Look in my eyes. Tell me what you see. Do you see perfection in me? To you, do I look complete? Now take one more look, pass my celebrity. That's where you'll find the real me. To you, do I still look complete?

Counting the Days

Chapter III

Imperfect Circumstances

"A meeting between two beings who complete one another, who are made for each other, borders already, in my opinion, on a miracle"

-Adolf Hitler

"A star shone at the hour of our meeting."

- J.R.R. Tolkien

11 Years Later. . .

"What's the situation?" the man spoke loudly. He was tall with dark spiky hairy, thick eyebrows, and kind sharp eyes. He is King Kurosaki Isshin of Karakura. He was the most powerful man in the Southern Hemisphere, while the Seireitei Kingdom was the power house in the north. In the west, there was once the Kingdom of Levier, but the Kingdom had fell into the hands of the source of the world's current evil. Hueco Mundo. The Kingdom was once small and conquerable, however their power grew and as their power rose their land grew in comparison. They were now the second largest Kingdom, second to Karakura.

"Your majesty, Hueco Mundo has been colonizing the local cities. They have also taken Kagamino City; this is where our ports and canals were built to export goods. They now have full access to our waterway and it has been confirmed that they are transporting a bulk of crates and other objects using them. There has also been an augment of tension between the North and East. We have reports of citizens from Hueco Mundo stirring up trouble in the West Rukongai. There were many casualties on both sides. There have been rumors of Emperor Yamamoto calling to the aid of his fellow Court Guard Squads. He may consider reestablishing The Gotei Thirteen." The man ended his report. However, even as he finished, he could still feel the overwhelming tension inside the room.

"Is that all?" Isshin asked with hope. He did not want to know anymore grave news today. Being a king sure had its down sides.

"No, your Excellency. I have nothing more to tell you but I must ask, what shall we do with Kagamino City?" The man was engrossed with the idea of his King fighting back against those damned Hollows. They were malevolent humans with no sense of ethics. Nor morals. They had no heart, no soul, so the people who resided there were deemed Hollows. They were void and worthless.

"Leave it. There were none who lived there anyway. Let them have the silly old thing. It bothers me not." Isshin with a wave of his hand dismissing the whole matter altogether. Although the man was a little disappointed he knew the King was right.

"Ah, yes! I almost forgot! The Prince has returned from Seireitei. He awaits your audience in the Congress Hall." He bowed and left the King. The King's body shook with immeasurable emotion. The gears and cranks in his mind began to grind against one another as he thought of the danger that lay ahead. What he was about to do was indisputably perilous, he was unsure if he would make it back unscathed. Even alive. This mission was for him and him alone. This would be a great triumph for the King however, his story would be told everywhere, and he would be honored for his bravery. Isshin nodded his head in determination as he exited the room with a malicious smile on his face. An evil intention was in his mind.

Evil to the opposing side, that is.

The Prince stood in the Congress Hall awaiting his father. The man sure knew how to make a guy wait. Maids were in and out the room serving him tea he would never drink, but he took it anyway to satisfy them.

He poured the cups of tea inside a nearby plant vase, as he wondered where his father could be. He didn't have time to dwell on it more when the room began to shake. It trembled violently for what he thought was a lifetime. The tremble did subside however. He walked to the door, to peer outside the hall when he heard something.

It was something big.

Something dangerous.

Something with an evil intention.

Evil to him anyway.

He turned his body to look out the window. In the distance there was a glint in the horizon. It was heading toward the palace fast, with massive speed. It seemed to be some sort of object. The Prince was almost certain that the object was heading toward the Congress Hall.

No, he was positive.

As the object came into view, it became less of an object and more of a human form. As the form approached the Hall faster he realized what it was.

No, who it was.

The man flying toward the room looked at him with sickening glee. Sickening to him at least. The man had a smile bigger than the size of his head as he called out to the younger man.

"—" The words came flying out! He didn't even get to finish as he crashed into the window with perfect precision heading toward the Prince.

"Damn it." Two simple words flew out of his mouth as the body neared him. His fist slammed into the man's head with horrific strength. The body was smashed into the floor but the force of the crash made him barrel toward the wall with speed.

The man stood up with ease after the impact. He smiled at the Prince with love and annoyance.

"What the hell was that for Ichigo? You could have killed me!" The man yelled at him.

The Prince sighed and walked out the Congress Hall.

The man followed up behind his son, he knew he was not mad at him, just annoyed.

"When you're ready to act like a King instead of an overly obnoxious energetic foolish father, then we may talk." Ichigo walked further away from the glum man. He sighed again, pausing his footsteps. He turned to face his father with open arms.

The King smiled and walked briskly toward those loving arms. He embraced his son in a manly hug. He had not seen his son for what had been months. He was just a happy his son came back home. Ichigo, however, was beginning to be annoyed at the size of his father. He towered over him easily and he was massive.

"Alright, alright. Enough, I am glad to see you as well Father." He pushed his father away, but not before Isshin ruffled his hair affectionately.

"What news do you bring me?" Isshin was serious now. His son was away on diplomatic relations. He wanted to know what had happened between Seireitei and him.

"Seireitei has acceded to our terms, and will be joining us in alliance." Ichigo said with pride. He had worked diligently to come to terms with the kingdom. Having them acknowledge him was no simple task, gaining their trust was even more complicated, being accepted into their little "club" was in itself impossible. But he did it.

"Good. Good. Fine work, how did you get his royal Imperialness to agree?" Isshin added with a snide meaning behind it.

"I have no idea. Also there have been reports of Aizen's goons around the Forest of Deceit. They seem to be looking for something there." Ichigo added.

"Was that not Levier's territory? What could they possibly want there?" Isshin wondered aloud.

"There are ancient rumors of a hidden temple deep within the recesses of the forest. Only the royal family of Levier knew of the location to the site. But, after the death of the Inoues', the secret has been lost. It is only rumors. But perhaps, if Aizen is sniffing around, it may be true. I would like permission to conduct my own investigation." He announced with quiet force.

"You would go even if I told you not to. You have my leave. Do not let your presence be known. If the locals were to catch wind, Aizen would be on you in only seconds. Remember, you are simply investigating. Anything else will compromise your safety. And that is my number one concern. Know above all else your will and strength to confront the dangers, both physical and moral, that beset our Kingdom and your life. Walk within my grace." Isshin's added prayer only proved to strengthen Ichigo's resolve. Ichigo bowed deeply and left without words.

He would have ruined the moment if he did.

Isshin smiled as his son walked away with determination. He seemed older, or maybe he was just getting old.

Were his shoulders always so broad?

Ichigo left the castle within only moments. His horse, Zangetsu, stood ready. Zangetsu was a beautiful mare, with a luscious dark coat. Despite his looks, he was always a fierce horse, allowing only Ichigo to attend to his needs, allowing only Ichigo and his family to sit upon his saddle. He mounted his horse with ease. He kicked the horse, beckoning it into a trot towards the gate.

"Took you long enough. What was keeping you?" A red headed man spoke. Tattoos covered his forehead in distinct patterns, giving him an intense look. Underneath it all, he was a big pushover with a smug, holier than thou attitude, even in the face of defeat and humiliation.

"Lieutenant Abarai. I was hoping you were gone." Ichigo replied none too happily. Abarai Renji was, in more ways than one, practically similar to Ichigo. Ichigo despised it!

"And let you be glorified and honored throughout the lands? Not a chance." he retorted rudely. Renji didn't spare one thought at Ichigo's title. He never practiced the "Honor those in leadership, obey those who rule over you, and be submissive" bit. Ichigo didn't expect him to either. Whether Ichigo liked to admit or not, Renji was an invaluable friend, one he trusted with everything with.

"Moving that aside, let's get a move on Ichigo. We should be able to reach Levier by noon." The woman beside them had finally spoken. Rukia Kuchiki. Her rank was lower than Renji's; however, she could easily take his place. Short, powerful, pious, with beehive shaped black hair. She was beautiful and just as deadly. She was also an invaluable friend, whom he trusted impeccably. He was a bit sweet on her though.

"Alright. You know what we must do, out of sight, out of mind. We keep our presence hidden, and they won't have a clue we're even there. You can do that, right Renji?" He said, not even trying to hide the sarcasm in his voice.

"I'm all about stealth. It's you I'm worried about." Renji said smoothly. He adjusted his headband slightly; he froze, remembering his superstition about it.

If he ever had to adjust the head band, something was going to happen.

He never knew whether it was ill-omened or promising.

Renji could only hope for the latter.

"Pineapple head, we're leaving. Don't stay dawdling for too long or we'll leave you." Ichigo chided him as if he were a child. Renji scoffed at his attitude, but complied. He didn't want to be left behind; whatever form of strength he was sure to gain always left him lacking in the navigational department.

The trio galloped away from the towering castle. Their bodies were but mere forms in the distance, shimmering under the horizon.

Silence.

It was beginning to become unnerving—the silence that is.

"Sir. Permission to speak?"

"Speak."

"The perimeter is secure; no one can enter the forest. Would you like for us to keep an eye on the border?"

"No. Stay here and tend to the camp. I shall do the scouting. I will not be gone long." Sergeant Arruruerie said softly. He was always an awkward man with that mask on. He walked off, leaving the pig-tailed black haired girl behind. Corporal Loly Aivirrne. She was an ambitious woman, fearing nothing but her King. When she was naught but a small child, she and her half sister Menoly Mallia had each lost an eye to a horrendous attack upon their village.

Her left eye was gone, covered in a white patch; it was just the opposite with Menoly, her right eye gone with the same white patch. The changes in their appearances molded the attitudes of those two women today.

Where Loly was brazen and deceitful, Menoly was tactful and slightly trustworthy. Despite the differences in personalities, however, they were both backstabbers, ridding themselves of any opposing obstacles and with staggering go-getter attitudes they dominated the lower ranks with ease. All to be closer to their King. King Sosuke Aizen. He was their reason for being, their life force. They depended on him, and he depended on them. They wanted to be all that they could be for him, so they chose to dominate all others and rise to the top where he was waiting.

Loly felt someone tapping her out of her day dream. She looked to see Menoly smiling at her. Loly frowned. Not at her sister, but at the sounds. From the time that they had entered the forest there were no sounds. Not even when they moved around. It was pure undisturbed silence.

Now, something broke that silence.

Or perhaps . . . . . someone.

She turned around to face the noise. Only to find three new faces.

"I never saw you guys before. What's your rank and state your name!" Loly barked at the trio.

"Zabimaru Renji, Private."

"Sode no Shirayuki Rukia, Private."

"Zangetsu Ichigo, Private."

Loly and Menoly looked at the three again. They didn't look like much at all. They looked like fools. However, they really didn't look like they belonged. They were out of place. And they brought noise with them. Loly did not want to over think this so she just waved them away. The three left without a word. She thought about what she had said earlier. I never saw you guys before. Of course she hadn't! She couldn't possibly know everyone in Aizen's army.

She chuckled at her stupidity.

While the other three were amazed by it.

"That was a close one. I guess Aizen's troops really are here. That was smart using the names of our horses as a surname, Renji." Rukia replied happily at the man.

"They may not have known our faces but they surely knew our names. If Princey here would have said Kurosaki or you Kuchiki, or me Abarai, we would have had a problem on our hands." Renji said smartly. He felt like a genius.

"We wouldn't have had to say anything at all if Renji knew where the hell he was going." Ichigo was pissed to say the least. They had already had an encounter with a masked man earlier, he was hardly a match, but he did get some hits in. Ichigo was injured badly in his shoulder, and they needed a place to rest. However, that plan was sidetracked thanks to Renji's superior sense of directions.

Renji sighed irritably.

He really should have let Rukia lead.

"Wait do you hear that?" Rukia said.

"Hear what?" They both answered.

"Water. . . I hear water. This way, and do keep up boys." Rukia chided playfully.

They rushed after her. Her small form, gave her an advantage in speed. The bulky Renji and an injured Ichigo could hardly keep up with her at all. They came upon a large clearing with a small meadow and a waterfall that streamed easily into a river.

The trio was in awe. The nickname "Forest of Deceit" really didn't suit it at all. This had invaluable beauty. And from the moment they had gotten there, they didn't feel any type of deception; it was as if the forest trusted them. As if they were being kept safe within its boundaries.

Rukia smiled. "We'll set up here. Before that, Renji get out the First Aid, we'll tend to Ichigo's wounds now." Renji hurriedly pulled out the First Aid for Ichigo's sake. If the wound sat out for any longer, it would be infected. Renji tossed Rukia the things and began to work on Ichigo. After a while his injury was wrapped up, but Ichigo was getting worse. It was getting dark as well.

"What if that masked man had a poisonous blade? When he struck Ichigo it might have triggered the poison." Renji said anxiously. If the Prince were to die then the alliance with Karakura would surely fail, not mention the loss of one of his best friend. Rukia nodded in agreement. She didn't know what to do at this point, and if they didn't think of something fast Ichigo was going to die.

"If you want to live a while longer don't move." Someone spoke from behind them. Suddenly a group of hooded people appeared from what seemed like nowhere. Maybe this forest was deceitful after all.

Rukia analyzed the situation carefully. They could take them. They had the power. But these people had guns. One false move and their heads were going to have holes in them. She sighed in her mind. This was going to be a problem. She looked at Renji who had his mouth open, forming words.

"Please! Our friend is injured and dying. He was stabbed earlier with a poisonous blade; we don't have anything here to cure him from his ailment." Renji pleaded loudly. Never in his life would Renji have ever pleaded or begged for anything. But for Ichigo's sake. . . . his pride was nothing.

"What friend? Don't play with us boy." One of them rebuked.

"No! He's right—there?"

"I noticed the whole time you guys were here you kept this one hidden from our sights. I wonder what would happen if I were to, oh, I don't know, slit their throat?" Ichigo stood behind a figure with his sword held to their throat, ready to slice it open. Almost all of them lowered their weapons.

"That's better now—umph!" The person hit him in the stomach pulling out their own gun aiming it Ichigo's head. They fired a shot, but missed terribly.

Ichigo took that moment and snatched the gun away aiming it at their head.

The person kicked the gun out of his hand and proceeded to begin smashing their fists in his face.

Ichigo grabbed the hands, noting the smallness of them, and clasped them in his own hands tightly.

The person's cloak fell off revealing clerical robes only worn by maidens.

"You're a maiden yet you can fight this well? What shrine initiated you into maidenhood?" Ichigo chuckled lightly. He looked up at the woman only to see her eyes brimming with tears.

Such beautiful gray eyes.

Beautiful sad gray eyes. She looked as if she was missing a piece of herself.

A piece he wanted to find for her.

Ichigo found himself wiping her tears away as they fell.

The woman blushed at his touch; his hands were freezing, and getting colder by the second.

"Hi." She said softly. Such a simple word, but it held so many unspoken emotions between them.

"Hi." Ichigo said shyly. He felt dreadfully feverish at that moment. His vision was hazy as he slumped forward onto the unsuspecting woman. She grunted at the extra weight. She could feel his fever and the creeping chills on his body. He really was sick!

And he was dying.

"What do we do?" One of the people from the group crept up behind her uncertainly, not wanting to interrupt the scene.

"To the temple. We must hurry, or he'll die!" She said urgently.

"His companions?" The man spoke up again.

"They come with us of course." They nodded and said companions sighed in relief.

She handed the injured man to her companions, and they ran off. She went over to the pair who stood with uncertainty, still processing what had just happened.

"Rest assured, your friend is in professional hands. As soon as we are at the temple, I will begin to heal your companion; however, afterwards you must enlighten us with the details on your presence here in our forest."

Renji and Rukia nodded fervently.

They walked for what seemed like moments until they reached a huge temple. How did they not notice this enormous place before? They stood in awe and watched as the woman opened the door and turned towards them.

"You must wait out here until the healing is done." She spoke softly.

She smiled at the pair before entering in the building. She could tell that they were antsy, and the only way to relieve them of their anxiousness was to see their friend alive and well.

She smiled at them with pure sincerity. "By the way, I'm Orihime." The woman said with good cheer.

The door closed behind her with a loud thunk.

You found me.

When no one else was lookin'.

How did you know just where I would be?

I'm just wondering if people are actually reading this or not :) Well, thanks for the reviews so far. Sorry for the late update too. I was desperately trying to finish before finals and I did :)

Questions, comments, and concerns are welcomed so don't be afraid to tell me what's on your mind! Thanks for reading so far.

Happy Holidays! :)