Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.
Set during the Renaissance
The Shadow
Shadow's Prey
Renji made his way to Byakuya's studies Monday morning after he got dress. The red head entered the room to find two others with Byakuya. The one who was seated was a young noble woman with long auburn hair, and wore a navy blue Victorian style long dress. The man who stood next to her wore a similar outfit to Ichigos' but wore a brown vest, and his hair was curly brown.
"It's a pleasure to see you Lady Inoue." Renji greeted
"And it's my pleasure to see you too Lieutenant Abarai."
"I'm sorry to hear the news about your brother."
"It's alright; he lived a good life before passing in his sleep."
"Yes, better he pass without any suffering."
"But on more important matters, Miss Orihime will be staying here for the time being." Lord Kuchiki said
"That would be good, especially with the recent movements." Renji leaned on a wall
"Recent movements?" Orihime asked
"My recent information talked about a recent shipment coming in tomorrow."
"Also recent killings have been report." The brown hair Assassin finally spoke
"Killings? What do you mean Chad?" The red head was curious on the new info
"Three Assassins and a Noble were found dead, Captain Yoruichi is investigating it."
The room became silent, everyone letting the information sink in. Renji was about to say more on the matter but Byakuya interrupted him before he could say anything.
"I think its best we focus on what we have now. Besides Yoruichi is investigating it; well if you excuse me I have a meeting to attend to."
The noble Kuchiki bowed to everyone then went out the door. Orihime stood up then looked at the two men in the room to see what their next move was.
"Chad keep me posted on that investigation. I guess I'll also take my leave."
"Yes sir." Chad replied
Renji bowed then left the studies, and began looking for his partner. Taking a guess on where the orange hair man was, Renji began making his way to the garden. Passing a pair of large glass doors to the balcony he caught sight of a bundle of orange locks. Stepping out onto the projection, he looked down at the pair having a conversation.
"I almost forgot how orange your hair was without that hood over it." Rukia teased
"Well I almost forgot how short you were." Ichigo smirked causing Rukia to frown
"There's nothing wrong with my height you moron."
"Sure unless you like to be close to the ground."
"Ugh you're such a pain." Rukia turned her back towards Ichigo
The orange hair assassin frowned, and then placed his arms around the petite figure. He placed a small kiss on her head, Rukia turned around then looked straight into brown eyes staring into her violet colored eyes.
"Ichigo…I-"
"I love you Rukia, and I can't hold it inside any longer. I care deeply about you, but I don't want me being an Assassin to mess our relationship up."
Ichigo stepped back and covered his hair once more with his hood. Rukia frowned at the action; she hated it for it created a shadow over his handsome face. Taking a deep breath she stepped forward and removed the head cover, and planted a kiss on Ichigo's soft lips. Renji smirked at the display and turned his back to the scene to give them privacy. Suddenly a messenger bird flew on the railing next to the Lieutenant's arm with a note attached to its foot. Taking a hold of the bird and removing the piece of paper; the red heads eyes widen at the message.
Renji and Ichigo, the information giving to you was false.
This shipment is to come Monday morning, which means today! You two must hurry and stop this shipment, with any means.
~Urahara~
Renji quickly put the note in his pocket, and then made his way down from the balcony.
"Ichigo stop making out we have important matters to deal with!"
The red head ran by the two and began hopping over the brick fence of the garden. Rukia and Ichigo were flushed that their friend saw, but quickly snapped out of it and Ichigo went after his superior. Ichigo caught up to Renji as the Lieutenant began getting on his horse, which the orange hair male did the same. The two raced quickly to the western side of Soul Society.
"So why are we in a hurry?" Ichigo asked
"Seem like our shipment is a day early." Renji smirked
"Well this day keeps getting interesting by the minute."
The two Assassins reached the stables of the western gate, and got off their horses. A man with ragged clothing was sweeping one of the horse's pens.
"Hey have you seen a caravan go through here?" Renji asked
"Ah yes, he came through not too long ago."
"Which way did he go?"
"Look like he was going to the market area."
Renji thanked the man, and began heading towards the market area by rooftops. The two Assassins jump from rooftop to rooftop, then finally reaching the crowded market area. Ichigo scanned the area below and spotted the caravan heading into an alleyway. Both assassins swiftly made it through the crowd and to the alleyway. Renji went and flank to the right while Ichigo climbed on top of the caravan. The orange hair male leaned down and pressed his blade against the driver's throat, which stop the caravan from moving.
The Lieutenant smiled at his partner, and then made his way to the back to see the shipment. To the red head's surprise it was completely empty, not even a single dust ball insight.
"Ichigo bring the man over here."
The lower rank came around with the driver; the man had long blonde hair and wore ragged beige color pants and shirt. Ichigo had sheathed his weapon and had his left hand gripping the man's shoulder.
"So what's your name?" Renji question
"M-my name is Yylfordt, sir." He replied quietly
"So tell me where the shipment is Yylfordt?"
"There isn't any shipment; I was only here to distract some Assassins. Please don't kill me for misleading you." Yylfordt frown
"Who put you up to this and why?"
"I needed the money to feed my family."
Renji was about to question the blond some more until guards started running down the alley towards them. The Lieutenant was about to tell Ichigo it was time to leave, but Yylfordt elbow Ichigo in the gut then ran off. Soon enough Renji and Ichigo were surrounded by Royal court guards, who weren't too fond of Assassins. The two were back to back staring at the guards, who pointed their weapons at them.
"Ichigo you think you can handle these guys?"
"Tsk of course. What, you think you can't handle some guards?" Ichigo smirked
"I can take them on in my sleep, it's just I got to catch our little rat."
Ichigo smirked and pulled out his sword, while Renji ran towards a guard and did a handstand over him. Renji quickly ran out of the alley, and then spotted a blond running. The Lieutenant locked on to his target, and swiftly ran through the crowd. Taking many twist and turns, the red head realize Yylfordt was heading to a certain destination. Yylfordt stopped in a wide open square with a fountain in the middle; the blonde turned to face Renji.
"Tell me who you're working for Yylfordt?" Renji asked
"He goes by the name Sexta Espada, and that's all you need to know."
"What did you mean by distract earlier?"
"Like what it means, distract the Assassins from a market or maybe a manor." Yylfordt smirked then ran off
Realization hit Renji; he quickly turned around and began heading back where Ichigo was. Ichigo sheathe his sword after successfully knocking out the last guard. The sound of hoofs caught his attention; he looked up to see Renji on a horse. Renji pulled his partner on the horse and started galloping at full speed.
"What happen to Yylfordt?"
"He got away, but that doesn't matter."
"Ok, but why are you in a hurry?"
"I think something is going to happen at the Kuchiki manor."
-.-.-+++-.-.-
Renji and Ichigo stuck their heads around a corner, and looked at the entrance to the Kuchiki manor. The whole entrance was crawling with royal court guards. The two Assassins looked at one another then decide it was best to go through the garden. They slipped passed a group of guards and went through an open window, then made their way to Byakuya's studies. Opening the doors Renji and Ichigo found the two Kuchikis and Orihime; Ichigo quickly rushed to Rukia's side do to the fact her arm was being bandage by Orihime.
"What happen to your arm Rukia?" Ichigo asked very concerned
"Two strange people broke in and tried to kill Miss Kuchiki." Orihime explained and finished her first aid
"The two are still somewhere in the manor." Rukia added
"Damn that Yylfordt!" Ichigo growled
"Who's this Yylfordt?" Byakuya question
"Some guy sent to distract me and Renji."
"What happen to Chad Orihime?" The Lieutenant asked
"He left after the two of you left."
"So they were waiting until all the obstacles left." Renji concluded
Suddenly shouts and screams broke out from outside. Renji quickly ran to the window and opened it; he looked below to see a figure run out through the entrance. The Lieutenant went out through the window to pursue the stranger.
"Ichigo stay here just in case the other is still lurking about!" He ordered
Unlike Yylfordt this man seem to be quick on his feet, but lacked the capability to run and turn. Once the man took his third turn down into an alley, Renji was able to tackle him down. Renji slammed the small figure into the wall so he couldn't escape, and also to seem more threatening. The alley had barely any sun but Renji still made out the figures features. His hair was white and the right side of his face was covered in bandages, his uniform was completely white except for the vest which was a light-blue.
"You work for this Sexta Espada." Renji stated
"So what do you know of the boss?" He said with a lisp
"I want to know everything about your so called boss."
"Che he only hunts prey worthy of killing, not some wannabe Assassin." He smirked
Renji growled and threw the white hair male to the other wall.
"Is that all you got?" He said as he spat out blood
The Lieutenant pulled out this sword, and then chopped off the others pinky and ring finger. The white hair male screamed in agony at the pain that course through his hand, and held on tight to his bleeding hand.
"I'm not going to waste my time with you. Tell your boss that I'm the predator and he's my prey for trying to kill Rukia." Renji growled and walked off.
Hyou: Sorry of the long wait, been busy with school work. On important matters, I hate this chapter. I wrote it at least three times, and hated each one. So sorry if you think this chapter sucks. Hoped you enjoyed reading and please review.