The Bird of Hermes is my name; eat my wings to make me tame.
The fun is finally about to begin, personally I was looking forward to this just because we're one step closer to the insanity that will be the captain's battles. Still some work to do before we reach that happy point, but its coming rest assured.
Disclaimer: All characters are property of their respective owners, of which I am not.
Allow me to raise the curtain on another chapter.
"Normal speech"
"Kido"
Thoughts
"Alucard"
'Ichigo and Tatsuki's link'
XXX
Chapter 4: What do you mean the Seireitei is off limits?
The week while the group waited for the senkaimon to be prepared was rather normal all things considered. Other than say Isshin learning not to wake Ichigo as he usually did when Tatsuki slept over. The sight of a petrified Isshin trying to claw his way out of Ichigo's room to escape the raging dragoness was still inscribed in the Kurosaki household's memory. Especially when he turned up at the breakfast table later covered from head to foot in bandages and avoiding the eyes of a smirking dragoness. Ichigo for once was glad that he could sleep in or be woken up normally for once.
When they revealed their relationship to Tatsuki's parents, they took it surprisingly well since they remembered the smiling boy Ichigo was and could see the hint of said boy in his eyes They were slightly shocked at the change to Tatsuki's eyes, but that was completely forgotten as they saw her new attire. Tatsuki counted herself lucky she could still breathe after her mother's bone crushing embrace at her embracing her femininity. They were slightly worried when Ichigo started staying over, but after nothing happened the first night they warmed to the idea.
As to be expected, the pair didn't stop their training for one week. By day they used Kisuke's training grounds and by night they patrolled the town for hollows and building's marked for demolition to use for practice. They were however running out of such spaces and had to go further and further afield for them. It was with great relief then that the night of the rescue mission finally arrived. Lying in Ichigo's room with the window open, Tatsuki unconsciously traced the muscles of Ichigo's torso while he ran his hand through her hair.
Catching a faint movement out of the corner of his eye Ichigo bolted up to catch the ball that bore Kisuke's face on it.
'Damn Urahara and his love for theatrics, this would've created one hell of a mess.' Ichigo sighed as he hefted the ball noting the sloshing sound it made.
'Well you know what they say about turnabout being fair-play.' Tatsuki chipped in with a smirk.
Ichigo's grin grew wider as he followed her line of thoughts. Getting ready they both descended the stairs silently; their enhanced hearing and vision meaning they needed no lights to guide them. As they exited Ichigo looked up as he felt his old man coming toward him with a kick. Sidestepping the crazy fool, he grabbed him and threw him back into a wall. "Its 2am old man couldn't you pick a better time to say goodbye to us?" he sighed.
"Well done my son, I have nothing left to teach you." Isshin ground out as he fell head first to the ground.
"Yeah, yeah that's what you always say when you get your ass handed back to you," muttered Tatsuki, "Couldn't you for once say goodbye like a normal person."
"Oh both my son and future daughter-in-law are so mean to me, what am I to do Masaki," he wailed as he tried to run into the house to the poster.
"Shut up old man, before you wake up the entire neighbourhood with your antics," Ichigo said grabbing him in a head-lock, "look what is it you want to say since you're clearly not here just to get all sentimental about us going away."
"Ah yes, I have prepared two good luck charms for your trip," he said with glee. Before either Ichigo or Tatsuki could react he had thrust the charms into their hands. "Now Ichigo your mother gave me that charm, so you best not lose it or I may be forced to shave my beard."
Opening his senses to the charm, Ichigo detected some reiatsu in it; its purpose though was unclear at the moment. "So when are you going to tell me how you know so much about reiatsu and infusing objects with it dad," he said looking up at the old man. "Never mind for now, thanks for the charms, but we're late. We'll talk once I get back from the Soul Society." They stalked off into the night the charms tucked safely in their pockets.
"Stay safe my son," Isshin said as he walked back into the house.
XXX
Arriving first at the shop the pair descended the ladder to the basement to 'greet' Kisuke.
"Ah Kurosaki-san, Arisawa-san you're rather ear-umph." He was silenced by Ichigo tossing said ball of dye into his face where it burst covering him head to toe in red dye. "And I just had this suit cleaned to," he said with a sigh.
"Yeah well you should have thought of that when you planned to make a mess of my room now shouldn't you." Ichigo finished with an evil grin on his face. Not seeing any reason to stand around any longer, they sat down against a rock to wait until Kisuke told them it was time to go. Sensing the arrival of his friends outside the shop, he watched as Kisuke went up to bring them down.
'We were right, they were developing their own powers to help us rescue Rukia,' he switched to their mental link for some privacy.
Tatsuki sighed, 'I had truly hoped the power I felt in Orihime was nothing, but it seems she's determined to help no matter what. From what I can tell none of them are near our level. There is however another presence with them, its masking itself, but it is far stronger than it lets on. It's almost as strong as Urahara-san.'
Nodding Ichigo looked towards the ladder as they started to descend, 'Yes I sense it too, wonder who it is?'
As their friends came up to them and the reasons for their joining were told, Ichigo found the source of the strange reiatsu, a cat.
"You should have sensed the growing powers coming from your friends, now be thankful that they are accompanying you on this mission. As for who am I, my name is Yoruichi and I shall be your guide when we get there." Its introduction finished it walked off to where Kisuke was standing.
Scratch that, it was a talking cat, Ichigo thought.
"You sense it do you not young master, there is more to this one than she appears." Alucard said from within his mind.
"Yes, so I was right in assuming it was a she from the intentions and emotions coming off from her. She must have assumed that form and voice for some reason, probably to keep perverts like Urahara-san at bay," he said looking over at Kisuke with a smirk. Looking back at Tatsuki, he could feel that she had come to a similar conclusion and had to stifle his laughter at how the group seemed perplexed to their lack of a reaction to the cat.
"Now that everyone is here, it's time for certain members to get ready," Kisuke said walking up to them. Without warning he thrust his cane through both Ichigo and Tatsuki's heads to separate their soul forms. As Ichigo rose to his full height the sky darkened and the wind picked up as he released some his reiatsu on the shopkeeper.
"A little warning would be nice next Urahara," he said with a glare as his eyes seemed to glow despite the lack of light. Reining his power back in, the light returned and everyone but Tatsuki felt a shiver go down their backs.
Yoruichi was visibly shocked at the display of power. She a former captain and commander of the stealth forces, was used to being around captain level powers, but this, this brat had an aura of such malevolence that it promised any who crossed him a slow and painful death. Kisuke when you said that the kid was interesting you failed to mention that he was this…scary.
Recovering themselves their friends now looked at his and Tatsuki's new attire confused as to their strange garb. Before they could ask any questions Kisuke directed their attention back towards him. After a lengthy explanation of the way the gate worked and a last minute pep talk with Yoruichi, they set off.
XXX
Running through the Precipice World was a dull and boring event, which quickly caused Ichigo's mind to wander. He and Tatsuki were already easily keeping pace with the others and had to hold back so as to no get separated. When Uryu's cape got caught in the walls he nearly leapt for joy as he ripped the offending garment, a crude imitation of his own in his mind and tossed the irate Quincy to Chad. Wishing for even more to happen, his was wish was granted seeing as the Cleaner appeared and gave chase. Seeing how it grew closer, he shared a look with Tatsuki before darting forward to grab Chad, while she grabbed Orihime and Yoruichi. Gripping their charges tightly they poured on the speed and left the Cleaner far behind, jumping as they reached the exit. Cue them being several feet in the air and falling rapidly. Bracing themselves they hit the ground with a thunderous crash, cracking and splintering it as it absorbed the impact of their fall. Setting everyone down the pair looked unfazed by their actions; while their friends had them mouth's open in shock or in Chad's case slightly widened eyes. Looking around Ichigo observed that the houses and such looked like those from the Edo era. What bothered him though was that nobody seemed to be around.
Just what is it with these brats, malevolent auras, unnatural speed and strength and endurance that seems beyond supernatural. Yoruichi thought as she narrowed her eyes at the pairs back as they walked towards the Seireitei. Shaken from her thoughts she shouted, "Hey, get back here you two. You can't just walk into the Seireitei like that!"
Stopping the pair looked back at her with an insane smile on their face. "Why Yoruichi-san, is it off limits to the public?" He turned back round and continued towards the buildings in the distance. Before he could go much further, a barrier started to descend from the sky cutting him off. Jumping back towards the others, the pair scanned the landscape, not seeing any gaps to enter. Looking back from where they came from they noticed a gate.
"And that you fools is why I wanted you to wait. Only those with reiatsu signatures stored within their databanks can enter the Seireitei without the gate crashing down upon them. For now we will retreat and come up with a plan to enter." Looking back at the two Yoruichi noticed that they had walked off to the gate again. Feeling a vein pulse in her forehead, she motioned for the others to follow.
As Ichigo and Tatsuki approached the gate they were met with a giant of a man wearing a variation of the soul reaper shihakusho, an armoured plate over his left shoulder leading to his upper arm. He wore a red hat with tassels on the sides and had a long black pony-tail. All in all Ichigo had to restrain a smile at the challenge before him.
"Jidanbo Ikkanzaka, guardian of the west gate into Seireitei. In the 300 years he has manned the west gate no intruder has ever entered. Now really would be the best time to retreat." Yoruichi said, she was however disobeyed yet again as Ichigo continued to walk forward chuckling as he took slow measured steps.
"Well now puny little man, it has been quite some time since anyone dared to try and make it past me." Jidanbo said staring down at Ichigo. "What's more you are clad in strange clothes, tell me what is your business in the Seireitei?"
"My business is my own gatekeeper; would I be correct in assuming that if I defeat you, we will be allowed to pass through?" Ichigo said the sunlight glinting off his shades.
Jidanbo tilted his head and laughed. "You are very funny little man; if you were indeed able to defeat me I will open a gate. Looking at you though I very much doubt someone as scrawny as you will put up much of a challenge, you don't even seem to have a zanpakuto."
Uncharacteristic anger bubbled within Ichigo as Jidanbo looked down upon him both physically and ability-wise. "I assure you I will provide a more than adequate challenge."
Chad, Orihime and Uryu rushed to help Ichigo, but were stopped when Tatsuki appeared in front of them with her hand raised halting them. "Now would not be a good time to interfere with him. You'll only end up getting in his way. Just sit back and watch for now."
Looking from Ichigo to Tatsuki they nodded and stepped back. Yoruichi wondered just how powerful Ichigo was if Tatsuki was worried about the others getting caught in the crossfire.
"It was nice to meet you funny man," Jidanbo said drawing an axe from within his robe. "But this is the end of the line for you!" he said as he swung his axe down upon Ichigo.
The dust cloud from the impact blocked everyone's sight of Ichigo. Jidanbo himself thought that he had crushed him to dust. Then without warning laughter was heard. As the dust cleared, it revealed Ichigo holding back the giant axe with a single hand.
"I'll make this very clear Jidanbo, the only reason you're still breathing is because I can see that you are a kind and honest man. Know this though, belittle your opponents due to their size and you may bite off more than you can handle. Bakudo no. 63 Sajo Sabaku," Ichigo said as chains burst from his hand and wrapped around Jidanbo's neck. Pulling on the chain brought Jidanbo's head flying toward Ichigo who was waiting with his fist cocked back. Ichigo connected with an uppercut that sent Jidanbo flying back into the gate with enough force to cause the ground to shudder and the wood creak. Dazed but still conscious, Jidanbo pulled a second axe from his robe and charged at Ichigo. Before he crossed the halfway mark between them, Ichigo pulled out the Jackal from his side, took aim and fired twice. The reiatsu bullets flew with all the force of a Sokatsui and hit the axes shattering them and forcing Jidanbo back yet again. Burned and bloodied Jidanbo looked at his opponent and shivered as his eyes remained impassive and his arm outstretched with the Jackal smoking and still at the ready.
"Last chance Jidanbo; you may not survive the next attack." Ichigo said with a grin.
Without warning Jidanbo burst into tears, "A-ah you're right, I lost sight of what it meant to fight with honour and yet here you, the clear victor, still offer me the chance to live. I'm not worthy to hold my position of gatekeeper," he said continuing to bawl his eyes out.
Shocked was an understatement when it came to the reactions of the group. Ichigo shook his head to clear his thoughts and proceeded over to where Tatsuki and Orihime were trying to comfort him.
"Master…I…he…" Ichigo could tell that his zanpakuto spirit was just as floored as he was. "I was trying to classify whether he was a man, monster or dog. Now all I see is a puppy that's hung its head in shame. At 30 feet and weighing close to a ton, a large puppy, but a puppy nonetheless."
Ichigo tried not to laugh at his spirit's description of Jidanbo and couldn't help but agree. He concentrated on the feelings around him and wasn't surprised that most were of shock and fear. It seemed that while the area appeared deserted the townsfolk were just in hiding. From Yoruichi though he felt suspicion, he'd probably have to placate her later. Finally reaching everyone Jidanbo told them he would open the gate. Taking his stance and bracing himself, he hooked his arms underneath the gate and heaved, lifting it to well above his own height. It was then that Ichigo felt absolute and total fear come off Jidanbo at whatever was behind the gate. Looking past him Ichigo saw an average sized man with light purple hair and a fox-like smile walking towards them. The next thing he knew Jidanbo's left arm had been severed causing his right arm to buckle under the pressure of the gate. He sunk to his knees with the gate supported by his shoulders and right hand.
"Now, now Jidanbo, why'd you go an open the gate?" the unnamed man said with a creepy smile on his face.
"They defeated me in combat, so I should open the gate. Its only right for a gatekeeper to give them entrance." Jidanbo said under the strain of holding the gate and the pain of his missing limb.
"That's what you don't get; a gatekeeper that's defeated doesn't open the gate. They die." He said with a smirk.
Ichigo felt his rage return ten-fold as he watched this man.
"He doesn't deserve to be called a man master, those who attack others that clearly cannot defend themselves are nothing but rabid dogs to be put down," came Alucard's voice. The hate and rage that Ichigo felt from his zanpakuto, served to only fuel his rage and bloodlust.
Before he could act on it though, he felt an even greater rage arise from Tatsuki and saw her speed off to engage the man.
"Tatsuki no!" came the scream from Yoruichi. "That's the Captain of the Third Division, Gin Ichimaru. This guys in a completely different league to Jidanbo."
Her screams fell on deaf ears as Tatsuki flew at Gin in a blind rage. After seeing Jidanbo at his most vulnerable and knowing that he was doing what he thought was right, to be harmed in such a cowardly way caused her to snap. Striking the flat edge of his zanpakuto Gin was surprised by the force she struck with. Using it for leverage she spun around to bring her heel down upon his head. Raising his arm he caught the kick and grunted as he was pushed back. Giving him no time to recover she continued unleashing kick after kick and punch after punch at him, trying in any way to hurt him. Dodging between her attacks he leapt back at the earliest opportunity.
"Feisty little girl ain'tcha," he taunted. "Not gonna save ya though." His reiatsu started to skyrocket, causing Tatsuki to pause in her charge as he dropped into a stance as if to thrust his zanpakuto at her. "Shoot to kill, Shinso," he said as he stabbed his zanpakuto toward her. Struck by the speed that it was flying towards her, Tatsuki could do no more than stare and wait for the end. Three gunshots rang out in the air followed by the sound of screeching metal. Tatsuki and the others watched as Ichigo stood there with his Casull out, the muzzle still smoking, his hair hiding his eyes from view.
"You're lucky she isn't hurt dog," he said looking up and his eyes revealed his rage as they shone brighter than the midday sun. "If just one hair was out of place on her head, I would send you myself to the deepest pits of hell." Before everyone's eyes he seemed to vanish appearing behind Gin, Jackal in hand and pointed at his face. What followed could be called nothing short of a deadly dance as both combatants twisted, ducked and dodged all the while trying to get into a position to shoot their opponent point blank. Ichigo no longer cared about the repercussions of using the Jackal so close to his opponent. All that mattered now was causing him grievous harm for daring to harm his love and fledgling. All they managed to give each other however was minor cuts and burns. They were less noticeable on Ichigo since his blood didn't show through on his overcoat and he was able to slide Gin's sword away from him using the barrels of his pistols, while Gin's haori was covered with crimson splotches.
"You're good kid, I'll give you have, but I don't have time to play anymore." Then instead of pointing his zanpakuto at Ichigo he pointed it at Tatsuki and fired. His blood running cold Ichigo charged at her, desperate to intervene. They were neck and neck, but that wasn't good enough. On a sudden impulse he forced his reiatsu to his feet propelling himself even faster. Hooking his arm around her waist he pulled her out of the way and instead taking the spear-like zanpakuto to his left shoulder. Grunting in pain he felt himself and Tatsuki propelled towards Jidanbo, knocking him out from under the gate and allowing it to close. Before he disappeared from sight, Gin bent down and gave a cocky wave and saying, "Bye-bye." As he turned to leave though a dark presence entered his mind. The rage and darkness of it sending a shiver down his spine as he heard a voice reverberate through his very soul.
"You may run, you may hide Gin Ichimaru, but I will find you. And when I do, I WILL KILL YOU!"
Turning back to the gate it seemed as if a shadow retreated under it as it ground shut. Shuddering slightly he walked off toward the captain's meeting hall.
XXX
Sometime later, on the other side of the gate Tatsuki was tending to Ichigo, while the rest of the villagers, Chad and Uryu attempted to position Jidanbo's severed arm so that Orihime could reattach it. She had wanted to attend to Ichigo first, but he vehemently opposed stating that his armour saved him from the worst of it and that all he needed was some bandages and rest.
Alone on the balcony of the village elder's home, who had kindly put them up for the night considering they risked their lives to try and save Jidanbo, Tatsuki tended to the stab wound on Ichigo's shoulder that was healing faster than any normal human or soul reaper could. He had told her over their mental link that all he wanted was privacy so that nobody saw this ability of his.
'Whilst I may not be able to regenerate my wounds in combat yet, nor can I regenerate vital organs, my zanpakuto increases the natural rate of healing by siphoning off from my reserves.' He started stretching his arm experimentally as he felt the wound close up. 'No need to bandage it since my clothes will hide it from any prying eyes.'
She sighed at his antics, before looking out over at the others as the wound to Jidanbo's arm seemed to visibly heal under Orihime's shield. 'You were a fool, what possessed you to jump in front of me and take the blow yourself.'
'You know very well why I did; there was no way to save you otherwise. Casull wouldn't be able to deflect it in time and Jackal would've ended up hitting you. Stop beating yourself up over it Tats, we're both alive and that's all that matters. He joined her as they watched the others cover Jidanbo with a blanket, before making their way back towards the house.
"Ah Kurosaki-kun are you sure you should be up and moving about?" Orihime asked unable to mask the concern in her voice.
"I'm fine Inoue; it's just a little tender for now." He said showing that he at least had no trouble moving his left arm.
"Trust you to put your own body at risk, to protect someone else, eh Kurosaki," Uryu said as he walked past them into the house.
"Better my own that another's Ishida" Ichigo said with a smirk.
As they entered they found Yoruichi looking at a map with the village elder. She looked up at them as they sat down and before any of them saw her move, she had leapt up and clawed Ichigo and Tatsuki across their faces. They yelped in pain as she settled back onto the cushion she was using as a perch.
"That's for running off at every bend today, this isn't a vacation where we can afford to goof off. Here your disobedience will cost you your lives." Her tirade finished she informed them that they would set off in the morning looking for one Kukaku Shiba. Everyone but Ichigo and Tatsuki turned in for the night, while the pair had gone to sit out on the balcony again, content to just sit and observe the night after their day. An hour later Ichigo felt Yoruichi's presence stir inside and her mind radiating confusion, probably at the fact they were still missing. Feeling her approach he grinned thinking of possible ways to get revenge.
'Yoruichi's coming to check on where we are, you up for a little fun at the hellcat's expense?' Ichigo asked as Yoruichi got closer.
'What did you have in mind?' Tatsuki asked as her face lit up with a wicked grin.
With a grin that would've made Alucard proud he shared his idea with her and they quickly jumped to the roof to lie in wait.
Damn brats staying out late when they know we need to leave early in the morning. Yoruichi grumbled as she sensed their presence on the roof. Jumping up she made her way to the top so she could find them. As she reached the top though she lost her footing on a loose tile and tumbled end over end till she landed face first in something warm and soft. Opening her eyes slowly she found that she had landed on Tatsuki's chest which was bare except for her bra. Shooting back she felt herself collide with another warm object, this one though hard as steel.
"Hey now Yoruichi if you wanted to join us all you had to do was ask," Ichigo said from behind her. Looking back she was met with a topless Ichigo, the image of his tanned skin that seemed to strain to contain the rippling muscles beneath sending her mind into the gutter. Shifting her head slightly, she found that she had been rubbing herself up against his six-pack abs. Before she could apologise and get away she felt herself being picked up and nuzzled back into Tatsuki's C-cup breasts.
"Yeah Yoruichi, I don't mind if Ichigo doesn't. God knows your fur should feel pretty nice across my skin." Leaning in Tatsuki gave several slow sensual licks to Yoruichi's nose and ears. Ichigo smirked and lowered himself so that Yoruichi was sandwiched between them as he trailed kisses down Tatsuki's neck.
Feeling her face rapidly heat up, Yoruichi bolted from the pair without so much as a backward glance, still tingling from the kisses and touching. Once she was out of sight, Ichigo and Tatsuki burst out laughing at how quickly the hellcat had run. They knew her real gender, a fact that Yoruichi didn't and couldn't have known. Looking back down at Tatsuki as she laid beneath him Ichigo smirked.
'You know there's no reason to go back in when we can still have some fun for another hour or two.' He said as he descended to her neck one again.
Gasping at the unexpected contact Tatsuki moaned in pleasure. 'Good thing you have this link with me, you'll know exactly what I want and expect from you.' She ran her hands through his hair as he continued his ministrations.
Sending his amusement through their link at her remark they continued to make out until the time forced them back inside both breathless and red faced. They couldn't find Yoruichi anywhere they looked so they settled down with a smile on their faces, wondering what the morning would bring.
XXX
Thus brings us to the end of chapter 4. So let's see, does fondling a person in their cat form mean you have a cat fetish? If you were Soifon, the answer is probably yes, Ichigo and Tatsuki though. I don't know.
Anyway, so the duel between Ichigo and Gin, as to why he didn't use hakuda well he was using his pistols to slide the sword away from him. Like I said earlier he can still be cut.
As to his regeneration, it's not going to be like a hollow's instant regen or Alucard's regen just yet, just like his mind-reading, is still in its infancy.
Like, love, hate or meh. Any constructive criticism you have is more than welcome to a degree.