Author's Note:
Hello everyone out there! I'm back. Now I have good news and bad news. I'm a bad news first type of person so I regret to inform you all that my updates and new chapters will be coming out slower. From now on I'll try to post a chapter a week. This comes about due to studying, finals, and other miscellaneous items that pop up. That said on the brighter side of things I have to say this because of the longer delay this will provide longer and more well thought out chapters than before.
As for commenting here it goes:
The One True Slacker: I agree. Taking out Kenpachi would be a difficult task for any one person. (On an unrelated note I just read a few of the latest issues of Bleach and all I have to say is this. Ichigo run like fucking hell. Kenpachi will be after you with Nozarashi.)
Arrankor: Thanks for the compliment on the Orihime Rukia bit. I was a little nervous about how it would be received. I also like Ichigo's method of not worrying about who is stronger until he has too. I will say this, in future Bleach stories of mine the pairings won't always be the same. For example in one Orihime may be with Ichigo, while in the next it could be Rukia, or both could be with him, or neither. It all depends on the story.
Grinja: Well I sent you a PM saying why I disagreed with a few of your points since the entire message would have been to long for this manner, but for you others I'll give a brief explanation of myself. On the count of Ichigo's constant cursing I needed to show him at odds with Miya and breaking her rules was the easiest way to do so and cursing was the only one that would have worked at the time. As for just taking the abuse he is still a single day into his stay at Izumo Inn. He needs time to learn how everyone interacts and how he fits into the picture. (Think about your first days at a new school or at a new job. You don't just go in and start being a bad $$ you ease your way into it.) As for Soul Society being against the bonding I disagree. Soul Society is supposed to protect the flow of souls. Not prevent the bonding of one soul to another.
Alright I will quickly announce 2 items that need to be brought to the attention of the reader. The poll for Kazehana's Ashikabi is now over. I will announce the top three:
In third place: Byakuya Kuchiki with 9 votes
In second place: Shunsui Kyōraku with 13 votes
In first place: Ichigo Kurosaki with 28 votes and 45% overall
Now since Shunsui and Ichigo are within 20 votes of each other I reserve the right to choose between them. I will not say which one will get her but it will be revealed not in this chapter, but probably the next one. Why do I do this? Because it is no fun be told everything in a story. If the reader knew everything that was going to happen it would be boring and nobody would read it.
The second item is that the new poll has been posted. It will determine Kagari/Homura's future Ashikabi. To vote go under my profile and at the top right there is a button that will allow registered members to vote. This poll will remain open for an as of yet undetermined amount of time.
Finally let's get to the meat of the story, but first: I own nothing in these stories except for any original characters which as of right now consist of Shakkin. If asked politely I will probably give permission to use him.
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Uryū awoke lying on his back staring at the ceiling of his rented apartment. His head felt like it was being split in two by an axe. Putting his hand to his head to try and dull the pain did little in terms of granting him the relief he needed. Bringing his hand away Uryū half expected to see blood dripping from his fingertips. None was there.
'What happened?' Uryū thought trying to think back to last night. His memories of the night before were sluggish and jumbled, like a jigsaw puzzle.
Sitting up slowly, Uryū saw that he was lying on several shards of safety glass. Looking down at himself he almost passed out again at the sight of the blood staining his shirt. It wasn't the blood, he had seen enough of both his own and others in his previous fights, it was the thought of how long it would take to get the stains out of his favorite Quincy uniform.
A slight breeze brushed his face as he looked out the shattered window. 'That's right,' Uryū thought to himself. 'A girl crashed into the room but what happened after that?'
"Oh you're up." A voice sang from the kitchen. Uryū turned to the voice and felt himself fall back again from the force of the blood gushing out his nose. In the doorway to the kitchen stood a girl with long dark brown hair with a ponytail on one side. The only article of clothing in site was a single white lacy bra.
"What's the matter?" The voice cooed.
"Und-underwear," Uryū managed to strangle out while staring everywhere but at her. "Please put some on."
"What do you mean?" Her voice asked. 'Her name is Uzume,' Uryū remembered. "I thought that this would be good enough."
"Please," Uryū begged clutching his nose desperately to keep whatever remained of his vital fluid in his body. His voice sounded nasally as a result. "Humor me."
"Alright," Uzume responded walking to Uryū's bedroom. "Just try to stay conscious this time. I want to thank you properly and I can't do that if you aren't awake."
She closed the door behind her. Uryū took a deep breath and tried to stabilize his heart beat to a more acceptable speed. Slowly getting to his feet Uryū crossed the distance to his window and looked out. The view was nothing special but it still allowed him to see a dingy night club across the street that looked like it could be labeled condemned any day.
"Is this better?" Uzume asked from behind Uryū. Being cautious Uryū turned around slowly with his hand still clutching his nose.
He was glad he had taken the precaution. Instead of wearing the white outfit she had when she had burst into his room last night she was wearing the top for his spare Quincy uniform. The top buttons were left undone revealing a large portion of her cleavage. The shirt was just long enough to cover the necessities. Uryū quickly clamped down on his nose as he felt the blood rush to his heads.
"Couldn't you have put on some pants?" Uryū asked his voice nasally.
"They didn't fit," Uzume said simply. "Of course if you wanted me to wear your boxers…"
"No," Uryū responded quickly shaking his head. "Please don't. Why didn't you put on that outfit you had on last night?"
"It was dirty," Uzume said shrugging. "So I put it in the wash. I could put it on but it would be soaking wet."
The blood pressure seemed to double as it increased it's efforts to escape from Uryū's nose.
A knock on the door saved Uryū from having to answer. Before Uryū could get up Uzume was at the door.
"Wait a minu-" Uryū tried to warn Uzume, but she opened the door interrupting him. A short wizened old woman in a simple flower print dress.
"What is this?" She asked in a monotone.
"Mrs. Kanjō," Uryū said standing swiftly, the blood on his shirt forgotten. "I can explain this."
"Let's hear it." Mrs. Kanjō requested her voice flat.
Uryū hesitated. 'I can't tell her the truth. She wouldn't believe me. I'm not sure if I would in her place.'
"Uryū took care of me last night," Uzume said speaking up. "I was drunk and he let me stay here. He even helped me get undressed."
Uryū could only make sputtering noises as he tried to protest.
"That by itself is enough to evict you," Mrs. Kanjō stated emotionless. "But with the addition of the broken window it makes your deposit void. You have until tomorrow morning to move out."
Uryū sighed. Her mind was made up. He had talked to a few of the neighbors the day before and they all agreed that, while Mrs. Kanjō was a fair lady, once she said something no force in heaven or hell could make her change her mind.
"I don't have very much in terms of baggage. I'll be out before noon." Uryū responded as Mrs. Kanjō closed the door.
"I'm sorry," Uzume said turning to Uryū. "I didn't mean to get you in trouble."
"It's fine," Uryū said walking to his bedroom. He grabbed his bag from under his bed and started to take the clothes from his dresser and place them into his bag neatly. He purposely left out a change of clothes. "I'll just ask a few of my friends in the city if I can stay at their place."
"You could stay at my place." Uzume responded. "It's the least I can do for your kindness."
"Wouldn't want to intrude." Uryū responded simply.
"Don't worry," Uzume said sitting uncomfortably close beside him. "We have three floors. The second floor has three rooms. The top floor has four and only one of them is being used. I'm sure that you could take one of the extra," Uzume paused for a brief moment. "Or you could sleep in my room."
"That seems a little inappropriate." Uryū said suddenly aware that they were alone in his room. He pulled at the collar of his outfit uncomfortably. He turned his head away to look at an inconsequential corner of the ceiling. "Shouldn't a girl such as yourself be more careful about men?"
"I'm not exactly a normal girl." Uzume said so softly Uryū had to strain to hear it. "You should know that about me."
"What do you mean I should know that about you?" Uryū asked turning to Uzume, only to be met by her lips.
Light filled the room as for once in Uryū's life his mind went blank. Pure white wings shaped like folds of silk flowed out of her back. Uzume's lips felt soft Uryū as she slowly deepened the kiss. Her tongue invaded the still reeling Uryū's mouth. With an effort Uryū managed to gently disentangle himself from the girl.
"Fuck," Uryū said. Normally Uryū would never curse. He took pride in being cool and calm while others, such as Ichigo, rushed around without thinking things through. However the situation with Uzume had thrown him down the proverbial rabbit hole and it seemed to sum up his lack of thoughts in a single word.
"Why'd you stop?" Uzume asked softly. "I liked it and I know you liked it."
Uryū didn't think he could get any redder at this point. "It just isn't proper for a young girl to be kissing a guy she just met alone in his bedroom."
"I don't mind," Uzume responded smiling at his discomfort. "But as my Ashikabi I will respect your wishes this time."
"So I'm an Ashikabi," Uryū responded shaking his head. "At least Chad won't be alone."
"Do you mean Sado?" Uzume asked a frown creasing her forehead.
"Yeah," Uryū said suddenly suspicious. "He's a good friend of mine."
"He's staying where I live," Uzume responded smiling. "He and his friend Ichigo moved in not last night but the night before. Then last night a kid named Tōshirō moved in as well. Do you know him?"
"Damn it," Uryū muttered to himself. "If they are involved this is really going to turn into a mess."
"What are you talking about?" Uzume asked picking up on his discomfort. "Who are they?"
"Nobody you need to worry about," Uryū responded giving her what he hoped was a convincing smile. "Of all of them Tōshirō is probably one I would mind the least."
"But who are they?" Uzume prodded. "You talk as if they belong to an organization."
"They work for a rival company," Uryū said the half-truth rolling off his tongue. He didn't feel right about lying to her but they needed to keep questions to a minimum for the time being and the old saying went that, 'Three people can keep a secret, if two of them are dead'. "But occasionally due to circumstances we must work together."
"What do you work in?" Uzume asked.
"Fashion." Uryū responded. "I design clothes."
"Wow," Uzume responded. "You know I make costumes as a hobby of mine."
"Really?" Uryū responded genuinely interested. The last Quincy had a real interest in clothes and once he graduated from college he was planning on going into the fashion industry.
"Yeah," Uzume said nodding. "I could show you them they are at my place."
"I do need a place to stay," Uryū said rationalizing his decision to follow her to her place. "Let me finish packing and we'll leave."
"I can't wait." Uzume said smiling.
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'This is starting to piss me off.' Ichigo thought sitting down on the couch in the living room of Izumo Inn. The entire night he had been kept awake by the killing intent Miya had been leaking. 'Why is she so mad anyway? She caught Matsu with my boxers on her head and she wasn't half as mad. So why is she mad about a single kiss?'
Even after morning had come the killing intent had only lessened to what it was when she had caught Matsu wearing his underwear. At breakfast Matsu had come down and introduced herself to everyone properly. She explained that she was hiding from MBI and explained that she was Sekirei number 2. She went on to explain the four factions that seemed to be appearing. Higa Izumi of the East, Hayato Mikogami of the South, Sanada Nishi of the West, and Hannya of the North.
Miya's only contribution to the conversation was explaining why Uzume had covered Musubi's mouth when they first met was because they were not allowed to tell people not aware of what was going on and they couldn't be sure if Ichigo knew or not without giving themselves away. She also explained that her husband had worked for MBI and that was how she knew about the Sekirei plan.
Every time Matsu or Ichigo had looked at Miya she coolly ignored them both. No food was served to either of the pair. After the not so filling breakfast Ichigo had walked out to the living room where he found himself now.
"Ichigo," Miya's voice said over his shoulder. A chill went up Ichigo's spine at the tone. In that single word stood condescension. He had gotten used to it from some people such as a few teachers and a few cops, but Miya had always treated him fairly and until now she hadn't had that note in her voice. Even when she was mad. "Kindly do the dishes."
"Only if you tell me why you are so angry with me," Ichigo responded looking at her coolly. Her face was impassive. "I can't help you if you won't tell me the problem."
"As a member of this house even if you do pay rent you have to help around the house." Miya said. The Hannya mask said floating behind her back.
"Let's try it King," Shiro said from inside Ichigo's soul. "This bitch has been grating at me the entire time. Let's show her some real killing intent."
For once Ichigo agreed with his inner Hollow. After having seen Miya use her Hannya mask the idea had slowly formed in his mind but didn't really want to use it against Miya. She had been nice to him, minus the few times he cussed, but otherwise she was kind and caring to all those around her. Now however she was putting killing intent toward him that had no reason for being there.
Ichigo felt like he was on a tight rope with sharp swords below him as he let a thin trickle of Shiro's killing intent through. A small distortion formed above his left shoulder. Slowly the image of his Hollow mask revealed itself. Miya started when she saw the mask form giving Ichigo the opportunity to speak.
"Miya," Ichigo said calmly. His voice thankfully hadn't taken on the warped sound that accompanied the actual mask forming over his face. He had been worried about that. "Ever since last night you have been angry at me. I don't know why. You caught Matsu kissing me. First she kissed me not the other way around. Second if even half of what I've heard is true she was reacting to me. From what I understand once a Sekirei reacts it is virtually impossible to stop her short of physically tying her down."
With each word Miya's killing intent lessened until it was all but gone. Miya sighed. She didn't look mad. She didn't look sad. If Ichigo had to place an emotion to her it would be regretful.
"I'm sorry Ichigo," Miya said simply her mask disappearing. Ichigo let his slip away as well, ignoring the complaining coming from his tenant. "I may have acted a little childishly. I will also apologize to Matsu. It would be unfair of me to charge you for Matsu's room as well as your own when she has been living here for so long. You will just have to pay for your own. As for meals you still did break the rules of the inn, but I may have been a bit harsh in how many meals you would miss. Instead of missing all meals here you will only miss one."
"Thank you Miya," Ichigo thanked her. "I want you to be a friend of mine."
"I want to be your friend as well Ichigo." Miya responded a genuine smile coming to her lips. A small blush appearing on her cheeks. "But that said if you break the rules I won't hesitate to punish you."
Ichigo smiled. "I wouldn't expect anything else."
"Now would you kindly do the dishes?" Miya asked the condescension was completely gone from her voice. "I have to find Matsu and apologize to her as well."
"Alright," Ichigo said slowly standing not noticing his phone falling out of his pocket. He would come to regret it.
Ichigo walked into the kitchen and began to wash the dishes that were neatly stacked near the sink. Diving right into his work it went by quickly. A ringing noise sounded from the living room.
Ichigo called from the kitchen, "Could somebody get that?"
He heard a shuffling noise followed by Musubi's voice, "Hello?"
Ichigo kept rinsing the plate he was working on.
"Ichigo is busy cleaning plates," He heard Musubi say. A dark feeling crossed over Ichigo. "I'm Musubi. Chad's Seki..tary." Ichigo flinched at the clumsy save. Quickly finishing the plate Ichigo went to dry his hands on a nearby towel. A new voice filtered through the air.
"Musubi please give me the phone." Miya's voice came floating out. "Who may I ask is calling?" A short pause came from the living room. "Ichigo, it's your dad."
Ichigo's blood ran cold as he quickly dried his hands on his pants as he walked into the living room as quickly as he could.
"Thanks Miya," Ichigo said taking the phone from the woman. He quickly put it to his ear. "Hey Goat-Chin."
"ICHIGO!" The strength of his father's voice physically pushed his ear away from the phone.
"WHAT THE HELL!?" Ichigo shouted back. "Why'd you do that?"
"You've been gone for a few days and I never even got a call from you to make sure you were alright." Isshin said from the other end of the line. "I was worried."
"I can take care of myself." Ichigo responded. "You didn't have to worry."
"It's a parent's job to worry," Isshin responded. "Besides without me there who is keeping my son's reflexes sharp?"
Ichigo watched as Tōshirō walked into the room. Kuu was riding on the short Captains back. Rangiku stumbled in behind them all. A bottle of half empty sake clutched in her hand. A flush shone brightly on her cheeks.
"Tōshirō is here," Ichigo responded to answer his father's question. "He's keeping me on my toes."
"The only thing he does is nap," Isshin said. Ichigo could all but see him waving off his concern. "He gets his paper work done early just so he can go take naps. You'll never stay in peak condition with only him around. Who was it that was on the phone before you? Has my son finally become a man?"
"WHAT THE HELL!?" Ichigo yelled into the phone. "It's not like that. She's the Landlady."
"Well then you must be doing something wrong." Isshin declared. "I'll be there in three days to explain the birds and the bees to my little Ichigo. Karin we are going to visit Ichigo. Invite Urahara along if he wants. He's been moping about complaining that there is nothing to do since everybody left."
"No dad you don't have to do that," Ichigo said frantically.
"Ask the Landlady if she has rooms for five extra people for a week or so." Isshin responded. "Tatsuki got back from her trip to Spain and she wants to tell you all about it, so she'll probably jump at the chance to come too."
"Dad you don't have to come," Ichigo pleaded. Tōshirō's face whitened. He quickly grabbed the phone from Ichigo's grasp.
"Sir you really don't have to come here." Tōshirō said frantically. Ichigo raised his eyebrow as much at the 'Sir' as at how Tōshirō was acting. "I promise that I'll randomly attack Ichigo, just don't come."
Tōshirō paused no doubt listening to his response. He then responded, "No, please don't tell Karin I'm here. Wait don't hang up."
Tōshirō made a sour face as he took the phone from his ear. Tōshirō turned to Ichigo.
"You do realize that at the very least we are going to have change our names and fake our deaths." Tōshirō told Ichigo seriously.
"I'll go by Hogo-sha." Ichigo said quickly planning. "You can be Dare Mo."
"Deal," Tōshirō said quickly. "Now we just need somewhere to hide out for the next century or so."
"Captain you can't do that," Rangiku said. "If you do that think of all the paperwork that will pile up."
"Damn it," Tōshirō cursed. "Your right. Ichigo is there any chance Karin won't kill me?"
"You know Karin," Ichigo responded sighing. "After you disappeared last time she walked around the house and snapped at everyone. She put my dad through a brick wall a few times."
"You make it sound like your family coming over is a bad thing." Miya said an amused smile on her face.
"It's bad," Was all Ichigo could reply. 'With the amount of females in this place he might be worse than even Kon. Where is he anyway?'
"I may have to have a few impromptu 'sparring' sessions while he is here." Ichigo told Miya.
"Ichigo violence is not tolerated in this house." Miya warned.
"I know but my dad doesn't see things like that." Ichigo said sighing. "And my little sister is probably going to murder Tōshirō, so we may need a place to bury his body. I'm going to go for a walk to try and find a spot to hide the body."
Leaving the group Ichigo made his way upstairs. Passing by Matsu's door he heard a perverted giggle come from the other side. Ichigo knocked on the door.
"Hey, Matsu have you seen Kon?" Ichigo asked. After Miya had left the night before Ichigo and Kon had agreed that his cover was blown to hell, so before going to breakfast he had asked Matsu to not tell anybody about Kon. She had agreed as long as she could study what made Kon work. Ichigo wasn't too worried about her finding anything. She was a genius but she seemed to have a harder time when it came to biology rather than technology.
"He's in here." Matsu's voice came. Ichigo entered the hidden room. The room was dark. The only light came from various computer monitors. Across one Ichigo saw the words, 'Who is Kisuke Kuchiki.'
Kon was sitting in a small chair. Steam rose from both of the plushy's ears. His eyes were pure white. Ichigo wasn't sure how Kon did that but he didn't really care.
"What have you been doing to him?" Ichigo asked raising an eyebrow.
"Who's Urahara?" Matsu asked in return.
"What do you mean?" Ichigo asked warily.
"I searched everywhere for a man named Kisuke Kuchiki." Matsu responded. "Not even a birth certificate. Then I searched for the individual names of Kuchiki and Kisuke. Two people popped up. A Rukia Kuchiki is first on an obscure record from your high school. She was added half way through the year and disappeared. She keeps appearing and disappearing randomly. Kisuke Urahara was much harder to find, but after asking Kon nicely he revealed the real name. The only record that has his name is on a shop deed. Exactly who is Kisuke Urahara?"
"You'll get your chance to meet him." Ichigo promised. "He and my dad are going to be here in a few days."
"Really?" Matsu said grinning. "I have so many questions to ask him. How was he able to keep his name off any records? It's almost like he doesn't even exist."
"I need to talk to Kon for a moment." Ichigo said simply.
"Why?" Matsu asked.
"I just want him to know that I'm going to be meditating for a while and to not let anybody disturb me." Ichigo responded.
"I'll be sure to tell him when he is more coherent." Matsu said grinning. "Why don't you stay for some experiments?"
"I've got things to do." Ichigo responded leaving the room.
Ichigo quickly made his way to his room and closed the door behind him. Looking around to confirm to himself that he was alone Ichigo sat down with his back against the wall. Carefully arranging himself so his back was well supported Ichigo grabbed his substitute badge and pressed it to his chest. Ichigo in full Shinigami attire burst from his body which slumped against the wall. It looked like Ichigo had intended it to look. To the casual observer it would appear like he was in a deep meditation.
Acting quickly Ichigo swung the large cleaver like sword off his back. Zangetsu was just as large as ever. A slight gleam ran off the blade.
"I'm not happy about this plan." Zangetsu said dissatisfaction lacing his words like poison.
"We went over this last night," Ichigo debated with his internal sword. "We know that Minaka wants us to fight. Matsu gave us information on the four potential enemies that we know nothing about. Since Yoruichi is looking around MBI headquarters we need somebody to gain information on them. Since Chad is visible, Tōshirō can't ever get away with Kuu hanging onto his arms, and Rangiku would just skip out and meet Shunsui somewhere to drink with him. That leaves me."
"You can't control your spirit pressure," Zangetsu pointed out. "And Kenpachi is roaming around."
Ichigo opened the window to the room and looked outside quickly. Nobody was outside. Quickly using a Flash Step Ichigo was on a roof across the street.
"There is that," Ichigo murmured. "But if what we felt last night was really him he found somebody else to take on for the time being."
"Still doesn't mean he won't come after you." Zangetsu pointed out.
"I know but we either take this risk or we won't have enough information to act when we need to." Ichigo responded. "Besides, both Yachiru and Kenpachi have the worst sense of direction in existence."
"Just be careful," Zangetsu responded sagely. "And we only need to investigate the East, South, and West."
"Why not the North," Ichigo inquired.
"Think about it," Zangetsu responded. "Hannya of the North. Who else could fit that description?"
"I guess you got me there." Ichigo said sighing. "Let's get going we got people to spy on."
With that Ichigo Flash Stepped off to the West.
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With Kenpachi in MBI headquarters
Kenpachi roamed the hallways of the MBI building. Yachiru was as always hanging onto his back. The humans had been kind enough to give him an entire floor to himself. It might have had something to do with threatening that guy Minaka. The memory of him dangling Minaka off the top of the building by a single leg brought a smile to his lips.
Suddenly Kenpachi felt a familiar spirit pressure wash over his body. A sadistic grin crossed his face quickly. 'Ichigo IS in the city. I was beginning to wonder. I would go after him but I need to be at full strength if I'm going to take an arm or leg from him.'
Opening a doorway Kenpachi stepped into the pool area reserved for himself and Karasuba. He had just come back from a round against the gray haired woman and he needed a shower which were only available in a branch of from the pool area. Blood dripped down both arms and legs. A new scar across his chest throbbed in ecstasy. Kenpachi grinned manically. She was getting better. If he had been just a few seconds slower she may have sliced him in two. That said however Kenpachi was getting better and faster too. Karasuba would have a few new scars to match his own.
A gray head barely poked itself out of the water. Kenpachi shook his head as the door closed behind him. 'How'd she beat me back here? I saw her go in the other direction.'
The head turned from toward them at the sound of the door closing. The thought that it could be Karasuba passed from Kenpachi's mind as he looked at the woman in the pool. Her hair was shorter and jaggedly cut. A blue swimming suit covered her breasts.
"You're Haihane right?" Kenpachi asked recognizing the girl as one who followed Karasuba around.
"Yes," Haihane responded. "What are you doing here?"
"I live here," Kenpachi responded walking toward the male shower room. "What are you doing here?"
"Karasuba invited me and Benitsubasa here." Haihane responded.
Yachiru jumped off Kenpachi's shoulders as he reached the showers. "I don't suppose you are stronger than Karasuba?" Kenpachi asked slightly hoping she said yes so he could have a small amount of fun before taking a shower.
"Not really," Haihane responded shrugging from the pool. "I'm good but not that good. Who are you again?"
"Kenpachi Zaraki," Kenpachi responded walking into the showers.
Quickly undressing Kenpachi was in the shower in a matter of moments. Washing quickly Kenpachi was thorough in his cleaning of his wounds. The slight pain sent jolts of joy through his system, but the main reason he was thorough was because if he wasn't then they could become infected and if that happened he couldn't fight.
Stepping out he was dressed in his Captains coat in a matter of moments. Stepping out of the shower he saw Karasuba talking with Haihane who had a deep blush on her cheeks. Haihane had changed into her typical outfit of black and her Discipline Squad coat. White wrappings compressed her breasts to her chest. Yachiru quickly bounded up onto Kenpachi's shoulders once again.
"Kenny," Yachiru said grinning. "Suba and Mummy were talking and came up with an idea."
"What is it?" Kenpachi asked arriving at the small group. Haihane blushed a deep red.
"We were discussing her becoming your Sekirei." Karasuba responded. "She would make an excellent fit if I say so myself."
"She's weak," Kenpachi said dismissing the idea. "I can't fight weak people. They break too easily."
"Do you know what being an Ashikabi physically does?" Karasuba asked.
"Not really," Kenpachi admitted. "All I really care about is getting to fight strong opponents like you." A flicker of emotion crossed Karasuba's eyes but was gone before Kenpachi could identify it.
"When an Ashikabi Wings a Sekirei they get stronger." Karasuba said a soft grin on her face. "And the stronger you get the stronger your Sekirei get."
Kenpachi grinned manically. He looked at Haihane. A furious blush covered her face. "Do you want to help me get stronger?"
Haihane tried to stutter out a few words. Her blush was a bright red.
"Is that a yes?" Kenpachi asked grinning wider. Squatting down so he was
"Shut up," Haihane said angrily. She abruptly took a step forward and placed her lips on Kenpachi's. A bright light filled the room. Much like with Karasuba Kenpachi's mind went blank. Blue wings sprouted from her back.
Kenpachi pulled away first. Haihane looked slightly disappointed that he pulled away, but didn't say anything.
He had been paying attention close attention to his power through the Winging. He was surprised that his power had indeed increased. Not by much but enough to say he could have beaten himself before the second winging.
Kenpachi grinned manically. "Do you have any records on an Ichigo Kurosaki becoming an Ashikabi?"
"We have reports of a few unknown Ashikabi." Karasuba responded. "Why?"
"If I'm lucky," Kenpachi said moistening his lips. "Then he has a Sekirei or two and when I fight him it will be just that much more."
"Is he really that powerful?" Karasuba asked her tongue darting out to moisten her lips as well.
"Last time we fought in earnest he put me in the Medical Division in critical condition." Kenpachi said grinning manically. "I can count the people who have done that on a single hand. Now let's see what Haihane can do."
"Kenny kissed another one!" Yachiru shouted gleefully. "What will the others think? Next thing you know you'll kiss No Boobs, not just Suba, or Mummy."
Kenpachi just grinned as he looked at a sweating Haihane. "Let's start."
With that he lunged forward and struck at Haihane.
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Ichigo sighed as he hopped from building to building back to Izumo Inn. He had spent his entire time searching out information on those that ran three of the cardinal directions. All he had found was rumors and conjecture.
Rumors persisted that Higa of the East was powerful not because of the amount of his Sekirei but because he was an excellent manipulator, who would rather blackmail and use people than help them.
Hayato of the South didn't sound much better. From the few who Ichigo had found that knew him all said similar things. One had mentioned his devotion to the rules of what he had heard Hayato refer to as 'The Game'. Another had said that he was a relatively laid back provided you didn't get in his way. All of them however had referenced his inability to tolerate failure.
Sanada of the West was the only one Ichigo could see working with in the future. While he was violent and as perverted as his father, he still cared about others. It was only him that Ichigo had been able to meet with personally. At he had mistaken him for an unWinged Sekirei. Ichigo didn't dissuade him from the idea.
Ichigo paused on a roof to rest for a moment. It had been a relatively long day of hard work.
"Hey Ichigo," Ichigo heard Yoruichi's gruff cat voice. Ichigo turned to look around and had to suppress yell. Yoruichi in her cat lay huddled next to a nearby vent. Blood pooled about a foot in diameter under her.
"What happened?" Ichigo said squatting down next to the cat-woman. He delicately started to comb over her body looking for the wound.
"I'll be alright." Yoruichi chuckled. "I was careless and a guard the tip of my tail."
"Still he shot your tail," Ichigo responded clenching his fists. "Why is there so much blood?"
"I'm bleeding as much as I would if I had been shot in the corresponding body part while in my Shinigami form." Yoruichi explained. "If I had been shot in the foot I would be bleeding as much as if your foot was shot."
"But you don't have a tail." Ichigo responded.
"The body compensates," Yoruichi said simply. "Does it really matter at this point?"
"Well do you want me to bring you to Orihime or anything?" Ichigo asked worried.
"No," Yoruichi said simply. "I'll be fine to move in a few minutes when the blood clots."
"What happened?" Ichigo asked.
"It's really stupid," Yoruichi responded chuckling slightly. "I managed to get in without alerting any guards but when I tried to play the hungry cat trick to get a security guard to leave her post she shot at me instead. It wasn't until I heard the click of the safety on the gun that I realized I had been made and tried to Flash Step out of there. As fast as I am in this form even I can't out run a bullet while like this. I misjudged the dodge by just a fraction of a millimeter and she caught a small bit of my tail. It'll regrow in time but for now I have an embarrassing bald spot on my tail. I was going to go to Orihime but I had to rest here for a moment."
"But if it only nicked then that makes even less sense as to why there is so much blood." Ichigo responded.
"Ichigo," Yoruichi said softly. "I used to lead the 2nd Division. We were in charge of several things. We were assassins, police, prison guards, and messengers. While working police aspects of the jobs we had to learn how to look at a crime scene. There was one while I was still young that comes to mind. A sociopath had snuck into Seireitei. He killed an unranked Shinigami. When we investigated the scene it looked as if 20 Kenpachis had been let loose on a single man. I'll spare you the gruesome details but I was sure that there had to be more victims based on the blood. A small amount of blood can look like a lot."
"Yoruichi," Ichigo said softly. "I worked at my dad's clinic. I know how blood works. You have lost a lot of it."
"Tch." Yoruichi grunted in pain as Ichigo found the spot she had been hit. It was a part of her thigh. The wound wasn't too deep and it was a straight through shot. Ichigo willed the wrappings off of Zangetsu. Using a small amount he tightly wrapped her leg. She would have lived even without Ichigo's intervention but she would have had to take more frequent stops as she headed to Orihime to get healed.
"I look ridiculous." Yoruichi said growling.
"It was either I wrap you up here or I carry you to Orihime myself." Ichigo offered.
"I could always turn into my real form," Yoruichi pointed out.
"A naked woman who my guess is from looking at that leg can't put much weight on it hopping through the streets," Ichigo intoned. "That makes perfect sense."
"They wouldn't be able to see me." Yoruichi countered.
"Not normal humans no." Ichigo admitted. "But what about Ashikabi and Sekirei wandering around?"
"You have a point," Yoruichi conceded. "Well that witty banter lasted long enough for me to catch my breath."
Yoruichi slowly got to her feet.
"I'll see you later Yoruichi." Ichigo told her, deciding to tell her the information he had later. 'She needs to get to Orihime and she's too damn proud to have me carry her there.'
"See you later Ichigo." Yoruichi responded. She performed a slow Flash Step to a neighboring roof. It wasn't the speed normally associated with the Goddess of Flash but working with a bad leg in a cat's body was still impressive.
Ichigo sighed and Flash Stepped away from the roof top. The wind sounded deeply in his ears, blocking any and all other sound. He stopped on a building near Izumo Inn. Ichigo felt a large sweat drop roll down the back of his head.
An ambulance was stationed outside the building. A police vehicle was sitting in front of it. A weeping Miya stood at the entrance as a pair of medics rolled a stretcher out of the building. A police officer stood to one side of Miya rubbing her shoulders. Chad, Rangiku, Tōshirō, and oddly enough Uryū all stood to one side looking conflicted on what to do. The others were nowhere to be seen.
Ducking behind a stairwell so that he was blocked from view by those below him, Ichigo very briefly flared his Spirit Pressure. Ichigo slowly counted to ten and peaked out behind the stairwell. Tōshirō, Chad, Rangiku, and Uryū were looking right at him. Tōshirō was whispering something to Rangiku. Miya was shaking her head as if trying to rid her mind of a ghost. Ichigo saw the police officer draw Miya inside the Inn.
Rangiku quietly walked to a quite area unnoticeable to those inside Izumo Inn. Ichigo saw her make a quick jerking motion with her hand toward her mouth. A second Rangiku stood next to the original. She quickly drew her sword and Ichigo saw her mouth move, yet no sound reached his ears. The Zanpakutō in her grasp turned into a thick fog, which slowly made it's way over to the building and swallowed it.
While Rangiku was screening them from the occupants of the house, Uryū had walked over to one paramedic and was distracting him so he wouldn't drive off. Ichigo quickly Flash Stepped down to the group surrounding the ambulance. A glare was directed at him from Tōshirō.
"I'll explain later." Ichigo sighed as he walked to his body. Quickly entering his body Ichigo flexed to get the stiffness out of his joints. He slowly sat up.
"Why am I in an ambulance?" Ichigo said aloud to catch the paramedics' attention.
Ichigo saw the fog surrounding the Inn start to disperse. Only a single pair of red eyes were at the window. Matsu stared down at Ichigo with a strange face. He saw her sway to either side. He could all but feel the thud when he saw her tip backward.
The two medics suddenly appeared in his vision. Plain looking men with dark hair quickly started asking questions.
"Are you feeling alright? How are you alive? Why did you have no pulse? Why was your body temperature below normal?" Both of the medics talked simultaneously.
"I'm fine," Ichigo said slowly standing.
"Lie back down," One medic commanded.
"We need to take you to the hospital to make sure you are alright." The second medic responded. They both tried to push him back into the ambulance.
"Shiro a little help?" Ichigo asked his inner Hollow.
"Sure thing King." Shiro responded. "After all if you get in trouble then I do too."
The area around the ambulance was coated in killing intent. A white mask with blood reed markings and pure yellow eyes floated over his back.
"I am perfectly fine." Ichigo intoned. The pair of medics nodded. "I do not need to go to the hospital thus you may go back to saving other lives. Since I have no reason to go to the hospital you won't charge myself or the nice lady that lives here with the cost of an ambulance." One medic opened his mouth to protest. Ichigo doubled the killing intent and the man closed his mouth with an audible click. "You may leave now."
The medics were gone so fast Ichigo half wondered if they had mastered Flash Step. Ichigo hopped the rest of the way out of the ambulance and closed the doors behind him. The ambulance took off with the sound of squealing tires and the smell of burnt rubber. Ichigo let the Hollow Mask fade behind him.
"You going to explain yourself, Kurosaki?" Uryū asked.
"Back off." Ichigo said turning to the Quincy. "I had to do some reconnaissance and I was the only one available to do it."
"What do you mean?" Rangiku asked suddenly standing to close to Ichigo for comfort. Her voice was whiney.
"You would have just gone out and found Shunsui and had a drinking contest," Ichigo told her.
"I wouldn't," Rangiku paused for a moment. "Do that right away. Maybe after an hour or two."
"You would have been in a bar in ten minutes." Tōshirō said pointed out.
"Fine," Rangiku said smiling unashamed. "You are probably right."
"As for Chad he isn't invisible to normal humans," Ichigo pointed out. "And Kuu was never away from Tōshirō. As it is I'm surprised she isn't here with you."
"She's inside crying with the rest of the Sekirei over your death." Tōshirō put bluntly. Ichigo felt like Tōshirō had punched him in the stomach. "How are you going to explain all this to them?"
"I'm going to say that I was in a deep meditative state," Ichigo said simply. "I already planted the idea in Matsu's head before I left."
"Why didn't you use Kon?" Chad asked speaking up.
"Matsu is suspicious of Kon and is studying him." Ichigo explained. "If he suddenly disappeared and my body started to act like him how long would the secret last?"
Tōshirō nodded conceding the point.
"Let's go tell everyone you aren't dead." Uryū responded. Walking toward the Inn.
A thought occurred to Ichigo.
"Hey Uryū," Ichigo called. The aforementioned man turned to face Ichigo. "If you're here then that means you got kicked out of your apartment." The blush that appeared on his face was enough to tell Ichigo. "Since it's embarrassing and we seem to attract trouble, I assume that it was a Sekirei that caused you to lose your place. Since you are here then that would most likely mean that the Sekirei lived here before hand, since you would find any excuse to not live under the same house as a Shinigami. The only Sekirei that I know of that was out last night was Uzume. Congratulations on getting the one Sekirei in the entire house that likes to walk around nude."
"You got the pervert." Uryū responded. "Your father is going to have a heart attack when he gets here."
"Who told you that?" Ichigo asked shooting accusing glares at those surrounding him. Everybody with the exception of herself pointed to Rangiku who started whistling very conspicuously. "Thanks Rangiku." Ichigo said sarcastically.
"I knew Ichigo couldn't stay mad at me." Rangiku said throwing herself forward. Ichigo found himself buried in her bosom.
Pushing with all his might Ichigo managed to break free.
"WHAT THE FUCKING HELL?!" Ichigo yelled. "YOU TRYING TO KILL ME FOR REAL?!"
Killing intent suddenly appeared behind him. It washed over him in waves.
"Do you think one of you could really kill me now?" Ichigo half pleaded with his group of friends, without turning around. "I think Miya plans on torturing me first."
"Ichigo Kurosaki," Miya's voice came from behind him. Turning as slow as humanly possible Ichigo faced the dreaded Hannya of the North in all her fury. A Hannya mask the size of Kenpachi was floating behind her. "How many times must I tell you that obscene language is forbidden in Izumo Inn?"
"I think I just about got it." Ichigo responded hoping to placate her. He figured he was in deep enough without digging it deeper.
"I did not think I needed to inform you," Miya said smiling. "That dying was also forbidden at Izumo Inn, but I will rectify that mistake now. Dying in or around Izumo Inn is expressly forbidden."
"Yes ma-am." Ichigo said simply. Miya's killing intent and Hannya mask disappeared all at once causing Ichigo to blink.
Miya spoke so softly that Ichigo had to strain to hear it and even then he only caught a few words. "…hate…die…me…Takehito…of him..."
"What did you say Miya?" Ichigo asked worried about her.
"Let's go celebrate your miraculous recovery." Miya said spinning away. "How did you do that?"
"I would like to know that as well," The Police Officer responded from the front steps of the Inn. The various Sekirei stood behind him with Kagari. Several of the women had tears in their eyes. Kagari's eyes were red but tear free. Matsu was the only Sekirei not present as she was probably still passed out. "We would have tried life saving measures but your body had absolutely no heart beat."
"Have you heard of that some monks can go into a meditation so deep that they are capable of feigning death?" Ichigo asked warily referencing a phenomenon he had heard about years ago.
"Even they respond to stimuli," The Officer retorted. "I believe one of these young ladies splashed water all over you to try and wake you up."
"My family has a medical history that when we go into real deep meditations or sleeps we can't be disturbed at all. It is called Dormir Profundo." Ichigo responded the Spanish popping into his head. 'I'm not even sure how I know that.'
"Alright," The Officer responded shaking his head. "Not like I can't see the results walking and talking before my very eyes. Be careful and if you feel someone trying to wake you up just do it."
The officer walked to his car and left. Ichigo turned to the Sekirei before him.
"Do I need to re-explain or are you guys good with just hearing it once?" Ichigo asked raising an eyebrow. Before anything else could happen the Sekirei rushed him. He felt every available part of his body being hugged in some manner. It was over quickly with various people congratulating him on his good health as they walked inside.
"Why aren't you guys as excited to see your friend back from the dead?" Ichigo heard Miya ask Rangiku.
"We knew all along that he was okay." Rangiku said simply.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Miya asked a small trickle of killing intent leaking from her. It was not enough to summon the Hannya Mask.
"Ichigo asked us not to reveal it unless he said it was okay." Chad lied stoically. "He is quite embarrassed about it at times."
Miya's killing intent faded as Ichigo was dragged into Izumo Inn. He couldn't help the grin that spread over his face. For now at least things were nice.
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Author's Note:
Over 7800 words this chapter. Not as long as the last chapter as far as content but I was having a tough time finding a place to cut this chapter unless you guys wanted to slag through a chapter that would end up being almost 16000 words. Alright closing remarks on the chapter time. I have a video game Easter Egg in this chapter I'm looking for a specific one. He/She that gets it first will get an honorable mention in the next chapter.
I also had trouble writing Kenpachi's part so that it seemed believable and in character for him. If enough people think I should rewrite that part I will try but I also have to work on the next chapter as well.
Now I figure I should also mention at this time that I will be going on vacation on the week of the 19th with a friend who will be moving away back to their country, so more than likely there won't be any new chapters that week because I will be spending my time trying to leave a last good impression.
I would like to thank FORGEMaster for PMing me the other day. He gave me a few ideas that I may try out in future Chapters. Currently the chapters are just trying to deal with getting everybody winged and/or set up with someone.
I will get more into Shakkin and Minaka once everyone has been winged and set up with someone. As always thanks for reading. Keep the reviews coming. John Hinde