The Bird of Hermes is my name; eat my wings to make me tame.
My thanks to those who reviewed the last chapter; simply put I'm pleased if you're pleased. Now for the conclusion of the Soul Society arc. Updates will slow down since I need to rework how the story goes from here; I mean having Ichigo beaten by Yammy/Grimmjow is just not going to happen. Don't worry I am not taking a long hiatus, most likely 2-3 days to get my head around everything and then I'll start writing for this story again. Anyway not much in the way of fighting this chapter, just some fuzzy moments and stuff.
Warning there are hints of lemon.
Disclaimer: All characters are property of their respective owners, of which I am not.
"Normal speech"
"Kido/Zanpakuto release"
Thoughts
"Alucard/Kurohime"
'Ichigo and Tatsuki's link'
XXX
Chapter 10: Dawn of a New Day.
As the sun crested the horizon to signal that start of a new day, Tatsuki stirred as she felt its warmth. Opening her eyes she found herself staring at an unfamiliar ceiling in a warm bed. Sitting up to examine herself, she found that she had been stripped down to her blouse and panties. Looking to her left she found the rest of her clothing folded in a neat pile. Contemplating who she would have to beat to death for daring to undress her, Tatsuki heard the sound of light breathing to her right. Turning to the sound, she found herself staring at Ichigo's prone form once more. As she stared at him, the events of the previous day came rushing back to her. Leaping from the bed, not caring if she was decent or not, she made her way over to Ichigo's bed. Examining his body she found that he was whole, other than the fact that the abuse of yesterday was still visible on his body. Seating herself by his side she absently traced each new scar, her thoughts on why he was forced to bear such torture. Remembering her own wound from yesterday and she found only unblemished skin at her waist. She was brought back to reality when Ichigo stirred next to her.
Ichigo had known that she was awake when she first sat up and while he was content to let her fingers trace over his torso, when he saw her thoughts turn dark he roused himself to awareness. "You know I was enjoying that," he said as he opened his eyes looking into Tatsuki's own.
Bending over him, she planted a soft lingering kiss to his lips. "Bet you liked that more," she said as she leant back.
Moving faster than Tatsuki could react, Ichigo reached out to grab her by her hips and shifted their positions so that she lay beneath him, "There's something I would like even more right now," he said as he started to leave a trail of kisses down her neck.
Tatsuki could feel her body heat up and her panties dampen under his ministrations. "W-Wait, where are we first of all, I mean what if someone walks in?" she said as she tried in vain to fight her bodies reaction.
Not pausing as he reached beneath her blouse to cup one of her breasts he murmured, "In their hospital, don't worry it's the crack of dawn and we don't have any injuries that would warrant them checking in on us." Hearing no further protests from her he inched his fingers lower, relishing in the moans she uttered.
XXX
Rukia, Renji, Orihime, Chad and Uryu were currently making their way to the fourth division to check in on Ichigo and Tatsuki after the events of yesterday and in Rukia and Renji's case to visit Byakuya also. Most of them still shuddered when they had arrived to see Ichigo kneeling next to Tatsuki, his body in pieces while Tatsuki was nearly split in two. Orihime still felt tears build in her eyes as she recalled the scene and how she prayed that she wouldn't lose her two best friends in the world.
As they entered the fourth squad they were met by Hanataro as he was sweeping the halls, "Ah Rukia-san, Renji-san," looking at the others he bowed, "Inoue-san, Sado-san, Ishida-san. What can I help you with today?" he asked.
Rukia smiled at his eagerness, "Hello Hanataro, we're here to see Ichigo, Tatsuki and nii-sama."
"Ah they were placed in rooms across from each other, I can take you there if you want," Hanataro said.
"That'd be great, thank you Hanataro," Rukia finished with a smile.
Leading them down a series of passageways the group watched as the division members went about tending to their patients before arriving at the door to Ichigo and Tatsuki's room.
"Ichigo-san and Tatsuki-san are in this room while Captain Kuchiki is in the room across the hall." His task finished Hanataro walked off.
"Well let's visit Ichigo and Tatsuki first and then Renji and I will visit nii-sama after," Rukia said as she turned the door handle. As the group entered the room they were assaulted by Tatsuki's screams of pleasure as she and Ichigo were both naked and caught in the throes of passion.
Turning to face their visitors, Tatsuki looked shocked while there was a look of annoyance on Ichigo's face. "Haven't you guys ever heard of knocking when you enter a room?" he growled his black reiatsu flaring around him.
The group quickly piled back into the hallway, red-faced from what they unknowingly walked in on.
Speaking in a voice just above a whisper Orihime asked, "U-Um why couldn't we hear them from outside the door?" The timid healer was still trying to tone down her blush, but failed as the image of the two kept coming to the forefront of her mind.
"I-I think we'll just wait out here until they call us in don't you think," Rukia said as she was still beet red.
Everyone nodded dumbly the image of their two friends burned into their minds. It was in such a state of daze that Captain Unohana found the group as she made her rounds. As she reached to open the door to Ichigo and Tatsuki's room, the group was broken out of their stupor and tried in vain to warn her not to go in. Seeing the healer enter and not hearing the resultant explosion of anger from the pair, the group of friends assumed it was safe to enter. Peeking into the room they were met by the image of Ichigo, topless and clad in just his suit pants, being scolded by the motherly captain, while Tatsuki was clad just in his dress shirt.
"I believe I told you last night Kurosaki-san, that there was a reason for the two of you to be in separate beds. It was due to that fact that we didn't want you straining yourselves too soon. Do you think then that particular activity is not classified under strenuous activity?" Unohana said with her ever present smile on her face.
There was no hint of fear in his eyes as Ichigo looked back at her, "My apologies Unohana-san, my heart ran ahead, leaving my mind behind."
Unohana continued smiling saying, "Just make sure it doesn't happen again while you are under my care Kurosaki-san," she said before bending over to whisper to Tatsuki, "and I think you and I need to have a little talk about your activities, there is a particularly useful kido that may interest you." Greeting the group that entered, she left to return to her rounds.
Releasing his pent up breath and seeing the look of shock on Tatsuki's face from what Unohana possibly wanted to talk to her about, Ichigo turned to back to everyone, "Hey guys, so how you been?"
Still red-faced their friends sat down on the chairs provided or stood against the wall as they began exchanging tales of their adventures since the day they were separated.
XXX
After visiting for an hour or two with Ichigo, Rukia and Renji bid their friends farewell as they went to see Byakuya. Knocking on his door they entered the room. Byakuya was sitting propped up against the headrest staring out the window. Turning to face them he bowed his head slightly. "Rukia, Renji," he said in an even tone.
"Nii-sama." "Captain." They responded respectively.
"It seems you're healing well nii-sama," Rukia said as she noticed him move with little discomfort.
"Yes, thanks to that ryoka girl, Orihime Inoue I believe. She certainly is a gifted healer, Captain Unohana will be glad to have her in her division one day," he spoke as he flexed his hand.
Taking a seat near his bed, they spoke of nothing of consequence for a time, merely relaying news of the others and of the division. As they got up to leave Byakuya spoke up, "Rukia, would you mind staying. I would like a word with you."
Rukia sat back down saying, "I'll catch up with you later Renji." Nodding to her he left to get back to his division. "What is it you wanted to speak to me about nii-sama?" Rukia asked as he swung his legs off the bed and made to stand. She was shocked when he walked up to her and held her in a tight hug.
"I'm sorry Rukia, for everything," Byakuya spoke as he continued to hug her. Rukia felt her eyes tear up as she returned the hug. "In the forty years since you were adopted into the Kuchiki family never have I cared for you as a brother should. When you were accepted into the family, do you remember the reason they gave you?"
Rukia thought back to what the elder that greeted had told her. "I remember, they said I greatly resembled your late wife Hisana-sama."
"That was the lie, but the truth is you are Hisana's younger sister. You both died in the real world and came to Inuzuri 150 years ago. Struggling to fend for the both of you, she abandoned you, a decision she regretted right up to the point when she passed away. In the five years we were married she never stopped looking for you, when she grew too ill to continue looking for you, she asked me to make a promise. She made me promise to find you and take care of you as my sister and protect you. When I adopted you I swore on my parent's graves to never break the rules again. Then when you were ordered to be executed, I did not know which promise to follow, the one to my wife to protect her sister, or the one to my parents to uphold the rules. It took the actions of one man against the entire Seireitei to beat it into me." He paused when he heard her laugh into his chest, "And what do you find funny about this," he said genuinely curious.
Suppressing her mirth Rukia regained her composure, "Forgive me nii-sama, but I think you are one of the few people that still consider him a man. Something even he does not believe he is."
Nodding in understanding, Byakuya looked out the window once more. "Regardless of what he is, I have him to thank for turning me around."
The siblings stayed together in their embrace for a few minutes, before Rukia had to leave. Her heart felt significantly lighter as she walked home, while Byakuya could breathe easy for the first time in decades.
XXX
The following day Ichigo and Tatsuki were discharged from Unohana's care allowing them to explore Seireitei like the others. While some encounters were pleasant many others left the soul reapers shaking.
The day Ichigo showed up at the eleventh division had many running as far away as possible to get away from the inevitable clash. Strangely enough it was no more than a particularly lively brawl between the two with Ichigo solely employing hakuda and Kenpachi leaving his eye patch on. Bruised but otherwise whole, Ichigo proceeded to leave with the pink haired lieutenant hanging off his shoulder similar to the way she did with Kenpachi. Somehow the fact that the two left laughing maniacally was a thousand times scarier than the thought of him fighting Kenpachi. When asked later why their fight hadn't been as bloody as before, Kenpachi would give the person a blank stare saying, "Yachiru wouldn't be happy if we did fight like that again and I don't want her to be unhappy."
Chad had made friends quite quickly with Captain Kyoraku, as they both shared a dislike for fighting. The two would often be joined by Captain Ukitake whenever his illness permitted just enjoying the day. He had also found a fellow musician among the soul reapers in Shuhei Hisagi.
Orihime was busying herself trying to be as helpful as she could at the fourth division, healing those she could and whatever else they could think of to distract her from trying to help by cooking. Although Captain Unohana had started using her dishes on troublesome eleventh division members, it was new to her that something inspired more fear than she did to them.
Uryu spent as little time as possible with any of the soul reapers, preferring to spend his time either in the library or sewing. He had made a strange friend in one Nemu Kurotsuchi.
Tatsuki and Yoruichi would often stop by the second division where they took a fiendish pleasure in teasing the young captain. Whether it was just Yoruichi's mere presence or Tatsuki's 'playful' touches the young captain was often left blushing.
On the second last day before they were due to leave Ichigo was summoned to the Captain-Commander's office. Walking into the room he found the old man standing near the balcony overlooking the Seireitei.
"Ichigo Kurosaki, first I would like to give you my thanks for your role in exposing the traitorous Aizen, even if it was by far the most destructive thing to happen to us in quite a while," Capt. Commander Yamamoto said without looking back at him.
"Maybe, but sometimes a lesson not learned in blood is a lesson soon forgotten," Ichigo spoke as he joined the aged captain at the railing.
"Be that as it may, I find myself in a quandary now. I have been told that you possess considerable skill in bakudo, by none other than the captain that hates kido the most. There is also the fact that you and your acquaintance possess decisive victories over several of my captains, so you are too powerful to simply ignore. With the war against Aizen coming as you told him so yourself, I find myself at a loss as to either force you to stay here and make you a captain or to make use of you in some other way."
Ichigo showed no surprise at the Capt. Commander's thoughts. He began to ponder a solution himself, but was interrupted by a voice breaking through the silence.
"Perhaps I can be of assistance to you Capt. Commander Yamamoto," spoke Alucard as he phased through the wall behind the desk.
"And just who are you?" Yamamoto said as he looked at the newcomer.
"Meet my zanpakuto spirit Alucard," Ichigo said for him.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance," he said as he bowed hat in hand. "It is good to know that the Soul Society is in possession of a man with such experience as it heads into war. As for what to do with the young master, well I think we can both agree that having a monster on your side is a practical idea. However I would advise against you forcing us to stay here, rather allow us to continue to patrol our immediate home and learn what skills you had intended at a training ground we know of in the real world. I'm sure you know of whom I speak."
"He has a point," Ichigo said as Alucard finished. "It will allow me to continue with my human life while saving you the need to send a soul reaper there to patrol the town. Consider us similar to your Special Forces, except maybe keep us separate. A First Response force if you will."
"I will allow you to continue your life in the real world, I must stress however that part of the reason for you staying here was to offer you some protection from Aizen. Doubtless he will be out for blood due to your actions on the day of his betrayal," Yamamoto said as he walked over to his desk.
"So I just went and angered another supernatural force that can kill me, it seems to be a thing with me," Ichigo said as he walked out of the room.
XXX
As Ichigo made his way toward where he and his friends were staying at the thirteenth division, he passed the sixth division sensing Byakuya's reiatsu within. Compared to the last time they met when it spoke only of sorrow and doubt, it seemed to be radiating peace now. Curiosity getting the better of him he made his way towards the noble.
Stopping outside the door he assumed to be Byakuya's office, he knocked waiting to be admitted.
"Enter," spoke Byakuya as he looked up to see who had come. He was shocked when Ichigo entered the room removing his hat as he stood before him. "Ichigo? What can I do for you today?" Byakuya said as he gestured for Ichigo to sit.
"Ah nothing urgent right now, I was in the area and sensed something different about you. You seem calmer than normal," Ichigo pointed out as he took a seat.
"I have had a great weight lifted from my chest, that and I have been seeking forgiveness from Rukia," Byakuya said as he stood to stand at the window's edge.
"I see. And how does that make you feel?" Ichigo asked as he watched Byakuya's shoulders tense.
"It is difficult; my position does not allow me the luxury of switching into the role of a loving brother on a whim. But every day I try and do a little bit," he said as he turned to face Ichigo. "I do not intend to repeat myself and I do not intend to ever admit this in public, but know this Ichigo Kurosaki, you have my thanks. Whatever worth that carries to you, know that you at least carry it."
Ichigo cracked a crooked grin, "Don't go getting soft on me Byakuya, between you and Kenpachi I may be the only sane one left among the three of us now."
Byakuya smirked at him, "I highly doubt the two of you were ever sane to begin with, now if you don't mind I have some work to attend to." He sat back down at his desk and began filling out the paperwork on it.
As Ichigo rose to leave, he sidestepped as he felt a presence barrelling towards the door. Opening it as the figure was about to hit it, revealed a breathless Renji who tripped and fell into the room face first as he reached for the door and missed.
"Captain," Renji said as he stood panting, "Rukia's gone missing, no one from her division or the Kuchiki estate has seen her since she left this morning."
Ichigo narrowed his eyes, while Byakuya showed no reaction to this news. Brushing along the surface of Byakuya's thoughts, Ichigo smirked as he found out where Rukia had gone. Noticing the smug look on Ichigo's face, Byakuya sighed as he realised that he had given away her plans despite being told not to, not that there was anything he could do to prevent Ichigo from finding out.
"There is no need to shout Lieutenant Abarai, I know where she is and there is no need to worry about her. You will return to your duties and leave her alone for now," Byakuya said as he returned to his paperwork.
Renji gaped at him, while Ichigo smirked at the expression on Renji's face before dragging the bewildered lieutenant out of the room.
XXX
Arriving just as Rukia had tried to apologise to Kukaku, Ichigo burst out laughing when she was punched in the face for trying to say sorry. He had almost recovered when Rukia almost apologised for apologising, which caused Kukaku's ire. By the time he had regained some of his composure he noticed that Rukia stood before him. Schooling his face in a look of disinterest he listened as she said that she would stay in Soul Society.
"Eh it's your choice after all. We did what we came here to do and that was, stop your execution. If this is what you want, then that's that," Ichigo said as he stood.
He was shocked when she hugged him around his waist. "Thank you Ichigo, you changed many things for the better by coming here," Rukia said as her grip on him tightened.
"Oi midget don't tell me you're going soft on me too," Ichigo said with a smirk. He felt a dull impact to his stomach and looked down to see Rukia holding her hand wincing in pain.
"OWW, just what are you made of. And don't call me a midget, you're just freakishly tall," Rukia said as she cradled her hand. Suddenly a pair of slender arms wrapped around her waist lifting her into the air.
"A giant he may be, but you're still a midget to us Rukia," Tatsuki said as she nipped Rukia's ear. "You're gonna have to be careful what you do to my boyfriend now, who knows what someone might take it as."
Rukia blushed up a storm at Tatsuki's comment and was saved when Kukaku pounded Tatsuki on her head, telling them to stay for dinner. As Tatsuki tried to protest she was met by a fist to her face from Kukaku and Ichigo fell to the floor in laughter once again as Tatsuki seemed to shrink before the enraged fireworks master.
XXX
The next day as they said goodbye to the soul reapers, Ichigo and Tatsuki were issued two combat passes by Ukitake. He explained that they would allow them to leave their bodies without the use of the spirit glove or mod souls. Thanking him they entered the portal and were chased by the cleaner once again on their trip through the precipice world. Emerging in the real world Ichigo and Tatsuki could only sigh as everyone else screamed as they began to fall. They found themselves on what appeared to be a flying sheet seconds later with Kisuke.
"Ah welcome back everyone, I assume you had an eventful trip," Kisuke said in his jovial tone.
Rising to his full height Ichigo stared down at the shopkeeper his red eyes glowing brighter as they seemed to bore into that man, "You could say that Urahara-san."
Seeing the look the teen gave him, he removed his hat and knelt before him, "My apologies for sending you off without telling you everything from my side."
Ichigo smirked, "Eh it's not like I care, what your reasons were. Just make sure you apologise to Rukia the next time you see her."
Kisuke smiled as he put his hat back on, but was floored as he was punched out of nowhere. Everyone looked to see Tatsuki's fist outstretched and smoking slightly.
"Ichigo may have not hit you, but don't expect to get off without a mark from me Urahara," Tatsuki said as she sat back down.
They dropped everyone off home before heading to Kisuke's shop so that Ichigo and Tatsuki could retrieve their bodies. As the pair walked along the night streets arms linked, they enjoyed the feel of being back in the real world and back to their somewhat normal life. As they stepped into the Kurosaki home they made their way up to Ichigo's room as quietly as possible. Locking the door behind them, Ichigo's eyes acquired a lust filled glow as he lifted Tatsuki carrying her over to the bed.
As Ichigo bent down to her lips though, they were interrupted by a high pitched shout from his father, "WELCOME HOOOOMMMEE, ICHIGOOOOO." Said man coming to crash through the open window, missing both the teenagers. As he stood rubbing his head he was met by the furious face of Ichigo, the last sound he made a high pitched scream of pain before the night was silent once more.
XXX
And that's the end of the Soul Society arc. Now who knows what will happen since half the canon just got thrown out the window.
Some people may dislike the way some characters acted this chapter, but this was how I sort of planned it from the start.
Anyway like, love, hate let me know through your reviews please.
EDIT: There is a poll on my profile regarding the inclusion of the Bount Invasion.