Kakizaki strolled lazily through the hallway of his lavish suite. He sighed half in frustration and half in sympathy. He really wasn't all for kidnapping the young Kurosaki sibling, but like an obedient friend, he followed through with his assigned task. Stopping in front of his bedroom, his hand paused briefly on the handle, looking over his shoulder at the guest room door another small sigh escaped him. Turning around he fished a set of keys out of his pocket, unlocking the door he stopped and rubbed his slightly bruised jaw and decided to knock before entering.
Sitting on the foot of the bed was the black haired Kurosaki, he idly noted a smashed chair against the window.
'She must've been trying to escape. What a rash child, we're on the 42nd floor and there's not even a ledge to escape onto.'
"It's getting late, is there anything you need before I go to bed for the night?" He inquired not getting a response he tried again. "There's no need to worry about your safety. Your brother has already accepted our terms and I'm required to make your stay as comfortable as possible."
"Why are you going after Ichigo?" She asked in a slightly shaky voice. She tried to keep up a calm and relaxed appearance, but she was afraid. She wasn't so much afraid for herself, she was afraid for her family, if the worst happened they would be dealt another tragic blow. A blow like that would make her father and brother most likely go on a rampage.
"Like I told your brother this isn't personal and I honestly have no need for him. I need the assistance of his Sekirei and this was the easiest way to secure that. Truth be told I detest such tactics, but it wasn't my call to make." He stated while taking off his glasses before cleaning the lenses with a small handkerchief.
"So, you're just an errand boy. I feel sorry for you." She stated, pulling her knees up to her chest and resting her chin on them.
"I'm more than an errand boy and I have no need for your sympathy. I choose this occupation after all." He retorted with slight indignation.
"Your chosen job isn't why I feel sorry for you. You're a dead man walking and you don't even know it yet." Karin said quietly, crawling further onto the bed, before turning her back on him she added. "You should probably run while you can."
He wanted to retort, but the conviction in her voice made him stop. It was a warning, but there was definitely substance to it. It wasn't an empty threat that would never be followed through, it was almost like she knew without a doubt he was going to die by her brothers' hand.
Almost unconsciously he left the room and relocked the door. Walking in his room he contemplated her words, before shrugging them off. He could never run and leave his friend behind. He also knew that Higa would never leave and give up his goal of crushing M.B.I.
Seeing her Ashikabi lost in thought the brain type sekirei decided to make her presence known.
"I've finished everything for the day, Ashikabi-sama. I'll return to my room if that's alright with you?" Kochou stated. She seen him jerk at her abrupt statement.
'Looks like he really didn't know I was here.' She mentally sighed. As heartbreaking as it was, she was slowly starting to accept that there was no love between herself and Kakizaki. So when he replied she was caught completely off guard.
"You don't have to leave, I-I don't really want to be alone tonight." He slightly stuttered as he approached her. He was saddened when he seen the surprise in her eyes. He wasn't disappointed in her, but himself. He never paid any attention to her and if he did it was to use her gifts for Higa's desire. He didn't know if it was what Karin said, but something shook him to his core.
"Will you stay with me tonight, Kochou?" He stated closing the distance between them.
"Of course, Kakizaki-sama." She returned, earning the first real smile she had seen on her ashikabi's face.
-Training Grounds-
He stood alone staring off into the distance at the havoc his cero created. He wanted nothing more than to use that prick on the phone as target practice. He could feel the others rushing towards the entrance, but he couldn't bring himself to care. He was mildly surprised that his old man was the first down the latter and was rapidly approaching. Turning, his eyes widened as Isshin flew at him in his shinigami form with his blade drawn. Quickly materializing his own zanpakutou he met Engetsu, diging a trench in the ground with his feet from the force.
"What the fuck are you doing?!" He screamed at the bearded man.
"Attacking you." He retorted in a passive voice.
"Why are you attacking me moron?!" He fired his leg out kicking his dad in the gut effectively breaking the deadlock.
"You need to vent and I'm going to make sure you do it properly." Isshin answered charging back in unfazed by the kick.
Avoiding a lightening quick slash towards his throat by doing a one handed backflip, he caught his opponent under the jaw with his trailing foot. He knew that reasoning with his dad was next to impossible so he decided to go along with this impromptu spar. Goat-Chin was always quick, but the level of speed Ichigo was seeing now impressed him. Hissing slightly as a slash got through his guard and nicked his ribs, he decided to attack in earnest, seeing as he dad wouldn't pull any punches.
"My, my they're really going at aren't they?" Kisuke mussed as he watched Ichigo nearly decapitate his friend.
"U-um, Urahara-san why is Kurosaki-san attacking Ichi-kun?" Uzume asked slightly awed at the speed and skill being displayed in front of her.
"Ichigo thinks better clearer in battle, if he was left to dwell on the phone conversation he'd probably blow up the capital." Yoruichi answered. She grinned at the impressive display in Hakuda Ichigo was showing after Isshin disarmed him, temporarily.
"Do you think he would really do that?" She asked turning her attention to the purple haired woman.
"Without a second thought, he dove into a hellish dimension for Orihime and he would've went by himself if Ishida-san and Sado-san didn't show up. After he calms down he'll be alright, but from the look of it that's not going to be anytime soon." She answered regarding the fight with a critical eye. "Kisuke, you might want to get in there and help Isshin."
"Aww, but Ichigo doesn't play nice and he nearly destroyed my hat last time." He whined in mock exasperation. Truthful he was going to jump in anyway, one on one with Ichigo wielding a zanpakutou was a cruel punishment.
"Quit being a baby and help Isshin, before Ichigo seriously hurts him."
"Yeah, yeah." He stated lazily before shunpoing away.
"Yoruichi-san?" Orihme called out timidly.
"Hmm?" She responded lazily.
"Are you going to help them?" Hearing the flash goddess snort she looked at her in confusion.
"Nope, a person would have to be stupid to get in the middle of that." She responded walking away, leaving the two girls dumfounded.
Seeing her take a seat on a nearby boulder they followed suit and joined her. Watching the fight start escalating they grew nervous. This being the first time Uzume had ever seen her ashikabi in a serious fight she was amazed.
"Ichigo's a damn monster!" She exclaimed as he back handed Kisuke while holding off Isshin.
"No he's not!" Orihime denied venomously.
Shocked by the younger girls' outburst she turned her attention away from Orihime's intense glare and looked to her mentor for an answer. Seeing the uncomfortable look the purple haired woman was sporting made her clarify what she meant.
"I-I didn't mean literally! It's just the way he fights, his strength and stamina, it's unreal. Kind of monster like." She blurted out holding up her hands in surrender. Normally she would have laughed at Orihime's angry face, but right now she was kind of terrified and had no shame when she scooted a little farther away from the girl.
"You didn't know so that's understandable, just don't call Ichigo a monster. He had a problem with his inner hollow, lost control of it a few times. One time was extremely bad and he used to call himself a monster for it. It took him awhile to get over what happened that night." Yoruichi stated leaning back on her hands.
"What happ…"
"It's not my place to say. It was one of the few things Kisuke left out of that book he wrote. If you want to know ask Ichigo."
Judging from the way she was cut off by her usually playful mentor, and the faraway look on Orihime's face she knew it must have been horrible. So she let the topic drop.
"I'm still amazed he's still standing. I don't think he's slept in a couple days." Uzume mumbled trying to start up a lighthearted conversation.
"Why hasn't he been sleeping?" Yoruichi asked glad for the topic shift.
"Well there was kind of an incident at Rangiku's place, so he didn't sleep that night. I'm not sure if he slept when he was in the Rukongai, but I don't think he did." Uzume answered back honestly. She smiled a little when the mention of Rangiku's made Orihime blush.
"Really, now what could have happened at Rangiku's that would've kept him up all night?" She asked bringing a finger to her chin in a mock thinking pose. "Judging by Orihime's blush it must've been really good, so spill it."
"Oh it was! First we were having drinks and the…" She was cut off when Orihime slapped a hand over her mouth. Now she could relax seeing her sister sekirei lightening up made her sigh in relief.
"Then the little blue men started a fire!" Orihime finished for her with the first thing that popped into her mind.
"The little blue men? What the hell does that mean?" The flash goddess asked completely confused by the randomness of the outburst. She knew a diversion when she seen one, but there was no way she was going to let this drop.
"It means exactly what she said, how 'bout you leave it at that Were-Cat." Ichigo responded gruffly as he limped up to where they were sitting.
He took a seat on the ground next to them, wincing slightly as he did. He smiled a soft small at Orihime when he was enveloped in the familiar golden dome. His mind wandered back to what his father had been telling him while they were fighting.
-Flashback-
"Hate is addictive, it will easily cloud your mind, and it'll make you believe that you're justified no matter what atrocities you commit. You're not gone yet, but you keep taking steps closer to that line." Isshin stated as he traded blows with his son.
"Doesn't what he did justify my hate towards him?" Ichigo roared shoving Isshin away.
"Justifying hate is a slippery slope, Ichigo. Should you like him? Absolutely not. I just don't want you going after him with revenge and hate in your heart."
"He deserves to die for what he did?" Ichigo snapped.
"I agree whole heartedly, and knowing you it's going to happen. I just want you calm before we go. Killing is a part of being a shinigami, you know that, after all you were trained by two of the finest assassins ever born. Just don't take the act of killing lightly, you should never kill a person with malice in your heart, and you should never take a life without considering it first." Isshin declared charging forward.
-Present Time-
Seeing his old man and Geta-Boshi hobbling towards him he pulled out his phone and tossed it to Kisuke.
"I need you to trace the number and find everything you can about who's got Karin."
"I can do that, do I have time to heal first?" Kisuke asked lacking the usually cheery note in his voice.
"Yeah, even though I should tell Orihime not to after you blindsided me. I'm going for a walk I'll be back in a couple hours." He stated as he shunpoed away.
"You should go after him Uzume." Isshin said sitting down alongside Kisuke as the healing dome enveloped them.
She could tell that Orihime wanted to go, but was busy healing the others. So with a quick nod she followed after her ashikabi.
-Karakura River-
Sitting on a bench staring at the rapid water flowing almost entranced by it, he let out a sigh. If he were being honest with himself he didn't know how he was going to handle this situation. Feeling Uzume approaching he scowled, he wanted to be left alone, but of course he had to be followed. Watching her sit down, he waited for one of her sarcastic comments, when nothing came he quirked an eyebrow.
"Nothing to say?" He asked seeing her shake her head he turned back towards the setting sun.
He wanted to roll his eyes when he seen her gradually scooting closer to him, so he reached out and pulled her closer, letting her head rest on his shoulder with his arm around her.
"Not sure I've ever seen you be quiet this long." He prodded.
"I was just letting you think." She responded quietly.
"That's a first, it seemed like everyone was concentrating on telling me what to do." He answered sharply.
"I doubt anyone could tell you what to do." She replied while idly drawing small circles on his stomach with her finger. "They're just as worried as you are, this is the longest I've seen your dad act like an adult since I've met him."
"Yeah, that's a rare sight." He said leaning his head back. He could feel the tension that radiated in the shoten it was one of the reasons he wanted to leave. "What'd they do have you follow me so that I wouldn't do something stupid?"
"No, they probably just didn't want you to act all emo, which is exactly what you're doing." She smiled up at him.
"I'm not emo." He stated pulling her tighter against his side. He was worried for his sister, not sitting around pouting about his life.
"Good, then we can go get something to eat!" She exclaimed standing up grabbing his hand trying to pull him off the bench.
"I'm not hungry." He replied dully trying to pull his hand away.
"Hmm, then you can show me around town!" she chirped with more enthusiasm.
"No."
"Yup!"
"Why?"
"Because I don't want to sit here being gloomy."
"Then don't, go explore the town on your own." He replied back
"What if one of those scary monsters come and eat me?"
"Then run away if you see one."
"No can do, now come on. I need my big strong Ashikabi-sama." She continued on sweetly.
"Tch, whatever. You're not going to stop until I agree are you?"
"Nope!" She grinned.
"Where do you want to go first?" He sighed standing up trying to ignore Uzume grinning in victory.
"It's your town, you lead the way! Or we could just go back to your apartment!" She smiled seductively. She was a naturally cheery person and she wanted to help Ichigo as much as she could. Seeing him blush slightly made her smile grow.
"Pervert."
-Urahara Shoten-
Feeling Ichigo and Uzume approaching brought a smile to Orihime's beautiful face. Ichigo's reiatsu was calm and almost… playful. She tried to push her jealously away, but she wanted to be the one to go after Ichigo. She didn't know what Uzume did to cheer him up, but she was thankful for it. Well she was thankful until they walked in the door and Uzume was riding on his back. With a slight scowl on her face she motioned them to the back room where the meetings were held.
-Meeting Room-
"Ah, good you're back! Now we can get down to buiseness, Ichigo can you give us any new info about the kidnappers?" Urahara asked resting his grey eyes on his prized student.
Nodding his head he took a seat at the table, careful to leave enough room for his girls on either side of him.
"Well first it's not even me they're after. They plan on using Karin to control these two." He stated as calmly as he could. Reaching out he grabbed their hands to comfort them.
"Well that makes sense, no better way to control a sekirei than to control their ashikabi."Kisuke mused. "Anything else?"
"Yeah, as long as I comply he said Karin would be fine… though I'm not sure how much I trust that. I'm also going to set up a meeting with him tomorrow."
"Hmm, I wouldn't advise that Kurosaki-san, I was thinking…" Urahara stopped and gave Ichigo a questioning look when he interrupted him.
"With all due respect Urahara-san, I'm going to take the reins on this one. What did you find out from that number?" Ichigo stated with a determined stare. It's not that he had anything against Kisuke's plans, they were just to roundabout for his tastes. He preferred a more… direct method.
"Are you sure about this Ichigo?" Isshin asked. Truthfully he wanted to see where his son was going with this. Seeing a determined nod he gestured for him to keep going.
"But I drew up battle plans, and made arrangements for safe houses, and does your plan even involve a helicopter!" Kisuke ranted. On the outside it seemed like he was throwing a small tantrum, but inwardly he was glad to see Ichigo take the initiative to actually plan something. He heaved a plantiff sigh and continued.
"Regretfully I couldn't find much, seems he has someone blocking all of his personal information. I got the name Kakizaki out of the M.B.I. data bank, there was a small profile with his habits."
"Well, shit. I was hoping for a little more. Looks like we're going to have to try a different approach." Ichigo sighed.
"Yoruichi?" Seeing her look at him he continued. "I need you to go to Shinto Teito and locate Karin."
"Just locate? Why not just grab her and get out of there? Surely you're not implying that I wouldn't be able to." She answered back challengingly.
"Of course not. If she simply disappeared they would look for her or worse come back for Yuzu or Chiho. The only way to insure my family's safety is if we make everyone afraid to come after them again." He stated coldly.
"Right let's get started." Isshin stated breaking the tense atmosphere.
The group sat for a couple hours going over things and debated a few different ways to go about getting the job done. After a small dinner prepared by Tessai they called it a night.
-Spare room inside the shoten-
"Ichi-kun, I'm not sure about tomorrow." Orihime stated quietly as she crawled into the futon next to her love.
"What are you worried about?" He asked turning to look at her. Uzume was saying goodnight to Chiho, who was still in another spare room. So he assumed that Orihime wanted this conversation to be between just the two of them.
"What if I mess up? What if I can't do what you're asking me to do? What if…" She was cut off from her rambling when a pair of soft lips landed on hers.
"You won't mess up because I believe in you and if I had the slightest doubt you couldn't do it, I wouldn't have asked you to." He stopped to kiss her again. "This is hard for me to put this on your shoulders, but I need your help. Will you help me Orihime?"
"Yes." It was a quiet reply. She felt better, more confident even. She thought back to their early days, when everyone, even Ichigo made her stay away from the fighting. She felt pride well up in her when he said he believed in her. She made a silent vow that she wouldn't let him down.
"Will you two knock it off? Seriously, I'm going to start getting jealous." Uzume chided as she walked in the room and shut the door behind her. Dropping all her clothes but her panties she jumped into the bed shattering the serious mood.
"Really? I would've never taking you for the jealous type." He asked with a raised eyebrow. Rolling onto his back he pulled the rambunctious brunette closer to him giving her a kiss.
"Mmm, I'm not." She replied snuggling closer into his side. She smiled when her hand touched Orihime's, when they both tried rubbing Ichigo's chest. She started snickering when a small hand fight broke out.
"Knock it off children we have a long day tomorrow." Ichigo yawned out. Only to feel two hands simultaneously slap his chest playfully.
"Ichi-kun, if we're children doesn't that make you a pedophile?" Orihime asked in a small child like voice.
"Pedo-bear Ichi!" Uzume giggled out.
"One, you're both older than me and two, I'm going to sleep on the couch." He yawned out as he tried to get up.
"Aww, we were just playing."
"We're sorry Ichigo."
Instead of answering them he just laid back down and closed his eyes. It had been since Rangiku barged in on them that he's had any sleep, and he was having trouble staying conscious. Tightening his hold on his girlfriends he let restless sleep claim him.
-Next morning-
Brown eyes opened to the world, the only light in the room was the early colors of sunrise. She inwardly groaned noticing the distinct absence of her human body pillow. Straining her eyes a bit she could make out the silhouette of Orihime and hear the gentle snores coming from the young healer. Climbing to her feet she barely remembered to grab a shirt and put it on. Walking through the halls of the eerily quiet shop she began her search for Ichigo.
Rounding a corner she stumbled into the kitchen were Tessai was getting ready to start preparing breakfast for the day.
"Good morning Uzume-dono, would you like some tea? Breakfast should be ready within the hour." The large man asked.
"No thank you, do you have anything stronger?" She yawned out.
"Of course, there's coffee on the table as well as cream and sugar." He answered pointing at the table with his spatula.
Walking over to the table she quickly made herself a cup, dumping in a substantial amount of sugar to get rid of the bitter taste. Blowing on it before she took a sip, she made a small noise of contentment before turning her attention back to the man busily moving about the kitchen.
"Do you know where Ichigo is?" she asked taking another sip.
"Kurosaki-dono is in the training grounds with the others. Before you go, may I suggest putting on pants, we have children here after all." He stated with a small blush on his cheeks.
After putting on pants and grabbing another cup of coffee she made her way downstairs. Seeing them off in the distance she made her way closer. She was curious until she had gotten closer and seen the obvious signs of battle. Picking a spot on a bolder she jumped up on top of it to get a better view.
She jumped slightly when someone landed next to her, turning her head she seen the unmistakable purple hair of Yoruichi.
"I thought you'd be gone already."
"I did leave, but I'm back." The goddess of flash answered.
"What the hell! It's only six in the morning!" she exclaimed
"True, but me and Ichigo left at three and came back around five thirty." She answered, stifling a slight yawn with her hand.
Brown eyes tracked her ashikabi in the distance trading blows with the shop keeper and his father.
"I don't know how he does it. He's like a machine." Uzume mumbled.
"Heh, yeah he's a literal freak in the endurance department. I'm sure you and Hime have figured that out by now." She laughed when Uzume blushed.
"Unfortunately something always gets in the way. I would be more than willing to put his endurance to the test." She pouted when her mentor only laughed harder.
"What are you two talking about?" asked the cheerful voice of Orihime, as she dropped off her shield next to the duo.
"We were just talking about Ichigo's stamina and all the wonderful uses for it!" Uzume exclaimed.
"Huh? Oh, ooohhhhh." She blushed, she shouldn't have been surprised considering who she was talking to.
"Aww, you're so cute when you blush Hime." Uzume cooed patting the young woman on the back.
"Heads up you two, looks like they're done. And Orihime don't act so innocent we've all seen the way you look at Ichigo when you think no one is looking." With her piece said she jumped down leaving a sputtering Orihime and laughing Uzume in her wake.
"You two are complete assholes!" Ichigo raged limping up to the spot where he seen the three females.
"Whatever do you mean Kurosaki-san?" Kisuke retorted in mock hurt.
Shooting a scathing glare at Urahara he just kept his mouth shut. He limped a little farther before he sat down and grumbled to himself. It wasn't long before he was enveloped in the familiar golden dome. Looking to his left he let a soft smile settle on his face, which was returned by his auburn haired beauty.
Uzume was confused as she looked at the others, they were all just as beat up as Ichigo was. So what was the problem, she could clearly feel the irritation rolling off him in waves.
"What's his problem?" She asked walking up to Isshin.
"Oh he's being a baby because he got a little banged up." The doctor answered scratching the stubble on his chin.
"Bullshit! I'm mad because it was supposed to be a three man free-for-all and turned into those two attacking only me!" The young visored snarled out as he stood up after being healed.
"Well I can't say that's a surprise from those two." Yoruichi lightly chided shaking her head in disapproval. "Was he kicking your asses so bad you had to gang up on him?"
"Don't be ridiculous!" Isshin denied puffing out his chest. Trying not to wince as he did so.
"Come now Yoruichi, why would you think that!" Urahara exclaimed hiding his bruised face behind his fan.
"If sit down I can patch you up." Orihime asked innocently tilting her head to the side.
"We're okay Orihime-chan." Isshin answered with a dismissive wave.
"Pllleeaaasssse." She asked with puppy dog eyes with her hands clasped in front of her. She grinned when they complied and mumbled several things along the lines of 'Unfair and munipulitive'.
Looking through the healing dome. Isshin kept his eyes trained on his eldest child, he could see through the laughter. Even as his son joked around with Uzume and was piggy backing his girlfriend, the fire still burned behind his eyes.
That's why they teamed up on him, his moves were becoming more brutal, he remembered wincing when Ichigo sent Kisuke flying with a bone jarring punch. He knew that Ichigo held no ill intent for them, but he was lost in his own head fighting on instinct alone… which was a terrifying experience. So they used combos and taunts to bring him back to his senses, hell they used anything they could throw at him to get him in the right state of mind. Seeing the golden light recede back to Orihime and feeling no more pain he got to his feet. Walking over to the rest of the group he listened as Ichigo took command.
"Once we get to the capital we're splitting up. Me and the Were-Cat already scouted this morning and she will fill you in on where you need to be. Is everyone clear on their jobs?" Receiving a round of nods he continued. "Good let's get this shit done and bring Karin home."
Tearing open a garganta he stepped through.
-Shinto Teito-
Waking up blearily he rubbed his eyes, rolling his head to the right he stared at the slumbering face of his sekirei as she slept. A small smile danced on his lips as he moved her silver hair out of her face. He wanted to kick himself for being so absorbed by Higa's plan, he ignored and used someone who only wanted his happiness. It felt strange for someone to put his needs first, but he could definitely get used to it. Seeing her eyes flutter open he smiled at her.
"Morning." He lazily drawled out pulling her closer. She didn't respond just snuggled deeper into his warmth. Glancing at the clock he noticed it was seven thirty and groaned.
"Damn, I don't want to get up right now."
"Then don't." Kochou pleaded, this moment was everything that she wanted.
"I have to. I have responsibilities after all." He chuckled before kissing her on the forehead. "But first things first I need a shower."
"I could join you if you'd like." The bespectacled sekirei mumbled out with a blush on her cheeks.
"I would definitely like that." He smiled and led her to his personal bathroom.
-Karin's room-
The blacked haired Kurosaki sat absently at a small table picking at her breakfast. She was extremely bored there was nothing good on T.V. and a person could stare out the window for only so long. Hearing the lock click and the door slowly open she craned her head and scowled at the person that walked through.
"Your brother called again, so smile." Kakizaki stated as he snapped a picture.
"What the hell are you taking my picture for freak?!" Karin snapped.
"Oh nothing just needed proof of life is all." He replied easily as he slipped back out the door.
-East side of Shinto Teito-
Slowly walking down the street towards a small park nestled deep within the thriving metropolis. He didn't take notice of bright sunny day, nor the birds chirping. None of those things mattered at the moment. He casually let out his senses and inwardly smirked, there were three sekirei stationed around the park. Walking up a gentle slope he seen a gazebo at the top, checking his watch he noted that he was fifteen minutes early.
As he settled on one of the benches he closed his eyes and noticed that the sekirei were closing the perimeter around him. Hearing a car pull up he opened his eyes before he stood up and walked over to the railing. Seeing a chauffeur open the back door and help a man out from within he rolled his eyes.
'Pompous douche'
Watching the tall lanky man ambling towards him he scowled. This man definitely fit the smug sounding voice he heard on the phone. Clenching his jaw he had to hold himself from leaping the railing and tearing the man's head off. When he smiled and waved in Ichigo's direction that task became increasingly difficult with each step he took.
"Good morning Kurosaki-san, would you please take a seat?" The dark haired man asked motioning towards the benches with his arm.
His smile faltered when the young man made no move to sit and simply pinned him with a stare that promised immense pain.
"Come now Kurosaki, there's no need for us to be on bad terms. Like I said, you hold up your end of the bargain…" He paused and reached into his coat, pulling out his phone, he flipped to the picture of Karin and handed it to him. "…and I will hold up mine."
Flicking his gaze to the phone in his hand, he nodded when he seen the date and time.
"What do you want my sekirei to do?" He asked calmly.
"I knew you could be a reasonable man. I want your girls to eliminate this target." Kakizaki answered pulling a file from his briefcase and setting it down next to his new accomplice.
"Anything special I should know about her?" He asked flipping through the file.
"Nothing that isn't in that file. Should your sekirei lose or fail to follow directions, our contract will be void and we will tie up all loose ends. Is that clear?" He had to remind the boy who was in charge, sitting near the orange haired teen was making him incredibly uneasy.
'Seriously I just pretty much ordered a hit and this kid isn't even batting an eyelash at it.'
"Yeah, I understand." Ichigo stated coldly as he rocked off the railing and started making his way out of the gazebo.
Seeing Toyotma drop out of the trees and shoot him a questioning glance, he just nodded at the retreating form. It was planned from the start that those three would shadow Kurosaki until the job was done and if he showed any signs of resisting the plan they would execute him. Picking up his phone off the bench was when he decided he should report in.
"Kakizaki." Higa answered in a bored tone.
"Higa-sama, everything has gone according to plan. Kurosaki has his first target and we should have no problems from him."
"I see, good work Kakizaki. I knew I could count on you." Higa replied, his voice a touch warmer than usual.
"Thank you, sir. I will see you back at the office later."
"Of course, bye." He stated, hanging up his phone, a smug smile tugging at his lips.
-With Ichigo-
He shook his head slightly to keep himself focused and stuffed his hands in his pockets to keep from fidgeting. He smiled when he felt the three sekirei start trailing him. First part of the plan was complete, now he had to keep them distracted until the others were ready. Pulling out his phone he called Yoruichi to get everything in motion.
"Yoruichi?"
"Yeah, what's up?" She replied lazily.
"It was just like you said, I have three trailing behind me. Are you guys ready?"
"Of course, we just got into position. Just giving Kisuke a little time."
"Okay… Yoruichi?"
"Yeah."
"Keep everyone safe for me."
"You know I will, Ichigo." She promised as she hung up the phone and smiled warmly.
They were standing on a roof across from the luxury high rise where Karin's reiatsu was tracked. They kept themselves out of sight until their part of the plan started.
Yoruichi looked at her two students and assessed them. Uzume was fidgeting slightly and kept shifting from foot to foot. Orihime had her head down and was trembling slightly. She smiled lightly, they reminded her of herself when she went on her first official mission.
"How are you two holding up? Nervous?" Yoruichi asked.
"Yes!" they both answered at the same time making their teacher chuckle.
"It's okay to be nervous, just take deep breaths and try to focus on your heart beat. We still have time, until then just try to relax. Besides I can only sense two sekirei on the same floor as Karin." She reassured.
"You think something's going to go wrong?" Orihime asked.
"It was Ichigo that planned it, so probably." Yoruichi answered calmly, taking a seat on the ground and leaning against the wall, she motioned for the others to do the same.
"It's not that bad of a plan, at least we talked him out of using gas grenades… and climbing through the air ducts." Uzume replied shaking her head. Honestly some of the things him and Isshin came up with were ridiculous.
"All the ideas weren't that bad, I still wanna know what Urahara-san was going to do with a helicopter!" Orihime giggled out, all the previous stress temporarily forgotten.
"Speaking of that maniac, we should probably call him and let him know we're in position." Yoruichi stated, pulling out her phone.
Kisuke currently found himself trudging through the dark and dank maintenance tunnels beneath the building. The temperature down there was sweltering, he had to forego wearing his hat or risk ruining his prized possession.
"This is exactly why I like doing the planning! Why did Ichigo think it was so important that I had to do this job! This is a serious miss use of my intellect!" The geta clad man ranted as he navigated the underground tunnels. He pursed his lips in indignation when he pulled out his map, there was a chibi Ichigo flipping him off drawn in the corner.
"That little mother…" cut off from his rambling when his phone vibrated in his pocket, he let out a sigh of exasperation when he answered it.
"Hello Yoruichi-san."
"How close are you?"
"Oh pretty close, if Ichigo knew how to make a reliable map I would be there already."
"Stop complaining and pick up the pace."
"Yoruichi-san?"
"Yeah."
"If you see Ichigo before I do, would you mind telling him he has no talent for humor?"
He hung up his phone and kept moving. Yoruichi laughing at him was something he definitely didn't need right now. Spotting a door at the end of the tunnel he trudged on, carefully picking the lock with the ease of an ex-assaassin, he slipped through undetected. Easing through the labyrinth of machinery he found the main power board… after several wrong turns. His mind was made up he was never using a map given to him by Ichigo ever again. Rubbing the sweat from his brow he called back.
"I'm ready"
"Okay on your signal then"
"One"
"Two"
"Three"
-Karin's room-
Everything that had happened to her in the last couple of days, had started to sink in. Once the panic sub-sided she found that being a hostage was extremely boring. She had only seen that weird guy in glasses a hand full of times and there wasn't anything decent on T.V., her thoughts turned to her big brother and she wondered how long he was going to keep her waiting. When everything went black a smile crept to her face, it was time to leave. She was knocked on her ass when the window next to her shattered.
"Yoruichi-san!"
"At your service." She replied shaking a little loose debris out of her hair.
"Where's Ichi-nii?"
"He's a little tied up at the moment so he sent me. Now hurry up we don't have long."
Seeing the door blow off its hinges Yoruichi grabbed the dark haired twin, throwing a teasing wink at her pursuers she jumped out the window. She stopped next to Orihime and Uzume long enough to warn them and pry Karin's death grip off her neck.
"Be ready you two, I'll be back when Karin's safe." She waited long enough to see them nod their heads before darting off and jumping off the building.
"Get out of the way!"
Both sekirei whipped their heads around at the shrill command. Orihime's eyes widened slightly when she recognized one of the captors. Wasting no time she threw up her shield to block their path.
"I'm sorry, but I can't let you follow after them Ichiya-san!" Orihime stated taking up a defensive stance in front of her opponent.
"Well if it isn't the little girl I kicked the shit out of in the park! This is just too damn good! Alright I'll be your opponent, I am number 18 Ichiya." The dark haired woman declared as she settled into a fighting stance.
"Well, it looks like I get the bondage girl in the leather bloomers. I am number 10, Uzume." She stated letting her white veil come to life around her.
"I am number 31, Sai and you haven't seen bondage yet!" Sai returned letting six whips untangle from her arms. She had three attached to each hand and all of them were tipped with razor sharp blades.
"Yeah, yeah shut up and let's go!"
-With Ichigo-
He was currently walking around in the northwest side of town. He was trying to act inconspicuous as he lazily meandered down the road, he stopped at a few shops on his way, or stopped to check out the local scenery. Although he looked to be slacking off he kept his senses locked onto the three sekirei trailing him. He was on edge he knew there was a probability that his girls were going to get in a fight, and that Yoruichi would have to leave them to take care of his sister, Kisuke… well he wasn't going to imagine what Kisuke was doing. He wanted to be there for his sister and he wanted to be there for his girlfriends, but right now he was playing his part until it was time.
Feeling his phone go off, he pulled it out. Reading the text from his dad, he steeled himself and got ready to leave his stalkers in the dust. Walking through a couple alley ways at a quick pace he slipped into shunpo when he was sure no one was around.
"Shit! Where the hell did he go?!" Toyotoma growled out as she desperately searched the area. She was cursing herself for losing sight of him when he slipped into the alleyway. She watched as her sister sekirei dashed back and forth looking for any trace of the orange haired human. She wasn't looking forward to making the call to Kakizaki.
"Hello." Kakizaki answered
"It's me. We lost him." She stated bluntly.
"How?" He asked pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.
"If I knew how I wouldn't have lost him!" she snarled back.
"Well, I suggest you go stake out Izumo Inn and see if you can pick him up there. And Toyotama try not to screw this up." Closing his eyes he ended the call and tried to stave off the migraine he felt coming on. Seeing that he was currently riding through an unfamiliar neighborhood. He eyed the run down factories dubiously before turning to his attention to his driver.
"Where are we going?"
"Um, I'm not really sure." The man nervously chuckled out.
"What do you mean you're not really sure?!" He asked in exasperation.
'I'm surrounded by morons!'
Feeling the car pull over, sent him over the edge.
"What the hell are you doing now?!" He screamed in the driver's ear.
"Picking someone up." The driver replied in a cold tone.
Before he got a chance to question him, the door nearest him flung open and he was being pushed further inside. He felt his phone get ripped out of his hand, before he caught a glimpse of the man assaulting him. Orange hair and intense brown eyes that screamed of nothing but hate. He tried to scramble for the door, he reached out but his arm was wrenched painfully behind his back. He felt a large hand wrap around the back of his neck before he was accelerated forward and slammed face first into the tinted window of the door. The first hit brought searing pain, the second hit everything went numb and he could feel the blood trickling down his throat, the third hit he heard the window shatter before everything went black.
"That's enough Ichigo!" Isshin called out from the front seat.
"Tch, that's not even half of what he deserves." Ichigo retorted slumping in his seat.
"You didn't kill him did you?" He asked looking at his son in the rearview mirror.
"No, he's alive at the moment." Ichigo answered back taking his fingers away from Kakizaki's neck.
Pulling into an abandon warehouse Isshin brought the car to a stop. This part of the plan was over for him and he'd soon be waiting with Karin for this mess to be over. Pulling two bags out of the front seat he kept his eyes trained on his young son as he tied the unconscious man to a chair. The chair was set up directly over a drain in the middle of the large building. His gut clenched painfully in his stomach, as much as didn't want to go along with this, he couldn't make his son's choices for him.
"Here, you might need these." He stated emotionlessly as he handed the bags over to his son.
"What are these?" Ichigo asked in slight confussion.
"The bag in your right hand has a change of clothes, the one in your left has some tools you might need. I need to get the car and driver back to the suite. After I wipe his memories I'll be waiting for you with your sister. You know what to do, Ichigo." With his piece said he clasped his son on the shoulder giving it a small squeeze before he left.
Confusion wracked his brain as he everything was blurring together. Scattered images of his day flashed before his eyes the morning with Kochou, meeting Kurosaki and then the ride in his car. His eyes snapped open even though he wished they hadn't.
Agony coursed through his body so intense it made him puke. He tried to move his hands to wipe his mouth, panic washed over him when he realized that his hands were bound behind his back. Hearing distorted voices he raised his weary head, he heard his name called a couple times before icy water jolted his body awake.
Standing in front of him with a hose was the orange haired teenager from earlier in the day. Chancing a look around he assumed he was in some kind of warehouse, a decrepit one at that. What made his stomach drop was the table set up beside him filled with various blades, needles and other instruments.
"Torture is a delicate form of artwork and should be treated as such. Wouldn't you agree?"
"You're making a-a mistake Kurosaki." He wheezed out.
"Were you and your sekirei working alone when you kidnapped my sister?" The young visored asked.
"Did you hear what I said? This is going to cost your sister her life." He slurred out, before surging forward as a fist connected with his gut.
"Her life's no longer your concern. You should be more concerned about yourself."
"What do you mean? Ho…" He never finished as he was grabbed roughly by the chin and had the hose forcefully jammed in his mouth. He jerked violently as the water was forcing its way into his stomach and lungs. It seemed like an eternity before it was removed allowing him to heave once again.
"Who do you work for? A boss never does his own dirty work?" He asked emotionlessly. Even though the outside was a mask of apathy inside his heart lurched at the sight. Receiving nothing but an empty stare back, he shook his head.
Pulling two long crochet needles off the table crouching down in front of the man. He grabbed the man's knee and steadied it before jamming one of the needles in the soft spot right next to the kneecap, sliding it deep along the femur. Ignoring the howl of pain that escaped the man's throat he repeated the process to the other leg.
"Same question, who are you working for? I can stop all this and let you go all I need is a name." He asked spraying him in the face with the hose for a few seconds.
"Fuck you, Kurosaki." Kakizaki coughed out. He didn't care what this man did to him he wouldn't sell out his best friend.
Frowning at the comment Ichigo walked back over to the table, picking up a small bottle he advanced on the bound man before squirting the liquid all over his legs, from the knees down. Flicking open a zippo he tried again.
"You know I've wondered how I was going to die before, and burning to death sounds incredibly shitty. How do you feel about it?" He asked sparking the lighter. Watching Kakizaki spit blood at him he sighed tossing the lite lighter at his feet, igniting him instantly.
Screaming in agony as the flesh of his legs started to sere, the young girl's voice mocked him 'You should run while you have the chance.'
'Did she know? Did she know her brother was truly a monster? I-I'm sorry Higa-sama! I'm sorry Kochou!'
"STOP! STOP PLEASE!" He screamed. Feeling the water douse him did little to comfort him, because of what he was about to do.
"I'm listening." Ichigo stated emotionlessly.
"Higa Izumi set this up!" He cried out.
Ichigo's jaw clenched at the name, he was taking deep breathes to remain calm. In hindsight he should've figured that he would have something to do with it. He was mentally planning his next move when a broken voice reached his ears.
"K-Kill me."
"Why should I?"
"I betrayed my best friend, my legs are damaged beyond repair and I won't be able to look at myself in the mirror after this." He rambled out just above a whisper.
"Fair enough, I'll make it quick." Grabbing the man by the hair he tilted his head back before he slit his throat. He didn't register the blood that sprayed him, the light leaving the other man's eyes burned into him.
Stripping himself of his soiled clothes before he lite them on fire in a nearby trash can. He kept his gaze on the motionless corpse as he washed himself clean of the man's blood. For the first time in his life he couldn't bring himself to care about what he did. He would take down Higa and personally deliver his soul to hell. Hearing footsteps behind him he spun on his heel dropping the house, taking in her features he was confused. She was wearing a lab coat, had white hair and was smoking a cigarette.
"Killing an Ashikabi is against the rules Kurosaki-san." Holding up a hand before he say anything she continued. "We'll talk after you put on your clothes."
Walking over to his bag he pulled out a towel drying himself off in a hurry, before scrambling to put on his clothes.
"Who the hell are you?" He snapped pulling his shirt over his head.
"Sahashi Takami, it's a pleasure to meet you Kurosaki-san." She stated putting out her smoke on the ground. She had seen the whole thing, as calm as she was on the outside she was inwardly shaking.
"I don't remember there being a no killing rule. It wouldn't have mattered anyway this man deserved to die." He replied narrowing his eyes at the woman.
"Maybe, hopefully your sister is okay." Seeing him tense and shift into an aggressive stance she continued. "I'm not threatening you, t-that was sincere!"
"Hn, why are you here then?" Hearing her sigh he quirked an eyebrow.
"Minaka sent me." She stated taking a step back. "He knew what Higa was doing and wanted to stop you."
"He knew what that bastard did and didn't lift a finger!" he seethed.
"H-He knew, he sent me here to tell you to stop what you're doing." She stuttered as he took another step closer to her.
"Does he think he can stop me?" His voice was low, menacing.
"No, but he said he would shut down your sekirei."
'The fucking Jinki. The bastard would do it and go into hiding.'
"Tell him that I'm going to get my hands on Higa. I just might have to kill Minaka first though." He stated coldly, feeling a hand on his forearm he turned his glare towards Takami.
"If it was up to me I would let you kill Higa. Threatening a person's family is beyond forgivable." Seeing his glare soften she continued. "There's going to be battles coming up, where the Ashikabi will be involved. I just might have to arrange it so that you're facing him. For now I ask that you please be patient."
"If you promise to arrange it, I guess I can wait to break his neck." He sighed looking at the mess he had to clean up.
"Leave this mess to me, you have other places to be." Takami stated as if reading his mind.
Seeing her pull out her phone he hesitated, no one offered things for free. Narrowing his eyes he wondered what her motives were. Deciding she was right about having other places to be, he left the warehouse and stepped into the sunlight. Heading in the direction he could feel the others at, he took a deep breath to try and clear his head. He could work through his mental problems later he had to check on Karin. He was glad that they chose a run-down area to have safe houses in, and for Kisuke's foresight to set them up even though he didn't ask him to.
-Orihime and Uzume-
Yoruichi landed quietly on the rooftop, she had dropped Karin off with Kisuke and Isshin, she was glad to see her students holding their own in the fight. Taking a seat by a nearby wall waiting to intervene if needed, but from the looks of it the girls had the situation under control.
Orihime panted heavily as she once again defended herself from a brutal kick. Her shield was holding, but was being pushed back into her. Dissipating her shield she rolled to the side letting her opponent fly past her. Leaping forward she planted a kick in Ichiya's back making her stumble forward.
"I'll admit you've gotten better, but you're nowhere close to good enough!" She sneered rocketing forward. She couldn't stop, losing to this pathetic sekirei fueled her anger. Her body was littered with small gashes from that damnable lightening quick golden disc.
Ducking her head just as her opponent fired of that same technique made her narrow her eyes, looking for an opening. Seeing Sai temporarily knock her opponent through a wall, she caught her eye and nodded at the young healer. Receiving a vicious smirk in return she waited.
"There!" She rushed the auburn haired girl as she brought her shield up to stop Sai's whips.
Seeing the panic in her eyes made her blood howl with delight. As she wrapped her hands around her neck she gave her a vicious smirk.
"Time to die you little bitch!"
She was squeezing as tight as she could, when the golden shield appeared between them and thrust her back. She cussed to the heavens trying to break the golden trap that had ensnared her arms. Looking over her shoulder she paled, the young healer was getting to her feet while rubbing her throat.
She was a sitting duck.
"S-Stop I quit! Please let me go!" She pleaded.
"Koten Zanshun!" Orihime yelled
Seeing the cold look she received and the golden attack flare into existence made sweat break across her skin. She felt intense pain, but it was over in an instant. Spitting up a mouth full of blood she looked over her shoulder to see her lower half fall away, before her world went black.
Materializing next to the young girl Yoruichi caught her before she hit the ground in exhaustion. Carrying her over to the side she set her down and waited for Uzume. Who in Yoruichi's mind went berserk when she seen her sister sekirei being ganged up on.
She was impressed when Uzume displayed her speed and agility weaving through the deadly tipped whips. She watched as the opponent was immobilized by Uzume's veil snaking around the limbs pinning them to her sides.
"You Bitch!" Sai screeched as she struggled in her restraints.
"I might have been inclined to take an easy on you, only shutting down your Tama, but you attacked Orihime and that's unforgivable!" Mimicking her Ashikabi the best she could she grabbed Sai by her hair and chin, jerking quickly up and to the left she heard the satisfying snap. "For that you deserve death!"
"Well done Uzume, come on it's time to go." Yoruichi stated placing a hand on her shoulder.
"We can't go yet." She replied quietly.
"What do you mean?"
"Sekirei stay by their defeated opponents until M.B.I. retrieves them. It's a last sign of respect for the fallen. You go ahead, after this I'm going home, back to Izumo Inn with Orihime." She stated giving Yoruichi a tired smile. She wanted to see Ichigo, but she was beat, and her comfortable bed was calling her.
"Okay I'll let Ichigo know. You two did great today, I'm proud of you." She said giving the brunette a hug before taking off in a flit of shunpo.
-L
ater that night-
Taking weary steps through the front gate of Izumo Inn, Ichigo let a silent sigh escape him. Staring up to the twinkling stars, the crisp night air gently caressed his skin. He was glad that he was alone at the moment, his heart was heavy. He had just returned from Karakura, he was happy that he had assured the safety of his family, but on the inside he felt a little more hollowed. His father's words repeated through his mind again, as the image of Kakizaki's lifeless corpse flashed in his vision.
Was he taking things to far, when did one cross the line of righteousness?
'If he hadn't asked me to kill him, would I have let him live?'
The immediate answer was yes, but he couldn't be certain. The sheer enjoyment he reaped from tearing into the bound man, made his blood scream with excitement. The howls of pain had been music to his ears, it scared him, shook him to his very core.
The truth was he didn't even know himself anymore, before he would have felt shame, sympathy even. Now he didn't even know if he cared.
"A slippery slope was right Old Man." He mumbled shaking his head to clear his mind.
Putting his hands in his pockets he walked to the front door. Stopping just before he grabbed the handle, his brow scrunched in confusion. There were definitely more Sekirei inside than there should be, several in fact. Moving away from the door he concentrated on the feel of their reiatsu, he could feel the foreign signatures were tranquil.
'Must be sleeping.' He reasoned.
Making his footsteps as light as possible he moved through the house like a shadow. His breathing was even as he crept up the stairs. Thankfully he was quite enough that no one stirred, all he wanted was to sleep and put this day behind him.
Cracking the door he poked his head in, another sigh escaped. Uzume was sleeping peacefully, but Orihime was nowhere to be found. Quietly shutting the door he turned and almost had a mini heart attack.
"Matsu?" He asked squinting into the darkness. He could barely make out her silhouette in the moonlight.
"She's in the bathroom." She whispered in the dark.
"Huh?" he responded slightly dumbfounded.
"Orihime, she's in the bathroom. She's been there since they got back, you should really check on her Ichigo." Once again it was barely above a whisper, as she turned and headed for her room.
Slow steps quietly echoed through the Inn as he made his way towards his Sekirei. He could feel her sadness filling him with every step he took. Peeking his head through the door he spotted her sitting in the dark under a shower nozzle, with her knees pulled to her chest. Even from the dim light of the moon and where he was standing he could see her shivering.
Closing the door to the washroom he started to strip himself of his clothes. Sleep could wait, his own mental health could wait, Orihime needed him and he was determined to be there for her. Silently padding across the tile floor, he kept his gaze on her. She didn't move or give off any indication that he was even there. Putting his hand under the water, he shook his head, it had gone ice cold. Looking over his shoulder he could see the bath was already drawn and steam was rising off the water.
Shutting off the shower he dropped on a knee next to her. He could hear her sniffling and it stabbed into his heart. Sliding an arm under her legs and one across her lower back he lifted her up, he grimaced at the chill that clung to her skin. Slight comfort swept through him as she turned into his embrace and silently cried on his chest. Stepping into the tub he carefully sat down and positioned her on his lap, as his hand idly made small circles on her back for comfort.
'Patience, she'll speak when she's ready.' He mentally affirmed, letting the warmth of the water seep into his weary body.
It took several minutes for her soft sobs to die down and she began to stir.
"I don't know if I can do this." She whispered into his chest.
"Do what?" he gently prodded.
"Fight other Sekirei." Her voice slightly quivered.
"You're strong enough Orihime, we'll keep training…" feeling her shake her head against him. He looked down questioningly into her stormy eyes.
"It's not that, I-I don't know if I want to hurt anyone again." Once again her voice quaked with emotion.
"I'm sorry for making you do that for me." His hand started making slow circles on her back once more. Inside he was kicking himself, he knew Orihime could fight, but she liked to avoid hurting others if possible.
"It's not your fault, Ichigo. I wanted to help, b-but I didn't know it was going to feel like this after." She said as another round of tears started to stream down her cheeks.
"What happened? Yoruichi said you won." He asked embracing her tighter.
"I-I did, but I can still see the fear in her eyes. S-She was scared and I kept going, I took her life. I felt powerful, invincible, but now it hurts. It hurts so much Ichi-kun." She brokenly murmured burrowing deeper into his hold.
He closed his eyes and held on to her. He's felt this before, battle high and the inevitable crash that happens after. He let her cry against him some more as he chose his next words carefully in his mind.
"She would have done the same thing to you. What you're feeling is natural, even though it feels horrible, it couldn't be avoided." He stated, recounting all the times he's found himself mourning those that fell under his blade.
"It could have been avoided!" she growled turning in his hold to look in his eyes. "I'm not like you! I can't hurt people and not feel anything!"
She seen him flinch at her insensitive comment and his jaw tighten. She knew it was a low blow, he was trying to comfort her, and she threw it back in his face.
"Ichi…"
"You're right. I really don't feel anything anymore." He stated with a hollow chuckle.
"I d-didn't mean it like that." She responded, putting her hand on his cheek.
"I know you didn't, but it doesn't make it any less true. You're not like me and that's a good thing, Orihime." He replied slightly coldly pulling away from her hand.
He was putting up his walls and it made her heart clench. This wasn't what she wanted, driving him away was far from what she needed. Putting her own issues aside, she turned her attention on him.
"Being like you wouldn't be a bad thing." She stated after a pregnant silence. She gently grabbed his chin and made him look at her. People may have called her a ditz at times, but she was very observant. She knew that her ashikabi had killed before, and even against his best efforts he couldn't hide it from her.
"It would be a terrible thing." He mumbled.
"I know you've done things you're not proud of." She mumbled softly.
"Do you? Do you know the kind of things I've done?"
"I don't need details, because I trust you." She smiled a small smile when he rested his forehead against hers with his eyes closed.
"How can you trust me, if I don't even trust myself?" he asked as he let his hands settle on the small of her back.
"I trust your heart, even when it waivers, you fight on. Even if I have to have enough faith in you for the both of us, I will. You're a good person Ichigo." She answered running her hand lightly over the scar near his heart.
He wanted to laugh at the irony, he came here to comfort her and the exact opposite happened. He could hear the sincerity in her voice and feel her love filling in the gaps of his soul.
"Thank you." He whispered against her lips, before giving her a chaste kiss.
She inwardly smiled when she seen his eyes light up with his usual resolve. The moment she was sharing with him right now made all the pain and remorse she felt earlier slowly ebb from her body. What replaced it was a keen awareness of her current situation. There she was straddling her Ashikabi's thighs, all alone and completely naked. Judging from the slight blush she seen on Ichigo's cheeks he had come to the same conclusion.
"Um, maybe we shoul…" She was cut off as he brought her face back to his.
She moaned into the gentle kiss, small embers began to stir in her blood. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled his body closer to her own. His rough hands sliding slowly up her back made her quiver in excitement. With his right hand tangling in her hair, his mouth opened slightly to allow his tongue to drag across her bottom lip, making her breath hitch in her throat. Her small gasp was all the invitation he needed as he eagerly invaded her mouth.
Sliding his tongue along hers, slowly, almost maddening slow. He wanted to take his time with her, draw out every sensation she was making him feel. He nipped her lower lip as he pulled back, tilting her head to the side, so he could have better access to her slim neck. Closing his eyes as he breathed in her unique scent, he concentrated on her reiatsu. It vibrated with nervousness and excitement, wanting but hesitant.
He didn't want to force her into to doing anything she didn't want to, so he kept his senses sharp as he dropped kisses along the side of her neck. If at any point he felt her becoming uncomfortable he would stop, no matter how much he wanted to continue. Hearing her release a breathy moan when he nipped the sensitive skin over her pulse, made him smirk with pride. He was the only one that could make her make that sound and it made liquid fire spread through his veins. Slidding his left hand down he cupped her plump ass, while moving his hips forward to come in contact with hers.
A sharp intake of breath made his eyes shoot up to her face, her lust filled gazed pinned him in place. It was a look so foreign and erotic, that he almost did a double take to make sure it was really the same Orihime. Watching her head lull back as she created delicious friction by grounding herself on his engorged length. He could feel her hands tugging on his hair almost painfully, as he pulled back a little to watch her exotic display.
She was alternating between small circles of her hips and dragging her sex the whole length of his rigid member. He was helping her grind into him with both hands at feverish pace, he could feel her quaking in his grasp.
A silent scream escaped her lips as euphoria erupted through her body. Pulling Ichigo's head firmly between her tits as she held on when her mind blanked and her vision blurred. She was aware that her nails were digging into his scalp when her high started to recede, but if he didn't mind than she wasn't going to apologize. Feeling him thrust against her sensitive slit made the knot in her stomach tighten once again.
'She's so beautiful.'
Watching her come undone in his arms nearly made him lose control. Feeling the lust radiating off her was making him insane with need. Grabbing her gently by the hips he pushed her back and stood up pulling her to her feet. Pushing her back flush against the wall he paused when he heard her yelp.
"You okay?" He asked huskily. Seeing the slightly sheepish look on her face he raised an eyebrow.
"The walls cold." She answered while grabbing him and pulling him closer.
Crashing her lips to his had any complaints flying out of her mind. When she tried to deepen the kiss she was confused when he slipped from her grasp. Watching him planting kisses down between her breasts and keep traveling lower made her bite on her bottom lip in anticipation. She watched transfixed as his smoldering gaze held hers while he lifted her right leg out of the water.
The heat pooling in her lower belly was increasing rapidly as he torturously moved slowly up her pale leg, leaving a trail of kisses towards her aching core. She shifted slightly to get him closer to where she needed him, a firm hand on her stomach stopped her. She whimpered slightly in frustration when he moved further away.
"I-Ichi please!" She whined
"Please what, Hime?" He cooed nipping the smooth flesh of her inner thigh.
"S-Stop teasing me." She moaned as she tried moving closer to him again.
Deciding to comply with his princess's wish he let himself be drawn to her familiar scent. Nuzzling his nose into the small patch of auburn hair above her womanhood he paused, inhaling, enjoying the fragrance of her arousal. Lifting her leg and placing it on his shoulder gave him better access to her steaming core, he gave her a long slow lick before nipping the little pearl at the top of her slit.
Using his free hand he spread her further open as his tongue explored deeper into her. He inwardly smirked when her hands tangled into his hair again, it seemed to be her natural response to stimulation. Sliding one of his long fingers in to join his tongue made a growl slip from his throat. Imagining those slippery walls squeezing him as he pushed into her made him painfully aware of his own throbbing need.
Hearing her whine slightly in protest when he stopped his ministrations made him smile as he stood back up. Kissing her fiercely until she was compliant and dazed he gripped her ass with both hands, and stared in her beautiful eyes.
"Wrap your legs around me." He growled out.
Her thighs felt like warm silk as they encompassed his waist locking behind his. His heart was beating in his ears when the heat she was generating washed over him. With her legs securely around him he reached down and took hold of his throbbing erection, rubbing it along her moist slit a few times, listening to her soft pants in his ear. Slowly pushing through her slick folds he brought his eyes back to hers when he reached resistance, looking for any doubts or hesitation.
His breathing had picked up, it was taking all his strength not to plunge into her and rut her like an animal.
Her eyes showed him love, eagerness and need.
He let himself be pulled into a kiss as he sank fully inside her, taking her purity and accepting her cries into his mouth. He held as still as could letting her adjust to him, whatever he imagined this experience was going to be like wasn't even close.
Being engulfed by her warmth her reiatsu flared and began to mix with his, like a rolling storm they danced and intertwined. An angel and a man that believed himself to be a demon became one. He wanted more, all of her, breaking the kiss he looked into her eyes seeking permission. His gaze burning with barely restrained lust.
"J-Just hold still a little longer, Ichi."
She shivered at the look in his eyes, her heart was thundering in her chest, his power was surging through her veins intoxicating her. The stretching burn, with a quick stab of pain was overwhelming at first. The pain almost made her cry out to stop, the longer he was inside her the more it became a distant memory. Experimentally she flexed her inner muscles around his shaft, earning a grunt of satisfaction from her mate, silently giving him the cue he had been waiting for. Feeling him pull out slightly made her moan in delight, before her back arched forcing her lower body away from the wall as he drove back in.
Everything in the world fell away as he slowly drove himself into her. He was the only thing that mattered to her, as the pants of two lovers filled the bathroom. Every stroke, every mumbled curse from her ashikabi made her burn. She felt like she was drowning in him, as she clutched to his broad back for dear life. She came harder than before when he stopped his strokes and ground into her pelvis creating incredible friction on her swollen pearl. Instinctively she bit into his shoulder to stop the scream attempting to escape her throat, even more so when he increased his speed, setting every nerve inside her on fire.
And she burned for him and only him.
He could feel himself becoming desperate, with every stroke. He was losing his mind to the maddening bliss, every time she squeezed him with her walls threatened his sanity. She was so tight coupled with her breathy moans had him straining and pushing harder into her. He could feel then end was near so ground into her hard, feeling her convulse around him, and feeling her slick passage becoming even more so as she released bringing him to the edge.
The pain and pleasure he felt when she bit into his shoulder broke the final barrier. It felt like she ripped the orgasm right out of him, with the speed it overtook him. His legs felt like jelly as he unwrapped her legs from his waist and withdrew from her instantly missing the connection.
Drawing in ragged breaths he rested his forehead against hers, both were damp with sweat from their exertion. He was lost in her gaze so much love shining through her silvery pools made his heart skip a beat.
Feeling a dainty hand on his chest made him look down, he was confused when she began slowly pushing him backwards. He felt his legs hit the edge of the tub before he was forced to sit, thankful that the ledge was wide enough so it wasn't uncomfortable. He shivered under her gaze of unbridled lust, he wondered if she could hear his heartbeat. He went to reach for her, but was stopped when she gently grabbed his wrists.
She placed his hands on the edge of the tub and he got the unspoken request. He was rewarded with a mischievous smile as she trailed her hands up his toned arms.
She was in heaven at the moment, even though she was tired from their love making she was in no hurry to stop. Spending alone time with her ashikabi was a rarity, and it was even rarer that she had a free pace to explore his body as much as she wanted.
She could see his hands twitching with the desire to reach out for her, but his incredible will kept them in place. Leaning over him gently licked the bruise forming from her earlier bite. She lazily let her fingers graze over the contours of his well-defined chest.
Trailing her fingers over the scar on his chest she began to kiss lower. Revealing in the groans coming from Ichigo she smiled against his skin, she could feel his excitement mixed slightly with impatience. Deciding to be more merciful with him than he was with her, she reached down and took hold of his waning member.
It was official she was driving him insane, he concluded. Her nerve wracking hands wandered where ever they pleased, he loved it, but he wanted to return the favor. So much pale beautiful skin shinning in the moonlight and she wouldn't let him touch her. He groaned feeling her lips and fingers caress his skin, his hands twitched on their own, tempted. He shuddered when she finally took hold of him and began to pump him lovingly.
His breath hitched in his throat when she took him into her mouth, keeping eye contact with him the whole time. He watched as she bobbed up and down, only stopping to deliver long strokes with her tongue up his shaft. Feeling her go down on him further than she ever had before made his eyes widen, before rolling back in his head as she applied impressive suction when she came back up, and keeping it applied when she reached the tip. Snapping his eyes back when he felt her grip him uncomfortably tight he seen her glaring at him, before he noticed his hand tangled in her hair.
Tearing his hand away was more difficult then he imagined it would be, but once it was back to resting on the edge of the tub she resumed her torturously mind blowing ministrations. He was close to snapping when she cut him off and moved away from him. He didn't have time to contemplate as she moved forward and carefully straddled him letting her legs hang out of the tub, adjusting him with her hand she slowly sank down and impaled herself on his throbbing dick, letting out a throaty moan as he filled her again.
"God you're going to drive me insane." He breathed against her lips.
"I know, but you love it." She replied breathlessly as she began rocking her hips against his.
Sliding his hands up her sides, he huffed when she grabbed them again. Meeting her determined stare with his own, he smirked, before reversing the grip and pinning her hands behind her back. Securing both wrists with his left hand, he wanted to laugh as she whined in frustration. Gaining the upper hand wasted no time letting his free hand roam the treasure currently gyrating in his lap. Squeezing her left breast he revealed in its soft, pliable feel. Leaning forward he captured her pert nipple in his mouth and applied suction.
She threw her head back moaning deeply, uninhibited, as she dug her heels into the outside of the tub and increased her pace. She was so full, being dominated and she loved every second of it. Another orgasm was building in her, drawing energy from all parts of her body, amassing in the pit of her stomach. Feeling him nip her nipple with his teeth was the last lance of pleasure she could take, forcing her hands from his grip she grabbed his face and crashed their mouths together. She could feel him swelling inside of her, before his hot seed shot deep inside of her, her body shock violently as she came long and hard.
Harsh panting filled the room as two lovers fought to regain their composure, in the surreal environment they created for themselves. The burdens from the day a forgotten memory as their souls seemed to heal each other. They felt alive…reborn.
A/N: Well I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. This would have come out sooner, but my laptop met a cup of coffee so… yeah. Thanks to everyone that's reviewed, favorited and followed this, you guys kick ass. Before anyone mentions it Higa will get his later.