Preparing for war
Ichigo was momentarily frozen when a certain blue haired royalty tackled an agitated Shiro freeing him from his grasp, but when he saw Grimmjow ready his fists for a well delivered punch he moved on instinct. He cried out Grimmjow's name as he himself tackled Grimmjow in the same way the latter had tackled Shiro and sent Grimmjow flying off a couple of meters to land in a confused heap on the marble floor.
"What the hell Ichigo!" Grimmjow snarled and quickly scrambled to his feet with a confused look, soon joined by Starrk and the newly awakened Toshiro whom veered back into his human form. Ichigo didn't answer, he just rushed over to the much to thin albino copy of himself whom was coughing and clenching his side where Grimmjow had collided with him.
"Oh my god Shiro I'm so sorry, are you okay?" Ichigo shouted as he knelt by Shiro and lifted him up into his arms.
"No I'm not okay ya idiot!" Shiro sobbed and his anger finally turned into grief as reality struck him hard, his body shaking with sobs as he buried his face into the crook of Ichigo's neck. Ichigo's tears soon joined Shiro's as he once again was forced to relive the pain he felt when Yuzu died, through the special link their minds shared.
"Shhh Shiro, I know…" Ichigo cooed as he let his fingers ghost down the pale neck of his brother in a comforting manner.
Grimmjow watched the odd scene and tried to move closer but was stopped by one of Isshin's strong arms and a low rumbling snarl and he eyed Ichigo's father with angry eyes. Starrk was as calm as ever, knowing he would get answers if he just waited.
"Shiro-nii!" Karin wailed as she ran over to her brothers and joined Ichigo in comforting their long lost brother, hugging him from behind and burying her lithe head in the pale crook of Shiro's own neck, crying together with him and Ichigo as they shared their pain. They stayed like that until Shiro finally went more or less silent and Ichigo breathed a deep sigh, as he lifted his head to rest his chin on top of Shiro's ashen hair.
"How'd she die?" Shiro finally said.
"She died embraced by everyone she ever loved but you," Ichigo said.
"She said she was sorry for giving in," Ichigo said with a hitch of his breath.
"Tha 's the Yuzu I knew," Shiro said with a sad chuckle.
"I could've saved her," Ichigo said his breath hitching again.
"Whaddaya mean ya could've saved her Ichi?" Shiro asked with confusion clear in his voice.
"Ichigo, her death wasn't your fault!" Karin piped in realizing Ichigo was going to tell Shiro about everything which happened before her twin sister died. Isshin took that as his cue to sit down with his two sons and his one daughter, and he placed two firm arms around both of his sons.
"You be quiet Ichigo…I'll tell him," Isshin said with a stern voice and smiled meekly as Ichigo moved to bury his head into the crook of his father's neck this time, sobbing quietly.
"You'll tell me what goat face?" Shiro asked and eyed his father with burning amber orbs.
"It's a long story, a sad one at that," Isshin muttered and drew his long lost son closer. "After our clan shunned you, the feudal lord of the east Aizen Sousuke, decided he'd rob us of our status," Isshin began. "He was ruthless, raided our home in search of Zangetsu, Engetsu and Mugetsu," Isshin continued. "And he got them as well, he murdered nearly everyone. Only I and your siblings survived," Isshin said taking a break as a tear threatened to escape him.
"Whaddaya mean only you, Karin, Yuzu and Ichi survived?" Shiro asked as fear began to pool in his stomach once again, the dreadful feeling only enforced when Ichigo's breath hitched fiercely along with a whimper from Karin.
"The bastard killed Masaki, killed her in cold blood," Isshin said with a voice that was barely a whisper.
"No! Not mom, not mom!" Shiro cried out, his distorted voice echoing even stronger as raw emotion painted its tunes.
"Shhh Shiro…" Isshin cooed and took a deep breath once Shiro settled down again.
"We lost everything; we were forced to change our last names to survive. We ended up in the poor edges of Karakura town, as our city soon fell into the worse state it has ever been in," Isshin said with a hushed tone. "That's when Yuzu fell ill with an incurable fever, and I and Ichigo began trying our best to earn enough for our little family to survive. Then Ichigo found Toshiro beaten and broken, and I allowed him to join our little family and he was a great addition. But it still was not enough, and then the fateful day when Lord Byakuya's henchmen came to collect new servants arrived. We were chosen and torn away from our family, and whenever we tried to send the money we earned to Ichigo the carriage delivering the money kept getting raided," Isshin continued. Now Shiro was beginning to see the bigger picture, and his hands clenched in fury, his own nails digging into the pale skin causing blood to spill.
"We managed for a few years, then I was attacked by Hyena's," Ichigo suddenly said deciding to ignore his father and take over from there. "This is my story to tell, not yours dad," Ichigo said, his voice firm as he had managed to collect himself. "There were four of them, and I killed one of them. Then Toshiro arrived and I was distracted, which led to me being caught along with Toshiro, they threatened to kill him if I didn't stop resisting. That's when I snapped again, like I did with you all those years ago. I only had ears for Toshiro's cried for help, and I was incredibly close to losing myself again. That's when Grimmjow interrupted and paralyzed me with his saliva," Ichigo continued.
"And Grimmjow would be?" Shiro said; a barely audible snarl in his voice.
"That would be me," Grimmjow said and stepped into Shiro's view. Shiro glared at him and snorted before returning his attention to Ichigo.
"After saving me and Toshiro, Grimmjow and Starrk," Ichigo said pointing to the latter, "left us and we continued to live our dreadful life, until I collapsed at work from the injuries I got from the battle," Ichigo continued before taking a short break. "By coincidence Grimmjow was out riding and he saw me and brought me here where he tended to me. When I woke up I had no idea where I was and when he told me I became enraged. After all he had brought me away from Yuzu and Toshiro leaving them unprotected and vulnerable to possible attempts on revenge from the Hyena's," Ichigo said his eyes going dark.
"I demanded to be taken home, but it was too late. By the time I arrived in Karakura the Hyena's had set fire upon our home, and I found Toshiro mauled and half dead, along with a not breathing Yuzu whom had a large gash across her chest. I immediately tried to resuscitate her and I succeded, Grimmjow and Starrk arrived a few minutes after me since I had abandoned my horse in favor of running on my own four feet to get there as quick as possible. They took Yuzu into a temporary medic tent that had been put up by the medic corps Grimmjow sent for while we hurried out of Seiretei, and one of the most prominent healers in the entire kingdom took care of Yuzu, no doubt saving her life as well as Toshiro's," Ichigo explained.
"After that I was allowed to move here, and since then Grimmjow has taken care of us. Yuzu was sent to a hospital which she stayed in and was cared for until she died, my own blood being the only medicine that could help her after her condition worsened due to the attack. I worked my way up in the ranks here in the castle, and while I was away on a visit to the Feudal Lord of the North, Kuchiki Byakuya with orders from Grimmjow Yuzu's condition worsened even more. To my surprise I found dad and Karin there, and when I prepared to leave they were allowed to come with me. When we were just a few kilometers away from Seiretei Starrk came riding towards us in a hurry, and then he told us that…that Yuzu was dying," Ichigo finished with a hitch of his breath. "We arrived in time to accompany her while she walked towards the white gates, and we never left her side until she crossed it," Isshin said and took over again.
"She was buried in the royal graveyard, Lord Kuchiki himself led the funeral," Isshin finished.
"I see," Shiro's distorted voice rang as he dragged Ichigo out of Isshin's hold and into his own as he cradled Ichigo's shivering frame close. A few silent tears escaped his inverted eyes at the horrible truths that had been told to him, and he hugged Ichigo close finding comfort in the warmth of his otouto.
"There is one thing I don't understand however. Why is it that you were able to become such an important person Ichigo?" Shiro asked.
"Because I and my loyal guard here fell in love with him after he had stayed here for a while. Allow me to introduce myself," Grimmjow said taking another step into Shiro's view. "My name is Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, King of Pantera," he said straightening his posture with a slightly proud grin painting his face.
"And I am Coyote Starrk, captain commander of his majesty's army," Starrk introduced was obviously a bit shocked at the declaration of love towards his younger twin, but he was even more shocked at their titles.
"Well since we're already throwing titles around, you might want to know my title Shiro," Ichigo said with a warm smile and chuckle directed at Grimmjow and Starrk. "My name is Kurosaki, or should I say Shiba Ichigo, personal assistant of his royal majesty King Jaegerjaquez."
When that change of last name rang through Grimmjow's head and he finally realized where he knew the name Shiba from, he suddenly realized just who Isshin Kurosaki was and he drew a deep breath as he saw the pale man's face splitting into a grin. Shiro grinned and let out a low lilting laughter as he hugged Ichigo again before letting him go. Grimmjow broke the small moment of joy with a serious cough and eyed Isshin.
"Did Ichigo just call himself Shiba?" Grimmjow asked wanting conformation on his suspicions. Isshin looked at him with saddened eyes and let out a deep sigh.
"Allow me to introduce myself again my lord. I am Shiba Isshin, head of the late Shiba noble family and Ichigo, Shiro and Karin here are all my children," Isshin said and gave a slightly goofy grin at the king before retreating back into the warmth his children offered.
"So what you mean to say is that you are the last remaining people of one of the strongest noble clan, which was tasked with the duty of protecting Karakura town which so suddenly disappeared all those years ago?" Grimmjow said with slight awe in his voice, realizing how important the man whom had just presented himself to him really was.
With that Shiro, Ichigo, Karin and Isshin lined up with serious looks on their faces before answering in unison with a stern Yes! leaving Toshiro whom had stood quietly on the sidelines to smile at the thought of his saviour finally having been reunited with the brother he had once spoken of, and now having the chance of maybe finally returning to his previous position.
...BMBD...
"So how exactly did you guys meet again?" Grimmjow asked as he eyed Shiro with slightly hostile eyes.
"Allow me tah answer tha'," Shiro said and grinned at Ichigo whom rolled his eyes in response and waved at him. "Put simply, I attacked 'im," Shiro chuckled.
"You what?" Grimmjow snarled and was about to lunge at him again but was held back by Starrk whom shook his head at him.
"See, I had jus' killed this pitiful burglar who tried tah rob me of money I didn' have, and then Ichi happen' tah see tha guy's dead arm from out 'n tha main street," Shiro said his eyes gleaming mischievously as he stared at Grimmjow.
"Since we've been apart fer years, I didn' recognize 'im what with all them noble clothing an' stuff," Shiro continued. "So I figured I could rob 'im tah get some cash, and I fought 'im. Even cornered 'im twice in tha process," Shiro said with a lilting laugh. "Then he did a nifty lil trick on me, left me paralyzed fer a second. Long enough fer 'im tah remove mah hood resultin' in 'im recognizing mah face," he finished.
"He babbled 'bout me bein' dead an' all, and I was confused till I finally recognized mah otouto," Shiro ended and smiled down at Ichigo whom was resting with his head on his lap. Starrk had listened carefully and a question rose in his mind, and he blurted it out without thinking.
"What did you mean by you being apart for several years?" he asked, Shiro turning to look at him with slightly sad eyes.
"I was forced to shun my own son away by the clan elders once he and Ichigo were born. They forced me to separate my beloved twin sons once Shiro was old enough to maybe fend for himself once left on the street," Isshin explained before Shiro could say anything.
"Wow, I would have figured the Shiba clan to be strict to protect their honor and what not, but to shun such a young child," Starrk muttered and shook his head in disbelief.
"It was only because he was born an albino," Ichigo said with a low snarl hidden beneath those words.
"I met Ichi once more before we split fer so long, sadly Ichi nearly killed me in tha' meeting," Shiro said taking over for his dad. "See, I was foun' by tha' bastard Aizen's henchmen jus' a few weeks aftah tha elders tossed me into tha street. They forced me tah become a fightin' machine, I was the only feline tha' managed to fend off against tha pure bred wolf cubs they put me up against," Shiro explained.
"Then Aizen killed our family and whilst we tried to live a life in poverty I got myself abducted one night when dad had to be away. I was taken to the same place Shi just told you about, and I was kept there for weeks because I too was able to take the wolves on," Ichigo continued from where Shiro stopped and looked at Grimmjow and Starrk when the painful memories returned.
"It was horrible, every night in that dusty cage I was forced to stay in my feline form whilst listening to the dying cries of street orphans which were put up against the experienced wolf cubs," Ichigo said snuggling deeper into Shiro's lap for comfort.
"Then tha fateful day came when Ichi and I were put against each other," Shiro snarled. "We fought, and I could see how it affected my twin otouto," Shiro continued, his lilting voice taking on a dark tone.
"Ichi was starved, wounded and worn out. He finally snapped undah' tha pressure of fightin' me an' he lost wha' lil grasp he 'ad left 'n sanity," Shiro said taking a sharp breath. "He let his rage 'n frustrations out 'n me, an' he nearly killed me. When I finally gave in an' lay shredded in 'is hands, he held me close an' cried," Shiro ended and grabbed Ichigo in a much similar way as they hugged each other.
"I'm so sorry Shi," Ichigo whisper and fisted his hands into the tight fabric of the white west he wore.
"Shhh…I told ya' s'okay," Shiro cooed and snuggled Ichigo close.
"I managed to escape a few days after that, I couldn't take it anymore," Ichigo said with a hitch and snuggled into his brother's embrace.
"An' I was tossed out on tha street once more like filthy garbage," Shiro said with a snarl. Grimmjow processed the information slowly and he frowned at how Ichigo and Shiro kept using the term purebred wolves. He featured a serious scowl and stared at Ichigo again.
"One more thing Ichigo, you and your brother kept repeating something about pure bred wolves, what did you mean by that?" Grimmjow asked with a stern voice. Both Ichigo and Shiro snarled loudly at that.
"They were one of Aizen's twisted creations," Ichigo said.
"Did you find anything out about them Ichigo?" Shiro asked with interest in his voice.
"Oh what didn't I find out. I've been doing research on the bastard ever since I gained a place here at the mansion," Ichigo said with a bitter voice.
"Aizen has kidnapped countless women over the years, and then he forced them to breed with pure animals. I didn't even know hybrids could breed with pure animals," Ichigo began.
"The result was incredibly strong cubs which he raised to be mindless fighting machines. The animal parts of their souls are dominant, and Aizen developed some twisted way of removing the human part of their soul completely. He tested them in those fights; I've fought so many of them. Their eyes were so void of emotion that they were downright terrible," Ichigo said with a loud snarl.
"It's so crazy I'm having trouble believing it," Starrk said.
"But sadly it is true," Isshin said with a sad shake of his head.
"I am going to participate in this war whether you like it or not Grimm," Ichigo said eyeing Grimmjow seriously. "Don't even think of trying to hold me back, I've already had armor and battle attires tailored for me, I am going to retrieve Zangetsu and Shiro will have his Mugetsu, and dad will have his Engetzu and together we'll rid the world of Sousuke Aizen," Ichigo said his eyes blazing as he stood from Shiro's lap.
"Hold on a second, I've heard those three names before. Who are these people you speak of?" Starrk said with a confused voice.
"They are not people, they are swords," Isshin said.
"Swords? Why in the world would you go through hell to get your hands on some family swords?" Grimmjow asked.
"Because they are the three sibling swords, which were forged by the ones whom made the truce with the animal kingdom. They hold incredible power, and only the Shiba clan can wield them," Isshin explained.
"Aizen murdered our entire clan just to get those swords into his position, no doubt in order to try and use their power to overtake the kingdom. My father tried to reveal him and his plans to your father whom was young at the time, but we didn't have sufficient evidence," Isshin finished.
"Then I guess it was a good thing I have called for his execution, with the gathered forces of the Pantera Kingdom it'll be an easy shot," Grimmjow explained.
"Do not be so confident, I am pretty sure he has aligned himself with King Barragan of the neighboring country of Hueco Mundo. I believe you should know that he has had a great interest in Pantera for a long time," Isshin said his voice stern.
"I am aware of that fact yes," Grimmjow said. "I finally gathered enough reasons to sentence him to his demise just a few weeks ago, the last drop being his murder of Kuchiki Byakuya's little sister Rukia," Grimmjow said.
"So he even went that far huh?" Isshin exclaimed.
"My troops are preparing for war, along with the three remaining Feudal Lord's army and now that I know of his alliance with Barragan, I believe it would be wise to request assistance from the Shihoin family. Their skills would no doubt be useful to penetrate their defenses and cause distortion among themselves," Grimmjow said.
"I believe you are right, but there are more options than just the Shihoin family," Isshin said. "If I do not remember completely wrong there is the Zaraki clan whom had their leader and his heir killed by Aizen for no good reason. The families that belong to that clan train their children to fight as soon as they can hold a weapon or use their arms," Isshin said. '
"That is true," Starrk mused.
"I'll go to them and request their help, their current leader is Zaraki Kenpachi if I'm not mistaken," Isshin said.
"No dad, let me go in your stead," Ichigo said. "I am of the age where I would have taken your position with the blessing of your elders, I believe I can call myself the new head of the Shiba clan now that we have a chance at rebuilding our home and branches," Ichigo said with a grin.
"Oh my darling Masaki, our son has grown so mature!" Isshin wailed after having stared at Ichigo with watery eyes. Ichigo groaned and hit his father square in the jaw sending him flying to the closest wall, Karin walking over him the next second just to rub it in.
"When will you learn to stop embarrassing yourself goat face," she said not even sparing a second thought to the sobbing mess her dad was at the moment. Weird family, Grimmjow thought to himself at how they treated each other.
"You should be careful when approaching Zaraki Kenpachi though Ichigo," Starrk said. "He has a reputation for loving a good fight and he is rumoured to be a violent man," Grimmjow continued.
"Figures," Ichigo said.
"I'll go with you Ichi," Shiro piped up.
"No Shi, I want you to stay here and I'll have my tailor make you a battle attire matching of mine," Ichigo began, "It'll take me a week or so to find Zaraki, and in the meantime I want you to equip yourself with any weapon you find suitable. You also need to eat well and train, you are a bit thin," Ichig pointed out.
Shiro pouted at him but silently agreed to do as his little brother said and Ichigo hugged him. The next morning Ichigo was dressed and mounted on Nero ready to ride out in search of the legendary Zaraki Kenpachi, and he silently rode off with a group of four escorts early in the morning mist.
So yet again, a back story chapter. It is needed don't you think? I hope you enjoyed and that you will follow me for the finishing chapters of the story. I am pretty sure there's going to be at least 5 more chapters, but I am not entirely sure as of yet.
Please review, your review is what gives me the courage and inspiration to continue writing ;)