Warnings: this and that; along with fights, blood, character death, and well stuff.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with Bleach.
Attaching themselves to the raiding party that was heading up to the ice dragons lair was relatively easy. Kaien for once was glad of the effects of greed and alcohol. Cang Du was keeping himself a good distance from them and it didn't take a genius to figure out that the man was using the villagers as a diversion. But at the moment Kaien didn't care.
Shifting that heavy blade of Ichigo's that was secured to his back Kaien now knew what Shiro had gone through. It wasn't a pleasant experience. But he was glad that the older spirit allowed him to carry them until they were in range of Ichigo. Kaien also wondered how the orangette even was able to hold the blade like it was nothing. Give him a trident any day.
"sigh, do we have to go with them," the First Espada Stark whined next to Kaien. "They have too much energy."
"It was your idea Stark," Kaien chided. "Beside it's a good cover. We'll detach from the main group once we near the cave."
"Okay I guess," the man groan. "Wake me when they start moving."
Kaien shook his head careful not to dislodge his hooded cape. The last thing they needed was for the villagers to find out that he was missing. If a person didn't know Starks rank they wouldn't believe that the man was consider one of the strongest in Kuro. Kaien had trouble half the time believing it. But for all the man's laid back attitude once he was riled up, he was like a juggernaut. So to keep that from happening the royal family let the man lie.
"What about the poacher, you going to leave him?" Stark asks peeking out from one eye.
"Though it is my job to arrest criminals, Ichigo is our main priority now. Plus, I think that the dragon will deal with him." the Prince said before grimacing. "God forbid him and Ichigo cross paths."
The image of the orangette crossing blades with the hunter was something the Kaien rather avoid. Not that he didn't think that Ichigo would lose but mostly he didn't want to get the attention of an already riled up dragon. He just wanted to get in and get out.
'Knowing how my lucks been going that's too much to ask for,' He thought.
He was broken out of his thoughts by Stark who had been poking him. tilting his head in the raiding party's direction indicating that it was time to move. Kaien sighed before getting up. In the back of his head he thought he heard someone snicker.
'yep just my luck.'
It could be said that it was fortunate that the weather was nice. The harsh winds had died down and the temperature was actually two degrees higher than normal. A good day to go hunting just not the kind of hunting that Kaien was currently in. He really wishes that a storm would hit sending those who wouldn't be out back in. it would cut the numbers in half.
Kaien felt Stark stiffen and was about to ask what was wrong when he saw that Cang Du was missing. He cursed himself for his lack in attention. He and Stark broke away from the group and started to track to hunter's foot prints.
"He had no intention of leading the villagers. I guess that makes our job easier." Kaien said.
"True, but we still have no idea what his real game plan is. Remember that he seemed very interested in Ichigo's sword and the boy himself. it would be best to keep them separate." Stark added.
"agreed."
However, that was easier said than done. After a few minutes they lost Cang Du's trail.
"Son of a-
"I guess we can confirm that he isn't one to be caught easily."
"Ya think."
"but we are close enough to find our own way to the lair. See that up there," Stark pointed upwards. "We just head that way and just need to get pass that dragon guarding it."
"Yeah realllly easy," Kaien mutter.
It was not how he saw this happening but for now he had very little choice in going about it.
'that damn strawberry owes me big for this,' he thought.
oOooOooOooOooOoOo
Hyorinmaru knew when someone tried to sneak up on him. it was something he perfected after the last time someone got the drop on him. so it was no surprise when he was able to dodge a blade heading for his neck.
"I see that your still alive human," he says. Not even bothering to face the one holding the blade.
"Well you are the only one who manage to evade me for so long. I can't let that slide." Cang Du says stepping out from the shadows.
His hood hid most of his appearance but the ice dragon knew who he was. Hyorinmaru could never forget the man who gave him his scar nor kill his brothers mother.
"Know this human you will not be leaving here." The dragon said allowing his body to transform into his full dragon state. Standing almost at tall as Kuro's tallest tower Hyorinmaru looks like a giant ice sculpture. Blueish scales given off a translucent appearance. Long neck attached to a powerful body and sharp talon feet capable of turning brick buildings to dust. The ice dragon was a powerhouse most were smart enough to stay away from.
"Pretty cocky are you, well I guess we do have an accord." The hunter shrug. "Just know that I well make sure that your dear little brother will be taken care of after I fetch a high price off him. your soul gem will let me retire alone, but selling that little brat is icing on the cake."
Hyorinmaru roared before using his tail to swipe at the hunter who just barely dodge it. Cang Du charges the moment he lands but before landing a hit he is smack into one of the ice walls.
"I learned from our last encounter human," Hyorinmaru said.
"I can see that, but how long before I land the fatal blow dragon," Cang Du mocks.
Hyorinmaru roars again. Both run at each other only to stop when the mountain quakes underneath their feet.
"What the hell!"
"I see that Ichigo got out," the dragon sighs. "It is to be expected."
"So you got another dragon here with you? Fine then more profit for me."
"You'll be surprise if you get pass me," the dragon said.
"heh, just wait and see dragon you'll find that I have also grown since our last encounter," Cang Du smirked.
He brings out one of his blades that glow red along the edge. He darts in striking one of the weak points in any dragons armor. Before he could get in another strike a cold blast sends him flying.
"I don't know how you got your hands on one of those swords, but know this you won't be holding it for long." The ice dragon hissed.
The hunter smirked wiping away blood that had started to drip out of his mouth. They both charged just as another shock wave makes the mountain move.
oOooOooOooOooOooOo
(at the same time)
When Ichigo woke it was to his inner world. It was cloudy but it wasn't raining. However, if felt cold really cold and Ichigo had to wonder when his inner world ever had a temperature. Sitting up he tried to find both Zangetsu. The old man was standing where he usually is but locating Shiro was becoming troublesome. It was when he was near the old man that the first snowflake fell. Now that that had caught his attention Ichigo realized that the buildings that he could see were covered in snow.
'that's new,' he thought.
"Hey old man," he calls up to the stoic spirit. "What's up with the blizzard?"
"It is the result of an outside force that had merged with your body," Zangetsu said hopping down from his pole. "Shiro has yet to rejoin us but he is close." He answers the teens next question before its voiced.
"Why can you two fade back to my inner world when stuff like this happens?"
The zanpakuto sighs, "When you summon us outside your body we become solid and you must be within range for us to return back to our normal composition." He walks pass Ichigo, "Remember in this new world the rules governing us have change, it is up to you to figure out what you are capable of." He of course left out that he and Shiro could still communicate.
"Oh, okay then then what you can tell me about this weather change," Ichigo asks waving a hand at the scenery.
Old man Zangetsu doesn't say anything he instead points a finger at the hollow if Ichigo's throat. Ichigo was going to ask what he was doing when he felt a pulse at the point where the old man touched. It wasn't an uncomfortable feeling. It just felt weird. Sort of a cold numbness but still having feeling in that area.
Ichigo slowly moved his hand over the spot and felt a small tear drop lump. It was under his skin by the feel of it. He swore. He didn't have to guess on what it was.
"That damn dragon!" he shouted. "Shit now what?"
"It has already bonded to you so removal is not in your best interest," Zangetsu said. "For now just deal with it until you can get more information."
"How can I deal with it when-
"You didn't notice it was there until I showed it." The spirit pointed out. "If what Hyorinmaru said is true it is best that you keep it covered."
"Fine, just my luck."
"Yeah no shit King ya just love to get us involved in shit." Shiro's voice came from behind the orangette.
Twisting only his upper body Ichigo stared gratefully at his white copy. The others appearance meant that the larger blade was close and if it was then Kaien was too.
"It's not like I do it on purpose you know," Ichigo shot back with a scowl. "Beside who's the one that didn't return before I was dragged away?" he smirked at Shiro's annoyance at being reminded.
"Yeah, so says that guy that keeps getting kidnapped," the spirit shoots back.
"You little sh-
"Though your show of concern for each other is amusing," Old Man Zangetsu ignores the shouts of protest. "Ichigo it is time that you wake up."
"Yeah yea," the orangette says before fading out of his inner world.
oOooOooOo
when Ichigo woke up again he was in his icy prison with Toshiro. The little dragon was not what he was expecting to see. The half-breed was sleeping next to him curled up into Ichigo's side. The orangette held back a snicker.
'but I have to admit that the brat is kind of cute when he is sleeping. When he is awake though," Ichigo stop his thoughts there. He had to remember what the appearance of his other zanpakuto meant.
He then had Shiro tell him everything that he could only twitching when the spirit told him of using Kaien as a pack mule. Ichigo now knew that he couldn't leave the half dragon here unconscious if there was a poacher nearby. At least he gets why Hyorinmaru left them here. Sealed up behind a solid sheet of ice.
'well,' Ichigo smirked drawing Shiro Zangetsu out again. 'not for long a solid sheet of ice.'
He is about to get up when he is yanked back down. Toshiro had grab hold of the hem of his robe that he had been wearing.
Sighing Ichigo pried his smaller hand off him, rearranged the little dragon so no debris will hit him, and walked over to the entrance of the room. Gathering what he could he swung Zangetsu. However, what only meant to be a small blast ended up being a huge shock wave that not only destroyed the ice sheet but the wall across from them and further back. The force causes the mountain to shake making the stalactites to move dangerously.
"Oops," Ichigo whispers. He shutters at the looks the two spirits are giving him. he could see more training in his future. "Ah well can't do anything about now. Best to get me and Toshiro out of here. I imagen that got people's attention."
"Ya think King."
Ignoring Shiro's input Ichigo went back to the bed and picked up the still sleeping half dragon. Sighing he leaves the safety of the room and tries to fine either Hyorinmaru or Kaien. The last thing he need right now was more trouble.
The further he went he found that Hyorinmaru had sealed off more entrances so he was force to use his getsua's to open them. Whatever the dragon did to him had what little control he had seemed like he had none.
He made half way before two large shadows decorated the walls in front of him.
"Let's see whose playing," he said.
oOooOooOooOooOo
Kaien and Stark were holding onto the ice wall real tight. They had felt the mountain move, which to them knew that it either was one heck of a fight going on or the entire rock was about to fall onto their heads.
Once they had reach the mouth of the cave, the sword that Kaien had been carrying disappeared. To the raven that could only mean one thing though he wished that the blasted thing waited until they could fine Ichigo before disappearing.
'stupid sword, stupid village, stupid hunters mucking everything up. I will never come back up here, I 'll send Shiro let him deal with this type of shit.' The Prince mentally grumble.
Another rumble and even Stark was starting to curse. Which meant that they were in deep trouble. Kaien had tried to feel out the orangette, normally a person could feel the teen easily. However, something was blocking Kaien's senses. Or something was.
When another blast was heard Kaien felt the heavy pressure that he had come to associate with the teen. But due to feeling the full brunt of it Kaien couldn't detect where exactly the teen was.
"Man why couldn't you little brother stay in one spot," Stark moaned.
Kaien couldn't agree more. He plans on giving Ichigo a good lecture on why he needs to stay in one place but now wasn't the time to worried about it. He was more concern about not falling on the slippery ice. They were almost nearing an open cavern when Kaien tensed when he heard voices. They weren't Ichigo's nor Cang Du's. Kaien recognized them belonging to some of the village strong-arms.
"Chief said the pick up any treasures and if we find the orange headed brat to bring him back." The leader says.
"Yeah I know." Came a few voices at the same time.
"Why does he want the brat back; wouldn't it be best to leave him to the beast?" one asks.
"Chief thinks he get a huge sum from the slave traders from the East." The leader says.
"Well with that pretty face, might get more." Another mutters.
"both those brats look like they belong to the royal family." One pointed out.
"Wouldn't that be funny if both of them were the Princes." Another snickers.
The conversation was followed by laughter. Stark was busy holding an irate Kaien back from lopping off a few heads. Not that the Espada blamed the raven.
"If we stay and fight them it'll only detain us further. Just ignore them and let's get going. If they survive you can always deal with them then." Stark reasoned.
Kaien reluctantly agreed before turning away from the village raiders. He instead focuses more on Ichigo and determine that the teen was up ahead of them. With a direction in mind both raced towards the unknowing orangette. What neither knew was that all of them was heading in the same direction as the fight between Hyorinmaru and Cang Du.
OOooOooOooOooOo
Hyorinmaru fell to the ground sending out small flurries of snow and rock. Cang du was standing shaking legs. Both was cut up and bloody. though Cang Du currently had the upper hand. He had just struck a fatal blow to Hyorinmaru with his dragon slaying sword. However, the ice dragon had also gotten his right side rendering his right arm useless.
'damn dragon,' he mentally cursed. "Just for that beast I'm going to take your brother for a ride. I am sure that he would make a good pleasure slave for some fat noble." Cang Du leered.
Hyorinmaru hissed as he tried to lift himself up only for one of his legs to crumple underneath him.
"Why bother getting up beast, your one foot in the grave so why don't you stay still and I'll put you out of your misery." The hunter sneered.
Hyorinmaru watched as the cursed blade started to fall towards him. his eyes widen when it was stopped by two other blades. When he followed the length to a pair of arms that went up to a scowling face with orange hair. The dragon sighed before getting worried.
"Don't worry your brother is safe," Ichigo said grinning. "In fact I left him in good hands."
Inside of the tunnel leading to the cavern sat a very unhappy Kaien and a sleeping Stark. Toshiro was resting the in Princes lap.
"Dang it Ichigo get your ass back here!" Kaien grumbled.
With a quick twist of his wrist Ichigo sung the cursed sword away from both him and Hyorinmaru. He followed with a strike by the shorter Zangetsu severing one hand of the hunter.
"Son of a-," the hunter cursed clutching his bleeding stump.
"While I normally don't interfere in others battles I couldn't let you kill this jerk," Ichigo said throwing his thumb over his shoulder pointing at the down dragon. "and I really don't like it when people put things in my body without my permission." He shouted over at the dragon.
He would have ranted more but Cang Du's laughter brought him out of his rant. Ichigo watch the other and wonder if his was going into shock.
"ahahahahah, so this is the surprise you have been hiding back in your lair." The hunter looks from Hyorinmaru to Ichigo. "And with that orange hair he must be the owner of that cursed sword that fat chieftain had talk about. Well sorry to tell ya but your blade is my fee, so if I kill you then it's mine."
Ichigo felt high irritation from Shiro, his anger was strong enough that Ichigo felt the large blade rattle. "Sorry to burst your bubble but Zangetsu only belongs to me. You aren't man enough to handle him," Ichigo taunted.
"Ichigo," the ice dragon warned. But the orangette wasn't listening.
"You little bastard you think that you can defeat me! Your nothing. I, who have bested the best that that foolish King sent after me will destroy you!" the hunter shouted before rushing towards a bored looking Ichigo. "Now Die!"
"Getsua Tenshou!"
The blast wasn't as big as normal but is was close range. Cang Du hit the floor bouncing before hitting the wall with a crack.
"You talk too loud," Ichigo said softly. Inwardly he was celebrating, he wasn't panting like when he first used the technique since he had been here.
A groan coming from Hyorinmaru had Ichigo walking up to the down dragon who was transforming back to his human form.
"I suggest that you go over to Toshiro. He should be waking up by now," Ichigo said helping the other to his feet. "You shouldn't leave him like this." Was all he said before racing back to finish his fight with Cang Du.
Hyorinmaru watch him go before shakenly making his way to his brother. He admitted that Ichigo was right. It wasn't fair to Toshiro to leave him without saying anything.
Ichigo had just made to where Cang Du supposed to have landed however, all he found was a crack wall. He knew that the hunter had hit hard enough not ot be able to move.
'so where is he," Ichigo scratched his head.
The hairs on the back of his neck rose and the gem in his chest gave off a hot feeling. A drastic change from its numbing cold.
"Duck King!"
It was the only warning Ichigo had gotten. He ducks down feeling a very close breeze on his neck. He manages something between a flash-step and a jump before turning to face the hunter. He saw something that made him think of a human hollow dragon hybrid.
Cang Du was up and looking fully healed from both fights. But what had Ichigo looking unhappy was that the hunter had what looked to be three soul gems implanted in his chest and head. Bone scales showing on exposed skin. A hot wind blew through that cavern. Hot enough that the ice was starting ot melt. Ichigo felt the wind also had a charge to it. It made him think of things that he wished never came to mind.
"What do you think; huh?" the man sneered. "I took down three dragons before coming back here. I planned on adding an ice gem to my growing collection and just my luck there are three. I can see the one in your body boy and I know that that half breed had his. Oh yes this is my lucky day." He said.
Ichigo watched him the feeling of electricity in the air made goose bumps appear on his arms. He had on a split second before a crack of lightening hit. He barely avoided it before being slammed by a gust of wind followed by a ball of fire. When the steam cleared Ichigo's robe was in tatters. He had steam rolling off of him but lucky he had escape with no injuries.
"you're a fast one, but that won't save you," Cang Du shouted as he fired off another lightening fire attack enforce by wind.
'how is he able to do that?' Ichigo wondered. His attention diverted Ichigo was hit with a lightening spear making him misstep and fall to his side.
"See boy, someone who doesn't have the experience shouldn't be in grown up fights," the hunter mocked. "But I tire of this so it's time to put you out of your misery."
Ichigo watched as a charged fire ball descended on him before being blinded by light. Cang Du was smirking and thinking that he had won made his way over to the tunnel that housed the dragons he was hunting. But standing in his way was a furious Kaien.
"You bastard, what did you do to my brother," the Prince roared.
"Oh I put him down like the dog that he was. Just like I am going to do to you then I'll send you head to the King. I guess that your father can't keep his sons from dying so easily," Cang Du said.
Kaien got very still. Stark who had been watching pushed both dragon further back. He knew that the elder Prince had a temper but it only showed itself when those he cared for were hurt in his presence. It also took a lot to get him to that point.
"Cang Du, I'll make you pay for that," the raven Prince spoke just about a whisper.
"hahaha I highly doubt that. You don't stand a chance against me," the hunter laughs before he was blocking his midsection from Kaien's trident.
He didn't get the chance to respond as Kaien started to come at him in rapid succession. It was then that he notices that the Prince had a pair of wings that were jet black. It gave him added force to his jabs. Cang Du ducks another jab that grazed him on his face. Having had enough he throws a wind enforce fire ball at Kaien.
The Prince dodges it by flying up to the roof of cavern. However, he found himself cornered.
"Gotcha!" Cang Du shouted. This time shooting off several smaller balls of lightening fire balls.
Kaien thought that he was a gonner but just as the balls were about to hit him an orange blur was in front of him. Kaien stared in shock.
"Yo."
"Ichigo!" Kaien yelled.
"How are you alive!?" Cang Du yelled.
He turns back to the spot where he thought he killed the orangette and found to his shock an ice dome. When he looks back to Ichigo he saw that he orangette had dark obsidian wings that resemble a dragon. The teens arms had matching scales that ran the length of his limbs to where the soul gem rested.
"I see now, you tap into the gems powers," he said.
"Ichigo what is he talking about; what gem?" asks Kaien. "And when did you have wings?"
"Since the kidnapping, though they are different this time and I'll tell ya later but right now I have to deal with him," he said his voice going from his to a dual tone.
Kaien heard this and he looked sharply at the orangette. He saw that Ichigo's warm brown eyes have turned to a cold gold surrounded by black.
"Ichigo," he whispers. He grabs the teens shoulder jerking him back to face him. "You mean we have to deal with him." Kaien smiles. Emphasizing the 'we'.
Ichigo tried to think up of a reason why Kaien shouldn't join but he stops when Zangetsu reminded him that his friends had done something similar and it would waste time arguing about it.
"Fine," he says.
The two ready their weapons. Ichigo's two zanpakuto and Kaien's trident. Cang Du raises his only arm fire outlining it. Seconds tick before all three charge towards each other.
OOooOooOooOooOooOo
Hyorinmaru sat next to his brother. The tunnels wall shook with each impact between the three combatants. He gently shook Toshiro awake. The younger jump up surprised before realizing that it was only Hyorinmaru.
"Brother!" he yells throwing himself at the elder dragon.
"Toshiro forgive me for not being totally honest with you," Hyorinmaru mummer.
"the nothing to forgive, I understand why you did it but please don't leave me," Toshiro said in a raised voice.
"I cannot stay; it is already too late."
"No!"
"Toshiro," Hyorinmaru said soothingly. "It has been past time for me to leave this world. But even if you can see me I'll still be with you." He said with a gentle smile.
"What," Toshiro sobbed.
"When I die I'll be return to the elements meaning what when you feel the bite of cold air or stand in the snow I'll be there with you. I will always be around you brother. I have left you part of my soul gem in the care of Ichigo. It is yours once you reach the right age."
"I don't care, I want you!" Toshiro was so upset that he didn't notice that he had started to cry. He buried his face in his brother's chest. "I don't care if I have to give up being a dragon and live a human life I only want you!" his cries muffled.
"Toshiro," Hyorinmaru said. "Don't say such things. I like my brother the way he is."
Another impact has the ice dragon up on his feet. He grabs his little brother ignoring his protest and hands him to a surprised Stark.
"Tell Ichigo that I leave Toshiro in his care," he said. He left his screaming brother and went to finish what was started. Transforming as he went.
"Hyorinmaru!"
A deafening roar overcoming the cry of Toshiro's pain.
oOooOooOooOooOooOooOo
Ichigo and Kaien stood across from and beat up bloody Cang Du. Their fight had left both parties panting. Ichigo still not use to flying had torn a muscle in one of his wings. He had a few cuts and a gash on his side. Kaien fared better but he still didn't come out unscathed. Cang Du on the other hand besides his missing arm had lost two of his stolen soul gems and thanks to Kaien had his left legs tendons cut. Ichigo gave him a hold in his stomach. It was only the power of his last gem that kept him standing.
"You bastards, you think that you have won. Don't make me laugh." He said going into a coughing fit hacking up blood.
Ichigo was about to say something but he was drowned out but a loud roar from behind Cang Du. Both watched as the hunter turned too slowly. Still smirking before he screams as Hyorinmaru jaws clamped down on him. the sight had Ichigo turning away trying to keep from heaving whatever he had left in his stomach. When he was sure that it was safe to turn around Ichigo walked over to the ice dragon carefully avoiding the pool of blood.
"Well I hope you don't get heartburn later," he says trying to defuse the tension. He ignored the snort from Kaien.
"Ichigo Kurosaki, I do not regret giving you my soul gem. But I am sorry that I used such tactics." The dragon said.
Cracking was heard and Ichigo watched in horror as little cracks started to spread over the large dragon.
"Your-
"Yes, please take care of my brother. He is all alone now."
"I-
"Brother!" running towards them was Toshiro who was slipping and sliding on the ice.
"I'll do it but only if he wants to stay with me, I won't take his choice away from him.'
"Then that's good enough," more cracks appear on the now translucent body. "Thank you and good by Toshiro." The last word sounding like an echo as the body of Hyorinmaru crashes.
"NOOOOO," Toshiro wailed. He scrambles towards the bits and pieces of ice trying to collect as much as he could.
Ichigo watched sadly at the dragon's fruitless effort but he had no intention to stop him. he would let him grieve. He sags against the wall before sliding down. Both Zangetsu already sent back to his inner world.
He waited until Toshiro had exhausted himself before getting back up and going over to him. Ichigo picked him up and took him back to where he was resting. With Toshiro securely in his lap Ichigo closed his eyes only intending keep close for a second.
When he woke it was to Kaien plopping down next to him. he realized that he must have fallen asleep. Letting out a sigh Ichigo was caught off guard when Kaien pulled him into his lap. He squirmed to get comfortable and to adjust Toshiro.
"Ya know I am starting to wonder if you like giving everyone heart attacks," Kaien joked.
"Not like I plan it that way," Ichigo grumble back.
Kaien only chuckle. "Seems like Dad is on his way here," he said.
Ichigo didn't say anything only nodded. The sit in silence before Ichigo let out a long sigh. Kaien looked at him questioningly.
"As an older brother I can understand Hyorinmaru. If I tried to do the same with Karin and Yuzu it most likely ended the same. Standing on the outside I want to kick his ass. I'm sure that Karin wanted to kick my ass on occasion. Have you ever felt like that?" it isn't a question but more like an observation. Kaien say nothing he instead let's Ichigo talk. "I have no idea how not to be an older brother I was always the one taken care of others. So you'll have to excuse me if I don't act like a younger sibling."
Kaien sat there stunned. 'Did I hear him right,' he thought. Looking at Ichigo's small grin he internally cries for joy. 'Yes, yes I did!'
"Well then you'll fit right in. since no one acts like their supposed to," Kaien smiled back. He was going to say more but soft breathing had he looking down to the teen in his lap. 'he's asleep," Kaien jaw dropped. 'well I can wait till he wakes up.'
"Morons," Toshiro grumbles in his sleep.
Kaien couldn't help the laugh that escaped his mouth. He couldn't wait to see everyone's expression when they see that Ichigo brought home a dragon. He almost pitied some of the castle guards. Almost.
oOooOooOooOooOooOo
Isshin was pushing his wings past their limit as he flew towards the village that he had gotten Kaien's request for help. He knew that there were two high level Espada's there but the reports he had gotten. He just couldn't stay in the castle. He needed see the boys himself. behind him were two of the only bodyguards that could keep up with him the rest would catch up later.
Once he reached the village gates he was met by the Second Espada herself, Tier Harribel. A quick report from her informed him that her and her subordinates plus Starks had taken control of the village. Nodding he asks her about Kaien and Ichigo. She only points to the nearest mountain with an explanation that Stark is with them and neither have come down as of yet. She also mentions that the poacher Cang Du was part of the raiding party that went up there.
Isshin was both furious and frighten. Anger that the hunter was back and most likely had used Kaien or Ichigo as bait and frighten for the same reasons. He rested for only a few minutes before he is flying up the mountain and into the cave.
"Ah your majesty," the First Espada Stark yawned from the right of Isshin. "No worries their alive, the dragons mostly okay, and Cang Du is dead. But I figure that the details can wait. There down that way," he pointed behind him.
Isshin nodded and raced pass the Espada. He followed the tunnel down to an almost destroyed cavern. His breath caught in his throat when he saw both Kaien and Ichigo slump against a wall with an unknown kid in the orangette's lap. Despite being told that both were okay he couldn't help but think the worst. Until Kaien moved.
"Yo dad, when you get here." Kaien said sleepily.
"Ah my naughty son you did not come home like you should so daddy had to come get you." Isshin's shouting woke Ichigo who threw a rock.
"Oi goat face your too loud." He grumbles.
"Shut up humans." The kid said.
Isshin didn't know if he should be happy that everyone was safe or annoyed at Ichigo's nickname for him. he chose to be happy.
"I am glad that you boys are okay," he says. "Now let's get your three somewhere warm. Sleeping on the cold guard isn't good for growing boys," Isshin says reaching out to Ichigo first then Kaien. The kid was already up.
"Really dad," Kaien groaned fondly.
The King laugh before calling for his guards to come help bring the boys down the mountain. The next few hours were a mesh mash of events from Isshin dealing with the Chieftain and the villagers to getting a full detail report from both Ichigo and Kaien. He tried to get something out of Toshiro but he let it go once he was told that the boy was grieving.
The night before they were to depart back to the castle, leaving Stark and Harribel in charge of those who had nothing to do with the greed of the Chieftain, Isshin was standing outside with Kaien. The two were just enjoying the cool night air. Kaien had come out telling Isshin that Toshiro had snuggled up to Ichigo after the orangette went to sleep.
"SO; you never will guess at what our little Ichigo told me after the fighting ended," Kaien said mischievously.
"Oh; what did he say that has you looking like the cat ate the canary," Isshin said curiously.
"In his own words Ichigo said he would be glad to join our family," Kaien smiled big loving the look of shock on his father's face.
"You sure, he wasn't delirious now was he?"
"Nope, though he did just wake up from a nap."
Isshin let it sink in before laughing out loud. He couldn't wait to tell his wife and other son the news. Though he was curious at what change the orangette's mind. Isshin was sure that the teen was dead set on leaving once the Spring set in.
'he may still do that but now he'll have a home to come back to," the King thought.
"Ah my son let us go rejoice, but quietly so we do not incur the wrath of our newest family member," he said jovially.
Kaien already had two cups and jug out. they spent the night in a happy stupor. Before being dragged back in by an annoyed orange headed teen.
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Chapter End.
Thanks for reading.