "You missed the last promised meeting because you were on 'a job' and I was left to clean up your mess and calm the poor woman down! You needn't be so callous or careless with her."

"I'm-" Falcon started to argue, raising his voice as well. Seeing his sister's well-placed ire, he backed down from the oncoming argument. He let out a sigh. "You're right, you're right. I'll read over the letter and write a reply in the morning."

Orihime let out a breath and smiled encouragingly at him. "Thank you. I know this is hard, Renji, but Rukia misses you. The fact that I see her more often than you speaks volumes without words. Whether or not you find yourself good enough for her shouldn't be solely your decision. She has the right to have a say in it as well."

"Yeah, can't argue with you there," Renji said, giving Orihime a small smile. "In fact, I've learned to not argue with you at all."

Orihime smiled brightly at her brother and patted his shoulder. "Good!"

"Your room is ready. I had Lark make it up in case you would drop by." Renji gestured to the lit hallway behind him. "Should still be clean and warm. Sent her to feed the fireplace as well. Stay as long as you'd like."

"That sounds lovely!" Orihime chirped, clapping her hands together. "I need to get a bath and we need a good night's sleep. I haven't had much shut-eye on the journey."

When Orihime stood to walk back to her quarters, Ichigo went to follow suit before a large hand clamped down on his left shoulder. He turned to be face to face with his brother, whose eyes were as sharp as the grin he wore.

"I'm sure my sister can take care of herself for now," Renji's eyes glinted with a well-placed threat. "You'll be staying in the bunkroom with the other men."

"Falcon," Ichigo held back an irritated sigh. "I'm her protector. I will stay in the bunks with your men if that's what she requests. This is up to her. I know you don't know me or my story, so I understand your threats. I would do the same for my sisters. I assure you that this is entirely business. That I am an honorable man."

"Says the bounty hunter and mercenary," Renji snarked. "I'll be generous and allow that. Just don't be making my kindness a mistake."

"Good to know the leader of The Midnight Mockingbirds has a heart of gold," Ichigo grinned slyly. His grin grew when he saw the other man bristle.

"Don't you have a bounty to collect?" Renji mocked.

"Don't you have a letter to write?" Ichigo jeered.

"Hey!" Orihime called from where she'd peeked out from her door. "Be kind to each other or I'll send Wren after you both!"

Ichigo looked confused but shut his mouth when he saw Renji go stock-still at his sister's threat.

"Yes, Sparrow," Renji sighed. "I don't need Wren in here tearing me a new one."


Orihime took her time in the bath. Lark had added peony and sweet pea petal oils to the water along with salts to help soothe her cramping muscles. Once she had washed off, she pulled on a sheer robe and took a seat at her vanity to brush the tangles from her wet hair. After her long, silky auburn hair had dried, she changed into her sleepwear and slipped the robe over her night dress. She slid on her slippers and stepped over to the door. When she opened it, she was surprised to see Ichigo standing there with his hand raised to knock.

"Uh," Ichigo's cheeks warmed at seeing her in the state of clothes, her unbound hair falling free in waves down her slender back, and smelling of sweet spring flowers. "I- uh, was just coming to check on you."

"Oh?" Orihime asked, completely unbothered by his presence. "I didn't drown in the bath, so no need to worry."

Her joke made any lingering embarrassment leave his body.

"Good to hear," Ichigo laughed. His expression became more serious. "Did you want me to stay in the bunkroom?"

"Huh? Oh!" She blinked at him before responding. "Let me guess… my big brother told you to sleep there instead of being my guard."

"Kinda what you broke up before, yeah." Ichigo chuckled. His smile was so warm and at ease that it made her blush.

"Honestly? I'm safe here. You though? You might need to sleep with one eye open," She smiled back.

"So," Ichigo said slowly. "Should I be the one protected by you?"

Laughing, Orihime gestured for him to enter her room. "I think it would be best, yes."

Ichigo grinned and stepped into the bedroom. He looked about and was taken aback by how cozy and clean the room was. It smelled like flowers and stone fruit. A small fireplace was built into the wall and the light from it made the bedroom even nicer. It had been months since he had had a decent night's sleep on a comfortable bed. It had been even longer since he had more to eat than moldy bread and stale rainwater.

"Do you need anything to eat or drink?" Orihime asked as he walked further in, closing the door.

"Nah," Ichigo grinned lopsidedly at her. "Your brother was kind enough to give me a few ales and a bowl of stewed mutton. Best meal I've had in ages."

"Well," she smiled, sweeping her arm about the room. "There's a cot in the corner. I have clothes for you to change into. You can do that behind the dressing screen."

Ichigo to the folded clothing from Orihime and smiled gratefully at her. He stepped behind the screen and began to remove his armor.

"Are you sure you don't need me to stand guard?" He called as he pulled a soft, dark blue cotton tunic over his head.

"No!" She called back. "This is probably the one place I'm safest at."

"Well, I appreciate the night's rest," Ichigo said as he pulled up the black cotton pants. He stepped out from behind the screen after placing his weapons and armor on a bench.

Orihime's mouth dropped open as she looked at him. Though still baring a few smudges of dirt on his face, her breath caught seeing him looking so relaxed. The night clothes fit him well, clinging where his muscles were biggest and tapering at his narrow waist. She nearly berated herself silently when she realized she'd watched him too long for it to be called a casual glance.

Ichigo yawned and padded over to the cot. It was cushioned with animal furs and a wool blanket.

Blaming her staring on the lack of sleep, Orihime pulled back the blankets of her bed and settled in after she'd pulled the thick fabric up over her. She turned to face away from her companion, who slipped under his blankets.

"Ready?" Orihime asked as she sat up to blow out the candle on the bedside table.

"Yeah," Ichigo replied in a voice heavy with sleep.

She watched him as he cocooned himself in his blankets and held back a giggle. With a quick exhale, she blew out the candle.

"Good night, Ichigo," Orihime whispered, seeing that her companion had already fallen asleep.

Orihime knew as her eyelids grew heavy, that she was about to fall asleep with a goofy smile on her face, but she couldn't bring herself to care.