The Bird of Hermes is my name; eat my wings to make me tame.
Ladies, gentlemen, ghouls and monsters we come now to chapter 5. My thanks to code R.R for the consistent reviews and to everyone else that has reviewed so far. Seems the one thing I'm getting wrong is that no matter how many times I reread a chapter I miss some obvious grammar errors. Hopefully I can bring them down this time.
Enough of that now, on with the show.
Disclaimer: All characters are property of their respective owners, of which I am not.
"Normal speech"
"Kido/Zanpakuto release"
Thoughts
"Alucard"
'Ichigo and Tatsuki's link'
XXX
Chapter 5: The Break-in and Boys trying to be Men.
As dawn broke the group woke from their slumber to get a start on tracking down the elusive Kukaku Shiba. During a light breakfast Chad, Uryu and Orihime noticed that Yoruichi seemed unable to look at either Ichigo or Tatsuki; she even seemed to try and keep as much distance as possible away from the two. When Orihime asked Tatsuki later, she laughed it off and said that they had an interesting chat last night, while everyone slept. Thanking the elder for his hospitality, they checked on Jidanbo one last time before heading of following Uryu. Why you might ask, he was the one given the map since neither Ichigo nor Tatsuki were interested, nobody trusted Orihime and Chad was their silent giant. As they walked Ichigo amused himself by feeling Yoruichi's emotions and subtly nudging her memories of last night to the forefront or planting suggestive images into Tatsuki's mind. This caused Tatsuki's face to blush unexpectedly or Yoruichi to miss a step now and then, much to the confusion of the rest of the group.
"Say Alucard, why do you try to classify people as men, monsters or dogs?" Ichigo probed after a while.
"It's merely how I see the world divided up young master. Men are those who are true to their beliefs and do not fall to the corruption of power. They are not evil or good, they merely follow through with their ideals. To be defeated by such people was my dream. Monsters are those who have either lost sight of their ideals or have become that which others fear in order to fulfil their ideals. Dogs…they are what I despise beyond all else. They follow an ideal even if it goes against their beliefs and are willing or unknowing puppets for monsters." Alucard's deep timbre answered. "One does not permanently stay as any of them, it all depends on their choices in life. Even the most savage monster may redeem himself, while the noblest man may fall."
Pondering what he had been told Ichigo considered the people he had met so far. He was struck from his thoughts by Yoruichi's voice.
"Ah here we are, I can see that Kukaku's been renovating, the arms are holding the banner this time." Yoruichi said as she continued to walk forward.
Looking at the house before them Ichigo and Tatsuki burst out laughing, Uryu's jaw dropped to the ground, Chad sweat dropped and Orihime gushed at how artistic it was. It was relatively normal with the exception of two massive stone statues shaped like arms holding a banner that said 'Kukaku Shiba' and a massive chimney that towered over the house. Running after Yoruichi, the group was met by two burly men that were clearly twins.
"Halt. What business do you have with Kukaku Shiba, what's more you wear strange clothing, we Koganehiko and Shiroganehiko cannot allow you to pass." They hollered in unison. "Leave now or die."
"Master perhaps now would be a good time to try your 'persuasion skills'?" spoke Alucard.
As Yoruichi started to move forward, she was shocked to find Ichigo in front of her, his coat blocking her from view. Smiling slightly Ichigo removed his shades and looked into the pair's eyes. They acquired a bright glow as he spoke, "We have an appointment with Kukaku Shiba and you will take us there now."
The group could only watch as Koganehiko and Shiroganehiko nodded dumbly saying, "We will take you to meet Kukaku Shiba now." Koganehiko opened the door and ushered them to follow him while Shiroganehiko stood to the side.
Yoruichi was visibly disturbed by what had happened, it seemed as if the pair had been placed in a vegetative state and were blindly following whatever orders were given. Descending the stairs she was given no more time to ponder it as they arrived at a set of doors and told to wait.
"What is it Koganehiko? I sense you have some guests with you," came a voice from behind the door.
"Yes, guests to see Kukaku Shiba," he spoke in a monotone voice.
"Well quit dawdling and let them in," was the reply.
Ichigo stiffened sensing that the owner behind the door was female and not male as he had been assuming. From the look on Tatsuki's face she had reached the same conclusion. Yoruichi however seemed to have expected such. The others were still too floored by the house to even notice this he thought.
Opening the door Koganehiko ushered them in, where they were met by a young woman sitting on a pile of cushions. She had messy black hair half wrapped in bandages, wore a white skirt and a red shirt that would've sent many a male mind into the gutter. She had a tattoo on her left arm and was missing her right arm. "Hi. It's been a while, Yoruichi." She said with a smirk.
Ichigo and Tatsuki winced as the rest of their group yelled, "Kukaku is a women!"
Looking back at them, Tatsuki said, "Well nobody actually said what she was so we all just assumed she was a guy."
Looking over at the group Kukaku gave them a once over before her eyes settled on the pair of Ichigo and Tatsuki. It wasn't the strange clothing that caught her eye more the fact that it seemed like she was facing down a raging, bloodthirsty monster in disguise. Ichigo's eyes alone unnerved her as they revealed a depth of madness that was seldom seen. "Who are these kids with you? She said eventually.
Stepping forward Yoruichi introduced each of them, not leaving out the part that Ichigo was a soul reaper. "I need a favour Kukaku," she said coming to the matter at hand.
Focusing on Yoruichi, Kukaku asked, "That's why you normally come here isn't it. Is it dangerous?"
"I think so." Yoruichi replied.
Kukaku's face split into a wide grin, "Heh, it's been a while since I've done anything dangerous, so tell me more." She gestured for them all to sit down.
Once everyone was seated Yoruichi outlined the fact that they needed a way into Seireitei.
Exhaling from the pipe she was smoking Kukaku said, "I see. I'll help you get in, especially since Urahara seems to be helping you. I don't however trust you, so I'll be sending one of my men along as an overseer."
"Overseer?" Ichigo said with narrowed eyes.
"Well I say Overseer, but he's really my idiot kid brother." Walking up to a side panel, she knocked on it. "Hey you ready?" When there was no response she opened it revealing it to be empty.
"WAAHHH, NEE-SAN I'M SORRY I'M LATE, PLEASE FORGIVE ME!" they heard a voice shout as it came charging from the other side of the door. Before anyone could react a man burst through the door tripping over his robes and falling face first into Tatsuki's breasts. Now whilst Tatsuki had no problem teasing Yoruichi with them, having a guy other than Ichigo in them made her see red.
"You fucking pervert!" she screamed kicking him off of her. Grabbing him by the throat she began to mercilessly beat him into the ground screaming obscenities at him.
Observing the scene dispassionately Kukaku gestured for the rest of the group to follow her. "Normally if he was late like that I would beat him myself, seeing your friend in action though. I think I'll leave her to it." Ganju's screams of pain echoed through the house as they walked down the hallway. "This is the place," she said opening the door. Entering the group saw a jet black cannon that seemed to continue above them.
The chimney we saw outside, thought Ichigo.
"Using this I'll help you enter Seireitei through the sky," Kukaku said with a grin.
Confusion was written plain as day on the faces of Chad, Uryu and Orihime while Ichigo had a maniacal smile on his face as he realised just how she planned to get them in.
"What do you mean, from the sky?" Uryu finally managed to say.
"Exactly what I said kid, I plan on shooting you into the Seireitei from above or my names not Kukaku Shiba, fireworks master of Soul Society.
XXX
Meanwhile Renji was escorting Rukia to the Shrine of Penitence.
"Look out the window Rukia; there lies the instrument of your execution, the Sokyoku." Renji said.
"Lieutenant Abarai, you have our thanks for escorting us while we transferred the prisoner," said one of the hooded jailors, "we should leave now."
Looking back at them as they proceeded to leave, Renji walked up to Rukia's side and whispered into her ear. "Reports are still coming in, but it seems that yesterday six people tried to break into the Seireitei. One of which was described as being tall with orange hair." He walked off missing the look of shock on Rukia's face.
XXX
Back at Kukaku's house the group now stood outside the house as Kukaku had the twins raise the cannon into its firing position. Ichigo was relishing in the insanity of such a plan, while was Uryu freaked out at the idea of being shot from a cannon and questioned how they could even survive the blast. Kukaku threw a light blue orb that struck him in the face and landed in Ichigo's waiting hands.
"That spirit core will form a protective barrier around you when you channel your spirit energy into it," she explained.
Smirking to himself, Ichigo channelled a slight amount of energy into the orb. As he did so, the orb acquired a light glow and a larger sphere formed around Ichigo. Walking up to it and tapping it, Kukaku was surprised at its strength.
"Well now, looks like you have the hang of it, for the rest of you this is what it needs to look like,' she said turning back to face the rest of the group who had now been joined by Tatsuki and Ganju. Having kept her in touch via their link Ichigo tossed the orb to Tatsuki who went on to form a similar sphere. This drew surprised looks from everyone but Ichigo and Yoruichi, who had come to the conclusion that since both had trained together and from yesterday's display of Bakudo from Ichigo, both had a reasonable amount of control over their reiatsu. Kukaku then ordered the twins to take Chad, Uryu and Orihime and teach them to form the sphere. Ichigo informed Yoruichi that he and Tatsuki were going to take a look around the place. Before she could say anything the pair had disappeared into the night. Sighing to herself she walked off in search of Kukaku as she was in desperate need of a drink after the events of the last two days.
XXX
Sitting in her private chambers with a bottle of sake Kukaku was still thinking about the orange haired reaper and his raven haired partner. While on the surface they seemed normal it was what was deeper in, that caused her to shudder. After looking at the damage done to Ganju and the fact that the girl had not forced any reiatsu into her attacks, she couldn't fathom just how naturally strong she was. Then there was the behaviour of the twins, whilst they were back to normal now, they flinched and backed away from Ichigo whenever he was near not meeting his gaze at all. A knock at her door broke her from her thoughts.
"Enter," she said taking a sip from her saucer.
Yoruichi walked in, in all her nude glory and sat down across from her friend. Taking a saucer of her own she filled it and drained it in one go.
Unfazed by the fact that Yoruichi was naked and more by the fact that she seemed drained of energy, Kukaku spoke up, "Rough few days huh?"
Setting down her saucer Yoruichi met her eyes and said, "You have no idea. Out of all those kids, those two just leave me floored."
Knowing who her friend was talking about Kukaku refilled their saucers saying, "Just where the hell did you find those two Yoruichi, they don't seem human at all."
Picking up her saucer and draining it in one go again Yoruichi continued, "I didn't find them, from what Kisuke told me Ichigo trained to be able to save Rukia and during his training he came across Tatsuki dying and somehow saved her. Mere moments after awakening his powers he was able to severely damage one of Benihime's blood mist shields. Something which you and I both know is damn hard to do. Then there's the way he fought yesterday. He was able to effortlessly toss Jidanbo around like a rag doll and destroy him with ease. If that wasn't scary enough he went one on one with Gin Ichimaru and fought him to a stalemate while he had his shikai released. If Gin hadn't targeted Tatsuki I don't know who would've won unless Gin used his bankai.
Kukaku's eyes widened in shock at the news, "How the hell did a brat like him get so much power?"
Yoruichi shrugged her shoulders, "Your guess is as good as mine. There was something else though." She proceeded to explain what she had stumbled into literally last night when she went to go look for the pair.
Without warning Kukaku burst out laughing, "You the 'God of Flash', 'Queen of Tease' were teased by two teenagers and then turned tail and ran? God Yoruichi you're going soft on me." Kukaku laughed as she rolled around on the floor. Seeing her friend not looking amused in the least, she stopped. "There's still more isn't there?"
Yoruichi mumbled something incoherent.
"Sorry what was that? I didn't quite catch that." Kukaku said with a frown.
"I said, I enjoyed it," Yoruichi said with a hint of blush on her face.
Kukaku's jaw hit the ground at that statement. Recovering she said, "Be careful Yoruichi, there's something not quite right with those two."
Nodding, Yoruichi assumed her cat form as there was a knock on the door.
Koganehiko poked his head in, "Forgive me for the intrusion, but dinner is ready. Also Kurosaki-san and Arisawa-san are not back yet."
Sighing to herself, Yoruichi got up. "I'll go find them, see you at dinner Kukaku."
"Yeah, later Yoruichi." Kukaku said still pondering her friend's infatuation with the pair.
XXX
Stretched out in an open field, Ichigo and Tatsuki gazed up at the moon as a light breeze blew by, the faint but distinct smell of spring flowers in the air.
'I had wondered what season it was here, guess that answers the question.' He said over their mental link.
'Mmm, I never knew that such a smell could be so…wonderful.' Tatsuki said inhaling deeply.
Thinking to himself, Ichigo noted how they seemed to enjoy the simpler things in life now more than ever. There was also the fact that they were quicker to anger, sadness or happiness.
"As a being that has been around for centuries master, I have a far greater appreciation of such moments in life. The harmony between us and by extension your bond with Lady Tatsuki has meant that you experience it just as greatly as I do." Alucard said appearing next to Ichigo, Tatsuki jerked her head to the side seeing him. "Worry not milady, my name is Alucard and I am merely the master's zanpakuto. The two of you are the only people around that can see me due to my presence in your souls." He explained. Lying down, he joined them in enjoying the solitude of the night.
"I want to thank you Alucard, you are not merely a zanpakuto, you are the very reason I live today." Tatsuki said turning her head towards him.
A slight smile on his face Alucard replied, "The choice was yours milady, I merely helped the master." Sensing Yoruichi approaching he shifted slightly. "The Lady Yoruichi approaches master."
Straining his senses, Ichigo could indeed feel her approach. Not bothering to move he just continued to relax until she was in earshot. "Welcome Yoruichi, have you come to take us up on our offer?" he said with a grin.
Ignoring his quip Yoruichi said, "No, I came to get you for dinner and to talk to you about your powers."
Standing up Ichigo noticed that Alucard indeed seemed invisible to all others. "What exactly do you want to know Yoruichi-san?" he said as they started a slow walk back towards the house.
Looking him dead in the eyes Yoruichi said, "Everything."
So he explained what exactly the purposes of his pistols were, his armoured clothing, his reasonable mastery of Bakudo and his basic telepathy. At that bit she seemed most shocked. "It's how I knew that you were a woman to begin with Yoruichi-san, a woman who has forgone her needs for a long time," he whispered into her ear. "It's the main reason why we caught you like we did last night," he said with a smirk. Tatsuki giggled, before catching herself and wondering just what she was doing. Alucard snickered behind her as he recognised his influence on her. Shooting him a death glare, she queried Ichigo mentally about it. She seemed to be struggling to restrain herself from attempting to beat Alucard after discovering he was the cause of that annoying personality change. She was no giggling, emotional or sentimental school girl. She was placated though when Ichigo wrapped his arm around her waist and told her that she was still the scariest tomboy he knew.
XXX
By the next morning everyone had managed to form the sphere and Kukaku went into the final explanations for their launch. Hearing that they needed to sync their output with each other Ichigo and Tatsuki were worried as that would require them dropping their own levels quite a bit to match the others. Any slip from them and the sphere might shatter. As they entered the cannon and formed the cannonball they breathed a sigh of relief as it wasn't as great a strain as they expected. Launching them into the air, Kukaku could only watch and hope that they succeeded. The flight went well until Ganju made a misstep during the incantation. Impacting on the barrier he told everyone to force as much power as they could into the orb. Bringing the full might of their power to bear, the bubble broke through before shattering itself. Stuck in the vortex of energies they scrambled to stay together as a group. Seeing Ganju floating on his own Ichigo tossed him to Chad, while Tatsuki shot after Orihime as she struggled to reach Uryu. Reaching her, she tossed her toward Uryu, as he collected Yoruichi. Now alone she strained to reach Ichigo's outstretched hand. His instincts kicking in, Ichigo pushed off from Chad and Ganju saying they'd catch up to each other later as he hooked arms with Tatsuki. The next moment the three groups were sent flying away from each other. Below them the soul reaper captains issued their orders and the break-in began.
As Ichigo and Tatsuki approached the ground Ichigo started forcing his reiatsu to his feet to slow his fall. He hit the ground hard causing the ground to erupt around him. Setting Tatsuki down, he looked around coming face to face with two soul reapers.
"Well would you look at that Yumichika, the day we're invaded by ryoka and two of them fall right in front of us. Lucky us wouldn't you say? Said the reaper with a bald head.
"Indeed Ikkaku, a most beautiful moment indeed." Said the one with black hair that stopped along his jaw. He had a two red feathers attached to his right eyebrow and two yellow feathers next his right eye.
As Ikkaku performed his lucky dance, both Ichigo and Tatsuki burst out laughing at the sight. A tick mark forming on his forehead, Ikkaku shouted "And just what's so damn funny!"
Stifling his laughter Ichigo spoke up, "Why you of course cue ball." He burst out into laughter again.
Ikkaku's patience had finally snapped as he lunged forward swinging his sword in an attempt to decapitate Ichigo. Leaning back he dodged the blow silencing his laughter, he did however gain that insane smile that appeared whenever he was met with a challenge. Sharing a look with Tatsuki, she nodded and proceeded to grab Yumichika's head and throw him over the wall so that they had some space.
Turning back to his opponent Ichigo dodged a stab aimed at his heart. "Now, now cue ball, it's considered polite to introduce yourself before the cutting and stabbing." Ichigo said with a grin.
His rage continuing to grow Ikkaku growled, "Ikkaku Madarame, 3rd seat of the Eleventh Division."
"Pleased to meet you cue ball, Ichigo Kurosaki, friend of Rukia Kuchiki. Now die!" he said as he sent a fist straight at Ikkaku's face only to be blocked by the sheath of his sword. Slightly surprised Ichigo bent backwards as yet again Ikkaku came to close to cutting his face.
"Nice dodge there, but I can tell you're an amateur. Never allow your opponent to surprise you." Ikkaku smirked.
"I'll admit you caught me off-guard, but don't for one second think that you got me figured out." Ichigo said lowly. He rushed back in with a left hook, which was blocked by the sheath again. Catching Ikkaku's blade on his forearm he noted the surprise on Ikkaku's face. He unleashed a powerful knee to the gut in retaliation. "You said it yourself cue ball, don't let your opponent surprise you," he said dispassionately as he looked down on Ikkaku who was gasping for breath.
"It won't happen again; in fact I'm tired of this playing around. Grow, Hozukimaru." Ikkaku called standing and slamming the hit of his sword and its sheath together. A cloud of reiatsu shrouded it from view as it transformed. It cleared to reveal a long staff with a blade at one end and a red-tuft tassel at the other. Spinning it in hand he charged at Ichigo once more.
Still looking on with disinterest Ichigo reached with his right hand to draw Casull, "Seeing as you released your zanpakuto, guess it's my turn now." Holding it casually to the side he waited.
Seeing the pistol in Ichigo's hand Ikkaku wondered at the strange looking object. He didn't give himself time to ponder it though as he was within striking distance of Ichigo. Thrusting his spear forward, it was deflected as Ichigo struck it with his left palm while swinging Casull round to meet Ikkaku's face. Without hesitation he pulled the trigger sending a Shakkaho like blast at Ikkaku.
Instinct saved him from the worst of the blast as Ikkaku jumped to the side as he felt his face melt under the heat of the reiatsu bullet. Smelling burnt flesh he knew that the wound was cauterised.
"You managed to dodge that quite well cue ball. Well done." Ichigo said still looking at the direction Ikkaku had come from.
"Don't underestimate me you bastard," Ikkaku swore as he leapt to the attack yet again. As he was about to stab Ichigo's unprotected back another shot rang out and from the back of Ichigo's coat another Shakkaho-like blast erupted. Bringing his zanpakuto up to defend himself Ikkaku was shocked when the blast struck the spear shattering it and striking him in the chest. He was hurled back into the surrounding walls, which proceeded to collapse around him.
Before he lost consciousness, Ikkaku saw Ichigo pull out the smoking Jackal with his left hand. He saw that the hole in Ichigo's coat had begun to repair itself seconds after being torn. He heard Ichigo's dispassionate voice. "You held back boy, that is why you are left broken and defeated now."
Kneeling near a pool of blood that had not burn away Ichigo placed the tip of a finger in it. Slowly but with increasing speed it was absorbed into his skin relaying all the information that Ikkaku had been given in the last 48 hours. Looking to the lone white tower he now knew to be the Shrine of Penitence, the jail of Rukia, he made his way to find Tatsuki.
XXX
Tatsuki vs. Yumichika, starting after Tatsuki had taken them away from Ichigo.
As she landed on the other side of the wall after Yumichika, she observed as he scrambled to his feet.
"You bitch," Yumichika screamed at her, "how dare you touch my beautiful face like that." He pulled out a hand mirror and started to examine every inch of his face.
Sighing at the idiot she ended up, with she charged forward and gave him a roundhouse kick to the gut. Swearing he pulled out his zanpakuto and swung at Tatsuki's ribs. They continued on like this for a few minutes both exchanging blows but neither landing a hit as they both blocked or dodged. Growing exasperated Yumichika called, "Bloom, Fuji Kujaku." His zanpakuto transformed, becoming more like a sickle than a blade, it then proceeded to split into four equal sized blades connected to the hilt. Bracing herself, Tatsuki waited for him to charge. Yumichika smirked as he rushed back in; the battle went much the same way again, except now Tatsuki had acquired some cuts to her coat as Yumichika came close to cutting her.
Running out of room on the ground she leapt to the roof with Yumichika following, Tatsuki finally managed to get a blow in to Yumichika's midsection that gave him pause. As she moved to take advantage however she slipped on a loose tile and lost her balance. Seeing an opening, Yumichika leapt forward swinging his zanpakuto in a wide downward arc. Looking at the rapidly descending blade Tatsuki tried in vain to get back up; as she regained her footing though, she was sliced across her back from shoulder to shoulder. Hissing in pain she dropped once again.
Smug at the thought of victory Yumichika raised his zanpakuto again, "Considering that we of the Eleventh Division give our names to those we have killed remember this, Yumichika Ayasegawa, 5th seat of the Eleventh Division. As the blade inched closer to her, his zanpakuto was suddenly grabbed by the hilt stopping it dead. As she looked up to meet his eyes, Yumichika felt his stomach lurch as he saw her blood red eyes glow and a maniacal expression on her face. Before he could recover Tatsuki sent a haymaker at his face, striking his right side. Yumichika could feel his lower jaw crack and was sent flying back to the ground below. Tatsuki leapt after him bringing her foot down to stomp his chest. Rolling to the side he dodged the impact, seeing the ground crack under her foot. Attempting to slash her from the side he was surprised when she fell backwards bringing her legs up to sweep him off his feet. Off balance he could not react in time as she began to throw punches and jabs into his torso. He could feel his ribs break under her assault. Slipping into unconsciousness he raised his head one last time. He saw her drawing her fist back before sending it flying at his face. Moments from reaching him, its progress was stopped as Ichigo intervened.
Gripping her hand he pulled her into a tight embrace. "That's enough Tatsuki, you won. No need to go and kill the guy," he whispered.
Her eyes seemed to dim as she came back to her senses. "I-Ichigo," Tatsuki stammered, "w-what happened?"
"It doesn't matter for now, just know this you won Tats, you won," he said as she collapsed into his arms from mental exhaustion. Hefting her and her opponent onto his shoulders, he dropped Yumichika off next to Ikkaku and made his way towards the Shrine of Penitence, while looking for a place to tend to Tatsuki's back.
XXX
And that's the curtain call for chapter 5.
One thing I want to get out of the way is a further explanation of Ichigo's pistols. Both can fire hado like bullets from 1-99, just the projectile like ones, therefore no Tenran, or Kurohitsugi etc. As I said the Casull makes them fly faster than normal while the Jackal adds some extra power. The easiest comparison to make is that the Casull's power is like spells without the incantation, while the Jackal's are with the incantation and more.
As to why Ganju was introduced here, well it's not like he would've know Ichigo was a soul reaper.
The fight's well I like them. They show that Tatsuki still has yet to tap into the abilities she's gained from Ichigo willingly and well Ichigo was just badass here in my opinion.
Regarding their interactions with Yoruichi, this is still and IchixTats fic but guest appearances to their romance may happen.
His hypnotism of Kukaku's bodyguards though was something I wanted to do with Hanataro, but looking back at the poor guy he's already going to have a rough time with what I have planned for him, not bashing him, but you just gotta feel for the kid.
As for the way Ichigo and Alucard call people, boys, dogs, puppies etc. I wanted to bring in Alucard's classifications but vary them a bit.
Enough ranting from me, like, love, hate let me know please. As I said before my thanks to those who review and read this fic.