Warnings: this and that.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with Bleach.

Ichigo had no idea what he would fine once he reached Kaien's base. The force march he had put his own men through showed just how worried he was about that fact and he made a mental note to find ways to make it up to them for it. They were tired, dirty, and not in the best of shape but they would fight if they had too. He himself was feeling the effects of the long trek though not as bad as the rest of his men.

Ichigo had left the town of Macaw in the capable hands of the veterans that were there before plus with a backup of civilian militia. He even made sure that Shiro and any surrounding units guarding the river ports were also taken care of before marching out. he had left some soldiers too injured to move with orders that they either stay or catch up to them later. He knew that he would be given the riot act once he made it to Kaien.

He slowed them down when they started running into sentries and had his men rest once Kaien's tent came into view. He had to wait before they would be allowed any closer but even from this distance he could see that Kaien's unit had suffered from hard hits. The tents, those still standing and not in smoldering ruin were in tatters with rough patch jobs not even the command tent was unscathed. Only the healer's area looked better and that was mostly due to them being further back. The ground was pocketed with blast holes stained red with blood and singed black in other areas. Broken arrows littered the ground next to equally damaged shields and swords. The entire camped was still in the process of cleaning it up.

Ichigo watched the soldiers move about and could see the tiredness in their postures but determine looks in their eyes. he was sure that if he was an imposture or another enemy he wouldn't make it out alive. So, he kept his men out of the way while the soldiers under Kaien waited to see what he would do.

"This might be better if ya had sent a letter ahead of time," Keith came up to Ichigo's right side. "Then maybe they wouldn't be looking like they are ready to disembowel ya."

"Would you and the others do the same were the situations reversed?" Ichigo cocked an eyebrow.

Keith hummed in though before grinning, "yes I guess we would probably be more paranoid then them too."

"I am more concern about me surviving Kaien once he sees me here and not back at Macaw," Ichigo was quick to add after a long paused. "Not that I regret coming here though."

Keith studied his friend, after spending years with Ichigo he had been able to pick up a few things or tells when the teen was worried or trouble or just about any emotion. "ya think that it's really that bad that it requires to have us here rather than a more experience unit?"

Ichigo didn't say anything but Keith could see that he was deep in thought. They stood there watching everyone watching them. it would be comical if it was any other time instead during a war. The main army soldiers were busy watching Ichigo's group that Keith wondered if they were even watching their own front lines.

"I think that I lived through too many battles not to listen to when my instincts say otherwise," Ichigo finally spoke up causing Keith to jump. "I felt that something big is about to happen and I- we needed to be here."

"alright."

Keith's short answer had Ichigo snapping his head back to him and Keith only shrugged. "The men may not know all there is about you but I can say that they will follow ya. You earned their respect and if ya say that we are needed here to stop or end this fucking war then we were follow ya."

Ichigo didn't know what to say to that after all these years he had yet to find a way to get into words on how he felt about men who barely knew him would just trust him that much. But for now he just nodded his head before going back to standing in silence.

They hadn't had to wait long when one of the officers came for Ichigo and only Ichigo much to his unit's displeasure. With a calming waved to Keith Ichigo followed the officer past the main entrance and past several distrustful eyes before standing in front of Kaien's tent. The officer had him wait outside while he went in to speak with Kaien. Again it was only seconds before Ichigo was ushered inside.

Ichigo didn't think that what he would find would be awful but he didn't think he would see Kaien so battered. The raven's arm was broken, along with a few new cuts that would scar along his face, and Ichigo could see that he was favoring his right side though he tried to hid it.

"You look-

"Bad? Yeah I know tell me something I don't know; like why are you here and not at your post little brother dearest."

Ichigo flinched at Kaien's tone he should have realized that the raven wouldn't be in the mood but Ichigo wasn't one to shy from those with bad mood swings.

"Well-

"don't that was a rhetorical question. I can take a wild guess as to why you marched your men into the ground getting here and believe me I intend to chew you a new one. So sit down Ichigo."

Ichigo did as told he would not show how meek Kaien was making him feel right now. No doubt he would be getting those remarks from a certain hollow later but right now he wasn't about to get on Kaien's worse side. He had enough self-preservation instinct to do that much.

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Ichigo took his time getting back to his men the stern talking to he had gotten from Kaien plus a whack to the head had him hoping that the lump would be gone before he got there. when seeing Keith waiting for him he thought that he was about to be teased when he saw that the man was sitting miserably like a gloom cloud was hanging over his head.

Ichigo was going to leave him to it but Keith had already saw him. "My brothers are here and were not pleased that I had gotten so careless."

"They gave ya the big brother talk down didn't they?"

"yep."

"If it helps I got the same thing from Kaien and I think that I'll get again from Shiro once he finds out." the teen grimace and got a sympathy look from Keith. "at least ya got it all out of the way."

Keith seeing that the subject needing changing decided to go to safer waters. "So, any news on what we are doing?"

"Yeah, since we are fresher we are being sent to the front but I think that I'll change that a bit."

"Ichigo, ya know how those in command hate when those under them change plans."

"It's allowed as long as the situation calls for it. I believe it called adaptation."

Keith sighed, he should have known when he couldn't win an argument with the orangette. And he had to attempt that the teen did have a point. Plans did have a habit of changing on the battle field. He tried to talk to Ichigo some more but the teen had already left to meet up with the rest of the unit.

the next night Ichigo and his men found themselves out pass the front lines near the enemy camp. Ichigo was more concern about finding the command tent then worrying about the grunts. He had planned everything out with his tactician but then just before heading out a little slip up happen. And the little slip was sitting right beside him.

"was there a reason for you to come Kaien," Ichigo whispered.

"Maybe."

"Kaien."

"You're not the only one that wants revenge," Kaien whispered harshly. "And I figured out that you would be dumb enough to go after the bastard by yourself. So don't you dare lecture me Ichigo."

Ichigo shut his mouth with a click and grit his teeth but conceded and waved his men forward. He was glad that he got some of his black ops out before hand and it was only thanks to that information that was sent back that they were able to sneak this far into enemy territory.

"Alright, Keith take your men and go flank them to the west. Angul take the east while me and Kaien go for the middle. You all have your targets," Ichigo watched as each unit leader nodded and allowed a rare smile at his men who all were determine the succeed. "good now let's show them what they really should fear."

"Yes sir." A chorus of voices answered though not loud enough to alert their targets.

The small unit spit leaving Ichigo and Kaien by themselves. It was a dangerous move even if compared to the larger two groups that had a higher rate of detection it was very risky for them to be alone. But neither didn't mind it and it was due to their experience that they knew that what they plan to do and what they hid from their men that both Princes knew they could pull off.

They were planning on taking the High King in a two on one fight. It was the only way to end this war quickly the problem was getting close enough and that was why they were having Keith and Angul going for the flanks. Those two were going to be the decoys while Ichigo and Kaien slipped in and take care of the Kingdoms throne in the side.

"That's it that big ugly yellow looking tent up there," Kaien's whisper sounded louder than it was to Ichigo's ears.

It was a problem and not one that Ichigo liked that they found the tent so easily. A bad feeling started to settle in the pit of the orangette's stomach. But he put it off to frustration since they couldn't exactly move until Keith and Angul got into position.

"How can you consider that yellow?" he said trying to lighten more his own mood then Kaien's. "Can that be consider even a color?"

"Now now I think whoever dyed it couldn't help that it came out like that." Kaien smiled.

Good mood aside Ichigo knew that they couldn't stay where they were waiting. Their chances of being spotted were rising the longer it took for the others to get into place. Looking at Kaien Ichigo knew the raven felt the same; they will have to move or be discovered.

"see that tent over there; that small blue and red one?" Kaien asks grabbing Ichigo's shoulder. "That's where we are moving too but we have to time it right."

The tent he was talking about was adjacent to their position but the way over offered almost no covered and it was narrow between the rows of tents. The space would only allow them to run single file and to make things more difficult guards walked through every now and then. They would have to time it just right.

Ichigo offered to go first but Kaien had shoved him down giving him a stern look. Ichigo knowing not to argue raised his hands up and Kaien nodded. They both watched the guards timing how long it took the rotation before Kaien moved to the first point, which was a large barrel, before stopping. When it was time to move Kaien waved for Ichigo to follow before moving on to the next point.

To the teen it felt like more time had pass then what really did. But once they had reached the tent to their luck they found that the owner wasn't in it. Taking the chance, they duck inside it to rest; it wouldn't matter whether they were outside or not it would be hard not to miss the signal.

"You think that the old man is still here?" Ichigo asks.

"he better be or we'll be in trouble," Kaien sighed.

"With who; I mean there is a long line of those who cause us trouble."

Kaien snorted in agreement then pulled the orangette down when a shadow moved across the tent wall. They waited watching as it continued on its way before relaxing most of their bodies. They stayed low to the ground making sure they their own shadows didn't cast on the walls. So they sat in silence waiting and bored out of their minds.

Luckily they didn't have to wait long when the sounds of fighting reached their ears. Ichigo was first out of the tent followed by Kaien both bolting for the ugly yellow tent. They met few resistances but they were able to reach their target.

The High King Yamamoto had yet to leave his tent but was fully in his armor waiting for them. The Princes didn't notice how there were no guards nor his aid was nearby.

"I knew that you would come," the king said never turning around.

The two gave each other a questioning look but they were quick to not let it show to their enemy. But the old man wasn't down speaking.

"Let us finish this; once you two are out of the way then the rest of your family will soon fall," the High King drew his long sword slowly. Kaien already had his trident out and Ichigo had both his hand on Zangetsu having summoned them early. His normal sword still sitting at his hip.

"You won't get pass us-

"And you won't touch our family." Ichigo finished Kaien's sentience, he darted low while Kaien hit high.

They were both blocked by the Yamamoto's sword and sheath. Ichigo had time to appreciate that this Yamamoto didn't had the fire power that the one he knew did before both were repelled back. He gave Kaien a look before charging again while Kaien attack from above him. It was a move they had practice back in the castle since Kaien was more of a mid-range fighter compared to Ichigo who was a close range one. So while Ichigo drew most of the attention Kaien could strike in the made blind spot. Though it would only completely work on the really inexperience would fall for it those who were good wouldn't be so fooled. And the High King wasn't a fool though it was more his age that had he reacting slowly to Kaien but he was still able to dodge.

The old man dodge in such a way that Ichigo just barely move out of the way before nearly getting his head skewered on Kaien's trident. He manages to avoid that but he felt the wind from it. They ignored the near miss as Kaien used Ichigo's bent form to jump over him and strike from the air while Ichigo launched himself to tackle the High King at the waist.

He actually managed to hold the old man while Kaien struck however they didn't take into account that the old man could move in a flexible manner. The old man twisted, with Ichigo still attach, to the right bent at an angle that the trident missed again and left Kaien open for a hit to his side. Ichigo quickly let go dragging Kaien with him. but before he got far Ichigo struck again with the smaller blade landing a hit to the High Kings shoulder.

Kaien kneel as he tried to stop the flow of blood from his side. Ichigo could only keep the old man from attacking the down Prince while Kaien took care of his wound. Though Ichigo was having his hands full with the old man even if he was able to get a few hits in. The feeling that something was wrong was still present with Ichigo but he stilled ignored it as he blocked a strike to his neck with the larger Zangetsu following up with a strike to the old man's side with the smaller.

"Your certainly spry for an old guy," Ichigo growled.

"You should have learned that age has no effect on a warrior."

"Yeah whatever."

It was then that Kaien rejoined them landing a crippling hit to the old man's hip joint while Ichigo followed up with a strike to the High Kings collar area mostly were the neck met the shoulder. They didn't let the old King retreat but kept attacking until Kaien called a stop Ichigo was frustrated and he felt Shiro Zangetsu vibrate in his hand but he stops anyway.

"Something isn't right here," The raven said.

"What?"

"Something is wrong; this isn't the High King!"

"Wha- how the hell isn't this the old man?"

Kaien stomp over the wheezing man grab him by the throat and yank him up. "Who are you!"

They did not expect the defeated man to start laughing. "You two think he would be here waiting for you? No you are right where he wanted you to be. You and your abominable brothers. He will rid the world of your kind by destroying what your kingdom is guarding."

Ichigo hearing enough join Kaien and saw what they had missed before and small seam lining the man's face. Not caring to be careful Ichigo yanked at the seam and ripped the mask off the man's face revealing to fake to be Yamamoto's aid Chojiro Sasakibe. Kaien drop the laughing man staring at him Ichigo wasn't in the mood and let a little of his power out mindful of Kaien but enough that Sasakibe stop laughing and stared at that the orangette in fear.

"Now listen ya little shit I don't have the patience to deal with you so you better tell us what we want to know or your last minutes will be the worst time of your shorten life."

Ichigo had to give the man credit when he stayed frozen on fear for a minute before glaring at him. "I will not betray my King."

Before the two Princes could do anything Sasakibe drew a hidden dagger and slit his own throat. Ichigo being the closest tried to stop the blood but it was for not. The two stared at the dead man before Kaien swore and left. Ichigo on the other hand let a blast and of power escape as he yelled punching the ground before following his brother.

Outside he was met with Kaien and Keith but he didn't feel like dealing with them at the moment so he went the other way looking for a fight. He will deal with what they just learned when he was no longer a danger to those around him.

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Ichigo still not satisfied threw another stack of papers to the side. After leaving Kaien he went looking for more enemy soldiers to deal with and maybe a Captain to fight but having found no one he instead went to the yellow command tent. He stood there at the entrance thinking over everything that the now dead fake High King said. So, with a huff he found a comfortable seat and started going through the first stack of papers that was near him.

There were numerous stacks and Ichigo was hoping that one of them would tell him just where the High King went. They knew he was in Kuro that was a given but just where and why. However, so far Ichigo had yet to find anything that wasn't related to mundane things. The first three stacks were nothing but normal military things food, supplies, etc. and the teen was getting frustrated as his fourth stack went crashing down.

"Arh! Why can't they leave the info I want right out in the open where I can find it!" the teen scratched his head as he paced the length of the tent. A snort that sounded more like a laugh force him to stop.

"That would be too easy not to mention suspicious," Kaien said.

Ichigo sighed but didn't move to go towards the raven instead the first Prince came towards him. Ichigo watch him survey the area of destruction that Ichigo had created in his frustration. Ichigo crossed his arms and scowled at his brother.

"Been busy haven't ya?"

"Yeah so."

Kaien ignored the attitude and placed a hand on the orangette's shoulder. He gives him his winning smile. "This might go better if ya had help."

Ichigo was surprised for only a second before grinning himself but instead of answering his shoves the closes set of papers not on the ground into the raven's chest. They each take a spot in the tent and resume going through the reports and such.

All the while their own subordinates entering and exiting the tent with their own orders and reports. Kaien had left Shinji in charge in his camp while all the men under Ichigo were up in the now claimed enemy camp with the Princes. Ichigo left Keith in charged unless he was needed.

That didn't mean that the SIC didn't poke his head in every now and then with two plates of food for the two. He never lingered only staying long enough to make sure that they ate and collected the empty plates then leaving.

The Princes scan and read each piece of paper or scroll well into the night and into the next day neither finding anything to their questions. That is until.

"Kaien," Ichigo's tired voice drew the raven out of his nest of paper stacks. "that well that Shiro had to pull me from; what is it called?"

"The First Kings Well; why?"

"Because these papers have nothing but a well called the Seer's Eye."

Kaien scooted over next to Ichigo and look over his shoulder. He snorted before going back to his own pile of papers. "Well if that's what he is looking for then he is going to be very disappointed."

"Oh?" Ichigo looked up from the sheet he had been scanning.

"Yep, the Seer's Well was destroyed thousands of years ago and it's not even on this continent."

"So-

"So he has been was…ting—oh shit!" Kaien quickly leap to his feet and rushed out of the tent.

"Kaien?" Ichigo followed him outside.

The fuming pacing First Prince was cursing in another language and was drawing a crowd. Shinji had wondered over to see what was troubling his Prince. Ichigo was impressed with the colorful words even if he couldn't understand half of it.

"Kaien?" he tried again and was able to stop the raven in mid word.

"What!?"

"What's wrong?" Shinji piped up from the safety from the crowd.

"That that war mongering old bastard," Kaien spun towards and grab him then started dragging him away. "Shinji we are heading back towards the castle that's where the old King is heading gather everyone and someone send a warning to Shiro now. Me and Ichigo will meet you there."

Without another word to either group Kaien jump up into the air with Ichigo still in his hands. The teen showing off his own choice words. Once Kaien had reached a high enough altitude he dropped the teen. Ichigo yelp before opening his wings. The glare he sent the raven could kill if Kaien was paying attention but he wasn't and before the teen could say anything Kaien shot off with a great snap of his wings.

"Hurry we need to get to the castle before that old ass can do anything!"

"Ya could have just said something ya didn't have to toss me like that." Ichigo mumbled.

"Didn't have time bro. Come on Ichigo work those wings or we'll never make before dark tomorrow."

"T-tomorrow night!" Ichigo nearly dropped from the sky. "Kaien." But his brother was already too far ahead to hear him and Ichigo had to work to catch up.

They flew in silence preserving as much energy as possible. Ichigo knew why Kaien was in a rush everyone that wasn't with the army was at the castle. That included the still weaken but recovering King Isshin.

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Chapter End.

Thanks for reading.