Still own nothing but the ocs.

I survived my sister's wedding. Funny thing was that it was thundering and lightning out during the ceremony. So much for a outdoor wedding. Otherwise, everything went well.

Protecting the one I love

Months later

I was summoned to the squad one meeting room. I was curious to what was so important to be summoned so late at night. I knocked on the door and was shown in. I gave a bow to the head captain.

"Ah, captain Shihōin. I'm sorry to call you so late. First, I wanted to congratulate you on the betrothal. Second, the main reason that you've been summoned is that there is some unusual hollow activity in Konoha. Your help as been requested, please take who you would like to join you and head out. I believe there will be someone there to meet you." he explained.

I felt a mix of emotion but I knew I had to keep it together. I couldn't let myself panic yet.

"Of course captain. I'll take a squad with me." I said.

"Good, dismissed."

I disappeared and went to wake Soifon and Kisuke. I quickly explained what was going on and we gathered five more members. After we went over the general plan we headed through the senkaimon.

It was odd to step foot into Konoha again. I was use to once a year visit, not more than that. We looked around and noticed how quiet it was, almost an eerie quiet under the moonlight. I had everyone take an earpiece before we entered Konoha. I motioned for some of the members to head out and check around the outside of the village. Kisuke and Soifon stayed with me as we headed to the gates.

"Lady Shihōin, Soifon."

We neared the light at the guard post and saw that it was Izumo. I could see the relief on his face.

"Please follow me, the Hokage has been expecting you." he said with a faint smile.

Soifon linked arms with him and we followed them. I was trying to rack my brain on why I was requested. We entered Minato's office and I saw some more familiar faces. Hizashi was there along with Kakashi.

"Thank goodness that you're here." Minato said as he saw us.

"I can see that, but what in the world is going on?" I asked.

"We're not sure how to describe it. There are some strange monsters that have appeared by the memorial stone and villagers have complained of some eerie wailing noise at night." he said.

"Hollows?" Kisuke asked.

"What's a hollow?"

"It's a spirit that hasn't passed over and has stayed too long in this world causing them to change into what you call monsters." I said.

There was a sudden burst of spiritual pressure that almost knocked us down. I glanced as Soifon and Kisuke.

"I guess one decided to make an appearance." I grumbled.

"Captain…" one squad member said as he popped in through the window.

"I know, let's go." I sighed.

"Wait."

I turned to see the worried look on Kakashi's face.

"Here." I tossed Kakashi, Minato and Hizashi each an earpiece before I vanished.

I felt bad for disappearing so soon but we had to find out what was going on. We headed off in different directions. I adjusted my earpiece as we did a quick check in. I listened as Kisuke explained what a hollow could look like to the others and how to destroy it. I started to head to the center of the village.

"Captain, there is evidence of it heading north and east. There may be more than one." Kisuke called over.

"We need to confirm the numbers." I said.

"Princess, Kikyō Castle."

"On my way."

I turned and headed in the direction. As I got closer, the presence got stronger. I could faintly hear my mother's words playing in my head about Kakashi and I not getting a chance to spend time together. I tried to shake it to the side for the moment so I could focus on what was happening at the moment. Deep in my heart I could only hope that things would turn out for the better.

"Captain, one of the squad members took out two near the memorial stone." Soifon reported.

"Good. Keep on it."

I arrived at Kikyō Castle and saw Kakashi getting tossed into a tree. I knew if it could hit him, it was a strong hollow. I couldn't see the hollow, but I could feel that it was there.

"Kashi!"

I saw him getting up again and the hollow revealed itself. I finally understood. Kakashi could see the hollow because of his sharingan. He staggered a bit; I figured he was a little disoriented. The hollow roared at Kakashi as he tried to stay standing up.

"Found two near the Hyūga manor." Kisuke reported. "Hizashi and I have managed to eliminate them."

"Good Kisuke, keep the family safe." I said.

I turned back to the hollow approaching Kakashi. I shunpo in front of the hollow and got it's attention. It roared at me as I stood my ground.

"What are you doing princess?" Kakashi called out.

I turned and looked at Kakashi with a small smile as my spiritual pressure rose.

"Protecting the one I love." I whispered.

I pulled out my zanpakutō and charged the hollow. It was a tough hollow. I was a bit relieved when I lured it away from Kakashi. When I knew we were a good distance away, I managed to quickly destroy the hollow. As soon as it disappeared another one showed up and pursued me for a bit. I knew I had to keep it away from Kakashi. I had a feeling the hollows were drawn to the ones with high levels of chakra.

"Captain, eliminated two more on the east side of the village." One squad member reported.

"Good. I eliminated two also." I said as I destroyed the second one.

"Found an ugly one by the Hokage monument." Minato's voice came over.

"Only you would say that." I chuckled.

"You should see it then."

I returned to check on Kakashi. He was leaning against the tree that he hit earlier.

"Are you alright, Kashi?" I asked, as I got closer.

"I'm better knowing that you're alright." he said. "Just a little bruised."

He wrapped an arm along my shoulder so I could help support him and we slowly headed back to Minato's office.

"Captain, I believe all targets have been eliminated." I heard Soifon say. "You should have seen Minato eliminate one."

"I'm sure it was a sight to see." I grinned.

We made it back to the office and met the others. We went over our options. For the moment we decided to stay through the night. Kisuke stayed to watch over the Hyūga clan. I stayed between Minato and Kakashi's houses. Soifon and the others patrolled the perimeter of the village. Halfway through the night, I had Kisuke and Soifon get some rest. I figured that since things had momentarily settled down, I could have the squad watch in shifts.

I headed over to Kakashi's house. When I entered his room, I tossed my haori onto a chair and leaned my zanpakutō against the wall. I saw a nightshirt on his dresser and changed into it, then I crawled into bed next to him. I heard him grumble as he shifted and wrapped his arms around me.

"About time you come home to me princess." he whispered.

"Admit it, you missed me." I cooed.

"I'd have to be a fool to say I didn't."

"So, tell me fool of mine." I snickered as he started to kiss my shoulder. "How are you feeling after that hit?"

"Well, doctor…." he started as I moved to face him and he grabbed my hand.

"I hurt here…" he moved my hand to his stomach.

"…and here…" moving up to his chest.

I bit my lip as I felt my cheeks flush.

"…and here." moving my hand to his lips.

I tilted my head at him. "Why do you hurt there?"

"You haven't kissed me yet."

I wrapped my hand behind his head and pulled him towards me for a kiss.

"So, why did you come to my rescue?" he asked as we pulled apart.

"I have to protect the one I love."

"Then I am lucky to have you. We should get some rest."

I curled into him and sleep followed shortly after.

In the morning, Kisuke, Soifon and I went over what happened the night before. I decided that we would stay until things settled down more.

We went over to Minato's house and discussed the options over lunch with him. Kushina was ecstatic that we were visiting, but wished that it wasn't during a mission. She was glad to finally be able to meet Kisuke. At one point Minato had to tell Kushina to slow down when she was talking to Kisuke. The expression of confusion on Kisuke's face was priceless as he tried to keep up with her.

Over the next few days, my squad and I would take turns patrolling for more hollows at night. I was grateful that there were no more signs of multiple hollows. There were times when one would show up, but it was quickly taken care of. Kakashi insisted that I would spend my nights with him when I wasn't out on patrol.

One day, Kakashi and I were out walking around the village. I greeted some people who I recognized from my last visit. Guy practically fell over in shock when we told him we were engaged. We laughed when we found Kisuke talking to more members of the Hyūga clan. I was wondering if the elders were grilling him about Nesha.

After a week went by, I decided to leave Kisuke in charge, along with three other squad members. I headed back to the soul society with the remainder of the squad, even though I didn't want to leave Kakashi again. Kakashi reminded me that he'll be alright.

I received daily reports from Kisuke. After a few weeks the head captain had me call back Kisuke and the remaining squad members with him. I could only hope that everyone in Konoha would be okay and safe.

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